Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Baycrest Randy McIntosh Phone: 416-785-2500 x3522 Email: [email protected]

Paus Thomas

Cross-generational E Health Prevention Platform

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW A handful of conditions contribute to the number of years lived with disability; among those, cardio- metabolic and psychiatric disorders stand out due to their early onset, chronicity and high prevalence. In many cases, causes of these disorders are related to health behaviours, inadequate coping strategies and poor management of symptoms (when present). Furthermore, physical and mental health influences each other; failing health in one domain precipitates health problems in another. Finally, many cardio- metabolic and psychiatric disorders cluster in families; this may due to shared family environment (in addition to genes). Given recent advancements in personalized (or precision) medicine and information & communication technologies, E-Health strategies represent a promising solution for preventing (or mitigating) cardio-metabolic and psychiatric disorders. Here we propose to apply and evaluate a combination of health coaching with a smartphone-based application developed by our partner, a Danish company Monsenso (https://www.monsenso.com/). This E-Health preventive platform would help individuals to manage their everyday lives in three domains: (1) health behaviours; (2) mental health; and (3) physical health. Given the life-long trajectories of health problems associated with many cardio- metabolic and psychiatric conditions, and their family clustering, we propose to implement our preventive platform in multi-generational families, targeting adolescents, their middle-aged parents and, in turn, their aging parents. The Monsenso solution "promotes self-care, facilitates prevention and early intervention, and enables high-quality remote care based on superior insights". It uses a smartphone for self- monitoring, communication with a health coach, nudging and electronic Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (eCBT). At present, we are working with Monsenso in adapting their platform for facilitating healthy behaviour and coping with symptoms in youth at risk of mental illness. At a technical level, the platform consists of an application installed on a smartphone (iPhone or Android), and a server for storing, analysing and visualising data and enabling communication between a health coach and the client (through secure connections). At a data-flow level, it contains two loops: (1) a client-based loop whereby information about healthy behaviour and symptoms flows from the smartphone to the server, and feedback and support suggestions that flow from the server to the smartphone; and (2) a health-coach based loop whereby aggregate information about the client’s behaviour is presented to the health coach, and personalized support goes from the health coach to the client. The proposed project has the following three goals: 1. To adapt the Monsenso platform for facilitating healthy behaviours, coping with symptoms of mental illness and management of physical illness in multi-generational context; 2. To pilot the adapted platform in multi-generational families (at least two generations per family); 3. To evaluate effectiveness of the platform in a 6-month Randomized Controlled Trial in such multi-generational families. Through these activities, we will learn who benefits most from using the platform and how we can enhance its future use.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Prevention, E-health, Health Behaviour, Lifespan, Obesity, Depression, Stress, Sleep, Physical Activity

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Brock University Ryan McCarthy Phone: 905-688-5550 x5686 Email: [email protected]

Michael Holmes

Examining Human and Climatic Factors for Enhanced E-bike Technology

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW With an increase in urbanization and the emergence of large metropolitan areas like the Greater Toronto Area, traditional views of transportation are being challenged. From high infrastructure costs of mass transit to environmental concerns of personal transportation, municipalities and regional transportation authorities are in need of alternatives. Cycling is a popular mode of transportation and a desired choice for many individuals. The future of cycling is now recognized as an integral part of urban mobility and global electric-assisted (e-bike) production and sales are increasing rapidly. However, this mass adoption has not yet been realized in North America. E-bikes are motor and battery driven to provide pedaling assistance when the user exerts a force onto the pedals. E-bikes are gaining popularity and their frequency of usage and distances covered are twice those of traditional bicycles. In addition to the environmental impact of using e-bikes, there is also a health benefit. It has been suggested that, despite this assistance, e-bikes provide light to moderate intensity physical activity that can lead to health improvements. Assisted bikes may also be an attractive choice for sedentary individuals or those with lower levels of fitness. With environmental and health benefits in mind, the potential economic benefits to mass e-bike adoption is substantial. To promote mass e-bike adoption, improvements in current e-bike technology (ergonomics, motor design) is required, as well as a better understanding of physiological demands during use. The e-bike's ability to alter the level of assistance for the user and the desired end- user effect is critical. For example, a user commuting to work may require greater assistance than when riding for leisure. Cycling performance is affected by the environment, mechanical, and human factors. To optimize the human-machine interaction, research expertise in Kinesiology and Engineering are needed. This work will bring together researchers from Brock University’s Department of Kinesiology (environmental physiology, biomechanics, ergonomics) and UOIT’s Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science (aerodynamics, mechanical) to create a multidisciplinary team that will take an integrated approach to exploring e-bike solutions. These include the development of novel techniques to evaluate rider performance. The multidisciplinary approach will include maximizing rider performance through biomechanics, aerodynamics, and physiological principles, while also optimizing rider performance and comfort through ergonomic and human factors evaluations. This work will utilize state of the art and world leading facilities from 2 Ontario institutions. Brock University’s climatic chamber and Ontario’s premier climatic wind tunnel facility (UOIT, Automotive Center of Excellence) will allow for the creation of high- fidelity simulations. By simulating environmental factors specific to Ontario, these facilities will allow for testing of human performance and optimization in controlled conditions. The objectives of this proposal will include: 1) Developing novel techniques for testing aerodynamics and climate factors of e-bikes, 2) Perform ergonomic evaluations for the optimization of user functional capacity, physical demands and comfort, 3) Use human performance data and climatic conditions to derive guidelines for enhanced e-bike motor output.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Ergonomics, Human Factors, Environmental Physiology, Biomechanics, Mechanical Engineering

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Tara McDonald Phone: 416-535-8501 x30108 Email: [email protected]

Etienne Sibille

Solving the Therapeutic Drug Pipeline Impasse in Neuropsychiatric Disorders

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Neuropsychiatric disorders are a leading cause of disability and a major economic challenge worldwide. In Ontario, neuropsychiatric disorders affect 10-15% of the population and have an estimated economic burden of $50 billion in health care costs, lost revenue and reduced economic growth per year. This burden is compounded by a lack of treatment options; the drugs currently used to treat neuropsychiatric disorders were discovered by chance decades ago and work at best in half of the patients. There is a dire need for new medications that are informed by and that address the pathology of brain illnesses. Recent landmark studies show that genetic, molecular and cellular pathologies are partly shared across brain disorders. These overlaps suggest novel strategies for drug development with therapeutic potential across psychiatric (e.g. depression and schizophrenia) and neurodegenerative (e.g. Alzheimer’s disease) disorders. This new model for brain disorder nosology and associated therapeutic strategy has parallels in major medical illnesses. For instance, high cholesterol is a risk factor for several cardiovascular diseases, especially when combined with additional biological and environmental factors. Hence, targeting high cholesterol can protect subjects against these families of diseases. Over the past 15 years we have identified several such targets for major depression and other brain disorders through direct molecular investigations of the brain of affected individuals. These targets have been validated in pre- clinical rodent models. They include neurotropic factors, proteostasis, glial cells and others. Our most advanced target (inhibitory neurotransmission) has moved to the next stages of medicinal chemistry and lead compound optimization. We propose to establish an integrated drug development platform that combines the innovative expertise of our academic research hospital setting with that of state-of-the-art neuroscience drug discovery industry partners. Our aim is to accelerate the vetting of the most promising targets and to support the development of novel small molecule-based therapeutic programs. Specifically we will perform (1) small molecule medicinal chemistry and (2) pre-clinical proof-of-concept studies; (3) determine drug-like characteristics of lead compounds (e.g. efficacy, pharmacokinetics, toxicity); (4) and submit investigational new drug (IND) applications. This program will have the benefit of strategic drug discovery/development input from selected pharmaceutical companies such as Roche, Johnson & Johnson, Eli Lilly and Teva, which have expressed interest in the program we are establishing. The major strength and advantage of the proposal is a pipeline of targets that is informed by the pathology of the human brain, combined with a streamlined drug development process under regulated good manufacturing practices. We anticipate that this program will lead to the setup of target-focused small biotechnology companies following a “micropharma” format. The next goals will be to develop partnerships with other biotechnology and/or pharmaceutical companies for the next stages, including developing target engagement tools and phase 1 clinical trial. Collectively, this program will contribute to improving the pharmacological landscape of brain disorders and is predicted to significantly impact and reduce the personal and societal burden of brain disorders.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Brain Disorders, Psychiatry, Depression, Drug Development, Alzheimer, Neuropsychiatry, Neurodegenerative

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Carleton University Andrea Lawrance Phone: 613-520-3591 Email: [email protected]

Julie Blais

Tracking and Managing High Risk Offenders: New Innovations in Risk Assessment Practices in Ontario

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The purpose of the proposed research is threefold: 1) consolidate the information on high-risk violent and sexual offenders (offenders flagged under the National Flagging System [NFS] and designated under section 753 of the Canadian Criminal code) in Ontario; 2) perform a large-scale evaluation of current practices in how offenders are flagged and designated; 3) pilot test new standards in risk assessment practices in order to ensure that the goals of both the NFS and s. 753 are being met. Violent and sexual crimes have far-reaching personal, societal, and financial costs. In a given year, over 300,000 Canadians will report having been the victim of a violent crime (Public Safety Canada, 2015). In Ontario the rate is 81 incidents per 1,000 members of the population (Statistics Canada, 2014). Of victims accessing victim services, the majority will have been the victim of violence. Preventing future violent crimes is of utmost importance for any jurisdiction. One mechanism that has been adopted by Ontario (and across Canada) is to track offenders that are deemed a high risk to reoffend in the future through the National Flagging System (NFS). By tracking high-risk violent and sexual offenders, the NFS serves to also facilitate the application of preventative detention in cases where the offender’s risk is deemed to be unmanageable by any other means. The ultimate goal of the NFS and preventative detention is to increase public safety. The most recent and comprehensive evaluation of both Canada’s NFS and of preventative detention legislation (including both Dangerous Offenders [DO] and Long-Term Offenders [LTO]) was completed for offenders flagged between 2004 and 2008 and offenders designated between 2006 and 2008 across Canada. This evaluation concluded that flagged offenders were at an increased risk of reoffending and that being on the NFS list did in fact increase the probability that the offender would be subjected to a preventative detention hearing. Although positive, the evaluation also found that flagging coordinators would benefit from using more structured risk assessment approaches when making flagging decisions. In terms of designated offenders, it appeared that, in some cases, the legislation had been applied to relatively low risk offenders and that the assessment reports provided to the court in making these decisions contained many errors in the risk assessment section. Therefore, although there were some positive findings, the limitations identified, combined with the amount of time that has lapsed since the evaluation was completed, signal the need for a more in-depth and updated evaluation. Although the previous evaluation included information from seven provinces, the proposed research aims to focus on the flagging system and preventative detention as it is currently being applied in Ontario. Unlike other parts of the country, Ontario flags significantly more high-risk violent offenders. At the time of the last evaluation, Ontario had flagged over 1000 offenders requiring that only a small subsample (240) be included in the evaluation. Furthermore, when examining the original evaluation, Ontario contributed 50% of the LTOs and 44% of the DOs included in the report. The Ontario case is therefore ideal in testing and implementing new innovations in risk assessment practice with the ultimate goal being to implement successful strategies across the country.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Violent Offenders, Sex Offenders, Public Safety, Risk Assessment, National Flagging System, Preventative Detention Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Carleton University Andrea Lawrance Phone: 613-520-3591 Email: [email protected]

Chris M. Herdman

Virtual and Augmented Reality Technologies for Future Air Crew Training

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The aerospace sector is a vital economic engine in Ontario with over $6B in annual revenue. More that 21,000+ highly skilled personnel are directly employed in the Ontario aerospace sector. The indirect workforce is estimated to exceed 48,000. Although the Ontario aerospace sector is strong, the international aerospace sector is dynamic and competitive. To maintain international competitiveness and leadership, the Ontario aerospace industry must be innovative and proactive in leveraging emerging technologies. The Carleton University Visualization and Simulation (VSIM) Centre has worked closely with major Ontario industry partners on a series of preliminary projects focused on leveraging virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies to change the way aerospace systems are developed and delivered. A solid foundation of collaboration has been established between the VSIM Centre and key partners in the aerospace sector. Funding from the ORF-RE program will support an initiative that will build on this foundation and accelerate the development, application and commercialization of VR and AR technologies in the Ontario aerospace sector. This initiative is focused on developing VR and AR solutions for three aerospace application areas: (1) aircrew data management in airborne operations, (2) pilot training, and (3) Air Traffic Control. The proposed ORF-RE initiative is enabled by the $30M VSIM Centre. The VSIM Centre provides multidisciplinary research and training of 80+ HQP annually through the integration of the human sciences (cognitive science, human factors) and engineering (aerospace, systems and computer). The VSIM Centre maintains state-of-the-art research infrastructure, including a range of flight simulators (from helicopter to fast jet), ATC simulations, data management system simulation, and a full spectrum of virtual and augmented reality technologies.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Human Factors, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Situational Awareness, Training

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Carleton University Andrea Lawrance Phone: 613-520-3591 Email: [email protected]

Mohamed Ibnkahla

Internet of Things Integration and Interoperability

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The Internet of Things (IoT) is expected to connect billions of objects and devices through global dynamic information exchange leading to diverse applications and services – from health care to transportation, or from smart cities to energy management, to only name a few. The Internet of Things is expected to create new business opportunities and to significantly reduce the marginal costs due to logistics and management. Cisco estimates that the IoT opportunities will be worth US$400 billion to the Canadian private sector during the next decade. For the public sector, these opportunities could produce US $95 billion in marginal cost savings, new revenues, and employee productivity enhancements over the same period. IoT technologies are developing at a very fast pace, however, these technologies are scattered over several domains and silos, leading to a lack of interoperability. This lack of coordination and interoperability between IoT technologies significantly reduces the IoT adoption and market penetration. This project will investigate techniques and communications protocols in order to enable interoperability, co-existence and seamless integration of heterogeneous IoT technologies. In particular, we will build a horizontal IoT platform that bridges the technological silos and enables end users to integrate any type of sensor technology. The project will investigate reconfigurable sensor integration, advanced networking protocols, and distributed optimization of resources. Given the large amount of data involved in IoT systems, the project will generate innovative algorithms for Big Data analytics. Advanced security protocols as well as Cloud and Fog Computing architectures will be developed. The project will result in a distributed and scalable test bed that will integrate and evaluate the different technologies and architectures developed in the project. The test bed will constitute a platform for real- world testing of various IoT technologies and standards.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Internet of Things, Wireless Sensor Networks, Smart Cities

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Carleton University Andrea Lawrance Phone: 613-520-3591 Email: [email protected]

David Lau

Multi-hazard Assessment and Rehabilitation of Ontario's Existing Buildings and Bridges

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The aim of the proposed unique world-leading research is to enhance the resilience of Ontario’s existing built infrastructure against the effects of earthquake, fire, blast, and wind hazards and reduce their cost. It will leverage a recently funded joint ORF/CFI multi-hazard test facility at Carleton and the University of Ottawa. As Ontario’s infrastructure ages and becomes more vulnerable to natural and man-made hazards, the health and safety of our communities is becoming increasingly threatened. To address this challenge, there is a paradigm shift emerging in the global infrastructure research community to focus on the performance of built systems in a “multi-hazard” or “all-hazard” context. This allows a comprehensive assessment of risk to infrastructure and a way to target limited infrastructure dollars to high-impact retrofits and rehabilitations. The multi-hazard context includes several different types of hazards individually plus select combinations as appropriate such as fire caused by an earthquake. Although most of the leading-edge research in structural engineering tends to focus on designing the next-generation of new, high-performance buildings, both industry and government also have a dire need to be able to address the hazard-resistance and resilience of our existing and aging infrastructure. These older structures constitute the vast majority of bridges and buildings that Ontarians live, work and play in. Although there have been many attempts world-wide to produce guidelines and standards to assess and retrofit existing structures against earthquake, blast, wind, and fire safety, Ontario and Canada have no such guideline. It has been up to individual consultants and government agencies to rely on a hodgepodge of existing incompatible American and European standards which address existing structures subject to each different hazard. This results in incompatibilities between such standards and Ontario materials, construction methods, standards and codes, especially the Ontario Building Code and Bridge Design Standard. The goal of this project is to develop a guideline for the Canadian context that is specifically applicable in Ontario. It will combine Ontario-specific research, materials, and construction methods together with existing international standards and research to provide much needed guidance to engineers, industry, and government for the preservation and rehabilitation of existing Ontario infrastructure subject to multiple hazards. This will be accomplished through a combination of original structural engineering research and adaptation of international research into an Ontario context (which also requires new physical testing). Together, Carleton University and the University of Ottawa are uniquely positioned in Ontario and Canada to complete this project. There is nowhere else in Canada that has the combined expertise and state-of-the-art equipment and facilities to research the multi-hazards of earthquake, fire, wind and blast. The research is also expected to generate innovative methods and products that can be commercialized as made-in-Ontario solutions for the world’s construction market. The resulting Ontario multi-hazard assessment and rehabilitation guideline will influence national and international design standards protect our existing built legacy and ultimately saving millions of dollars from the cost of retrofitting existing infrastructure in Ontario and Canada.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Buildings, Bridges, Multi-hazard, Earthquake Engineering, Blast, Wind, Fire Safety, Infrastructure Protection

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Carleton University Andrea Lawrance Phone: 613-520-3591 Email: [email protected]

Glenn McRae

Advanced Biofuel for Steel Production and Power Generation

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Our objective is to develop a new process to make ash-free water-repellent high-energy density solid biofuel based on hydrothermal polymerization of cellulosic biomass such as wood and waste wood, agricultural waste, construction waste, and for-purpose crops. The biofuel will be developed for two applications. The first application is for steel production with blast furnaces where low ash is important. Iron and Steel production in Ontario is a major source of CO2 emissions. Currently, fossil carbon from coal is used to strip oxygen from iron ores in blast furnaces to make iron metal and carbon dioxide. Since the 1970s, pulverized coal injection (PCI) into the base of the blast furnace has been used to reduce the need for expensive coke, and reduce overall energy costs and CO2 emissions. The process is highly optimized and further reductions in CO2 emissions are unlikely. Significant reductions in fossil CO2 emissions can be achieved if a bio-renewable green carbon source is used instead: reductions in emissions of 25% have been conservatively predicted when green carbon is injected instead of pulverized coal for steel production. Replacing 20% of PCI coal in Ontario blast furnaces would reduce provincial CO2 by 0.15%, or 250,000 tons CO2e annually, which is equivalent to 7.5M$/y saving based on a $30/t carbon tax Replacement would be increased gradually as biofuel production comes on-line reaching annual savings of 1.25 Mt CO2e and likely more than $40M in taxes. Our novel ash-free green biofuel used to make iron and steel could become the foundation for a new $100M annual green-tech industry making a planet-friendly fuel that comes with security of supply, and consistency of product, not subject to the uncertainties of future coal companies remaining solvent. This novel biofuel has no ash, sulfur or heavy metals, which means cleaner steel, lower pollution, and lower transportation costs because unburnable ash will be removed where the biofuel is made, not after it is transported and made into the steel. The second application is to make a binder for wood pellets to make them water repellent. The new biofuel process produces a hydrophobic product. The standard biofuels that could be made in quantities sufficient to replace large amounts of coal for power generation are wood, and torrefied wood, in the form of pellets. Unfortunately, these pellets are hydrophilic – they absorb water, swell, and dissolve, forming explosive powders when dry, which makes them unacceptable. The goal will be to combine our hydrophobic biofuel with hydrophilic torrefied wood, and wood, to form a hard composite pellet that will not dissolve in water and not form dust when shipped and stored. Currently, Ontario imports specialty pellets at great expense from Norway to produce power in its Thunder Bay plant. Annual revenues could be $45M based on a projected selling price of $300/t for the pellets, and demand of 15 kt/y. The capital cost of a functioning plant to make the pellets is estimated to be $11M.The biofuel would be optimized for each application, but it would be essentially the same for both. Hence, our technology would service two independent markets, which means a diversified customer base and reduced risk. Production of ash-free green biofuel in Ontario will contribute to economic development and jobs in northern Ontario, and potentially revitalize regions around closed pulp and paper plants.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies - Clean Technologies

Keywords: Biofuel, Iron and Steel, Power Generation, Coal Substitute

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Carleton University Andrea Lawrance Phone: 613-520-3591 Email: [email protected]

James Meadowcroft

Defining Long Term Low Carbon Development Pathways for Ontario

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW This project will explore long term low carbon development pathways for Ontario to 2050. With the move towards country-wide carbon pricing and more elaborate provincial plans and policies, Canada has recently made some progress on climate policy. Yet existing research and policy debate remains dominated by short term considerations. This project will use a variety of methods including interactive dialogues with societal stakeholders - structured by modelling and visualization tools - to explore the economic, social and political dimensions of deep decarbonization. The concept of low-carbon ‘pathways’ is often reduced to technology choice - for example, selecting an appropriate mix of electricity generation technologies or pursuing electric vehicle or bio-fuel based approaches to decarbonizing transport. Drawing on the rapidly expanding literature on sustainability transitions, which has highlighted the importance of alternative visions, experiments, and the destabilization of existing socio-technical regimes in accelerating change, we will examine linkages among technologies, socio-economic structures, societal and distributional issues, political coalition building and evolving policy packages - which together can give life to alternative, self-reinforcing, low-carbon development trajectories. Critical areas to be advanced in this research include a focus on (a) ‘regional decarbonization pathways' (b) 'low-carbon economic development (or industrial) policy' and (c) institutional frameworks and public engagement. Regional decarbonization pathways are essential in a large and diverse country such as Canada. Provinces have varied natural endowments and economic structures so the resources, technologies, business interests, and socio-cultural elements that can be mobilized to build vibrant low carbon societies will necessarily diverge. The focus here will be on Ontario’s distinct regional economic and political context and exploring pathway choices that mesh with the province’s distinct endowments, with comparative studies of other jurisdictions introduced where relevant to better illuminate the Ontario case. Low carbon economic development policy (sometimes termed ‘green industrial policy’) sees the response to climate change as an opportunity to modernize and revitalize economic development and establish a strong competitive position in the emerging technologies, business models and social practices of the future low carbon world. To some extent Ontario’s Green Energy and Economy Act was an early attempt to implement such a vision, and there are many lessons that can be distilled from this very mixed experience. Institutional frameworks and public engagement relate to the ways in which politicians, stakeholders and publics engage with the low carbon transition. The visible opposition in many local Ontario communities to further deployment of wind turbines and rising concern over energy prices illustrate the extent to which public support is vital to the success of low carbon trajectories. This element of the project will focus on institutional frameworks to engage the public and stakeholders and encourage a stable but flexible policy context. Particular attention will be paid to: ‘transition experiments’ (as a way to link the public to the broader enterprise); independent monitoring review and advice (to ensure accountability and that evidence informs policy); public education and communication and; community planning.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Long-term Low Carbon Pathways, Sustainability Transitions, Climate Policy, Decarbonization, Stakeholder Dialogues

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Carleton University Andrea Lawrance Phone: 613-520-3591 Email: [email protected]

James Opp

HistoryAd: A Digital Platform for Making Ontario's History of Corporate Advertising Publicly Accessible

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW HistoryAd is a digital platform designed to make the advertising heritage and marketing legacy of Canadian corporations accessible to the public. More than just cultural ephemera, advertisements communicate highly emotional messages at a glance, shaping our modern sense of self. Working collaboratively with select corporate archives, our aim is to bring together a digital multi-media collection of Canadian-specific advertising in a central interactive space. Through machine learning technologies, HistoryAd will allow the user to engage in new forms of visualization, creative curation, and memory making. There are three main objectives to this project: 1) Forge collaborative relationships between corporations, archives, and universities to facilitate access to historical advertising. While some Canadian corporations have donated or transferred portions of their archives to public institutions, few of these archives offer full digital access marketing materials. By partnering with select Ontario corporations with rich advertising collections, HistoryAd will demonstrate the value of these resources as a form of public history, and serve as a model for future collaboration and expansion. HistoryAd does not replace proper archival holdings; rather it enhances these collections by offering a shared platform for the advertisements themselves to be made accessible. 2) Use emerging technologies to develop new archival search tools. Most archives rely on textual fields to arrange visual and audio materials. By drawing upon recent advances in computer vision and machine learning, HistoryAd will be designed to read the advertising content directly. This type of searching for archival collections offers tremendous potential to empower users and to offer new strategies for institutions coping with the management of large image collections. Through internships, students in Carleton's Public History MA program will receive experience and training as HQP at the leading edge of the field. 3) Develop new forms of user interaction with historical advertisements. Rather than replicate the archive or provide a static stock image bank, HistoryAd focuses on the user experience. In addition to specific online exhibition spaces, the user will have the opportunity to curate, remix, and share the ads in new ways. Through this type of interaction, we gain insight into the blurring of the boundaries between history, memory, and nostalgia through the reworking of analogue materials in digital forms. Digital platforms for American advertising are available, but these currently fall into one of two categories: 1) subscriber-only databases designed for marketing professionals or; 2) Digital image banks that are limited to only print ads and offer little space for interaction. No sizeable digital collections of advertisements focusing specifically on Canada currently exists, beyond searching newspapers or other published materials. Marshall McLuhan once noted that "more pain and thought, more wit and art go into the making of an ad than go into any prose feature of press or magazine." Advertising has been a tangible element of Ontario’s popular culture since the mid- 19th, but this cultural history is usually hidden from view. By allowing the user to ‘play’ with this past in creative ways, HistoryAd will establish a model for other corporations to see the potential in making their advertising accessible, allowing for future investment, expansion, and sustainability.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Public History, Advertising, Computer Vision, Archives, Curation, Marketing, Digitization, Brand Management Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Carleton University Andrea Lawrance Phone: 613-520-3591 Email: [email protected]

Raj Singh

Natural Language Processing and Efficient Use of Human Resources

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW A significant amount of labour in any organization is spent on communicating and coordinating with other people. Workers need to schedule meetings, managers need to allocate workers to various tasks spread out across various time intervals, and everyone needs access to rules and regulations governing the work that is being done. Thus, a lot of labour is spent on searching, organizing, understanding, and communicating information. Unfortunately, most organizations have failed to exploit digital technology that could, if properly employed, automate much of this work and thus free people for more productive tasks. And while there are digital tools aiming to help run businesses more efficiently, they are often aimed at large companies, and thus price small businesses out of the market. Through market research focused on small businesses, we have identified important pain points faced by small business owners and their workers having to do with unnecessary overhead spent on searching, organizing, sharing, and understanding information. We will build back-end algorithms along with front-facing natural language processing systems to facilitate information processing within the small business environment. Our end- goal is to produce automated HR solutions that add efficiencies to small businesses at an affordable price.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Linguistics, Natural Language Processing, Information Theory, Data Science

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Carleton University Andrea Lawrance Phone: 613-520-3591 Email: [email protected]

Halim Yanikomeroglu

WIRELESS 2.0: Ubiquitous, Instantaneous, and Ultra-Fast Wireless Super-Connectivity

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Technology is rapidly transforming our lives in unprecedented ways with some of the envisioned concepts and applications already pushing the limits of human imagination and creativity. Social media has changed the way we interact; the virtual/augmented reality will reshape this interaction altogether. In addition to the connected and autonomous cars paradigm, there is mounting interest in the unmanned flying/floating platforms of various types including UAVs and drones. Big data and machine learning are burgeoning technologies with tremendous potentials; they will create unparalleled opportunities everywhere. In order to unleash the full potential of all of these flourishing paradigms, there is a need for ultra-fast and ultra-low-latency (“instantaneous”) ubiquitous wireless super-connectivity. Developing this super-connectivity, which is referred to as “WIRELESS 2.0”, constitutes the main goal of this research program (2018-2023). Since the completion of the first set of fourth generation (4G) LTE standard around 2010, the research community has been conceiving 5G. The 5G standardization process has already started with the first set of 5G standards scheduled to be finalized by the end of 2019. The 5G is expected to evolve through mid to late 2020s paving the way for the subsequent-generation (6G) standardization process with possible deployments in the early 2030s. The first four generations of wireless networks have had one primary goal: providing wireless connectivity to mobile phones (and, more recently, to tablets). One of the prime highlights of the contemporary 4th generation (4G) LTE networks has been video streaming on smart phones. The 5G wireless will be our first experimentation with novel use-cases including those in transportation, education, health, entertainment, public safety & security, automation, and robotics. All predictions are that the market demand for the envisioned use-cases will grow steadily (and, in some cases, exponentially) throughout 2020s. We refer to this new era of use-cases that is starting with the 5G technologies and will continue towards 6G (and possibly beyond) as WIRELESS 2.0. Although it is rather early at this point to have a clear 2030 vision, it is nevertheless time to reinitiate a brainstorming and groundwork endeavour. Building on the experience gained from the first four or five generations of wireless technologies, the key objectives of the proposed research program are to contribute to the evolution of 5G technologies for the anticipated novel use-cases through the first half of the next decade and to perform the groundwork for the ensuing 6G concepts and technologies. Key elements of the envisioned wireless super-connectivity include the development of a highly-agile and user-centric access infrastructure and a highly-flexible protocol stack in a fully autonomous multi-band, multi-RAT (radio access technology), multi-operator, and market-based real-time pricing framework, taking into account both the evolutionary and disruptive viewpoints. The WIRELESS 2.0 research program will contribute to Ontario's and Canada's position as an important and competent player in the global ICT ecosystem with the creation of the necessary knowledge base and the training of diverse and highly-qualified personnel. The concepts and technologies that will be developed in this program will impact nearly every sector of the Canadian economy and vastly improve the quality of life for every Canadian.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Wireless Communications Systems & Networks, Information & Communication Technologies, Next-generation Wireless Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute Samira Chamaa Phone: 613-737-7600 x4126 Email: [email protected]

Kym Boycott

Harnessing Multi-omics to Deliver Innovative Diagnostic Care for Rare Genetic Diseases (SOLVE- RD Canada)

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW More than 7,000 rare genetic diseases (RDs) affect one million Canadians, mostly children, with devastating health impacts. The bold vision of the international community is to solve (identify the genetic cause of) all RDs. More than half of RDs remain unsolved, resulting in lengthy and invasive diagnostic investigations estimated to cost $20K per patient, as well as uninformed care. The Care4Rare Canada Consortium is globally recognized for our success using whole-exome sequencing (WES) to diagnose RD: we studied >1000 RDs and provided a molecular diagnosis for 40% of 5000 enrolled families while discovering 115 novel disease genes. SOLVE-RD, proposed herein, will take this success to the next level, beyond the exome, using genomic and functional approaches to diagnose the remaining unsolved RDs. The goal of SOLVE-RD, aligned with Canada’s national RD strategy, is to fully understand the molecular pathogenesis of unsolved RDs and facilitate timely, in-province access to clinical WES. To do so, we will deliver: (1) A centralized RD repository (Genomics4RD) to harmonize, integrate, and analyze data, using a multi-institutional informed consent model. Genomics4RD will also collect patient-reported data via the RareConnect portal. (2) An enhanced Matchmaker Exchange to use global patient matchmaking to solve RDs. (3) A diagnostic algorithm for RDs unsolved following WES, using genomic approaches such as whole-genome and transcriptome sequencing and deep WES. (4) Novel diagnostic multi-omic and functional assays to resolve candidate variants. Resolving the pathogenicity of candidate variants is the most significant challenge for precision health and to address this, SOLVE-RD will determine the effectiveness of novel multi-omic and functional assays. (5) 300 novel genetic mechanisms, and make them available for interpretation by clinical diagnostic laboratories. (6) Evidence about the clinical utility and cost-effectiveness of WES for paediatric-onset RDs to facilitate appropriate clinical adoption, and best practice guidelines on using WES for fetal malformations, to guide its use for new diagnostic indication. Care4Rare showed the diagnostic utility of WES for paediatric RDs and we will address the remaining evidence gaps impeding adoption. Further, our early data shows that fetal RDs are a distinct genetic landscape (an unsolved space); we will conduct fetal GWS during pregnancy to determine its clinical utility in the context of various fetal malformations. The primary benefit of SOLVE-RD is a timely and accurate diagnosis to improve patient and health system outcomes, specifically: an end to a lengthy series of invasive and costly diagnostic investigations (saving $70M per annum); initiating informed patient care (a significant and immediate improvement for 6-44% of patients) and providing prenatal testing options; improving family wellbeing (prognosis and recurrence risks, psychosocial health, access to resources and support); and insights into disease pathogenesis (biomarker development, patient care guidelines, or identification of effective and inexpensive therapy).

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Genomics, Bioinformatics, Rare Disease, Molecular Biology, Bioethics, Health Economics

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute Inc. Samira Chamaa Phone: 613-737-7600 x4126 Email: [email protected]

Pranesh Chakraborty

Screening for Treatable Rare Diseases - New Technologies, New Targets

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Screening newborns for rare diseases for which effective treatments are available is a crucial public health practice. Since screening for phenylketonuria using heelprick dried blood spot (DBS) sample was introduced in the mid-1960s, the development and implementation of new tests has saved thousands of lives in Canada and many more worldwide. While a small number of target diseases were added in the early years of screening, it took the recent development of Tandem Mass Spectrometry (TMS) for a large and rapid expansion of the newborn screening panel to occur. This technological development allowed for the simultaneous and rapid analysis of multiple metabolic biomarkers in a single test. In 2006, the Government of Ontario worked with the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario to invest in TMS technology and establish Newborn Screening Ontario (NSO). In 2008, NSO began using molecular genetic technologies as part of its screening program for Cystic Fibrosis. DNA from DBS samples is tested for disease-causing mutations in the CFTR gene as a second tier test that is applied to over 5000 samples annually. In 2013, the Government of Ontario further invested in NSO’s molecular genetic testing capacity by adding Severe Combined Immune Deficiencies (SCID) as a target disease. This is the first application of a first tier molecular DNA screening test (i.e. applied to samples from all ~145,000 babies born in Ontario yearly). In the past year, we have continued to rapidly expand our biochemical testing focusing in metabolomics approaches, and molecular testing using next generation sequencing (NGS) and mutation detection technologies. Along with other international thought leaders, we anticipate that the paradigm for population based screening for genetic and other congenital diseases (e.g. infectious diseases) will shift to first tier genomic approaches supported by second tier metabolomic and other biochemical approaches. We are applying for a Research Excellence grant to support a research program to build on Ontario’s previous investments to develop, validate, and implement this new approach to newborn screening. Specifically, we will develop and enhance 1) new analytical methodologies and technologies for screening (next generation DNA sequencing, mutation detection, real time PCR, and new mass spectrometric methods); 2) new sample types (dried saliva and fetal DNA in maternal blood); 3) new informatics systems to integrate genomic and metabolomics results; 4) frameworks to ensure that high ethical and legal standards, including privacy standards, are met; 5) health information systems to ensure timely access for health care providers who must implement therapies to respond to screening information generated at different time points (e.g. prenatally, early infancy, or in later childhood); and 6) an evaluative framework to assess the appropriateness, benefits, harms, and costs, of these new screening modalities and strategies.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Screening, Genomics, Metabolomics, Biochemistry, Public Health, Rare Disease, Diagnosis, Health Technology, Infection

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute Inc. Samira Chamaa Phone: 613-737-7600 x4126 Email: [email protected]

Pranesh Chakraborty

Trans-Omic Newborn Screening for Hearing Loss: The TONES Study

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Pre-lingual permanent hearing loss (PHL) occurs in 1 out of 250 children: suboptimal identification and management is associated with poorer cognitive, social, and educational outcomes, lower workforce participation, and a high economic burden. Universal newborn hearing screening programs coupled with early intervention are very cost-effective, but cannot detect all children with PHL: 40% of children with pre-lingual PHL are hearing at birth, and children can develop PHL due to susceptibility to ototoxic drugs. Newborn screening (NBS) is a highly successful secondary preventive intervention that uses dried blood spots (DBS) to screen for treatable diseases of simple genetic etiology. Recent advances in trans-omic biomarkers (relating to etiology and severity) and bioinformatic-based predictive models (for natural history and treatment response) have the potential to transform the ability of NBS to detect conditions with more complex etiologies, such as pre-lingual PHL. However, the extent to which genetic and environmental interact in pre-lingual PHL and the benefits of early detection are unclear. Our goal is to generate evidence about the utility of NBS for pre-lingual PHL to inform appropriate clinical adoption. To do so, we will develop, validate, and apply predictive algorithms of pre-lingual PHL risk, severity, natural history, and treatment response, using known and novel trans-omic-based biomarkers measurable in DBS. We will establish technology cores in academic, government, and private labs to develop, validate, and apply ‘omics biomarkers in DBS. We will use targeted and untargeted approaches (metabolomics, SNPs/next generation sequencing, and exposomics). We will characterize the exposome (human environmental exposures over a lifetime) by analyzing DBS for cytomegalovirus, other microorganisms, toxicants, and nutrients underlying PHL. We will establish a bioinformatics core to integrate trans-omic datasets with epidemiological and biostatistical methods to develop predictive models for natural history and treatment response. This work will be supported by GE3LS activities to: examine the acceptability of the screening approaches; promote informed decision making; and develop interventions to encourage uptake and appropriate application by professionals. We will also conduct comparative effectiveness studies with prospective economic analyses to inform decision making by health technology assessment entities. We will embed an empirical population health, social science, and ethics component to explore issues important for policy decision-making and practice (including, for example, the perspective of the Deaf community), and the potential to tailor a trans-omic approach to the needs of populations with different risk profiles (e.g., indigenous or genetic founder populations). The research will involve cohorts assembled from multiple population-based screening (e.g., DBS, hearing screening programs). Using pre-lingual PHL as a case study, we will harness the potential of trans-omics and bioinformatics to transform NBS and enable the detection of conditions with complex etiologies. By improving screening performance and the identification of at-risk groups, our proposed project will reduce the incidence of preventable PHL, reduce PHL-related disability and societal costs, and improve health and psychosocial outcomes.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Genomics, Bioinformatics, Hearing loss, Molecular Biology, Patient Decision-making, Health Economics

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute Inc. Samira Chamaa Phone: 613-737-7600 x4126 Email: [email protected]

Robert Korneluk

IAP Antagonists as Universal Enhancers of Cancer Immunotherapies

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The recent introduction of immunotherapy for cancer treatment based on biologics called immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has profoundly impacted the management of many different cancers. Cancer immunotherapy represents a revolutionary paradigm shift in treatment, providing cures for some patients, such as stage IV melanoma, where no hope existed before. Immunotherapy effectively complements approaches involving surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. While there is substantial clinical data to support the efficacy of ICIs in extending progression-free and overall survival for cancer patients, the impact is variable across and within tumor types. Combining immunotherapy with other treatment regimens is thus an accepted future direction for improving outcomes. Without suitable preclinical data and justification for combination partners, as well as appropriate predictive biomarkers, testing combinations of agents in the clinic remains empiric, time-consuming and expensive, with little chance of overall success. Furthermore, given the very high drug costs of approved ICIs (typically over $125K per patient per year), tailoring the administration of these ICIs to patients who will benefit is of utmost importance – especially in the context of the Ontario public-funded health care system. Therefore, our research objectives are to: (1) understand and develop novel and highly effective combination immunotherapies for translation into the clinic and (2) characterize the molecular profiles of tumors to identify the relevant biomarkers of efficacy that will be clinically, scientifically, and economically beneficial to patients, partners and the provincial health care system. We have assembled a multi-disciplinary team of expert clinicians and scientists at two neighboring institutes, the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) and The Ottawa Hospital (TOH). We have capability of conducting basic, translational research in cancer biology and undertaking early phase clinical trials with novel immunotherapeutics. Our team, under the leadership of Dr. Robert Korneluk, the Director of an MRIS-created research centre, has previously demonstrated that novel immunotherapy combination strategies with an experimental small- molecule drug, called a Smac mimetic, and either a Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist, vaccine or oncolytic virus, can lead to robust responses and cures in mice with cancer (Beug et al, Nature Biotechnology, 2014; Dobson et al, Oncotarget, 2017). More recently, the team has demonstrated dramatic cures in mice with cancer by combining Smac mimetics with ICIs (Beug et al, Nature Communications 2017). These results have spurred interest by several companies to initiate such trials, including ours in Ottawa. Notably, Dr. Glenwood Goss, the co-lead of this proposal, has secured two innovative, first-of-their-kind, combination immunotherapy trials involving a Smac mimetic and an ICI or a TLR agonist at TOH. We have thereby established Ontario as a world-leader in this field. We anticipate that our studies will yield new therapeutic combinations, improve the clinical benefit and increase our basic understanding of tumor biology and immunity. Furthermore, we expect that the evaluation of the biopsy specimens will result in biomarker identification and a more logical and scientific selection of the patient population for Phase II and Phase III trials. Our efforts will ultimately improve the quality of life for cancer patients in Ontario.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Immunotherapy, Oncoimmunology, Immunity, Apoptosis, Signal transduction, Biomarkers

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute Inc. Samira Chamaa Phone: 613-737-7600 x4126 Email: [email protected]

Ahmed Nasr

Leveraging Evidence-based Practices to Inform Shared Decision-making and Develop Progressive E-health Tools

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The vast majority of decision-making research has taken place in the laboratories of human behavioural scientists and has elucidated factors that influence decision-making and may cause errors of judgement. While shared decision-making (SDM) is swiftly becoming the operational standard in healthcare, it is generally confined to providing patients with procedural information and conveying the associated risks/benefits of treatments along with attempts to factor in some of the personal values of the decision makers. However, while there is general consensus that empowering patients to become involved in decision-making is a primary objective of SDM, there is no unanimity on how this may optimally be achieved whilst continuing to provide the highest quality of care. One thing is clear: SDM tools and resources must be based on research evidence regarding the best treatment practices for a given condition. At the same time, to deliver quality support, SDM tool developers must consider factors that are implicated by existing psychological theories, including: discrepancies between perceived/objective risk; educational and cultural background; family dynamics/structure; perceived/objective costs (e.g. time and resources); as well as choice framing. Yet, SDM tool developers do not habitually consider the impact of these kinds of variables on either satisfaction with decisions or treatment outcomes. Moreover, high quality research evidence will not achieve proper dissemination and integration into SDM until psychological theory guides the development of SDM tools (e.g. patient decision aids - PtDAs). At present, our research team conducts systematic reviews to gather evidence on the risks/benefits of treatment options for surgical conditions. The topics concern conditions that involve some uncertainty as to the best choice of treatment. Where SDM is appropriate (i.e. where clinical equipoise exists) our program of research will be to investigate the psychological factors impacting both satisfaction with choices and treatment outcomes (via surveys/focus groups) and develop PtDAs that consider these factors, thereby facilitating SDM. These PtDAs are expected to not only adhere to International Patient Decision Aid Standards, but to exceed them, and initiate the engagement of true SDM in healthcare. These PtDAs will be translated into languages other than English and tested at multiple institutions to ensure comprehensibility, accessibility, and efficacy (including the decision maker’s perceived competence/control; the decision maker’s stress levels via self-report/biological samples; dyadic adjustment/family functioning where relevant; impact on health outcomes; as well as mediating and moderating associations between factors). Moreover, we will partner with a private sector organization to develop e-health applications for portable devices populated with data from the existing CAPS-EBR and PtDAs (developed through this research).

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: E-health, Evidence Based Medicine, Shared Decision Making (SDM), Pediatric Surgery Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute Inc. Samira Chamaa Phone: 613-737-7600 x4126 Email: [email protected]

Bernard Thebaud

AirStem: Advanced Stem Cell Therapies for Lung Diseases

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Preterm birth is now the main cause of death in children under 5 years of age. At no other stage in life is the impact of disability-adjusted life years higher than during the neonatal period. Effective interventions at this stage provide exceptional value. Regenerative Medicine (RM) holds the potential to dramatically abrogate the developmental origins of adult diseases due to complications of prematurity. Respiratory complications remain the main cause of disease burden. AirStem will develop and accelerate the safe and efficient translation of game changing cell-based therapies to prevent or repair organ damage, restore vascular growth, and correct monogenetic diseases. By building on the complementary expertise of international leaders in stem cell and systems biology, biomaterials, and genetics, our 5-year program will bring breakthrough therapies to today’s incurable neonatal diseases. AirStem includes 3 key objectives: Objective 1. Development of human umbilical cord-derived cell products. The focus is on optimizing the therapeutic potential of cord and cord blood-derived stem cells by enhancing cell manufacturing and processing protocols to produce the next generation of uniformly high quality and, in some cases, “off the shelf” cell therapy products that are effective and practical. Umbilical cord-derived stem cells represent the largest untapped source of stem cells; they hold superior expansion and healing capabilities compared to current adult stem cells and are devoid of ethical dilemma. Optimizing this ideal source of repair cells will also benefit adult diseases. Objective 2. Applications of enhanced cell therapy. Cell products developed in objective 1 will be tested and refined in relevant preclinical disease models. In some cases, we are close to completing the validation, and are planning to initiate the World’s first human cell therapy trial for treating the acute phase of neonatal lung injury. In another example, a vascular cell therapy for chronic neonatal injury and pulmonary hypertension (which doubles the risk of mortality) is in the late preclinical stages of testing, and could be rapidly translated into a potentially life-saving therapy. Other projects will explore induced pluripotent stem cells to understand and correct surfactant protein deficiencies and develop enhanced gene therapy and cell engraftment strategies via airway delivery. This project has the potential to cure lethal monogenetic mutations such as cystic fibrosis. Objective 3. Development of repair strategies for lung endogenous stem/progenitor cells. Depletion/dysfunction of lung stem/progenitor cells may explain the inability of the developing lung to repair itself. We will explore the mechanisms underlying disrupted endogenous stem/progenitor function and develop novel strategies to rejuvenate endogenous cells to promote lung repair and prevent accelerated aging. This may prove relevant to any chronic lung disease, the upcoming 3rd killer in men. Significance of proposed research: Our program capitalizes on the tremendous potential of RM to develop game-changing solutions for a long-lasting plague in neonatal intensive care units around the world while developing commercial value for Canada. RM is one of the most promising industry sectors with an annual growth projected at 30% and a current market estimated around US$5billion.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Stem Cells, Aging, Lung, Injury, Chronic Disease, Inflammation, Regenerative Medicine, Prematurity

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Collège Boréal Randy Battochio Phone: 705-560-6673 x2048 Email: [email protected]

Francine Fox

Étude Qualitative sur les Services à la Petite Enfance et la Construction Identitaire des Franco- Ontariens

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW La population de langue maternelle française de l’Ontario comprenait 510 240 personnes en 2006 comparativement à 341 500 personnes en 1951, soit une augmentation de 50% (Corbeil et Lafrenière, 2010). Cette croissance dépend de la capacité des parents de transmettre l’identité culturelle à ses enfants et un facteur important est la concentration géographique d’un groupe linguistique. En Ontario, les francophones se retrouvent souvent dans une situation minoritaire et au sein de la famille, en couple exogame (ex. mère franco-ontarien et père anglophone). Cette dynamique influence la construction identitaire des Franco-ontariens et nécessite des interventions au niveau de la communauté afin de préserver cette identité. La période critique du développement de son identité est la petite enfance. Cette période consiste des enfants entre l'âge de 1 an et de 6 ans qui s'approprient une langue maternelle et participent aux premiers échanges de communication. L’objectif de cette étude est de déterminer la signification et la contribution des professionnels de la petite enfance. L’étude consistera d’une réflexion portant sur les relations authentiques à travers différentes perspectives telles que le professionnalisme, l’apprentissage par le jeu, l’exploration et l’aménagement linguistique. Précisément, la réflexion consistera des données empiriques provenant des professionnels de la petite enfance ainsi que les parents des enfants entre l’âge de 1 an et de 6 ans. Pour ce qui en ait des professionnels et des parents, les discussions de groupe, les entretiens et les journaux de bord serviront à alimenter la réflexion de ces passeurs culturels. Un aspect novateur de la méthodologie est de mesurer la construction identitaire chez les enfants de 1 an à 6 ans. Ceci aura lieu grâce à des méthodes artistiques qui sont déjà utilisées dans les études avec les enfants vulnérables et à risque (voir Coholic, 2010). L’équipe de recherche inclura des chercheurs du Collège Boréal, de l’Association francophone à l’éducation des services à l’enfance de l’Ontario ainsi que les représentants du Réseau régional de langue française du nord. L’équipe de chercheurs utilisera des méthodes qualitatives afin de mesurer l’impact des interventions au niveau de la construction identitaire franco-ontarienne chez les professionnelles de services à la petite enfance et surtout, les enfants entre l’âge de 1 an et 6 ans.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Méthode Qualitative, Petite Enfance, Franco-Ontariens, Construction Identitaire, Professionnelle, Parent

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Conestoga College Andrew Fraser Phone: 519-748-5220 x2267 Email: [email protected]

Hamid Karbasi

Intelligent Clean Technologies for the Circular Economy

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Each year Canadians create approximately 35 million tonnes of waste, but divert less than 10 million tonnes of this from landfills and incinerators (Statistics Canada, 2017). An estimated $1 billion of valuable resources is landfilled each year in Canada (Ontario News Release, 2016). Waste Electronics and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) is the fastest growing segment of the global waste stream, with 40-50 million tonnes generated globally each year. Only 15-20% of WEEE is recycled, the rest ends up in landfills, riverbanks and deserts or is exported to third world countries (Baldé et al., 2014). The end-of-life management of products is dependent upon a number of factors including the cost to process and the end value of materials. The processes for sorting and recovery of parts and materials are labour-intensive and costly due to the high variety of products and components and the lack of consideration for recycling or reuse in product design. The Waste-Free Ontario Act, 2016, along with Ontario’s Strategy for a Waste- Free Ontario, creates a framework to advance Ontario from a linear to circular economy. Conestoga College and our partners will leverage this framework to drive innovation and create industry value through the development of safe, efficient and sustainable solutions for reducing waste and recovering parts and materials throughout the manufacturing and de-manufacturing value chain. The Intelligent Clean Technologies for the Circular Economy (ICTCE) initiative will utilize both Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI), which have been described as the Fourth Industrial Revolution by the World Economic Forum, to create technology solutions to impact positively the manufacturing and de-manufacturing processes, particularly in the WEEE management industry. This research collaboration will include Conestoga College, University of Waterloo, the Circular Economy Lab, and our industry partners and leverage state-of-the-art research facilities at Grand Innovations, a manufacturing-focused accelerator, launching in late-fall 2017 in Cambridge, Ontario. The impacts of this research program will be to protect the environment by diverting solid electronics and electrical equipment waste from landfills, reducing GHG emissions and carbon footprint through energy savings and material recovery, and sustaining our scarce resources. Major economic and societal benefits to Ontario include the creation of jobs through the commercialization of new technologies, and supporting the sustainability, growth, and modernization in manufacturing, distribution and waste management.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies - Clean Technologies

Keywords: Circular Economy, Cleantech, Solid Waste Sorting, Electronic Recycling, Artificial Intelligence, Sensors, Robotics

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Fanshawe College Daniel Douglas Phone: 519-452-4430 Email: [email protected]

Peter Cadieux

The Human Microbiome: Linking Research, Education, Commercialization and Community

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The objective of this application is the development of a research program focused on the human microbiome and its impact on health. This proposal will lead to significant advances in academia, healthcare, manufacturing and economics concerning the microbiome, positioning Ontario as a world leader in its study and application. Using a unique, multi-faceted approach, we plan to integrate benchtop and clinical research with the creation of novel educational materials, skills training, development of innovative health products and community outreach. This work will greatly reduce the burden on Ontario’s Healthcare System through the creation of novel disease prevention and treatment options, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, First Nations and rural communities. The human microbiome is defined as the complete population of microorganisms that inhabit the human body at any given time. Considering that this population in its entirety outnumbers the total number of human cells within the body by ~10-100 fold, it is understandable that these microbes greatly impact health. While microbial research tends to focus on pathogens and their role in disease, they actually make up only a small fraction of the total microbial content. Advances in DNA sequencing have shown that the human microbiome contains thousands of species, and that complex relationships exist between the host and its microbes and between the microbes themselves. Understanding these relationships and how to manipulate them to promote health is currently at the forefront of medical research, and is key to unlocking the pathogenesis, prevention and treatment of many diseases worldwide. This proposal combines the following key elements: 1) Benchtop research – Microbiological, immunological and biochemical techniques will be used to investigate the metabolism, virulence and health-promoting properties of organisms within targeted areas of the microbiome. 2) Clinical research – Isolation of biological samples from human subjects will allow us to study microbial composition and identify health-promoting and pathogenic organisms. We will also be able to test newly developed strains and products in a clinical setting. 3) Novel educational materials – Health care experts within Fanshawe and our partners will create materials concerning the microbiome’s role in health and disease, and the effects of various factors (eg. nutrients, foods and pharmaceuticals) on its composition and behavior. 4) Commercialization – Microorganisms and supplements exhibiting health-promoting properties will be studied to find the best synergistic combinations for novel product development. 5) Community involvement – Educational outreach, sample collection and clinical studies will increase the knowledge base of students, healthcare providers and the public regarding the microbiome, and will contribute to the development and assessment of new products. 6) HQP training – This proposal promotes exceptional training of students, educators, healthcare providers and industry employees in microbiome research and its applications in medicine, business and society. The human microbiome is a largely untapped area with immense research and economic potential. This project will combine expertise from Fanshawe’s laboratory-based and clinical programs with resources and expertise from additional partners in academia, industry and healthcare to make significant advances in the field.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Probiotics, Microbiome, Prebiotics, Genomics, Pathogen, Health Care, Dentistry, Immunology, Microbiology, Bacteriology

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Health Sciences North Research Institute Ian Lane Phone: 705-523-7300 x1912 Email: [email protected]

Janet McElhaney

Novel Adjuvant Platform Applied to the Development of Effective Vaccines for Older Adults

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Vaccines have been of tremendous benefit in protecting vulnerable populations from many pathogens; however, vaccine preventable diseases remain a considerable challenge particularly among aging and aged populations. Immunological deficiencies (immunosenescence) contribute to the poor efficacy of vaccination efforts in older adults, significantly increasing their risk of acquiring potentially fatal infections. Globally, the number of persons aged >60 is expected to grow from 901 million in 2015 to 2.1 billion in 2050, and that of persons aged >80 from 125 million in 2015 to 434 million in 2050.Influenza and pneumonia are leading causes of death in older adults. Given the dramatic increase in the global older adult population, it is important to explore novel solutions that will help in the prevention of infectious diseases. One of HSNRI’s research priorities is focused on the development of treatments and the prevention of infectious diseases. HSNRI has outstanding clinical and wet bench science experience, especially in the field of vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostic developments. HSNRI has a strong record of accomplishment, supported by international and federal funding agencies such as: the National Institutes of Health, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and regional funding agencies including the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and the Northern Ontario Academic Medical Association. Dr. Janet McElhaney has extensive experience in vaccine development and clinical trials and she is an expert on improving influenza vaccines in older adults. Research led by Dr. McElhaney utilized influenza virus as a model antigen and demonstrated that the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) agonist glucopyranosyl lipid adjuvant–stable emulsions (GLA-SE), when combined with split-virus influenza vaccines (SVVs), significantly induced stronger cellular immune responses. In addition, we have also shown that the combined effects of a TLR3 and TLR4 agonist rejuvenates the virus-specific T cell response to influenza challenge in older adult peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Viral infections and aging were also found to be associated with the development of functionally inferior (exhausted) T cell responses. In order to improve our previous study, we developed a novel multiple vaccine adjuvant platform (proteoliposome) and tested it ex-vivo on PBMCs in our lab. This platform is recognized by multiple Toll-like receptors TLR2, TLR4, TLR3 and TLR9, is able to enhance the Th1 immune response and improve functionality of exhausted T cells. This vaccine development testing and approach will be further applied to other targets of interest such as S. pneumoniae, herpes zoster, diphtheria. The scope of this application is to address the public health need for improved protection against pathogens in older adults. This study is highly original and innovative in exploiting the immune effects of novel multiple adjuvant system in improving T cell-mediated immunity, potentially leading to new strategies for vaccine development for older adults. Our research and development team is composed of experts in geriatric medicine, immunology, vaccinology, and adjuvant development who will together create the opportunity to achieve the proposed objectives of the project. In addition, our industry partnerships will bring together a variety of unique and complementary expertise and capabilities.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Influenza, Vaccine, S. pneumoniae, Herpes zoster, Diptheria, Tetanus, C-difficile, Inflammaging, GrzB Assay, Adjuva

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Meghann Proulx Phone: 416-425-6220 x3242 Email: [email protected]

Tom Chau

Development and Productization of Novel Human-machine Interfaces for Personalized Health and Function

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW With the rapid technological evolution towards the Internet-of-Things and interconnected homes and work places, the rise of augmented and mixed reality technologies, and the increasing proliferation of consumer applications of machine learning, there is an unprecedented potential for enhancing health and function through novel human-machine interfaces. The objective of this project is to: 1) Advance the development of novel human-machine interfaces that facilitate self-management, mobility, social interaction, health system connectivity, personalized pathways and home-based therapies; 2) Accelerate the translation of a suite of evidence-supported human-machine interfaces into products that meet consumer needs. This project will include several streams of research: - Mobility assistive technologies - Mixed reality therapy games - Autism technologies - Care personalization - Connected health system tools - Brain-machine interfaces. These streams of research will provide training for highly qualified individuals from diverse disciplines, including but not limited to: all genres of engineering, rehabilitation sciences, computer science, pediatrics, health services, social work, critical disability studies, psychology and neuroscience. The project will be supported by a consortium of corporate partners stemming from multiple industry sectors.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Pediatrics, Rehabilitation, Function, Assistive Technology

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The Hospital for Sick Children Belinda Potter Phone: 416-813-7431 Email: [email protected]

Ronald Cohn

Therapeutic Gene Editing for Rare Diseases

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW According to Health Canada a rare disease (RD) is a life-threatening, seriously debilitating, or serious chronic condition that affects less than 5 in 10,000 persons. Although individually these diseases are rare, it is estimated that there are between six and eight thousand distinct RDs worldwide, and with the advances in genomics approximately 250 new disorders are added to this list annually. Together, rare genetic diseases affect up to 100M individuals globally (400,000 Ontarians) and are associated with significant morbidities resulting in tremendous socioeconomic burden due to the lost time in workforce and extensive medical care expenses. For the majority of RDs (85%) there are currently no treatments, and for a few for which drug therapies has been developed they are usually exuberantly expensive. For example, laronidase, used for treatment of mucopolysaccharidosis type 1, costs $200,000 annually, making it one of the most expensive drugs in the world. Given this currently unfilled gap in available/accessible RD drug therapies, the overall goal of this program is to develop novel gene editing therapeutic approaches that will commence in clinical trials to improve the quality of life and lower the burden of morbidity and mortality for patients with rare disorders. Recently, a new gene editing system has arisen as a frontrunner for efficient genome engineering. This system is based on the RNA-guided clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated endonuclease Cas and has generated enormous excitement in biological research, biotechnology, and medicine. The CRISPR/Cas system can be employed for genome engineering therapies, which carries the potential to revolutionize medicine within the next few years. Here, we will explore the multifaceted features of the CRISPR/Cas system in patient cells and animal models to develop and test gene editing/modulation treatments for several rare diseases. We have already successfully utilized various aspects of the CRISPR technology to correct mutations in patient cells with different genetic disorders. Here, we will develop a preclinical pipeline that utilizes clinically relevant gene editing strategies in patients’ cells and animal models to ascertain an efficacy and safety of CRISPR based gene correction for duplications, deletions, point mutations, compound heterozygous mutations, and repeat expansions. Together, these studies will establish genome editing as a viable therapeutic approach to correct wide range of mutations observed in RDs. A number of different genes have been shown to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of RDs. In DMD patient’s myoblasts, we have successfully upregulated expression of utrophin that has previously been identified as a compensatory therapeutic target for the loss of dystrophin. We will extend our studies and target disease-modifying genes in patient cells and animal models of selected rare disorders. These studies will provide therapeutic strategies that can either facilitate genome-editing approaches and/or target a broad group of patients independent of the primary gene defect. Significance: The CRISPR/Cas system provides a novel and highly specific approach to genome engineering for human diseases and has to be optimized for use in patient cells and animal models. This program will provide the necessary preclinical data required for the development of CRISPR/Cas therapeutics for patients with RDs.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: CRISPR, Mutation, Cas Protein, Repair Template, Mutation Correction, Modulation Of Gene Expression

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The Hospital for Sick Children Belinda Potter Phone: 416-813-7431 Email: [email protected]

Peter Dirks

The Genomic Architecture of Therapeutic Response in Glioblastoma

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Brain cancers, particularly glioblastomas (GBM), are amongst the worst human cancers. 3000 Canadian men and women will be diagnosed with a brain cancer in 2016, and 2300 will die. A majority of these deaths will be due to GBM. GBMs affect people in the primes of their lives and are the first cause of cancer death between ages 15-29, and the fourth between ages 30-49. The current 5-year survival is <10%, effectively rendering patients with this diagnosis to a death sentence. There is no known prevention, no screening, and no curative therapy. The standard of care surgical resection and combined radiotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ). Although many patients transiently respond to radiation, only a subset of patients respond to TMZ. Particularly germane to this proposal is the observation that all patient tumors demonstrate, at progression, a damaged genome that is likely responsible for acceleration of disease. The Dirks lab has pioneered research in GBM demonstrating that a subpopulation of GBM stem cells (GSCs) drives disease growth and therapeutic resistance. TMZ, an oral agent, is the sole chemotherapeutic standard of care for GBM. TMZ exerts its antitumor activity on malignant cells by inducing a range of alkylated adducts onto DNA. Among these DNA lesions, the O6-methylguanine (O6meG) is of greatest biological relevance as it leads to DNA base mispairing and activation of the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) pathway. However, the incapability of repair and repeated processing of the mispairs by the MMR machinery will eventually cause highly genotoxic DNA double-strand breaks (DSB), which triggers cell death. However, in spite of therapeutic improvement by TMZ, the extension of patient survival remains marginal (≈3 months) and nearly all GBMs recur. Moreover, it has also been suggested that the mutagenic effects of TMZ, although of therapeutic benefit, is also responsible for disease progression, with tumor exposed to TMZ having an increased acquisition of mutations in GBM molecular drivers. Why is GBM largely refractory to the CNS bioavailable DNA damaging agent and could this drug ultimately actually accelerate progression for both responders and nonresponders? Therefore, it is essential to define the genetic architecture of the mechanisms of response and resistance to TMZ and radiation therapy in glioblastoma stem cells as a means to identify and prosecute new therapeutic targets against this terrible disease. Our multi-pronged genomic and mechanistic studies have already shed new insight into the biology of GBM responsiveness to TMZ that could lead to novel therapies. In particular we have found that tightly compacted chromatin (heterochromatin) might be an obstacle for GBM TMZ responsiveness, raising the possibility that the cancer genome might have certain key regions required for survival that are protected from TMZ-induced mutational disruption. Manipulation of chromatin compaction with epigenetic drugs may increase sensitivity to TMZ. Secondly, we have performed genome-scale functional genomic screens utilizing CRISPR-Cas9 technology to identify novel mechanisms of GSC resistance and sensitivity to TMZ, offering new treatment strategies. In this grant we will combine various genomic and epigenomic approaches to explore the endogenous and exogenous mechanisms of DNA damage in GBM to identify, nominate, and co-develop new treatments and treatment combinations for patients with this incurable tumor.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Cancer, Functional Genomics, DNA Damage, Treatment Resistance, Stem Cells, Novel Therapeutics

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The Hospital for Sick Children Belinda Potter Phone: 416-813-7431 Email: [email protected]

Paul Frankland

Examining How the Brain Remembers; A Strategy to Identify More Effective Treatment Targets for Memory Disorders

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Memory disorders affect more than 10% of Canadians. The annual economic burden of dementia in Ontario is expected to increase by more than $770 million per year. As our population ages, these disorders will exact an increasing economic toll and dramatically impact the quality of life of millions of Ontarians. Compared to other medical conditions, our progress in treating (let alone curing or preventing) memory disorders has lagged, partly due to our limited understanding of how the brain normally remembers. Currently there are two approved pharmacological treatments for the cognitive symptoms of AD. Both have limited efficacy and cause unwanted side effects. One reason for this may be that these drugs affect all cells throughout the brain (and body). In stark contrast, fundamental research shows that the brain is organized into discrete circuits that perform specific cognitive functions. Within these circuits, subsets of neurons form ‘neural ensembles’ that encode, store, and retrieve information. In pathological states, the formation and stability of these neural ensembles is disrupted. Therefore, understanding the fundamental rules that govern how neurons form neural ensembles to encode memories, how these neural ensemble maintain stability to store, and how their reactivation leads memory retrieval, lays an essential foundation for developing more effective and targeted treatments for memory disorders. Drs. Frankland and Josselyn are world-leading experts in memory research. Their shared mission is to understand how the brain stores and retrieves information in mice to provide knowledge that will be crucial in developing more effective intervention and prevention strategies for memory disorders. Their team developed and will use innovative neuroimaging technology to observe and manipulate the activity of neural ensembles of mice during memory formation and retrieval. They will identify differences between the neural signatures in normal mice and genetically-engineered lines of mice designed to mimic human memory disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease. Using these sophisticated techniques, they will be able to literally “watch” a memory being formed and determine how the “read out” activity patterns differ in normal and diseased mice. As a complement, they use state-of-the-art optogenetic methods, in which light is used to manipulate brain circuits with millisecond precision, to intensively probe neural ensembles important for memory. The combination of these techniques will allow them to “play in” normal ensemble activity in an attempt to correct memory deficits in diseased mice. Currently, targeted deep brain stimulation is used to treat disorders such as epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease. The knowledge acquired will inform the potential adoption of similar approaches to treat memory disorders. To facilitate translation from bench to bedside, Drs. Frankland and Josselyn have established ongoing collaborations with Drs. Andres Lozano (a neurosurgeon, UHN) and Randy McIntosh (an expert in functional imaging of humans with healthy and diseased brains, Baycrest). Together, this team will discover new fundamental knowledge of how the brain stores memories at the neural ensemble level and begin to translate these results into more targeted treatments. These strategies may include brain stimulation or the development of drugs that target memory at the level of neural ensemble.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Memory, Mice, Optogenetics, In Vivo Imaging, Translation, Circuits

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The Hospital for Sick Children Belinda Potter Phone: 416-813-7431 Email: [email protected]

Annie Huang

Integrated Clinical and Social Products for Changing Standard of Care for High Risk Infant Brain Tumours

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Brain tumours in children are the leading cause of cancer-related death in children. The overall socio- economic impact of paediatric brain tumours are disproportionally high compared to other cancers per patient due to the age of patient, high fatality and long term sequale of survivors. Currently,100% of survivors have severe cognitive and physical complications that preclude normal development. It has been estimated that these disabilities result in costs to the system of over $1,014,000 over a lifetime per patient. Given there are over 6000 paediatric brain tumour survivors in Canada, which impose a total cost of more than $6 billion to the health care, social, and educational systems in order to manage their disabilities. Dr Huang and the Canadian research group are global leaders in biological, translational and therapeutic discoveries for high-risk infant brain tumours, which include Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumour (ATRT) and C19MC altered PNETs. Dr. Huang established a global network (rarebraintumorconsortium.ca) to decipher tumour genomics and biology and produced some of the first genomic insights into these rare diseases. To translate these findings to the clinic requires development of novel genomic-based clinical diagnostic tools to guide targeted therapy and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)- directed minimal residual disease monitoring. Integration of these novel tools with radiation-free targeted therapy, pioneered by the SickKids neuro-oncology team, will enable a dynamic, responsive, genomics- informed precision medicine model that will improve survival and preserve neurocognitive trajectories in this highly vulnerable population. To advance this precision medicine model for high risk infant brain tumours into routine bedside care globally, this multi-disciplinary team will develop genome-based diagnostics integrated with targeted radiation-free therapy Key deliverables of this proposal are: (i) A licensed Nano-string based sub-typing diagnostic panel for ATRT and C19MC PNETs for subtype specific targeted therapies (ii) Targeted multi-use DNAseq-based clinical diagnostic tool for tumour and germline genotyping, molecular staging and detection of residual molecular disease in CSF (iii) MRI tools to enhance diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of neurocognitive function in infant brain tumour patients (iv) High-throughput genomics-based drug screening pipeline: We will leverage single-cell sequencing to identify clonal-specific therapeutic targets combined a patient derived xenograft repository for rapid preclinical characterization. To ensure accelerated translation of these key clinical deliverables into healthcare system, we will integrate GE3LS studies to: 1) Develop end-user facing products to ensure adoption: together with our industry partner INVIVO communications, we will create an app to facilitate the evaluation of risk-preference/tolerance in end users (parents, oncologist, radiotherapists). From these discrete choice experiments, the GE3LS team will build informed choice protocol for clinical implementation, which will include a patient family-centered interactive video for the consenting process (INVIVO) 2) Benefits to Canada: Assess socio-economic impact of novel genomics-informed radiation- free intervention for infant brain tumors by evaluating health improvement, value for money, quality of life, cost effectiveness and modeling long-term costs of survivorship.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Emerging Technologies, Patient-centered Products, Health Economics, Diagnostics

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The Hospital for Sick Children Belinda Potter Phone: 416-813-7431 Email: [email protected]

Seema Mital

PRecIsion MEdicine for CardiomyopathY (PRIMaCY)

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common form of cardiomyopathy affecting 1 in 500 individuals and is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in adolescents and young adults. Despite availability of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) as a life-saving intervention, the lack of precision in predicting SCD risk hampers timely intervention in at-risk individuals resulting in tragic but preventable deaths. The overall goal of this proposal is to develop an eHealth SCD risk prediction and clinical decision support tool for childhood HCM that incorporates genomic, physiological and clinical factors. The risk prediction calculator will be incorporated into eHealth systems using platform and technology agnostic APIs coupled with decision support algorithms that will guide physicians regarding tailoring interventions like ICDs based on risk. Uptake of the tool will result in increase in appropriate use of ICD in those at high risk for SCD, while reducing inappropriate use in those at low risk. The net effect will be an increase in lives saved while reducing total number of ICD insertions resulting in socio- economic benefits to society and cost savings to the healthcare system.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Sudden Cardiac Death, Risk Prediction, Precision Medicine, Predictive Analytics

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The Hospital for Sick Children Belinda Potter Phone: 416-813-7431 Email: [email protected]

Martin Offringa

Value of Information Framework Guiding Efficient Resource Allocation in Clinical Research in Ontario

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The health budget in Ontario is under immense pressure due to increasing demand for care and the adoption of new, costly technologies. Since the budget is constrained, funding a new technology requires reallocation of resources away from existing services or technologies. This reallocation most often results in health gains for the target users of the new technology but leads to health losses for those patients whose current health services will be reduced to pay for the new technology. Moreover, such reallocation decisions are taken in the face of uncertainty and of partial information regarding the true implications of the decision on the healthcare budget and patient outcomes. While policy-makers use cost effectiveness analysis (CEA) to understand broader implications of funding decisions for new technologies, clinical researchers primarily focus on developing technologies that show improvements in clinically meaningful outcomes for a specific target population. At present, the broad societal implications of adoption of a new technology from the policy maker are rarely taken into account, at least during the early stages of clinical research. Since 2000, particular Value of Information (VOI) methods have been developed that can inform both health care decisions and provide guidance on the clinical evidence that need to be collected through new research, in order for a better informed policy decision to be made. Such methods, however, have been rarely used in practice, especially within the Ontario context. We propose the development and incorporation of a VOI framework for real-world policy making in Ontario. To this aim, we will work together with clinical and policy stakeholders to understand what the requirements and implications are if a value-based decision making approach were to be considered in guiding clinical research investments. We will use qualitative approaches to understand the important barriers and facilitators of introducing a VOI framework. We will use quantitative methods and rely on administrative data to understand what can be empirically considered as a good "value-for-money" proposition within the context of how the Ontario healthcare system is currently functioning. Finally, we will evaluate the steps of this process and review all implications on health care resource allocation and on population health of future adoption of this novel approach.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Health Care Spending, Value of Information Methods

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The Hospital for Sick Children Belinda Potter Phone: 416-813-7431 Email: [email protected]

Zdenka Pausova

Epigenetic Predictors of Cardiometabolically Adverse Obesity: From Preschoolers to Aging Adults

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW In Canada, obesity is a concern of high priority – it has reached epidemic proportions and severely impacts the health of individuals. The health effects emerge in childhood and accumulate over time, leading to the development of common chronic cardiometabolic and brain diseases. These diseases are costly to individuals (years lost to disability and premature death) and the country (health-care cost and productivity loss). Each year, estimated 48,000-66,000 Canadians die of obesity-linked diseases, and $4.6-7.1 billion is spent in health care and lost productivity due to these diseases. It is therefore highly desirable to prevent them or delay their onset. This effort has not been easy. In Canada and many other high-income countries, multiple aspects of the current environment (e.g., commuting to work by car, low cost of unhealthy foods) are conducive to the development and sustainment of obesity. Nonetheless, effective interventions targeting health behaviours are beginning to be designed and tested and, in combination with enabling technologies and social policies, may become cost effective. Here we propose to identify new blood biomarkers that are expected to aid in this effort at an individual level. The development of our new blood biomarkers is based on the following facts: (i) Not all types of obesity cause disease (>30% of obese individuals remain healthy); (ii) visceral fat (VF) of adverse biology is the most dangerous type of fat (but it is currently not feasible to measure in clinics); (iii) VF induces a proinflammatory/cardiometabolic milieu that is ‘disease-promoting’ in target tissues (vessels, heart, kidney, liver, muscles and the brain); (iv) this proinflammatory-cardiometabolic milieu is an internal environment (in the circulation) that can be detected as modulations of DNA methylation (DNAm) in exposed blood cells; and (iv) these DNAm modulations may serve as blood biomarkers of obesity-linked disease processes. We plan to identify these biomarkers with an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) approach employing a novel methodology (a new Illumina chip assessing 850,000 DNAm sites across the genome) in large population-based cohorts of children, adolescents and middle-aged adults (n=3,000) in all of whom VF is measured with MRI and who are to be studied both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Our deliverables are: (i) blood DNAm biomarkers predictive of VF-related augmentations in cardiometabolic and brain-tissue abnormalities, which will have the capacity to identify individuals at risk of these abnormalities; (ii) Estimated predictive power of these DNAm biomarkers in childhood, adolescence and across most of the adult life; (iii) Discovery of new biological pathways underlying VF- related ‘disease’; and (iv) Estimated health and economic benefits of identified blood DNAm biomarkers to individuals and society.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Population Epigenetics, Health Economics

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The Hospital for Sick Children Belinda Potter Phone: 416-813-7431 Email: [email protected]

Felix Ratjen

Personalized Therapy for Individuals with Cystic Fibrosis

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW As the most common fatal genetic disease affecting more than 4000 Canadians, Cystic Fibrosis (CF) has complex and chronic manifestations resulting in shortened lifespan with a median age of death of 35 years in Canada. The severity and types of symptoms differ widely from person to person depending on their specific causal CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mutations, their genetic background and their environment. Treatment plans in individuals aim to ameliorate the debilitating symptoms of their disease, including difficulties in breathing, recurrent lung infections and digestive disorders. The year 2012 marked a turning point - KALYDECO® which directly addresses the defect in CFTR channel activity was approved by Health Canada as a therapy for a small group of CF patients with CFTR gating mutations. Recently, ORKAMBI® a CFTR therapy for patients homozygous for the most common mutation F508del has become available, but many patients will not benefit from treatment. Treatment is costly, may have negative side effects and non-responders need other CFTR modulators that can only be adequately studied in patients not already receiving therapy. These factors complicate clinical decision making, and have generated considerable debate among regulatory and funding bodies in Canada and internationally. Thus, there is a pressing need for robust predictors of treatment response and alternative therapies. Our overarching goal is to develop genetic and stem cell based predictive tools of individual clinical response to CFTR modulator therapies in target tissues and translate these tools into the clinic. Our primary objectives include: (1) To develop predictive genetic signatures of disease severity and therapeutic response across CF- affected organs. (2) To develop and validate patient-derived, tissue based technologies which predict individual response to CFTR modulator therapies. To accomplish our objectives, we will build upon our genomic data for the interrogation of the genetic determinants of CF disease severity. We will utilize our national and international collaborators currently engaged in CF clinical trials to generate a consolidated and accessible data resource documenting therapeutic outcomes. We will utilize a new Program developed for CF individualized Therapy (CFIT, and sponsored by CF-Canada and SickKids Hospital) through which we are creating a comprehensive biobank comprised of 100 CF donors- donating tissues for WGS, RNAseq, individual iPSCs with links to in-vitro phenotypic assays of drug responses and clinical outcome data. Our multidisciplinary team is poised to develop robust, validated predictive tools for therapeutic response together with our partners: the Ontario Institute for Regenerative Medicine, The Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine and pharmaceutical companies (Vertex, AbbVie and Proteostasis). We will facilitate the translation of combined genomic, (epi)genomic and stem cell-based predictive tools for CF treatment into the clinic by rigorously defining their clinical utility (based on patient perspectives and expectations) and develop harmonized and robust integrated consents, confidentiality/privacy and policy frameworks for national and international epigenetic databases. We will also consider the regulatory pathways for these innovative CF predictive models to help translate the personalized and therapeutic approaches we are proposing.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Cystic Fibrosis, Modifier Genes, Stem Cell, CFTR Modulator, Predictive Assays

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The Hospital for Sick Children Belinda Potter Phone: 416-813-7431 Email: [email protected]

Stephen W. Scherer

The Autisms: Decoding Genomes for Precision Care of Individuals

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), occurring in more than 1 in 100 individuals worldwide, is a neurodevelopmental condition associated with lifelong disabilities. There are >3,000 new formal ASD diagnoses each year in Canada, and for the >100,000 families affected the health care system spends >$1 billion/annum on services, many of which are not fully supported by evidence-based research or adequate diagnostic assessment and evaluation (untold numbers of people are also still undiagnosed). Despite the unitary diagnostic classification, ASD is actually a heterogeneous spectrum, both in clinical presentation and in terms of the underlying etiology. In fact, ASD is often called the “autisms” (or ASDs), making it a prime candidate for the coming age of precision medicine where customization of healthcare, interventions and medical decisions are tailored to the individual. In fact, our ongoing whole genome sequencing (WGS) research, with collaborators, has already identified ~100 susceptibility genes and copy number variation (CNV) loci facilitating a molecular diagnosis in 10-40% of ASD cases, depending on the cohort examined. Many of the genes discovered are also found associated with other conditions such as epilepsy, intellectual disability, mental health, and other medical complications. The first beneficiaries of a genetic diagnosis are young children, in whom formal diagnosis based on early developmental signs can be challenging, but who benefit most from earlier behavioral intervention. Understanding the subtypes of ASD also potentially informs prognosis, medical management, and familial-recurrence risk assessment, and it may facilitate drug-intervention trials through stratification based on genetic-pathway profiles. Central to our team’s previous successes has been the collection and characterization of a large set of ASD family samples that are accessible for follow-up, using state-of-the-art genome scanning technologies, the establishment of accompanying databases including the MSSNG (Autism Speaks- Google-SickKids) open-science repository, and the continual building of new collaborations. With such infrastructure and momentum, here, we are planning the next phase of our Ontario-led project aimed at translating genomic advances into treatments and prevention strategies, and to disseminate these into the wider community for the benefit of individuals with ASDs and their families. Our primary objectives include, (i) Using WGS to further define the DNA “mutation” architecture in ASD, including those genetic alterations involved in medical complications like seizures, thereby creating a definitive resource for validated translational diagnostics and drug development research. This work will form the Canadian contribution to parallel international WGS projects in ASD; (ii) Developing an individualized approach to diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment by establishing genomic markers/clinical features that index meaningful subtypes of ASD and developing care pathways for them. Targeted transcriptome, epigenome, microbiome, and metabolomics studies will be conducted collaboratively in unique ASD families and linked to the WGS data, as will all clinical trial and advanced brain-imaging studies ongoing in Ontario; and (iii) Examining and implementing the new genomic technologies and information we develop, for effective integration into Canadian hospital-based molecular diagnostic and clinical genetic services.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Sequencing, Autism, Diagnostics, Intervention, Treatment, Epigenomics, Database, Genotype, Phenotype

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The Hospital for Sick Children Belinda Potter Phone: 416-813-7431 Email: [email protected]

Mike Seed

The Artificial Placenta

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Premature birth is the most important cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality in Canada today. Despite advances in conventional neonatal intensive care, injury to the lungs, brain and gastrointestinal system resulting from early exposure to the extra-uterine environment continue to result in perinatal death and a high burden of long-term health problems including chronic lung disease, cerebral palsy, neurodevelopmental delay and failure to thrive. New extracorporeal membrane oxygenation technology has recently been used to provide more physiologic support to fetal sheep using a low resistance oxygenator connected to the fetus via the umbilical vessels combined with a novel approach to fluid incubation (the "biobag”). In these experiments, in which the circuit is powered by the fetal heart, animals have been supported for up to a month, demonstrating normal fetal cardiovascular physiology and encouraging signs of normal growth and development. If this technology were transferable to humans, the potential applications would include the support of premature infants at the limits of viability (22-25 weeks) and fetuses with severe intra-uterine growth restriction. Other populations that might benefit include those with congenital malformations that might be able to undergo earlier interventions to alter the natural history of their disease, including those with congenital heart disease. Such a system would also be the ideal platform for the development of new approaches to treating perinatal disease such as new stem cell therapies, as well as providing a unique perspective for studying the role of the placenta and mother in fetal development. SickKids is a leading Canadian institution for perinatal medical research and the largest pediatric hospital in Canada. Our multidisciplinary clinical and research groups have extensive experience in fetal cardiovascular physiology, artificial circulatory support, reproductive science, animal models of human disease, genomics, stem cell technology, maternal fetal medicine, neonatalogy, perinatal cardiology and cardiac surgery. In collaboration with our partners in perinatal medicine at Sinai Health Sciences and medical biophysics at the University of Toronto, we propose to develop a laboratory to undertake artificial placenta research at the Hospital for Sick Children using a porcine model. We also propose to partner with an Auckland University group with experience in the application of gene editing techniques for the creation large animal models of human disease. We would employ CRISPR technology to create pig models of human congenital malformations and apply artificial placenta technology to support these animals following early surgical interventions for these conditions. The laboratory would therefore serve as the testing ground for innovative medical treatments for important pediatric conditions, which we would then translate into improvements in medical care through clinical trials conducted in our large populations of children with perinatal disease.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Premature Birth, Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation, Fetal Circulation, Large Animal Model, Congenital Heart Disease

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Institut du Savoir Montfort Charles Vigneault Phone: 613-746-4621 x6004 Email: [email protected]

Alain Mouttham

Next-generation Patient-oriented Care Management of Multimorbidity

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Multimorbidity (MM) is defined as 2 or more chronic diseases. The prevalence of MM is around 60% among elderly patients. Current Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) address a single disease, and do not cover disease-treatment interactions. This drives duplication of tests, polypharmacy, medication errors, confusion in patient self-management of their diseases, and difficulties for the physicians to comply with the CPG. The objective of our proposal is to develop and evaluate a patient-oriented framework for the management of patients with MM and a patient-oriented redesign of the care delivery system across the continuum of care. Our 5-year research program is structured in 3 phases: • Phase 1 focuses on the patient-oriented framework for the management of patients with MM. Twelve chronic diseases and their corresponding CPG are analyzed to identify the main interactions (disease- disease, treatment-disease, treatment-treatment) and recommendations to address these interactions. The framework also provides support for prognosis, shared decision-making, optimization of the agreed upon treatment, and generation of a personalized care plan. The framework is supported by a next- generation Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS), and a Patient & Family Portal. • Phase 2 focuses on the patient-oriented redesign of the care delivery system for patients with MM. New health services, care processes, and models of care are investigated, which make use of Telemedicine/Telehealth for personalized preventive continuous MM care management. Our objective is to enhance home care and community care for these patients. The redesigned care delivery system is supported by a next-generation Clinical Operations Support System (COSS). • Phase 3 is a pilot study of the management framework and the redesigned care delivery system for patients with MM at l’Hôpital Montfort. Research prototypes of the CDSS and COSS will be evaluated in this pilot study. If the pilot study is successful, we plan a deployment in the hospital. The next-generation CDSS and COSS communicate with the hospital Electronic Health Records, and use Computer Interpretable Guidelines, Artificial Intelligence, Optimization techniques, Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis, and Analytics. We are collaborating with a research team at Stanford University. Our research approach is based on the Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research. Two patient-partners and one family member are involved and engaged in our project since the beginning, as well as physicians. The proposal enhances the current state-of-the-art in the field per the following: The patient-oriented framework for the management of patients with MM facilitates shared decision-making between patient, family, and care provider, especially in the context of preference-sensitive decisions. Our framework integrates multiple dimensions to the decision-making process such as patient preferences, benefits and risks analysis for each treatment option, burden of care, time-to-benefit for each treatment option, and prognosis. The patient-oriented redesigned care delivery system is centered on the patient with MM during their journey across the continuum of care, with the emphasis on proactive care rather than reactive, continuous care rather than episodic, and personalized care plan. The above is made possible with the next-generation CDSS and COSS. To our knowledge, no comparable systems have been prototyped in Ontario yet.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Multimorbidity, Care Delivery System, Patient-oriented Research, Shared Decision-making, CDSS/COSS, Telemedicine

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Lakehead University Andrew Dean Phone: 807-343-8201 Email: [email protected]

Alla Reznik

Scalable Technologies for Organ-specific (Breast and Brain) Imaging

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Medical imaging technologies play a crucial role in early diagnosis of a variety of diseases, as well as in clinical research and drug development. Continuous developments in imaging devices and technologies have vastly improved our ability to visualize body tissues and processes, and as such, to detect medical conditions more accurately. However, recent trends for personalized, or precision, medicine, i.e. delivering “the right treatment to the right patient at the right time”, impose new requirements to imaging modalities in terms of sensitivity and spatial resolution which often cannot be achieved with existing general purpose or whole-body imaging devices. Implementation of predictive and preventive precision medicine calls for new approaches where an organ-specific imaging tool is customized for imaging in particular organ or disease to obtain the highest efficacy and diagnostic capability. The creation of new imaging devices, including those for precision medicine, requires a long-term commitment to research and development during which new approaches are first conceived; concepts are tested with laboratory prototypes; designs are optimized and evaluated; and finally clinical and market-ready systems are built. For organ-specific imaging, the complexity of this task can often be decreased (and associated cost can be reduced) with the utilization of scalable technologies where: • technology could be used in different applications simply by changing the dimensions of the detector sub-element in accordance with the resolution and sensitivity requirements of the specific system; • similar technologies can be used for applications in different organs with minimal adaptation. In addition, anatomical and molecular imaging tools can be designed for compatibility and image co- registration that offers further improvement in diagnostic capabilities. The proposed scalable detector approach will be used to develop and commercialize the next generation of customized detectors to improve breast and brain imaging for a variety of applications including breast cancer screening and staging, and first-in-human clinical trials of a new Canadian Alzheimer’s therapeutic where imaging will be used for stratification of patients and monitoring treatment response. Our approach is to build a functional team that combines the efforts of researchers with track records of innovation and subsequent delivery of important diagnostic imaging methods that have practical clinical relevance with the potential for significant clinical impact. The proposed team includes: Dr. Alla Reznik (PI) and Dr. Mitchell Albert (co- PI), Lakehead University and the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute; Dr. Martin Yaffe (co- PI), University of Toronto and Sunnybrook Research Institute; and Dr. Grace Parraga (co-applicant) Western University and Robarts Research Institute. Academic partners will work in close collaboration with industrial partners (spin-off and mid-size companies) who have a history of collaboration with us including two recently founded companies (XLV Diagnostics and Radialis Medical) which operate independently of the academic research activity of the co-applicants. In addition, the partners will work in close collaboration with clinicians in diagnosis and treatment who will define the limitations in their current imaging technologies and describe detector improvements which would have significant clinical benefits.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Positron Emission Mammography (PEM), Mammography Tomosynthesis, Hyperpolarized (HP) Gas MRI.

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Lawson Health Research Institute Janice DeMoor Phone: 519-646-6100 x65921 Email: [email protected]

Simon Chiu

Translating Imaging, Nanotechnology & Neuromodulation Technology to Novel Therapeutics in Inflammation Disorders

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The overall objective of our CNS group is to translate cutting-edge advances in biotechnology : Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging , Nanotechnology,Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) towards developing novel interventions: diagnostic and therapeutic , in CNS disorders. Our plan extends beyond symptom reduction towards identifying the CNS disorders at the prodromal phase and modifying the disease burden and progression. Our translational research focuses on paradigms of immune-neuro- inflammation disorders: schizophrenia and obesity-binge eating disorder (BED). We have taken advantage of the established research infrastructure at Lawson Health Research Institute:LHRI : Imaging research program led by Frank Prato PhD , eating disorder program led by Robbie Campbell MD and the epigenetics-based drug discovery program led by Simon Chiu MD PhD, in collaboration with potential industry partners in PET , TMS and liposomal-based drug lead for schizophrenia and BED. The brain PET imaging ligand, 18F-FEPPA (a phenoxyanilide) has successfully been shown to measure activation of microglia , the resident immune cells in the brain at the cross-roads of cytokine network and inflammasomes, the multi-protein complex sensing energy availability and shaping the inflammatory/immune responses towards stimuli. Flow cytometry Multiplex technology has successfully been applied to probe the link of immune regulation and inflammasomes at the cellular level : the macrophages and the lymphocytes. In this respect we will invite the LHRI Immunology research group led by Kelly Summers PhD Department of immunology to form a cohesive team. There is ample evidence in support of the role of neuro-inflammation in schizophrenia and BED . We focus on the two major milestones: 1. a: to examine whether microglial activation can be measured with PET 18F-FEPPA in obese-BED subjects ; whether imaging kinetics correlates with metabolic and immune profiles , and inflammasomes ; 1. b: to evaluate whether repetitive TMS can reduce the severity of BED and promote cardiovascular, metabolic and brain health; 2. a. to examine whether microglial activation as reflected in PET binding in the brain regions parallels changes in cytokine network in peripheral immune cells in schizophrenia; 2b. To evaluate the time- and dose-dependent effects of the patented parental compound ( led by L. Helson MD CEO SignPath Pharm. PA USA) on the positive, negative and cognitive deficits in treatment resistant schizophrenia. In our study, we test the hypothesis that obesity-binge eating disorder exhibits marked neuro-inflammation intersecting with metabolic inflammation in the adipose tissue and peripheral endocrine and extra-endocrine organs. Furthermore, our proposed study on rTMS neuromodulation modality will expand therapeutic horizons in obesity and diabetes. Our phase I study has shown Lipocurc to be safe and can pass through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Hence, we propose to optimize the detailed nanotechnology-based platform towards fast-tracking a unique class of drug leads targeting the epigenetic signaling pathway regulating inflammation and immunity. Both our high impact win-win milestones represent novel approaches to catalyze the translation of biotechnology advances to the clinical arena of health care through an enriched collaborative consortium of academia, hospital-based and community clinical care and multi-faceted biotechnology industry.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: PET Imaging, Obesity, Neuropsychiatry, Eating Disorder, Cognitive Sciences, Neuropsychopharmacology, TMS

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Lawson Health Research Institute Janice DeMoor Phone: 519-646-6100 x65921 Email: [email protected]

Cheryl Forchuk

Smart Homes: A Strategy Supporting Community Re-Integration for Clients with Severe Mental Illness

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW This proposal is submitted by a well-established team of inter-professional researchers, with an extensive track record of collaboration. For the past 7 years, the research focus of this team has been developing computing systems that support community care integration. Leveraging state-of-the-art software systems, funded by the Canadian Foundation for Innovation and Ontario’s Ministry of Innovation, as well as the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the research team wants to expand their research and development to study novel mobile and home-based mental health tools. The research team’s expertise will guide development and evaluation for the smart tools that have been designed to deliver personalized care, leveraging an integrated community health care delivery system approach. With the foundational systems (hardware/software) in place, this team of researchers is well positioned to expand on their early system proof-of-concepts models. Specifically, the current proposal will build on prior studies to expand research for in-home support solutions, including personalized prompts and reminders delivered through various devices installed in the home. The purpose of these prompts and reminders is to support individuals with mental illnesses living in the community, facilitate self-care, and allow individuals to more easily connect with their mental health care providers. Building on previous research conducted by the research team, it is expected that this electronic intervention will improve health outcomes, quality of life, and community integration, while saving money for the healthcare system. The technologies proposed for study are person-centered and directly in-line with the national action plan developed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada's strategy, “E-Mental Health in Canada: Transforming the Mental Health System Using Technology” (2014). Moreover, this research is aligned with Ontario's strategy for mental health and addiction that aims to provide integrated, culturally competent, and effective services for Ontarians with mental illnesses. The proposal to the ORF-RE will provide resources for trainees from the relative researcher’s disciplines (software engineering, computer science, clinical epidemiology, occupational therapy, nursing, medicine, and health economics) who will be engaged in an interdisciplinary participatory laboratory environment for development and testing of system level technologies, as guided by the clinical researchers. This project supports community health care systems re-design and leverages the strengths of Ontario’s young engineering trainees. Through this comprehensive project, the trainees will experience the rigours of software development from a community health systems perspective, while having the opportunity to work at the forefront of health care technology research. This project supports the development of highly qualified personnel as well as innovative health care technologies for commercialization within Ontario.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Psychiatry, Psychology, Community Health Technologies, Computer Engineering, Health Systems Re-design

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Lawson Health Research Institute Janice DeMoor Phone: 519-646-6100 x65921 Email: [email protected]

Stewart Gaede

Wide-bore Multi-spectral Energy Subtraction Computed Tomography for Adaptive Stereotactic Radiotherapy

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Clinical Problem: Computed tomography (CT) imaging is the most frequently used modality for modern radiation therapy (RT). Despite the integration of multi-modality imaging such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET), CT remains the modality of choice for accurate radiation dose calculation due to the direct conversion of Hounsfield Units (HU) derived from the CT scanner to electron density. However, CT imaging alone suffers from poor soft tissue contrast and susceptibility to artifacts in the presence of metal. Contrast-enhanced CT imaging with high-density iodinated contrast medium significantly improves soft-tissue contrast for target volume delineation, but at the cost of inaccurate CT numbers required for radiation dose calculation. The consequence is having to acquire both non-contrast and contrast enhanced CT scans for target delineation and RT planning. Modern treatment techniques including stereotactic radiotherapy often rely on fused MRI or PET that introduce additional costs, and geometric error. Multi-spectral energy subtraction CT is a technique that acquires two image datasets of the same region at both low- and high-energy-dependent tissue attenuation, allowing for improved tissue characterization. Multi-spectral energy subtraction CT has gained popularity in diagnostic imaging for characterizing renal stones, myocardial perfusion and for quantifying lung perfusion and ventilation. It has also gained attention in oncological imaging, including tumour staging and delineation, tumour and normal tissue characterization, metal artifact reduction, and CT perfusion for evaluating treatment response. However, current implementations have bore sizes too small to accommodate certain RT immobilization devices, patient positioning considerations, and large patients. Research Objective: The overall goal of this project is to implement wide-bore multi-spectral energy subtraction CT scanner as an integrated planning platform for stereotactic treatments of brain metastases, lung, breast, liver, adrenal, and pancreatic cancer. We will evaluate the potential improvements in soft tissue differentiation with contrast for tumour delineation, non-contrast CT imaging for RT treatment simulation and planning, and CT perfusion for evaluating treatment response. Anticipated Outcomes: Successful implementation will allow us to consider leading edge research including, but not limited to targeting hypoxic cell populations, based on iodine uptake levels in regions with escalated radiation doses, enhanced normal tissue characterization, including lung perfusion and ventilation imaging, for functional avoidance based RT planning, and efficient adaptive RT. We believe that successful implementation of wide bore multi-spectral energy subtraction CT for radiotherapy simulation will increase the accuracy and precision of radiation targeting, while significantly increasing treatment planning efficiency, and costs compared to multi-modality imaging. The Team: A partnership between the London Regional Cancer Program (LRCP), Western University, Lawson Health Research Institute (LHRI), and Philips Medical Systems (Cleveland, USA), who will manufacture the big bore multi- spectral energy subtraction CT scanner, is pending. Our collaborating institutions have the necessary combination of imaging and treatment facilities, expert personnel, and University research environment to perform this unique analysis in London.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Wide-bore Multi-spectral CT, Stereotactic, Tumour Targeting, Tissue Characterization, CT Perfusion, Adaptive Radiotherapy

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Lawson Health Research Institute Janice DeMoor Phone: 519-646-6100 x65921 Email: [email protected]

Mandar Jog

Smart Technologies for In-home Optimization of Mobility, Communication and Cognition in Parkinson Disease

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Mobility, communication, and cognition are interdependent and critical functional domains for human existence. They impact all aspects of our life from employment to social activities of daily living. Neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson disease (PD) represent a decline in all these domains in an increasing number of Ontarians. Objective and in-home, local assessments of these domains may result in proactive early therapy that could mitigate expensive interventions later on. Clinical assessments are performed at centres where experts are centralized to limited geographical regions in Ontario. Subjective evaluation techniques that do not represent the patient’s real-world or in- home function, long waiting lists and travel distances are significant issues in performing assessment and treatment. Limited assessment time provides a snapshot of the patient’s disorder neglecting diurnal symptom fluctuations and disease progression. These concerns cross the boundaries of the three domains and are crucial to quality of life. Advancements in sensor technology for in-home monitoring of vital signs and glucose levels remotely have already resulted in improved health care access for patients, directly improving care and reducing physician and patient burden. Measurement techniques involving the practical use of technology for full body mobility, communication and cognitive assessments using wearable sensors are currently non-existent as measurement techniques, while clinically relevant output, and patient based deployment are lacking. To bridge this gap within a huge untapped market, there is a clear need for a platform technology for use by physicians. Using PD as the representative population, and wearable technology to assess and record across these domains, our interdisciplinary team of physicians, technology and business experts will develop and commercialize a comprehensive in-home platform. First, we will extensively analyse our existing data set to develop algorithms to extract objective, clinically relevant mobility, cognitive, and communication features that can be immediately used by any clinician to assess patients. This laboratory based pilot work has commenced in over 60 PD patients. Next, this data collection will simultaneously be expanded into the patient’s home. An interactive, easy to use software platform will be developed to allow deploying this data collection kit at home. This platform will guide patients in performing a short series of standardized tasks that are easy to accomplish with direct translation to guide therapy management. Using existing local health team networks and the data transfer backbone of the Ontario Telemedicine Network, the tool-path for this deployment will be optimized. In parallel, using the novel, scientific concepts of sensori-motor dysfunction in daily activities in PD (e.g walking in the dark, talking in a crowd), ecologically valid, innovative methods for probing these domains in-home will be developed. The final aim is to demonstrate the potential for cost savings associated with implementing in-home monitoring of PD patients. Improved metrics and timely information about patient symptoms will enable physicians to proactively address problems. Such management may improve quality of life, delay the need for assisted living or a skilled nursing facility, prevent falls and acute injuries, and delay/prevent the need for expensive and aggressive surgical intervention.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Wearable Sensors, Mobility, Communication, Cognition, Parkinson Disease, Computer Science, Rehabilitation Sciences

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Lawson Health Research Institute Janice DeMoor Phone: 519-646-6100 x65921 Email: [email protected]

James Koropatnick

AVATAR - Advanced in Vivo Modeling of Epigenetic Events to Shape Cancer Immunotherapy

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Cancer immunotherapies are emerging as effective treatments but obstacles remain. Epigenetic events (histone methylation and acetylation) in tumor and immune cells can impede or promote immunotherapy alone and in combination with cytotoxic and targeted drugs. Epigenome-altering drugs can enhance those therapies. We will develop new ways to measure epigenome-modifying activity in human tumor cell line xenografts (CDXs), patient-derived tumor xenografts (PDTXs), and syngeneic mouse homograft tumors (STHs) to: a) better predict patient response to cancer therapy (particularly immunotherapy), and b) determine the capacity of epigenome-altering drugs to enhance treatment with immunotherapeutic drugs being developed by our industrial partners (Trillium Therapeutics and Formation Biologics). We will follow 3 research streams: 1) Optimization of non-invasive epigenetic imaging: Histone acetylation and methylation will be non-invasively imaged using PET/MR and PET/CT combined with a novel generic multi-compartment kinetics model to enhance quantitation in human and mouse tumors in host mice before and after treatment with epigenome-modifying drugs. We will develop and test new epigenetic imaging probes to detect tumors and treatment response. PET/CT scanning will enhance quantitative kinetics model evaluation of agent uptake, with improved sensitivity and specificity without the confounding effects of perfusion and extraction. Quantitative hybrid imaging techniques generated will allow next-generation imaging in tumor-bearing mice as a model to identify patient subpopulations for treatment with epigenetic and immunotherapeutic drug combinations. Quantitative epigenetic activity thus assessed will be confirmed ex vivo and in vitro using histological and biochemical strategies. 2) Therapeutic epigenetic imaging: Optimized quantitative epigenetic activity assessment will be used diagnostically to predict response of CDXs, PDTXs, and STHs to immunotherapeutic, cytotoxic, and targeted drug treatment, alone and in combination. Formation Biologics (Toronto, Montreal, Houston) is developing antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and TGF inhibitors (as single agents and combined) to kill tumor cells directly and to enhance immune cell recognition and ablation of tumor cells. Trillium Therapeutics (Toronto) is developing immunotherapeutic drugs to enhance macrophage recognition and killing of tumor cells. They have partnered with us to identify potential combinations of their immunotherapeutic drug candidates with epigenetic event-modifying drugs capable of additive and/or synergistic antitumor effect. We will image and therapeutically target epigenetic histone acetylation and methylation events in tumor cells, in combination with their candidate immunotherapeutic drugs and in "triple combinations" of their drugs with cytotoxic or targeted drugs (immunotherapeutic drugs targeting immune checkpoint control molecules or tumor-associated/tumor-specific antigens). Combinations that enhance effectiveness will be developed for clinical application. 3) Cost-effectiveness analysis and commercialization strategy: The Ivey International Centre for Health Innovation (London) will quantify the anticipated economic and societal value of AVATAR to the Ontario health care system using an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio metric. They will identify go-to-market strategies for early London adoption of AVATAR and long-term diffusion of AVATAR throughout Ontario and Canada.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Cancer, Epigenetics, PET/CT, Treatment Response Prediction/Monitoring, Xenografts/Homografts, Immunotherapy

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Lawson Health Research Institute Janice DeMoor Phone: 519-646-6100 x65921 Email: [email protected]

Frank Prato

Advancing and Safeguarding Nuclear Medicine Imaging Using New Cyclotron Solid Target Technologies

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Nuclear medicine departments locally, provincially, nationally and globally are in a vulnerable state due to two paradigm shifts: access to the nuclear reactor produced radioactive product (Tc99m,which has formed the basis of nuclear medicine for 40+ years) faces a potential supply disruption and rising costs; and certain imaging sites are having difficulty securing access to the radioactive products that are needed for new nuclear medicine diagnostic tests that are quickly evolving. Canada has been at the vanguard of nuclear medicine worldwide by developing and supplying the world with the Tc99m radionuclide that forms when Mo99 decays. Mo99 is created as a by-product of nuclear fission in a uranium fueled target. The worlds’ reactors designed to produce Mo99 have been failing (all over 50 years old) and will not be replaced due to cost (>$1+ billion construction cost, $250 million annual operating costs), requirement of weapon’s grade enriched HEU uranium fuel, and production of toxic radioactive waste. Over the last 6 years, Natural Resources Canada has funded a Canadian consortium (Lawson/London; McMaster/Hamilton; TRIUMF/Vancouver; BCCA/Vancouver) to develop solid-target technology needed to produce Tc99m directly using medical cyclotrons without the need of HEU uranium or the production of toxic radioactive waste. Using its solid-target technology developed for its GE PetTrace cyclotron (the world’s most popular cyclotron with more than 350 installations worldwide), Lawson is now able to produce Tc99m for supply to southern Ontario. We propose to pilot a novel supply and business plan to allow an uninterrupted supply of Tc99m to local nuclear imaging sites in clinics and hospitals (both community and teaching). Having already developed the solid target technology platform for Tc99m enables Lawson to pursue much needed alternative radionuclides. For example, in the near future other positron emitting radioisotopes will be required, particularly in the area of cancer diagnosis (e.g. Ga68 for prostate and neuroendocrine cancers), inflammation (e.g. Zr89 for heart failure) and monoclonal antibody imaging (Zr89 for a wide range of cancer targets). Currently, it is not feasible to produce these radionuclides in quantities sufficient for commercial use. We propose to expand the solid target technology originally developed for cyclotron-produced Tc99m to also be capable of commercial quantity production of both Ga68 and Zr89. As well, the intention is to incorporate the Ga68 and Zr89 products into the distribution supply model we develop for Tc99m. Note that we have already laid the groundwork to accomplish our stated objectives: (i) two clinical trials have been completed for cyclotron-produced Tc99m, (ii) an application for regulatory approval is imminent, (iii) TRIUMF, world experts in solid target, will collaborate with Lawson to develop the Ga68 and Zr89 technology, (iv) a private sector partner of Nuclear Medicine diagnostic services has been enlisted to collaborate, (v) a commercial manufacturer of medical imaging equipment will also collaborate, and (vi) a spin-off company has been established to provide us with the solid target plates, once developed.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Nuclear Medicine, Bio-economy, Medical Cyclotron, Clean Technology, Prostate Cancer, Inflammation, Radiochemistry

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Lawson Health Research Institute Janice DeMoor Phone: 519-646-6100 x65921 Email: [email protected]

Emil Schemitsch

Orthopaedic Implants that Last a Lifetime: A Clinical and Biomechanical Research Program

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Context: Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions are the leading cause of disability worldwide, the number one cause of long-term absence from the workplace, the second-most common cause for consulting a doctor, a factor limiting the capacity of an older workforce, and a frequent reason for early retirement (Global Burden of Disease Study 2015, World Health Organization 2003 Bulletin). Each year, over 2.4 million Ontarians visit their family doctor for issues related to MSK conditions, over 477,000 visit an orthopaedic surgeon, and nearly 393,000 experience a hip fracture (Canizares et al, 2014; Jaglal et al, 2014). Arthritis alone affects over 1.6 million individuals and costs the Ontario economy over $2 billion annually (An Arthritis Action Plan for Ontario, Arthritis Society of Canada, 2008). Purpose: Our multi-disciplinary team of orthopaedic surgeons, mechanical engineers, physical therapists, and imaging scientists will develop orthopaedic implants and surgical approaches that will result in a lifetime of benefit for over 1.6 million Ontarians who suffer from musculoskeletal conditions. We will identify the factors that enhance implant performance and longevity across three inter-related clinical research themes: spine disorders related to disc degeneration, vertebral fractures, and back pain; bone fractures that are caused by falls, sports injuries, workplace trauma, and motor vehicle accidents; and joint wear resulting from arthritis. Objectives: • investigate optimal implant materials and designs to help reduce implant failure risks and infection; • influence healthcare policies/ practices through knowledge translation of our findings that optimize interventions (e.g. selection of patients for joint replacement or joint-preserving surgeries) and provide evidence-based recommendations for accelerated recovery programs; • decrease healthcare system costs by introducing best-practices that improve implant performance and patient outcome (e.g. reduced need for revision surgeries); • diminish the need for invasive procedures, which require time away from work, resulting in a positive influence on the economy; • use more realistic testing, monitoring, and evaluation that will translate into commercializable solutions; • identify innovations that improve a patient’s ability to return to normal daily function, mobility, and quality of life; and • create a training environment and spin-off companies that design, manufacture and evaluate new implants, and produce new jobs and highly qualified personnel in Ontario. Anticipated Outcomes: Our work will result in the design and manufacturing of more durable and effective implants. It will enable the identification of less invasive surgical approaches with faster rehabilitation protocols. New geometric shapes and sizes of implants – tailored precisely to each patient – will reduce wear, improve clinical outcomes, and increase satisfaction. Summary: Overall, the combination of these advances will enhance the longevity of implants, improve placement accuracy and consistency, shorten recovery time, reduce infection and promote healing, increase functionality, support clinical decision- making, and provide the necessary evidence to identify optimal cost-effective interventions.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Medical Research, Orthopaedic Implants, Surgery, Musculoskeletal Conditions, Medical Imaging, Biomechanical Testing

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Loyalist College Carly Kelly Phone: 613-969-1913 x2363 Email: [email protected]

Kari Kramp

Advancing the Quality, Consistency and Safety of Medical Cannabis

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Proposed changes to cannabis legislation in Canada has resulted in an increase in the accessibility and use of medical cannabis. Medical cannabis is one of the largest growing industries in Canada, with 24 of the Licensed Producers (LPs) located in Ontario. Ontario LPs are differentiating themselves by offering an increasing number of varieties of cannabis, with unique cannabinoid profiles, and thus potency. The cannabinoid profile is further affected by cultivation practices, even within a specific variety, by external variables including the conditions in which the cannabis is grown (light, temperature etc.). Further, in addition to smoking; delivery methods are evolving to include edibles, dermal patches, vaporizers, etc. Critical to advancement of this field and to the sustainable growth of this industry is rigorous science to verify product quality, consistency and safety. The first objective of this proposal will address product quality and consistency. This proposal plans to work with Ontario LPs to develop methods to characterize the cannabinoid and terpene profile of a large and diverse selection of medical cannabis cultivars grown in a variety of conditions. This analysis will be completed using advanced analytical testing methods including ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) and head-space gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HSGC-MS). These techniques are superior to conventional methods of analysis as they are faster, more efficient, less energy-intensive, use less solvent and generate significantly less solvent waste. Outcomes of providing LPs with cultivar phytochemical profiling will facilitate determination of best practices to ensure quality and increase consistency. This suite of data will also be important to advance collaborative studies with academia and industry organizations interested in elucidating the pharmacological effects of the cannabinoid and/or terpene profile to treat a variety of diseases. This proposal will also address product safety. There have been several recent high- profile cannabis product recalls by LPs because of the presence of the banned pesticide, mycobutanil. The presence of banned pesticides, bacteria, mold, heavy metals, residual solvents and several other sector specific contaminants have plagued consumer confidence within this industry. Regulated and/or volunteer testing to determine the presence or absence of chemical and/or microbiological contaminants is necessary to restore credibility and ensure consumer safety. The second objective of this proposal will involve development of high throughput methods for accurate identification and quantification of low-level contaminants (i.e. pesticides, heavy metals…) for LPs. This part of the proposal will also contribute to informing public health decisions in this rapidly growing sector. Finally, this proposal will investigate innovative, green extraction technologies including supercritical CO2 extraction, to provide Ontario LPs with alternatives to conventional concentrates, which are often generated using toxic, flammable and/or explosive solvents. This project will provide Ontario LPs with access to an eco-system of resources and expertise to facilitate their role as leaders in this emerging sector. Approval of this proposal will provide the impetus for recruitment of highly qualified personnel and provide students with unparalleled opportunities for work-integrated learning.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies - Clean Technologies

Keywords: Medical Cannabis, Cannabinoids, Terpenes, Pesticides, Heavy Metals, Quality, Consistency, Safety, Clean Technologies

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

McMaster University Sherisse Webb Phone: 905-525-9140 x26946 Email: [email protected]

Khalid Al-Nedawi

Non-invasive Procedures for Diagnosis, and Prediction of Progression of Cancer and Other Diseases

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW There is a pressing necessity for a new non-invasive procedure for the diagnosis of cancer. Currently, we are validating a simple non-invasive method for diagnosis of prostate and breast cancer. The procedure is necessary for the detection of prostate cancer due to the reported lack of diagnostic and predictive value of the PSA test. PSA test is associated with overdiagnosis and overtreatment of low-risk patients and many cases of unnecessary biopsies. For breast cancer, the current procedure to identify the molecular subtypes of the disease, and recommend the treatment is dependent on biopsies. Biopsies reported to disseminating tumour cells, potentially contributing to the development of metastasis. Also, these procedures are associated with patient discomfort, pneumothorax that may lead to lung collapse, and many pathological changes in the breast tissue including hemorrhage, granulation/fibrous tissue, inflammation, and others. Our new non-invasive procedure has the potential to detect prostate cancer, and predict the disease progression or metastasis. Also, it could provide a new molecular staging system for prostate cancer. Regarding breast cancer, our new procedure provides an alternative non-invasive procedure to the currently used procedure of biopsies. The procedure is designed to use a small volume of patient’s peripheral blood to detect the tumor's molecular signature. Our data recently were filed as a provisional patent, and we are working with our collaborators and partners to take this technology to the next step. Our plans are to include other types of cancer, as well as other diseases, and possibly initiate a diagnostic company using this technology and others here in Ontario.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Microvesicles, Exosomes, Cancer, Organ Transplantation, Non-invasive Procedure, Blood Test, Diagnostics, Biomarkers

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

McMaster University Sherisse Webb Phone: 905-525-9140 x26946 Email: [email protected]

Mick Bhatia

Development of AML-Relapse Therapeutics (DART)

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW McMaster’s Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute proposes the Development of AML-Relapse Therapeutics (DART) program. DART’s mission is to tackle the unmet clinical need for therapies that prevent and combat cancer regrowth/relapse post standard chemotherapy through the development of identified novel candidate drugs. This mission has two goals: 1) Capitalize on private sector partners by further developing 2-3 novel anti-relapse candidate therapies, developed through research activities in Ontario. 2) Produce a unique set of highly qualified personnel (HQP) from current PhD students, and postdoctoral and medical fellows trained in “first-in-person” translational research working alongside industry partners. Many front-line therapies induce cancer remission but the current clinical problem is most often recurrence of disease post initial therapy. This is exemplified in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) where relapse post-intensive chemotherapy occurs in 70-80% of older patients. DART’s strategy is to address this clinical problem by rapidly developing new drugs and identify pathways that eradicate primitive cancer cells responsible for cancer regrowth post standard chemotherapy. Due to changes in the pharmaceutical industry’s Research & Development business model, there is a greater reliance on discoveries emerging from academic research to feed drug development pipelines. However, after a scientific manuscript has been published, academic discoveries require additional development to ready them for commercialization. DART aims to achieve this by capitalizing on years of prior Ontario investment in its assembled team, which has created unique assets in drug development technologies such as protected proprietary assays and cell lines; automated, high-content imaging; xenograft platforms using primary patient and healthy donor samples; and medicinal chemistry. These tools have directly resulted in identification of one clinical drug candidate that progressed to Phase I trial and identification of other leads, pre-clinical candidates, and targetable pathways selective for primitive AML cells. These candidate drug assets originate from 3 sources: 1) novel small, synthetic chemical probes; 2) novel natural products; and 3) reformulation and optimization of Thioridazine based on a successful Phase I trial completed by our group. DART will develop these novel anti-relapse candidates to move them towards further clinical impact. DART and its assembled national and provincial partners will add value to each candidate by customizing their respective development paths towards Phase 1 trial from the following approaches: target validation, analog generation and analysis; pharmacology; and efficacy testing using patient derived xenograft models. DART aims to use its in-depth experience in successfully delivering novel anti-cancer drug candidates identified through Ontario investment, to position for Phase 1 trial in relapsed AML patients. Our vision is to further overcome and eliminate the hurdles that prevent clinical development of anti-cancer compounds discovered in academic research. DART will contribute to Ontario’s leadership in the development of cutting-edge therapies for targeting cancer re-occurrence with a new generation of HQP experienced in moving research excellence to patient impact in Ontario.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Cancer Relapse, Therapeutics, Drug Development, Human Stem Cells

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

McMaster University Sherisse Webb Phone: 905-525-9140 x26946 Email: [email protected]

Eric Brown

Empowering Conventional Antibiotics with New Drug Leads targeting the Outer-membrane of Gram-negative Pathogens

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Public Health agencies around the globe have identified antimicrobial resistance as one of the most critical challenges of our time. A shrinking supply of new antibiotics make the development of new antibacterial therapies an urgent priority, especially for Gram-negative organisms, which make up 75% of the WHO’s recent list of priority pathogens of greatest threat to human health. Difficulty in eradicating Gram-negative organisms is largely due to their intrinsic resistance to many common antibiotics. To a large extent, the molecular architecture of their outer membrane is to blame, yet, to date, there are no clinically useful antibiotics that work by selectively disrupting this barrier. Standard antibiotic discovery approaches used by big pharma, while successful for some decades, have failed to deliver new drug classes in the last 30 years. Our team prides itself on the development of innovative screening platforms to access unique chemical matter often overlooked by pharma. Indeed, at the forefront of this proposal is a proprietary screening platform tailored to detect non-lethal molecules that perturb outer membrane architecture of Gram-negative bacteria. Such molecules not only afford opportunities as adjuvants to sensitize Gram-negative pathogens to conventional antibiotics, but also are likely to withstand bacterial resistance due to general membrane activity. In recent groundbreaking work, this platform identified a novel lead shown to have remarkable activity in combination with conventional antibiotics in murine models of infection caused by multi-drug resistant pathogens. Importantly, our observations to date suggest the lead is unaffected by current antibiotic resistance mechanisms. To this end, we propose to continue investigating detailed mechanistic studies of its action on the outer membrane. Further, we propose extensive optimization and preclinical studies with the ultimate goal of identifying a potent and efficacious antibacterial medicine that selectively targets the outer membrane of Gram-negative pathogens. In parallel to preclinical development of our lead, we propose to continue the search for outer membrane perturbants by interrogating some 500,000 synthetic small molecules and 10,000 natural product extracts via our screening platform. Our group is well positioned for such discovery efforts, with years of experience in high-throughput screening, mechanism of action studies, natural product isolation and characterization, and strong credentials in animal models of infection. Further, we will apply our extensive experience in studying the evolution and distribution of resistance throughout our discovery efforts to get ahead of resistance. Overall, we have assembled a multidisciplinary team of investigators to build on our momentum to address the resistance crisis by delivering a unique class of new antimicrobials that will transform the standard of care and ultimately benefit all Ontarians.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Drug Discovery, Antibiotic, Resistance, Medicinal Chemistry, Screening, Natural Products, Animal Models

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

McMaster University Sherisse Webb Phone: 905-525-9140 x26946 Email: [email protected]

Jamal Deen

Smart Home Technologies Towards Better Healthcare for the Elderly

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The $228 billion cost of health care in Canada in 2016 is expected to rise rapidly with aging population, according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information. Ontario Trillium Foundation reports that Ontario seniors aged 65 and over are expected to increase from 1.8 million in 2009, to 4.2 million by 2036. It also identified that enabling the elderly to age at home by using technology is an effective way to increase their quality-of-life while reducing healthcare costs. To address this need, several companies - Health Budd (Bosch), Telestation (Philips) and Genesis (Honeywell) - have developed home monitoring systems that include questionnaires administered by the individual or their caregiver about the use of peripheral devices such as pulse oximeters and blood pressure meters. Although promising, they assume familiarity of the elderly with the technology and active participation for effective functioning. Furthermore, they only infrequently measure a limited set of physiological parameters, which provides only a limited assessment of the individual’s health or the course of chronic diseases. McMaster is building the McMaster Intelligent Home Sensor Network facility (the “Smart House”) in Westdale. This facility will form the foundation for the research proposed in this ORF-RE application where we will develop technologies for continuous monitoring of physical and biochemical parameters associated with human health. We will integrate data from disparate sensors into a form relevant to health care professionals as well as develop secure data communication to health-care providers. We will also integrate social and psychological impact assessment of the technology and its use for effective uptake. The main themes of investigation include: Smart Sensing Systems: Systems using non-contact/video based sensing to locate individual(s) inside a home and use the data to analyze physical activity, fall and medication compliance. Smart Toilet: A one of a kind system to perform periodic biochemical urine analysis to detect infection, early signs of organ dysfunction, medication compliance, metabolic disorders and other chronic conditions will be developed. Smart Sleeping Environment: A unique sleep monitoring and environment management system will be developed to sense an individual’s quality of sleep and modify the environment to improve it. It will also be used to monitor chronic sleep disorders, sense breathing, heart rate and pulse. Multisensor Information Fusion, Software and Data Security: Technology to integrate disparate data streams from a variety of sensors and algorithms to integrate the data, identify early warning signs that may not be evident from a single sensor data and predict well-being or disease prognosis will be developed. Software techniques for the verification of security and privacy policies will be developed in compliance with Canadian regulatory standards. Human Aspects of Continuous In-home Sensing: The social and psychological response of patients and caregivers will be studied and used to design effective continuous sensing technologies. The effectiveness of these devices in improving health related quality- of-life of both patients and their caregivers as well as to mitigate unnecessary and costly interventions will be studied.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Smart Medical Home, Information Technology, Data Fusion & Security, Health Technology, Communications, Software

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

McMaster University Sherisse Webb Phone: 905-525-9140 x26946 Email: [email protected]

Sarah Dickson

Toolkit for Water Security Risks in Indigenous Communities

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Chronic water insecurity threatens lives, livelihoods, and culture in Indigenous communities and is a major component of Indigenous spirituality. This is demonstrated by the 127 drinking water advisories in effect across 80 communities in Canada (excluding British Columbia) as of December 2016. The long- term nature of many of these advisories indicates that current investments in water and wastewater infrastructure in First Nation communities are often ineffective. Small systems typically lack the financial and technical capacity to steward water resources appropriately. The threat posed to these communities is likely to escalate if not addressed, given global environmental change drivers (including climate change) and the impact of water security on social, economic, and environmental resilience and sustainability. Western science (WS) is insufficient to achieve sustainable solutions as it tends to view water as a commodity rather than a living resource, which represents the Indigenous approach. The proposed toolkit consists of a variety of tools that collectively assess social, cultural, physical, and economic elements of local water security through the melding of WS and Indigenous Knowledge (IK). However, it is the understanding and dissemination of local water security status within the community and to key stakeholders that will ultimately transform and restore Indigenous water stewardship. Translating the knowledge pertaining to local water security within and between communities is a critical step towards reconciliation and integrated social, economic, and environmental water management. As such, we propose to explore and develop toolkit design elements that will culminate in development of an open access on-line portal, capable of integrating a range of tools to identify, assess, and address a multitude of threats to water security. The tools will be integrated through a dashboard that will guide the user to gather and input qualitative and quantitative data and evidence. The back-end of the dashboard will represent a numerical evaluation process applied to all inputs in order to assess the threats, vulnerabilities, and opportunities, thereby weaving the story of local water security. This innovative portal will integrate the outputs from the different developed tools to provide an accessible visual representation of local water security that reflects both Western and Indigenous ways of knowing. In this manner, the portal will: i) ensure an effective mechanism for actualizing IK including the community’s water story; ii) facilitate comparative water security risk assessments over space and time; iii) provide a foundation for establishing community water security and stewardship through internal and external dialogues; iv) enable external partners to understand community-centered water security needs and opportunities; and v) assess the risks resulting from lack of water security as well as measures to ensure relevant community resilience. In line with other initiatives for water and sanitation, the expected tangible return on investment from the proposed toolkit is approximately five dollars for every dollar invested.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Water Security, Indigenous Knowledge, Risk Assessment, Community Resilience

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

McMaster University Sherisse Webb Phone: 905-525-9140 x26946 Email: [email protected]

Michelle Dion

Advancing the Frontier of Social Science Methodology

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Newspaper columnists decry a disconnect between what university professors teach their students and the skills needed in the labour force. Government initiatives challenge programmes to prove their worth in the academic market. Meanwhile, evidence-based policy (EBP) has gained importance in democratic governments’ efforts to improve policy effectiveness. While the natural sciences have an edge over the social sciences in certain discussions, like the science of climate change, the government’s priorities also create an opportunity for the Ontario social science community. The best policy analysis combines technical skills with appropriate substantive expertise. While economists have tended to dominate policy analysis in Canada, in many arenas, other social scientists, including political scientists, sociologists, and anthropologists, have appropriate substantive knowledge and theoretical viewpoints to provide pertinent analysis and evaluation of competing policy options. Furthermore, new and exciting types of data facilitate policy-relevant research are being produced at a startling rate,. The rapid changes in the types of evidence available and the renewed commitment to EBP create new opportunities for social scientists to contribute to effective policy making, but only if we have the research capacity and methodological skills to do so. This research project will identify the core competencies needed by the Ontario private and public sector labour market, with a focus on the quantitative and qualitative skills and training needed for social science graduates in fields that have not traditionally been at the leading edge of methodological research in Ontario. While critical and normative approaches are a traditional strength of Canadian social science, a better understanding of the needs around quantitative training in the social sciences will bring clear benefits to our disciplines and Ontario. First, understanding the needs for enhanced quantitative training can expand the capacity of the social sciences to be effective contributors to policy making and partners in large-scale multidisciplinary research projects. Second, understanding the barriers to and opportunities for enhanced training in quantitative social science methods, including new computational methods traditionally the domain on computer science, can help undergraduate and graduate students capitalize on trends in the public, private, and academic labour markets. Third, understanding the demand and how to improve the supply of sophisticated social science methodologists will ensure that Ontario researchers and students are equipped to contribute to leading edge research in our disciplines elsewhere.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Research Methodology, Big Data, Computational Social Science, Social Science Methodology, Quantitative Methods

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

McMaster University Sherisse Webb Phone: 905-525-9140 x26946 Email: [email protected]

Thomas Doyle

Intelligent Personalized Predictive Risk Monitoring for Medical Imaging Radiation Exposure

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW There is no question that medical imaging provides the insight to save lives. However, this imaging is often performed without a risk assessment of the effects of low-dose radiation to the individual. Medical imaging accounts for close to 50% of the human radiation exposure, but there are no healthcare information systems analyzing this available data. As a result, we have a limited understanding of the long-term effects of imaging induced radiation exposure on populations. Our multidisciplinary team proposes an intelligent personalized predictive analytic architecture to implement a privacy-aware, real- time risk monitoring system that updates and adapts its predictive algorithm. Implementing risk monitoring software protocol, thus allowing mobile personal health records, electronic health records, or at the point of traditional imaging referral, our algorithms will assess the individual’s cancer risk associated with medical imaging based upon their medical history. Our team is presently performing a retrospective study of the effects from medical imaging low dose radiation from the Hamilton Health Sciences health records from 2007 (HiREB 2012-C Approved). After considering current competing theories on the effects of low dose radiation exposure this large dataset will form the basis for training our predictive models that will stratify an individual by expected cancer risk using the population based model combined with the individual’s electronic health history. The current knowledge and risk-model on the effects of radiation exposure is still based on the 1945 Hiroshima nuclear bombing. More than 120,000 of Japanese atomic bomb survivors, exposed to less than 500 mSv, provides the most reliable statistic on Excess Relative Risk of mortality from solid cancers from acute low dose exposure. The Linear-No- Threshold hypothesis is the model currently used to evaluate cancer risk by extrapolation from high doses. But the effect of radiation-induced risk at doses between 10 and 100 mSv remains controversial and there is not enough epidemiological evidence to give a clear answer, therefore justifying the need for more research. In 2012 the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the “Bonn Call-for-Action,” which outlined ten key strategies for imaging- related radiation protection. Among these are the development of technological solutions for establishing data collection and analysis platforms and improved radiation benefit-risk-dialogue. The IAEA, WHO, United States FDA, European Society of Radiology, International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists, and the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors endorse the need for such a solution. Through the ORF-RE our team proposes to a) develop an adaptive, hierarchical, individualized predictive algorithm for radiation exposure risk, b) implement a distributed privacy-aware architecture supporting data collection and real-time risk assessment, and c) incorporate predictive model enhancement through continuous feedback. This research has significant potential for reducing health care costs, and lowering cancer occurrences. The team has expertise in medical imaging informatics, health data privacy management, and mobile predictive health analytics. This research will train HQP in the methods to develop models and tools for personalized predictive health analytics.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Machine Learning, Radiation Exposure, Medical Imaging, Personalized Medical Analytics, Cancer

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

McMaster University Sherisse Webb Phone: 905-525-9140 x26946 Email: [email protected]

James Dunn

Developing Digital Tools for Social Scientific Analysis of User Experience in Community & Health Service Settings

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Increasingly private, non-governmental and public sector organizations are seeking to better capture important elements of the ‘user experience’ for the purposes of better understanding how to make commercial, social and health services and environments more effective and enhance users’ satisfaction with such services and environments. The proposed research involves the use of a number of digital tools coupled with social scientific theoretical and methodological innovations to more effectively capture, analyse and communicate ‘user experiences’. In partnership with a company specializing in digital tools for user experience and community sentiment analytics, the research will develop a variety of digital tools for data collection, narrative analysis, insight verification, and intelligence communication for use in public, not-for-profit and private sector organizations. Key areas for application of the tools include urban development and neighbourhood quality, municipal community and social services, and patient experience in acute and community care settings.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: User Experience, Patient Satisfaction, Citizen Engagement, Community Sentiment, E- democracy, Community Development

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

McMaster University Sherisse Webb Phone: 905-525-9140 x26946 Email: [email protected]

Mo A Elbestawi

Additive Manufacturing of Customized Surgical Metallic Implants

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW While the implantation of biomaterials, such as titanium, has become common place in dentistry and joint replacement surgeries, between 10-15% of orthopaedic and 2% of dental implants that bond to bone still fail in service. Furthermore, patients suffering from malformations, or trauma resulting in unique bone defects, are often left without optimum implant fit when using standard-sized fixation devices. Therefore, there is a clear clinical need to develop technologies that can create both customizable and long-lasting implant devices. With instruments now capable of printing titanium, additive manufacturing, or 3D-printing, is a promising technology for such a purpose. However, there are a higher number of failures in 3D printed devices at the interfaces between implant and bone, often using general purpose metal 3D printers. These problems demonstrate the need for novel additive manufacturing technologies specifically developed for metallic implant applications, as well as a deeper understanding of their interaction with biological tissue. This project aims to develop new 3D-printing technologies that will ultimately reduce the risks to patient health and improve the quality of life for metal implant recipients. By working closely with key industrial partners in related manufacturing and metallurgical sectors, as well as biomedical and clinical end users, this project will address the needs of the customized implant marketplace. This will lead to advancements in research capabilities, training of a new generation of HQP, and societal benefits for Ontario. Given the increasing costs of medical care in Ontario, affordable solutions for implant technologies should be introduced to the market as quickly as possible. Therefore, the proposed research is well positioned to address the strategic needs of Ontario related to the development of customizable and long-lasting titanium implant devices.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Additive Manufacturing, Functionally Graded Biomaterials, Titanium, Biomechanics, Mechanical Properties, Microscopy

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

McMaster University Sherisse Webb Phone: 905-525-9140 x26946 Email: [email protected]

Wael El-Dakhakhni

Resilience of Ontario Water-Energy Infrastructure Systems under Hyper-Risks

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The overarching goal of this ORF-RE proposal is the enhancement of the Ontario power system (OPS) resilience by focusing on hydroelectricity infrastructure. This focus is substantiated by the multi- dimensional coupling between electric and water resource systems which may be responsible for the spreading of vulnerabilities from one system to the other, and thus creating system-level risks. More specifically, this proposal focuses on the production of hydroelectricity in Ontario and its disruptions under conditions of hyper risk and deep uncertainty. In such a context, OPS resilience will be achieved by future water/energy policies on investments in Ontario's critical infrastructure guided by an innovative OPS simulation tool (OPSIM), which is the main objective of this proposal. As such, the proposed work is expected to provide the most effective solutions to decision-makers tasked with the maintenance and retrofitting of existing Ontario hydroelectricity infrastructure, the construction of new infrastructure, and the development of best policies to operate both. OPSIM will be developed to identify emergent vulnerabilities within the water/energy systems––potentially responsible for system- level catastrophic events. The simulation will be performed on two levels, dedicated to the study of short- and long-lasting disruptions. In doing so, OPSIM will integrate readily available system-level information as well as new environmental and anthropogenic input data. OPSIM is thus expected to represent a comprehensive toolkit, with the capability of providing policy makers with solutions aligned with the Ontario government in terms of energy security, environmental protection, and climate change adaptation. Hydroelectricity is the single, largest, load-following source of energy in Ontario and a key element in the future of Ontario's clean energy and its security. Therefore, OPSIM will also be implemented to generate future scenarios, based on hydrological and climate models. OPSIM will thus provide decision makers with the key tool for the formulation of robust and adaptive policies: robustness will ensure satisfactory performance across a wide range of probable future states of the OPS; resilience will guarantee continued OPS operation under deep uncertainty, capable of accommodating changing and unforeseen conditions (potentially catastrophic events) and recover faster to pre-disaster (or better) conditions. These goals will be achieved via scenario-based planning, involving the simulation of a number of plausible (hydrological and climate change) scenarios in order to identify the strategies that will produce the best outcome in most cases. Conditions of deep uncertainty will be generated within OPSIM via advanced intelligent simulation processes, by utilizing both the simulation output and input information to tackle different sources of complexity. As such, OPSIM will be instrumental in the selection of the best OPS risk mitigation strategies as well as their impact on OPS, and on Ontario’s economy and security at large.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Infrastructure Resilience, Water-energy Systems, Hyper-risk, Deep Uncertainty

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

McMaster University Sherisse Webb Phone: 905-525-9140 x26946 Email: [email protected]

Ali Emadi

The Car of the Future

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW There is a fierce global competition to develop the next generation of cars. Rising fuel economy standards, economic concerns (price volatility and concomitant economic insecurity), environmental and public health concerns (climate change, harmful emissions, and sound pollution), and the consumer demand for improvement in performance, connectivity, and functionality provide the impetus for the automotive industry to seek new vehicle technologies. The most promising solution is based on the electrification of propulsion systems and the car of the future is electrified, cognitive, connected, sustainable, autonomous-capable, and personalized in real time as a mobile computing device leaving legacies behind us. There is in fact an evolving paradigm shift in the automotive industry toward more efficient, more reliable, safer, smarter, and higher performance electrified vehicles that are more environmentally friendly and have autonomous capabilities. However, major technical challenges for the mass commercialization of such vehicles include significant difficulties in developing vehicle platforms and powertrains that are cost-effective, highly efficient, and reliable. In this proposed project, the Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Hybrid Powertrain (the only CERC related to the automotive industry) is joining forces with a major automotive OEM to develop an exceptionally energy efficient and cost-effective cognitive next generation car. The proposed car of the future overcomes the above major challenges through (1) a unique and comprehensive system-level design and optimization approach, (2) an innovative powertrain, (3) novel components including electric motor, power electronics, and energy storage sub-systems, which are more efficient and lower cost than state-of-the-art technologies, (4) a superior cognitive and autonomous-capable vehicle control and energy management system, and (5) a modern vehicle system integration and packaging. The proposed car of the future is expected to outperform the best in class vehicles available today and, at the same time, achieve much higher energy efficiency at lower cost. McMaster University is uniquely positioned to lead this proposed project with the major automotive OEM. The importance of the automotive sector to the Canadian economy is recognized both at the Federal and Provincial levels and reflected in their investments at McMaster. These include several research institutes and centres including: McMaster Institute for Automotive Research and Technology (MacAUTO), the Centre for Mechatronics and Hybrid Technologies, Initiative for Automotive Manufacturing Innovation (IAMI), McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute, and Brockhouse Institute for Materials Research. Federal government support of world-class automotive researchers also includes: the $10M Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Hybrid Powertrain award that brought Dr. Emadi to Canada, the Automotive Partnership Canada (APC)-funded Network on Engineering Complex Software Intensive Systems for Automotive Systems (NECSIS), the APC-funded Leadership in Automotive Powertrain (LEAP) project, and the NSERC/Ford Canada Industrial Research Chair in Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Powertrain Diagnostics held by Dr. Habibi. The proposed project will be done at the new state-of-the-art McMaster Automotive Resource Centre (MARC).

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies - Clean Technologies

Keywords: Electric Vehicles, Hybrid Electric and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles, Electrified Powertrains, Power Electronics

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

McMaster University Sherisse Webb Phone: 905-525-9140 x26946 Email: [email protected]

David Emslie

Enabling Next-Generation Technological Devices through Novel Molecule-Based Thin Film Deposition Methods

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Technologies such as computer microprocessors, hard drives, flexible electronics, optical communications components, environmental sensors and electric vehicle batteries are expected to play an increasingly important role in the daily lives of Canadians, and the performance and function of these devices is dictated by the chemical composition of their component materials, the nanoscale structures of those materials, and their arrangement with respect to one another. Consequently, future device advances, including devices with entirely new capabilities or improved performance, can only be achieved by developing new materials and nanoscale structures, and methods for their creation. In this respect, two molecule-based techniques, which rely on alternating surface-based chemical reactions, stand out above the rest: Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) for metal-containing material (e.g. element, oxide and nitride) deposition, and Molecular Layer Deposition (MLD) for monodisperse surface-anchored polymer deposition. Unlike other techniques, ALD and MLD enable low temperature deposition of highly-uniform thin films (e.g. 1-250 nm) across the entirety of a surface, including within high aspect-ratio features and porous substrates. Additionally, the closely related technique of pulsed-Chemical Vapor Deposition (p- CVD) provides access to low-temperature thin film deposition and offers advantages when thicker films are required. The proposed research will bring together a team of chemists and engineers to apply the unique capabilities of ALD, MLD and p-CVD to the development of device-enabling materials and structures, and for the fabrication of technological devices with new and improved performance and function. The areas in which ALD/MLD/p-CVD promise to provide unique advantages (all areas of focus for the team) range from microelectronics to flexible electronics, optical communications, sensors, lasers, and electric vehicle batteries. However, while ALD/MLD/p-CVD methods have been developed for some materials, they are not yet available for many others, because reactions between different pairs of molecules are required to generate each new material, and in many cases, suitable precursor molecules, reactions and methods have yet to be conceived. Consequently, the assembled team includes: inorganic chemists whose research will focus on the development of novel ALD/p-CVD precursor molecules and reactions to enable deposition of currently inaccessible materials required by team members and partners; organic/polymer chemists who will develop new MLD reactions and apply them to flexible electronic and sensor device fabrication; a computational chemist to provide detailed insight into new ALD/p-CVD precursors and reaction pathways; and materials chemists / engineers to construct electric vehicle battery, environmental sensor, LED, and optical communications devices utilizing existing and new ALD methods. The research will enhance Ontario's reputation as a hub of technology innovation, training HQP in critical and emerging techniques at the interface between chemistry and engineering. This will be achieved through partnerships of the research team with Ontario and global industry leaders in the field, and will serve to attract and retain the highest quality HQP. Benefits to Ontario will also stem from new commercialization opportunities and societal benefits resulting from improvements in the performance of the target technological devices.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Atomic/Molecular Layer Deposition, Pulsed-Chemical Vapor Deposition, Method Development, Device Fabrication

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

McMaster University Sherisse Webb Phone: 905-525-9140 x26946 Email: [email protected]

Melinda Gough

Engendering the Stage: Performing Women in the Age of Shakespeare and Beyond

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Our research focus is the effect of early modern women’s performance – a well-documented yet often critically neglected phenomenon – on the writing, staging, and acting of Renaissance drama in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries and our current moment. Working in partnership with creative institutions, professional actors, and educational programmes in Ontario and internationally, our collaboration aims to generate a deepened understanding in academic, performance, and public spheres of well-known plays by Shakespeare and contemporaries as well as a new set of approaches to playhouse practice. By accounting for early modern women's theatrical activities in England and on the European continent, and by integrating Performance as Research (PaR) into textual and archival research, we seek to initiate a larger rethinking of early theatre history. Our team is particularly interested in the consequences of new understandings regarding women’s theatre history for present-day “classical theatre” practice. Our project will therefore bridge academic communities with creative theatre industries in Ontario and the UK, as well as contemporary public audiences for whom Shakespearean theatre still holds fascination, to explore how present-day performance, and audience engagement, might alter in light of a focus on women’s performance traditions. Key elements of the proposal will include the training of students and postdocs in conjunction with the development of a multipart web resource, a jointly sponsored international conference, collaborative research/performance workshops with academics and theatre practitioners, public outreach and education events, youth engagement through work with school drama programs, a special issue of a peer-reviewed journal, and a co-edited book.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Early Modern Theatre, Renaissance Drama, Gender Studies, Performing Arts, Performance as Research, Transnational

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

McMaster University Sherisse Webb Phone: 905-525-9140 x26946 Email: [email protected]

Elkafi Hassini

Big Data Analytics for Smart Freight Transportation and Logistics

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The transportation and logistics sector employs close to a million workers in different occupations and industries. It is one of the most essential sectors of the Canadian economy; it serves as the economic engine for the other sectors and while manufacturing jobs may be outsourced, logistics and transportation jobs are here to stay. Thus, it is not surprising to find that the Ontario government is budgeting historical levels of spending on transportation infrastructure, including $49.8 billion for transit, highways, and bridges in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. Among the major impactful transportation activities are goods movement. While goods movement is important to economic prosperity, it should not come at the expense of the quality of public transit and the environment. The increase in goods movement has contributed to growth in the economy which leads to competing demands for land and road use: on the one hand businesses prefer the creation of logistics parks and business-friendly parking policies, on the other hand residents prefer availability of bike lanes and recreational facilities. With the growth of e- commerce and last mile delivery, customers are expecting same day home delivery. It is therefore expected that there will be more urban congestion, increased emissions and illegal parking. The industry is exploring innovative technologies such as automated truck and drone deliveries and have realized the need for multidisciplinary teams and government-university research partnerships in this area. At the same time some local governments are developing their goods movement strategies and have identified the lack and urgent need for research in this area. Big data analytics has been touted by many industry leaders as the next frontier for innovation and productivity. The employment growth in big data analytics is predicted to be the largest among all occupations in Canada. According to Canada’s Big Data Consortium, there is an estimated shortage of 10,500 to 19,000 graduates with advanced big data analytics skills and a further 150,000 for those with business analytics skills in 2018. This proposal addresses this skills gap in a sector that is critical to the Canadian economy. The impact of big data is not limited to industry. It is also having a transforming impact on the way research is conducted and knowledge is discovered in all disciplines. Thus we see novel approaches that use data-driven and data- intensive methods for knowledge discovery, especially in large scientific interdisciplinary projects. These challenges call for collaboration between the public and private sectors. They also call for both policy and innovative technology solutions. The universities can play a critical role in this regard given their mandate to be unbiased, innovative and evidence-based, while at the same time removed from political pressures. We propose to establish a multidisciplinary multi-platform approach that will see three universities working together with all levels of government and key industry partners to develop innovative solutions for goods movement that will unlock the potential of Ontario to be the leader in smart freight transportation in Canada.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Goods Movement

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

McMaster University Sherisse Webb Phone: 905-525-9140 x26946 Email: [email protected]

Thia Kirubarajan

Information Fusion for Intelligent Vehicles and Transportation Systems

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW With ubiquitous smart phones, surveillance cameras on streets and highways, and safety cameras mounted on most recent cars, large amounts of high resolution, high frame-rate multimedia data are available for processing. One particular challenge that is common in automotive and transportation applications is the need to identify and track moving objects and classify their motion patterns. The pursuit of smart and self-driving cars has generated significant interest in vehicle-to-vehicle tracking using multimodal video data using infrared and visible-spectrum cameras combined with laser and radar detectors. Intelligent highway systems use a large number of cameras to track the motion of vehicles to automatically change speed limits, open or close exit ramps and ameliorate traffic congestion. Thus, it is of great interest to track multiple objects using multimodal video data. This is precisely the objective of the proposed research project. In this project, we aim to develop: 1) New algorithms for information fusion, target tracking and driving-environment mapping in order to improve the safety features of human-driven automotive vehicles and to succeed in the quest for self-driving ones. In collaboration with an automotive manufacturer, we propose to develop multisensor-multitarget tracking algorithms that can precisely estimate the locations of other vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians using multimodal video, radar and lidar sensors. In addition, we aim to develop algorithms to map the surroundings of a moving vehicle in order to facilitate automated detection of drivable areas, identification and classification of other moving objects in the surrounding, and identification of small obstacles. Since the objective is to facilitate the integration of fusion and tracking algorithms into mass-produced vehicles, computational complexity is a major issue. This will be specifically addressed in this project as well. 2) Novel high precision imaging sensors that are especially designed for automotive and transportation applications. 3) Hardware implementations of the new algorithms to facilitate integration into real-time systems. The plan is to provide an end-to-end solution, from sensors to algorithms to hardware, for precision video tracking using multimodal cameras. The proposed work will significantly advance the state-of-the-art in smart and self-driving cars and train highly qualified personnel in Ontario with particular expertise in tracking and fusion for automotive and transportation industries. It will also ensure that Ontario remains a leader in automotive industry even in the era of smart and self-driving vehicles. In partnership with leading companies and government agencies, we plan to transition and commercialize the intellectual property resulting from this project and integrate our sensors, algorithms and hardware into fielded systems.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Object Tracking, Video Tracking, Information Fusion, Intelligent Vehicles, Intelligent Highways, Sensors

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

McMaster University Sherisse Webb Phone: 905-525-9140 x26946 Email: [email protected]

David Koff

Portable Dual Energy X-ray for Imaging In-dwelling Devices in the ICU

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW X-ray procedures are time and cost efficient. Although CT offers better visualization than a traditional chest X-ray, CT throughput is a fraction of that of chest X-rays and the amount of radiation that patients receive can be 10-100X more, increasing the risk of cancer. More importantly, unlike digital chest X-ray, CT is not portable and thus inaccessible to patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Multi-spectral (also called dual-energy) X-ray imagers are an emerging technology, that improve the visualization of chest X- rays. Dual Energy X-rays use different X-ray energies to differentiate between materials with different densities e.g. bone and soft tissue. Over the past three decades, dual energy has been demonstrated to highlight indeterminate pulmonary nodules or even indwelling devices like catheters more effectively than conventional chest X-ray. This is potentially valuable in locations such as the ICU where many preventable errors occur due to misplacement of in-dwelling devices. However, like CT, dual energy digital X-ray systems are also not portable because they require a custom fast kVp switching X-ray generator and a fixed geometry that is not amenable to mobile imaging in the ICU. KA Imaging, a Canadian medical devices start-up has developed next generation multi-spectral technology (called triple energy) that improves on conventional dual-energy technology by (1) reducing the number of X-ray exposures to acquire the image, (2) eliminating motion artifact in the image, (3) enabling better spectral separation between the high and low energies and (4) most importantly, a portable detector format that does not require a custom fast kVp generator and works with conventional mobile X-ray generators that already exist in ICUs. In this research, we propose to (1) optimize the spectral response of the triple energy detector for detecting in-dwelling devices in the ICU (2) develop software to visualize a multi- energy image and (3) carry out initial studies on animals and medical phantoms to validate the technology.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: X-Ray, Dual Energy, Intensive Care, Image Quality

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

McMaster University Sherisse Webb Phone: 905-525-9140 x26946 Email: [email protected]

Martin Kolb

Ontario Center for Chronic Lung Disease (OCCLD)

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The Ontario Center for Chronic Lung Disease (OCCLD) will establish a clinical investigations unit and a contract research operation for preclinical discovery. Chronic lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and idiopathic pulmonary lung fibrosis (IPF) are major drivers of morbidity and mortality in Ontario. These disorders are much more prevalent in older adults (>55 yrs) and will become increasingly frequent due to demographic change. Both COPD and IPF are characterized by periods of stable or slowly progressive disease punctuated by episodes of acute exacerbations. Acute exacerbations are often triggered by infections, both viral and bacterial, and frequently result in hospital admission and declining function. Ages increases the risk of having an exacerbation due to changes in in the structure and function of airways and lung parenchyma, alterations of their immune system, and shifts in the lung and gut microbiome, but we do not understand this interplay well enough to develop appropriate interventions. Our team of clinicians, clinician scientists, and basic researchers have expertise in clinical lung research, mechanisms of aging, immunology and the microbiome, and have established programs in preclinical, translational and early clinical research. We are uniquely positioned to revolutionize detection, early management, and therapeutic interventions in chronic lung diseases. The translational and clinical team will facilitate validation of novel biomarkers in well-characterized clinical cohorts of COPD and IPF patients and provide a platform for early clinical testing of novel treatments both during slowly progressive disease and acute exacerbations. The preclinical team will uncover mechanisms of increased susceptibility to infections and develop novel therapeutic interventions that are tailored to the age of the host. Unique assets at McMaster include the pre-clinical studies in aging lab (www.psal.ca), the cigarette smoke exposure facility for rodents, lung fibrosis models, an airway inflammometry laboratory and microbiome and metagenome analysis of the upper respiratory tract and lung microbiota for identification of non-conventional pathogens and polymicrobial infections. The preclinical aims will identify novel treatment targets and biomarkers of exacerbation. OCCLD investigators have existing partnerships with industry who have repeatedly expressed the high value of such a centre for development of novel markers of disease activity and for novel drugs. The centre will be based at the Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health at St. Joseph’s Healthcare, a tertiary centre that services more than 40,000 patients with lung diseases each year. The OCCLD will provide a “one stop shop” to (1) identify novel biomarkers and diagnostic tools with a high commercialization potential; (2) identify unique patient cohorts that will stimulate the expansion of clinical trial research facilities and create new in-patient facilities; (3) facilitate development of intellectual property and resultant spin-off companies; (4) broaden expertise and infrastructure in relevant experimental disease models; and (5) create state-of-the-art training facilities, attracting the best and brightest to respiratory research and health care in Ontario. The OCCLD will improve respiratory health and promote economic development in Ontario, attracting major investment from the pharmaceutical industry to McMaster and Ontario.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Respirology, Clinical Investigations, Aging/Elderly, COPD, Drug Discovery, Fibrosis

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

McMaster University Sherisse Webb Phone: 905-525-9140 x26946 Email: [email protected]

Mark Lawford

Enabling Safe and Secure Next-Generation Driving Systems

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW We propose a research program to develop rigorous methods and tools for the development of certifiably dependable, safe and secure next-generation driving systems. The automotive industry is undergoing tremendous change with the ongoing development of next-generation driving systems, including both autonomous and electrified vehicles. Next-generation driving systems offer the exciting opportunity to, for example, improve driving safety, reduce emissions and increase energy efficiency. The stakes are high, however, as automobile manufacturers must protect their reputations and market share while implementing complex new technologies and launching radically new product lines. Autonomous and electrified vehicles are highly complex systems in which physical, computational and communications components interact in synergistic ways and in real time. System properties emerge from the interaction of physical, computational and communications components, and interfaces between components may be data, physical or both. To cope with the increasing complexity of automotive systems, automotive manufacturers need rigorous new tools and methods that will ensure software-intensive systems’ reliability, quality, and especially safety. We propose a research program to comprehensively develop new design tools and methods that will integrate the management of dependable, safe and secure attributes into the engineering design process of next-generation driving systems. We will address the challenges associated with high complexity, open systems, emergent behavior, use of communications links, complex requirements specifications and the potential for malicious intrusions. Our research program will encompass architectural design strategies, initial and incremental assurance, operational validation of certification assumptions, virtual modeling and component certification.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies - Clean Technologies

Keywords: Safety, Security, Software Engineering, Autonomous Vehicles, Electrified Vehicles, Automotive

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

McMaster University Sherisse Webb Phone: 905-525-9140 x26946 Email: [email protected]

Nathan Margarvey

Machine Mining of Microbiomes

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Traditionally, the surveying of microorganisms from natural environments (primarily soil), to identify natural small molecules having biotechnological and pharmaceutical potential, has relied on the use of very labour-intensive methodologies. Although these approaches yield results, they require a considerable consumption of time and are relatively inefficient, often leading to the isolation of inactive molecules or the re-discovery of those already known. We now have learned much regarding the production of such bioactive metabolites by microorganisms, and using computational algorithms and ‘Big Data’ tools, we are able to predict, with a high degree of accuracy, biosynthetic gene clusters from microbial genomes that reside in a range of environments (‘microbiomes’), implementing a much more targeted approach to the discovery of novel natural products. This allows for the surveying of large microbiomes in an efficient manner, driven not by random chance, but through leveraging sound genetic evidence. Moreover, our refined techniques for the cultivation of rare members of microbiomes has unlocked a large cohort of microorganisms that we are able to survey with these tools. Candidate microbes selected from our analyses are then pushed through our streamlined high-throughput natural product isolation and characterization workflow. Genome mining offers a tremendous opportunity to explore microbes not previously interrogated. In humans, for example, the important role microorganisms that reside on or within the body (‘human microbiome’) have in effecting human health is well established; however, the molecular players involved remain largely unknown. Unravelling the metabolic-potential of the human microbiome will provide the genetic blueprint upon which to drive new studies into the molecular mechanisms underlying human health, and fuel the development of novel biotherapeutics. One of the aims of this ORF-RE is to deploy our tools and technologies to unlock the therapeutic potential of the microbiome. The human microbiome has also increasingly been realized as a biomarker for the effectiveness of pharmaceutical agents. Often, when diverse populations are subject to therapeutic interventions, there exists varying degrees of effectiveness of the molecules among patients. It is now realized that within these patient populations, they often can be stratified according to their microbiome, and that the biological ‘signatures’ of each microbiome can serve as a metric to define which patient populations will respond to the treatment. Using additional informatics tools that we have engineered, we are now able to perform in-depth metabolic surveys, to define such human microbiome-derived biomarkers, and facilitate the delivery of more personalized medicine (selecting patients who will respond favourably to treatments) and assist in drug development in trials for experimental medicines. Creation of technology platforms that will create this efficiency will be developed, to provide data-driven approaches that will have translational potential in experimental medicine and therapeutic interventions of Canadians.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Microbiome, Bioactive Products, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Personalized Medicine, Metabolomics

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

McMaster University Sherisse Webb Phone: 905-525-9140 x26946 Email: [email protected]

Fiona McNeill

Radiation Advanced Detection for Risk and Environmental Monitoring (RADREM)

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Nuclear power provides 60% of Ontario's electrical power. The Ontario government's Long Term Energy Plan includes decommissioning the Pickering nuclear station and refurbishing the Darlington and Bruce reactors. Ontario recently announced agreements with Bruce Power (December 3rd, 2015) and with Ontario Power Generation (OPG) (January 11th 2016) to carry out $28 billion worth of refurbishment of nuclear stations, and agreed that Pickering station will stop generating electricity in 2024. During decommissioning and refurbishment all or parts of a nuclear facility may be demolished or replaced. Bruce Power and OPG already have approved plans and excellent work practices in place to manage this work, and prevent exposure, but new technology, methods and knowledge can assist to improve safety and minimise worker and environmental exposures. Although risks are low, there is potential for people and animals to be exposed to radiation. Workers will physically cut apart the plant, including sections of the plant or equipment constructed from concrete or metals which may contain a wide range of radioactive materials. Normally, the radioactivity is contained within those materials, but there is a risk of release during machining operations or as sealed structures are opened. The materials and the range of radioisotopes that may be released differ from those encountered in normal station operations. As workers demolish or disassemble the plant or equipment there is the potential to create radioactive dust or vapour which can become airborne. Dust in the air could expose workers' skin, and they can also inhale it and expose their lungs, or ingest it, in which case radioactive materials can be passed into blood and thus to bone, liver, kidneys and bladder. The airborne dust or vapour could potentially be dispersed by wind across large areas. This means that the larger human populations who live and work near the stations, as well as the animals living nearby, could also be exposed to radioactivity. If the dust settles onto land and contains soluble materials, radioactive elements may end up in the watershed. Ontario's nuclear generating stations are sited on the shorelines of lakes, so this contaminated water could end up in the Great Lakes. Fish and other animals could ingest radioactive material from contaminated water, creating another exposure path for people who eat the fish. This project will allow a world class detector development group to develop new state-of-the art radiation dosimetry and detection technology. Industrial partners will ensure this development is focused on the specialized requirements of decommissioning and refurbishment activity. The contributions of Canada's top experts in assessing heavy metal uptake in bone will improve our understanding of the effects on people and animals of the specific types of radioactivity that can be released in decommissioning and refurbishment; they will also investigate how long-lived radioactive elements remain in the body, and the potential consequences. World-leading radiation biologists will improve our understanding of the biological effects of potential low doses from refurbishment and decommissioning operations, focusing on the potential effects on people and wild life in the Great Lakes region. Together these researchers will better define the risks from low radiation exposures and create tools to help this important industry protect the people and environment of Ontario.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies - Clean Technologies

Keywords: Radiation Detection, Radiation Dosimetry, Biokinetic Modelling, Low Dose Radiobiology, Radiation Bystander Effect

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

McMaster University Sherisse Webb Phone: 905-525-9140 x26946 Email: [email protected]

Greig Mordue

Building and Aligning Advanced Manufacturing Policy Tools

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW A. Background and Context: In Ontario, two forces are transforming manufacturing processes and manufacturers’ business models. They are: 1. Disruptive technology … like artificial intelligence, 3D printing, vehicle autonomy, IoT and Industry 4.0. 2. Political-economic-social change … including the growth of insular, protective forces in the US and Europe, as well the new partnerships elsewhere. The changes are occurring at unprecedented rates. As the process unfolds, individuals, companies and institutions – sometimes entire communities – must adapt. B. Research Focus: From this, important research questions emerge. For example: • How can policy tools affect manufacturers, communities and individuals and their ability to respond? • What happens if disruptive technologies replace jobs at a quicker rate than it generates them? • What transformations represent opportunity; which ones are threats; how can policy facilitate the transition? C. Guiding Principles: Our work will be both theoretical and applied, guided by the principles that it be foundational, interdisciplinary and anticipatory.1. Foundational: Presently, big investments are being made to place Canada and Ontario at the forefront of the science associated with emerging, disruptive technologies (i.e. those described above). Institutions, organizations and individuals are being funded to develop HQP, issue patents and enhance technological capability. Just as important, however, is the social science, how should we organize the overlapping ventures? What are other jurisdictions doing to influence (and leverage) the direction? How will our companies, communities and individuals adapt? Devoid of the kind of foundational work we propose, Ontario and Canada risks doing a myriad of good and expensive “projects” rather than implementing a sound and strategic plan; one informed by the type of research we propose. 2. Interdisciplinary: While we believe that social scientists have a necessary role in the development of a path forward, we recognize the imperative of close alignment with the engineering and scientific communities. Therefore, it is our intention to develop a network and undertake projects that bring together researchers from both communities. Doing so will support improved synthesis of knowledge and concepts, enabling improved collaboration and heightened theoretical and applied significance. 3. Anticipatory: While we will react to issues and problems as they arise, we also recognize that it is important to anticipate issues or opportunities in advance. Our goal will be to inform policy in a pre-emptive manner, facilitating rational, evidence-based economic, industrial and social policy. D. HQP and Knowledge Mobilization: Through our network, we will contribute to debates and discussion about the policy tools to support advanced manufacturing. The effect will be that Ontario has enhanced research and policy making capability in this important sector. As well, by engaging HQP we will support enduring capability. Our goal is to become an essential source of advice for policy makers and industry. To that end, we will convene seminars and conferences, involving a mix of academics, industry partners and local, provincial and federal government partners. We will provide venues for researchers and others to share perspective and build partnerships with those engaged in the engineering and technical research fields associated with these sectors.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Industrial Policy, Advanced Manufacturing, Automotive, Aerospace, Skills Planning, Technology, International Trade Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

McMaster University Sherisse Webb Phone: 905-525-9140 x26946 Email: [email protected]

Ishwar Puri

Holistic Approaches to Data Centre Design

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The computing needs of society heavily tax our financial, energy and environmental resources. The load is growing uncontrollably due to the rapid proliferation of data centres (DCs), which account for more than 1% of the energy consumed in Canada and 3% globally. This fraction rises every year and is accompanied by the widespread use of archaic designs and other inadequacies inherited from previous generations of computers. Currently there is a wide disconnect between the significant design improvements in IT equipment made over the past decades and the relatively stagnant approaches to the mechanical and other support facility designs required for DC operation. We will develop a holistic design approach to address this disconnect by coupling DC facility design with the IT equipment that it houses. Further, our project will lead to fundamental innovations in the hardware and software used in DCs, e.g., novel means for heat removal, intelligent control systems for load distribution and real-time data analysis for predictive maintenance. These components will foster a new paradigm of DC architecture, enabling highly profitable yet environmentally responsible computing practices. These innovations will be prototyped and validated in an in-house purpose built DC. Our results promise to reduce the energy consumption of future DCs by 50% and existing DCs by 25%.The project will be housed at the Computing Infrastructure Research Centre (CIRC), which is Canada’s first data centre focused research unit. CIRC houses unique facilities for such work, e.g., a flexible DC that is specifically designed to probe the impacts of new technology on performance and resource utilization. The first of its kind in Canada and among very few globally, the facility will enable rapid pilot tests. This is a critical enabler for DC innovations. It will position Ontario as a leader in this rapidly growing industry, attracting businesses and experts of international repute. Further, the research findings will be commercialized exclusively through Ontario based manufacturing, design and service organizations. This will generate a large number of high-skill jobs and significant revenues, both domestic and export. The project will also train the next generation of leaders in the DC space catering to a rapidly expanding marketplace.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Data Centre, Server Farm, Cloud Computing, Internet, Information Technology, Smart Building

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

McMaster University Sherisse Webb Phone: 905-525-9140 x26946 Email: [email protected]

Saiedeh Razavi

Connected Mobility for Ontario: Safety, Mobility, and Environmental Impacts Assessment

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Connected mobility is a combination of systems and services, allowing vehicles to communicate to the surrounding environment (V2X). Connected mobility is anticipated to create a paradigm shift in the transportation system by efficiently utilizing resources, enhancing traffic safety, reducing transportation GHG emissions, and reducing travel time and congestion. The primary objective of the proposed research is to examine the effects of connected mobility on travel time, traffic congestion, energy use, safety, and the environment through evidence-based multi-agent network-based simulations of cars, pedestrians, cyclists, and infrastructure for the province of Ontario. Driver’s compliance and behaviour in interaction with technologies will also be studied and integrated into the models. Several scenarios are to be considered to account for different traffic environments (e.g. highways, arterials, and collectors), different levels of uptake of private and shared connected mobility, and drivers’ diversity in age, gender, and ability. The project will build on existing, well-established auto and transportation sector partnerships and leverage expertise in multiple disciplines of transportation modeling, vehicle design, travel behaviour, wireless communication, behavioural and eye-tracking research, communication and multi-media research, and sensors. McMaster University, more particularly its Institute for Transportation Logistics (MITL), is well positioned to take the lead on such an initiative and in collaboration with other universities in Ontario. Outcomes of this research provide unbiased information for decision makers at all levels of government and private sector as well for analysts and designers of connected mobility systems and services. The research results and evidence will also identify opportunities and barriers and can successfully inform policy and practice for an improved connected mobility in Ontario.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Transportation Modeling, Travel Behavior, Wireless Communication, Vehicle Design, Driver's Behavior; and Sensors

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

McMaster University Sherisse Webb Phone: 905-525-9140 x26946 Email: [email protected]

Henry Siu

Evaluating Drug Administration Monitoring Technology to Improve the Health and Safety of Community-dwelling Elderly

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Medication optimization devices (e.g. Blister packs and dosettes) can simplify how a patient takes their medications, however they do not provide real-time information on how pills are actually taken. Furthermore, objective information on how a patient takes their medications is often not available to their primary care team. This knowledge gap on how a person actually uses their medications can lead to unanticipated adverse drug events, inappropriate prescribing, increased healthcare costs through increased emergency department visits and hospital admissions, and reduced patient quality of life. By making this previously unavailable information about patient medication behaviours known to primary care, it is hoped that all of these potential negative outcomes can be mitigated, while improving patient engagement and self-care around medication use. The objective of this proposal is to develop and evaluate a novel electronic medication administration device (AKA Karie) created by AceAge. Karie would provide an innovative new method of coordinating systems for simplifying medication use, identifying non- adherence and potential side effects. In addition, this proposal would seek to fully develop Karie with features that could offer increased personal health monitoring and foster new methods of communication with the patient’s primary care team, pharmacy and caregivers; this would provide invaluable patient health information to the primary care team, as well as serve to expand the future market potential for this device. Evaluation of this device will focus on device feature functionality and usability, as well as a rigorous assessment of the device’s impact on health outcomes and societal and economic costs in multiple patient populations through a randomized control trial.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies - Clean Technologies

Keywords: Medication Adherence, Patient Empowerment, Adverse Drug Event, Patient-centred, Technology, In-home Monitoring

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

McMaster University Sherisse Webb Phone: 905-525-9140 x26946 Email: [email protected]

Harald Stover

Enhanced Cell-based Therapies for Diabetes

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW This project will develop functional cell-based therapies for insulin-dependant Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), as well as means to slow the progression of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). The work will be based on merging state-of-the art components: 1. State-of-the-art immuno-protection and retention of donor and stem cell- derived beta-like cells within crosslinked but semi-permeable hydrogel capsules. 2. Best-in-class artificial pre-vascularized subcutaneous transplant sites to ensure close connection of the encapsulated cells to the hosts’ circulatory system. The project will have access to state-of-the-art glucose-sensing, insulin-releasing cells, and will involve immunological support to further improve capsule properties through monitoring of host responses. Diabetes is recognized by the WHO as a growing global epidemic, and has significant economic and health impact for Ontarians. Current cell-based therapies have promise to replace multiple daily insulin injections (T1D), and to help preserve beta-cell mass (T2D), but face critical shortages of donor-derived Islets of Langerhans, and serious side effects from life-long immuno-suppression of the patient. Successful transplantation of donor and stem-cell derived beta-like cells, physically immuno-isolated in semipermeable polymer capsules, into a pre-vascularized transplant site, would represent a cure for T1D and possibly T2D. This challenge requires a merger of several components: effective glucose-sensing, insulin-releasing beta cells; permanent encapsulation of these cells within robust yet semipermeable microcapsules; transplantation into a highly vascularized site to ensure good oxygen supply and rapid response to blood sugar levels; and advanced immunology to prevent the primary immune-recognition of the transplanted capsules rather than systemically suppress the hosts’ immune response. This project links a team of recognized researchers with expertise in polymer cell encapsulation, beta cells and animal models of Diabetes, immunology, and clinical treatment of Diabetes; with an Ontario company dedicated to developing cell-based therapies for Diabetes and a stem cell group. Specifically, Stöver has developed crosslinked polymer capsules that protect transplanted cells from immune recognition within non- immunogenic, semi-permeable polymer membranes. Our team also includes expertise in animal models for T1D and T2D, and has demonstrated encapsulation of INS-1E (beta-type) cells. Our team further includes expertise in immunology to help monitor the host response to transplanted capsules, and expertise in clinical Diabetes therapies. Our private sector sponsor is fully dedicated to developing cell- based therapies for Diabetes, and brings critical expertise and proprietary technologies to the project, including devices that help form superior pre-vascularized transplantation sites, and access to transplantable glucose-sensing insulin-releasing cells.The combination of our University and private sector technologies promises to lead to integrated, functional therapies for insulin-dependent Diabetes.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Cell Microencapsulation, Physical Cell Immuno-isolation, Therapeutic Cell Transplantation, Glucose Homeostasis

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

McMaster University Sherisse Webb Phone: 905-525-9140 x26946 Email: [email protected]

Christopher L.E. Swartz

Integrating Design, Optimization and Control for Process Flexibility and Responsiveness

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Process manufacturing industries are operating in an increasingly challenging environment, driven by factors such as globalization (with associated market competition, volatility and demand variation), increased utility costs, uncertainty in raw material availability and quality, and tightening environmental constraints. Uncertainty can be mitigated and responsiveness achieved through both the design and operation of processes using methodologies that take these characteristics directly into account. For example, the power generation landscape in Ontario, and many other jurisdictions across the globe, has changed in recent years, with current electricity costs characterized by both variation and uncertainty. Manufacturing plants can gain significant benefit by responding rapidly and optimally to such variation, requiring appropriate decision support and control systems. Rapid response to customer demand variation, and adaptability in the face of market volatility, are similarly beneficial. Since the operation of a process is significantly impacted by its design, the operation and design should be simultaneously considered when uncertainty handling and responsiveness strategies are devised. Operational decision making in industrial process plants typically follows a hierarchical structure, with longer term planning decisions at the upper layer to higher frequency control actions at the lower level. The complexity of the decision making system with its associated range of time scales needs to be appropriately accounted for in the development of uncertainty mitigating mechanisms. Increased availability of sensor, communication, data analytics and computing technologies has now made it possible to resolve the longstanding issue of addressing uncertainty and responsiveness in a holistic manner. The resolution of this problem is only possible through the concerted efforts of experts in the areas of design, operation and control, with technologies specifically positioned at the interface of these areas. This proposal presents a synergistic effort to address uncertainty and provide responsiveness through integrated design, optimization and control. This will be accomplished through the development of optimization-based design methodologies, decision support systems and control algorithms that utilize novel mathematical formulations and computational solution strategies. The research will be developed within the context of applications spanning a range of industries, with clean technology and energy efficient operation playing a key role. This will lead to more flexible and responsive processes with increased profitability, energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact. The university researchers have strong research expertise in the technology areas required for successful execution of the proposed project, and have an established track record of industrial research collaboration. Personnel from the participating companies will contribute their expertise and experience in industrial operations, their knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of current technologies for plant operation and design, and operating data. The new technologies developed will be adopted not only by the partner companies, but will be available to all process manufacturing industries across Ontario, with benefits to both the economy and environment.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Process Design, Control, Optimization, Flexibility, Responsiveness, Uncertainty, Clean Technology

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

McMaster University Sherisse Webb Phone: 905-525-9140 x26946 Email: [email protected]

Stephen Veldhuis

High Performance Manufacturing (HPM)

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Manufacturing, a significant generator of wealth in Ontario, is currently under tremendous competitive pressure. To address this within a global context, it is crucial to develop and leverage advanced materials and manufacturing knowledge and expertise to achieve world-class levels of productivity, quality, cost competitiveness and product innovation. Manufacturing processes and machining, in particular, subjects materials to extreme conditions providing a unique opportunity to gain basic knowledge related to materials and apply the knowledge gained to directly address industries’ competitiveness and ability to innovate. Recent innovations and long term strategic investments in McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute’s (MMRI) expertise, instrumentation and industry scale equipment in hard-wear resistant PVD coatings, tool design and continuous improvement resources have strongly positioned the MMRI to directly address the challenges Ontario’s industries face. Improvements in metal cutting tooling and machining processes leverage the existing capital base of manufacturing equipment in Ontario to significant effect. In past case studies, we have demonstrated that final product quality and production rates improve greatly with the application of high performance tooling, utilizing self-adaptive, functionally- graded and near stress-free (thick) coatings, carefully designed for specific applications and by tuning machining process parameters to directly utilize their advanced properties. The MMRI’s focus is on developing tools and process parameters that are fully optimized for a manufacturer’s specific material and production process. Past case studies have also demonstrated that meaningful cost reductions, critical in tight margin industries like manufacturing, can be realized. In addition, the introduction of new materials enables the development of novel products with complex features and exceptional properties, enhancing performance and earning accolades for high customer satisfaction. Manufacturing innovation has also been shown to improve overall process robustness reducing the deployment of low-value added labour, an area where Ontario cannot be competitive. In supporting the drive for continuous improvement our students develop the background knowledge in advanced materials and manufacturing needed to establish a life-long career in this critical industry. By working closely with our industry partners we ensure that our research is focused on practical problems of both immediate and long term value to industry. This also ensures that MMRI’s research results will be validated under production conditions and commercialized through our partners, generating a substantial return on investment. Furthermore, close collaboration between academic, government and industry partners will enable our students to develop the soft skills and professional network necessary to launch themselves in the fast paced manufacturing sector. Our highly integrated collaborative research approach supports Ontario manufacturing companies with much needed talent and technology, ensuring MMRI research remains focused on helping industry capture global opportunities for high value and high volume products. The MMRI has a strong track record of applying this research in industry to directly generate new jobs while realizing social and economic benefits for Ontario.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Machining, Tribology, Surface Engineering, PVD Coatings, Metal Cutting Tools, Modeling, Continuous Improvement

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

McMaster University Sherisse Webb Phone: 905-525-9140 x26946 Email: [email protected]

Rong Zheng

Integrated Platform for the Internet of Things

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Connected healthcare, precision agriculture and the smart city are now more conceivable due to rapid innovations in the Internet of Things (IoT). Today, smart sensors with ubiquitous network connectivity coupled with machine learning and data analytics enables decision-making and predictive maintenance in real-time. The U.S., Germany, China, Switzerland, Singapore and South Korea have moved towards the frontier of this next wave of industrial revolution, where Canada must also assume its place. As a technology, IoT ranks third after mobile devices and networks, in terms of solutions that are projected to have the biggest impact on global economic prosperity and social well-being. However, limited IoT infrastructure, deficiencies in customizable, low-cost and interoperable solutions, disparate implementations among different IoT segments, and cybersecurity concerns have hindered IoT growth in Canada. For example, the precision agriculture market in Canada is currently ~13.5 % of the global market, but is anticipated to decline in the future if IoT solutions are not implemented. Thus, the growth driver for this industry lies in innovation and the introduction of holistic IoT solutions. Through an integrated approach, we will coalesce different elements of IoT implementations together. The proposed work will develop: (1) smart materials for sensing applications, (2) fabrication of micro electro mechanical devices using these sensing material, (3) intelligent wireless networks that allow rapid communication among the connected device, (4) data management and machine learning pipeline, and (5) analytics that provide actionable data to increase operational efficiency. This single platform, which will be developed for healthcare, precision agriculture and smart city applications, will allow real time data analysis for strategic decision-making and predictive maintenance. In essence, with this platform, our research will be able to provide customized IoT solutions based on a product mix to meet the unmet demands of various industries. A unique team with complimentary skillsets will participate in the project. The research theme of this proposal aligns with the long-term economic agenda of Ontario. This will position Ontario as the leader of the growing IoT industry increasing the private sector investment, keeping the homegrown talent and a global recognition. Translation of the developed research and knowledge into commercializable products within Ontario will generate revenues and skilled personnel for the IoT industry.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Internet of Things, Data Analytics, MEMS, Smart City, Connected Healthcare, Precision Agriculture, Interoperability

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology Jim Vanderveken Phone: 905-575-2303 Email: [email protected]

Alan Bourke

Changing the Face of Education: the City School Approach to Increasing Postsecondary Participation

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW City School by Mohawk offers a socially innovative solution to reducing educational disparities associated with poverty. City Schools are neighbourhood-based learning hubs which offer free college credit courses, lecture series, workshops, and after-school programs. Immersed within the community, these hubs meet the unique learning needs of at-risk Hamilton residents where they live. The City School model is the first of its kind in Ontario to implement such a comprehensive strategy of bringing college learning to the community hub level. In doing so, it aligns directly with the Government of Canada’s poverty reduction agenda, the Government of Ontario’s focus on community hubs, and the City of Hamilton’s Neighbourhood Action Strategy. Using the theoretical premises of community-engaged research, this project will inform the practice of Mohawk’s Community Access and Engagement team, evaluate the social and economic impact of the project, and determine best practices for poverty reduction from the standpoint of education participation. The longitudinal study will follow three streams of City School students: after-school program participants (ages 11-14), employment workshop participants (ages 19+), and credit course participants (ages 19+). Mohawk’s research team will follow these streams of students at touch-points throughout their careers and educational journeys, investigating the long-term effects of participation in a community learning hub. We hypothesize that by bridging Hamilton residents living in poverty to postsecondary education, this model will act as a poverty-reduction agent. We hope to demonstrate that these programs move participants from a place of dependency on supports such as Ontario Works, to an independent pathway of education or employment. Through this project, the City School research team seeks to understand the long-term social and economic impact on individuals who engage with college-level programs in their communities. City School has been operating since October 2015. The initiative has built grassroots relationships with residents resulting in community-informed programming which actively serves all three aforementioned participant groups. As the model gains traction, City School will be launching a mobile classroom facility with support from the Government of Ontario. This will vastly expand the reach of the initiative and allow Mohawk College to serve remote communities by bringing college level programming to their doorstep. Ongoing social innovation research projects funded by SSHRC and ONCAT indicate that City School provides a very promising model for increasing postsecondary participation. Graduation rates from courses are increasing, and initial indicators of students’ postsecondary participation after City School are promising. As community- engaged social innovation research, this project will be multi-phased, operating at multiple sites, and open to the possibility of being modified and scaled up. A longitudinal approach to following the outcomes of those who participate in various City School offerings will lend valuable insight into the social impact and social return on investment of the City School model. By tracking the postsecondary participation rates, employment outcomes, and high school graduation rates of those who participate in City School, this study will seek to expand on SSHRC-funded research activity by determining the depth of social impact that this initiative provides.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Accessibility, Postsecondary Participation, Social Impact, Community Engagement, Poverty Reduction, At-risk Students

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

OCAD University Melissa Golberg Phone: 416-977-6000 x447 Email: [email protected]

David McIntosh

New Materialist Media for a Post-Truth, Empathy Machine Era

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Cultural and technological shifts in media practices and representation, particularly those surrounding digital interactive forms, currently affect all areas of production and consumption— but these shifts are radically transformative in the area of documentary. Documentary has long served as a stealth bellwether of massive media transformation, due to its characteristic early technology adoption, experimental critical practices, and commitment to ethics and social justice. Documentary is uniquely situated to critically intervene in emerging technological practices, specifically around issues of truth and reality. Canada, a global leader in this area, needs to build capacity in techno-creative competencies both to retool traditional documentary forms for a digital, interactive era and to extend this capacity to related media forms (e.g. journalism, augmented/virtual reality, transmedia, games). Critical examination of the role of documentary media, within a context of “post-truth” media and immersive “empathy machines,” has become an imperative. How do new and emerging capture, display and interaction technologies change the ways non-fiction media tell stories? What impact does shifting from centralized documentary production and consumption to widely distributed digital interactive prosumer capacities have on documentary forms? How do new platforms, such as smartphones, public screens or the internet impinge on documentary processes and ethics? Where do creators critically intervene in the research, creation and production involved in expanded and experimental documentary practices; leading the way forward for emerging media practices beyond documentary? OCAD University is a key site for the advancement of these and other core research-creation questions. The New Materialist Media project is led by Dr. David McIntosh, Dr. Cindy Poremba and Dr. Patricio Davila. Each investigator directs a lab dedicated to experimental and emerging digital interactive media practices, and each is an internationally recognized researcher-creator in related fields. This core group currently supports the development of Graduate and Undergraduate experimental documentary critical and production works. This project will extend this expertise and build an international research and creation network that brings together researchers and practitioners undertaking related work. This proposal is multidisciplinary, transectional, and involves critical and production work in Art/Design, Humanities and the Social Sciences. The research process will both inventory the range of emerging documentary forms (e.g. documentary games, essay films, VR/AR, immersive journalism, 360 cinema, data journalism, visualization, networked transmedia distributed documentary, alternative durational forms such as serials and micro-docs, mobile platforms, volumetric recording, motion capture, and gesture analysis), and incorporate key conceptual and theoretical frameworks from current and speculative materialisms (e.g. flat ontology, phenomenology, affect theory, new materialism, epistemic rhetoric, and visual semiotics). These two approaches will be supported by extensive research into critical methodologies for research-creation (e.g. participatory methods, (auto) ethnography, critical design, data analytics, and action case research). Said methods will be deployed in a series of advanced documentary experiments, in collaboration with an international team of researchers, over 3-4 years.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: AR, VR, Documentary, Data, Interaction, Games, 360 Video, Digital Capture, Visualization

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ottawa Hospital Research Institute Robert Lajeunesse Phone: 613-798-5555 x19658 Email: [email protected]

Edward Lemaire

Integrated Electronics in 3DPrinted Prosthetic and Orthotic Components

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW New 3D-Printing (additive manufacturing) technologies are evolving to provide novel design opportunities related to prosthetic implants and external prosthetics (artificial limbs) and orthotics (bracing). One such opportunity is the ability to integrate sensors and communication electronics into innovative components as part of the 3D-Printing process. Enabling hip and knee implants, and wearable assistive devices, to provide sensor information on their function and environment will provide essential information to ensure appropriate function for implants and to guide intelligent machine learning approaches to control new microprocessor controlled prostheses and orthoses. This project brings together experts in medicine, prosthetics/orthotics, biomechanics, and multiple engineering disciplines (biomedical, mechanical, electrical, software) to advance knowledge related to the integration of sensors (force, acceleration, rotation, etc.) and electronics into metal 3D-printed devices, biomechanically evaluating the output to extract features that can be used to understand device performance, and combining these features in to novel artificial intelligence – machine learning models that inform clinicians about implant function or control intelligent prostheses and orthoses. The project innovations will enable large advances in our understanding of device function and, following technology transfer to industry, improve mobility for people with disabilities and the elderly.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: 3DPrinting, Additive Manufacturing, Metal, Electronics, Wearable Monitoring, Intelligent Systems

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ottawa Hospital Research Institute Robert Lajeunesse Phone: 613-798-5555 x19658 Email: [email protected]

Dylan Burger

Extracellular Vesicles for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Disease

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Membrane-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released from cells and are increasingly recognized as biomarkers of disease and critical mediators of cell-cell communication. Major classes of EVs include microparticles (100-1000 nm EVs shed from stressed/injured cells) and exosomes (40-100 nm EVs formed through endosomal sorting). While the emerging field of EV biology has enhanced understanding of disease mechanisms, major opportunities remain unexplored for direct application to diagnosis and treatment of human disease. This proposal will consolidate and build upon internationally recognized expertise in EV biology at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute to establish robust platforms for the diagnosis and treatment of human disease. Each of the two thematic priorities below will include comprehensive cross-cutting strategies for the training of high quality personnel, and for knowledge translation and commercial development. 1. Disease Diagnosis (Leader, Dr. Dylan Burger). We will utilize EVs as a form of “liquid biopsy” to identify disease at the earliest stages of development. Dr. Burger has shown that increases in urinary podocyte microparticles may identify glomerular injury in advance of currently available clinical tests. This seminal observation will be extended with a prospective cohort to assess whether increases in microparticle levels is predictive of chronic kidney disease development in diabetes. Additional areas of focus will include assessing the capacity of EVs to identify neuromuscular disease, assessment of EV molecular content to identify signatures associated with disease development/progression, and EV profiling to predict response to drug therapy. 2. Disease Therapy (Leader, Dr. Kevin D Burns). We will assess EVs as novel therapeutic agents. Dr. Burns has shown that exosomes derived from human endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) can protect against acute kidney injury (a devastating condition with no effective treatment) in mice. This work will be extended to large animal models (porcine) and with the support of the OHRI’s Excelerator program we will develop a “first in human” trial protocol that is feasible, safe, effective, and economical. Additional areas of focus will be the use of adenovirus-modified exosomes in neuromuscular disease. An important consideration for this work is standardization of preparations for clinical use. Accordingly, a platform for assessment of EV product quality will be developed. As approaches for cryopreservation of EVs are lacking, a comprehensive assessment of EV cryobiology will be conducted and the utility of novel cryoprotectants for preserving vesicle structure and quality will be evaluated. Finally, the potential use of synthetic membrane vesicles for treatment of disease will be assessed. Researchers in Ottawa have long been at the forefront of EV research. This proficiency has been buoyed in recent years by further recruitment in this area and significant investment in infrastructure to support the growing demand for EV research. A working group (led by Dr. Burger) has been established and is currently developing a training program for new HQP in this area that will fit organically into this proposal. Accordingly, the Ottawa region is optimally positioned to establish a cluster of expertise for research innovation, training of specialized talent, and engagement of the private sector to fully harness the potential of EVs to improve the health of Ontarians.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Extracellular Vesicles, Biomarkers, Exosomes, Microparticles, Regenerative Medicine, Human Disease, Cryobiology

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ottawa Hospital Research Institute Robert Lajeunesse Phone: 613-798-5555 x19658 Email: [email protected]

Marc Rodger

Catalysing Innovation Through Development of Web-based Clinical Trial Accelerators

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Our short-term objective is to develop web-based tools to support an online community of clinical research scientists to accelerate practice-changing clinical trials in venous thrombosis. In the medium term this solution could be expanded to other disease areas and result in an acceleration in clinical research through online collaboration. Currently, single or small groups of academic investigators, usually in a single country or region, work on addressing a clinical problem/question that they find of interest. They develop a clinical trial protocol to answer the question. They apply for very competitive government funding, limited charitable funds or industry funding. However, industry will only fund a trial that aligns with shareholder interest. Hence, many questions that are of importance to patients, clinicians, policy makers and government are never started. If the academic investigator(s) are fortunate to get funding, they then face more challenges. Trial implementation is slowed by developing study materials (e.g. case report forms), tools (e.g. web randomisation) and processes (e.g. adjudication of outcomes). Next, the greatest threat to completing a trial is recruitment which is rarely as rapid as anticipated, leading to few adequately powered completed trials. Meanwhile, academic investigators in other regions and countries may be simultaneously pursuing competing trials with wasteful duplication of efforts and funding. We have developed INVENT (www.invent-VTE.com), an international network of venous thrombosis clinical research networks to accelerate clinical trials in venous thrombosis. We seek to develop an online community using web-based tools to speed up completion of practice-changing clinical trials. We envisage our international online community using accelerators for 1) identifying the top priority questions that patients/clinicians/policy makers want answered (online continuous Delphi exercise), 2) developing study protocols with input from multiple investigators in many countries resulting in greater investigator engagement and better protocols (online document collaboration), 3) combining efforts to fund the trial ("wiki-funding" where each investigator/group combines smaller amounts to cobble together funding for the large definitive trial) and 4) using common trial materials (online case report form with common definitions), tools (web randomisation, trial training, communication) and processes (web-based outcome adjudication platform). The end result will be more important questions answered, efficiently, collaboratively and reducing wasteful duplication.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Collaboration, Clinical Research, On-line, Tools, International, Academic, Efficiency, Network, Medicine, Thrombosis

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ottawa Hospital Research Institute Robert Lajeunesse Phone: 613-798-5555 x19658 Email: [email protected]

Michael Schlossmacher

Parkinson Disease: Matching its Different Types with Tools and Targets for Future Therapy

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Clinicians face different forms of Parkinson disease. To enable cause-directed breakthroughs, each patient needs to have his/her variant matched with its disease mechanism, each critical mechanism has to be restaged in appropriate models to reveal drug target(s), and modification of the course of illness has to be revealed by objective biological markers. This concept is known as 'precision medicine'. Unfortunately, this has not yet been done in clinical trials for PD therapeutics, which is one of several reasons for the failure of both neuropreventive and neurorestorative trials. Our hypothesis states: 1. Different forms of Parkinson's exist, including variants leading to young-onset disease and others presenting as late-onset forms; 2. Several forms of parkinsonism will be curable if we apply the same well-established principles of "precision medicine" that made breakthroughs happen in oncology; and 3. Academia and the pharmaceutical / biotech industry mutually benefit from collaboration to advance the success of preclinical trials to enable urgently needed breakthroughs in drug development for subjects suffering from parkinsonism, which remains incurable and lacks disease-modifying therapies. Importantly, these therapies may not be the same for all disease variants. We have identified the following objectives to test our hypothesis: Aim 1: To better model a form of early-onset Parkinson disease (YOPD) that is linked to Parkin deficiency in a two-genetic hit model, which we recently developed; to rescue its phenotype in a laboratory animal of parkinsonism by viral vector-based therapy; and to select suitable patients with YOPD in the neurology clinic by applying new assays, which were specifically developed by us with an industry collaborator, for the detection of Parkin protein. We have already begun collaborating with the necessary industry and academic partners to pursue this goal. Aim 2: To better model a form of late-onset Parkinson disease (LO-PD) that invariably leads to dementia in a two-genetic hit model, which we recently developed; to treat its protein and lipid (as well as behavioural) abnormalities with a small molecule, either alone, or together with a biologics based therapy; and to monitor successful target engagement via already established markers in laboratory animals by analysis of plasma (versus brain). This particular aspect will directly inform studies that are currently being performed in parallel for human biomarker development. We have already started to collaborate with the necessary industry and academic partners to pursue this goal. Execution of these two aims has the potential to deliver on these three critical items for the people of Ontario: 1. A potential long-term economic benefit by accelerating the pace from symptoms to accurate diagnosis for patients with parkinsonism, and thus enabling 'precision medicine' to be practiced in specialty clinics. This, by bringing concrete subtypes into better designed clinical trials that are more specific for the mechanism of disease. 2. A societal benefit will arise from faster diagnosis (of a specific Parkinson's subtypes), more effective and less expensive clinical trials, and by accelerating a breakthrough in cause-directed treatment. 3. A commercial benefit will arise from the fact that immunological assays, animal models, and converted intellectual property will be further advanced from the pursuit of our Aims.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Parkinsonism, Dementia, Neurobehaviour, Drug Validation, Gene Therapy, Biomarkers, Lipids, Diagnosis

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ottawa Hospital Research Institute Robert Lajeunesse Phone: 613-798-5555 x19658 Email: [email protected]

William Stanford

Targeting Epigenetic Networks in Cancer

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Cancer is a substantial burden to Ontarians in terms of personal and financial costs. The identification and commercialization of new tests and therapeutics to identify and treat cancer at early stages provides a considerable societal and economic benefits to Ontario and its citizens. The field of epigenetics has emerged as an extremely promising new avenue directed towards the development of tools to characterize and treat cancers. At the heart of epigenetics lies a series of proteins that integrate internal and environmental signals to control how the genome is interpreted, thereby regulating DNA replication and gene expression. Recent next generation DNA sequencing studies have determined that up to 50% of cancer driver mutations occur in epigenetic proteins, while epigenomic studies suggest that misexpression of epigenetic proteins also occurs in cancer, conferring selective growth advantage by cancer stem cells and drug resistance. As chromatin structure and epigenetic regulation of gene expression are reversible, inhibitors to epigenetic writers, erasers, and readers represent critical targets to treat cancer and a host of other diseases. This proposal will support our team of scientists (cancer biologists, biochemists, medicinal chemists), computational biologists, and clinician scientists to develop and implement a pipeline of drug and biomarker discovery, drug optimization, preclinical development, and commercialization. We have established three parallel disease tracks: T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and rhabdomyosarcoma, in which we have identified biomarkers and drug targets, validated by preclinical studies. We will take two parallel approaches to identify biologic and small molecule drugs for these targets: crystallography and modelling will be used for rational drug design, while high throughput screening will be performed to identify lead drug hits, followed by lead optimization by medicinal chemistry. Preclinical studies will be performed in collaboration between scientists and clinician scientists who treat and run clinical trials with patients suffering from the target cancers. Commercialization of biomarkers and drug entities will be performed with Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research and industry partners.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Leukemia, Rhabdomyosarcoma, Epigenetics, Crystallography, Integrative Biology, Biomarkers, High Throughput Screens

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ottawa Hospital Research Institute Robert Lajeunesse Phone: 613-798-5555 x19658 Email: [email protected]

Eve Tsai

A Growth Factor-releasing Duraplasty Biomaterial to Promote Endogenous Stem Cell Repair of the Brain After Stroke

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Stroke is a devastating condition that afflicts fifteen thousand Canadians per annum. There are an estimated 25,500 new strokes in Ontario, requiring 15,500 hospital inpatient admissions, every year. Current treatment options are limited and cannot repair the brain damage and loss of neurological function caused by stroke. Restoring neurologic function is critical for successful rehabilitation and recovery of quality of life in stroke survivors. The stimulation of the brain’s own stem cells, called endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells (eNSPCs), is a promising therapy that allows the brain to repair and restore neurological function after stroke, but only a small percentage of eNSPCs can reintegrate into the neural network after injury. Growth factors can significantly increase the number of eNSPCs and restore motor function in animal models of stroke. The current method to deliver growth factors, intraventricular infusion, is invasive and cannot be applied to human patients. We propose to develop a novel and clinically applicable growth factor-releasing biomaterial that can stimulate the repair of brain damage and promote functional recovery after stroke. The biomaterial would be applied as part of decompressive craniectomy – a routine surgical procedure performed in stroke patients with malignant middle cerebral artery infarction that has been shown to significantly reduce mortality rates in four randomized controlled trials. This biomaterial will be based on the material currently used in commercial duraplasty products and will facilitate the sequentially delivery of growth factors that have shown positive effects in animal models. We propose to evaluate the efficacy of this novel biomaterial in the regeneration of neural tissue and functional recovery in vivo using a rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. We hypothesize that a clinically applicable growth factor-releasing biomaterial can be engineered to stimulate eNSPC and promote neurological recovery. This project will allow us to perform the necessary preclinical studies in order to develop this therapy for clinical application.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Endogenous Stem Cell Stimulation, Brain Repair, Stroke, Growth Factors, Drug Delivery Scaffold

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ottawa Hospital Research Institute Robert Lajeunesse Phone: 613-798-5555 x19658 Email: [email protected]

Catherine Tsilfidis

Anti-apoptotic Gene Therapy for the Treatment of Retinal Degeneration

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is characterized by progressive night blindness, and constriction and loss of the visual field. Current treatments try to slow disease progression, but the benefits are minimal. Our research program treats a common feature to all forms of RP – the death of the photoreceptors by apoptosis. We have studied the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) as a therapeutic for the treatment of RP. XIAP potently protects photoreceptors from apoptosis by inhibiting caspases. By targeting a common feature for all forms of RP, XIAP represents a universal therapy that promotes the survival of photoreceptors, irrespective of the cause of the disease. We have tested adeno-associated viral (AAV) delivery of XIAP to the retina in rat models of RP and found that it protects photoreceptor structure and function. The overall aim of our program is to translate the promise of XIAP therapy to the clinic. We have determined the optimal viral dose and promoter to express XIAP in photoreceptors. Toxicity testing of the vector is currently underway. Within the proposed funding, we will complete the toxicity testing and manufacture the GMP-grade vector that will be used in clinical trials. We will perform methodologically rigorous preclinical and clinical systematic reviews to quantify the efficacy and safety of AAV vectors and to identify the ideal conditions for treatment. These studies will be followed by pre-Clinical Trial Application (CTA) meetings with Health Canada to identify experiments and documentation required for regulatory approval. We will subsequently collect documentation on gene therapy vectors, toxicology studies, systematic reviews, and informed consent documents. We will develop study protocols in consultation with patients, patient advocates, clinicians and methodologists and obtain approvals from Institutional Review Boards. All of this information will be used to identify the ideal conditions for the translational process, to complete CTA filings to Health Canada, and to place us in a position to recruit patients into Phase I clinical trials. We have assembled a strong multi-disciplinary team of basic scientists, clinical trial specialists and clinicians that possess the requisite expertise in preclinical models of retinal disease, in retinal functional testing, and in both investigator-initiated and industry-funded clinical trial design and implementation. The experiments described in this proposal will enhance the attractiveness of our program to gene therapy companies whose core competency is product development and commercialization of AAV therapies. This proposal will focus on the development of a therapy for RP, but the knowledge gained can then be used to expand our therapy into other retinal diseases, many of which involve apoptosis. XIAP therapy is highly effective in animal models of retinal ischemia, retinal detachment, glaucoma and retinitis pigmentosa, and it has several advantages over other approaches. XIAP targets the final endpoint of the disease; thus, it will be effective even in instances where the molecular cause of the disease is not known. By minimizing cell death XIAP may also prevent collateral cell damage due to inflammation. Lastly, and importantly, the neuroprotective properties of XIAP will ensure that intact neurons remain in the retina. By using XIAP gene therapy to preserve their existing cells today, patients may be better candidates for therapies that may be developed tomorrow.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Gene Therapy, Adeno-associated Virus, Apoptosis, Retinitis Pigmentosa, Retinal Detachment

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ottawa Hospital Research Institute Robert Lajeunesse Phone: 613-798-5555 x19658 Email: [email protected]

Richard van der Jagt

Environmental Health Information Infrastructure (CEHII) to Inform Prevention of Chronic Disease

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW More Canadians are living with and dying of chronic diseases.1 Despite decreased smoking, age- adjusted prevalence of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and hypertension increase 14% annually,1 and age-adjusted rates continue to rise.2 In 2012 treatment consumed 2/3 of national health care dollars ($86 billion in 2012) plus a further external $122 billion. Cost increases out-pace economic growth.1 Health care efficiencies and lifestyle improvements, while essential, may also be undermined by unrecognized contributors in the “exposome.” Based on mechanisms or Hallmarks of Cancer3 the Halifax Project published two seminal series by 350 international researchers on roles of multiple common exposures in cancer.4,5 The Endocrine Society documents chronic diseases related to endocrine disruptors (e.g. flame retardants, plasticizers, pesticides).6 Chemical assessment covers neither mixtures nor endocrine effects. On Earth Day 2017, pre-eminent academic and federal scientists and physicians meeting in Ottawa agreed that Canada needs a big-data approach to find links between health and environmental data, to inform public health, policy- and decision-makers, medical practitioners and educators, to reduce environmentally-linked disease. Guided by a Scientific Committee, the project will scope, pilot and demonstrate utility of Canadian Environmental Health Information Infrastructure (CEHII). An inventory of environment and health data sources and meta-data will inform the prototype CEHII and identify data gaps. Demonstration projects may add exposure data to enhance CANUE; or probe etiology in Canada’s nascent brain tumour registry. PI Dr. Richard van der Jagt has established three health data infrastructures – the Canadian Leukemia Studies Group, a CFI funded genomics facility, and the Canadian Clinical Care Trials Coordinating Centre, making Canada a leader in drug development. CEHII is endorsed by Prof H Hu, Dean, Dalla Lana School of Public Health at UofT, and faculty. Support and Scientific Advisory candidates include diverse expertise from major research groups. Research Talent development is key to CEHII progress. Investigators have lectured and mentored previously, and the CEHII Office at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute will engage with students in medicine, biology and environmental sciences. Impact. Centralized data access will speed novel approaches to curtail chronic disease, improving Ontarians’ health, productivity and wealth. Supporters include an Ontario MoHLTC Environmental Health Task Force member, federal Public Health and ministries that assess and regulate exposures, and experts in public health science and policy. Ongoing work with Civil Society Organizations will further the reach 1. Elmslie, PHAC. Against the Growing Burden of Disease. 2012 www.ccgh-csih.ca/assets/Elmslie.pdf 2. PHAC. How Healthy are Canadians? 2017 www.canada.ca/en/public- health/services/publications/healthy-living/how-healthy-canadians.html 3. Hanahan & Weinberg. Hallmarks of Cancer: The Next Generation. Cell. 2011Mar4;144(5):646–74 4. Goodson et al. Assessing the carcinogenic potential of low-dose exposures to chemical mixtures in the environment: the challenge ahead. Carcinogenesis 2015Jun;36(Suppl1):S254–96 5. Bishayee & Block. A broad-spectrum integrative design for cancer prevention and therapy: The challenge ahead. Semin Cancer Biol. 2015 Dec;35,Supplement:S1–4 6. Endocrine Society www.endocrine.org/endocrine-press/scientific-statement

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Environment, Exposure, Hazard, Risk, Chronic Disease, Reproduction/Development, "Big Data", Genetics, Endocrinology Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ottawa Hospital Research Institute Robert Lajeunesse Phone: 613-798-5555 x19658 Email: [email protected]

Mark Walker

ORION: Ontario Maternal Newborn Research Implementation Health Optimization Network

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Ontario has one the richest repositories of health information in the globe. The Better Outcomes Registry Network (BORN) Ontario along with the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) provide a treasure trove of big data. BORN collects data for pregnant women and newborns including in vitro fertilization, pregnancy, labour and delivery, newborn screening and newborn care. Currently BORN has over a million deliveries and the course and life trajectories are linkable to multiple health data systems in ICES. The overarching aim of this proposal is to leverage existing datasets to develop and introduce novel mobile and e-health applications which can put patients in control of their health data and allow seamless integration with providers for providing the best care from the pre-conception period and across the lifecourse. Objectives and Key Elements: 1.Standardizing of patient care and information during pregnancy. In 2015 BORN Ontario, in collaboration with the provincial government, created a web portal and app named OMAMA. Patients can register their pregnancy on the app and at each epoch of pregnancy they are directed to trusted web sites for information. We plan further development of OMAMA which will facilitate a secure two-way exchange of health information and communication between patients and providers. Using best evidence, care maps and screening will be individually targeted. The evaluation of this on pregnancy, childhood, and later life outcomes will be done through both quasi-experimental and cluster randomized trials using BORN and ICES data. 2. Optimizing healthy behaviors to improve pregnancy outcomes. The pregnancy and preconception periods are ideal points of intervention to deliver health promotion, educational, counselling services to benefit maternal, newborn and child health. For instance, excessive weight gain during pregnancy leads to both childhood obesity and maternal obesity. We will develop the ability to track eating and lifestyle behaviours of pregnant women. We will conduct a novel series of research studies looking at patterns, lifestyle and other behaviours and its effect on pregnancy and later life outcomes. We will then add reminders and OMAMA app based coaching to foster health behaviors to optimize outcomes. 3. Risk stratification and best practice. Currently we have several interventions to improve pregnancy outcomes but often these interventions are not implemented. For example, aspirin to prevent pre-eclampsia, progesterone to prevent pre-term birth. In collaboration with the Pan-Canadian Preterm Birth Network we will design and develop a data collection platform through OMAMA which will serve as a repository of detailed health and pregnancy information entered by patients and their providers. Using this platform, we will electronically push notifications, suggestions, reminders, and resources to patients. Research studies will be conducted on the dataset including the use of interrupted time series analysis and step wedge designs. 4. Training platform for next generation of researchers The ORION platform of research will provide the data and information for trainees at all levels. This program will facilitate training and resources in the fields of epidemiology, population health as well as medical informatics. This will be at the undergraduate, masters, PhD and post doctorate level. These individuals will create capacity in the knowledge based information economy.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Big Data, Record Linkage, Maternity Care, Newborn Care, Long-Term Maternal and Child Health, E-health

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ottawa Hospital Research Institute Robert Lajeunesse Phone: 613-798-5555 x19658 Email: [email protected]

Harold Atkins

TACCIT: Translational research for Anti-Cancer Cellular ImmunoTherapy

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW This proposal focuses on the laboratory-based preclinical development and scale-up of cellular immunotherapy using virus-modified cell agents. Immunotherapy is a powerful modality that can be harnessed to treat cancers. Donor lymphocyte infusions following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, anti-viral specific T lymphocyte lines and chimeric antigen receptor modified T lymphocytes (CAR-T) are a few examples of clinically established cellular anti-cancer immunotherapies that are used for a small number of cancers. Non-specific immune responses, for instance causing graft- vs-host disease following donor cells infusions, or over-exuberant immune responses, for instance causing cytokine release syndrome following CAR T cells infusions are limitations to the widespread application of cellular immunotherapies. This research proposal focuses on 4 developmental areas: 1. Manufacturing rhabdovirus-infected cancer cells to be used to stimulate specific anti-cancer immune responses for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis and acute leukemia. Our group has robust experimental evidence that these cells can induce specific anti-cancer immune that can eliminate cancer in preclinical models. This aim will develop good laboratory procedure (GLP) assays to measure the effects of these cells and good manufacturing procedures (GMP) for production of patient-specific products that could ultimately be used for testing in clinical trials. 2. Reprogramming immune cells to target cancer cells using lentivirus based gene modification. Infection of T lymphocytes with lentiviruses encoding a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR-T) result in robust anti-cancer immune response in patients. This aim will address limitations of this technology and will focus upon; a. Methods to streamline the manufacturing process to improve its feasibility, efficiency and cost, b. Test, in preclinical models, the toxicity and effectiveness of CAR-like constructs in NK and B cells and compare these to CAR-T cells. 3. Examine mechanisms and manipulations that could regulate immune responses developed from the previous two aims. Current cellular immunotherapies effects are unpredictable often resulting in aggressive immune responses that result in severe life-threatening side effects or weak immune responses that are ineffective at controlling cancer. The goal of this aim is to improve our understanding of factors that regulate the immune response, develop reagents or manipulations that can potentially be leveraged into new tools for clinical use that will predict or improve the outcomes of anti-cancer cellular immunotherapy. 4. Explore the economics implementing these cellular immunotherapies using different models for widespread use. Cellular products are being manufactured in both small-scale hospital based labs and large-scale pharmaceutical factories. We will explore the societal, economic, product quality and regulatory implications of these platforms. This program will build upon the scientific, manufacturing and medical expertise available in our center and will make use of the facilities for process design and GMP manufacturing that currently exists. While clinical trials are beyond the scope of this proposal, we envision that the outcome of this work will lead to products or concepts that will be tested in the clinical trials and that result in products that have commercial potential.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Cancer, Immunotherapy, Cell Therapy, Cancer Vaccine, Gene Engineering

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ottawa Hospital Research Institute Robert Lajeunesse Phone: 613-798-5555 x19658 Email: [email protected]

Douglas Manuel

Development and Implementation of Predictive Analytics in Health

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Predictive analytics is a rapidly evolving field that holds promise to transform health care, including providing a cornerstone of patient-oriented precision medicine. Predictive science in health is largely an applied science that addresses real-world problems. For predictive researchers, it is not enough to accurately predict whether a patient is at high risk of a disease. Does the patient modify their behaviour? Seek and receive preventive medications? Is prevention reducing health inequalities? Predictive accuracy is best gauged in real world settings, outside their development population. Patient-oriented algorithms should be easy to use and informative to patients and their shared-care practitioners. There are thousands of predictive algorithms that have been developed, but only a small handful have been adequately assessed and even fewer have been applied and evaluated in practice. Goal: Create infrastructure for the development and evaluation of predictive analytics in health using big data. Objectives: 1) Create the Risk STRatification to Outcome Measurement (RSTROM) platform. RSTROM will provide infrastructure for data collection and evaluation of the real-world use of predictive analytics and advanced decision aids. 2) Perform implementation studies of predictive analytics and decision aids.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Predictive Analytics, Patient-oriented Research, Implementation Science, Decision Aids

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ottawa Hospital Research Institute Robert Lajeunesse Phone: 613-798-5555 x19658 Email: [email protected]

Gerd Melkus

Advanced Non-invasive Imaging, 3D Modeling and Printing for MSK Disease Staging and Intervention Planning

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW This proposal focuses on the development and application of novel non-invasive imaging techniques derived from different modalities to characterize musculoskeletal diseases anatomically and biochemically. The derived multi-modal data includes molecular and biochemical information from bone, cartilage and muscle. It will help to further understand the development of joint diseases in individual patients in vivo. The data will be used to establish a comprehensive automated image co-registration and analysis pipeline for disease staging. Individual 3D modeling and printing based on this comprehensive data analysis will be applied for intervention planning for disorders of the hip, knee and shoulder. To achieve these goals the proposal is divided in three main sections: 1) Advanced non-invasive anatomical, biochemical and molecular imaging for the evaluation of bone, cartilage and soft tissue of the joint. In the last decade, different Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Positron Emission Imaging (PET) techniques were developed which resulted in promising tools to biochemically and molecularly evaluate cartilage and bone. We plan to combine these new tools for a comprehensive biochemical and molecular evaluation and staging of the bone, cartilage and muscle using PET-MRI. The proteoglycan and collagen content of the cartilage will be quantitatively evaluated using T1rho and T2 imaging techniques. We will use short and ultra-short echo time imaging techniques for precise anatomical imaging of the joint. The derived images will serve as a database for 3D modeling and printing (see section 3). Fat-Water imaging techniques will be applied to measure the fat-infiltration of the joint muscles. Sodium Fluoride (18NaF) / Fludeoxyglucose (18FDG) PET will be used to measure bone turnover and blood flow in the combined MRI-PET session. The anatomical data will be extended by bone computer tomography (CT), which will be integrated into the 3D modeling. 2) Development of a comprehensive automated image co-registration and analysis pipeline of evaluating joint diseases. We are planning to establish a common reference space for the hip, knee and shoulder based on high- resolution 3D short/ultra-short echo time imaging datasets from healthy volunteers. Similar to the existing and very successful common space concept for the brain, we will develop a common space for the three most disease-affected joints. Further, we will establish registration and post-processing pipelines for automated linear and non-linear registration of the individual data into the common space. This concept will allow the evaluation of joint diseases group wise and individually against healthy controls. Automated classification and decision algorithms will be applied on patient data, which will help the radiologist in disease identification and staging as well as the surgeon for the intervention planning.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Quantitative Imaging, Biochemical Imaging, MRI, PET, CT, Medical 3d Printing, MSK, Cartilage, Bone, Muscle

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ottawa Hospital Research Institute Robert Lajeunesse Phone: 613-798-5555 x19658 Email: [email protected]

John Hilton

Using Whole Exome Sequencing to Identify Biomarkers for Response to PD-1/PDL-1 Inhibitors in Metastatic NSCLC

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in Canada and worldwide. In the past 2 years, clinical trials have demonstrated that immunotherapy with a PD-1/PDL-1 inhibitor can improve clinical outcomes in a certain subset of patients. Despite the use of PDL-1 expression as a predictive biomarker for benefit from PD-1/PDL-1 inhibitors in lung cancer, it is clear that there are limitations to its use. Current data strongly suggests that the relationship between PDL-1 expression and clinical benefit from PD-1 blockade is more complex than a simple binary determinant of ligand expression. We performed a non- linear regression analysis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and our work suggests that there is a dichotomous sensitizing factor exists beyond PDL-1 that can predict for benefit. To identify dichotomous factors that predict benefit from PD-1/PDL-1 inhibitor treatment we will perform whole- exome sequencing on tumor samples from 500 patients who have undergone first-line PD-1/PDL-1 inhibitor therapy. Tumor response will be evaluated radiologically and patients will be divided into those who had tumor shrinkage versus those who had tumor growth while on therapy. We will use state-of-the- art bioinformatics tools for biomarker discovery and assessment in a multi-stage approach to discover and validate molecular signatures that identify patients whom benefit from the therapy. By identifying patients who are highly unlikely to benefit, we can spare them the toxicity of this therapy and assess new therapies that could be more effective for them. We will also assess the impact of this novel approach on health care utilization and associated costs by linking data from patients who have undergone first-line PD-1/PDL-1 inhibitor therapy to Ontario’s health administrative databases. We will estimate potential cost savings that could accrue if resistant patients are not treated with ineffective therapies. We will develop a potentially marketable test kit (to be used in the general NSCLC population with potential for expansion to other cancer types) based on our predictive model. In secondary analyses, we will identify alternative therapies that are a better choice for signature-positive resistant patients by assessing which (if any) second- (or later) line therapies received by these patients proved to be effective. Signature(s) that are identified will also be tested in follow-up projects for their ability to predict resistance to other agents and combinations, and in other tumor types.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Immunotherapy, Biomarkers, Personalized Medicine, PD-1/PDL-1 Inhibitor Therapy, Next Generation Sequencing

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ottawa Hospital Research Institute Robert Lajeunesse Phone: 613-798-5555 x19658 Email: [email protected]

Michael Rudnicki

Stimulating Intrinsic Repair for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Working closely with our corporate partner Adurant Therapeutics, our project aims at developing new pharmacological approaches to enhance the regeneration of skeletal muscle and function of cardiac tissue for treating patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). DMD is a devastating genetic disorder of childhood manifested by progressive muscle wasting, and ultimately death. DMD patients experience severe and loss of skeletal muscle mass and function together with cardiac myopathy due to myocyte degeneration, inflammation, and fibrosis. No therapies correcting the primary defect in DMD are yet clinically available. Though initial clinical gene and cell therapies show certain promise, they are far from effective, reinforcing the need for improved and more efficient combinational therapeutic strategies. The use of drugs to stimulate targeting muscle stem cells and cardiac myocytes is a novel approach to treat DMD. We believe that if we are successful, these drugs could be combined with other therapies, such as exon skipping, gene therapy or gene editing, to provide a more effective approach to treatment. We have discovered that Dystrophin-deficient satellite cells exhibit a 10-fold reduction in the number of asymmetric satellite stem cell divisions resulting in the significant decrease in the generation of myogenic progenitors needed for efficient muscle regeneration. Using a unique “in niche” drug screen, we identified multiple human experienced drugs that modulate asymmetric division of satellite stem cells. Drugs that stimulate asymmetric division enhance regeneration of DMD mice resulting in reduced damage and enhanced force generation. Our proposed studies will establish whether pharmacological stimulation of satellite cell function can enhance intrinsic muscle repair of DMD patients and thus reduce the severity of muscle wasting, and slow disease progression. If successful, we anticipate conducting clinical trials during the granting period. We have discovered that human CT1 protein (hCT1) induces reversible physiologic hypertrophy and beneficial remodeling of individual cardiomyocytes and the intact myocardium. We have determined that hCT1 delivery dramatically improves both right and left ventricular structure and function in multiple models of heart failure. Studies will be undertaken in DMD mice to establish the optimum dose for systemic delivery of hCT1 protein to antagonize disease progression and pathology, and to define the signaling pathways by which hCT1 achieves beneficial remodeling. This information is required for an application to Health Canada that is planned for end of the grant period with a Phase 1 clinical trial to treat right heart failure in DMD. The requested support will accelerate the conduct of rigorous preclinical studies to investigate mode-of-action and to optimize therapeutic strategy; and second; design and conduct early phase clinical trials. We have established strong relationships with private and public sector partners to bring these innovative therapies to the clinic. We anticipate that this new knowledge will lead to new intellectual property culminating in licenses and company growth, thereby contributing to economic development and innovation. The proposed studies will ensure that Ontario continues to be at the forefront of regenerative medicine research and its clinical translation.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Regenerative Medicine, Small Molecule Drugs, Biologics, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Skeletal Muscle, Cardiac

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ottawa Hospital Research Institute Robert Lajeunesse Phone: 613-798-5555 x19658 Email: [email protected]

Kumanan Wilson

Research Centre for Applied Digital Health Technology

PRPOSOSAL OVERVIEW Digital health technology has created the opportunity to enhance patient engagement with the provincial health system. A 2016 review of Ontario’s digital health assets identified that “in an increasingly connected and mobile world, we must accelerate the work done to make progress on digital health… in concert with a strategy that puts patients at the centre”. This proposal outlines our plan to leverage existing mHealth infrastructure at The Ottawa Hospital with new clinician-driven innovations to accelerate the development and evaluation of digital solutions aimed at improving clinician practice and patient care. Specifically, this opportunity will support the operational costs of an mHealth program that enables clinician-scientists to bring technology-enabled innovations from bench-to-bedside and evaluate these technologies. Our main objectives will be to deliver digital health tools that 1) produce better patient outcomes; 2) improve patient experiences and 3) reduce health care system costs; 4) improve data quality to enable healthy system improvement and 5) reduce waiting lists. Success of this program to date includes development and evaluation of multi-platform patient-provider integrated solutions such as Canada’s first federally-endorsed national immunization tracking application; dietary phosphate intake calculators for chronic kidney disease patients; a stroke rehabilitation platform; randomized controlled trials of e-therapy plus coaching in depression; trials of smartphone-assisted therapy for suicidal men; and multi-platform access to clinical decision rules. We have also been involved in policy development in this area with the Mental Health Commission of Canada. As this program evolves, we aim to enable clinician and scientist access to the resources and expertise necessary to develop and evaluate patient- centred tools that offer integrated, secure, digitally-enabled health care.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Big Data, Mobile Health Technology

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Queen’s University Mary Purcell Phone: 613-533-6878 Email: [email protected]

David Lyon

Big Data and Data-surveillance in Ontario

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Big Data practices are rapidly expanding in Ontario businesses, administration, health-care, education and policing, to create more efficiency, improve data management and gain a competitive edge in many fields. Massive amounts of data are becoming increasingly available, particularly through online sources such as internet and social media use, and through sensors embedded in buildings, vehicles, clothing and wearable devices. New tools are being developed to analyze these data and efforts are made in many spheres to affect behaviour through these practices. What is not clear is what criteria determine how certain kinds of data practices become dominant, in predictive policing, targeted patient care, or in online business practice for example. It is also unclear what assumptions about data-subjects are built into such systems and how these affect what dimensions of behaviour or condition might be omitted. What are the criteria for the vulnerability, of consumers, patients, students or suspected offenders? We do not yet know enough about how big data practices may influence personal identity or the quality of social relationships. Conventionally, questions about ‘dataveillance’ have been viewed through the ‘privacy’ lens when concerns are raised about the appropriateness of personal data gathering-and-use practices. While privacy is still useful as a mobilizing concept, it is not always salient to those whose data are under scrutiny by unknown others. This research will explore many dimensions of these issues, connecting with privacy and data protection measures, but at the same time bringing in innovative approaches and new concepts. New modes of data capture – such as from social media platforms – are an important aspect of this research, but as data analytics takes centre stage, the consequences, including the development of algorithms, must be considered with the same care and urgency as issues of data gathering. Privacy orientations may deflect attention from the social implications of data analytics, through the more conventional focus on individual harms. A more fruitful approach is discovering how big data practices intensify or ameliorate existing forms of surveillance as social sorting, in which populations are located in different categories for differential treatment. Current research shows big data practices may have the effect of increasing rather than decreasing the vulnerability of specific groups. We plan to identify big data practices that offer different kinds of outcomes. Big data practices generate challenges to conventional modes of analysis of the risks as well as the benefits attending personal data capture, collation, storage, retrieval and analytics. We will explore these in the context of organizations and agencies in Ontario, leading to national and international policy development. We will foster strong links with partner organizations, in the corporate sector, government regulation and advocacy groups. We will also cooperate with health-care and educational institutions in Ontario to explore the key issues discussed here. We aim to find out how far dominant practices are shared across different sectors and how appropriate methods of data justice and fairness may be developed to benefit all residents and citizens of the province. Awareness will be raised of these key issues that will stimulate debate in sectors where policy and regulative changes are possible and appropriate practices can be fostered.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Surveillance, Privacy, Big Data, Data Management, Data Analytics, Personal Data

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Queen’s University Mary Purcell Phone: 613-533-6878 Email: [email protected]

Alan Giacomin

Accelerated Polymer Additive Manufacturing

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW We propose to bring together experts in polymer processing (Kontopoulou), rheology (Giacomin), polymer molecular design (Parent) and polymeric biomaterials (Amsden) to attack central problems in plastics additive manufacturing (PAM). This broad class of manufacturing processes construct three dimensional (3D) structures by sequential addition of polymer layers that solidify by vitrification, crystallization or chemical reaction. Originally used for the visualization of preproduction objects, PAM is finding increased application in the biomedical, electronics and aerospace fields as a means of producing complicated and/or customized parts. However, the emergence of PAM has outpaced advances in our understanding of the complex fluid mechanics, transport phenomena and thermomechanical material properties that underlie the technology. The proposed research and development program will address this shortcoming to the benefit of the Ontario economy. All PAM processes, whether fused deposition, stereolithography or selective laser sintering, present enormous technical design challenges arising from their transient nature. For example, fused deposition (a type of 3D printing) stops and starts the flow of molten polymer to deposit each 3D pixel. The unsteady nature of this flow and its unconfined boundaries, coupled with the viscoelastic properties of polymer melts and material property changes that accompany the cooling of deposited material, make this the ultimate oscillatory manufacturing challenge. At present, pixel deposition frequency is currently limited to 104 pixels/second with a volumetric resolution of 10-11 m3/pixel. Both can be improved by a better understanding of the physics of polymeric liquids applied to oscillatory shear flow. Further developments in polymeric material science is needed if PAM is to advance from the production of simple visual models to the manufacturing of advanced engineering products. In many cases, the performance of parts manufactured by PAM falls short of those produced by conventional polymer processing operations due to weaknesses at the boundaries between deposited material. By applying the group’s knowledge of interfacial adhesion, sintering phenomena, crystallization, polymer composites and thermosetting chemistry, the deficiencies of articles made by PAM will be mitigated, making this technology suitable for a wider range of engineering applications. Of particular interest are new materials and processing techniques for biomedical applications, including scaffolds for cell-biomaterial constructs of appropriate internal and external spatial arrangement and mechanical properties.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Polymer Processing, Rheology

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Queen’s University Mary Purcell Phone: 613-533-6878 Email: [email protected]

Mark Green

Indigenous Leadership in Sustainable Building and Energy Systems for Rural and Remote Areas

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Providing engineering services in northern and remote areas poses significant challenges and opportunities for Ontario's future; this is particularly so for delivery in Indigenous communities. Recent media coverage of the need for infrastructure and housing in communities such as Attawapiskat has underscored some of the challenges faced by engineering firms when working in rural and remote regions. To meet these development needs, engineering companies require professionals who not only understand the physical challenges of working in remote areas, but perhaps more importantly, who understand the social and cultural contexts with respect to Indigenous peoples in the communities where they are working. We are at a turning point in Canada; after decades of privileging Western science and technology to solve anthropogenic climate change, we are beginning to recognize that we can no longer rely on one knowledge system to address the pressing problems of the day. Using both Indigenous and Western knowledge in integrative ways is being increasingly recognized as an approach to address such serious problems, but to date engineering has been slow to engage with Indigenous knowledge-holders. The main objective of this proposal is to innovate by incorporating Indigenous knowledge and natural systems to develop sustainable buildings and renewable energy technologies that can effectively solve problems faced by Indigenous communities and other remote areas in Ontario. The research will be founded on the principle of working together with Indigenous leaders and communities in partnership. The research is divided into two themes: (1) renewable energy and (2) energy efficient buildings. For renewable energy systems, the main research challenge will be to develop effective renewable energy options for remote and northern regions in Ontario. Advanced structural health monitoring techniques will also be adapted for such remote regions to allow for enhanced maintenance strategies for renewable energy projects (i.e., solar, wind, and biomass). For energy efficient buildings, the main research challenge will emphasize sustainable northern buildings including appropriate building systems that can meet the goal of energy efficiency while at the same time considering structural performance and other goals of sustainability (environmental impact of the materials, cultural impact of the building, climate change, and indoor air quality). The research will complement two existing programs at Queen’s University: an NSERC CREATE program on Sustainable Engineering in Remote Areas (SERA) led by Dr. Mark Green and a CIHR program on Achieving Strength, Health, and Resilience through Renewable Energy Development (A SHARED Future) led by Dr. Heather Castleden. Trainees and PDFs will conduct world-class research combining engineering, physics, geography (social and physical place), and health studies to work with Indigenous knowledge-holders to solve problems of energy sustainability and development in rural and remote areas. In Ontario, buildings are responsible for 33 % of all energy used, 50 % of natural resources consumed, and 35 % of greenhouse gases. Consumers, policy makers, and industry recognize the urgent need for renewable energy and sustainable buildings to assist with climatic impacts. Bringing Indigenous and Western knowledge systems together will help contribute to healing our relationships with each other, and the environments that sustain us.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies - Clean Technologies

Keywords: Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Sustainability, Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, Healthy Communities

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Queen’s University Mary Purcell Phone: 613-533-6878 Email: [email protected]

Amer Johri

STAAR POINT - Study for the Translation of Automated Atherosclerosis Risk by Point of Care Vascular Ultrasound

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Cardiovascular Ultrasound is critical to the everyday management of patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease related conditions such as stroke, acute coronary syndrome, metabolic syndrome, and atrial fibrillation. Recently Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) has exploded as a disruptive method of delivering imaging at the bedside, expediting cardiovascular care and decision-making. Visual evaluation remains the mainstay of POCUS imaging applications resulting in subjective interpretation, while extended, time consuming, off-line analysis would obviate the advantage of rapid bedside diagnosis. However, quantitative analysis of ultrasound images remains critical to providing accurate interpretation, evidence-based management, and personalized care. Thus, the greatest need for fully automated image processing and quantitative analysis using computing tools, is at the point of care- where a rapid synthesis of information to produce an immediate diagnosis is critical. Given the acuity and grave consequences of cardiovascular disease, this condition is in particular need of synergistic machine learning techniques at the point of care to rapidly integrate large amounts of clinical and quantitative imaging data, facilitating personalized, patient-centered care. The objective of the STAAR POINT program, Study for Translation of Automated Atherosclerosis Risk Assessment by Point of Care Vascular Ultrasound, aims to develop fully-automated machine learning and image processing approaches for interpretation of vascular atherosclerosis scanned at the point of care. Our program has defined 5 multi- disciplinary clusters that would direct the translation of rapid automated cardiovascular POCUS analysis to care: 1) emergency room physicians assessing chest pain, 2) obstetricians specializing in cardiovascular care and assessing risk in maternal hypertension, 3) electrophysiologists assessing stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation, 4) cardiac surgeons assessing bypass graft arterial vessels suitability for harvesting, and 5) cardiologists assessing atherosclerotic risk in patients with Metabolic Syndrome in the community. These groups are all identified to having an urgent need of tools that can assess the quantity and composition of atherosclerosis by imaging, at the point of care, to expedite decision making. The STAAR POINT program is a collaboration between the School of Computing and the Cardiovascular Imaging and Informatics Network at Queen’s (CINQLab.com) to develop the next generation of POCUS tools that integrate clinical and quantitative data for the end users described above. The outcome will be the development of deep learning tools applied to the vast amounts of quantitative data generated by a POCUS scan and integration with clinical information to provide personalized care in the assessment of atherosclerosis in a variety of conditions. The advancement towards fully-automated machine interpretation will not replace decision making by physicians but will augment care by providing POCUS operators with highly accurate tools, transforming the manner in which clinicians detect atherosclerosis, risk-stratify, and optimize patient-specific treatment. Such a transformation has the potential to result in more cost effective, accurate, efficient and less invasive assessment of vascular disease and risk.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Atherosclerosis, Point of Care Ultrasound, Machine Learning, Cardiovascular Imaging, Deep Learning, Automation

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Queen’s University Mary Purcell Phone: 613-533-6878 Email: [email protected]

David Lefebvre

Proactive Algal Bloom Prevention using Biomanipulative Processes and Early Stage Detection via UAV Systems

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Conventional means of treating toxic algal blooms have not been successful in preventing algal blooms and their negative environmental impact. For example: 1) Prevention of nutrient loading of nitrogen and phosphorus has met with limited success because of the multitude of non-point nutrient sources around most lakes; 2) Post-bloom removal of blue-green algae still permits the algae to bloom and release toxins and does not encourage the implementation of preventative measures; and 3) Posting of public advisories when blooms are, in effect, underway to warn local inhabitants not to drink, bath or cook with the water does nothing to mitigate the environmental impact of toxic blooms. Taking into account that the prevention of toxic algal blooms by curtailing nutrient loading into waterbodies is difficult to achieve, we propose the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV’s) to determine the extent of algal blooms. UAV’s will be further developed to detect ‘hotspots’, areas of nascent pre-blooms in waterbodies. This information will permit implementation of targeted biological remediation involving biomanipulation at these ‘hotspots' to destroy the algae and prevent algal blooms. A novel harmful algal growth management system is proposed by combining a Queen’s invented bioremediation approach and University of Toronto’s specialized enabling technology in autonomous flight. It involves a carefully designed two-stage plan, i.e. algal bloom early detection and warning (stage one) by flying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at low altitudes with specialized sensor payloads, and a bioremediation/ biomanipulation process (stage two) by deploying specialized devices in identified areas to remove algae at early life stages before they develop into toxic algal blooms. The applicants have already performed successful preliminary stage one trials on algal bloom early warning by flying a custom-built UAV with integrated flight and detection technology. The UAV platform has been designed, and its flight path has been implemented with image capture. A proprietary toxic algae detection scheme has been developed by Queen’s based on computational analysis of images captured by the UAV. The latter distinctive feature has identified algal bloom areas within aquatic environments and made direct comparisons to algal quantities in the water. In addition, we have successfully run field tests (near Queen’s University Biology Station, Kingston, ON and in Lake Taihu, China) to demonstrate the potential of the proposed detection technique. The preventative process will exploit ecological findings made by Queen's researchers for regions in question (Canadian or Chinese) to knockdown the algal population below a threshold that would otherwise lead to toxic blooms, thereby preventing blooms from occurring. One such ecological strategy will be developed using macrophytes, large water plants, to absorb nutrients and prevent light from reaching the algae and therefore, interfere with the growth of the prebloom-stage Microcystis cyanobacteria. Several other biotic and abiotic factors will be manipulated in the laboratory and then in the field to determine their efficiency in curtailing cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms. Toxic algal blooms in Ontario and globally are impacting drinking water sources, recreational activities, and human health. The proposed research develops technologies that provide a sound commercial strategy to alleviate this severe problem.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies - Clean Technologies

Keywords: Bioremediation, Conservation, Ecology, Biology, Environmental Rehabilitation, Aerial Surveillance, Image Analysis

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Queen’s University Mary Purcell Phone: 613-533-6878 Email: [email protected]

Evelyn Morin

Wearable Bio-monitoring Devices With Multi-analyte Sensing Capabilities

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Wearable technologies have rapidly progressed over the last decade. Different conformations of wearables are commercially available including smart watches, HRM devices, virtual reality eyewear and headsets. These technologies offer updates and notifications, where some wearables provide fitness information based on physical and ambient sensing. The next generation of wearable technologies is aimed at providing active feedback to users, requiring integration of sensors and transducers with electronic components to enable signal processing, analysis, energy supply and storage, packaged together as a small wearable device. The emergence of polymer based soft-electronic materials will transform wearables from rigid configurations to more flexible arrangements such as polymer patches, elastic components and textiles. Our goal is to explore and develop soft-wearable technologies for bio- monitoring applications. There is a strong potential now to advance the capacity of wearables for active detection of physiological status through direct interaction with certain biofluids. For example, recent findings indicate that detection of biochemical analytes such as glucose in sweat is as sensitive as glucose monitoring in blood. A wearable glucose monitor is non-invasive, as opposed to the blood-based glucose-measurement devices. We aim to design soft-wearable, biocompatible patches, capable of detecting one or more biochemical analytes in real-time, to monitor the physical status and health of the user. The three aims of this research project are: Aim 1: create a wearable polymer patch for the detection and estimation of glucose and lactic acid levels in sweat samples. The patch will be developed through an all room-temperature fabrication process based on aerosol printing, solution based processing of dielectric, organic semiconductor and biochemical materials. The small-scale network of organic and electrochemical transistors will be energized externally and amperometric data will be analyzed externally. Laboratory validation experiments will be conducted on synthetic samples mimicking the composition of human sweat with differential levels of glucose and lactic acid. Aim 2: combine the soft- printed sensor matrix with a printed electronic component to incorporate energy supply and data analysis as part of the wearable device. We will design and integrate micro-patterned graphene composite based electro-chemical cell stacks which will act as flex-batteries and energize the printed electronic components. The flex-batteries will be recharged through standard power outlets. Aim 3: validate the integrated soft-wearable bio-monitoring device for multi-analyte detection in a human trial. Volunteer test subjects will wear the device, as it records data for a defined number of days. In this phase, we can expand the scope of application by incorporating other analytes in order to examine the translation of our approach towards an extensive bio-monitoring device. To achieve these deliverables, we have assembled an interdisciplinary team with considerable experience in developing intelligent biomedical systems, micro scale biosensors and incorporating biomaterials for similar applications, and exceptional HQP training records. We have also connected with Ontario industrial partners interested in participating in the proposed research during and beyond the scope of the project, capable of applying the research outcome to expand into new product lines.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Wearables, Organic Semiconductors, Flexible Electronics, Electro-chemical Sensors, Bio- monitoring Device

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Queen’s University Mary Purcell Phone: 613-533-6878 Email: [email protected]

Hossam Hassanein

Ontario Crowdsensing and Analytics Robust Emergency System (CARES)

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The objective of this proposal is to design an improved infrastructure to respond effectively to large-scale, distributed, unstructured natural and manmade hazards such as multi-vehicle accidents on the 401, outbreaks of human or animal diseases, major weather events, large fires, and terrorist attacks. All of these events share a common underlying structure: multiple sources of information (with different levels of reliability) may be associated with a hazard, this information needs to be integrated into an accurate picture of what is happening, and this picture needs to be conveyed clearly and quickly to those affected so that they can act appropriately. The integration and fusion of multiple heterogeneous sources of information aligns with the three main principles underlying a sound emergency response design: reliable hazard identification, risk analysis, and impact analysis. By addressing these design principles through the assessment of crowd-sourced information quality and the real-time analysis of incidents criticality and spread, organisations involved in emergency response can prioritize and assign the resources necessary to mitigate incidents in a most efficient way. Organisations that face such incidents include: emergency services such as police, fire, and ambulance; cities (for example, the recent ice storm in Toronto), transportation (accidents on road, rail, and at airports), agriculture (food poisoning, infectious animal diseases), health warning networks (flu epidemics), corporations and governments (large-scale outages), and many others. We conceive of the proposed infrastructure as having three components: (1) large- scale crowdsensing, (2) analytics, and (3) decision making, alternative generation and recommendations. Achieving the research objective by leveraging crowdsensing and analytics capabilities will improve the response coordination to critical incidents and real-time incident management, which will contribute to saving lives and reducing injuries, improving quality of life, and saving resources by deploying them more effectively. The fundamental research questions to achieve this objective are: • How can partial, uncertain and contradictory inputs, some of which are from people under stress and some of which may be misleading, be properly assessed for importance? How can individual privacy be maintained? How can uncertainties about inputs be managed? • How can input data that arrives from multiple channels, widely distributed endpoints and in multiple formats, be linked to a critical incident and synthesized into a coherent description of that incident? • How can quality of information be estimated (for human input), used (for sensor input), and managed by, for example, requesting more input from critical locations and less from others? • How can the data collection be made resilient when the incident itself may have impacted communication? • Which existing data analytics algorithms can be leveraged for this setting? What new algorithms must be designed? How does the type of event, the degree of criticality and the necessity for real-time response impact the algorithmic decisions? • How can infrastructure that is powerful enough to perform the real-time analytics be dynamically assembled to reduce response times? How can edge analytics be leveraged if powerful infrastructures are not available? • How can a response be constructed and conveyed to stakeholders, with recommendations, in real-time?

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Crowd Sensing, Data Analytics, Sensemaking, Realtime Emergency Response, Safety, Security, Epidemiology Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Queen’s University Mary Purcell Phone: 613-533-6878 Email: [email protected]

Heather Stuart

Building a Cognitive Analytics Mental Health Application

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Mental health issues affect one in 4 or 5 Canadians each year, though less than one quarter will seek help. Shame, embarrassment, fear of being stigmatized, and lack of services are some of the main reasons why individuals do not receive timely access to care. To help reduce this treatment gap, we will develop an instant messaging smart phone application to connect people who are dealing with mental health problems to a mental health counseling solution that uses the IBM Watson cognitive platform. This is a multi-disciplinary project that will include experts from computer scientists with expertise in Watson analytics and big data solutions (IBM Watson and Queen's Centre for Advanced Computing), and substantive experts from the mental health field. At the end of this 5-year project, we will have a beta- tested smart phone application that will use Watson analytics to effectively screen clients for clinically relevant conditions, perform appropriate triage functions, and carry on clinical conversations with clients who do not meet case criteria in order to help them diminish their distress and better manage their mental health problems. Watson will engage with the client directly to identify the presenting problem(s), determine if the problems are clinically serious, and if so, triage to a live counselor for guidance and referral. Otherwise, Watson will converse with the client, give advice, and refer to mental health resources (including self help materials), as appropriate. An important part of the development process (requiring extensive primary data collection) will be to 'school' Watson in conversational language used by potential clients to describe mental health problems and map this on to unstructured clinical case materials (such as diagnostic cases) to form the basis for Watson's judgments. Being able to engage with Watson in a secure, private and anonymous manner will encourage clients to reach out for help where they might not have in the past. There is also evidence that many clients will prefer engaging with a computer over a live individual as they have more control over disclosure, feel less shame and embarrassment, and consider that the interaction is more confidential. Our initial focus will be on adult members of military families (including veterans) as this group is particularly vulnerable to mental health problems and particularly fearful of being stigmatized if they come forward for mental health support. Lessons learned in working with military families will inform the extension of our work to other segments of the population. The application of cognitive technology in a mental health setting has not been well studied and many questions remain, a few of which include: how effective will this approach be; what resources are required to support a cognitive application of this nature; how will it be accepted by the people it is intended to serve; and, what are the legal and ethical issues surrounding the use of technology in this context? We will use a combination of qualitative and quantitative data collection approaches, including convening panels of experts for consensus opinions, to address these challenges. All primary data collection will be ethically cleared through Queen's University.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Mental Health, Watson, Analytics, Anti-stigma, Help-seeking, Early Identification

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Queen’s University Mary Purcell Phone: 613-533-6878 Email: [email protected]

Igor Jurisica

Integration of Network Biology to Translation Research for Improved Precision Medicine Testing (INTERPRET)

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW BACKGROUND: Genomic medicine combined with cognitive analytics provides the necessary platform for precision cancer patient care. Knowing driver mutations and using targeted therapies benefits some patients; however, due to tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance many patients remain without a cure. Determining each patient’s mutation profile and the resulting altered signaling network, will provide broader options for treatment planning. Expanding genomic medicine with advanced network biology, patient assessment and computational modeling will provide new opportunities for translational research and patient-centric treatment strategies. OBJECTIVES: Our proposal builds on previous large-scale projects, tools and resources created to accelerate and enhance the quality of cancer biomarker discovery, omics data analysis and interpretation, and their application to precision medicine. We propose a shift in the cancer treatment paradigm by developing secure infrastructure for comprehensive patient modeling and treatment planning, combined with integrative computational tools to enable use and sharing of such models, and in turn improve decision support and patient survival. APPROACH: We synergistically combine multidisciplinary expertise across collaborating institutions to create a program for accelerating transformative, translational research. A multidisciplinary team will create and apply novel algorithms and portals, and contextualize and expand tissue- and mutation-specific interaction networks integrated with signaling and metabolic pathways. Clinical, life style, and omics profiles for each patient will be integrated to create an annotated network model, represented in a secure, shareable format. IBM Watson Explorer will be used to further annotate the models and provide treatment and trial suggestions. OUTCOMES: Besides providing improved decision-support in precision medicine, the platform will integrate translational research and provide a detailed “explanation” mechanism to oncologists and patients - which captures commonalities and unique aspects, and by matching with drug mechanism of action will provide rational treatment path. This proposal represents a one-of-a-kind, multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary approach to translational research and patient treatment. Our program and infrastructure will yield a unique and important opportunity to identify novel drug targets and improve patient outcome by systematically and comprehensively exploring multi-therapy options, and combining omics data with computational modeling and life style measures.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies - Clean Technologies

Keywords: Data Mining, Machine Learning, Pathways, Drug Mechanism of Action, Treatment, Prognosis, Cognitive Analytics

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Queen’s University Mary Purcell Phone: 613-533-6878 Email: [email protected]

Carlos Saavedra

Millimeter-Wave Microfluidic Technology for Advanced Wireless Systems

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The objective of this Ontario Research Fund (ORF) proposal is to launch a new research initiative at Queen’s University in the emerging field of microfluidic planar antennas for millimeter-wave (mm-wave) wireless systems. One of the most exciting developments in printed antennas since they were invented in the 1970s was the recent demonstration that microfluidic channels filled with liquid metal (e.g. eutectic gallium, indium) can radiate electromagnetic waves. That work has opened a new field of research into variable-geometry printed antennas that has the potential to shatter long-established design paradigms not only for antennas but also for the entire radio front-end of mm-wave transceivers. Major research topics that we will investigate include: ultra-wideband microfluidic log-periodic antennas, fractal antennas, antenna arrays, radiated beam focusing, beam steering, active antennas, tunable filters, non- Newtonian fluids in frequency-tunable liquid-metal antennas, colloidal suspensions for frequency-tunable antennas, microfluidic dynamics of liquid-metals in microchannels, electrokinetic phenomena in liquid- metal microfluidics, thermal heat dissipation management in multi-chip modules. A major application that will be targeted with the proposed technology is fifth-generation (5G) wireless communication networks which is actively being investigated at Queen’s. As driverless vehicles and the Internet of Things (IoT) become ubiquitous in the decade ahead, machine-to-machine communications will accelerate growth of data traffic flowing over the internet. Long-term strategic planning to accommodate the extra data traffic is underway by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in the form of standards for a 5G network using mm-wave carrier frequencies that include the bands 28-31 GHz, 57-64 GHz and 71-86 GHz. We are interested in investigating microfluidic antennas and filters that will allow a single transceiver to cover all three 5G bands – a feat not possible with today's technology. The field of microfluidics has matured over the past two decades and it now permeates an extensive range of applications in diverse fields including biomedicine and energy production. Microfluidics offers a powerful set of tools that allows a microscale-level control of the fluidic environment, in addition to the well-known benefits such as reduced sample volumes, and lower fabrication and operation costs. We will employ such microfluidic control to manipulate and operate liquids on-chip (e.g. repositioning, mixing, etc.), that will enable the development of frequency-tunable or frequency-selective microfluidic antennas. Millimeter- wave microfluidic technology can radically transform how front-end hardware for 5G networks is designed. This will provide a competitive advantage for collaborating partners from the private sector. Entire new processes and product-lines will emerge to exploit this technology, thus providing new employment opportunities for Ontarians.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Millimeter-wave Circuits, Antennas, Electromagnetics, Microfluidics, Physics of Fluids

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Queen’s University Mary Purcell Phone: 613-533-6878 Email: [email protected]

Stephen Scott

Development of Robot-based Assessment for Neurological Assessment

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The present proposal uses advanced robotic and associated technologies to study the neural and behavioural aspects of motor function and dysfunction. The studies use optimal control principles as a theoretical framework of the voluntary motor system, which emphasizes the importance of the behavioural goal in selecting motor actions and the role of sensory feedback for online control. The proposed projects include basic research on the behavioural and neural basis of voluntary control, leading to the development of novel clinical tasks to generate behavioural biomarkers that quantify sensorimotor impairments associated with various diseases and injuries, such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and traumatic brain injury. Proposed studies on healthy human and non-human primates will explore the influence of visual and proprioceptive feedback to plan and control voluntary motor actions. These studies will use KINARM robotic systems to measure limb motion and to apply mechanical loads to the limb. Integrated virtual reality systems will display spatial objects and visual feedback of limb motion, and eye- tracking systems will measure how the eyes are used to explore the environment and monitor motor performance. Studies in non-human primates will identify neural circuits that support these rapid feedback processes. Studies on healthy motor function will drive the development of behavioural tasks to quantify impairments associated with various diseases and injuries. We will collect large sets of healthy control subjects in each task in order to develop normative models that quantify typical performance, considering factors such as age, sex and handedness. We will then quantify impairments in feedback processing in different patient groups, including those with primary neurological injuries/diseases (i.e. stroke, Parkinson’s disease), as well as those with non-primary neurological disorders that potentially impact neurological function (i.e. kidney failure, cardiac arrest). The final set of projects will develop advanced analytical techniques to improve the efficiency and power of these assessment tools. Specifically, we will explore techniques to decrease assessment time, including selecting future tasks based on performance on completed tasks, and stopping tasks prematurely if sufficient information has been acquired to quantify performance. These strategies will greatly expand the potential range of tasks performed during a session. Analysis techniques will also be developed to quantify overall subject performance and identify patterns of behavior across tasks to create personal ‘behavioural fingerprints’, permitting an even greater ability to identify change in subject performance across time. Taken together, these studies provide a cohesive framework for quantifying the behavioural and neural basis of voluntary control, leading to the development of novel clinical tools to quantify impairments associated with various diseases and injuries. This translational model from basic to clinical research will greatly expand commercial opportunities for using robotic and associated technologies in research, clinical trials for novel therapeutic interventions, and eventually, in clinical practice.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Neuroscience, Motor Control, Neurological Assessment, Stroke, Robotics, Upper Limb Function

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Queen’s University Mary Purcell Phone: 613-533-6878 Email: [email protected]

Rena Upitis

Musical Openings: Digital Tools for Ontario's Youth

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Ontario’s creative industries generate $12.2 billion dollars annually in GDP. This sector is now larger than the agriculture, forestry and mining sectors combined. Innovation and research are needed to support these creative industries, and this project aims to meet this need by: (a) characterizing music learning in contemporary and social music-making contexts, (b) further developing digital technologies to enhance traditional forms of music engagement, such as learning to play an instrument, and (c) researching the fertile ways that these two landscapes—the contemporary and traditional—can intersect. In so doing, we recognize that serious music learning is no longer confined to schools, studios, and conservatories. Inspired music creation often takes place in less formal settings, where music making is initiated, created, and distributed by learners using personal devices and networked applications, with a combination of blended learning approaches involving face-to-face interactions and virtual learning mediated by digital tools. The project follows a long and successful partnership resulting in the Music Tool Suite (MTS), a collection of digital tools to support changes in music teaching and learning. Extensive research has demonstrated that these tools are effective in traditional music teaching, where students learn to play an instrument following the Western musical canon. Evidence also suggests that at least one of the tools— Notemaker—has the potential to bridge contemporary and traditional landscapes. While Notemaker, a video annotator, was primarily designed for teachers to provide feedback to students between lessons, students have also used Notemaker to provide feedback to other students through its social media features, thereby enhancing music creation, education, and distribution. Thus, one of the central research aims of the proposed project is examine how Notemaker can be used in new ways to make, learn, and share music. Another important research aim is to deepen our understanding of how other tools in the MTS are used for traditional music teaching and learning. The proposed project also has a professional development component, as we will continue to provide and develop support for users, and evaluate the effectiveness of various support structures, including video, social media, workshops, and teacher certification, so that a responsive and iterative structure for professional development and musician support is achieved. The MTS tools have been developed to the point where commercialization is feasible and desirable. The proposed project will further the commercialization process with the addition of a for- profit Ontario partner (TBD) as well as the backing of PARTEQ, the technology transfer arm of Queen’s, along with the contributions from a founding partner, Concordia University, which has served as the lead partner for software and app development since 2012. One of the more recent partners to the project, The Curious Piano Teachers, will contribute to the research and offer professional development. Another recent partner, the Canadian Coalition for Music Education, will market and promote the MTS as well as contribute to the research through its Youth for Music program. As the lead, Queen’s will contribute to all aspects of the work; directing the research, steering professional development, and ensuring that the tools meet the needs of teachers and youth engaged in music learning and creation.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Digital Music Tools - Youth for Music - Learner Distributed Music Creation

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Queen’s University Mary Purcell Phone: 613-533-6878 Email: [email protected]

Roel Vertegaal

Interactions through Virtual and Physical 3D Light Field Displays and Cameras

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW This proposal concerns research in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). The overall goal is to design interactions for Real Reality Interfaces with Ultimate Displays. We define Real Reality Interfaces as a novel area of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) in which interactive 3D Augmented Reality (AR) experiences are rendered directly onto objects in the real world, rather than into a head mounted display (HMD). In collaboration with our industry partner Evolution Lightfield Labs we will create tools for physical and virtual objects and spaces through two approaches: i) using virtual light field displays that render 3D holograms by emitting angular light rays, and ii) using physical light field displays in the form of self- levitating voxels [CV12]. Our first long-term goal is to improve human interaction and (tele)communication using computing devices. To achieve this, we will create novel interfaces that use light fields to render interactive 3D graphics with stereoscopy and motion parallax onto real world objects, without a need for head mounted displays, glasses or head tracking. We will also develop interactive physical light fields, in the form of 3D voxel displays that use self-levitating drones that also convey haptics. One benefit of such technologies is to allow hologrammatic communication over large distances, appearing remotely and able to engage in multiparty conversation as if physically present. Our second long-term goal is to broaden our understanding of human interactions with interactive light field displays through empirical study. Limitations to the design and study of virtual 3D interfaces warrant nine investigative short-term goals: i) We will design, test and incorporate high resolution displays that directly represent light fields into 3D user interfaces. ii) develop new form factors light field displays, including flexible and arbitrarily shaped light field displays. iii) prototype an HMD that uses thin-film light field imaging to render high resolution stereoscopy in a light weight form factor. iv) We propose to develop a thin-film high resolution light field video camera prototype v) develop deep learning algorithms for efficient processing of 2x2D plenoptic light field images such that information about the 3D angular movement of select objects in the scene can be extracted in real time. vi) develop gestural input that allow high resolution 3D input of hands and fingers to be tracked in real time using light fields. vii) we will develop applications of continuous multiple perspective displays through our camera/display technology. viii) We propose to develop a physical light field display using an array of nano-quadcopter drones. ix) We will design and evaluate user interface styles for Real Reality Interfaces.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: User Interface, 3D Interaction, Light Fields, Augmented Reality, Programmable Matter

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research Florence Dzierszinski Phone: 613-722-6521 x6727 Email: [email protected]

Pierre Blier

Intervening in the Suicide Crisis through Behavioural, Physiological, and Therapeutic Approaches

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Worldwide, an estimated 1 million people die every year from suicide, according to the World Health Organization. Prevention of suicide therefore represents a crucial social and economic goal of utmost importance but no specific strategy has been successful in curbing the scourge of suicide. The first broad goal of this research program is to apply a multimodal approach to identify key behavioural, biological, and physiological factors that can predict individuals at high risk of posing lethal attempts to end their life. The second broad goal is to triangulate these 3 data sets to devise effective pharmacotherapies to prevent suicidal behaviours. Since about two thirds of people who die from suicide are in a major depressive episode, the initial focus of this endeavour will be to obtain data from patients with unipolar and bipolar depression. They will be investigated throughout treatment with intravenous infusions of the glutamate NMDA antagonist ketamine that have a rapid antidepressant effect in about half of patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) but most importantly, exert a robust attenuation of suicidal ideation. Strikingly, results from our research unit indicate that the effect of ketamine on suicidal ideation manifests itself in nearly all depressed patients and is independent of its action on other depressive symptoms. Thus, Objective 1 of this proposal is to characterize the effect of anti-suicide agents on behavioural parameters in relation to depression, impulsivity and aggression. Objective 2 is to determine the impact of anti-suicide agents on biological factors such as quinolinic acid, a known NMDA agonist from the tryptophan-kynurenic acid pathway, on inflammation status using particular pro- and anti- inflammatory mediators and on glycogen synthase kinase (GSK3) activity in mononuclear cells. The latter assay is justified on the basis that GSK3 is inhibited by both ketamine and lithium, another agent with demonstrated anti-suicide action. Objective 3 is to identify specific brain regions showing alterations in brain activity (using functional magnetic resonance imaging [fMRI] and concomitant electroencephalography [EEG]), and/or glutamate and GABA levels (using magnetic resonance spectroscopy [MRS]) in relation to an attenuation of suicidal ideation by ketamine. In parallel, the impact of ketamine, lithium and clozapine, the third agent with a demonstrated anti-suicide action, will be investigated in laboratory animals using paradigms that model impulsivity, aggression and learned helplessness to mimic suicidal traits. Using this multimodal approach, we will characterize the causal association(s) between biological factors, behavioural phenotypes and increased suicide risk. To this end, such an integrated translational and back-translational methodology offers a unique avenue for progress. The core expertise of our team is anchored in Dr. Pierre Blier’s fully-integrated research unit that combines basic research, investigator-initiated clinical trials, and neuroimaging. With in-house collaborators, Drs. Zul Merali (biochemical and behavioural assays), Georg Northoff (MRI/MRS), Alex Neumeister (PET), Natalia Jaworska (EEG/MRI), and Marie-Claude Audet (inflammatory mediators), we will employ an innovative, multimodal approach to establish interactions between potential mechanistic pathways that may lead to suicide in order to develop and apply targeted suicide intervention treatments.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Suicide, Depression, Pharmacology, Neuroimaging, Inflammation, Electrophysiology, Behaviour, Ketamine

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research Florence Dzierszinski Phone: 613-722-6521 x6727 Email: [email protected]

Zul Merali

A Person-centred and Measurement-based Approach to Improve Depression Outcomes Through E-technology

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW It is estimated that ~30% of Ontarians will experience a mental illness at some point in their life. However, diagnosis of depression and bipolar conditions is highly variable, due in part to the lack of standardized measures. Recently, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have disclosed that correct diagnosis occurs less than 50% of the time, and that these illnesses often remain undiagnosed. A variety of screening and monitoring tools and questionnaires are available to patients and clinicians across the country. However, their heterogeneity and, in some cases, complexity, have created challenges in the collection and analysis of the data, and therefore in the design and discovery of new and effective therapies. A common language is needed to enhance assessment and diagnostics to enable data pooling and clinical breakthroughs. In addition, as patient engagement is critical in the design of tailored therapeutic approaches and in the journey to recovery, a tool that gives immediate feedback on how the patient is doing now and how this compares to the trend with previous self-assessments is needed. It is essential to implement person-centered platforms that enable cooperation, dialogue and shared decision-making between patients and clinicians, as well as provision of feedback for improved quality and enhanced outcomes. In line with Ontario’s 'Innovation Agenda', the four objectives of 'Patients First: Action Plan for Healthcare', and the ‘Open Minds, Healthy Minds’ blueprint, the goal of this transdisciplinary research is to improve the outcomes of depression by developing and applying standardized, mobile-technology enabled and measurement-based care. Our person-centered approach will provide both patients and carers with real-time data, and will be foundational to the establishment of a centralized registry of de- identified data for research within a collaborative framework. The Royal’s Institute of Mental Health Research affiliated with the University of Ottawa (IMHR), host of the Canadian Depression Research & Intervention Network (CDRIN) Central Canada Hub, has established a formal partnership with the U.S. National Network of Depression Centers (NNDC). One of our shared objectives is to try and standardize screening and monitoring measures for depression, anxiety, bipolar conditions and suicide ideation. Using the same scales as NNDC, and in partnership with the Canadian branch of QuintilesIMS (a leading integrated information and technology-enabled healthcare service provider worldwide), we have developed a prototype and tested the utilization of standardized and streamlined measures using a novel e-approach that integrates secure wireless tablet technology with real-time analytics capabilities for patients and carers. Building on this pilot initiative, we propose to expand our approach into several mental health settings (hospitals and clinics, primary care offices, psychology practices, etc). The establishment of a standardized set of core measures in conjunction with the creation and analysis of a centralized and de-identified patient registry will (1) inform evaluation and reform of current services including wait time and triage, (2) guide policy formulation, (3) enable the integration of patient choice and community resources into treatment programs, (4) facilitate low-cost clinical trials and long-term outcomes monitoring, and (5) lead to the development of more cost-effective treatment approaches through research.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Depression, Mental Health, E-technology, Patient-centered, Standardized Assessments, Registry

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ryerson University Jennifer MacInnis Phone: 416-979-5000 x5602 Email: [email protected]

Atefeh Mashatan

Applications for Supply Chain Authentication Utilizing Distributed Ledgers

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW From Mexican apples labeled as Ontario grown, to seafood fraud and species substitution where tilapia is sold as red snapper, to transcript fraud where individuals are forging their marks, the challenges of authentication of goods and documents are increasing as supply chains become more global and complicated and digital technologies are making forgeries harder to detect. While distributed ledger or registry systems such as blockchain have gained prominence through bitcoins and its financial implications, its applications beyond the verification of financial transactions are quite broad and are only now emerging. This project will examine the application of distributed ledger and registry systems beyond currency exchange applications to verify goods and documents and expand the use of trustless authentication. As well as examining the technical challenges this project will address the policy, privacy, standard setting and security practicalities that need to be overcome to enable widespread adoption of distributed ledger systems such as blockchain.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Blockchain Technology, Public Ledgers, Private Ledgers, Applications, Authentication

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ryerson University Jennifer MacInnis Phone: 416-979-5000 x5602 Email: [email protected]

Ben Barry

Innovation in the Social Sciences and Humanities: A Design-Based Approach

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW In Ontario, design approaches to research and innovation have been integrated into public policy, business and public health contexts. Foregrounding this work are the design principles and methods of prototyping, iteration, and co-creation. Despite making inroads into fields not traditionally associated with design, design research approaches remain mostly absent in the humanities and social sciences. The starting point of this research program is that the humanities and social sciences should be closely intertwined with design approaches to address societal challenges. Design offers the possibility to take humanities and social sciences research beyond its traditional methods of inquiry and forms of dissemination by prototyping material proposals that can used in the (re)design of systems, objects and practices to affect social change. This research program explores how design principles and approaches can supplement and/or augment traditional humanities and social sciences research to innovate research capacities. It brings design knowledge to the humanities and social sciences. By doing so, design is used as a platform to facilitate the co-production of trans-interdisciplinary research and translate knowledge across disciplinary boundaries and areas of expertise. The goals of this program are to (1) build capacity among humanities, social sciences, design and practice communities to enhance social innovation, (2) experiment with design research methods through the development and execution of research that incorporates design methods such as prototyping and co-creation; and (3) generate recommendations for the research community and beyond by developing projects that incorporate design approaches and address societal issues. This program will support the emergence of a design-oriented, collaborative, cross-disciplinary humanities and social sciences research agenda which addresses societal issues. It will engage stakeholders from various sectors. Specialisms represented will include history, sociology, literature, disability studies, social work, communication design and fashion design. The program results in the (1) generation of connections between design research and the humanities and social sciences and researchers and practitioners; (2) development of insights into contemporary society; and (3) the creation of new humanities and social science research methods grounded in material and generative design activities.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: History, Sociology, Literature, Social Work, Disability Studies, Fashion, Communication Design and Interior Design

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ryerson University Jennifer MacInnis Phone: 416-979-5000 x5602 Email: [email protected]

William Michael Carter

Visualizing the Past: Contested Voices and Construction of Identity in "The Ward"

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW "The Ward", a once vibrant neighbourhood in the heart of Toronto, represents a microcosm of over 150 years of immigration, struggle and success of successive immigrant populations that have laid the foundation for the multicultural and internationally recognized city Toronto is today. From its foundation as a respite for escaping African American slaves to the influx of Irish and Jewish communities and the establishment of Toronto’s first Chinatown, the Ward has played an integral part in the fabric of the immigrant experience and the site is now home to a significant development project currently underway. This presents a unique opportunity forthe contested voices and the identity that these vibrant communities constructed, have to be repatriated and celebrated for future generations of Ontarians while testing a novel and technologically advanced model for engagement and learning with visitors to the new site. An interdisciplinary approach that combines advanced technological innovation and multi-vocal narrative design, will be developed to give the unintended voices of the Ward agency, authority and authenticity through a unique integration of user initiated sensors, interactive video walls and personalized stories from the historical, cultural and material artifacts that now comprise the Ward’s known history. The visualized environment will be a highly detailed and photorealistic virtual rendering of the Ward’s buildings, alleyways and streets. Animated atmospherics such as dust, snow, rain, smoke along with cued sounds of the neighbourhood will provide a phenomenological gateway to the sense of aura and presence immersing the viewer within their short personalized encounter with the Ward’s community. The approach will include the establishment of an exterior interactive video wall, at the site that will act as a window to visualizing the past. Existing and available technology will be utilized through participant viewer’s unique cell phone addresses, sensors stationed along the wall to identify new and returning visitors. Using a robust real-time game engine, those visitors will be assigned a unique avatar of one of the Ward’s many known residents with which they will embark on a immersive journey of historical and cultural learning. The proposed project will leverage Toronto and Ontario’s strength in visual effects, animation, gaming and live-action production, with Ryerson University’s recognized abilities in design and creative industries in active collaboration with the users and visitors to the site. This Integrated Knowledge Translation (IKT) approach will give voice to the contested immigrant experience that draws on their stories to demonstrate the strength of the unique Ontario experience so that new generations of immigrants and established communities alike can see and learn from their shared societal success. This proposal is suggesting a novel approach for a unique and individualized user experience within a multi- user environment that draws upon the strength of traditional sequential storytelling but from a personalized approach. It will seek to determine whether the proposed methodology of personalized engagement in-group settings enhances or inhibits the experiential learning of participants. Lastly, this project if successful, establishes a new paradigm in which audiences connect with the heritage of places, peoples & communities.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Virtual, Heritage, Agency, Authority, Authenticity, Meaning-making, Repatriation, Presence, Aura, Phenomenology

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ryerson University Jennifer MacInnis Phone: 416-979-5000 x5602 Email: [email protected]

Wendy Cukier

Understanding Recess from a Social Standpoint

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Recess has long been understood as a break from academics to interact socially with peers and engage in various forms of play. Such activity is thought to help children reduce stress, regain focus, and enable the children return to class refreshed and ready to learn. For children, recess is their only chance during the school day to engage with peers, free of classroom restrictions. Given that social relationships are now understood to be inexplicable mediators of children’s well-being and overall health, we argue that we need to take a closer look at recess. Like our American counterparts, there is a growing body of evidence that suggests recess in Canadian schools is often overlooked, unsupported and characterized by social conflict, exclusion, victimization, boredom, minimal supervision and barren environments – settings that are not conducive to meaningful social interactions and play. For many children, especially those in high priority areas, these settings may be their only daily access to peers and recreational space. Continual exposure to negative social interactions contributes to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and self-doubt that can encourage the progression of mental and physical illness. The Recess Project uses an ecological model of change to learn more about recess. We leverage alliances among industry, government, not-for-profits, and academics to • research existing school practices, • explore social, cultural, and physical barriers to meaningful play and engagement, • analyze and develop policies, funding allocations, and insurance regulations, • redesign the social and physical landscapes, • support the development of sustainable programs

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Health, Children, Illness, Interactions, Engagement

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ryerson University Jennifer MacInnis Phone: 416-979-5000 x5602 Email: [email protected]

Wendy Cukier

Inclusion and Innovation Network

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Diversity and inclusion are key to corporate success and innovation and, increasingly to Canada's prosperity and ability to attract and retain highly skilled immigrants, direct foreign investment, international trade and entrepreneurs. Working with major employers to better understand barriers and drivers to inclusion through a social innovation lens, this research project will address four themes: (1) definitions of diversity and difference including those set out in legislation, as well as their intersections and other dimensions: 'migrants', refugees, immigrants, specific religions and ethnic groups, LGBTQ groups, and more; (2) measurement of diversity and inclusion with particular focus on employment (international indices, national data, and organizational human resource information systems) and what they tell us about employment and underemployment of different groups informing policy and practice; (3) systemic barriers and enablers to employment and advancement and how they operate in specific contexts, industries, organizations, and functional areas; and (4) technology enabled innovations and efforts to advance evidence-based inclusion including audit and assessment tools; anonymized and targeted recruitment tools, HRIS systems, psychometric and skills testing for implicit bias and capability; and sharing economy models to match job seekers with employers and to build social capital. The project will produce results that inform policy and practice in Ontario to advance our understanding the under- employment and exclusion of diverse groups and its implications for the "skills gap" and organizational performance. It will provide a platform to support applied research on diversity and inclusion in relation to employment with academic, community and industry partners.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Diversity, Inclusion, Gender, Immigration, Employment, Social Innovation

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ryerson University Jennifer MacInnis Phone: 416-979-5000 x5602 Email: [email protected]

Bryan Evans

Building an Employment Policy Strategy for Wage-Led Growth in Ontario

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Ontario has some of the highest income inequality levels in Canada. Given predictions of slow future economic growth, it will be essential to develop policies that mitigate the impact of declining income shares for middle- and low-income workers. But, first we need a deeper understanding of the shift in labour market incomes and its impact. This research proposal focuses on identifying shifts in individual wages for Ontario over time.employing an intersectional analysis that looks at: (1) changing income shares by decile, racialized group, gender, and age; (2) modeling potential effects on the Ontario economy and on income inequality levels if current income share trends continue; (3) examine multiplier effects of raising incomes for the bottom half of Ontario workers; (4) fill in data gaps with a specialized survey of workers; (5) identify good policy and programs, assess their impact, and recommend improvements. Elements of this research project will focus on individuals whose future earnings growth may be compromised by further manufacturing job declines, disruptors such as artificial intelligence and the sharing economy, increased precariousness even among professionals, and the need for a just transition due to government climate change commitments. The data and findings will inform a knowledge mobilization strategy to bring this story of declining wage shares and job churn into a relatable storytelling project, to be created in conjunction with the Ryerson team, who will help animate the findings with social media shareables and other storytelling methods.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Inequality, Wage Economy, Policy

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ryerson University Jennifer MacInnis Phone: 416-979-5000 x5602 Email: [email protected]

Alexander Ferworn

IFF-like Security Mechanisms for Communication Devices with Limited Resources using Distributed Local Authentication

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) is a military system designed to discriminate between friendly or hostile entities, mostly used in the military applications. We propose to design and implement an IFF-like protocol protecting small to medium sized communication devices with limited resources (e.g., memory, computational capacity, power, and connectivity), discriminating between friendly, hostile, or dubious communication devices. Such communication devices are used almost universally. For example, while all first responders carry dedicated and secure radios, they often communicate over their personal cellphones with civilians who are also using their cellphones. When carrier-based networks are unavailable in a disaster zone, for example, communication facilities may be set up for local mobile devices. However, these networks are local and do not have access to means of authentication which open them up for abuse by a potentially malicious user. It is important to establish a network while maintaining a secure communication channel between inherently insecure devices at critical incidents. Due to the limitations we face with these communication devices, many of the commonly used authentication techniques and other security mechanism are unavailable. However, we postulate that it should be possible to use the history of the devices, and to reason about the level of their trustworthiness to some degree. Therefore, all decision making will be locally-taken and are realized within the technical capabilities of these limited-resource devices. We propose to achieve security through the use of a distributed local authentication system such as a dedicated blockchain as well as fuzzy and/or other types of reasoning. Blockchains are distributed ledgers maintaining an expanding collection of authenticated records. Fuzzy systems rely on fuzzy logic analyzing a range of possibilities between 0 and 1, allowing the identification of aforementioned friendly, hostile, and dubious classifications. We will take advantage of this mode of reasoning to classify the level of trust among devices based on their use and communication history as recorded in their dedicated blockchain. As well as applications in disaster zones, the proposed solutions will have application for other temporary local networks such as at events, remote locations, and construction zones connecting personnel, sensors and machines to machine communications. The investigators of this proposal have been active in the communications and security field for decades and have an established record of quality published work and have established relationships with first responder communities in addition to being familiar with the management of critical incidents.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies - Clean Technologies

Keywords: Cybersecurity, Authentication, IFF, Fuzzy Reasoning, Fuzzy Logic, Blockchain

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ryerson University Jennifer MacInnis Phone: 416-979-5000 x5602 Email: [email protected]

Usha George

Immigrants as Innovators & Entrepreneurs

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Increasing levels of immigration from non-traditional source countries since the 1990s have contributed to unprecedented diversity in the Canadian population. A significant number tend to settle in Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area. The settlement and integration of immigrants to the host country have been of great interest to researchers. The current interest in integration is based on three major trends across the traditional immigration countries such as Canada. These are: the need to retain highly skilled and mobile workforce to address skilled shortages in all resource rich countries; recent terrorist events and threats to security highlighting the importance of social cohesion and a sense of belonging; and, the socio-economic and human rights implications of the presence within national boundaries of a large number of temporary and undocumented migrants from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Four dimensions of integration are identified in literature: economic, social, cultural and political. Evidence from current research demonstrates that our understanding of integration is deeply flawed and requires a paradigm shift. For the newcomers, the absence of a widely accepted understanding of what constitutes integration, it is impossible to understand the host society’s expectations, leaving them dangerously exposed to the vagaries of populous politics with ever shifting goal posts of what constitutes success. Fundamental to our approach to the study is the premise that migration and immigrants are not problems to be solved. In the majority of cases, there is evidence to suggest that immigrants arrive with a great deal of human capital, they are highly motivated to be successful and they become innovators and entrepreneurs enhancing the competitiveness of the economy. Several studies such as the Conference Board of Canada report (May2, 2017) argues for investor and entrepreneur immigrants to crate economic growth. Building on the above studies, the objective of this proposed project is: to examine the notion of immigrants as innovators and entrepreneurs in Ontario; and to identify optimum conditions for the growth of immigrant innovation and entrepreneurship. The originality and uniqueness of this line of inquiry are captured in terms of the following features: • Overall, the research program will pursue a comparative policy and practice analysis, which will offer insights into the relative advantages/strengths of various immigration and refugee policies and practices towards economic integration around the globe • The program will include interaction with policy communities including government and policy actors • The program will address the tensions inherent in the ‘agency-structure’( micro-macro) debate • The unit of analysis for understanding settlement and integration will range from the individual, to the family (broadly defined) to the community and society at large. • The research program will collaborate with immigrant and refugee communities to draw on their strengths and lived experiences for understanding the complexity and diversity (factors of influence) of immigrant innovation and entrepreneurship. This will be a mixed methods study, using existing data sets as well as generating quantitative survey data and qualitative data from various stakeholders. The sstudy will be of great benefit to Ontario, within the context of the difficulties faced by immigrants to achieve labour market integration

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Economics, Sociology, Policy Studies. Social Work, Innovation, Entrepereneurship, Immigration Studies

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ryerson University Jennifer MacInnis Phone: 416-979-5000 x5602 Email: [email protected]

Jacqui Gingras

Cycling as a Means to Enhance the Migration Experience and Mitigate Climate Change

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW During the Global Future Councils in Dubai, Canadian Senator Omidvar (2016) affirmed that one of the most significant migration issues facing Canada is “tackling inequality in destination communities.” The experience of inequality among new Canadians contributes to acculturation stress and newcomer fatigue, which can lead to costly physical and mental health effects, plus damaging economic and political outcomes. These are complex social issues that present a challenge for those who work to enhance the migration experience. Results of local research (Verlinden, 2016) offer a novel approach to how civil society may redress inequality and the potential benefits to immigrants require comprehensive examination. The unanticipated vehicle for tackling inequality ends up being the humble bicycle. Our intention in this research project is to test the hypothesis that by offering supports to immigrants that enable them to cycle, newcomers can experience a heightened sense of belonging and overcome the negative impacts of acculturation stress and newcomer fatigue. We will employ the bicycle as a means for “tackling inequality in destination communities.” Cycling has tremendous health and social benefits including the reduction of carbon emissions and the mitigation of climate change. As indicated in Ontario’s Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP, Minister of Environment, 2106), climate change is one of the biggest threats facing the world today. Climate change differentially affects people of the global south who are vulnerable to extreme weather events and rising ocean levels. Some of these people choose to migrate to Ontario. Furthermore, the CCAP indicates its support of cycling by committing to the implementation of Ontario’s Cycling Strategy, which includes a more cohesive and safe cycling network. Ontario is committed to supporting cycling as means to address climate change. The purpose of our study is to measure the impact of cycling on acculturation stress, newcomer fatigue, and the environment among recent voluntary migrants to Ontario through their participation in a cycling- to-offset carbon initiative. This multidisciplinary research project occurs at the dynamic intersection of three related, noteworthy, and recent events: 1. Increasing migration of people from around the world to Ontario (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, 2012); 2. Completion of research (Verlinden, 2016) identifying cycling as means to reduce newcomer fatigue; and 3. Initiation of Ontario’s CCAP featuring cycling as a climate change mitigation strategy (Minster of Environment, 2016) At the nexus of these distinct, but related activities exist an opportunity to examine further the following two research questions: 1. How does participating in a community-based cycling program reduce acculturation stress and newcomer fatigue among new Canadians in Ontario? 2. How does participation by new Canadians in the cycling program lead to climate change mitigation? Before we answer these questions, we must develop the technology that will verify cycling as a carbon offset. This technology will be developed by our team and will be attached directly to each bicycle in our study. The onboard computer will track distance travelled as well as tonnes of carbon emissions retired. The technology (hardware and software) will meet the exacting requirements of Verified Carbon Standard, which is the leading carbon offset verifier in the world today with over 37% market.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Transportation, Immigration, Inequality, Climate Justice, Planning, Computer Software/Hardware, Cycling, Carbon Offset

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ryerson University Jennifer MacInnis Phone: 416-979-5000 x5602 Email: [email protected]

Anatoliy Gruzd

Estimating and Optimizing ROI for Social Media Engagement

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Millions of people worldwide are now turning to social media to find likeminded individuals, form connections, or join various communities. This creates a great opportunity for researchers to study how social relationships are formed and maintained in our increasingly connected world. And it is not just researchers who are interested in how online relations and communities operate. Organizations - for- profit and non-profits, small and large - are also turning to social media to connect with their stakeholders be they customers, investors, volunteers, or media. A common practice for building and maintaining relationship and communities are social media campaigns. They can increase the visibility of products and services; promote tourist destinations; and signal transparency, accountability, and authenticity. However, the challenge for many organizations is how to turn ‘likes’ and ‘retweets’ into something more tangible, and how to turn online followers into life-long supporters despite short-lived posts and fluid membership. Companies looking for return of investment (ROI) in social media often rely on traditional measures such as sales, cost reduction, and market share, all of which are ill suited for the interactive environment of social media. Possible solutions include focusing on emotional investment, tracking both offline and online behaviour, or measuring first awareness and engagement and only after that associating these behaviours with traditional returns. Notably, such measures of social media ROI do not target impact on the relationships among stakeholders themselves and on their communities. In this proposal, we argue that the effects of social media campaigns on online relationship and brand communities can be usefully understood by employing a social network perspective. Social Network Analysis (SNA) is a theoretical and methodological approach designed to study connected actors. Critical elements in the application of SNA are the patterns of interaction, the configurations of connections, the properties of ties, the type of resources that flow along these ties, and the network composition. The results of SNA studies of social media users are consistent with research on brand communities and social media campaigns but provide additional specificity and quantification. This is precisely why they can capture the effects of a campaign on relationships and networks. For example, with SNA we can answer questions such as, “What communication network emerges during a social media campaign?” “What is the impact of the campaign on network structures?” “Who are the key players in the network?” Despite the ability of SNA to analyze social and communication networks, this approach is hindered by the sheer volume of social media data. Specifically, the current techniques and software to perform SNA is usually limited to running on a single computer and analyzing networks that fit within memory. The proposed project seeks to develop and evaluate an efficient, effective and distributed technique based on SNA metrics to measure ROI for social media engagement campaigns at a massive scale. The broad goal is to enable digital marketers to easily evaluate their ROI for social media regardless of the size of their social media campaign, whether it is a million or billion people involved, and be able to quantify the impact of actions taken on social media by firms and their competitors.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Social Media, Social Network Analysis, Online Marketing

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ryerson University Jennifer MacInnis Phone: 416-979-5000 x5602 Email: [email protected]

Ling Guan

3D Human-Computer Technology and Tools for Creating Lifelike Experience

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Digital media has profoundly impacted every aspect of the modern society and our everyday life. Founded on the convergence of image analysis, machine intelligence, computer graphics and communication, 3D human-computer interaction (3D-HCI) strive to provide core technology and tools to the ultimate challenge in digital media applications: creating lifelike experiences in, e.g., digital media production, infrastructure planning, architecture design, entertainment, training of health-care professionals, smart home, and immersive communication. But gaining lifelike experiences is challenging. The Ryerson research team proposes to develop and commercialize new 3D-HCI technology, and the associated middle-ware and tools which bring such experiences to reality. The technology and tools developed have tremendous commercialization potential, and are extremely environmentally friendly, saving huge amount of materials and electrical and other resources, contributing significantly to healthy living of human beings, Ontarians and Canadians in particular.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: 3D-HCI Technology, Image Analysis, Machine Intelligence, Computer Graphics, Communication, Lifelike Experience

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ryerson University Jennifer MacInnis Phone: 416-979-5000 x5602 Email: [email protected]

Frances Gunn

Food Innovation Hub

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The Food Innovation team is devoted to exploring emerging opportunities and challenges related to the role of food in society. It provides a collaborative, cross-disciplinary, team-focused approach to food innovation. Researchers from multiple disciplines (i.e. Nutrition & Food, Retail Management, Entrepreneurship, Professional Communications), will explore the cultural and socio-economic environment surrounding food innovation while advancing their skills in innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship beyond their discipline and curriculum boundaries. It will also provide opportunities for HQP to work with creative food product ideas, apply both design and entrepreneurial skills (principles), access the resources necessary to test/distribute the product, and to reflect critically on the broader perspectives around the cultural, political and economic role of food in society. The research team seeks to focus on production, distribution, manufacturing, shopping, and eating of food including, but not limited to: • How can a food innovation arena be orchestrated for positive outcomes for stakeholders (i.e. students, faculty, institution, industry, consumers, community)? • How can a Design Thinking learning approach influence the food innovation process? • How can the team advance the development and dissemination of food-related research including those related to food production, food transportation and logistics, food safety, food security, food processing, food nutrition and health, food manufacturing and packaging. Key research questions that can potentially be addressed: 1. What is the commercial feasibility of innovative: a) Food products b) Packaging alternatives c) Distribution and channel alternatives 2. How can research, dissemination, education, community action, and professional practice positively influence societal food security issues arising from the commercial distribution of food? 3. What is the relationship of design and urban food systems on the building capacity for food security? 4. How can consumer interaction contribute to the design of innovative food products, business models, and sales channels? 5. How can social engagement with food innovation and development be created?

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Food, Innovation, Retail, Entrepreneurship, Product Development, Distribution

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ryerson University Jennifer MacInnis Phone: 416-979-5000 x5602 Email: [email protected]

Naimul Mefraz Khan

Advancing Cinematic Virtual and Augmented Reality Experiences

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW While AR and VR are viewed as technologies with the potential to disrupt many functions and industries, there are impediments to their widespread adoption for generalized educational use beyond gaming. The potential of these technologies to bridge distance and provide immersive experiences for example, Virtual Field Trips and Ecotourism- are under-explored. Not only are there technological challenges but content production and customization to support diverse user experiences are difficult. The team is focused on research to support advancing cinematic virtual and augmented reality experiences that combine the best of film and CGI to deliver unprecedented immersion. The focus will be creating and testing technology and production processes to support real-time rendered experiences that are hyper-realistic, showcasing real-world locations around the earth that are hard to reach for AR\VR enabled educational purposes. The project will investigate - alternative technologies to support and scale parallelizable photogrammetry workflow - approaches to reality capture workflow management (including 3D modelling and rendering) - optimization for game engines - alternative platforms (Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Microsoft Hololens, GearVR, etc.) - end user interfaces, experience and evaluation with a focus on adaptability, accessibility and scalability. The multidisciplinary team of researchers will explore issues related to user experience and interfaces, 3D modellers, photographers, technical artists, animators, VFX artists, developers, etc.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: AR, VR, Gaming, Immersive, Content Creation, Education, Environment

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ryerson University Jennifer MacInnis Phone: 416-979-5000 x5602 Email: [email protected]

Sridhar Krishnan

Signal Analysis for Next Generation Intelligent Systems

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Intelligent systems play a vital role in many aspects of everyday life encompassing the areas of consumer electronics (multimedia), telecommunications, health sector, finance, geophysics, remote sensing to name a few. With the advancement in sensor technologies, data collection and storage has become lot easier and information processing for multitude of applications is growing rapidly. One of the essential components for the design of intelligent systems is the core element of signal analysis. The signal analysis algorithms need to be designed in a way that provides robust feature extraction and recognition under challenging conditions such as low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), signal non-stationary, nonlinearity, multi-modality, and dynamic characteristics of signals. The key elements of this ORF-RE proposal will look into streaming data and signals collection from real-world physical sources under various instrumentation set-up; processing the data for removal of trends, artifacts, and noise; development and integration of algorithms and techniques to handle multiple signal variabilities both with long and short term characteristics; development and integration of pattern classification algorithms to handle both small database and non-uniform class distributions. The algorithms that will be designed will consider power, area, and computational complexity requirements in a more systematic way.The primary application areas of the proposed techniques will be in the areas of audio and speech signal processing, biomedical signals arising from classical clinical instrumentation and modern wearable devices. The signal analysis research group at Ryerson University already has made good strides and tangible contributions in these areas, and this proposal is anticipated to further this momentum by bringing in talented researchers from other institutions, industry and hospital partners.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Signal and Information Processing, Machine Learning, Sensors, Smart Homes, Internet of Things, Data Analytics

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ryerson University Jennifer MacInnis Phone: 416-979-5000 x5602 Email: [email protected]

Richard Lachman

Multi-Domain Applications of AR/VR Technologies

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Rapid commercial development of hardware for Mixed Reality (Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality) is outpacing critical, user-focused, and experiential frameworks for understanding applications and use- cases. This project will develop a user-focused framework for evaluation, assessment, and best-practices development in mixed realities (VR/AR) through lab-based experimentation. The main impetus is the need to understand how the affordances of mixed-reality technologies can be measured and strategically designed by content creators, advertisers, and developers within distinct industries. The research- program will focus on narrative, design, social dynamics, social sharing, and other human- and experience-centric assessment, as well as how these factors affect user-populations differentiated by age, gender, experience-level, etc. By studying existing VR/AR projects as well as developing original works, we will develop practicable and usable techniques for the emerging field. The research-model will combine psychological, physiological, and experiential elements for qualitative and quantitative assessment techniques, and develop the theory and practice of mixed reality user-experience. Extensive collaboration will take place with producers, cultural organizations, and industry groups to ground research in a Design Science methodology. Research will be conducted iteratively, with deployed artifacts and live testing on real-world projects, to constantly revise development of technologies and techniques. This goal is to develop approaches capable of a deeper understanding of user-experience for AR, VR, and other mixed-reality content above and beyond the drives of the market.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: VR, AR, UX, Content, Psychology, Audience Research

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ryerson University Jennifer MacInnis Phone: 416-979-5000 x5602 Email: [email protected]

Songnian Li

Real-time, Dynamic and Context-based Urban Computing

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW About 80% of Canadians live in urban areas making Canada one of the top industrialized nations in the world. Ontario’s large urban centres and emerging city regions, as well as others in Canada and the world, face a series of complex challenges with respect to their economic, social, cultural and environmental sustainability as they continue to grow at a rapid pace. Urban computing is an emerging interdisciplinary field that integrates computer science and geomatics with urban planning, transportation, energy, environment, social science and economics in an urban context. It is a process of continuously acquiring, integrating, analyzing, predicting and visualizing multi-source big urban data, be historic and real-time, to solve challenges facing cities, e.g., gridlock & transportation, job creation, affordable housing and emergency services (LUMCO’s 2015 priorities). This project will develop a cloud based, real-time, dynamic and context-based urban computing platform to solve these challenges. The platform will stimulate both public and private sectors’ applications to connect urban sensing, data management, data analytics, and service providing into a recurrent process for higher quality of people’s lives, city operations, and their living environment. The project will assess and utilize all kinds of social media and crowd-sourced data such as RSS, Tweets, Facebook entries, subscriber’s inputs, data from connected/autonomous cars when they reach critical mass, and other authorized data sources to develop innovative ways of monitoring and predicting urban dynamics related to for example human mobility, urban environment, health care, traffic, public safety and security, urban planning and public services. New data processing techniques such as privacy protection of social media data, new models of urban phenomena such as thermo-surface of building walls for energy consumption estimation, and new ways of obtaining quantitative time geographic representations such as sensor enabled UVA will be built up as major collaborative components in the platform. The model web concepts will be applied to integrate computing models as services with new techniques to develop platform tools for assessing urban dynamics, predicting urban trends, and assisting urban policymaking, and in the long term facilitating sustainable urban developments. Such platform is critical to the specific issues of different types of time- sensitive situations or applications in the urban context. Example applications of such platform will include: 1) improving transportation systems with real-time traffic/road condition information for routing vehicles (e.g., connected/autonomous cars) around high-traffic areas, 2) protecting environment by air quality monitoring, noise reduction, and energy consumption (gas & electricity), 3) responding large events, pandemics, severe accidents, environmental disasters, and terrorism attacks that pose additional threats to public security and order, 4) aggregating health data to study the impact of environmental change on people’s health, improve healthcare quality by for example shortening wait time, and assess performance of healthcare services, and 5) predicting human movement for business locations, transit planning, housing and other urban planning tasks (Zheng et al. 2014). Given the scope and complexity (although manageable), this project will train many HQPs that will help create jobs in Ontario and elsewhere in Canada.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Urban, Computing, Real-time, Context, Big Data, Social Media, Time-sensitive, Platform, Application

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ryerson University Jennifer MacInnis Phone: 416-979-5000 x5602 Email: [email protected]

James Li

Innovative Stormwater Technology Research and Field Testing Centre

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Ontario, for many years, has been at the forefront of stormwater management (SWM) design under the auspices of SWM technique performance assessment programs like SWAMP (StormWater Assessment, Monitoring and Performance) Program in the 1990 and the current STEP (Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program, http://www.sustainabletechnologies.ca/wp/). The SWAMP program examined a wide range of water quality focused SWM techniques from OGS units, to exfiltration systems to wet ponds and wetlands at full field scale on a year round basis. This kind of field testing, verification and performance assessment, while invaluable, is expensive and highly site – specific. Additionally, these programs cannot evaluate existing and emerging stormwater technologies under a variety of consistent testing conditions (e.g. rainfall, drainage area, stormwater quality characteristics). Stormwater quality management is required by provincial and municipal governments, as demonstrated in the current finalization of stormwater low impact development (LID) guidelines under Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. As a stakeholder review member of the new Ontario LID guidelines, I have recognized the need for a research and testing centre for stormwater technologies. The proposed centre will provide a key platform to develop and test existing and emerging stormwater technologies on a controlled environment and provide a certification process to ensure these technologies will perform under testing environment. In particular, the centre will focus on particulate and dissolved stormwater pollutant removal under dynamic storm conditions through a series of underground chambers and surface test plots at our campus. This project will be used to assess stormwater removal technologies for use in the Greater Toronto area (GTA) watersheds where different types of urbanization are progressing at a rapid rate and aligns with the Province’s goals associated with the Water Opportunities Act (WOA). The WOA was enacted as enabling legislation to foster environmental entrepreneurial opportunities for Ontario companies. The proposed research and testing platform will provide environmental entrepreneurs and inventors the best stormwater reseach and field lab known to exist in North America in which to test their ideas, concepts, and performance. Potential collaborators include various GTA conservation authorities, Innovation Branch of MOECC, Government of Canada’s Great Lakes Sustainability Fund, WSP Canada Inc, AECOM Canada Inc., Stantec Consulting Ltd, Toronto Water, York Region, Peel Region, Durham Region.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies - Clean Technologies

Keywords: Urban Stormwater Management, Low Impact Development, Green Infrastructure, Non-point Water Pollution

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ryerson University Jennifer MacInnis Phone: 416-979-5000 x5602 Email: [email protected]

Jason Lisi

Enhanced Print Efficiencies Through New Process Technologies

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Colour accuracy is critical in all printing processes. Proper colour management, especially with ‘brand’ colours, and ‘flavour’ colours, is essential for printers. Traditional models require expensive spot colour inks, time consuming profiling, and expensive non-production press runs. In some cases, it is necessary to print 8 to 12 colours on press to achieve accurate colour reproduction. Conventional press profiling involves running colour targets with thousands of colour patches on press multiple times in order to accurately profile each press. This process has to then be repeated for every substrate that will be run. Due to the size of these colour targets, the entire press sheet is dedicated to printing the targets, forcing the profiling runs to be dedicated and separate from normal production runs. The cost of substrate, labour, and non-production hours can make this process cost prohibitive for many printers in Ontario. Further, smaller format presses, such as flexographic label presses and some digital devices are physically unable to accommodate the required larger colour targets. Expanded Colour Gamut printing (ECG) is a recent advancement that uses dedicated orange, green, and violet inks to enhance the traditional gamut of cyan, magenta yellow, and black primary inks. This can reduce or eliminate the issues and costs of complex dedicated spot colour printing, by replacing the myriad of spot colours with additional primaries. By having a standard seven-colour ink set, printers can greatly reduce makeready and wash-up times. While this can offer improved efficiencies, it does not, in itself, reduce the need for dedicated and costly press runs. Our team had been working with several industry partners to perfect proprietary algorithms that will effectively profile a press for extended gamut printing with as little as 100 colour patches. The benefit of this is that the colour target needed to profile the press is very small, which means it can be used on small format presses, and simply run in-line with production jobs. Our research into micro patch profiling for ECG printing will create a method that printers can use to integrate ECG without costly and time consuming profiling runs, increasing efficiency and ultimately improving profitability. This research funding will be used to perfect the micro patch profiling methodology and software. Funding will be used to further develop and test the process, and will result in a product that will benefit printers in Ontario and enable them to progress to a new level of process efficiency currently not possible.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Extended Gamut, Press Profiling, Colour Management, Automation, Process Efficiency

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ryerson University Jennifer MacInnis Phone: 416-979-5000 x5602 Email: [email protected]

Alexandra Mazalek

Grasping DNA: Tangible Visualization Tools for Enhancing Genomic and Clinical Data Analyses

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Technological developments have led to rapid growth in our ability to produce large volumes of genomic data cheaply and quickly. The net effect of this transformation has been the opening of new and important questions for analysis that were previously either inaccessible or unaffordable to scientists and clinicians. As a result, scientists have driven the creation of increasingly complex and sophisticated datasets. But while the volume and complexity of data is growing rapidly, the ability of individual analysts, clinicians, researchers and citizen-scientists to interpret and understand it is not. While massive funding is being committed to the generation of big biological data, and significant funding to its statistical analysis, almost no work has been done in allowing humans to better interpret big data. And as larger and more complex datasets are being created, the odds of major and important results being neglected due to the lack of suitable visualization tools will only grow. There is therefore an increasingly urgent need for new methodologies that link insights from the fields of data-visualization, human-computer interaction (HCI), machine learning, molecular biology, genomics and computational biology. These methodologies would provide clear, intuitive ways of understanding the structure and meaning of big biological data, placing results in the context of both prior knowledges and unexpected linkages within existing datasets. Surprisingly, visualization of complex data remains largely tethered to two-dimensional graphical representations -- heatmaps, scatterplots and barplots are by far the most commonly used data- visualization techniques. While these may suffice for publications and some other static representations, they are clearly suboptimal for exploratory data analysis (EDA). Recent evidence from embodied cognition underscores the importance of the perceptual and motor systems in our cognitive processes. Rather than static 2D projections of high-dimensional spaces, flexible visual representations that engage visuomotor skills can enhance analyses by enabling humans to learn faster, interpret more deeply, and discover unexpected features of their data. We suggest that novel interaction techniques that employ tangibles -- interactive physical/digital artifacts that incorporate both sensing and display – will help democratize the research process and allow multiple analysts to work together for deeper understanding. We propose to combine tangible control through personal devices, such as smartphones and tablets, with large collaborative display surfaces, such as interactive walls and tabletops, to facilitate analysis of genomic and clinical datasets by both individuals and groups of researchers. Our specific aims are to: 1) use cancer patient datasets to scaffold the design and development of interaction techniques for visualizing genomic and clinical datasets, and 2) extend these techniques to support datasets in other related areas. Our project will thereby improve the visualization and understandability of big data, focused on problems with immediate clinical relevance. Not only will this work produce a highly significant tool for researchers in many fields, but will also help create a new interaction paradigm for working with complex datasets.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Tangible and Embodied Interaction, Digital Media, Data Visualization, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ryerson University Jennifer MacInnis Phone: 416-979-5000 x5602 Email: [email protected]

Jennifer McArthur

Building Energy Analytics Development (BEAD)

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The Building Energy Analytics Development (BEAD) research cluster will bring top Ontario researchers together with industry partners, utilities, and Toronto2030 eco-district members to positively influence the next generation of high-performance buildings. This research group builds upon relationships developed at two strategic workshops in 2016: the Sustainable Campus Management Workshop (Carleton University), and Big Data in the Built Environment Workshop (Ryerson University). While the former workshop identified the leading researchers in building cluster energy management and simulation, the latter brought together 25 academics with 25 industry partners to investigate how new analytics and visualization tools can support sustainable building and infrastructure design and operation. Together, these workshops have identified the top researchers in the overlapping field of Building Energy Analytics and key industry partners to advance this research through sub-projects ("beads") in the following key areas: * Analytics (data mining, classification, and prediction) to support prioritization and decision-making * Visualization and Systems Integration (e.g. Facilities Management enabled Building Information Modeling) * Optimization and control (for HVAC, renewable energy generation and storage) * Simulation (energy demand, generation potential, energy recovery) Researchers who have expressed interest to date in this ORF bring expertise in sustainable building design, energy management, facilities management, renewable energy optimization, building information modeling, and building cluster energy simulation. By further leveraging these skills with data science, analytics, and machine learning approaches, the BEAD research cluster will develop foundational research and commercializable tools to decrease energy use and carbon emissions, and increase operational efficiency throughout the building lifecycle.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies - Clean Technologies

Keywords: Sustainability, Energy Conservation, Building Information Management, Visualization, Analytics

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ryerson University Jennifer MacInnis Phone: 416-979-5000 x5602 Email: [email protected]

Catherine Middleton

Inclusive Innovation in Smaller Ontario Communities

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The focus of Canada's Innovation strategies has tended to highlight capacity in large centres and the Toronto - Waterloo nexus. Emerging research suggests that smaller communities also have innovation ecosystems that need to be understood and supported in order to advance economic and social development. Worldwide, communities are rapidly creating technology hubs supported by gigabit Internet service, provided over fibre-optical networks and scalable to meet future needs. Investments in technology hubs support innovation and inclusion within what are recognized as "gigabit communities," yet many Canadian communities do not yet have access to the networks that will be as essential as roads and highways in advancing economic and social development in the decades to come. This project will focus on investigating models of intelligent/gigabit communities as enablers and strengtheners of inclusive innovation ecosystems in smaller communities in Ontario. The project will draw on established research on innovation systems and measures, to better understand the drivers of, and impediments to, technology adoption and innovation. It will explore the potential of developing clusters of smart gigabit communities as a cost effective approach to encouraging the implementation and creation of high bandwidth innovation and application development. The research will also consider political, social and cultural factors that enable innovation ecosystems, including entrepreneurial culture and supports, the role of public institutions and established organizations, and the need for diverse human capital. Particular attention will be directed to identifying and assessing the emerging technologies, applications and processes that can strengthen innovation ecosystems, enable capacity building and foster intelligent gigabit communities. The project will include national and international comparators and a range of industry, community and government partners and will focus on producing high quality knowledge as well as tools to apply it to advance policy and practice for inclusive innovation.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies - Clean Technologies

Keywords: Infrastructure, Economic Development, Broadband, Rural, Innovation, Technology Adoption, Intelligent Communities

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ryerson University Jennifer MacInnis Phone: 416-979-5000 x5602 Email: [email protected]

Ali Miri

Cyber Security and Resiliency of Ontario's Power Systems

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW As Canada strives to meet its global commitments for GHG reduction, renews its aging energy infrastructure, modernizes its energy management procedures and increases the utilization of data analytic tools to process Big Data obtained from connected buildings, building automation, smart grids and wireless networks we are opening these crucial systems to cyber threats. Smart homes, AMI based management systems for smart grids and home automation, and wireless monitoring systems are all technologies that create great benefits for the management of energy systems in Ontario. However, their adoption into the energy systems have moved what were previously islanded systems into totally integrated computer environments, opening up system vulnerabilities and new opportunities for cyber- attack from both individuals and state-sponsored attackers seeking to disrupt political and economic activity as a means of influencing government decision-makers. This project will examine the areas of cybersecurity vulnerability across our energy infrastructure systems and will draw on possible solutions and protections that can be employed to enhance the security and resilience of the province’s energy infrastructure.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Energy, Smart Grid, Infrastructure, Cyber-security, Communication Systems, Control Systems, Power Systems

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ryerson University Jennifer MacInnis Phone: 416-979-5000 x5602 Email: [email protected]

Tor Oiamo

An Integrated Assessment of Noise Management Opportunities and Soundscape Quality in Ontario Cities

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Cities in Ontario are changing by means of demographic compositions, increasingly mixed land uses, and higher residential densities. The built environment is being transformed to accommodate these changes as urban systems and the building stock are modernized. While these changes are providing opportunities to improve cities in many ways, they also present a potentially exacerbated problem of environmental noise exposure. Different sources of noise, primarily from air, rail and road traffic have been assessed separately and in combination, and research has identified impacts on health and well being. Health impacts include hearing loss, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis, and depression (Basner et al., 2014; Michaud et al., 2008; Munzel et al., 2014). Wellbeing issues include impacts on quality of life and educational achievement (Clark et al, 2006; Oiamo et al., 2015; Stansfeld et al., 2000). Although regulation and guidelines presently found in numerous international jurisdictions are emblematic of prioritizing noise as a public health hazard, these efforts are predominantly based on generalizable evidence from scientific studies, which are by principle not designed to identify points of intervention in a particular context. Therefore, we propose an interdisciplinary research programme that aims to characterize challenges relates to environmental noise in Ontario cities and furthermore identify opportunities to address and improve the sonic environment for residents. The research programme is designed to meet two objectives. The first objective is to advance the field of urban noise assessment through empirical research and technological development. This will allow Ontario cities to conduct state of the art assessments of soundscape quality. The second objective of the proposed research programme is to present municipalities in Ontario with a practical and adaptable plan to address environmental noise according to their own needs and priorities. Three complementary clusters of research and innovation will be pursued to meet these objectives: (1) Characterization of urban soundscapes and their impacts on health and wellbeing: Loudness is utilized almost exclusively to characterize urban noise and its health impacts. However, research on auditory cognition suggests that other features such as temporal structure and tonality are important determinants of sound perception. Research on this theme will identify new and improved ways of characterizing urban soundscape quality and assess short-term physiological and psychological impacts of such soundscapes. (2) Acoustic treatment of the built environment: Building science and landscape design offer novel and underutilized opportunities to mitigate noise. Research under this theme will focus on improving the auditory environment in dwellings and public spaces. This will include identifying cost-effective measures for indoor noise control within the context of residential (re)development trends in Ontario, as well as effective measures for outdoor noise control in public spaces such as parks. (3) Noise management strategies: Based on existing knowledge and outcomes of research under the above themes, this research theme will develop a comprehensive toolkit that includes noise assessment and management opportunities for municipalities and regions. A key feature of this contribution will be its specific relevance to urban forms and policy frameworks present in Ontario.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Ambient Exposures, Public Health Risks, Auditory Cognition, Sound Measurement, Building Science, Built Environment

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ryerson University Jennifer MacInnis Phone: 416-979-5000 x5602 Email: [email protected]

Ojelanki Ngwenyama

Accelerating the Adoption of Digital Technology in Ontario Organizations

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Ontario is the hub of Canada’s digital economy, and to drive the nation’s efforts and maintain and improve Canada’s position on the world stage, the province needs to assume its role in spearheading innovation in the field. This project will advance scholarship in the areas of organizational innovation and digitalization essential to the emerging Digital Society and Economy in Ontario. The adoption of digital technologies (DT) by Canadian organizations is a core element of Canada's Digital Society strategy, yet studies show we lag behind many OECD countries in corporate investments in DT. Ontario’s DT industry, represented by Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC) and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), and others has focused on promoting the adoption of emerging DTs to advance innovation, organizational productivity, global competitiveness and quality of life. But there remains a gap in research exploring strategic, and organizational factors affecting their adoption. Accelerating the Adoption of Digital Technology in Ontario Organizations is an ambitious five-year project that builds upon an existing two-year collaborative partnership of leading academics, industry partners and technology providers. The project will continue our efforts to advance sustainable organizational innovation to better understand the obstacles to DT adoption and innovation in various organizations in the province and to develop actionable recommendations on how to mitigate them. In collaboration with representative partners from Ontario’s private and public sector institutions and companies, Ryerson University will pursue the following objectives in the proposed project: -Deepen our understanding of the barriers/facilitators for technology adoption as well as the processes which accelerate DT adoption and innovation in Canadian organizations, in particular in sectors that constitute a large part of the economy in Ontario: the Manufacturing, Health Care, and Transportation sectors. -Continue the development of a culture of multidisciplinary research collaboration between academic institutions and industry, which would continue to assist Ontario organizations in their ongoing efforts to adopt emerging digital technologies. -Continue the development of Ontario’s digital skills base by highlighting the multidisciplinary tools, skills, and talent needed to improve productivity through appropriate technology adoption and innovation, with particular emphasis on social sciences research and skills.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Technology Adoption, ICT, Smes; Digital Econom, Cloud and Context-aware Computing, 3D Printing, Big Data, Mobile

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ryerson University Jennifer MacInnis Phone: 416-979-5000 x5602 Email: [email protected]

Henry Parada

Training, Fieldwork and Dissemination Development for the Rights For Children and Youth Partnership

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The Rights for Children and Youth Partnership: Strengthening Collaboration in the Americas (RCYP) SSHRC funded research project led by Dr. Henry Parada is an interdisciplinary collaboration, which aims to increase knowledge of factors which support or hinder the protection of children and youth rights with Caribbean and Central American youth as well as the diaspora populations in Canada. These youth have been found to be disproportionately represented in Canadian systems. The project has as an objective the aim to explore institutional practices and procedures in the province of Ontario’s child protection, educational, and judicial systems. Fieldwork in Ontario will be vital to understanding the experiences of these youth in the systems proposed. The aim is to be able to understand how these systems are experienced by youth and to contribute to the knowledge that exists in the area and ultimate advancement of the protocols and procedures which are used. Recognizing the importance of centering youth in research on youth and the growing use of social media the project also aims to explore: “how and why children and youth engage with social media and ICT?; “do children and youth currently engage creatively with social media as a voice of expression and resistance against their marginality within society, expressing agency and resilience? If so, how?” and what are children and youth’s thoughts on their own agency in regards to social media/ICT as tools of expression, both present and future? The project has as a key focus the training and mentorship of junior researchers and peer researchers. With the project working on emerging and pivotal areas it is important to include emerging researchers who can provide follow-up and continuance to the important work being done. This requires training and workshops to facilitate the uptake of data collection and analysis from these emerging scholars. Due to the overlapping, and cyclical nature of systems partnerships are of particular importance to the project as many of the issues being examined require multi-disciplinary, collaborative approaches.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Child Protection, Youth Participation, Youth Engagement, Youth Right

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ryerson University Jennifer MacInnis Phone: 416-979-5000 x5602 Email: [email protected]

Medhat Shehata

Innovative Applications and Aggregate Alternatives for Concrete Construction

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Ontario's demand for aggregate is large exceeding 184 million tonnes in 2007. Including gravel, sand and crushed stone, aggregates are viewed as a non-renewable resources found in fixed locations, with few viable substitutes. Changes to Ontario’s planning landscape over the past 20 years, including the protection of the Oak Ridges Moraine and escarpment have further impacted the sourcing and availably of new stock resulting in a concern that aggregate need for construction projects in Ontario, particularly southern Ontario, will soon outstrip virgin aggregate production. Given this, there has been a greater focus on the creation and use of renewable aggregates including the reuse and recycling of materials for road construction including incorporating low or marginal quality materials such as recycled concrete aggregate, alternative materials including glass or ceramics, and alternative concrete processing and formulations to reduce the consumption of Portland cement through increasing the use of supplementary cementing materials (SCM) in concrete and construction materials. This project will explore the issue of sustainability and options to virgin aggregate usage in the Ontario market. The study will develop practical applications for the usage of alternatives to traditional aggregates, including reclaimed concrete aggregates, in lieu of natural stones including the investigation of the properties and durability of the resulting concrete. The project will also examine the barriers to adoption for such applications and the economic, environmental and policy changes that need to be made to increase the use of approach of renewable aggregates in the Ontario market.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Construction Sustainability, Concrete Durability, Supplementary Cementing Materials, Recycled Concrete Aggregates

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ryerson University Jennifer MacInnis Phone: 416-979-5000 x5602 Email: [email protected]

Kathryn Underwood

Inclusive Early Childhood Service System

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The objective of Inclusive Early Childhood Service System (IECSS) is to understand the institutional interactions of families who have young children with disabilities. The study begins with the premise that understanding families' earliest experiences with early childhood services helps us as a society to understand the construction of some children as disabled. This study of institutional practices will draw on interviews with families. The project also considers how the construction of children and families in these services intersects with cultural identities. For example, we will examine how disability can develop as a cultural experience, into a positive self-concept in adulthood. The project will seek to develop theoretical models of the social networks created by services, families, and the communities in which people live. The project's ultimate goal is to inform social policy from the perspective of families, and to create a more complex discourse on early childhood disability that is grounded in a positive understanding of diverse abilities in childhood. The proposed project will bring together key researchers (inclusive of Disability, Health and Education, and Indigenous scholars) and partner organizations to conduct the studies in diverse communities across Ontario.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Early Childhood, Disability, Service Planning, Social Policy

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ryerson University Jennifer MacInnis Phone: 416-979-5000 x5602 Email: [email protected]

Angela Valeo

Interactive Assessment for Children with ASD

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The proposed research will create a computerized assessment tool for evaluating the working skills, interests, and learning dispositions of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in inclusive primary school settings (kindergarten through grade 2). ASD is a spectrum disorder characterized by impairments in communication, behaviour, and social interactions. The rapidly rising rate of ASD (Autism Canada, 2017) means that children with the disorder are becoming the largest category of exceptionality in kindergarten and primary-grade classrooms. Ontario teachers are responsible for delivery of the Ontario curriculum and the development of children‘s cognitive, social, and language capabilities. Essential to this process is an accurate understanding of each child’s current level of skills and functioning. Evaluation and assessment is a large component of a classroom teacher’s work. To this end, teachers rely on assessment strategies that evaluate children’s print products, use anecdotal observations to capture key learning moments, as well as create and use checklists and standardized assessments to gauge developmental and academic milestones. Current assessment practices used in classrooms (e.g., anecdotal and running records, checklists, standardized assessments) are deficit-based strategies that can work for typically developing children and may also be adapted for use with many children identified as exceptional, but are completely ineffective for children with ASD. The presence of scattered skills with vast discrepancies between those skills requires a very different assessment and programming approach. Additionally, children with ASD vary tremendously from each other in level of overall functioning. Current assessment strategies are ineffective in capturing information that would be useful for programming in an elementary classroom for children with ASD. An individualized, strength- based, efficient method is needed; with this method, key competencies compatible with the school curriculum guidelines/expectations would be easily evaluated, but equally important would be the identification of the child’s learning dispositions so that teaching and programming opportunities could be better understood. Research on learning dispositions stresses the potential of the approach in actively engaging children’s skill learning through targeted environmental and curriculum support (Carr, 2001; Shum, 2012) Computer technologies are very attractive to many children with ASD, and the use of such a program would allow for motivated engagement by autistic children. The project would then analyze the child’s activity within the program to determine skill base and learning dispositions. This tool will support a teacher’s ability to evaluate and create effective programming for children with ASD. Development of this tool entails multi-disciplinary collaboration among the fields of computer science, psychology, early childhood studies, education, and digital media. This project seeks potential partnerships with publishers and/or software developers. The project draws from research in educational assessment, dispositional learning, curriculum development, and autism.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Assessment, Digital Programming, Dispositional Learning, Curriculum

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ryerson University Jennifer MacInnis Phone: 416-979-5000 x5602 Email: [email protected]

Bala Venkatesh

Urban Community Hybrid Energy Microgrids

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Urban communities within Ontario, such as Toronto or Kitchener-Waterloo, have come to expect reliable, affordable energy to meet their needs, and as a result are highly energy intensive. While Ontario has largely been able to meet these needs, frequent weather related events over recent years (including flash flooding and ice storms) have challenged this ability, causing significant risk to health, productivity, and property. Despite efforts by local utilities and provincial agencies to introduce environmentally friendly and innovative technologies, Ontario’s power system is outdated and needing upgrade, particularly within urban centres. Furthermore, most large infrastructure in urban communities handles various streams of energy supply, such as electricity and natural gas in isolation (or permit limited integration), whereby customers and providers are unable to elicit the benefits of integration which can include reduced costs, and improved efficiency, resilience, and reliability. The Urban Community Hybrid Energy Microgrids (UCHEM) project proposes interrelated research and development to transform the existing, segmented urban energy infrastructure into a future microgrid state, which is modular and efficiently integrates various energy streams, such as electricity and natural gas, while also minimizing environmental impact. Working with industry and utility partners, the UCHEM team will undertake microgrid research that considers electric and natural gas connections to the main grid, local energy resources (including renewable energy such as solar or wind or electric transit), and storage. The research program addresses the (A) planning, (B) modeling and (C) operation stages of microgrid development, and so considering will create tools for (1) engineering studies, (2) electric transit hardware development and implementation and, (3) policy and regulatory studies. Engineering software tools development will include those required for modeling, analysis and planning of hybrid microgrids. They will consider various elements such as grid connection, renewables, conservation, demand response, energy storage, electric transit, and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) systems. These tools will be built with the purpose of minimizing asset and operational costs, and environmental impacts while maximizing reliability and resilience. Hardware tools will be primarily built for electric transit in an urban microgrid context. Across stages this will include standards development for electric transit charging, and hardware design, development, and implementation in a functioning microgrid for prototyping and testing. Tools will also be developed that assess environmental, social, and regulatory/policy impacts of microgrids, in current and planned states. These tools are essential for the transformation of current energy systems to future energy systems built on modular microgrid structures. Research outcomes will enable communities to transform their segmented energy supplies, integrating and operating them as a unified hybrid energy microgrid, driving efficiency, reliability and resilience improvements, whilst minimizing environmental impacts. They will also enable sustainable, modular hybrid energy systems that will help combat climate change and achieve carbon reduction targets by considering all available energy resources, such as renewables, energy storage, conservation, demand response, and electric transit.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies - Clean Technologies

Keywords: Distribution Generation, Renewables, Microgrids, Demand Response, Energy Storage, Urban Areas

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ryerson University Jennifer MacInnis Phone: 416-979-5000 x5602 Email: [email protected]

Philip Walsh

Arctic and Northern Farming

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Much research has demonstrated the challenges in northern communities in terms of access to services taken for granted in the south - access to clean water, housing, education, economic opportunities, health and fresh food are complex and interconnected challenges. Among these food insecurity has been shown to affect a substantial proportion of those living in the north compounded by the cost of accessing fresh produce and producing widespread negative health and social consequences. The project will advance our understanding of how to create sustainable, locally managed, models in northern Ontario communities to enhance food security. While small scale projects have shown promise but scalability relies on year round operation which in term requires affordable and reliable energy sources to maintain the growing facilities such as greenhouses. Current projects have shown the feasibility of the concept and identified a host of issues both technical and non technical which need to be addressed to maximize production, adapt to different physical and cultural contexts and scale. Current efforts using solar and biomass will be assessed along with wind turbines designed to withstand extreme cold. The research will produce address the technical, social, cultural, health and economic dimensions of environmentally friendly models to address food insecurity in northern communities and produce a blueprint for scaling the model more broadly. The team will include engineers, health and nutrition, social scientists, and experts in indigenous culture to address the complex factors affecting success.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies - Clean Technologies

Keywords: Energy, Sustainability, Food Security, Social Innovation, Economic Development

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ryerson University Jennifer MacInnis Phone: 416-979-5000 x5602 Email: [email protected]

Fengfeng Xi

Centre for Aircraft Interiors Research and Innovation (CAIRI)

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The proposed program seeks to develop technologies that provide increased customization, flexible manipulation and comfort to passengers in aircraft cabin environments – a nascent sector estimated to reach $25 billion (USD) by 2020 – and to position Ontario globally as a strategic locus for aircraft interior design and manufacturing. World statistics projected that flight demand in the next 20 years would reach 3 billion passengers and 5.5 trillion travel Kms per year. Meeting this demand will require 34,000 new aircrafts on the top of 24,000 aircrafts in service, 2/3 being regional aircrafts targeted by the Canadian aerospace industry. Not only should modern aircrafts be designed with efficient flight performance, but also with appealing cabin interiors for a comfortable flight experience. A recent world report identified cabin reconfiguration for passenger comfort as one key driver. It pointed out that travel comfort would require a paradigm shift from fixed interior environment, not responsive to individual needs, to an adaptive/reconfigurable environment, responsive to individual needs, i.e. so called responsive systems. Over the last four years, Ryerson has been taking on this initiative to develop innovative technologies through NSERC CRD and OCE funding programs. This development is carried out in collaboration with companies including Bombardier, Christie Digital, Fellfab, BASF, 3M as well as universities and research institutes including University of Toronto (UTIAS), OCAD University, Queen’s University, and National Research Council Canada. The first cabin unit was developed containing a morphing chair in an immerse digital setting. The morphing chair was developed with body motion tracking to provide a continuous back support and an active noise control system to create a zone-of-quiet (ZoQ) around passenger. This unit was demonstrated at 2016 Ontario Center of Excellence (OCE) Discovery Day and was aired on Business News Network (BNN). The first Canadian forum on travel format was held in 2016 at Ryerson attracting international collaborators from Korea. Based on the success to date, and plans for future collaborations, Bombardier has donated a full-sized mock-up demonstration property (valued in excess of $1M), and upon it Ryerson is building a cabin research facility, which is going to be the focal demonstration area for new technology development. This ORF-RE funding application will facilitate the expansion of this globally relevant research program, strength the existing academic/industrial partnership and fully develop innovative technologies for commercialization. Our extensive consultation with various stakeholders led to a research roadmap for travel comfort experience research endorsed by Ontario Aerospace Council. This roadmap was developed to address the fundamental issue of human reaction to a vehicle environment. Two main factors are: i) physical (environment) inputs and ii) individual (passenger) characteristics, e.g., visual input (lighting) to eyes, audio input (noise) to ears. Our plan is to model the link between the two factors and then to develop two key technologies: i) design of responsive systems, ii) psycho-physio intelligent decision making systems. Research in this regard is multidisciplinary, spanning from engineering and human factors to psychology and interior design. The scale of this research requires sustainable funding to support and grow.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Travel Comfort, Travel Health, Cabin Interior, Cabin Environment, Passenger Characteristics, Customization, Flexibility

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Ryerson University Jennifer MacInnis Phone: 416-979-5000 x5602 Email: [email protected]

Frauke Zeller

Leveraging AI and Robotics for Healthcare

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The objective of Leveraging AI and Robotics for Healthcare is to achieve the first tested implementation of a socially assistive robotics innovation (SAR) for healthcare communication by integrating cognitive computing applications with social robotics platforms. This project will bring together industry research and development teams with researchers from multiple academic disciplines: Professional Communication, Healthcare, HRI studies, SAR, Computer and Software Design and Multimedia to develop physical and virtual human-robot interaction applications in the area of healthcare and more specifically healthcare communication for behavioural change. Information technology has transformed the decision-making process for clinicians and offers new possibilities for healthcare communication with patients. A timely and challenging objective for clinicians is the use of information technology for patient education, while ensuring high quality care and, most importantly, patient safety. Several technologies have been developed in the area of individual health awareness, such as the introduction of wearable devices. This technology is part of a movement referred to as the “quantified self”. The notion is that the increase of healthcare information recording and reporting can educate and motivate individuals to develop and adapt better habits for improved health. However, there is a gap in understanding how personal data collection may be used to induce positive changes in health-promoting behaviors. Socially Assistive Robotics (SAR) is an emerging field in Human-Robot Interaction (HRI). According to leading researchers in this field, socially intelligent robots aim to help humans through social interaction rather than physical interaction. This means that the traditional focus in HRI – physical interaction – has been shifted to the social dimension. Arguably, this shift provides new opportunities for innovation due to its broader, less fixed demarcations. At the same time, it also challenges our HRI approach by integrating a complimentary approach, which is instilled by both technology and social interaction aspects. The proposed project underscores the shift towards the social dimension in HRI. Specifically studies so far in these fields focus more on how the robot can help humans physically or emotionally, this project is focused on a therapeutic and educational approach leveraged by the integration of computational and natural language processing (NLP) technologies with state-of-the-art robotics.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Healthcare Communication, Behavioural Change, Social Assistive Robots

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning Cindy Gillett Phone: 905-845-9430 Email: [email protected]

Ed Sykes

Humanizing the Virtual: Individualized Delivery of Social Services/Training and Simulation

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The objective of this research is to create healthcare and other social service solutions that integrate virtual human characters, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and remote, autonomous and contextualized services using Augmented/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) and mobile devices. Application areas include support for human-to-human provision of services as well as education, training and simulation in social service areas. The project is based on the premise that it is essential to ensure that technological developments related to AI, mobile technologies, and virtual humans are driven by applications that address human needs. An interdisciplinary approach is being adopted on this project to ensure the research team includes required areas of expertise necessary to meet the proposed objectives. Sheridan’s Centre for Mobile Innovation (CMI), Screen Industries Research and Training Centre (SIRT), and Centre for Elder Research are collaborating on this interdisciplinary proposal that leverages their respective strengths in mobile technologies and cognitive computing, advanced screen industry creative and technical practice, and the delivery of social services that enhance quality of life. The CMI focuses on creating innovative mobile solutions benefiting our communities using leading mobile technologies such as the Internet of Things, Wearable Computing, AR/VR, and Machine Learning. SIRT is a federally funded Technology Access Centre that supports the innovation needs of Ontario’s film, television, gaming and virtual reality sectors. The Elder Research Centre develops innovative approaches and creative interdisciplinary partnerships that enhance the lives of older Canadians and their families. Together, and in collaboration with industry, academic, and not-for-profit partners, this group will help to humanize the ongoing digitization and delivery of social services in order to promote health and wellness for all people in our communities. Integrating advanced computer graphics and other media and entertainment technologies into this solution-driven research allows for a virtual human component to the delivery of mobile and other screen-based care, with increasing levels of interactivity, and AI components such as natural language processing, and emotional response appropriate to the social and cultural context. Within the proposed research, the integrated participation of researchers and practitioners from healthcare, aging in place, and other social service areas will ensure a solution-driven approach. Key elements of the proposal include: • Software R&D in both screen-based technologies and devices that allow for autonomous, context-based Human Computer Interaction; • Development of computer graphics and related processes for creation of interactive digital humans appropriate to the needs of healthcare, education, training and simulation; • Research into real-time procedural animation, game artificial intelligence, and artificial intelligence (e.g. synchronization of speech and gestures, natural language processing, cognitive and affective interaction appropriate for diverse social and cultural applications); • Integrated content, solution and technology R&D, including user experience testing for applications within healthcare, services for the elderly, and other social service scenarios.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Mobile Technologies, Virtual and Augmented Reality, Virtual Characters/Humans, Artificial Intelligence, User Experience

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Sinai Health System Gareth Taylor Phone: 416-586-3125 Email: [email protected]

Bharati Bapat

Epigenetic Biomarkers as Novel Tools for Personalized Cancer Care

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Among the health concerns facing Canadians today, cancer is the leading cause of death, with a substantial burden of morbidity caused by invasive assessment strategies. Highly prominent among cancer types are genitourinary (GU) cancers, which include prostate cancer and bladder cancer, and gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, including colorectal cancer. These three cancers alone account for 30% of all newly diagnosed cancer cases annually in Canada. In addition to consequences to public health, GU and GI cancers are also a significant burden on healthcare costs, with over $1.3 billion dollars spent annually on the treatment of these diseases. In the past two decades, striking advances have been made in identifying a diverse array of key genetic players and underlying molecular pathways in cancers, which has led to a new realization that each patient’s tumour carries a unique molecular signature. Detection of such patient- and tumour-specific alterations can provide a more accurate assessment of each patient’s individualized clinical status and also guide decisions at each stage of cancer development – from initial diagnosis, to prognosis, to prediction of treatment outcome. Some of these tumour-specific alterations are epigenetic, which refers to processes that lead to heritable changes in the expression of genes without changes in the sequence of DNA. Cancer development is a combination of genetic, epigenetic and environmental influences. Unlike genetic mutations, which represent permanent changes to the DNA, an important aspect of epigenetic modifications are that they are potentially reversible and can respond to environmental factors. Epigenetic alterations include changes in DNA methylation, miRNA dysregulation and histone modifications. Progress in epigenetic research has revealed that all tumours contain changes to their ‘epi’genome. This has led to the discovery of novel exciting avenues to improve patient care. This rapidly expanding field has significant translational implications for developing “novel epigenetic biomarkers” for prevention, screening, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment for chronic diseases such as cancer. For this project, our goal is development and validation of deliverable epigenetic biomarkers for prostate, bladder and colorectal cancer, for early and accurate diagnosis of clinically significant disease, improved stratification of indolent versus aggressive disease to personalize treatment and more precise management of patients at advanced disease stages. We aim to develop epigenetic biomarkers which will lead to more precise cancer screening and treatment, and answer questions directly relevant to contemporary clinical practices. With emerging new technology platforms combined with minimally- invasive strategies to obtain patient samples such as blood, urine, semen, stool and saliva, personalized patient management of cancer is achievable. We foresee commercialization opportunities as well as benefits to public health of Ontarians, with the development of "easy to administer" tests in clinical setting. Further, a pipeline for epigenetic biomarker discovery and application developed through our project can be applied to many other diseases that incur epigenetic dysregulation.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Prostate Cancer, Bladder Cancer, Colo Cancer, Epigenetic Biomarkers, Minimally Invasive Tests, Molecular Diagnostic

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Sinai Health System Gareth Taylor Phone: 416-586-3125 Email: [email protected]

Jordan Lerner-Ellis

Genome Sequencing of Patients with Undiagnosed Adult Diseases

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The ultimate objective of this project is to bring genome sequencing into the standard practice of medicine for adults with undiagnosed disease. In Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec approximately 10,000 adults are seen in genetic clinics annually, of whom fewer than 30% receive a diagnosis. As a result, healthcare providers face serious challenges in identifying appropriate clinical management. Current evidence suggests that genome sequencing may have a higher diagnostic yield than standard of care genetic testing and is likely to lead to significant public health benefits. The scientific objectives of this project are to determine if genome sequencing has a better diagnostic yield than standard of care genetic testing and if genome sequencing is cost-effective while demonstrating benefits such as health-related improvement in quality of life. Genome sequencing will be carried out on a large sample of undiagnosed Canadian adults across three independent disease areas and will be drawn from three academic medical centres in Quebec, British Columbia and Ontario. Diagnostic yield is defined as the number of patients with a successfully identified disease-causing mutation divided by the total number of patients in each disease group. Cost-effectiveness will be determined by measuring the incremental cost per one person diagnosed and quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained. By the end of the project the following key elements will be delivered: a cloud-based customizable clinical software platforms to analyze, interpret, report and share data; previously undiagnosed individuals will have received a genome diagnostic report; a guideline will be developed to define which adults should receive genome sequencing; and a report will be created outlining the clinical utility, cost-effectiveness and socioeconomic benefits of genome sequencing over standard of care genetic testing. Our findings will help determine whether genome sequencing is an effective alternative to other testing modalities for routine use in Canada for undiagnosed adult disorders.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Adult Genetic Disease, Incidental Findings, Clinical Utility, Economic Outcomes

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Sinai Health System Gareth Taylor Phone: 416-586-3125 Email: [email protected]

Stephen Lye

PREDICT: Genomics-based Diagnostics for Pregnancy Complications

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Of the 130 million pregnancies each year, 15 million will result in a preterm birth (PTB); ~1million of these babies will die due to their prematurity and many more will face chronic health and developmental disorders. One cause of PTB is preeclampsia, which also leads to 40,000 maternal deaths each year. There is currently very limited capability to predict which pregnancies will suffer these pregnancy complications. Those tests that are available typically have a low sensitivity and specificity. Our idea is unique in that a single multiplex test will be developed to detect these complications early enough in pregnancy to enable adoption of clinical care models to improve pregnancy outcomes. For example, effective identification of women at high risk of PTB could more than double the ~8% reduction in PTB rates gained from these care models resulting in savings of >$100 million in Canada and 4 billion USD in the USA as well as improve capacity and healthcare utilization for pregnant women and neonates. Our discovery research demonstrating that circulating maternal peripheral leukocytes (mPLs) act as the body's biosensors, has led us to hypothesize that if we can extract and interpret the information contained within these mPLs, we can identify these pregnancy complications, prior to any observed symptomology. In a series of prior studies, we have defined gene expression signatures derived from RNA from whole maternal blood specimens at 17-20 and 27-30 weeks of gestation that are predictive of subsequent PTB. Leveraging resources of the Ontario Birth Study, biospecimens and clinical data will be prospectively collected from 2,000 women at 10-12, 17-20 and 27-30 weeks of pregnancy. Using a case/control design we will identify pregnancies complicated with spontaneous onset PTB (or with PE) and uncomplicated pregnancies (controls). Through the application of advanced RNA sequencing technologies focussed on specific populations of mPLs, this proposal will deliver (within its 4-year timeframe) novel gene signatures / algorithms that have high sensitivity and specificity to detect, in early pregnancy women who will subsequently deliver preterm and/or develop preeclampsia. Within this timeframe, these signatures will be validated in additional pregnancies in Toronto and China, creating a genomics-based solution to pregnancy risk stratification. In partnership with end-user, BGI (one of the world’s largest genomics companies), these tests will be developed within a Joint BGI-SHS Pregnancy Diagnostics Laboratory in Toronto that will generate downstream investment in Canada including recruitment of highly qualified personnel. Beyond the 4-year timeframe of the proposal, these tests will be commercialized and marketed alongside BGIs existing portfolio of genomic-based pregnancy diagnostics. In addition, our study will evaluate methods of, and barriers to implementation of genomics-based pregnancy risk stratification in patient groups, physician groups, public policy / health care funding institutions as well as the impact of risk stratification on the groups. This will enhance the uptake of the tests by both patients and the healthcare system.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Diagnostics, Pregnancy Complications, Preterm Birth, Preeclampsia

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Sinai Health System Gareth Taylor Phone: 416-586-3125 Email: [email protected]

Susanna Mak

Precision Phenotyping of Exercise Cardiovascular Physiology to Enable Healthy Activity for All

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The Cardiac Catheterization Clinical Research Laboratory (CCCRL) and the Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport collaborate to perform leading edge research in precision phenotyping of the integrative cardiovascular physiology that supports exercise. The laboratory has embarked on a novel program of standardized diagnostic hemodynamic exercise testing that provides detailed quantitative assessment of the cardiac responses to exercise in context of normal reference ranges. This line of inquiry has demonstrated great heterogeneity in cardiovascular hemodynamic response to exercise. This proposal aims to expand the utility of this diagnostic and research tool to investigate limitations to exercise tolerance, and translate this knowledge to enhance the safety and personalized design of exercise interventions to be field-tested by end-user populations that reflect the spectrum across health and disease. Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR): In patients with cardiovascular disease, exercise training is a key therapeutic intervention requiring prescription and titration to a target “dosage” that improves quality of life and reduces outcomes such as hospitalization. The Toronto Rehabilitation Institute (TRI) has been a pioneer in CR internationally, spearheading comprehensive secondary prevention programs that are now standard of practice worldwide. The complement of patients within CR has become increasingly complex given the established safety and efficacy of exercise interventions; for example CR is also indicated in patients with stable heart failure. A predominant symptom experienced by these populations is dyspnea which may limit dose titration of therapeutic exercise. In addition, exercise prescription now includes modalities that were once considered beyond the cardiac patient, including high intensity interval training. Whilst such trends are encouraging, the factors governing exercise tolerance and strategies to deliver optimized exercise prescriptions for diverse and complex patient phenotypes requires further understanding. At the other end of the spectrum, endurance trained adults exhibit significant adaptive cardiac remodeling. While it is clear that exercise confers benefits to cardiovascular health, there is substantial uncertainty about the potential cardiac risks of exercise, particularly endurance and high- intensity exercise that far exceeds recommended levels. For example, the long-standing endurance athlete has a five-fold increased risk for exercise-induced arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. There is increasing concern about the safety of exercise, the long-term consequences of high-intensity endurance sport and how to best manage those with heart conditions who wish a safe return to sport and exercise for the foreseeable future. The overall aims of the collaboration between the CCRL, Goldring centre and the TRI are to: 1. Determine the factors that contribute to healthy exercise and consequences of exercise in excess of current recommendations, 2. Determine the factors that limit exercise dose in sedentary, aging or disease populations, 3. Design and implement tolerable therapeutic exercise interventions that minimize abnormal cardiac chamber stresses tailored to underlying cardiac disease states. Based on these aims, our program will work with industry to design and test e-health applications or wearable technology for personalized physiologic monitoring during exercise tested both in the laboratory and by end-users.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Exercise, Cardiology, Heart Failure Hemodynamics, Physiology, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Athletes

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Sinai Health System Gareth Taylor Phone: 416-586-3125 Email: [email protected]

Frederick Roth

Systematic Interrogation of Human Protein Function at the Domain Level

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Decades of research in molecular biology has firmly established that proteins are highly modular polymers. Most proteins are composed of one or more independently folded regions called protein domains that share both sequence and structural homology to other proteins. These domains regulate every aspect of biology from enzymatic reactions to structural integrity to protein/protein interactions. Consistent with this, the vast majority of pathological coding mutations are located in domains, highlighting their central role in disease. Over evolutionary timescales, protein domains have greatly increased in number, diversified in sequence, and combined with other domains in every conceivable manner to generate the remarkable diversity observed in all proteomes. The modularity of protein domains has enabled researchers to dissect signaling pathways in great detail, generate biological circuits for synthetic biology applications, and develop novel proteins for therapeutic purposes. Deciphering the function of all protein domains is therefore crucial for understanding how the proteome is organized in health and disease and for developing next-generation bioengineering applications and therapeutics. However, despite the wealth of proteomic and genomic studies, such as protein/protein interaction maps or CRISPR/Cas9 screens for essential genes, these approaches cannot separate the function of each domain from the function of the entire protein. Consequently, our view of the human proteome is necessarily of coarse resolution. Moreover, the function of domains in the context of full- length proteins can be obscured due to the presence of other negative-regulatory domains. Indeed, interaction screens using isolated domains reveal twice the number of protein interactions without appreciably increasing the false positive rate. We propose to establish a high-resolution view of the human proteome by a two-pronged approach. First, inspired by the catalyzing role that the human ORFeome collection has had in systems biology, we will generate a transformative resource for next- generation proteomics: a clone collection of all human protein domains in a format that enables their rapid transfer to any expression or experimental system. We will take advantage of the rapidly decreasing cost of DNA synthesis to generate the collection in a cost-efficient manner. The collection, which covers all 44,789 annotated domains in the human proteome and is available to the entire research community, facilitates functional interrogation of protein function at the domain level. Second, we will systematically profile the domain collection in a panel of scalable proteomic assays: 1) Barcoded fusion genetics-yeast two-hybrid (BFG-Y2H) will identify pairwise protein/protein interactions between all domains, providing a wiring diagram of the human cell in unprecedented detail; 2) Quantitative mass spectrometry will identify proteome-wide interactors of all domains targeted by small-molecule drugs, enabling the discovery of potential modulators of drug binding, and 3) A chemical dimerizer system allows modular tethering of individual domains to promoters and enhancers, RNA, or other proteins, facilitating the identification of domains regulating transcription, RNA metabolism, or protein turnover.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Protein Domain, Protein Interaction, Protein Networks, Transcriptional Activation, Drug Target Characterization

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Sinai Health System Gareth Taylor Phone: 416-586-3125 Email: [email protected]

Kathy Simminovitch

Transforming Disease Outcomes with Precision Immune Cell Monitoring

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Autoimmune diseases are chronic, debilitating conditions caused by complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors that lead to aberrant immune cell responses and consequent immune- mediated tissue inflammation, injury and dysfunction. The incidences of many autoimmune diseases in Canada and other developed nations have increased dramatically in the last 50 years, with at least 10 million Canadians now affected. Despite significant treatment advances, for most autoimmune diseases, prevention, cure or long-lasting drug-free remissions are not possible. This project addresses the urgent need for more effective treatments for autoimmune diseases, which, collectively, have an enormous impact on health, economic and social productivity and healthcare costs. We propose to develop new understanding of the immunologic pathways that cause autoimmune diseases thereby identifying biomarkers to inform their diagnosis and therapeutic management. This project leverages our team's: development of large, prospectively and rigorously characterized patient populations, demonstrated capabilities in immunology, genetics and genomic technologies and computational sciences; generation of significant prior knowledge and preliminary data and; capture of a 2015 CFI award supporting the creation of a state-of-the-art platform - the Centre of Immune Profiling (CIP) - for characterizing human immune responses. The proposed research program also capitalizes on the emergence of new technologies and analytic methods, now consolidated at the CIP, that enable unprecedented depth and scale in identifying the highly complex immune cellular and molecular immune alterations associated with autoimmune disease. We will use these new immunoanalytic tools to identify diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Crohn's disease (CD), two common and prototypical autoimmune diseases for which fundamental causes are unknown and morbidity and disability remains high as many affected individuals have only modest or no response to best available therapies. By interrogating these different diseases within a common research program, we will identify disease-specific or shared immunologic alterations that drive disease and may serve as biomarkers that improve prediction of impending disease/disease relapse, progression and treatment response and will elucidate new therapeutic targets that may be disease-specific or active in several diseases to enable best use of available and new therapies across multiple disease indications. Our research will focus on patients at the earliest stages of disease/disease treatment and on asymptomatic individuals at high-risk for disease, with consequent ability to illuminate biomarkers based on comprehensive new knowledge of the immune and genetic alterations driving disease onset and its earliest progression when interventions might prevent or mitigate persistence of disease. By coupling our expertise and existing research infrastructure and preliminary data with exceptional patient cohorts (and stored biological samples), our project will transform understanding, management and outcomes of autoimmune diseases, serving as a springboard for recruiting clinical and basic scientists into this province, creating new educational, collaboration and commercialization opportunities, and delivering the diagnostic and prognostic tools to relieve the medical and socioeconomic burden imposed by immune-mediated disease.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Immunologic Disease, Biomarkers, Immunoprofiling, Systems Immunology, High-throughput Technology

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

St. Michael's Hospital Dalton Charter Phone: 416-864-6060 x2558 Email: [email protected]

Teodor Grantcharov

Effective Systems for Improving Surgical Safety: Design, Analysis and Clinical Implementation

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The objective of the present proposal is to develop a comprehensive system for identification, analysis and prevention of errors in the Operating Room. This system will be based on high-quality data collection of individual-, team- and device performance parameters in the OR. This data will be used to develop commercially available systems for data capture, and safety, efficiency and cost analytics. The data collection platform has already been designed, and piloted by our team at St. Michael's. This project line aims to investigate the implementation and evaluate the impact on patient outcomes and reduction of healthcare costs. Medical errors account for a significant proportion of healthcare costs. In 1999, the Institute of Medicine estimated that the cost of medical errors in the USA may be as high as $29 billion per year. Medical errors occur in 7.5% of admissions to Canadian hospitals and are even more common in teaching hospitals (most of which occur with surgical services). Significant advances in surgery with the introduction of computer-assisted technologies have contributed to an increased complexity of healthcare delivery and require extensive training using unconventional approaches. This involves measuring of performance and outcomes, documentation of competency prior to contact with patients, certification and re-certification using valid and reliable tools. In aviation and other high-risk industries, introduction of strategies for error detection, analysis and prevention has lead to dramatic reduction of errors and improvement in safety. The “black-box” concept has played a crucial role in this process. Inspired by the aviation industry experience, we plan to adapt the black-box concept in the surgical operating room. In the airline industry, a plane’s black box records all data, so that in the event of a crash, safety experts can reconstruct the sequence of events in order to identify potential errors and develop strategies for prevention. Our team currently collaborates with key industry partners, such as Air Canada and the Canadian Medical Protective Association in order to design, validate and implement this approach in surgery. Since most medical errors are multi-factorial in nature, the OR black-box will register multiple aspects of the OR environment including: (1) video/audio from the OR to evaluate the teamwork of the surgical staff, (2) a surgical video feed, and (3) data streams from the anesthesia monitor, surgical devices and multiple sensors to observe real-time physiological patient data (heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, oxygen saturation etc.), environmental factors and device performance. Using this technology, errors and near-misses will be identified and subsequently analyzed and reconstructed in a simulated environment. By reviewing the data, our research team will be able to identify the root cause and chain of events leading up to medical errors and adverse outcomes. This data will then be used to develop individualized training interventions, provide feedback to device manufacturers and identify safety process deficiencies on individual, team and organizational level. We hypothesize that this approach will lead to reduction of medical errors, adverse events and healthcare costs. This concept will validate commercially available tools and systems that have the potential to dramatically improve the quality of training, effectiveness of healthcare delivery and patient safety.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Information Technology, Multidisciplinary Health Research, Statistics and Probability, Psychosocial Behavioral

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

St. Michael's Hospital Dalton Charter Phone: 416-864-6060 x2558 Email: [email protected]

Laurie Morrison

EPISTRY ONTARIO

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Rescu is the largest research program of its kind in Canada. Our research focus is to evaluate processes of care and timely interventions that improve outcomes for patients who suffer life threatening trauma and cardiac emergencies in the out of hospital setting. This program has acquired the unique expertise to collect data, implement controlled clinical trials, systematic reviews and derive and validate decision rules pertaining to resuscitation in the out of hospital setting. The program has established relationships with investigators, EMS (land and air) and Fire operators from 5 regions in Ontario and 43 academic and community hospitals. The burdens of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and life-threatening traumatic injury are, at best, only crudely known and how EMS process, geographic, socioeconomic and periodic variation is associated with differences in outcome is largely unknown. Since patients at higher risk of poor outcomes are often excluded from clinical trials, estimation of the burden of illness based on those enrolled in randomized clinical trials is subject to bias. Rescu has developed and maintains the Toronto EPISTRY database; a prospective population-based registry of all Emergency Medical Services (EMS)- attended 9-1-1 calls for patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and life threatening trauma occurring in the geographical area described by the participating regions. The Toronto EPISTRY enrolls between approximately 9,000 and 13,500 treated all rhythm arrests annually and 8000 EMS-attended but untreated arrests, as well as 3500 life threatening trauma cases each year. The data set includes pre- hospital and in-hospital outcomes, survival to discharge and functional outcome data for all cases. The wealth of data captured in this registry is incredibly important to find answers to population based issues that plague our health system. Toronto EPISTRY’s extraordinary success is attributable to its unprecedented collaborative partnership between prehospital emergency medical service providers, dedicated investigators and supportive hospital systems in communities across Southern Ontario. As a major contributor to the international Research Outcomes Consortium (ROC), this collaboration enables time sensitive discoveries to be tested rapidly for efficacy and applied to evaluate effectiveness. This unique capacity is advancing resuscitation science at a pace unequalled by past research initiatives. The ROC collaboration has published 47 papers in high citation journals and contributed significantly to the ILCOR Consensus on Science and Treatment Recommendation. Translation from Bench to Bedside to Curbside and to practice guidelines throughout the world is a rare achievement from a collaborative clinical trial network. We propose to expand our current research facilities (IT & data capture) to cover data abstraction and analysis for the entire province of Ontario such that we can begin to create a truly provincial resource, EPISTRY ONTARIO, and increase our impact at the system level. Having knowledge of factors related to specific episodes, together with regional factors including EMS system factors and outcome on a provincial scale would be a crucial step toward faster development, implementation, evaluation and commercialization of key interventions to improve outcomes associated with cardiac arrest and trauma.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Emergency Medical Services, Health Services Research, Knowledge Translation, Clinical Trial

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

St. Michael's Hospital Dalton Charter Phone: 416-864-6060 x2558 Email: [email protected]

Yvonne Bombard

Incidental Genomics: The Health Outcomes, Utility and Costs of Returning Incidental Genomic Results

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Need: Policy makers and clinicians around the world are grappling with how to implement genomic sequencing (GS) in the clinic. But there are critical gaps on the benefits & harms of returning incidental results as well as their impact on health outcomes & costs in the Canadian context. GS offers exciting opportunities to advance diagnosis, treatment and prevention by assessing hundreds of disease risks in one test. Health care providers (HCP) are increasingly using GS to target treatment and diagnosis for their patients. However, GS may incidentally reveal inherited risks for hundreds of current and future diseases. Guidelines recommend HCP inform patients of incidental results. Most people have ~400 potentially damaging variants and, on average, 2 disease-causing mutations. This represents an impending watershed given the increasing use of GS and the countless relatives who could also be affected by these heritable diseases. Our research is the first-of-its-kind in: evaluating the impact of incidental findings, developing clinical tools and rigorous clinical and cost-effectiveness evidence on returning incidental results to optimize clinical adoption of GS and Canadian funding decisions. Aims: (1) Develop and evaluate decision aid (DA) to help patients select incidental results. (2) Evaluate the utility, health outcomes & costs associated with returning incidental results. Study Design: We will conduct a mixed methods study among 260 cancer patients. We will use a user center design process to develop a fully functional, interactive e-health DA to help patients select incidental GS results. We will use a mixed-method, longitudinal randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effectiveness of the decision aid as well as the clinical utility, health outcomes and costs associated with returning incidental GS results. Patients will be randomized to receive GS with & without incidental findings. Utility, outcomes and costs will be followed for 1.5 years. Outcomes: (1) Our clinically validated e-health DA will improve information delivery and shared decision- making between patient and HCP; improve self-effectiveness, decision quality and empower patients in the selection of incidental GS results. Our DA may save costs as an alternative to clinicians spending hours counseling patients on incidental GS results. (2) Our study is the first of its kind to return the broadest scope of incidental results to patients, thereby improving health outcomes and saving healthcare costs by streamlining testing, avoiding drug side effects, tailoring therapy and providing early detection & prevention of incidental conditions. (3) Our clinical recommendations will inform resource planning/delivery of the clinical services, tests and consults triggered by incidental GS results thereby optimizing benefits for patients, reducing burden on providers and minimizing costs on the healthcare system. (4) Our policy briefs will inform rollout and reimbursement decisions for GS by providing decision makers with the evidence they need on the health outcomes, clinical- & cost-effectiveness of returning incidental findings to patients and the Canadian healthcare system. Briefs will be developed in collaboration with our decision-maker partners (Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technology in Health, Health Quality Ontario) to maximize evidence uptake among Canadian health technology assessment agencies.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Genomic Sequencing, Incidental Findings, Health Service Impact, Clinical Utility, Economic Analysis, Decision Aids

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

St. Michael's Hospital Dalton Charter Phone: 416-864-6060 x2558 Email: [email protected]

John Marshall

Precision Medicine in Intensive Care: The PreMedIC Program

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The clinical course for patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) is shaped less by the original insult, than by the host response to that insult. This response is complex, variable, and genetically determined. It is a logical target for therapy, yet clinical trials have been uniformly unsuccessful because we lack the precision tools to target the right treatment to the right patient at the right time. The PreMedIC program builds on reproducible observations about the course of critical illness. Adverse outcome is reflected in physiologic organ dysfunction. Organ dysfunction arises through the response of the host to one or more insults including the disorder that led to ICU admission and the inadvertent consequences of ICU life support. It is further modified by host predisposition resulting from genetic variability in genes involved in that response. These four variables comprise the PIRO (Predisposition, Insult, Response, Organ Dysfunction) model, a staging model analogous to the TNM system used for therapeutic stratification of patients with cancer. Our goal is to understand how the genomic-based host response is influenced by the interaction of insult and predisposition, and how organ dysfunction results from the interaction of these three elements. Using microfluidics technology, we will develop a working prototype of a first-generation diagnostic assay of the genomic determinants of critical care, and the integrated response to treatment over time. We will study barriers to genomic testing in the ICU as identified by key stakeholders - patients, caregivers, and the public.The potential economic costs of this approach will be evaluated against the savings from a more efficient, less wasteful approach to care. The PreMedIC framework will increase the precision of ICU management, enable the repurposing of abandoned therapies and the better evaluation of new approaches, and bring improved outcomes and attenuation of iatrogenic harm. Our project has 3 core Aims (Figure 1). Aim 1 will use in silico analyses of online data sets, and supervised and unsupervised analyses of stored specimens, to develop a series of models to stratify critically ill patients on the basis of risk of death, risk of organ dysfunction, and potential response to therapy. We will seek to minimize harm associated with existing therapies and to identify response variability in agents approved for human use, including those previously studied in critically ill patients that could be repurposed or resurrected through the use of more precision-guided therapeutics. This bioinformatics analysis will deliver the initial complement of genomic features to be tested by the microfluidics platform. Aim 2 will build on our existing work and expertise in microfluidics to develop a portable sample-to-answer diagnostic platform that combines separation of leukocytes, isolation of nucleic acids, and PCR-based assays. This aim will deliver a working prototype of a rapid turnaround assay for ICU-relevant genomic features. Aim 3 will study a prospective cohort of 1800 critically patients to i) determine the feasibility of using the microfluidics platform in the ICU; ii) validate the performance of the platform against traditional next-generation sequencing methods; iii) conduct initial proof of concept studies to determine whether genetic stratification can detect differential responsiveness to treatment.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Sepsis, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Head Injury, Genomics, Risk Stratification, Microfluidics

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

St. Michael's Hospital Dalton Charter Phone: 416-864-6060 x2558 Email: [email protected]

Xiao-Yan Wen

Precision Medicine and Novel Therapeutic Approaches for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common inherited cardiovascular disease, affecting approximately ~1 in 200-500 individuals. HCM is caused by single point mutations in the various genes which encode sarcomeric or sarcomere associated proteins. At present, mutations in at least 12 genes (loci) have been identified to cause HCM, and commonly mutated genes include MYBPC3, MYH7, and TNNT2, which account for >85% of known pathological mutations. HCM causes excessive cardiac hypertrophy and/or fibrosis which is associated with increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) and heart failure (HF). Current treatment is limited to reducing symptoms of obstruction, typically utilizing negative inotropes such as beta blockers, non dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, disopyrimide and in some instances surgical intervention (myomectomy or alcohol ablation). For highest risk patients and SCD survivors, defibrillators are implanted as a last resort. Importantly there are no validated therapeutic strategies to prevent hypertrophic and fibrotic responses that drive SCD and HF risk. Therefore, this proposal focuses on identifying precision pharmacological strategies that prevent hypertrophic and fibrotic response to alter the natural history and reduce the risk of SCD. We intend to pursue the following objectives: 1. Identify and validate HCM disease modifiers (using model organisms to screen existing repurposing drug libraries) that modify the hypertrophic and fibrotic response. 2. To file clinical trial applications to Health Canada to test if repurposed drugs modify the fibrotic and hypertrophic response in HCM patients and reduce the risk of SCD and HF. 3. To identify novel drug-targets and develop biomarkers to detect onset of HCM and monitor disease progression. To meet these objectives, we will utilize four important resources: (1) Unique zebrafish models and a state-of-the-art high throughout screening facilities (Wen): Using gene-knockdown and transgenic zebrafish carrying 3 commonest mutations (MYBPC3, MYH7, TNNT2) to screen, identify and then validate anti-HCM drugs for precision treatment; (2) Advanced proteomics and biomarker discovery (Gramolini): Using proteomic tools at the Rogers Centre to identify drug targets and biomarkers. (3) UHN hypertrophic cardiomyopathy clinic (Connelly and Crean): We have access to a large, well characterized HCM patient population for clinical studies. Clinical studies will focus on repurposed Health Canada approved medications thus enabling launch of clinical studies before the end of the project. (4) St. Michael’s Centre for Excellence in Economic Analysis Research (CLEAR) (Isaranuwatchai): Using economic evaluation to examine the potential impact of precision therapy on cost and outcomes from the perspective of public healthcare payer. Our long-term goal is to develop a drug discovery and development pipeline for new therapeutic interventions targeting HCM. To maintain the competitiveness of the project and smooth technology transfer, an External Scientific Advisory Committee will be established. MaRS Innovation has committed their assistance with the IP and commercialization components of our initiative. It is anticipated that this project will lead to multiple patent filings on drug leads, partnership(s) with major pharmaceutical companies, and formation of a spin off company to advance HCM drugs into clinical trials.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Disease Modeling, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Drug Screen, Small Molecule, Precision Medicine, Drug Development Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Sunnybrook Research Institute Kevin Hamilton Phone: 416-480-6125 Email: [email protected]

David Andrews

Conditional Reprogramming of Cells from Cancer Patients for Drug Screening Applications

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Conditional reprogramming enables the growth of patient cells in monolayer, co-culture and 3D cultures. These cells are better mimics of patient disease than cell lines and can be generated much more rapidly and robustly than patient derived xenografts. Conditionally reprogrammed cells can be used to study both heterogeneity in composition and drug responsiveness of human cells in organo-mimetic cultures. We are developing new techniques for rapidly generating these cultures for both hematopoietic and epithelial breast and ovarian tumors for use in high-content drug screening applications in both drug discovery and precision medicine. The techniques being developed with our partners include: novel non- toxic dyes that report on cell physiology, new all human stromal gels for monolayer and 3D cultures as well as machine learning software algorithms for automating image interpretation and new instrumentation for automated imaging.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Organoid Tissue Culture, Conditional Reprogramming, 3D Cultures, High Content Screening, Epithelial Cancer Cells

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Sunnybrook Research Institute Kevin Hamilton Phone: 416-480-6125 Email: [email protected]

Brian Courtney

Advanced Vascular Imaging for Minimally Invasive Procedures

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW One of the most profound changes in contemporary medicine over the past 30 years has been the pervasive and steady trend of replacing conventional open surgical procedures with minimally invasive ones. Procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafting and aortic aneurysm repairs are still performed, but are increasingly challenged by their minimally invasive counterparts, including coronary angioplasty and stenting, and endovascular aneurysm repairs. Lower procedural costs, shorter recovery times, reduced complications, greater patient comfort and the ability to provide treatments to patients that are too frail to undergo conventional operations will continue to drive this trend. This evolution and expansion is typically accompanied by increasing complexity and miniaturization of the technologies at hand, and the need for high-resolution image guidance. Minimally-invasive treatment of complex vascular disease including chronic total occlusions, bifurcation lesions and heavily calcified lesions remains challenging. Scientists at Sunnybrook Research Institute and their collaborators are developing and evaluating new technologies that provide image guidance for minimally invasive procedures. In this proposal, we will emphasize the development of advanced imaging tools for vascular imaging, focusing particularly on the non-invasive or minimally-invasive use of ultrasound, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and photo-acoustic imaging for guiding vascular therapies, characterizing vascular lesions, and visualizing vascular flow. This effort will include: advances in high resolution intravascular imaging of coronary and peripheral arteries; catheters with multiple imaging modalities or multiple resolutions that exploit synergistic image characteristics; image guidance for CTO procedures; catheters that combine therapy and imaging; high-resolution elastography; 3D ultrasound for guidance of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and vascular flow imaging with and without contrast. The proposed imaging technologies, along with the development of image-modality compatible therapy tools, will have unique roles for the planning and guidance of interventions and monitoring functional results, with the ultimate goal of improving clinical management of vascular disease.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Imaging, Cardiovascular, Ultrasound, Optical Coherence Tomography, Photoacoustics, Contrast Imaging

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Sunnybrook Research Institute Kevin Hamilton Phone: 416-480-6125 Email: [email protected]

Charles Cunningham

Ontario Consortium for Translation of Hyperpolarized Agent MRI

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Ontario is the home to several research groups developing new forms of MRI based on Hyperpolarized (HP) contrast agents, which have the potential to transform patient care in several diseases such as cancer, heart failure and lung disease. Similar to the dye that is injected prior to some x-ray exams, these materials are visible with an MRI scanner. HP agents are magnetized, enabling direct detection of the agent, and opening up many new applications of MRI. Several HP agents have been developed in the past 20 years for MR imaging, and Ontario is uniquely positioned, with expertise and activity in all of the areas described below. The objective of the proposed program is to integrate and develop this substantial expertise, creating an Ontario Consortium for Hyperpolarized Agent MRI, bringing these technologies forward to commercialization and application in the health system. Each of the following technologies is being developed in partnership with MRI equipment makers and Pharmaceutical companies for several different applications in various disease areas: Metabolic MRI with DNP: Rapid imaging of biochemical reactions within cells using MRI has recently become possible through the use of the Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (DNP) and dissolution method. DNP-dissolution results in an intravenous HP agent that can be used to make images of metabolism occurring within tissues in the body. Including these metabolic images only lengthens an MRI examination by minutes, giving metabolic information that would complement the other parameters measured with MRI. Dr. Cunningham's group has developed the capacity to perform some of the world's first metabolic MRI studies in patients with heart disease and various forms of cancer. Lung Imaging with HP Gases: Conventional 1H MR imaging of the lungs is very challenging, particularly due to the low proton density in lung tissue, which leads to an inherently low signal for imaging. HP gas MRI, using 3He or 129Xe, can be used to obtain high-quality images of the lung structure and function. Signal voids can be observed in patients with pulmonary diseases, known as ventilation defects, indicating that there is an obstruction preventing the HP gas from ventilating that region of the lung. Dr. Albert is a co-inventor and pioneer in HP gas imaging, which in turn spawned the entire field of HP imaging. New Applications of HP 129Xe: HP 129Xe is a potentially valuable MR tracer for functional brain imaging due to its high solubility, its ability to readily cross the blood-brain barrier, and its large chemical shift range. Dr. Albert's group has published the first results using HP 129Xe brain imaging techniques for the measurement of cerebral ischemia and cortical brain function. HP nobles gases can be targeted to cellular ligands by means of dedicated molecular systems that can encapsulate the noble gas and bind to the biological sites of interest. Recent work in Dr. Albert's lab applied the Hyper-CEST method to image cryptophane-A cages that had been functionalized with a PK11195 ligand, which targets inflammation sites in the body. Conclusion: There is a significant effort underway within the Province in the area of Hyperpolarized contrast agents. In collaboration, TBRRI and SRI will harness our overlapping expertise in Hyperpolarized contrast agents. In this project, we will work directly with commercial partners to translate these potentially transformative technologies to patient care.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Hyperpolarized MRI, Contrast Agents, Molecular Imaging, Metabolism, COPD, Lung Imaging, Carbon-13, Xenon

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Sunnybrook Research Institute Kevin Hamilton Phone: 416-480-6125 Email: [email protected]

Gregory Czarnota

Advanced Technologies in Radiation Cancer Therapy

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The advanced radiation technologies to be developed here include ways to make radiation better through the use of new treatment merged along with radiation treatments and new imaging methods. New therapies include MRI-guided hyperthermia, MRI-guided ultrasound enhancing treatments, and new MRI- guided brachytherapy technology. New imaging methods include quantitative ultrasound for therapy monitoring and prediction, and new methods in photoacoustics and metabolic MRI imaging.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Radiation Enhancement, Radiation Devices, Tumour Therapy Monitoring

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Sunnybrook Research Institute Kevin Hamilton Phone: 416-480-6125 Email: [email protected]

Simon Graham

Advanced Magnetic Resonance Technology for Image-guided Therapies

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Image-guided therapies play a profound and increasing role in the healthcare of Ontarians. Beyond the traditional roles of medical imaging modalities in detecting and diagnosing disease, and in evaluating treatment response, new imaging technologies are being developed that enable treatments to be adjusted and optimized as they are delivered, with unrivaled sensitivity and spatial resolution over a broad range of timescales. For example, minimally invasive therapies enable surgical procedures using small or even no incisions in the skin. Real-time intraoperative medical imaging provides highly detailed anatomical and physiological information about the surgical field, deep below the skin surface, for locating treatment targets and guiding the efficient treatment of these areas while sparing normal surrounding tissues. At the other extreme, medical imaging over days, months and years may be required to optimize slow acting treatments such as adjuvant radiation treatment and chemotherapy for cancer, or adaptation of cognitive or physical therapy for patients recovering from stroke. Collectively, these image-guided approaches have the potential to improve diagnostics, to improve therapeutic outcomes, to minimize surgical side-effects and to reduce the length of patient hospitalization, alleviating some of the economic and social burden borne by the Ontario health care system. The Sunnybrook Research Institute (SRI) at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto is a world leader in image-guided therapy research. This ORF proposal will create a research program located in the CFI-funded Centre for Research in Image- guided Therapeutics at SRI. The program will be dedicated to development and commercialization of technology specifically for magnetic resonance image (MRI) - guided procedures. Overall objectives of the program involve developing and validating MRI technology for faster and more robust imaging, comprehensive protocols to assess tissue anatomy and physiology, safe imaging of medical devices within MRI systems, and workflow enhancements. The proposal builds on SRI’s demonstrated record of excellence in technology transfer and commercialization of medical imaging technologies. The research program will have broad economic, health and social impacts in Ontario. This will be achieved by helping to grow the outstanding medical imaging technology sector in Ontario, to which SRI has recently contributed a number of very successful start-up companies.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Biomedical Engineering, MRI Physics, Brain Tumors, Stroke, Dementia, Essential Tremor, Mood Disorders

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Sunnybrook Research Institute Kevin Hamilton Phone: 416-480-6125 Email: [email protected]

Nir Lipsman

Neuromodulation for Brain Therapy and Repair: From Pre-clinical Models to Clinical Trials

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Disorders of brain circuitry are common and challenging sources of human morbidity and mortality. The last two decades have seen significant advances in our understanding of these illnesses, led by dramatic improvements in diagnostic imaging, however these have yet to translate to comparable advances in care. The objective of this proposal is to comprehensively evaluate the mechanisms and clinical correlates of neuromodulation strategies in pre-clinical models of brain-circuit disorders as well as clinical trials in human patients. Using non-destructive approaches, including deep brain stimulation and MR- guided Focused Ultrasound, this proposal will investigate the mechanisms underlying circuit dysfunction in the most common brain disorders, helping to identify biomarkers, from imaging to neurophysiologic, associated with treatment failure and response. Key elements will include close collaboration between wide range of disciplines in the clinical neurosciences, establishing a direct translational pipeline from pre- clinical models to clinical trials and back, as well as the integration of novel imaging and neurophysiologic tools in the lab and in the clinic.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Neuromodulation, Focused Ultrasound, Deep Brain Stimulation, Image-guidance, Psychiatry, Neurology, Neurosurgeon

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Sunnybrook Research Institute Kevin Hamilton Phone: 416-480-6125 Email: [email protected]

Anne Martel

Microscopic Imaging of Tissue Epigenetic Landscapes

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Cancer remains the leading cause of death in Canada despite significant improvements in survival over the past two decades. Treatments for cancer are continually evolving as our understanding of cancer biology improves and this has led to the development of targeted drug therapies which interfere with very specific functions in cancer cell. Many new potential therapies are identified each year, but few perform well in more than a very small subset of patients since each patient is unique and will respond to drugs in a different way. Personalized medicine attempts to overcome this problem by analyzing the characteristics of an individual cancer to select the best combination of therapies. The advantages are that: outcomes are improved; fewer patients experience side effects from drugs that have no benefit; and costs to the health care system are minimized since expensive treatments are only administered to the subgroup of patients who will respond. Most of the interest in personalized medicine has focused on identifying the genetic makeup of tumours using molecular profiling techniques which have become significantly cheaper over recent years. Disadvantages of this approach are that it does not take into account tumour heterogeneity, the characteristics of the surrounding stroma or the influence of epigenetic factors. The growth of a tumour is not only governed by the genetic mutations that led to its formation as there is a complex interaction between environmental factors, the tissue micro-environment and gene expression. An improved understanding of the role of epigenetic changes, in both the tumour and in the region of normal tissue that surround the tumor cells, could lead to the development of more predictive biomarkers and also has the potential to lead to new therapies. In order to achieve this there is a pressing need for innovative new technologies to image epigenetic modifications at the tissue level. Our team brings together academic experts in cancer research, high-content screening, automated image analysis and machine learning who will work with innovative companies, who are developing new technology for high-content screening and multiplexed microscopic imaging. The goal is to develop a platform for the investigation of epigenetic and stromal changes at the tissue level in cancer and to establish pathways to translate this technology from the biology lab to the clinical research domain. We will build on our experience in high-content cell imaging to develop novel methods of identifying the distribution of epigenetic markers in whole tissue sections. This will involve technical development to improve the speed and quantitative accuracy of whole slide multiplexed fluorescent imaging; the development of machine learning algorithms to identifyof the landscapes of epigenetic markers; and software that can generate cellular fingerprints to integrate molecular and epigenetic information. In addition, we will integrate the cellular features with features extracted from the stromal tissue within and around the tumour. Finally, we will correlate the fluorescence images with the brightfield H&E images of tissue biopsy specimens which are routinely collected in the clinic in order to facilitate clinical translation. This project will lead to an improved understanding of the epigenomic landscape in cancer tissue and, more importantly will establish a technology platform widely applicable for preclinical and clinical cancer research.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Cancer, Cell Biology, Immuno-fluorescence, Machine Learning, Image Analysis, Epigenetics

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Sunnybrook Research Institute Kevin Hamilton Phone: 416-480-6125 Email: [email protected]

Beverley Orser

Developing Novel Mechanism-based Compounds for the Treatment of Delirium

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Each year, over 312 million patients undergo anesthesia and surgery worldwide. Unfortunately, up to 30% of patients suffer from postoperative delirium and memory impairment. These cognitive deficits are associated with increased mortality, prolonged hospital stay and loss of independence. Furthermore, postoperative delirium leads to a significant increase in healthcare costs. At the University Health Network in Toronto the estimated annual cost of postoperative delirium is $17 million dollars. More than 40% of delirium cases are preventable, however, at this time there are no mechanism-based treatments available. General anesthesia is a major contributing factor to postoperative delirium and cognitive impairment. It is widely assumed that cognition returns to baseline after anesthetics have been eliminated. However, we have discovered that anesthetics trigger an undesired, sustained increase in the activity of inhibitory γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABA-ARs) causing persistent memory loss even after drug elimination. This undesired effect of anesthetics is markedly exacerbated by inflammation which recruits more of these “memory-blocking” receptors and increases anesthetic potency. Our overarching hypothesis is that postoperative delirium results from dysregulation of neuronal surface expression of GABA-ARs and is exacerbated by inflammation. Furthermore, we believe that inhibiting these “memory-blocking” receptors with specific compounds will prevent and reverse postoperative delirium. The efforts to developing mechanism-based treatments for postoperative delirium are hindered by several barriers, including: 1) the mechanisms of the interaction between anesthetics and inflammation are unclear; 2) the lack of a translational research platform that brings pre-clinical mechanistic insight and drug discovery to clinical studies. To address these barriers, we have created the world’s first Centre for Perioperative Brain Health at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. This centre has two arms: a preclinical and a clinical unit. The preclinical studies focus on the mechanisms by which anesthetics and inflammation lead to an increase activity of GABA-ARs and the development of novel treatments for postoperative delirium by targeting these receptors. We have recently been awarded a patent for a method to treat postoperative cognitive deficits (US No. 9,517,265). Another patent is under review for a novel inhibitory peptide which reduces cell-surface expression of GABA-ARs. We have also discovered a novel mechanism for neuroprotection after anesthesia by repurposing the sedative dexmedetomidine. Future studies will determine the dose-response and toxicity profile of these compounds, their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. The clinical unit is undertaking studies that utilize well-validated tools to assess postoperative delirium and cognitive dysfunction in a high-throughput, standardize clinical environment. Future studies will focus on the use of pharmacologic compounds, such as dexmedetomidine, to prevent postoperative delirium as well as the testing of newly discovered compounds to treat delirium. The proposed research studies are supported by a world-class team of clinicians and bench scientists. Our results will directly benefit our patients both locally and nationally, as the aging Canadian population undergoes over 100,000 surgical procedures yearly.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Delirium, Post-operative Cognitive Dysfunction, Anesthesia, Surgery

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Sunnybrook Research Institute Kevin Hamilton Phone: 416-480-6125 Email: [email protected]

Cari Whyne

Precision Medicine in the Spine: Technology for Multimodal Treatment Planning and Minimally Invasive Interventions

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Traumatic injury and pathologic changes to the spine, including the vertebrae, intervertebal discs and spinal cord greatly affect quality of life for Canadians. As patients live longer following diagnosis, the need for effective treatment grows along with a requirement to better tailor solutions to individual patients. While there have been major advances in less invasive treatments for spinal injuries and pathologies, integrated multimodality treatment planning is lacking. Precise and effective personalized planning is required to ensure the delivery of the best treatments to the correct patients at the right time. Better coordination and evaluation of treatment is needed with respect to workflow optimization (accessing, sharing and analyzing patient data), creation of individualized treatment plans, and the development of new and improved tools and devices for spinal interventions. Our team brings together established leaders and next generation scientists from Sunnybrook, Waterloo and Queen’s, dedicated to advancing minimally invasive treatments for the spine. Working with a constellation of local, national, and multinational companies in developing spine focused technologies, we aim to advance the state-of-the-art in precision medicine through 3D image analysis, biomarker identification, workflow optimization, intraoperative guidance and device development. As pioneers in the design and application of new minimally invasive spinal technologies, we have been advancing technology from bench to bedside (photodynamic therapy, radiofrequency ablation, anchorknot), imagining new spine focused applications in the spine for cutting edge image guided technologies (MRI guided focused ultrasound, diffusion tensor imaging based tractography, multimodal image based intraoperative guidance), and establishing and improving best use practices (sterotactic based radiotherapy , quantitative CT analysis). In addition to technology development and commercialization, the interdisciplinary partnerships forged and strengthened through this endeavour will foster a growing community in which to train scientists, engineers, technicians, clinicians, allied health professionals and the next generation of Ontario entrepreneurs in this field. This proposal seeks to take advantage of significant research expertise in this area in Ontario to enhance technology development for application to the spine. The specific aims are: (a) development of a platform and optimized workflow for multimodal treatment planning including automated segmentation and tracking algorithms using CT and MRI; (b) effective integration of advanced imaging information into current minimally invasive intervention environments; and (c) assessing comparative effectiveness in select patient populations/ creating clinical algorithms to direct treatment and identify those who will most benefit from advanced image-guided and systemic therapies. Application of this work will be seen in the vertebrae, intervertebral disc and spinal cord, with application to pathologic disease (i.e. spinal metastasis, discitis) and traumatic injury (vertebral fracture, disc rupture, spinal cord injury). This project will emphasize translation of these new technologies toward effective clinical utilization to personalize therapeutic planning and interventions to improve quality of life for those suffering from spinal trauma and pathology, in Ontario, in Canada and internationally.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Multimodal Treatment Planning, Workflow Analysis, Minimally Invasive Devices, Image Analysis, Precision Medicine

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Sunnybrook Research Institute Kevin Hamilton Phone: 416-480-6125 Email: [email protected]

Victor Yang

Multi-modality Optical Imaging Advancement and Integration in a Neurosurgical Experimental Operating Room

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The Biophotonics and Bioengineering Laboratory (BBL) has a track record of development and translation of optical technologies to medical practice. In this proposal, we aim to advance and integrate multiple imaging modalities, as well as therapeutic techniques, in order to create a cohesive, integrated, and optimized surgical environment for neurosurgical procedures. Throughout the course of a typical neurosurgical procedure, a number of imaging systems and tools will be used. Optical Topographic Imaging (OTI) is employed in a surgical navigation system that is used to guide tool placement and screw trajectory for use during spinal fusion. Microscopes are employed when dissecting tumours and lesions, with ultrasound is often being employed to augment vision below the surface of the tissue. Fluorescence may also be employed in order to better delineate diseased and non-diseased tissue margins. Screens are often used to display the information around the operating room, including images that may be seen on the ultrasound, navigation system, and microscope. While these individual components are functional, they are often not optimized for use, poorly designed with regards to workflow, and impede and slow surgical times, leading to greater anaesthesia dosage and risk to patients, and greater costs to hospitals. For example, microscopes are large, bulky systems which must be draped and require a great effort to put into place, as well as require surgeons to stand at a particular position for hours on end, leading to muscle fatigue and increasing the likelihood of injury to the patient. Fluorescence, though useful for delineating margins, requires all lighting in the room to be turned off, and relies on surgeon’s memory of margin location once the lighting is turned back on. Moreover, modern OTI systems, which are meant to provide surgeons with sub-millimetre accuracy, require surgeons to look at screens while operating, decreasing situational patient-tool awareness, and increasing the risk of tool drift – again, creating the potential for hazard during surgery. Moreover, new technologies have been emerging which could improve and augment existing systems. For example, High-Frequency Ultrasound (HFUS) and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) can give greater resolution, allowing surgeons to better see what lies below the surface of a lesion. 4k stereo-exoscopes could potentially give surgeons the same magnification and resolution as a traditional microscope with a fraction of the physical footprint, time required for positioning, and physical fatigue associated with the use traditional microscope. The use of specialized lighting and camera systems could allow fluorescence images to be visible to surgeons without interrupting workflow during the procedure, and while they are operating in real-time. Finally, the use of augmented reality systems to display information from OTI, HFUS, OCT, stereo-camera and fluorescence systems when relevant to the procedure, combined with robotic assistants to streamline the operation, could potentially lead to faster, more efficient surgeries, with better outcomes and fewer complications for patients. The BBL has been working with researchers and industrial partners in order to move each of these technologies forward, and translate them to the forefront of surgical care. Through the Ontario Research Fund, we plan to integrate these technologies into a streamlined, optimized system for neurosurgery.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: OCT, OTI, Fluorescence, HFUS, AR, Spine fusion, Craniotomy, Tumour, NMSC, AVM

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Trent University John Knight Phone: 705-748-1011 x7374 Email: [email protected]

Celine Gueguen

Customized Bio-filtration System for Capture and Sequestration of Targeted Toxic Compounds at Mining Sites

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Producing more than 60 minerals and metals, Canada is one of the largest mining nations in the world. The Canadian mining contributes nearly $52.6 billion to the country’s Gross Domestic Product. It is estimated the industry uses 7 to 9 billion m3 of water per year during production processes. Traditional heavy metal extraction processes produce wastewater effluents that contain valued metals they are unable to reclaim, they also contain harmful pollutants including rare earth elements, thorium, radium, arsenic, mercury and vanadium. Remediation of wastewater effluents produced by leading industries is an integral component to meeting their environmental stewardship expectations. Noblegen Inc. is Peterborough based start-up company which to date has raised over $11 million in private equity to build manufacturing capacity to launch its novel wastewater treatment technology which utilizes Euglena to uptake contaminants. Euglena is a flagellated protist that has long been used as an environmental indicator species. Euglena have the ability to adapt and grow rapidly even within a highly acidic medium, in which few other microorganisms can exist. Their resilience and robust growth rate evade the threat of biological contamination from other microorganisms fortifying their capacity for mono-culturing under non- sterile conditions. A strong pH tolerance coupled with their high tolerance for high carbon dioxide (CO2 concentrations between 5-45%) make Euglena an excellent candidate for a biofiltration system. The patented Noblegen Euglena BioFiltration System™ is designed to be environmentally safe, requiring no other chemicals in its treatment of wastewaters. The concept behind this technology derives from algae blooms and their ability to extract nearly all nutrients and metallic elements from their surroundings. The ORF-RE project is a public-private partnership investment in developing the Bio-filtration system’s capacity to target and extract specific metals including toxic heavy metals. Trent Professor, Dr. Celine Gueguen, Canada Research Chair in Aquatic Sciences and Biogeochemistry, will lead a research team which will work with Noblegen scientists and scientists and field engineering personnel from several mining companies. The project has three primary objectives in taking fundamental research from Trent laboratories into three applied applications: 1) To determine Euglena’s full capabilities in removal of specific contaminants identified by mining companies as problems in their wastewater management systems. 2) To identify optimal growth conditions for Euglena, including identifying hormones involved in growth rates and cell division 3) To reveal Euglena’s genetic profile, identifying genes involved and mechanisms at play during contaminant uptake The Fleming College Centre for Alternative Wastewater Treatment will lead a team investigating field applications of the Bio-filtration technology. The total research budget for this project is $3 million. Noblegen has already reached out to mining companies and has received heavy interest for field research and development. Mining company feedback is unanimous that if this technology works, it will make a game-changing contribution to sustainability.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies - Clean Technologies

Keywords: Toxin Capture, Algal Physiology, Euglena Genetics, Bio-filtration

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University Health Network Helen Chan Phone: 416-581-8629 Email: [email protected]

Cheryl Arrowsmith

An Industry Collaborative Platform for Precision Medicine and Drug Discovery

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW While the main objective of academic translational research is to identify new targets for drug discovery, and to test these ideas in clinical trials, institutions around the world are struggling as to how best to accomplish this. Most attempts involve setting up internal drug discovery units within universities and hospitals, or entering into proprietary partnerships with individual companies. However, these efforts are often complicated by considerations of IP ownership and restrictions on dissemination of the results that prevent the rapid and full exploitation of knowledge. Our belief is that these collective efforts have not been as productive as had been hoped because target discovery is too complex to be tackled by any single organization, and requires skill sets that are distributed among basic, clinical and industry scientists. We believe that we can make the greatest impact through open collaboration among the three sectors and organizational change. Our aim is to build an open science-driven collaboration with industry – one that is enabling and inclusive as opposed to transactional and exclusionary. To accomplish this, we will combine the diverse research and clinical strengths at the UHN with industry partners to support an Open Science target discovery platform and a parallel proprietary translational medicine preclinical testing platform. Objective: To discover and test new therapeutic opportunities we will: 1. In partnership with industry, design, establish and validate disease assays using patient-derived cells or tissue for a robust clinically predictive drug discovery screening platform. 2. Use this platform to identify new druggable targets using gene editing, chemical probes and a unique industry-supplied ‘chemogenomics’ library, and promptly publish and disseminate the results to the global biomedical community (Open Stream), 3. Test proprietary clinic-ready molecules in confidence (Proprietary stream) in the same assays to facilitate rapid development of more effective therapies and precision medicines.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Open Science, Translation Research, Drug Discovery, Public-private Partnership, Precision Medicine

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University Health Network Helen Chan Phone: 416-581-8629 Email: [email protected]

Brian Hodges

Advancing Health Professions Education in the Age of Intelligent Systems and Big Data

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Objective: The proposed research will use multidisciplinary perspectives to understand the effect of two major disruptive technological changes: 1) artificially intelligent systems for decision support and performance 2) utilization of big data and healthcare analytics on performance assessment on the paradigms and practices of HPE. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI), big data and analytics promises to revolutionize and recreate health professions practice. Healthcare increasingly embraces and depends on technology which escalates in sophistication at a rapid pace. Moreover, patients themselves expect and depend on technology to mediate their healthcare experience. This change in practice must be mirrored by changes in health professions education. Graduating health professionals who are technologically adaptable and can learn to use advances such as AI wisely is a necessity. In order to meet this need, we must first understand how these technologies disrupt the key activities of HPE: selection and socialization into a profession, pedagogy in classroom and clinical settings, collaboration in healthcare, growth of clinical reasoning and learning safe patient care. By understanding how these technologies change practice and thus education, we can identify new competencies, knowledge areas, skills,and perhaps even new professions that are required to deliver healthcare. To study AI, we will us the RaySearch © AI system in radiation therapy treatment planning as a test case. The research team will use the lenses of cognitive psychology, social theory, distributed cognition and complex adaptive systems to study the effect of AI on multiple outcomes. These include: clinical reasoning, orientation to the profession, impact on collaboration and effect on expertise development. Investigators will use multiple methods including experimental studies of cognition, ethnographic approaches and systems engineering analysis. Further changes in communication skills and safe practice acquisition will be studied in laboratory settings. The investigation will take place in the context of The Michener Institute of Education at UHN which will house the system and a simulation laboratory to simulate clinical environments. The sample for study will include Radiation Therapists, Radiation Oncologists and Medical Physicists as well as trainees in those domains. Linking educational, administrative, and clinical data has changed the way the quality of HPE is defined. Already evidence exists to show that specific training environments as well as the success of learners in early training is predictive of future clinical performance – sometimes decades into the future. Earlier detection of such signals can be done using the information collected on our trainees. This data can be used to assess trainee competency and to provide feedback, change educational practice and evaluate educational programs. Working with data scientists, statisticians, and psychometricians, we will conduct a systematic evaluation of the education data landscape at UHN. With over 8,000 full time trainees in classroom and clinical environments generating information, we will explore which clinical outcomes are sensitive to educational variation and the associations that are most relevant for program improvement. Collaborating with faculty and scientists from the Wilson Centre, we will then systematically develop a program of research to link educational theory with data science.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Health Professions Education, Cognition, Cybernetics, Sociology, Education Psychology, Statistical Modelling

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University Health Network Helen Chan Phone: 416-581-8629 Email: [email protected]

Raymond Hui

Structural and Chemical Genomics to Find Novel Drug Targets and Drug Leads for Multiple Parasitic Diseases

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The objectives of this project are to (i) develop a chemical proteomics platform for interrogation of targets of anti-parasitic phenotypic inhibitors; (ii) identify and/or validate novel drug targets of phenotypic inhibitors for malaria, cryptosporidiosis and schistosomiasis. Scientific Rationale: Every year, almost half a million people worldwide die from malaria, an infectious disease caused by Plasmodium parasites. A related genus of protozoan parasites, namely Cryptosporidium, is responsible for cryptosporidiosis – the second leading cause of diarrheal disease and mortality amongst infants, and formally classified by WHO as a neglected infectious disease (NID). Another NID is schistosomiasis, a helminth disease afflicting well over 100 million people. Together, these parasitic diseases represent a significant global health burden with the accompaniment of ineffectiveness of existing drugs (cryptosporidiosis), emerging resistance to existing drugs (malaria) or both (schistosomiasis). In pursuit of novel anti-malarial drugs, various groups around the world have identified tens of thousands of sub-micromolar anti-malarial phenotypic hits from large scale screening campaigns. The anti-malarial chemical surge is spilling over to NIDs, with similar phenotypic screening efforts recently completed or under way. Consequently, scientists are being armed with compounds that may be next generation drug leads or chemical probes with the potential of revealing biological insight. So far, progress on both fronts has been measured due to the significant bottleneck of target identification and validation. For example, chemical genetics is the method of choice in identifying or validating the cognate target of a given anti-malarial inhibitor. This is accomplished either by cultivating strains of parasites resistant to the compound and sequencing their genomes to find the target gene, or engineering transgenic strains with the target gene mutated to be inhibitor-resistant and confirming resistance. Both methods are effective and have been successfully implemented to identify a number of novel anti-malarial targets including PfATP4 and PfPI3K. At the same time, they are time- consuming and unavailable for Cryptosporidium and Schistosoma as genetic manipulation in general remains under development for both organisms. Chemical proteomics is an emerging approach for interrogating the target of phenotypic inhibitors. It is predicated on drugging whole cells with a compound of interest, allowing it to bind to its target inside the cells or within cell lysate, isolating the target-inhibitor complex and using mass spectrometry to identify the cognate target. The advantages of such a technique include: (i) non-reliance on genetic techniques making it potentially available to all organisms; (ii) identification of off-targets (proteins that are not the primary target but nonetheless bind the inhibitor); and (iii) measurement of direct interaction between the compound of interest and target proteins. We propose to develop a chemical proteomics platform for identifying targets of anti-parasitic phenotypic hits. We have chosen three parasites, namely Plasmodium, Cryptosporidium and Schistosoma. For Plasmodium, this approach offers a complementary and potentially higher throughput technique for target interrogation. For Cryptosporidium and Schistosoma, our project may produce the first ever effective platform for target identification.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Parasitolog, Drug Discovery, Structural Genomics, Chemical Genomics, Target Validation

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University Health Network Helen Chan Phone: 416-581-8629 Email: [email protected]

David Jaffray

Artificial Intelligence for Quality in Health Care

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Cancer is a complex and variable disease; patients with similar genetic profiles can experience wide ranges in the speed and extent of disease. Even tumours in the same patient can have different responses, and variations in the microenvironment affect how cancer cells respond to treatment within regions of a single tumour. Many within the cancer research community are realizing that uni-modal learning activities suffer from a variety of confounders that reflect the complexity of the disease, the patient, and our interventions. Informatics and “Big Data” initiatives that can incorporate a more complete picture of the disease and patient will be central to advancing our understanding of cancer. To deliver improved quality of care and research, artificial intelligence (AI) approaches must be developed to combine diverse data sources and make additional progress towards personalized cancer medicine. Combining diverse data streams and expertise − and exploiting that with machine learning to generate new insights − will be most successful in the context of the research hospital, where large volumes of clinical data across multiple modalities (e.g. multi-modal imaging, radiation treatment records, medication records, outcomes, and more) are being generated in the care of cancer patients. The scale of this data integration requires a robust platform with AI to ensure data quality, consistent nomenclature and data standards ("ontologies"), interoperability, and access for learning (visualization, analysis, machine- learning approaches). We will work with leading vendors from Ontario and around the world to build novel tools to extract features and federate data, and connect existing industry-leading platforms to the learning mechanisms that will be developed. Together, these innovations will help discover new prognostic and predictive markers for cancer that will help improve care for patients, and AI systems to improve the quality and safety of care.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Cancer, Patient Data, Prognostic Markers, Radiomics, Clinical Data, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University Health Network Helen Chan Phone: 416-581-8629 Email: [email protected]

Shaf Keshavjee

Genomic Determination of Donor-recipient Interactions in Lung Transplantation—Towards Precision Health

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Lung transplantation is the only curative intervention for patients with end-stage lung disease. Technological advancements have enabled worldwide access to lung transplantation; however, this increased demand has led to unprecedented wait lists and subsequent mortality. Adding to this issue, only 15-20% of potential donor lungs are deemed healthy enough for transplant and, even then, many recipients may develop one or more potentially fatal conditions including Primary Graft Dysfunction (PGD), possibly due to unidentified biological interactions between donor and recipient. Thus, there is a critical demand to develop an evidence-based approach to optimally diagnose healthy donor lungs and precisely match them with the best recipients in need—doing so could increase donor lung utilization up to 50% and provide vastly superior health economic efficiency in patient clinics. Our team of lung transplant, infectious disease and bioinformatics researchers will identify predictive genomic markers in donors and recipients that influence transplant outcome. Key to this approach will be an emphasis on bioinformatics and data mining (Platform A)—our deliverables will include the identification of separate sets of markers that characterize donor and recipient factors, and also the underlying biological interactions and pathways between these critical factors (Activity 1). We will leverage our discovery studies towards clinical translation via our existing technological breakthroughs. This includes the use of our Toronto Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion (EVLP) system—a device that allows harvested donor lungs to function and be assessed at normal body temperatures outside of the body for up to six hours. We will use an ‘omics’-based approach to assess donor lung health during EVLP alone (Activity 2) and, in significantly injured lungs, integrate functional bioinformatics to monitor physiological changes during novel gene, drug and stem cell repair therapies (Activity 3). At UHN, we have accumulated the world’s largest collection of lung transplant biospecimens; we will utilize these samples across our research aims and match outcomes to our carefully curated clinical database, providing unprecedented predictive data that will better inform the clinical decision making process. The optimized set of genomic biomarkers predictive of transplant outcome will serve as primary deliverables of this project. We have also validated two rapid diagnostic devices capable of biomarker analysis in as little as 15 minutes. The pairing of our predictive biomarker suite with our rapid diagnostic devices will enable a clinical application whereby transplant clinicians can identify: a) a healthy donor lung matched with an ideal lung transplant recipient; b) an irreversibly injured donor lung to be discarded; and c) a donor lung that is sub-optimally matched with a recipient but should still be used for transplant, requiring a personalized EVLP repair strategy and/or post-transplant ICU protocol.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Lung Transplantation,Precision Diagnostics, Predictive Omics Biomarkers, Infection/Disease, ex Vivo Lung Perfusion

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University Health Network Helen Chan Phone: 416-581-8629 Email: [email protected]

Trevor Pugh

Early Detection of Cancer in High-risk Patients through Routine Profiling of Circulating Tumour DNA

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Over 5% of all cancers in Ontario can be attributed to patients diagnosed with hereditary cancer syndromes (HCS).These syndromes are most often due to an inherited sequence variant in a cancer gene followed by a mutation that initiates cancer development. The second mutation can occur in a variety of tissues causing a constellation of cancer types, thereby challenging the detection of emerging tumours. The more than 4,000 Ontarians diagnosed with these syndromes live with >70% increased risk of developing multiple cancers throughout their lifetime, and must undergo intensive cancer screening. Currently, these programs are costly (>$10,000 per patient per year), rely largely on clinical indicators that are insensitive to very early-stage disease, and are challenged by lack of screening or preventative options for the diverse cancer types that can develop in HCS patients. Our goal is to develop a circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) analysis platform that will improve health care delivery for patients with HCS by providing a safe, accurate indicator of the early onset of cancer and timing of intervention. Three primary research activities will be undertaken to achieve this goal: Activity 1 will formulate, validate, and deploy a centralized ctDNA analysis platform for monitoring patients, informed by genome analysis of tumours from HCS patients; Activity 2 will enroll, test, and proactively treat patients undergoing routine screening who are at increased risk for hereditary cancer syndromes; and Activity 3 will examine how to integrate ctDNA analysis into clinical practice by measuring the utility and uptake of the test relative to other prognostic indicators and quantifying the potential economic impact of the test on Ontario’s health care system. By undertaking these proposed activities we aim to deliver: 1) a safe, effective, validated and non-invasive ctDNA test that will improve health outcomes for Ontarians with HCS; 2) standardized protocols that will enable large-scale execution of ctDNA-based cancer profiling and identification of previously- undiagnosed cancer syndromes across Ontario; 3) knowledge of health care provider and patient preferences that will inform the deployment of ctDNA-based cancer screening approaches; and 4) new knowledge about the genomic and epigenomic drivers of HCS and other cancers. To ensure rapid and timely uptake of these deliverables, we will undertake early engagement of patients, health care providers and health policy experts across the province. The socioeconomic burden of HCS in Canada is substantial as patients with inherited cancer-causing mutations often require frequent, invasive and expensive cancer screening. An effective, non-invasive ctDNA cancer screening test would lower this cost significantly by reducing the frequency and need for these expensive procedures. It would also provide substantial savings and improved survival outcomes through early diagnosis and treatment of cancer in HCS patients who are predisposed to develop multiple malignancies. Additional benefit would be achieved with expansion of this cancer screening approach to lower-risk patients as it would eliminate the need for costly diagnostic tests and ensure timely cancer diagnosis and treatment. Finally, commercialization of the program’s research outputs would fuel the growth of the province’s clinical genomics sector and maximize the potential for this proposal to improve health outcomes for Ontarians with HCS.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Circulating Tumour DNA, Hereditary Cancer Syndrome, Cancer Genomics, Personalized Cancer Medicine

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University Health Network Helen Chan Phone: 416-581-8629 Email: [email protected]

Rob Rottapel

Identifying Molecular Vulnerabilities in Ovarian Cancer through Dissection of Developmental and Functional Programs

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is typically diagnosed at late stage, often post-metastasis, and exhibits high recurrence and low 5-year survival rates. Originally thought to arise from ovarian tissue, recent evidence suggests that HGSOC actually arises from the fallopian tube epithelium and that the ovarian microenvironment may confer a growth advantage on malignant cells. However, the precise cell of origin for HGSOC is unknown, as are specific cells within the microenvironment that support tumour growth. To understand cell types and transcriptional programs active in HGSOC, we will conduct single cell RNA-seq analysis of cells from normal ovary and fallopian tube tissues as well as primary tumours. Cells will be clustered by transcriptional profile and populations comparing healthy and cancerous tissues. We aim to pinpoint cells of origin that give rise to these tumours and to understand transformative events that lead to cancer development. Potentially, the presence of other cooperating, non-cancer cells may lead us to nominate new targets for functional validation and ultimately, indirect therapeutic strategies in addition to those directly against tumour cells. HGSOC tumours display a high level of genomic instability, but contain few recurrent mutations other than those in TP53. Due to the lack of actionable frequent somatic mutations, targeted oncology drugs are not effective in HGSOC, however potential “Achilles heels” are the cellular DNA-damage repair mechanism, and regulation of the cell cycle. Poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibition in the context of certain DNA repair deficiencies or disruption of CDK2- Cyclin E complex activity by inhibiting either component can lead to HGSOC cell death. To identify molecular vulnerabilities in cancer cells, we will conduct a series of CRISPR-Cas9 genome-wide screens on HGSOC cell lines in combination with chemical inhibitors of PARP, CDK2 and Cyclin E activity that are currently in in preclinical development. Cas9-generated genetic lesions that induce cell death in response to low inhibitory concentrations of the compounds in resistant cell lines will identify genes and biological pathways that are required for resistance, thereby identifying new potential targets for combinational therapies to enhance PARP or cell cycle inhibitors. Conversely, identification of Cas9-mediated in/dels that confer resistance to inhibitor activity in sensitive cell lines will uncover genes and pathways that are important in cellular response to chemical inhibition of DNA damage and cell cycle mechanisms. Together, we expect our focus on leveraging existing pre-clinical molecules and deeply profiling the tumour microenvironment will further our knowledge of ovarian cancer biology and nominate potential combination strategies to treat this disease.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Ovarian Cancer, Transcriptional Programs, Cell-of-origin, Single Cell RNA-Seq, Functional Genomics

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University Health Network Helen Chan Phone: 416-581-8629 Email: [email protected]

Ming Tsao

PREcision Medicine Using Dynamic Living Biobank Therapeutics Platform (PREDICT)

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Despite significant advances that have been achieved in our knowledge of genetic changes occurring in various cancer types, few effective novel therapies are available for patients with advanced stage solid tumours. This is in part due to the genotypic and phenotypic heterogeneity of these tumours, and our lack of understanding in the functional significance of these changes. Precision oncology to identify an effective therapeutic strategies based unique mechanism that drives the malignancy of individual patient tumours has shown promise in some cancer types. However, even for these tumours, up to only 10-20% of patients are eligible for effective targeted therapies. For the remaining, identifying effective targeted therapies remains a daunting task. This is particularly challenging when established cell line models may not be representative of the patient tumours, due to their long-term growth under culture conditions. The next generation preclinical strategies to identify a precision therapeutics focus on combining multi-omics analysis of tumours with functional genomics and drug screening, and using patient-derived xenograft (PDX) and organoids (PDO) models. To spearhead this strategy in Canada, the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre has established a living biobank consisting of patient-derived xenograft and organoid models derived from multiple tumour-histological types, including lung, colon, breast, pancreas and ovary. This facility has optimized and developed protocols for the generation and characterization of PDX and PDO models, and high throughput functional genomic and chemical/drug screening. We will exploit our expertise and resources to conduct high throughput functional screening, which can lead to the identification of novel therapeutics for these solid tumours. We will generate a large number of new PDO models from patient primary and metastatic tumour tissues, and conduct real time studies to: (1) validate responses of the models to drugs used in patient treatment, (2) discover novel therapeutic targets and drugs, and (3) identify resistance mechanisms and novel therapies for them. We will perform whole genome, transcriptome, epigenetic, whole kinome and metabolomic profiling of these tumours to understand the mechanism of action of novel hits. Based on these results, we plan to establish protocols that can be integrated into next generation new investigational drug trials.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Solid Advanced Cancers, Patient-derived Xenograft Models, Patient-derived Organoid Models, Therapeutic Screening

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University Health Network Helen Chan Phone: 416-581-8629 Email: [email protected]

Michael Tymianski

Novel Neuroprotective Drugs for Neurodegenerative Diseases including Stroke and Alzheimer's

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Stroke and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. In Canada, strokes afflict over 50,000 people a year and result in 16,000 annual deaths, while around 564,000 individuals in Canada are living with dementia including AD. The socioeconomic burden of these disorders is staggering, costing Canadians >$10 billion per year. Ontario, the most populous province, bears a large proportion of this burden. We propose to develop drug treatments for stroke and AD based on a new class of CNS-active drugs termed “PSD95 antagonists”. The first drug in this class, NA-1, was developed in my lab for the treatment of stroke, in part under an ORF grant (RE01-057), and is in Phase 3 clinical trials for acute stroke. Recently, we have demonstrated that NA-1 is also effective in preclinical models of both stroke recovery (i.e., after the acute stroke event) and AD. However, to translate this drug to these indications requires chronic dosing and an optimized drug delivery system. The key limitation for the use of NA-1 for chronic indications relates to its delivery into the CNS. NA-1 is composed of an active PSD95 inhibitor fused to a cell penetrating peptide (CPP) to deliver it across the blood brain barrier (BBB). For stroke, effective CNS levels of NA-1 can be achieved through intravenous dosing, but this is not ideal when diseases require repeated or chronic administration. In this ORF project we propose to optimize the CPP carrier strategy for NA-1, and to characterize it fully through proper pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics studies. Our lab has unique tools to characterize brain localization and activity of PSD-95 inhibitors, along with functional assays for preclinical efficacy. These include preclinical models of stroke and AD, co-immunoprecipitation assays, pharmacodynamic assays, and direct bioanalytical assays (PK assays, HPLC, ELISA, MALDI, MS/MS). Thus, we are strongly positioned to develop, identify and assess optimal CPP technologies to deliver PSD-95 inhibitors into the nervous system for the treatment of chronic neurological conditions. The work will be carried out at the University Health Network (UHN). UHN has entered into a commercialization arrangement with NoNO Inc., an Ontario corporation dedicated to the development of drugs for stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. Our previous ORF grant that originally enabled this project has resulted in multiple high-impact publications and significant job creation as a result of direct hiring into my research lab, into NoNO Inc., and at clinical trial sites and support organizations. The knowledge obtained hereunder will provide the scientific foundation for the use of this novel class of drugs for stroke recovery and AD. We expect this program to culminate in drugs that can be advanced into preclinical and clinical studies. In addition, identification of novel CPP sequences optimized to deliver drugs to the nervous system could provide a huge benefit to medical research and open up the possibility of treating neurological diseases by modulating intracellular targets without small molecule inhibitors. Thus, the current proposal will translate to a treatment of one or more of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in Westernized society and bring social and economic benefit to Ontarians.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Stroke, Alzheimer's, Traumatic Brain Injury, Cell Penetrating Peptides, Neuroprotection, Therapeutic, PK, PD

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University Health Network Helen Chan Phone: 416-581-8629 Email: [email protected]

Donald Weaver

Drug Design and Development for Degenerative Disease Program (D-5) at the Krembil Research Institute

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Background: Many Ontarians are burdened by major diseases such as Type 2 diabetes [T2DM], Alzheimer’s disease [AD], and Parkinson’s disease [PD], which collectively cost the province over $15.3 billion/yr and cause significant hardship to patients and their caregivers. Surprisingly, these otherwise very different diseases have a common hallmark: amyloid protein misfolding. Amyloid protein misfolding is an aberrant process in the body that begins with a small amount of misfolded oligomer, which combines to form numerous larger oligomers and a build-up of insoluble plaque in an organ (in the brain, this can be beta-amyloid and tau protein [AD] or alpha-synuclein [PD], among others; in the pancreas, it is amylin [T2DM]). Blocking protein misfolding at the earliest stages is thus a viable therapeutic strategy for each of these diseases as well as “orphan” tauopathies that affect fewer Ontarians, but are just as debilitating. Our D-5 initiative at UHN is aimed at therapies for all such degenerative diseases of aging. Previous work: Members of this UHN team have been involved in the discovery and development (through Phase III clinical trials) of several drugs for degenerative diseases of aging. Most recently, in close collaboration with an industrial partner we have established the feasibility of small molecule anti-misfolding agents in AD. This work involved the use of computer models to virtually screen >11 million molecules for anti- misfolding capabilities. The most promising small molecule starting points were then experimentally synthesized and thoroughly tested in various models of protein misfolding. Our industrial partner then optimized these leads; one of these molecules, a “beta-amyloid plus tau” dual agent, has recently moved to candidate status and will be moving into Phase I clinical trials. The data collected in this collaboration includes pivotal evidence of in vivo target engagement demonstrated in novel models of beta-amyloid and tau aggregation, as well as evidence that such anti-misfolding agents do not have any effect on normal folding processes. Notably, this work also produced a library of “hits” that demonstrate how to “dial in/out” anti-misfolding effects on different amyloid proteins, for design of potent single-protein anti-misfolding agents. Objectives: Leveraging the success of the AD program, the objective of this proposal is to identify and optimize new compounds that will demonstrate pure anti-tau, anti-amylin, or anti-alpha-synuclein activity. Such compounds could be of value in tauopathies such as Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, in T2DM, or in PD, respectively. With the hit compound library from the AD program as an accelerated starting point, we will investigate the anti-misfolding activity and selectivity for each amyloid protein. These hits will then be elaborated through lead optimization, utilizing lead hopping where necessary and developing patentable new chemical entities that are drug-like, can reach the target tissue, engage the amyloid target of interest, and demonstrate efficacy in models of the disease. Each of 3 diseases of interest will have compounds optimized through in vivo proof of concept, which our industrial partner or other interested parties will then be able to take into IND/CTA enabling studies and further clinical development. Impact: D-5 has the potential to create breakthrough therapies in major diseases and create significant new pharmaceutical activity in Ontario.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Drug Design, Drug Discovery, Type II Diabetes Mellitus, Tauopathy, Protein Misfolding

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Guelph Jill Rogers Phone: 519-824-4120 Email: [email protected]

Ljiljana Tamburic-Ilincic

Development of High Yielding, Good Quality, Fusarium Head Blight Resistant Winter Wheat and Germplasm for Ontario

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a serious wheat disease mainly caused by a fungus Fusarium graminearum. Deoxynivalenol (DON) is the mycotoxin most commonly detected in contaminated wheat grain in Ontario, Canada. Recent FHB epidemics in Ontario were reported in 2013 and 2015. Ontario wheat producers experienced yield and quality losses, in addition to the contamination of the harvested crop with DON. The threshold for DON accumulation, specified by Health and Welfare Canada is 2.0 ppm in uncleaned soft wheat and 1 ppm in baby food. The production of low DON crop cultivars must be accelerated to benefit Canadian food and feed safety. Breeding wheat with increased resistance to FHB is the best management strategy for the disease control. Marker assisted selection (MAS) decreases time needed to select FHB resistant progeny. Pyramiding quantitative trait loci (QTL) is effective in development of FHB resistant germplasm. Significant negative correlation between FHB index and plant height was reported across different wheat populations, where taller plants had lower FHB index and DON level compared to semi dwarf plants. The presence of semi dwarf alleles controlled by the major genes Rht-B1 and Rht-D1 is frequent in winter wheat from Canada. The dwarfing alleles can increase FHB susceptibility as much as 30%. Rht genes with the dwarfing allele on 4D and the wild type allele on 4B might have a pleiotropic effect on FHB. Our program developed and registered with CFIA/VRO winter wheat cultivars: OAC Flight, UGRC Ring, Marker, UGRC C2-5, OAC Emmy, OAC Snow and winter durum OAC Amber. We propose to develop additional soft red, soft white and hard red winter wheat cultivars and germplasm with high yield, required quality characteristics and increased FHB resistance and lower DON level . The cultivars and germplasm will be available to Ontario seed industry, growers and consumers. The length of proposed project is five years. The specific objectives are: -Develop new winter wheat crosses and produce doubled-haploid (DH) populations from each cross -Generate phenotypic data for winter wheat populations after inoculation with F. graminearum -Genotype the progeny lines and parents with simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers associated with QTLs for FHB resistance, plant height and other important agronomic characteristics -Compare two methods of selection and estimate selection gain after each method -Test developed breeding lines across Ontario for yield and quality characteristics and select the best ones for breeders seed production and registration Approach: Winter wheat crosses will be developed and breeding lines will be produced using DH method. The progeny lines will be genotyped with simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers for QTLs for FHB resistance, plant height and agronomic characteristics. Lines will be grouped according to presence of all QTLs, single QTL or no QTL. To perform phenotypic selection, all lines will be screened in FHB inoculated nursery at Ridgetown, Ontario. In addition, breeding lines will be planted in randomized, replicated trials across Ontario for yield and quality characteristics screening. We will compare MAS and phenotypic selection and estimate selection gain after each method. Two highly qualified personnel (HQP) will be trained. Ontario growers, breeders, seed industry and wheat consumers will benefit from the project.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Wheat, Genetics, Fusarium Head Blight, Deoxynivalenol, Molecular Markers, Fusarium Graminearum Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Guelph Jill Rogers Phone: 519-824-4120 Email: [email protected]

Sheng Chang

Development of Disruptive Integrated Biosolids Treatment Technologies for Energy Recovery and Emission Control

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Development of efficient anaerobic digestion technology exerts a profound impact on the energy recovery from wastewater sludge and other organic waste, resulting in significant emission reduction. Biological hydrolysis (BH), thermal hydrolysis (TH), and sludge thickening are key process units that can significantly affect the energy recovery and solid reduction efficiency of anaerobic digestion. While Ontario has companies that are world leaders of advanced BH, TH, and sludge thickening technologies, no previous study have been carried out to optimize the integration of these technologies for energy recovery and emission control. In this project the University Guelph and McMaster University teams will collaborate with GE Water & Technology (Oakville, ON) and other industrial and municipal partners to develop enhanced energy and resource recovery anaerobic digestion technology through optimizing the integration of the biological hydrolysis (BH), thermal hydrolysis (TH), and sludge thickening with anaerobic digestion for digestion and co-digestion of organic waste from various sources. The main goal of the proposed work is to establish and demonstrate an Ontario branded new technology platform for sustainable utilization of wastewater sludge and other biosolids waste, such as food waste. We will specifically focus on the technology and operation optimization and process integration to enhance energy recovery in the form of biogas, reduction in sludge management cost and greenhouse gas emission in wastewater treatment, and utilization of treated sludge as safe land fertilizers for food production. The scope of the proposed research program includes laboratory experiments, numerical model simulations, pilot-scale tests, and full-scale applications. At the end of the 5 year project, it is expected that the Ontario branded internationally leading anaerobic digestion technologies will be developed and commercialised for broad digestion and co-digestion applications. These technologies will be distinguished from the conventional anaerobic technologies by the optimized process design for energy and resource recovery, increased treatment capacity and energy efficiency, optimal design for digestion and co-digestion applications, and capacity to produce land application fertilisers that will meet future regulation requirement, providing disruptive solutions for wastewater treatment plants to achieve energy neutral, emission reduction, and operational cost reduction via enhanced anaerobic digestion and co-digestion.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies - Clean Technologies

Keywords: Sludge Digestion, Co-digestion, Energy Recovery, Process Optimization and Integration, Energy Balance, Pre-treatment

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Guelph Jill Rogers Phone: 519-824-4120 Email: [email protected]

Animesh Dutta

Bio-waste Valorization: A Close-loop Circular Concept for Climate Mitigation, and Soil Health Recovery

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The three major challenges in the 21st century are food security, climate change and energy sustainability. Bio-carbon is one promising renewable energy source with low net CO2 emissions and potentially sustainable if the economical, environmental and social impacts are properly managed. The development of clean and economically viable organic waste conversion technologies for a domestic market is thus imperative to promote the local utilization of biomass/waste residues in Canada. Recently Ontario Government of Canada passed the waste free Ontario, 2016 act which is the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy act. In the “Circular Economy act” resource recovery, and waste reduction strategy will create opportunities and markets of recovered resources. This will minimize greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and environmental impacts in the strategy of “Waste-Free Ontario”. In this research a hybrid thermochemical and biochemical green approach is proposed to produce bio-carbon/activated bio- carbon, bio-gas, and biofertilizer from biomass and wet bio-waste using the concept of circular economy. In this approach, biomass is first pretreated in hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) process to produce solid bio-carbon. HTC process water (HTPW), a co-product of HTC processing underwent fast digestion under anaerobic conditions (AD) to produce bio-methane and biofertilizer. Bio-carbon produced will be investigated for treating fruits/vegetable greenhouse process water containing nutrients, by passing the solution through bio-carbon packed column to produce clean water and nutrient enriched bio-carbon, which can be used as an organic growth substrate for greenhouse crops thereby closing the material loop. In this research, we will also propose a hybrid HTC and slow pyrolysis process that will expect to have the synergistic benefits of both processing to produce bio-carbon with low alkaline and phosphorous, and with higher carbon content for application in iron and steel industries from wet low value bio-resources. The research framework integrates the research expertise of a number of faculty members from various Universities to address three important objectives: 1) Develop a scalable continuous hydrothermal process for low quality/waste wet lignocellulosic biomass to bio-carbon and usable co-products; 2) assess if the renewable bioproducts have the functional characteristics required for use in applications such as replacement of fossil fuels and petroleum products; 3) find routes to the utilization of residual co-products to close the materials loop and improve the environmental performance of these processes. Current research at national and international universities mainly focuses on development of one product stream. A unique aspect of this envisioned advanced biorefinery approach is to target the recovery of value from every co-product of biomass conversion.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies - Clean Technologies

Keywords: Biomass Conversion, Biocarbon, Syngas, Biorefinery, Hydrothermal, Pyrolysis, Nutrient Recovery, LCA, Chemicals

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Guelph Jill Rogers Phone: 519-824-4120 Email: [email protected]

Ming Fan

Novel and Disruptive Enzyme Biotechnologies for Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance in Food Animal Production

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Animal production and animal agri-food sectors are an integral part of the Ontario economy. The sub- therapeutic use of feed antibiotics for control of bacterial pathogens that are associated with food animal morbidity, mortality and poor production efficiency has contributed to the development of antimicrobial resistance and has now become a threat to public health on a global scale. Use of feed antibiotics needs to be phased out in both Canadian and US swine production systems starting in 2017. The EU experience suggests that a simple ban on sub-therapeutic levels of feed antibiotics as growth promoters will not fundamentally eliminate the antimicrobial resistance concerns simply because therapeutic antibiotic use for disease outbreak treatment will increase in food animal production. Current alternative strategies typically have no direct detoxification effects on endotoxin. And this is likely the major reason that efficacy of current alternative strategies in replacing feed antibiotics to improve food animal gut health and production performance is generally inconsistent and limited worldwide. Thus, a new and effective approach to prevent food animal gut dysbiosis and to detoxify endotoxin needs to be developed in order to effectively replace feed antibiotic use in food animal production and minimize the antimicrobial resistance threat to the public. Pathogenic bacteria mediate their negative effects through endotoxin interactions with toll-like receptors (e.g., TLR4), causing immune responses and infectious diseases. Intestinal endogenous alkaline phosphatases of food animal species are now understood to have very poor catalytic efficiency for the hydrolytic dephosphorylation of gut lumenal endotoxin and other emblematic members of pathogen-associated-molecular patterns, such as gut lumenal ATP, making food animals very vulnerable and susceptible to gut inflammation and infection. On-going active research in the applicant's group has generated a number of recombinant alkaline phosphatases with their over- expression in major microbial platforms potentially available for commercial production. The objectives of this proposed research are to: 1) improve the targeted enzyme gastric stability to the acidic pH and resilience to pepsin via site-specific mutagenesis; 2) optimize the targeted enzyme for commercial scale of production as exogenous feed enzymes; 3) examine efficacy the developed exogenous alkaline phosphatase for improving health and performance in various species of food animals; and 4) investigate biological roles of dietary supplementary exogenous feed alkaline phosphatases for improving health and physiological endpoints in various species of food animals. Therefore, resilient, highly efficient and active recombinant alkaline phosphatases will be developed as a novel group of exogenous feed enzymes to replace the current feed antibiotic growth promoters and to directly detoxify the endotoxin and improve gut health, physiological endpoints and performance in food animal production.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Food Animal Production, Efficiency, Endotoxin, Gut Health, Sub-clinical Systemic Inflammation, Antimicrobial Resistance

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Guelph Jill Rogers Phone: 519-824-4120 Email: [email protected]

Beverley Hale

Evidence-based Decision Framework for Remediation of Contaminated Sites in Ontario

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The Weight of Evidence approach to Ecological Risk Assessment allows the integration of multiple sources of information, weighted for relevance, strength and reliability, into a body of evidence that supports decisions around remediation of existing contamination (causal risk assessment) or around proposed new chemicals or new uses of existing chemicals (predictive risk assessment). Ecological elements of value to humans and ecological receptors must be identified. ‘Ecological value’ for land- systems includes such considerations as: the role of plant communities in carbon capture thus mitigating climate change; the provision of ecosystem services such as pollination, or nutrient recycling through microbial decomposition of litter; provision of ecosystem niches for endangered or charismatic species of plants or animals; control of surface and groundwater quality and quantity; provision of country foods. These valued components are integrated into a conceptual risk assessment, an example of which is CADDIS (The Causal Analysis/Diagnosis Decision Information System) developed for aquatic systems (https://www3.epa.gov/caddis/index.html) under such threats as altered pH or physical habitat. There is no comparable decision information system for terrestrial ecosystems, most of which include lakes and/or streams. The link between adverse effects predicted or measured at the molecular, individual or population level and the ecological elements of value are known as Adverse Outcomes Pathways (AOPs). These linkages are not yet well-quantified, but rather are considered in conceptual frameworks of biological and environmental plausibility of cause and effect. Remediation approaches to mitigating the effects measured at the molecular, individual or population level need to be fitted into these conceptual AOPs, to predict mitigation of the higher-order adverse outcomes, as well as the potential for unintended non-target effects at the higher order. For example, removal of contaminated soil limits the exposure of aquatic life through particle run-off, but also removes the plant community, which provides carbon sinks and niche habitats. Some of these effects could be offset at a local or regional level by habitat construction at an alternate site, such as the establishment of biofuels plantations. Cost-benefit analysis for managing the risks for contaminants to surface soils is complicated, once AOPs for ecosystem services are included – which they must be, for the identification of the appropriate risk mitigation scenarios. The objective of the proposed work is to identify a conceptual framework for proponents and regulators of contaminated sites in Ontario that provides the platform for integration of terrestrial and aquatic effects into AOPs, and then can be used to identify the remediation strategies to mitigate those adverse effects. This will be accomplished using as case studies two on-going causal risk assessments for elevated environmental concentrations of Co, Cu and Ni which have moved largely into the remediation, thus risk mitigation stages, in Ontario’s near-north (Sudbury-Falconbridge region) and south (Port Colborne). Both have large areas of land and surface water which have demonstrated causal adverse effects on ecological endpoints, both have large ecotoxicity databases, and for both sites, the ‘value’ of the ecosystems includes human use as well as significant ecosystem services.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Remediation, Waste Valorization, Carbon Capture, Ecosystem Services, Contaminated Sites

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Guelph Jill Rogers Phone: 519-824-4120 Email: [email protected]

Manjusri Misra

Biobased Sustainable Packaging

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Rational: The proposed research is aimed at developing green and biobased alternatives to substitute petroleum-based plastics in packaging materials. With rapid urbanization around the world, packaging, especially food packaging, has become ubiquitous in our everyday life. Advanced packaging often combines different types of plastics in one product, making recycling difficult. Packaging materials are major contributor to land-filling. The initiative to lower our dependence on petroleum for everyday products and the growing environmental concerns are driving up the demand for green material uses in manufacturing. Biodegradable and biobased polymer materials will be the core building blocks of the future sustainable multifunctional manufacturing sector. Research approach: This research utilizes natural and biobased materials to design and engineer biocomposites that will have the required mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties for packaging uses. The coordinated approaches of this project are: (1) Biopolymer based novel blends: A variety of green polymers such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), and biobased poly (trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) will be blended for an optimized properties in their stiffness, toughness, and gas permeability. A major focus will be the development of in situ compatibilization through reactive extrusion. (2) Biocomposites: The biobased polymer blends will be reinforced/filled with various fillers such as nanoclay, cellulose, protein, and starch mainly for enhanced barrier performances. The fillers will also be hybridized to achieve multifunctional properties of the end products. The nano-particles for specific uses will be appropriately surface-modified to improve the interfacial properties of the resulting bionanocomposites. (3) Advanced manufacturing techniques: Industry established techniques such as injection molding, film casting, blow molding, and thermoforming will be used to develop cost effective techniques to produce the material. In particular, multilayer structure will be constructed to deliver the desired properties. All these will lead to superior material properties for next generation manufacturing. Expected outcome: The proposed research will deliver much needed solutions for utilizing renewable materials to build a new generation of biopolymer blends, biocomposites and nanocomposites having desired properties to serve as packaging materials.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies - Clean Technologies

Keywords: Biobased Polymer Blends, Biocomposites, Nanocomposite, Sustainable, Barrier Packaging

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Guelph Jill Rogers Phone: 519-824-4120 Email: [email protected]

Suresh Neethirajan

Nanobiosensors: Next Generation Point-of-Care Diagnostic Sensors for Food Safety and Animal Health

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Bionano Laboratory of the University of Guelph propose to develop nanotechnology based biosensors for on-farm, hand-held devices to diagnose and monitor novel infectious agents and global pandemics in dairy, and poultry sectors and food-borne allergens. As a strategic value to Ontario, our project will contribute towards the 4th revolution in agriculture and food safety. Molecular diagnostics is rapidly expanding with applications in food safety and veterinary animal health sector. Realization of the potential value of the acquisition of multiple quantitative measurements of analytes in the farms and food- manufacturing industries will be enabled by the novel advancements in the diagnostics. Currently, the diagnostic testing is carried out by shipping samples to centralized laboratories where they are processed en masse with significant turn-around times. Few of the available current diagnostic Point-of-care kits tend to be single point assay with only yes or no results and based on lateral-flow formats. Lack of quantitation limits the user friendly and ease of adoption of new diagnostic kits. Today, the lack of reliable and cost-effective diagnostic tests for early detection of the animal diseases and food allergens significantly hampers disease control and food safety programs. The proposed project is central to that paradigm shift.The proposed project will develop point-of-care platforms with multiplexing capabilities to address the gap in the traditional diagnostic systems for food safety and animal health applications. The overall goal of this project is to develop technologies, biosensing platforms and methods for fabrication of inexpensive diagnostic platforms. The goal is to minimize the impact of the diseases on Ontario's animal production and welfare systems, and food manufacturing industries, which is worth approximately $5 billion per year. The OECD report “The Bioeconomy to 2030” identifies ten technology platforms, of which animal health and food safety is a top theme and priority (OECD, 2009). Innovation in the agri-food chain is expected to drive productivity through novel and early disease diagnostic systems. Globally, we have entered a “4th revolution” in agriculture, featuring novel technologies and diagnostic methods, such as Precision Livestock Farming. The proposed research will contribute to this revolution in agriculture by developing innovative technologies as cost-effective diagnostic methods that can mitigate the potentially catastrophic effects of infectious outbreaks in farmed animals. The proposed hand-held devices will be developed using nanotechnology, sensing transduction mechanisms, microfluidics and interfacing detection techniques. The output from the proposed research will be a number of ‘toolkits' which will enable the commercialization of the diagnostics technologies which will underpin the development of next generation biosensing platforms for food safety and animal health management.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Agricultural Engineering, Precision Agriculture, Biosensors, Bioinstrumentation, Animal Health, Food Safety

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Guelph Jill Rogers Phone: 519-824-4120 Email: [email protected]

Beth Parker

Enhancing Ontario’s Groundwater Potential: An Economic and Community Resource

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW This research will focus on the advancement of groundwater science and technology designed for heterogeneous and fractured rock flow systems, while identifying the roadblocks to adoption of best- science in practice due to policy and environmental economics. The overarching goal of this proposal is to advance the state-of-the-science in regional-scale fractured rock aquifer characterization and monitoring in watersheds facing multiple demands and stresses, while working collaboratively with economic and policy scientists to generate new guidance and strategies for improved source water management and protection within our legislative frameworks. Activities will be focused within southern Wellington County as a model groundwater flow system entangled with conflicting opinions and incomplete information regarding sustainable development and priority-uses for their water resources. The study region embodies a major urban center surrounded by multiple independent municipalities experiencing expanding populations and First Nation communities desiring economic prosperity and ecosystem health, all relying on the same bedrock aquifer as their sole source of drinking water. The hydrogeological science and technology research and development specific to fractured bedrock aquifers will be advanced within the context of environmental economics for water as a shared public resource, and in the context of existing and needed policies and governance for short and long-term sustainable water management and community health in Ontario and Canada. This program will develop strategies for effective cross-disciplinary dialogue connecting natural scientists and engineers with environmental economists and policy social scientists to advance Ontario’s mandate for effective source water protection and management. The program will be comprised of three pillars: Pillar 1 – Understanding Groundwater Sustainability and Risk under Dynamic Conditions Pillar 2 – Advanced Detection of Groundwater Pollutants and Threats to Aquifer Health Pillar 3 – Creation of Scientific, Economic, and Legislative Solutions The results of this research will be used to improve the procedural framework used by groundwater practitioners and government agencies for source water protection, water resource assessment, and sustainable groundwater use in a low-impact manner, by explicitly considering bedrock aquifer flow systems and the economic and legislative actions in Ontario. The outcome of this work will be relevant to large municipalities, small and remote communities such as First Nations, and individual rural households across Ontario. Foundational to this effort is the need to improve quantitation of the freshwater resource system parameters using novel characterization and monitoring methods that reduce uncertainty and advance the conversations amongst the stakeholders to address immediate and long-term concerns. Given municipal and industrial demands for freshwater resources, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change will be able to use these research results and recommendations therein to undertake a comprehensive analysis of Ontario’s groundwater resource policies and how they can be improved to accommodate distinct and varied hydrologic system conditions, within an adaptive framework that accommodates changes in system and community conditions. Improved science-informed policies will demonstrate leadership on a global issue.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Groundwater Resources, Bedrock Aquifers, Water Resources, Environmental Economics, Policy and Governance

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Ottawa Christian Beaulé Phone: 613-562-5800 x3405 Email: [email protected]

Pierre Berini

"THERAPIST" - Therapeutic Active Photonic Integrated Sense and Stimulation Technologies

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Medical devices for sensing and stimulus, as diagnostic probes or permanent implants, are either passive, or are powered by batteries, RF coils, or transcutaneous electrical cables. However, sometimes these power strategies are less viable, such as implants in the eye, brain, or spine. Co-transmission of useful amounts of both data and power simultaneously over a single infrared light beam (free space or optical fibre) onto a new III-V photonic power and data converter microchip (PPDC), producing several watts of DC power was recently achieved (70% efficient; 2.7–24V). This can run a small silicon ASIC plus co-packaged functional devices. Data impressed on the beam is viable to 300kHz using early PPDCs and to 300MHz with a small co-packaged hybrid photodiode. Integrating the latter into the PPDC will lower cost and improve yield and reliability. The new PPDCs are unidirectional, but bidirectional data is desirable. III-V monolithic structures can support both incoming photoconversion and infrared light emission for return data, which can be captured and conveyed to the remote destination. Or, a small III-V reflection modulator, added to the PPDC stack, can generate the backhaul. Sense and stimulation devices in human tissues depend on the short-range nature of the device-tissue interface (DTI). If the PPDC provides infrared light and electrical power together, then a photonic probe structure with short- range sensitivity, processed near the device active surface, is viable, enabling DTI characterization and device performance control, enhanced by the ASIC. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and other photonics enable such probes, and performance can be engineered (nanoholes and conductive nanoparticles). Thus, device placement can be assessed during surgery; device-related tissue change and time-degradation can be followed; protein coatings for preferential binding to proximal tissues and specific cell types studied. The DTI is key in neuron stimulators such as eye retinal implants powered by light through the pupil. Another new technology, polycrystalline diamond with a processed microelectrode array, is reporting success at retinal stimulation, where device-ganglion interface proximity and stability is important. The photonic DTI probe can be introduced near the diamond surface. “THERAPIST” will study architectures, designs, materials, fabrication, data schemes, and performance on explanted live tissues of two photonic technologies: (1) bidirectional PPDC devices, and (2) DTI probe structures, including DTI coatings, for integration into commercial Class 3 medical devices (and similar applications for Internet of Things and industrial sensors). The “THERAPIST” senior research team will lead and train 50 grad students and 15 PDFs, leveraging mature capability in III-V materials (McMaster); photonics and photovoltaics development, monolithic fabrication, and data comms (uOttawa); hybrid packaging and processed micro-optics (NRC); protein coatings, medical facilities, cell and medical science (uToronto); plus entrepreneurial training. Domestic and overseas collaborators support PPDC and DTI science. Industrial Partners include Canadian start-ups pioneering PPDCs and human retinal implant applications. Value to Ontario comes with access to global smart medical device markets, prestige in sophisticated technology, and in improved quality of life for the people of Ontario.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Multijunction III-V Photovoltaics, Integrated Optoelectronics, Short-range Optical Sensing, Cell-protein Binding

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Ottawa Christian Beaulé Phone: 613-562-5800 x3405 Email: [email protected]

Miodrag Bolic

Uncertainty in Deep Learning for Law, Medicine, Surveillance and Business Applications

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Deep learning has attracted huge attention from researchers in various fields such as text, language, video and image processing. Deep learning have been applied in the applications where a lot of data already exists and it is easily accessible over the Internet. In order to provide uncertainty evaluations we will work on combining deep learning tools and Bayesian models without changing either the models. Combining modern deep learning and Bayesian techniques has just started as a discipline and there is a significant potential for its development. Bayesian modeling allows for describing data in interpretable way which is what deep learning networks lack. On the other hand, Bayesian models will be able to use simple data representation obtained from deep learning networks. We plan to apply deep learning methods in new areas where the data will be collected and labeled so that the application of deep learning will become possible. These areas include: - Law where deep learning will be applied in a way to allow for automatic search for similar cases not based on key words but on the meaning of the sentences. - Business analytics where deep learning will be used to evaluate the interaction among employers by analyzing tools they commonly use during working hours in order to recognize new opportunities for collaboration among the employees. - Real-time contactless patient monitoring where deep learning will be applied to learn patterns of human behaviors and to provide confidence level when warning and alarms are generated.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Deep Learning, Uncertainty, Bayesian Modeling, Classification

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Ottawa Christian Beaulé Phone: 613-562-5800 x3405 Email: [email protected]

Azzedine Boukerche

Design and Development of Connected Vehicles and Smart Transportation Systems

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The Ontario Research Fund – Research Excellence (ORF-RE) proposal targets the development and integration of intelligent systems, and applications for enabling nationwide deployment of intelligent vehicular networks and transportation systems paving, therefore, the way for smart/connected cities. Intelligent infrastructure includes the integration of sensors, networked communications, and computing hardware and software into physical transportation infrastructure. The main objectives of this ORF-RE proposal are to (i) develop architectures and protocols for multipurpose and multimedia content delivery among heterogeneous entities that will be present in smart vehicles and Intelligent transportation system; (ii) design distributed applications and algorithms toward efficient, safe, secure and enjoyable transportation systems; (iii) implement distributed algorithms for city-wide traffic and people’s transportation management to reduce greenhouses gas emissions; (iv) propose analytical frameworks for better determining social behavior and trends in traffic load, allowing the optimal positioning of charging stations and development of protocols for on-road recharging of electric vehicles; and (v) develop frameworks for mobile big data analytics of generated data from smart city and transportation entities towards the improvement of intelligent Internet of Vehicles (IoV) Vehicular Ad-hoc Networks (VANET) and smart transportation services. The ORF-RE proposal will bring together leading companies and recognized scientists and engineers across Ontario and Canada. Furthermore, this ORF-RE proposal will assist in fostering and making the Canadian Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) industry a leader in smart/connected transportation based technologies, products, and related services by helping position Ontario in meeting emerging and future smart cities needs.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Sustainability Network, Cognitive Transportation, Vehicular Networks, Intelligent Transportation Systems, Infotainment

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Ottawa Christian Beaulé Phone: 613-562-5800 x3405 Email: [email protected]

Boulou Ebadan De B'Béri

Mapping Intercultural Dialogue and Crisis Management in the Era of Artificial Intelligence

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The key objectives of this research program are to: Study ways to produce an Intercultural Artificial Intelligence Multimedia Application (IAIMA), to be used by government policymakers, Ontario police forces, and educators. Our goal is to: develop intercultural awareness and competency through an intercultural knowledge database that could proactively help its users anticipate potential intercultural crises; and be armed to solve multiple ranges of intercultural communication issues. Research Rationale and Problematic: In this century, we have confirmed that computational and cultural theories can produce the best intellectual match in challenging disciplinary boundaries in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences. Indeed, the proposed research program will link together the socio-critical and cultural theory of media and communication with computational methods of production for the study of human and social behaviour. Thus, integrating and adapting the Social Structure and Relationships, and Data processing technology and software development. Intercultural Communication: Our prior research reveals that in this increasingly multicultural and interconnected global societies, one of the 21st century’s biggest social challenges is “interculturalism,” that is a globalized way to understand each other and solve cultural crises (Ebanda de B’béri, Mansouri, 2016:1-14). This project will use the cities of Toronto, Ottawa, and Sudbury to collect, build, and test intercultural communication computed-data. These 3 cities of different size and intercultural dynamics are excellent sites for this project, the results of which will undeniably place Ontario’s policymakers and public servants, such the police force and teachers, as well as business managers, at the forefront of interdisciplinary innovation for a creative and positive multicultural system of intervention and togetherness. Research Questions: (1) To what extent can we mathematically program and produce an application that could help its users make informed decisions in the context of intercultural communication and crisis? (2) How can the field of Intercultural Communication not only benefit from this artificial intelligence revolution, but also position itself as an essential crossroad model in the future of Humanities, Social Science, Computing, and Engineering research? Methodology: Using an anthropological approach, Years 1 & 2 are organized into 2-concurring phases. Phase 1 will focus on capturing, collecting and mapping intercultural exchanges in selected research sites (e.g., schools, police stations, police intervention situations, private businesses…) in the 3 Ontario cities. In Phase 2, we will test the collected data on multiple social communication conditions that include issues and themes of international relations, political, public, human, and crisis communication and management. Years 2 & 3 will focus on conceptualizing an intercultural communication competency and crisis management map, a “Genomic cartography” of IAIMA data. Years 4 & Year 5 will focus on producing, testing and circulating the IAIMA prototype by May 2023. This is the engineering, testing, and distribution phase. Our ultimate goal is that IAIMA becomes THE tool to use in cases of public intercultural communication and crisis (i.e., instead of turning first to guns, a police intervention will use IAIMA to analyse and solve the situation), thus contributing to a more just and avant-garde society.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Intercultural Crisis, Intercultural Dialogue, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Humanity, Multiculturalism

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Ottawa Christian Beaulé Phone: 613-562-5800 x3405 Email: [email protected]

Stewart Elgie

Accelerating Clean Innovation in Ontario- the Role of Public Policy

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The world is moving toward an economy that increasingly rewards countries (and companies) that are energy efficient, eco-innovative, pollute less, and sustain natural capital, according to a growing list of the most respected global economic authorities (OECD 2015, McKinsey 2014). This shift towards greener growth is driven by unprecedented and growing environmental stresses, along with an accelerating pace of technological change to address those problems. This changing global marketplace creates both economic opportunities and risks for all parts of Ontario's economy, from clean tech to manufacturing to natural resources. Finding ways to accelerate clean innovation will be an important determinant of Ontario’s economic success in coming years. While much of that innovation will ultimately come from businesses and entrepreneurs, governments will need to play a large role in driving it, through smart policies (designed to reward innovation), spending (on research, infrastructure, and skills), and procurement (as the largest purchaser). Recognizing this need, both the Ontario and federal governments have begun to take action to help accelerate clean innovation, including Ontario’s commitment to invest $129 million to leverage private investment in the clean tech sector and for new technology initiatives for large industrial emitters, or the federal government’s $1.8 billion pledge to boost clean-tech financing. In addition, Ontario’s cap-and-trade program, which prices carbon emissions, will help increase demand for low-polluting innovations. These are important initial steps, but more research is needed to understand and design the broader mix of tools needed to unleash clean innovation across Ontario’s economy, and that knowledge must be shared with key stakeholders and policy makers. The objective of this proposal is to create a knowledge partnership that brings together Canadian and international academics from different disciplines with Ontario policy, business and NGO leaders with the goal of informing, developing, and mobilizing knowledge of the mix of policies and investments to help accelerate clean innovation in Ontario. By providing a better understanding of these policy drivers, this research will also improve the landscape to better integrate and adapt disruptive clean technologies in Ontario. This project builds on a strong foundation, established over three years of groundwork linking private and public sector partners with academics and non-for-profit partners around a common vision for greener growth. Private and public sector partners will contribute to the identification and prioritization of emerging issues requiring new research or efforts to summarize and communicate existing knowledge. Canadian and International research institutes, and non-for-profit partners will bring their expertise to help answer specific research and policy questions on driving clean innovation relevant to Ontario, and assist the partnership in mobilizing its findings to policy makers, key audiences, and the Ontario public. Through our initial scoping, we’ve identified a range of research issues to inform clean innovation policy. Some of these include, but are not limited to: understanding the clean innovation system to enable better research and policies; how to design regulations to encourage risk taking and innovation; and the role for arm’s length agencies, and their design, for public investment in private sector innovation.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Clean Innovation, Disruptive Clean Technologies, Environmental Economics and Policy, Climate Change Policy

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Ottawa Christian Beaulé Phone: 613-562-5800 x3405 Email: [email protected]

Daniel Figeys

Microbiome Therapeutics

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Humans coexist with complex microbial communities that colonize various body sites such as the skin, vagina and gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Over the past decade, research on the microbiome has led to tremendous advances towards understanding the symbiotic relationship between the host and the microbiota that colonizes the GI tract. Under normal circumstances, these GI co-inhabitants provide mutualistic benefits to the human host by processing nutrients, maturing the immune system and contributing to proper intestinal development and integrity. By contrast, alterations in this microbial community, also known as dysbiosis, have been associated with diverse diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), cancer, cardio-metabolic disorders (CMD), and, more recently, neurodegenerative diseases and autism. These associations have led to extensive scientific interest focused on how the microbiome might be manipulated through diet, supplements and transplants to improve health and treat the above-mentioned diseases. Despite numerous studies, the mechanisms underlying the microbiota's impact on health (symbiosis) and disease (dysbiosis) remain poorly understood. CMD such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and obesity, are becoming a word-wide epidemic with escalating morbidity and mortality. Direct health costs for CMD are estimated to be in the range of $6 billion per year in Canada and $6.3 trillion worldwide, with CVD being the leading cause of death and hospitalization in the world. CMDs have been associated with gut microbial dysbiosis, suggesting that the maintenance or restoration of a healthy microbiota might prevent or revert CMDs (including CVD). IBD is a chronic incurable gastrointestinal disease and is comprised of two main subtypes: Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). The economic burden of IBD is estimated to be $1.2 billion per year in Canada, with costs significantly higher for children as compared to adults. Current IBD therapies are directed towards modulating the patients’ inflammatory responses, but recent work has indicated that the gut microbiota may represent a new therapeutic target. The primary objectives of this research proposal are to develop innovative approaches to manipulate the intestinal microbiota as a potential therapeutic treatment for patients with CMD and IBD. We have recently developed and optimized a novel method to collect microbes from the mucosa-luminal interface and established new tools to study the microbiome including a rapid, ex vivo high-throughput screening assay that can determine the taxonomic and functional responses of an entire microbiome against an exogenously added compound. We are proposing here to employ these approaches to develop interventions for microbiome manipulation in collaboration with industrial partners. This project will have broad applications for managing microbiome- mediated diseases and will provide avenues for therapeutic modalities aimed at restoring or maintaining a healthy microbiota.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: CMD, IBD, Microbiota, Microbiome-based Therapeutics, Systems Biology, Host-mcrobiota Interactions

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Ottawa Christian Beaulé Phone: 613-562-5800 x3405 Email: [email protected]

Monica Gattinger

Public Confidence in Energy Transition (PCiET)

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Canada's commitment to a low-carbon energy future requires major changes to the country's energy system in Ontario and elsewhere. There is much research and attention on what the system should look like to be environmentally sustainable and technically feasible, but much less -- if any -- attention on how to make it socially, politically, economically and technically sustainable. Recent experience in jurisdictions like Ontario underscores that while Canadians support transition in theory, in practice, they may oppose energy system changes that increase energy prices, decrease system reliability or require extensive new renewable energy infrastructure builds in their communities. Affordability, reliability and energy system competitiveness are also core imperatives for commercial and industrial consumers. Energy companies and investors, for their part, look for certainty and predictability in the policy, regulatory, economic and social environments. Meanwhile, many Indigenous leaders see tremendous opportunity in renewable energy to transform their communities, but they often face policy, regulatory and capacity challenges. In short, while there is much attention and a good deal of consensus on the 'what' of energy transition (i.e., Canada should transition to a lower carbon energy system), there is far less attention and agreement on the 'how' of making transition happen in a way that garners and sustains public confidence. What's more, Canada faces this challenge at a time of declining public trust in governments, industry, expertise and 'evidence.' If the 'how' of transition is not proactively attended to, Canada's transition to a lower carbon energy system may be hamstrung – even reversed -- by opposition, disagreement and contentiousness. Key to addressing this challenge is close attention to energy transition decision-making systems: ensuring they have legitimacy in procedural (process) and substantive (outcomes) terms. The Public Confidence in Energy Transition partnership (PCiET pronounced "piece it" as in piecing the various elements of transition together) responds proactively to this challenge. It aims to strengthen public confidence in Canada's low-carbon energy transition through research on and engagement with the energy transition decision-making system. PCiET brings together 27 leading researchers from 9 Canadian and US universities and 14 high-level Canadian and American public, private and civil society partners at the federal, provincial/state and municipal levels. Together, they will map Canada's energy transition decision-making system, identify key public confidence "stress points" in the system from social/political, economic/ innovation and technical/physical perspectives, and develop means of addressing them, focusing on the respective roles of policy, regulation, planning at the federal, provincial, municipal and Indigenous levels. The research team is organized around three areas of expertise crucial to meeting PCiET objectives: energy policy, regulation and governance; transition economics/finance and energy technology; and, public opinion, deliberative policy-making and trust/credibility in expert knowledge. PCiET will provide the sustained significant social science research foundation required to garner public confidence in transition. The partnership is uniquely positioned to mobilize knowledge and action across disciplines and sectors to address this generational challenge facing Ontario and Canada.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Energy Transition, Public Confidence, Governance, Public Policy, Regulation, Evidence, Decision-making, Innovation

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Ottawa Christian Beaulé Phone: 613-562-5800 x3405 Email: [email protected]

Karin Hinzer

"Unipower" – Unified Information and Clean Power

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The increasingly distributed nature of information flows and power flows, and the rise of new photonic technologies to generate and support these flows, suggests that new effective infrastructures will emerge if the physical and logical management of both clean power and information is treated as a unified whole, in the service of sustainable communities.“Unipower” connects a cross-disciplinary team of scientists and engineers spanning photonics, device physics, power engineering, and information and network science, partnered with market and thought leaders in industry, to develop the value of unified information and power, at both the micro and macro levels, furnishing disruptive advancement opportunities for Ontario. At the macro level, distributed generation of clean power means traditional inflexible command/control networks must evolve to the Internet, such that numerous diverse, variable power flows become closely associated with their information flows in real time, in a secure manner adhering to international standards. “Unipower” integrates transactional market efficiencies, adapts loads to supply with user- friendly controls, captures electric vehicle transport and battery storage dynamics, and exploits distributed generation through novel techniques to locate and attenuate undesirable reactive power loss centres, all to prevent dangerous power instabilities and reduce carbon emissions and costly overbuilds. New disruptive systems with gentle environmental footprint and low entry barrier are also studied, for clean power supply to remote and northern Ontario communities, reducing diesel and concrete. At the micro level, disruptive photonic devices permit unified transport of power and data on optical fibre and free space, such that miniaturized data-heavy smart devices for Internet of Things, medical devices, or hazardous environment sensors can operate entirely by infrared light, without metallic connections or potentially dangerous electrical discharge or magnetic fields. Replacing fixed links with unified power and data on invisible light beams allows infrastructure costs to fall and flexibility to improve (industry, military, health). Both macro and micro systems benefit from innovative unified transactional power allocation techniques. “Unipower” furthers the Ontario Five Year Climate Change Action Plan 2016-2020 in these Action Areas: eliminate system integration barriers to clean energy and clean transportation (pp.18,20); improve energy efficiency in multi-tenant residential buildings, schools, hospitals (p.26); choice for homeowners (p.27); support low carbon communities (p.30); indigenous communities collaboration (pp.38,40); support new low-carbon technologies (p.44); lands (p.50); all building toward Ontario in 2050 (p.58). Industrial Partners valued for their grasp of existing and new markets include global firms now collaborating with the applicants, providing cash, in-kind equipment, services, and expertise. “Unipower” will establish a campus-wide macro demonstration project, and micro level bench demonstrations. Trained highly qualified personnel (HQP) benefit from exposure to physics, materials science, engineering, modeling, real-time software, system architectures, industrial standards and regulatory requirements, plus effective entrepreneurial & business training. “Unipower” aligns with the ORF/CFI “CIPITSC” proposal (Hinzer #36101) supporting researchers and HQP on those facilities.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies - Clean Technologies

Keywords: Technology Convergence, Light Beam Power Transmission, Photonic Power & Data Converter, Software-defined Network

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Ottawa Christian Beaulé Phone: 613-562-5800 x3405 Email: [email protected]

Ghassan Jabbour i3D-POEM: Intelligent 3D Printed Orthopedics with Embedded Multifunctionality

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Within the last 2 years, medical 3D printing has had the largest growth in the healthcare sector, with an estimated market value of USD $2.13B by 2020. It is expected that 3D printing will transform medicine by providing cost-effective personalized solutions [Harvard Business Review, 2016]. In this venue, our proposal aims to advance and realize intelligent personalized medical solutions to bone and joint orthopedic diseases, the #1 cause of chronic disability in Canada and the western world. Fueled by recent advances in 3D and 2D medical imaging, printing, and engineering of new multifunctional materials championed by our team members, we will develop innovative 3D/2D printed intelligent hip replacement technologies, capable not only of delivering a patient-specific hip, but also empowering it with embedded multifunctionality, such as the incorporation of vitamin E and antibiotics during the printing process. To optimize function on a full-scale 3D printed hip, we will use planar conformable microsensor array to convey real time information of pressure at various critical points of the hip-joint, which are traditionally difficult to probe using non-invasive methods. More importantly, this will permit us to move away from static markers such as Radiostereometric Analysis used to monitor implant performance, and toward patient specific in vivo models. The sensor array will be protected from corrosion and cross materials diffusion via a cold spray printing approach using biocompatible materials. All materials used in this research will be subjected to toxicological studies in order to rule out any negative impact that such materials may have on patients' health in the near and long term. Nanothick flexible infrared light emitters will be developed and embedded during surgery to allow for more accurate positioning of the hip, and to provide the patient with a rapid mean in the reduction of pain and swelling. Our approach will revolutionize the traditional “one size fits all” hip restoration and replacement treatment, and elevate it to become a reliable patient-centric solution, enabling better and long-lasting mobility and, in turn, a better life quality. Relevant innovations by our team members and our close collaboration with Canadian companies will ensure the success of customized personal health solutions and allow us to achieve further global recognition of Canadian Life Sciences and Engineering leadership, which will enable our team to secure high value investments. We intend to engage relevant industries with whom we have collaborated. This includes, but is not limited to, Toshiba Canada, Dow Canada, Xerox, Angstrom Engineering, 3M Canada, OTI Lumionics, Raymor Industries, Equispheres, Omnitek and NB BioMatrix Inc. The intended research will provide an innovative and unique interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary educational and training environment to students, research fellows, and clinician-scientists, which we believe is critical for future generations of biotechnology, medical science, engineering, and clinical management leaders. Innovations generated by our team members will lead to intellectual property developments and commercialization opportunities that will attract international investment and facilitate the recruitment of exceptional talent to Ontario.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: 3D/2D Printing, Hip Replacement, Embedded Intelligent Devices, Printed Electronics, Wearables, Orthopedics, Imaging

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Ottawa Christian Beaulé Phone: 613-562-5800 x3405 Email: [email protected]

Brenda Macdougall

Indigenous Spaces: Using Digital Archives, Mapping, and Social Networking to Transform Colonial Infrastructure

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW This research project will explore how Indigenous people define place and space by engaging with critical mapping to support Aboriginal cartographic knowledges and social networking analysis (SNA) to visually represent that knowledge. It will engage in historical spatial research related to Indigenous lands in Canada and beyond by locating relevant archival sources that can, in turn, be digitized and then mapped via geographic information system (GIS) mapping and SNA. To do this partnerships will be formed with Indigenous communities to build technical capacity and reflect their research needs and interests. By doing this, Aboriginal people are better positioned to engage effectively with government and industry in a manner that supports their rights rather than simply reinforcing Canada’s colonial infrastructure. Indigenous communities are the most likely to be immediately, and often negatively, impacted by resource development and regulation. In 2002 approximately 1200 Aboriginal communities were located within 200 kms of mines while 36 of them were within 50 kms. In Canada, some form of consultative process must legally occur with effected communities prior to development, but Indigenous people do not have a veto over proposed projects. Since the Crown may legally infringe on Indigenous rights by eliminating dissent, this process actually undermines their s.35 rights. This situation is, for many Indigenous peoples, incompatible with reconciliation. From an Indigenous perspective, reconciliation must affirm and protect their rights as enshrined in s.35. Constitutional law expert Thomas Isaac argues that “reconciliation is more than platitudes and recognition [it] flows from the constitutionally protected rights [and] must be grounded in practical actions.” The digital humanities, by definition, offers a means to undertake practical actions because it will be used to mobilize new methodologies to build three- dimensional models based on Indigenous conceptualizations of space and place that communities can use to protect their rights. Relevant documents in a variety of archives can be digitized and used to create SNA representations and critical maps building community-specific resources building historically focused scholarship with obvious contemporary impact. Historical mapping and spatial analysis of a variety of social, political, and economic networks can undo the ongoing contemporary erasure of Indigenous communities, place names, and stories from Canada’s landscape. Similarly, an Indigenous focused digital humanities can incorporate Indigenous cartographic traditions and visualize history with stories from the point of view of Indigenous peoples. The result will be to disrupt the ongoing corporate and colonial extractive resource agenda while simultaneously informing pressing policy discussions and juridical rulings related to s.35 rights from an Indigenous perspective.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Social Networking, Indigenous/Aboriginal, Digital, Law, Policy, Archival, Place, Cultural, Mapping

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Ottawa Christian Beaulé Phone: 613-562-5800 x3405 Email: [email protected]

Michael Organ

Clean and Sustainable Chemical Manufacturing

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Fine chemical manufacturing, at one level or another, is behind almost all essential goods and services used by Ontarians every day. Be it a therapeutic, an agrochemical, modern electronics, coatings, etc.; all require the design and preparation of chemicals with unique properties. However, by its nature, the synthesis of chemicals places a heavy burden on the environment. Current manufacturing practices uses starting materials that are primarily derived from rapidly diminishing petroleum sources. These practices are also highly energy intensive, which puts pressure on power generation. Finally, the quantities of waste generated dwarf the actual final desired material (waste:product ~20:1 to 100:1) and most of this is either incinerated or dumped into landfills. Clearly, current practices are not environmentally responsible or sustainable. That said, chemical manufacturing is essential for the well-being and advancement of our society so it is incumbent on Ontario’s research institutes and companies to meet these challenges with cost-effective innovations that present win/win scenarios. Objectives: The Centre for Catalysis Research and Innovation (CCRI) at uOttawa will approach this opportunity by inventing technologies that will: a) address the need to balance the carbon footprint of chemical synthesis, b) supply bio-based alternatives to oil-derived starting materials, c) reduce the targeted quantities of the chemical product, and d) lower the energy requirements of chemical manufacturing. The CCRI has membership from the Faculties of Science, Engineering, and Medicine; each possessing unique and complementary skill-sets that afford a comprehensive approach to solving this large-scale project. The above objectives will be accomplished by the discovery and implementation of new catalysis procedures that, by their nature, improve synthetic efficiency and lower energy requirements. Some of these catalysts will themselves be small molecules invented by chemists, while others will be enzymes prepared by biochemists; both of which can be brought into manufacturing processes with input from our chemical engineers. Other team members work on the conversion of the waste stream products from forestry and agriculture into high value products, which is essential moving forward to help balance the carbon footprint. Finally, cutting-edge flow chemistry technology is being developed for just-in-time chemical manufacturing that will diminish the targeted quantities of the chemical end product. Pharmaceutical manufacturing companies Dalton Pharma, GlaxoSmithKline, Abbvie, and Eli Lilly have agreed to partner in this work with the anticipation of updating their own manufacturing practices. Partners whose manufacturing is based on the valorization of agricultural and forestry waste streams include Bioamber and EcoSynthetix. Finally, the integration of analytics to monitor flowed manufacturing processes will include the participation of Bruker and ThermoFisher. This ORF-RE project will provide new, clean fine-chemical manufacturing technology that will reduce waste and lower Ontario’s carbon footprint. It will enrich companies with cutting edge technology to be at the forefront of global chemical manufacturing, providing high-tech employment and wealth. Students trained in this environment will be empowered with knowledge to further push the boundaries in chemical manufacturing making for a cleaner and more prosperous province for generations to come.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies - Clean Technologies

Keywords: Catalysis, Biocatalysis, Chemical Manufacturing, Valorization, Flow Chemistry, Microbiology

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Ottawa Christian Beaulé Phone: 613-562-5800 x3405 Email: [email protected]

Sharon O`Sullivan

A Collaborative for Restoring Environmental Aboriginal Teaching-Observing Relationships in the Circular Economy

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Renewable energy is critical to establishing a sustainable circular economy, and to providing socioeconomic opportunities for Canada’s Aboriginal population. Large renewable energy projects are often located on or near Aboriginal lands, and require Aboriginal consent to be developed. Aboriginal leaders wish to make effective long-term renewable project management decisions to support their communities’ economic development, but need greater capacity to engage in this new circular economy. Although private, public, and nonprofit environmental training and development programs have proliferated in response to the growth in environmental career opportunities, little is known about how such programs retain the engagement, and build the capacity, of Aboriginals who have been deeply scarred by generations of trauma. Significantly fewer Aboriginals complete their university education compared to their non-Aboriginal cohorts. The literatures on human resource management for sustainability and on diversity provide no guidance for how to support sustainable career development for Aboriginal adults. Nor is there any formal association among Canadian universities’ Aboriginal Resource Centres (ARCs) that could promote knowledge exchange in this regard. This project will address these needs by establishing a research and policy Collaborative for the Restoration of Environmental Aboriginal Teaching-Observing Relationships in the new circular economy (a “CREATOR” Circle). The circle will include Aboriginal and Allied academics and professionals in the areas of adaptive learning for sustainability, cross-cultural training, career development, and Indigenous Studies at the University of Ottawa and First Nations University, as well as at private sector organizations (e.g., Lumos Energy), nonprofits (e.g., Eco Canada), and campus ARCs. It will investigate the processes that influence the formation, maintenance, and dissolution of learning relationships for environmental work, from the perspective of the Aboriginal trainees and their trainers/coaches, as well as that of staff at post-secondary ARCs. It will explore the factors that may influence mature (adult) Aboriginal university students and community leaders to develop their sustainable competencies via pertinent learning relationships, including their eco-career identity (how they perceive and talk about environmental careers) and cultural identity (how they view the relevance of such work to their cultural traditions), and document the benefits of these learning relationships from the perspective of each of the above stakeholders. PROJECT IMPACT: 1.New knowledge to support the development of highly qualified environmental personnel: Identification of culturally sensitive human resource management strategies to promote Aboriginal engagement in environmental learning relationships, and guidance for organizations to better support these relationships. 2. New mediums for ongoing knowledge exchange of best practices for environmental Aboriginal learning relationships: a website, a collaborative network (the CREATOR circle), and an annual meeting event for campus educators, trainers/coaches, and public policy makers. 3. Economic development: an improved pipeline of Aboriginal talent for environmental jobs; Identification of opportunities to transform hindering factors into social enterprises. 4. Societal benefits: address the educational recommendations of Canada’s Truth & Reconciliation Commission

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Environmental Sustainability, Aboriginals, Mentoring, Career Development, Situated Learning, Adult Learning

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Ottawa Christian Beaulé Phone: 613-562-5800 x3405 Email: [email protected]

Murat Saatcioglu

Multi hazard Research for Critical Infrastructure Protection and Resilience (CRISPR)

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The aim of the proposed research is to enhance the resilience of Ontario’s existing built infrastructure against the effects of earthquakes, fires, accidental or maliciously intended bomb blasts, and extreme wind events, including hurricanes; while reducing the impact and cost of potential disasters. It will leverage a recently awarded joint ORF/CFI multi-hazard test facility located at the University of Ottawa and Carleton University, and the existing unique research facilities of both universities enabling all hazards approach to critical infrastructure protection, an Ontario asset that does not exist anywhere in the country. The majority of existing physical infrastructure in Ontario was built prior to the development of modern design guidelines and standards. Hence, they remain vulnerable to natural hazards and human- induced threats. Furthermore, as Ontario’s infrastructure ages and becomes more vulnerable to these extreme load effects, the safety and security of our communities become increasingly more susceptible to human suffering and economic losses. To address this challenge there is a paradigm shift emerging in the global infrastructure research community to focus on the performance of built systems within a “multi- hazard” and “all-hazard” context. This allows a comprehensive assessment of risks associated with different hazards, either occurring separately or in combination (fire after earthquake, fireball effect after bomb blast; extreme wind effects and storm surges) in a way to target limited infrastructure dollars to high-impact retrofits and rehabilitations to benefit for multiple hazard resistance. Although most of the leading-edge research in structural and hydraulics engineering tends to focus on designing the next- generation of new, high-performance structures and facilities, both private and public sectors have a dire need to be able to address the resiliency of existing and aging infrastructure. These older structures constitute the vast majority of bridges, buildings as well as transportation and industrial facilities that Ontarians benefit from. Currently, Canada lacks assessment and mitigation guidelines and standards for built infrastructure subjected to extreme events, leaving engineers and designers in Ontario completely in the dark for improving safety and security of Ontarians. The objective of the proposed research project is to develop hazard mitigation and resilient infrastructure design guidelines and standards. It will combine Ontario-specific research, materials, and construction methods together with existing international standards and research to provide much needed guidance to engineers, industry, and government for the preservation and rehabilitation of existing Ontario infrastructure subject to multiple hazards. This will be accomplished through a combination of original engineering research and adaptation of international research into an Ontario context (which also requires new physical testing). Together, the University of Ottawa and Carleton University are uniquely positioned in Ontario and Canada to complete this project. There is nowhere else in Canada that has the combined expertise and state-of-the-art equipment and facilities to research the multi-hazards that may be caused by earthquakes, fires, bomb blasts, extreme wind effects, and hurricanes.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Infrastructure Resilience, Seismic Hazard, Blast Threat, Fire Risk, Wind Hazard, Hurricane Hazard, Risk Mitigation

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Ottawa Christian Beaulé Phone: 613-562-5800 x3405 Email: [email protected]

Vincent Tabard-Cossa

Point-of-Care Ultra-Sensitive Nanopore Diagnostic Platform Technology

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The future of diagnostics is dominated by two trends: increasing sensitivity and testing at the point of need. Emerging commercial ‘digital immunoassay’ technologies are now able to quantitate biomarkers below femtomolar levels, opening new frontiers in diagnosis. Unfortunately, the size, complexity and cost of these ultra-high performance systems preclude their use anywhere but in a centralized lab. What is needed is a technology that can deliver this level of performance in a portable and low-cost format. Nanopores, molecular-size channels in membranes, possess two main attributes that make them ideally suited to meet this demand: (i) intrinsic single-molecule sensitivity; (ii) purely electrical detection, rather than light-based, eliminating bulky and expensive optical components of other technologies. Despite this potential, nanopore technology has been severely constrained by the ability to fabricate pores in a commercial fashion. Existing technologies rely on naturally occurring biological pores in lipid membranes – a precise but constrained and fragile solution. Electron-beam drilled solid-state nanopores promise improved ruggedness, flexibility, but this fabrication methods rule out scalability and integration with large- scale semiconductor processes. To solve the fabrication issue, our group has developed a robust, inexpensive, and scalable method of forming solid-state nanopores – Controlled BreakDown, CBD. We can now rapidly fabricate pores of a desired size, in a fully automated fashion. With the fabrication bottleneck solved, we are focused on leveraging the strengths of solid-state nanopores to develop an ultra-high performance yet portable and low-cost diagnostic platform technology. While there are myriad applications in human health and life sciences research, our intention is to develop an ‘open immunoassay’ platform that can be tailored to a wide variety of analytes and sample types. This project is composed of three main objectives. (1) We will develop solid-state membranes optimized for CBD nanopore use. We will then integrate these membranes with microfabrication technologies in order to achieve arrays of nanosensors to increase throughput. (2) We will develop a molecular labeling and amplification scheme that, through conjugation to selected antibodies, can be tailored to a chosen set of protein biomarkers. Key to this strategy will be the design of labels to achieve unparalleled sensitivity and specificity. (3) We will develop the electronics and analysis systems to rapidly obtain quantitative information. Throughout the development of this technology, we will focus our efforts on the detection of traumatic brain injury markers, which will serve as a proof-of-principle demonstration of the power of the nanopore approach for ultra-sensitive detection at the point-of-need. The development of this advanced health technology will find many technological applications to secure a global competitive edge for the Ontario healthcare industry. Portable, high-performance diagnostics will have a dramatic impact on healthcare at the point of need (i.e. the bedside, or in remote settings) and will eventually enable new areas of precision medicine, including wearable monitoring. This research project will provide valuable multidisciplinary training in a range of critical areas positioning trainees to meet the demands of our growing high-tech biomedical industry, thereby strengthening Ontario’s knowledge-based economy.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Immunoassay, Nanopores, Biomarkers, Single-Molecule, Biosensing, Diagnostics, Nanotechnology, Biotechnology

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Ottawa Heart Institute Ann Nguyen Phone: 613-696-7000 x18940 Email: [email protected]

Peter Liu

Fast Advanced Strategy for Precision Therapeutic Targeting in Heart Failure (FASTT)

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The Need: Heart failure (HF) is now the most common chronic cardiovascular complication afflicting 1.5% of the Canadian population, with a lifetime risk of 20% for each individual, and one year mortality of 23% once diagnosed. Heart failure incurs over $8B annual cost in Canada and is the number one cause of unexpected admissions to hospital. In the last ten years, only two clinical trials involving new treatments for heart failure have been successful, compared to over 20 failed candidates in advanced phase 3 development. This has led to a desperate situation for patients with heart failure, incurring high health system and human costs. Part of the challenge in heart failure therapeutic search is the lack of new and validated targets to guide therapy. Many of the current candidates being studied are either derivatives of earlier targets, borrowed directly from other fields, or a shot in the dark, without much biological rationale, accounting for the high frequency of failure. The Solution: Our team has been successful in using mass spectrometry and aptamer-based proteomic technologies to identify novel heart failure diagnostic biomarkers, from a combination of reprogrammed human stem cells and human tissues from well phenotyped heart failure patients. Several of these novel markers have been validated in global heart failure cohorts, and are now being commercialized for clinical use in precision diagnosis. Importantly, many of these novel markers are also potential therapeutic targets for heart failure. Manipulation of several of these targets to date has conferred major improvements or reversal of heart failure in relevant animal models, providing consistent proof of concept. The Opportunity: We propose to develop an integrated platform for one-stop heart failure therapeutic development. We will fast-track biological validation through the use of surgically removed human myocardial samples from patients with heart failure, and de novo human cardiomyocytes reprogrammed from patient skin or blood cells, in conjunction with probing large genome wide databases for validation of specific markers by a Mendelian randomization approach. Biological functional validation will be done using specialized human heart biowire models, as well as new contracting cardiac organoids incorporating unique human haploid cells as sensitized screens, featuring reproducible contractile activity, cell viability and molecular profiles. The validated targets with human relevance will be screened against targeting biologics or small organic molecules using high throughput facility available at the University of Ottawa. We have also engaged global pharmaceutical companies as partners for joint clinical development. To further facilitate candidate validation before performing multi-million dollar outcomes studies, we will fast track the manufacturing of specific PET ligands for selected high value targets in our GMP radiopharmacy. Once these labelled ligands are validated with regulatory permission, they can be used in Phase 0/1 clinical evaluations for target engagement and therapeutic effect monitoring in actual patients, using integrated function and structure imaging with PET/MR, to vet high value therapeutic candidates. The successful implementation of this integrated FASTT platform will benefit patients in Ontario, Canada and globally, and will enhance Ontario’s standing as a hub of biotechnology innovation.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Heart Failure, Biomarker, Therapeutic Target, Precision Medicine, PET-MRI, Biowire, Cardiac Organoid

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Ottawa Heart Institute Ann Nguyen Phone: 613-696-7000 x18940 Email: [email protected]

Roger Glenn Wells

Optimization of Clinical SPECT Myocardial Blood Flow

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Absolute myocardial blood flow (MBF) and myocardial flow reserve (MFR) using positron emission tomography (PET) provides incremental diagnostic and prognostic power over relative myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). MPI is much more widely carried out with single photon emission tomography (SPECT) than with PET. However, measurements of MBF or MFR are very difficult with standard SPECT cameras. The recent development of dedicated solid-state cardiac cameras has made SPECT MBF measurement much more feasible and practical. Cameras such as the NM530c (GE Healthcare) and DSPECT (Spectrum Dynamics) have greatly improved sensitivity and are stationary. These features allow dynamic imaging with high temporal resolution and improved count density. Studies comparing SPECT to PET MBF in the same patients have shown considerable promise. However, these were single-site studies at experienced research sites. To use this technology clinically requires it to be evaluated in a multi-center trial. A study to assess the feasibility of implementing SPECT MBF more broadly has been started. Several sites in Canada (Hamilton, Ottawa and London), Brazil and Japan will be participating. The next stage will be to evaluate incremental benefit of SPECT MBF for diagnosis and prognosis. This international multi-center trial will be led by Ottawa and will include other Ontario sites. Current SPECT MBF studies indicate a reproducibility of 60% for MBF and 50% for MFR. This is higher and less optimal than the 30-40% reproducibility of Rb82 PET, the current clinical standard. To improve SPECT MBF reproducibility, we will: 1) Develop 4D reconstruction techniques for the SPECT multi- pinhole system that incorporate spatiotemporal priors. By capitalizing on the correlations between time frames, the noise in each frame can be reduced, improving image quality. 2) Investigate new low-noise scatter correction methods and use scattered photons in image reconstruction to reduce image noise and improve the precision of SPECT MBF. 3) Develop algorithms to automate a) motion correction and b) registration of the tissue-density map for attenuation correction, improving inter-operator variability. Finally, we will optimize SPECT MBF acquisition protocols to reduce patient dose. We will shorten protocol duration by developing methods to correct for extra-cardiac activity allowing the dynamic images to be used for MPI. The algorithms developed will be evaluated with data derived from the large international multi-center clinical trial. Ottawa will be the core lab for this trial and have full access to the raw data needed for developing and applying the novel reconstructions algorithms proposed and access to the follow-up data to assess benefits in diagnostic accuracy (invasive angiography) and in prognostic power (hard outcomes including cardiac mortality and myocardial infarction. Close collaboration with our partner GE Healthcare will provide access to technical knowledge of the system and provides a clear route for licencing of newly developed algorithms and protocols. This will also facilitate integration of the results of this research into application software and allow broad and rapid dissemination of the results through Canada and the world.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Image Reconstruction, Myocardial Blood Flow, SPECT, Cardiac Disease, Flow Reserve

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Baher Abdulhai

Centre for Transformative and Automated Transportation

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The University of Toronto Transportation Research Institute (UTTRI) proposes the timely creation of the multi-disciplinary Centre for Transformative and Automated Transportation (CTAT). The Centre brings together transportation and technology researchers from across UofT, governments, and the private sector to address the transportation, social, economic, and environmental implications of the rapidly emerging transformative technologies in the transportation industry including automated vehicle (AV) technologies, e-sharing (ride hailing, car sharing, ride sharing), electrification, robotics, and new paradigms of multi-modality. Transformative technological advances in transportation are evolving at a rapid pace creating dramatic implications and opportunities for the future of our cities, with many critical questions unanswered. Most pressing, and least addressed, are the large-scale transportation system challenges related travel demand, system performance and the environment. What impact will transformative technologies have on travel demand (more trips or less trips?), land use (more sprawl, or more compact?), transportation systems (more congested or less congested) and the environment (smaller or larger carbon footprint?). How will transformative technologies be used for personal and mass travel, parking and delivering goods? How will this paradigm shift impact the sustainability of our cities? We are witnessing the making of a future of disruptive emergence of “high tech” transportation that may very well transform travel patterns as well as travel-related values and attitudes. A brighter future for our transportation systems and our cities may emerge from a groundswell of citizen-centric and market-driven innovation in both technology and social organization. The boldest vision and the brightest future for our cities may demand a transportation system that is automated, multimodal, green and shared. A crisis, on the other hand, is equally possible, whereby the convenience of technologies and the heterogeneity in stakeholder interests promote unsustainable land use, travel patterns and increases in congestion, together with negative social and environmental impacts. Therefore, high-tech transportation, untamed, may not bring about the transformation we desire and deserve. Researchers, policy makers, planners and the industry must work together to provide analysis and decision tools, frameworks and platforms to guide the adoption of transformative transportation technologies for a positive change. This project assembles a multidisciplinary team to create analysis tools, methods, models and decision support systems to quantify the impacts of transformative transportation technologies on transportation demand, system performance, and the environment. The knowledge and tools will guide the design, adoption and governance of transportation technologies in the new era of automation, electrification, multi-modality and e-sharing, particularly in large metropolitan areas such as the Greater Toronto Area where congestion, system-wide performance and environmental sustainability are primary concerns. This outcome is only possible via the proposed collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach. Given the importance of the challenge, the interest at all three levels of government, and the large business opportunities for manufacturers and service providers, we are confident in the timeliness and significance of this initiative.<

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Transformative and Automated Transportation, Autonomous Driving, Transportation as a Service, Car/Ride Sharing

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

J. Stewart Aitchison

Advanced Instrumentation for Disease Screening

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Advances in lab-on-chip devices, high sensitivity imaging and portable computing make it possible to develop compact instrumentation which can deliver portable screening tests which have the same sensitivity as those performed in a conventional lab. Such tests based on an easily accessible sample such as a urine sample, or a single drop of blood from a finger prick can be rapid providing results in a matter of minutes. The reduction in the sample size and in the number of handling steps also reduces the risk of accidental cross infection and errors in handling patient data. This ORF proposal brings together the expertise of researchers from the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo and our industrial partners to establish a research project aimed at developing the next generation of point of care instrumentation. These new screening solutions are based on a combination of photonics, electronics, and nanomaterials coupled with microfluidics, image processing and portable computation and are under development our partner companies. The long turnout time in existing technologies is largely caused by the sample preparation, which will be reduced by exploiting a microfluidic platform, which enables multiplex processing and sample filtration/purification through 3-dimensional architecture. These functions will be integrated on chip so that all the testing steps can be automated. Sensing will be carried out using photonics and / or electrical interrogation of the chip. Current CMOS sensing coupled with powerful processers available in current smart phones allows for rapid and accurate interpretation of the test result. The performance of the final device will be compared to current testing methods currently used in central labs, such point-of-care tests will help to both improve health care delivery and reduce health care costs across Ontario. In addition these new technologies offer an opportunity to enhance the medical devices market in Ontario and support the product development of our industrial partners. The project will also train the next generation of engineers and scientists required to work in this cross disciplinary area.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Photonics, Electronics, Nanotechnology, Micro-fluidics, Imaging

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Cristina Amon

Hydrogen for Clean Energy Storage in Ontario

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Effective energy storage has long been considered the critical factor to unlock the potential of intermittent renewable energy resources and transition our energy infrastructure to a carbon neutral system. But among the various technical challenges, a persistent question confronts the scale required for the energy demands of the future. Whether for utility level or distributed power systems, personal (automotive) or public (bus or locomotive) transportation, hydrogen provides an effective, scalable means of energy storage. While current industrial production of hydrogen typically involves steam reforming of hydrocarbons, other methods of hydrogen production exist that can work at both small and large scales, and combine with other renewable energy technologies. Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) water electrolyzers are a commercially available technology that produce carbon-free hydrogen by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen. Another emerging method of carbon-free hydrogen production is through photovoltaic-electrolysis, which can include electrolyzers paired with electrolyzers or direct solar water splitting. This project will consider the use of PEM electrolyzers and photovoltaic-electrolysis, and the optimization of these technologies into scalable systems, with an initial focus on distributed generation systems that would see hydrogen storage used at the household and community level. Applications include an energy storage system to be paired with rooftop photovoltaic panels for household storage, as well as systems that would work for small off-grid communities. PEM electrolyzers are an effective method to store excess electricity generation from distributed energy resources such as wind turbines or solar panels allowing energy to be stored and used when these resources (wind, sun) are not available. Photovoltaic-electrolysis can be utilized in a similar fashion, but requires dedicated use of the solar resource to produce hydrogen. Optimization strategies will be employed to determine the best means of hydrogen production for each of these technologies given the required energy outputs and the availability and intermittency of inputs.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies - Clean Technologies

Keywords: Energy storage, PEM Electrolyzers, Photovoltaic-electrolysis, Organic Photovoltaics, Fuel Cells

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Timothy Barfoot

Taking the Hard Road: Persistent and Robust Autonomy for Level-5 Self-Driving Vehicles

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Self-driving vehicles have the potential to revolutionize our lives by providing safer, time-saving, and cheaper mobility. Several automotive and technology giants have pledged that self-driving cars will arrive on our roads in the near future, with degrees of promised autonomy ranging from Level 2 (Partial Automation) to Level 4 (High Automation). However, according to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) definition, it is only Level 5 (Full Automation) that will provide autonomy in all conditions that can be managed by a human driver (e.g., all weather, all seasons, all environments, and anywhere). A great deal more research is required to deliver the persistent and robust autonomy demanded by Level 5. Accordingly, the objective of our project is to develop, demonstrate, and commercialize key technologies to support Level 5 self-driving vehicles. We have assembled a world-class team of researchers and industrial collaborators from Ontario, ideally suited to this project. Academically, we have robotics, machine learning, and computer vision researchers from the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo, Queen’s University, and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. Our primary industrial partner is General Motors Canada, which recently announced that it will hire up to 1000 engineers related to connected and autonomous vehicles at its new Ontario technology centre. We also seek to involve General Dynamics Land Systems Canada (London; armoured vehicles for the Canadian Forces), Applanix Corporation (Toronto; positioning systems), Atlas Copco (Sudbury; mining vehicles), and Quanergy (Ottawa; lidars), all companies with a strong Ontario presence. The technological challenges that we seek to address in support of Level 5 automation are (i) long-term localization and mapping for dynamic, unstructured, and changing environments, (ii) accurate yet robust control, (iii) perception in never-seen-before situations, (iv) calibration and fault detection of sensors, and (v) failsafe autonomous functions. Tackling these issues will require novel sensing modalities, new algorithms rooted in machine learning and control/estimation theory, exploitation of big data/cloud computing, and extensive field testing. Ontario is the only province that currently allows self-driving tests on public roads and naturally offers a diversity of seasonal conditions, making it an ideal location to work on Level 5 automation. This project also strives to build a ‘pipeline of people’ needed to support the burgeoning autonomous vehicles industry in Ontario. We plan to connect with FIRST Robotics Canada to get students thinking about self-driving careers early. Next, we will build a strong connection to the UofT and Waterloo teams competing in the new undergraduate SAE/GM AutoDrive competition in which students will program a real self-driving car. Finally, technologies developed by graduate students will have multiple paths to commercialization, either directly through our industrial partners who span multiple application sectors, or through connections with start-up incubators, such as UofT’s world-famous Creative Destruction Lab. Self-driving vehicles are coming. Our project will play a big part in the future of transportation by creating new, disruptive Level 5 automation technologies, and by fostering an environment in which our talented young scientists and engineers have a path to employment in this province.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Self-driving Car, Autonomous Vehicle, Driverless Car, Mobile Robotics, Autonomy

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Benjamin Blencowe

Modulation of a Splicing Regulatory Network Commonly Disrupted in Autism

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW A key challenge in developing an effective treatment for autism is to identify common mechanisms underlying this genetically heterogeneous disorder that can be pharmacologically modulated. Using high- throughput RNA sequencing, we made the fundamental observation that a large program of highly conserved, 3-27 nucleotide-long neuronal microexons have reduced levels of splicing in the brains of more than one-third of analyzed individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (Irimia et al. Cell, 2014). Moreover, this misregulation correlated significantly with reduced levels of expression of the neuronal- specific Ser/Arg-repeat splicing factor of 100 KDa (nSR100/SRRM4), a regulator we identified several years ago that directly activates an extensive program of neuronal splicing that includes microexons (Calarco et al. Cell, 2009; Raj et al. Mol Cell, 2014; Irimia et al. Cell, 2014). Importantly, supporting a causative role for nSR100 deficiency in autism, we recently observed that mice haploinsufficient for nSR100 display numerous hallmark features of ASD, including altered social behavior, increased sensitivity to environmental stimuli, as well as neurodevelopmental and functional abnormalities including impaired neurite outgrowth, aberrant cortical layering, altered synaptic density and signaling (Quesnele- Vallieres et al. Mol Cell, 2016). We further demonstrated that levels of nSR100 protein and the splicing of its target microexon program rapidly decrease following neuronal activation. These studies have thus suggested a common mechanistic framework underlying a substantial fraction of ASD cases, namely, that diverse genetic insults that lead to this disorder likely converge on nSR100 and its target microexon program by causing increased neuronal activity. Collectively, these results further suggest that drugs capable of selectively stimulating nSR100 activity represent a potential treatment strategy for ASD- associated deficiencies. The overarching goal of research in this Ontario Research Fund proposal is to apply an integrated novel screening strategy we developed to identify small molecules that specifically stimulate nSR100 function, so as to restore normal levels of neuronal splicing and correct ASD- associated phenotypes. The key aims are to: 1) employ multifaceted, high-throughput cell-based reporter screens to systematically identify small molecules and pathways that impact nSR100 function and neuronal microexon inclusion; 2) use a multiplexed RT-PCR coupled to barcode sequencing platform, RNA sequencing, proteomics, and splicing assays, to determine the specificity, targets, and mechanisms of action of lead compounds; and 3) evaluate and further optimize lead compounds for rescue of autism- associated phenotypes using cell-based assays, human cerebral organoids, and our new nSR100- haploinsufficient mouse model for ASD. Collectively, the proposed research will establish an innovative screening platform that enables the rapid and systematic identification and characterization of small molecules that modulate a splicing regulatory network that is frequently disrupted – and causally implicated in – ASD. The results of the proposed research will thus hold promise for significantly advancing our understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying ASD, as well as the development of a novel splicing-directed therapeutic strategy relevant to a substantial fraction of individuals with ASD.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Alternative Splicing, Nsr100/SRRM4, High-throughput Screens

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Charles Boone

Chemical Genomics and Machine Learning for Drug Target Discovery

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Development of new compound libraries has outpaced the functional characterization of these molecules, leading to a growing knowledge gap. Chemicals that target specific bioprocesses and proteins are valuable because they provide insight into cell function and represent leads for drug development. Despite a wealth of sequence data that has identified many potential new drug targets, we lack the chemical probes to take advantage of these insights. A chemical-genomic screen involves testing a collection of defined mutant cells or organisms for sensitivity to a specific compound and thus has the potential to monitor all cellular pathways in an unbiased manner. A chemical-genetic interaction occurs when a mutant strain exhibits a phenotype when grown in the presence of a specific compound. Quantifying the phenotypes of a collection of mutant strains in response to compound treatment generates a chemical-genetic interaction profile indicative of a compound’s mode-of-action. We used previous investment from the ORF to develop three functional genomics platforms that we now propose to integrate for high-throughput and scalable drug target discovery. First, we developed a chemical-genomic screening system to functionally annotate large compound collections in yeast. The platform consists of: [1] a diagnostic set of barcoded mutant strains; [2] a highly-multiplexed barcode sequencing protocol; [3] analytical tools to functionally annotate compounds. We applied this approach to identify the biological process/pathway targets of ~1,500 compounds (Nat. Chem Biol., in press). Second, we developed an imaging platform that combines automated yeast genetics, high-content screening and deep learning for quantitative exploration of the proteome and cell morphology (Mol Syst Biol 13:924). Finally, we developed CRISPR-Cas9 libraries targeting all human protein-coding genes, performed genome-wide screens to discover essential genes in cancer cells (Cell 163:1515), and developed resources for mapping genetic interactions in human cells. We also used our CRISPR library to generate chemical-genetic interaction profiles that identified mechanisms of both drug sensitization and resistance. We now propose to apply the tools and approaches developed in yeast as a general strategy to map chemical-genetic and phenomic networks for human cells and identify new drug leads. Our specific goals are to: 1. Develop cell biology markers to classify compound activity using phenomics imaging and machine learning. 2. Develop a streamlined ‘diagnostic collection’ of isogenic human cell lines for chemical-genomics analysis. This aim will generate chemical-genetic interaction profiles, using both fitness-based and single cell readouts, to map genetic sensitivities for a diverse set of compounds including known cancer drugs. 3. Develop computational strategies to integrate data from Aims 1 and 2 with our human genetic interaction network and link compounds to specific targets. In summary, we plan to map the first large-scale chemical-genetic networks in human cells. Our project will generate unique chemical-genetic and phenomic datasets that will expand our understanding of druggable target space and identify new drug leads. The resultant data will reveal drug mode-of-action in human cancer cells, inform on combination strategies for targeting specific cancer types, predict genetic mechanisms of drug resistance, and identify markers of resistance to commonly used drugs.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Genetics, Complex Disease, Genomics, Computational Biology, Systems Biology, Personalized Medicine Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Aled Edwards

Open Science Business Models

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The objectives of this research are to develop quantitative and qualitative methods to compare the scientific and economic impacts of open and closed science models, using the Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto) and BioZone (Faculty of Engineering, University of Toronto) as open science models. Rationale: The Ontario and Canadian governments have struggled to define the roles of universities in driving innovation. For the past two decades, policies have been designed to support a traditional view of technology transfer, in which discoveries from academia are protected in order to attract risk capital so as to advance the idea into a product. While this closed innovation system has proven effective in isolated cases, at a broader level and despite robust support for the technology transfer model, the monetary returns on investments to academic institutions have been marginal. In 2010, Canadian universities, in toto, generated a net of $2M in licensing income on a research budget of over $10B. With the caveat that monetary returns to universities are only one measure of technology transfer, these data suggest that alternative commercialization strategies should be tested. The BioZone (https://www.biozone.utoronto.ca/) and SGC (https://thesgc.org) represent emerging models of innovation that provide excellent case studies. BioZone is a center in the Faculty of Engineering. BioZone is a hub in which Professors and their students engage in projects with a host of Canadian and international companies in the bio-economy. BioZone exploits different collaborative models, both closed and open. For the past 14 years, the SGC, a charity based in London, UK, but led from the University of Toronto, has been championing an open access model of innovation. In 2016, the SGC model was highlighted in the UK. Dowling Report and by the Canadian STIC group as a paradigm of university-industry, and is being studied by the European Commission as a model of open science. The SGC recently formed a partnership with the Montreal Neurological Institute, the first institution in the world that has adopted an open science policy. Both the SGC and BioZone have created several spin-off companies. The project will compare the economic, training and economic returns on investment of the SGC and BioZone models with more traditional technology transfer models. Our team, which will comprise economic, legal and innovation scholars, will partner with public and private sector funders to develop metrics of success, and compare the BioZone and SGC models with other large science and engineering initiatives. The deliverable of this project will be a report that describes the economic benefits and drawbacks of adopting an open science business model.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Open Science, Economic Development, Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property, Public- private Partnership

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Kamran Esmaeili

A Real-time Dynamic Geo-modelling to Enable Analytics Applied to the Optimization of the Mining Value Chain

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Canada has traditionally been at the forefront of the mining industry and is one of the leading mining nations in the world through its production of more than 60 minerals and metals (with Ontario as the leading province in Canada in mineral production). In the last two decades, the mining industry has experienced changes from the adoption of advanced technologies, introducing further automation into mining operations. These changes have increased productivity and visibility into certain parts of the mining value chain. Despite these improvements, the mining industry is still facing many challenges. The easily accessible ore deposits are being depleted rapidly and new ore reserves are lower in grade, more complex geologically, and increasingly challenging to discover and extract. Moreover, the amount of energy required to extract one ton of ore is significantly increasing. Therefore, prevailing practices in mineral resource management (conventional deterministic mine design methods, discontinuous mining process monitoring approaches, decision making based on partial information and missing facts) will be no longer suitable to address these challenging and complex issues. Addressing the challenges faced by the mining industry will require the development of interdisciplinary approaches that allow maximizing the economic return of mining projects under the evolving and uncertain market conditions of today. More profound productivity gains and efficiencies can be achieved if the decision-making process in mining operations is supported by high-quality, real-time information that enables advanced analytics, predictive modeling, and continuous optimization. A mine design process starts with the collection of field data for populating geological, geotechnical and geometalurgical models. These geo-spatial models are then used for mine optimization through an iterative process. The quality and quantity of the collected field data could significantly influence the reliability of these models, which in turns impacts the efficiency of the mine design process and the economic value of the mining project. Therefore, strong attention should be paid to the field data collection from day one in the development of a new mining project. In mining operations, these geo-spatial models are generally updated through an intermittent process, as new data become available, and the continuous reconciliation of these models is still a very challenging task. The current project aims to develop a framework that allows real-time sensor-based measurement of field data, data analytics and real-time updating of geo-spatial models to improve predictability of these 3D spatial models. This framework enables the reduction of uncertainties in key decision-making processes, yielding in a more cost-effective mining operation and an improved utilization and throughput of mining/milling process.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Geomodeling, Analytics, Data Management and Integration, Continuous Reconciliation, Visualization, Optimization

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Ramin Farnood

Net Zero Wastewater Treatment for a Carbon Neutral Economy

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Industrial and municipal wastewater represents a challenge that can yield opportunities to support Canada’s transition towards a net zero carbon economy. In Ontario, water and wastewater services alone account for one-third to one-half of a municipality’s total electricity use. Complying with discharge standards requires wastewater treatment facilities to consume large amounts of energy and material. At the same time, wastewater contains nutrient and energy resources, which can be recovered for effective secondary use if treated properly. Furthermore, wastewater treatment is an overlooked source of greenhouse gas emissions, and thus an untapped opportunity for innovative climate mitigation technologies to enable product recovery, diversion, conversion, emissions reduction, along with increased energy efficiency and generation. Our vision is a flexible multi-stage process for net zero wastewater treatment that can be adapted to different wastewater streams and transform treatment plants into sources of valuable products that can be exported or reused.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies - Clean Technologies

Keywords: Wastewater Treatment, Biosolids, Nutrient Recovery, Biogas Production, Power Generation, Waste Valorization

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Zhong-Ping Feng

Novel Imaging Technology for Contactless Blood Pressure Measurement in Hypertension Monitoring and Telemedicine

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW One in four Canadians suffers from high blood pressure (hypertension). It is a leading risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Close monitoring and proper management of high blood pressure to target is highly effective in mitigating cardiovascular disease risk. One of the major technological challenges is how to monitor blood pressure both accurately and conveniently at home, at work, and remotely without a bulky device. A recent technological breakthrough at the University of Toronto and its Ontario-based industrial partner Nuralogix has overcome this difficulty. This innovative technology uses the digital video cameras embedded within mobile phones to record and extract blood flow information from the face, and then applies advanced machine learning algorithms to determine blood pressure. To date, testing on human volunteers from multiple ethnicities and ages in Toronto has shown that our blood pressure measurements meet or exceed the international standards in accuracy and reliability mandated by Health Canada and the FDA. Our technology is the first in the world that is capable of measuring blood pressure remotely, noninvasively, and inexpensively, while maintaining high accuracy and reliability. In response to the recent call of the Ontario Research Fund, we have assembled a team consisting of highly experienced basic and clinical researchers at the University of Toronto and the University of Ottawa with expertise in physiology, cardiovascular disease, neuroscience, and biomedicine, as well as machine learning engineers at Nuralogix (our industrial partner). We propose to conduct three sets of studies: (1) clinical validation studies with patients at home, at work, and at medical clinics to assess the reliability and accuracy of the technology in real world settings to ensure its compliance with international standards; (2) clinical validation studies in hypertensive patients undergoing drug treatment to assess the feasibility of this technology’s application in patient blood pressure management and treatment effectiveness monitoring; and (3) clinical studies with hypertensive patients who live in rural or remote Ontario communities to test the effectiveness and viability of this technology’s application in telemedicine. With the support of the Ontario Research Fund, we will develop the first-ever medical grade mobile application for the continuous monitoring of blood pressure that is contactless, convenient and inexpensive. We anticipate widespread use of the mobile application in homes, workplaces, clinics, and remote locations away from medical centres. As a consequence, there will be reduced cardiovascular disease risk and improved health and well-being. Ultimately we hope this made- in-Ontario technology will bring significant economic, health, and societal benefits to Ontario and beyond.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Hypertension, Cardiovascular Disease Monitoring and Prevention, Telemedicine, Machine Learning

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

M. Cynthia Goh

Novel Photocatalysts to Combat Emerging Contaminants in Ontario's Drinking Water: From Design to Deployment

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW A team of U of T researchers led by the Principal Investigator (PI) Prof. Cynthia Goh has developed a family of stable, highly efficient, visible-light photocatalysts based on nanoparticles and two-dimensional nanocomposites. These materials have shown a remarkably high capacity to degrade various pollutants in water. Our vision is to build on these early results to develop catalyst technologies capable of addressing a significant challenge in Ontario's water sector: the disposal and management of emerging contaminants in drinking water treatment and distribution systems. To that end, Prof. Goh has partnered with water expert Prof. Susan Andrews who has investigated various approaches to cleaning water for drinking. Prof. Andrews has evaluated a wide range of disinfection technologies including those that use light (ultraviolet, solar, existing photocatalysts) as an alternative to traditional chemical disinfectants (chlorine) to inactivate pathogens and pharmaceuticals. She regularly engages in collaborations with government and industry to address pressing questions related to water quality. The PIs are mainly concerned with contaminants in drinking water. These include so-called emerging contaminants such as antibiotics and antidepressants that continue to be detected in our water supply. In fact, more than 30 families of drugs have been detected in some areas of the Great Lakes. The discharge of dyes into the environment is also a growing concern for industry and municipal treatment plants alike. Dyes can enter water sources as industrial effluents from the textile, pulp and paper, and printing industries or as leached chemicals from landfills. What makes pharmaceuticals and dyes particularly potent is the fact that they can enter the environment through many potential pathways, are difficult to break down, and undergo transformations that generate potentially toxic byproducts. Even at ng/L concentrations, pharmaceuticals can react with chlorine during disinfection to form carcinogenic byproducts like nitrosamine compounds. But traditional treatment processes are currently limited in their ability to remove both pharmaceuticals and dyes. In this research program, we will leverage leading knowledge in the fundamental and applied aspects of catalysis to develop visible-light photocatalysts to remove such contaminants in water. The key objectives are: (i) to further develop novel nanostructured photocatalysts capable of degrading select pharmaceuticals and dyes in water, (ii) to address the fundamental questions concerning these materials, such as the details of their surface sites and reactivity, catalyst regeneration, and the links between catalyst architecture and properties, (iii) to investigate approaches for industrial scale-up of these materials, (iv) to develop an efficient reactor system where degradation reactions can take place, and (v) to test and deploy the system at partners' host sites. However, the successful commercialization of the materials will demand breakthroughs on a number of fronts, including improvements to visible-light activity and the catalysts’ degradation efficiencies, selectivities, and stability under real-world operating conditions. Therefore, we will build on the strong track record of the PIs in knowledge translation and collaboration with the water sector to develop a robust system that operates well in commercial settings and that enhances the quality of Ontario's drinking water.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies - Clean Technologies

Keywords: Cleantech, Photocatalysts, Nanomaterials, Coatings, Surface Chemistry, Drinking Water, Emerging Contaminants, Dyes

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Giovanni Grasselli

Ontario's Shales - From Toronto's Tunnelling to Provincial Energy Resource

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The past few years have seen a drastic increase of hydrocarbon production worldwide, mainly thanks to technological advances associated with horizontal drilling techniques and hydraulic fracturing procedures, which made more resources to become economically recoverable. Although unconventional resources are already changing the energy scenario and are acknowledged to become a fundamental source for meeting future energy needs, a major research effort is needed to develop computational technologies and management strategies to optimize their clean exploitation, as well as to improve the production of existing resources in carbonates and in fractured formations. Despite shale gas development is generally associated to Western Canada operations, hydrocarbon-rich shale formations are also widely present in South of Ontario subsurface and have been already identified as potentially viable source of natural gas for the province in a 2012 Ontario Geological Survey report. Despite the fact that, according to the Ontario Petroleum Institute, about 50% of the recoverable natural gas present in the province remains to be developed, Ontario currently imports the most of the hydrocarbons that are necessary to sustain its economy. Increasing oil and gas production from the province’s own natural resources would not only greatly reduce environmental risks associated with hydrocarbon transport, but, at the same time, in would contribute to the provincial economic growth through the jobs created and the services and supplies purchased in towns, cities and municipalities across Ontario. In addition to that, less rich in organic content shales, such as the Georgian Bay formation, are fundamental to the Ontario’s economy as they constitute the GTA bedrock where most of tunnels and underground infrastructures are excavated, and are also one of the rock formation the might be considered to host the future deep nuclear waste repository that will securely store Canadian depleted nuclear fuel. The vision associated to the proposed project is the creation of Ontario-based innovation provider, which, focusing on the fundamentals of rock physics and rock mechanics, will develop fundamental understanding of the complex multiscale processes associated to the exploitation of shale reservoirs, as well as the safer, and more economical development of GTA underground space. The anticipated novel understanding of these processes will be transferred into innovative modelling solutions able to fully capture the mechanical behavior of shale under thermal- hydro-mechanical loading, providing the Ontario’s industry with a scientifically-sound workflow for the optimization of hydraulic fracturing treatments. It is also expected that the application of these research findings will also provide the industry with further geomechanical insights and additional capabilities to interpret the monitored microseismicity and, specifically, will provide solid bases for the seismic rick estimation related to both fracking and underground excavations.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: GPU, High Performance Computing, Shales, Tunnelling, Unconventional Resources, Clean Exploitation, Microseismicity

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Patrick Gunning

Development of the Clinical Trial Candidate Small Molecule STAT3/5 Inhibitors

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Project Aim: In this project, utilizing our novel medicinal chemistry approach, we aim to deliver the first direct, small molecule inhibitors of STAT3/5 protein(s) as candidates for clinical trials in oncology, psoriasis, and muscle wasting diseases. Background: STAT3 and STAT5 proteins, proliferation- promoting transcription factors, are key pathological drivers of many cancers and other disorders. STAT3/5 have been recognized as highly promising clinical targets for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, medulloblastoma (MB), glioblastoma (GBM), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), psoriasis, and more recently, muscle wasting diseases, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Until now, however, STAT3/5 were deemed undruggable due to the absence of a well-defined binding site. The academic group of Prof. Patrick Gunning, over the past 10 years, has successfully developed and validated a novel medicinal chemistry approach, which yielded the most potent small molecule inhibitors of STAT3 and STAT5 proteins. In comparison to existing covalent inhibitors, this approach incorporates a most reactive warhead, which readily reacts with the STAT3/5 target, conferring a strong therapeutic effect. Notably, this inhibitor does not react with off-targets in the pharmacokinetic phase due to a unique molecular fold, which confers clinic-grade metabolic stability and lack of toxicity. The resultant STAT3/5 inhibitors have been demonstrated, in preclinical trials, to exert strong therapeutic effect, as measured by the reduction in tumour volume and extended survival, in mouse models of GBM, AML, the most aggressive Group 3 MB, pancreatic cancer and psoriasis. Of no lesser significance is the clinic-grade pharmacokinetic and toxicology characteristics of these inhibitors: they exhibit significant metabolic stability and limited toxicity. Project Objectives: With the broad objective to deliver a series of clinical trial candidates STAT3/5 inhibitors for oncology, psoriasis and muscle wasting disorders, the project has the following specific objectives: 1) Maximize the anti-STAT3/5 inhibitory potency via fine-tuning the reactivity of the electrophilic warhead. 2) Optimize the blood-brain-barrier permeability for enhanced in vivo efficacy in brain cancers, including MB and GBM. 3) Enhance bone-marrow penetration for increased in vivo efficacy in blood cancers, including AML. 4) Conduct preclinical assessment of lead compounds for efficacy, toxicology and pharmacokinetics to short-list most suitable candidates for IND-enabling studies and further clinical trials in AML, GBM, MB, psoriasis, and DMD. Methodologies: Inhibitors will be chemical optimized and undergo biophysical evaluation against STAT3/5 targets and off-targets, in vitro metabolic stability and cellular efficacy in the Gunning group. Efficacy in patient-derived cells and in vivo models, in vivo toxicity and pharmacokinetic studies will be performed by the established network of world-class scientists in AML, GBM, MB, psoriasis and DMD. Significance: Our unique therapeutic approach has furnished the first highly promising STAT3/5 small molecule therapeutics. This project will not only enable the advancement of one or more of these drug candidates to clinical trials, but more importantly serve as a stepping stone to delivering the game- changing ant STAT3/5 therapy to the clinic, to address the highly unmet need of oncological, psoriasis and muscle wasting disease indications.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: STA3, STAT5, Small Molecule Inhibitors, Cancer, Psoriasis, Muscle Wasting Diseases, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Dimitrios Hatzinakos

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Monitoring Sensor Networks (UAV-MSN)

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) offer an unprecedented opportunity for effecting reliable monitoring and communication in remote and difficult-to-navigate terrain. The objective of the proposed research is to develop signaling and location control schemes that enable UAVs to cooperate among each other to gather, process and communicate reliable information from a variety of sensors to ground and cellular base stations. In this framework, each UAV will act as a data aggregator capable of broadcasting, combining and monitoring information from sensor networks with tens of thousands of nodes. Depending on application, the signals transmitted by these nodes will provide information on several parameters, e.g., temperature, humidity, pressure, luminosity, electromagnetic radiation, moving patterns and chemical composition of the terrain. Such information is crucial for a broad range of civil, military and national security applications, e.g., monitoring of forest fires, issuing agricultural advice and warnings monitoring power lines, relaying information on natural catastrophes and battlefield scenes. The UAV units have two options to forward their aggregated/processed data; either to interface to existing cellular infrastructure, or to store and fly this information to the proximity of the destination. The focus of the prospective proposal can be summarized in the following elements: a) a sensing system of static terrestrial wireless sensors which monitor in an intelligent manner, i.e., optimal sampling, resolution, etc., the parameters of interest, e.g., soil humidity, harmonic content on a power line, etc.; b) a network of agile UAV units employed to remotely and dynamically visit the sensor nodes and collect data; and c) long distance communication and control of the network composed of the UAV units. The expected outcome is to develop a practical, versatile and cost-effective hardware/software platform that enables effective extraction and utilization of the data received by the UAVs from a multitude of low-power sensors. These schemes fall under three main categories. The first comprises the wireless communication signalling schemes and protocols necessary for the UAVs to detect and decode the messages transmitted by the sensors. These protocols include mechanisms for enabling multiple UAVs to cooperate and coordinate their transmissions, thereby creating a network of UAVs that have the capacity of changing their locations and altitudes to save energy and operating and maintenance costs. The second category comprises the on-board signal processing modules that will classify and compress the messages received from the sensors. Such schemes ought to be computationally appealing to enable efficient utilization of power and timely communication of delay-sensitive information, which may arise in emergency situations. The last category comprises algorithms that will be used to control navigation, orientation and altitude of the UAVs and their on-board batteries and equipment. The control algorithms must account for both transient and steady-state operation of the UAVs and must take reliability and malfunctioning potential into consideration.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Sensor Networks, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Mobile Sinks, Energy Efficiency, Communication Protocols/Architecture

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Amr Helmy

Enabling the Next Phase of the Information Age through Quantum Technologies

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW This project aims at designing, fabricating and characterizing nano-photonic devices with quantum properties, which significantly outperforms its pears. The novel design that will be developed in this project will enable such devices to be manufactured using proven, foundry based manufacturing processes to maximize yield and expedite product development and qualification. The functionality of these devices will target applications in emerging information technology domains including optical communication systems and advanced optical information processing and instrumentation. Example outcomes of the project described above include novel light amplifying device with superior noise properties, novel THz sources with unprecedented form-factor and exquisite line-width and noise performance.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Optical Devices, Quantum Photonics, Nano-photonics, Optical Information Processing, Agile Optical Networks

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Peter Herman

Laser Nano-Engineering of Smart Glass Technologies

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The program exploits state-of-the-art laser technology in discovery, development and harvesting of novel laser interaction physics when focused inside transparent media. The program seeks new means to control the shape and physical dynamics evolving in glasses at the frontier of three-dimensional (3-D) nanofabrication and nanoscience. This, in turn, is directed at the generation of novel optical sensing, communication and probing tools that can be integrated into flexible forms of integrated circuit chips, surgical catheters, flexible fibre, or smart-touch display glass. The program connects with Ontario industrial partners to develop new laser manufacturing methods and invent new product concepts for technology transfer and creation of new companies. The program is grounded in both fundamental science and technology innovation that aims on several multi-disciplinary and collaborative directions to create a broad base ‘Smart glass’ technology. Laser interaction physics is studied and steered along new directions of nonlinear beam propagation to manipulate inside transparent materials for unusual modes of 3D modification. This includes forefront challenges to open nanoholes, scribe novel shapes, pattern micro-optical circuits, imbed micro-mechanical cantilevers, and excise microfluidic channels in controllable patterns inside solid material. Our team follows in several dimensions on creating highly functional touch screens in consumer products, dense photonic circuits in optical fibers, powerful biosensing probes in catheters, and compact integrated forms of lab-in-fiber and lab-in film devices that interface with a fast-growing sector of Ontario’s industry and medical service institutions. The new capabilities particularly address nanoscale devices and compact 3D micropackaging in fields of optical communication, display, sensors for energy exploration, point-of-care diagnostics, biomedical products, optical communications, and laser control systems. The program aims to create a formidable research and training team that will be world leading for learning, discovery and technological innovation as a new generation of ‘Smart Glass’ devices enriches the human interface with the world. The study of the novel laser interaction physics on ultrafast time domains are a timely opportunity for advancing the science to exploit 3D structuring of transparent material. By learning to control nonlinear optical interactions, reproducible process may be developed to enable new forms of advanced 3D manufacturing for transfer to our partners. The objective is to transform optical manufacturing from multi-step processing steps of grinding, polishing, assembly and packaging of many components into a ‘touchless’ laser-scanning processes that can seamlessly integrate multi-functional components into much smaller form factor. In one application direction, this seeks the integration of 3D optical circuits and sensor components into thin flexible glass fibers that can dramatically reduce fabrication costs, while enabling highly advanced functionality directly inside the underlying platform in today’s all-fibre optical communication networks. This approach promises to accelerate the adoption of the “Internet of Things”, for example, by providing distributed environmental sensing over long-distance fibre networks. Alternatively, more-compact and advanced forms of biomedical probes and surgical tools are targeted that can improve health care and safety.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Additive Laser Manufacturing, 3D Laser Nanoprocessing, Lab-in-Fiber, Lab-in-Film, Optical Sensing, Smart Catheters

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Hans Jacobsen

Blockchains as Enabler for Novel Services in E-government, E-health and Finance

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Based on decentralized consensus, cryptography, and economic incentives, blockchains have spurred widespread interests in the past few years. Their main adoption has been in realizing effective cyber- currencies, yet, potential applications are possible in a far broader scope of use (e.g., online contract settlement, marketplaces, reputation systems, fake news tracking, etc.). The objectives of this research project are to engage with partners to develop novel services based on blockchain technology, specifically targeted at e-government, e-health and finance. The insights gained from these efforts will in turn be used to further push the development and the foundation of blockchains, aiming at improved predictability of blockchain-based transactions, reduced settlement time, and, overall, ease of use in building distributed crypto economics. Research challenges with current blockchain technology lie in the lack of formal guarantees, in the wastage of huge amounts of computing power to establish proof-of-work when adding entries into logs and ledgers, lack of modeling and analysis tools that help evaluate effects under scaling assumptions and what-if scenarios, integration of blockchains into existing business processing, and their adoption across ecosystems and applications.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Blockchains, Distributed Systems, Software Systems, Business Processes

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Bryan Karney

Joint Optimization of the Water and Energy Infrastructures

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Effective adaptation to climate change will require a deep understanding of the interdependence of water and energy. Energy is needed to pump and process water (the dominate operating cost for most utilities), while water is almost inevitably needed to produce energy. In fact, 60% of Canadian electricity generation comes from hydroelectricity, and water is often the key coolant in thermal power plants. The quest for increased energy efficiency has often come at the expense of the overall water system, leading either to compromised use, degraded natural systems associated with excessive withdrawals or unacceptable levels of contamination. Even with its abundant water resources, Ontario has largely addressed these two key systems as separate challenges. In the face of modern demands, this separation is increasingly untenable. The research will study at intersection of water and energy infrastructures, approaching these challenges through improved system modeling and decision support, enhanced data collection and laboratory analysis, and improved computation. In particular we will rely on optimization and/or multi- objective analysis (MOA), improved control, and machine learning to design computational tools that enable systematic infrastructure planning, design, operation, maintenance and replacement and overall management. Analysis and operation of hydroelectric power plants will be a core concern, as will be the energy efficient operation of water and closely related infrastructures. Some of the specific challenges will include investigating the operation of hydroelectric power plants in power systems under pollution constraints such as limiting eutrophication in reservoirs and downstream rivers including oxygen depletion; using MOA and optimization to improve the operation of hydroelectric power plants considering wear-and-tear resulting from flexibility requirements for intermittent renewables; the use of municipal water pumps and hot water heaters to provide regulation service for the electric power grid; and sensing and data analytics for predicting conditions in the watersheds of hydroelectric plants and urban water supply systems. We anticipate producing HQP that will enter Canada's and Ontario’s workforces in a number of roles, including hydrologists, power engineers, municipal water and wastewater management, government policy advisors, actuarial scientists, and specialists in climate change mitigation. In a period of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns including floods, droughts, and severe storms, HQP operating at the interface of energy systems and the water cycle will be in high demand in government, public utilities, and industry. In the long-term, Ontario will benefit from sustainable strategies for generating energy without harming water ecosystems and efficiently processing water.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies - Clean Technologies

Keywords: Water, Energy, Hydroelectricity, Coupled infrastructures, Control and Optimization, Energy Storage

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Shana Kelley

Development of Non-invasive Diagnostics for Disease Prevention and Control

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Robust, practical platforms that detect low levels of biomolecules and rare cell types are urgently needed to diagnose and predict the progression of disease states. Making the analysis of disease biomarkers more widely available to physicians will improve patient outcomes and empower clinical research. The detection of molecular analytes for these purposes requires methods with superior sensitivity and specificity. Over the last fifteen years, our research team has made significant progress in developing high-performance technologies and analytical methods that enable biological activities and clinical markers to be measured in new ways. This is accomplished by combining aspects of biology, chemistry and engineering to produce new approaches for the analysis of molecular markers at the cellular level. Our overarching goal for this research program is to provide new tools to the clinical community that enable rapid diagnosis of disease, enable new therapeutic approaches, and facilitate the routine use of personalized medicine. By developing new sensor systems and microfluidic devices, we will produce important new capabilities that will link our growing understanding of disease and cell biology with patient treatment decisions. The project team will build on prior advances and undertake a series of studies aimed at further refining and validation of new detection and rare cell capture capabilities as well as expanding the utility of a powerful electrochemical detection technologies. In order to accomplish this, we will develop an expanded toolbox of assays that will report on the absence and presence of biological and chemical analytes. Once developed, these technologies will be used to further understand the role cellular phenotypes play in disease progression and have applications in stem cell engineering, high- precision organ transplants, non-invasive molecular level tumor profiling, and the ability to rapidly profile antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In addition, we will test the potential of these technologies in clinical settings with the aim of validating developed devices as diagnostics. The proposed research program will generate breakthroughs that will make new analytical capabilities readily available to the clinical community. By producing novel methods and devices for the analysis of molecular markers, rare cell types, and pathogen typing, we will impact the landscape of clinical diagnostic tools to make medicine more effective. In the short term, our goal will be to produce new tools for the study of clinical markers and the study of biological processes relevant to disease and regenerative medicine. Through further developments such as increased sensitivity, increased sample volume throughput, expanded sample types, and multiplexed analysis we will be able to address further research questions aimed at understanding how cellular phenotyping can be used to probe biological systems and inform on disease state. The long-term goals of this research program are to translate these discoveries into commercially- available tools for clinical medicine to enable the routine implementation of personalized medicine.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Diagnostic Devices, Health Technology, Bioanalytical, Biosensing, Microfluidics, Biomarkers

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Nazir Kherani

Next-Generation High-Sensitivity Multiplexing BioSensors Using Integrated NanoPhotonic- MicroFluidic Devices

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW In many clinical situations, such as feverish immune-compromised blood cancer patients, there is a critical need to probe, identify the presence or absence, or quantify the amount of a large number of biomarkers or pathogens simultaneously and in a timely manner. Current methods of detection are often too time-consuming—requiring concurrent history taking, physical exam, imaging and laboratory investigations while they only detect one or few biomarkers and pathogens. Additionally, blood, urine and tissue sampling is frequently non-diagnostic due to insufficient sample size or test sensitivity. The objective of this proposal is to develop integrated nanophotonic-microfluidic (INM) biosensors for early- clinical pathogen-detection and label-free screening of critically low volume specimens. The INM biosensor provides for the first time a hyperspectral multiplexing sensing tool that delivers high-sensitivity, high-specificity and high-throughput sensing through the integration of novel nanophotonic sensors and state-of-the-art whole-blood-processing bio-microfluidics. The INM system will also enable investigation of biochemical interactions of organisms with the surrounding cells and their environment, thus permitting detection of the pathophysiology of the infection and assessment of its response to treatment. The innovative nanophotonic sensors, developed by Dr. Kherani’s group at U. of Toronto, combine the chemical specificity of Raman spectroscopy with the high sensitivity and sensing rapidity provided by this patented sensing platform—the nano-plasmonic gratings. These gratings, which are economically produced, amplify biomolecule-laser interactions which in turn enhance the Raman signal by several orders of magnitude yielding unprecedented reproducible high-level sensitivity and simultaneous multiple wavelength detection that results in multiple pathogen identification with high-level of certainty. The innovative whole-blood-processing microfluidics, developed by Dr. Selvaganapathy's group at McMaster U., uses a low-cost xurography-based method to produce fully integrated microfluidic devices which include surface acoustic based transducers that enable contactless separation of diseased cells from circulating blood cells in high-speed whole-blood-processing operations. Additional capturing and concentration of pathogens is made possible by introducing capture-agent-functionalized silica beads inside the micro-channels of the device—the affinity columns. The biochemical sensing system will incorporate state-of-the-art Raman spectrometers and industry leading bio-assay technologies. Collaboration with Drs. Mubareka, Matsuura and Zavodni will provide clinical isolates from blood cultures obtained from patients at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and permit evaluation of clinical relevance through correlation of obtained blood samples, patient prognosis and their medical imaging scans. The proposed INM biosensors will be developed, clinically tested, and commercialized by leveraging close collaboration with our key knowledge transfer partners. The proposed research will provide training of highly qualified personnel in a world-class multi-team multi-disciplinary R&D setting; will impact allied fields requiring economic high-quality biochemical sensing (environmental and food chemistry sensing); contribute to upholding Ontario’s biomedical world-leader status; and, lead to the creation of high-tech jobs in Ontario.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Nanoplasmonics, Raman, Hyperspectral Multiplex Biosensing, Microbial, Infectious, Cancer

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Nazir Kherani

Ultra-High-Efficiency Ultra-Thin-Silicon Photonic Crystal Solar Cells

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The objective of this proposal is to research, develop and integrate passivation and silicon (Si) solar cell technologies developed by Kherani et al. and light trapping Si photonic crystal structures developed by John et al. in order to achieve unprecedented Shockley-Queisser (SQ) efficiency limit of 30%+ in single- junction crystalline Si solar cells. The novelty of the research lies in the development and integration of unique, production worthy technology elements which will make it possible to attain ultra-high efficiencies in Si foils of 10 to 30 micron thickness—for the first time. This will lead to substantial cost reduction and many form factor advantages (flexible, light-weight) that will make solar electricity an economic ubiquitous source of sustainable energy. The proposed research, propelled by a partnership with Canadian solar industry, will enable our vision to lead Ontario and Canada in the commercialization and deployment of ultra-high-efficiency ultra-thin-silicon solar cells. The proposed research will focus on investigating three major elements comprising ultra-high-efficiency ultra-thin-silicon photonic crystal photovoltaics (PV): (i) optimizing our tunable rf triode plasma configuration vis-à-vis hydrogen passivation of ultra-thin Si foils in order to attain ultra-high quality bulk and surface passivation; (ii) developing ultra-thin Si photonic crystal structures and devices with near perfect light absorption and near complete photo-generated carrier density; and (iii) integrating optimal bulk and surface passivation and near perfect light absorbing Si photonic crystals in ideal amorphous-crystalline Si heterojunction PV devices, and thus demonstrating heretofore unparalleled performance. Photovoltaics, the direct conversion of solar energy into electricity, is becoming increasingly important as an essential component of the sustainable energy mix. In the last decade, PV power capacity has grown 40-fold and system costs have become low enough to compete with electricity from conventional sources in many jurisdictions. However, the key challenge and goal is to bring the fully levelized cost of electricity in the range of 0.03 to 0.05 US$ per kWh. This can be done by exploiting unmatched efficiency enhancement, the largest cost-reducing driver, and cost savings due to reduction in material use. Silicon is a compelling PV material considering its present day high- performance (on average ~20% efficiency) along with its stability, abundance, environmental compatibility, and technological maturity. Yet, Si accounts for approximately 30-40% of the total panel cost. Cost can be reduced by decreasing material costs and by increasing energy conversion efficiency. The material cost can be decreased substantially by reducing Si thickness from 150-180 microns currently to 10-30 microns, while maintaining high efficiency in the 20% range. Moreover, raising this efficiency to unprecedented levels of 30% would markedly reduce cost even further. The objective of this proposal is to integrate key technologies developed by Kherani and John which underpin the practicality of achieving the Shockley-Queisser limit for single-junction crystalline Si PV. The proposed research will provide training of highly qualified personnel in a world-class research and development environment; promote Ontario’s photovoltaic industry to world-leader status; and, lead to the creation of high-tech jobs in Ontario.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies - Clean Technologies

Keywords: Photonic Crystal, Amorphous-crystalline Silicon Heterojunction, Ultra-thin Silicon, Shockley- Queisser Limit

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Deepa Kundur

Secure Scalable Automatic Assessment for Depression Diagnosis and Improved Treatment Outcomes

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The World Health Organization has cited depression as the single largest contributor to the global burden of disease and it affects over 5% of Canadians in one year and 25% in their life. Despite suffering and limitations for individual patients and their families, the societal cost of depression in Canada is in the order of tens of billions for health-care, disability and early death. Clinical depression is a complex and in more than 50% of individuals a recurring mood disorder known to be caused by a variety and combination of genetic and environmental factors, with less understanding of specific individual factors. Contemporary treatment of depression may include psychoeducation, psychotherapy, medications and/or brain intervention therapies (e.g. electroconvulsive therapy). Although effective conventional treatments are widely used 35% of patients are not able to tolerate or not responding to the treatment. Clinical challenges in diagnosis and treatment of depression as well as prevention of recurrence stem from the high phenotypic and biological heterogeneity of depression. Furthermore, assessment and diagnosis as well as selection of treatment are based on subjective measures such as patient interviews and subjective decisions of physicians which often prove unreliable. Moreover, clinicians must identify the early warning signs of a depressive relapse to prevent a full episode and must monitor which factors characterize and predict a patient’s response and side-effects to treatment over a timeline of years. Hence, in Ontario, the burden of depression poses a substantial challenge at social, economic and clinical levels. Moreover, for the successful development of new treatments more homogeneous and reliable clinical constructs for characterizing depression are needed. Simply put, developing better ways now to diagnose and treat depression is imperative. To address the need for objective, accurate and cost effective assessment and diagnosis of depression, this project involves the development of a secure scalable privacy-preserving system to persistently analyze and identify mood and anxiety disorders in youth and adult patients, their response to treatment and early signs of relapse. This overreaching goal is achieved through the following objectives: 1) Explore the properties of human electrophysiological signals such as acoustic evoked potentials for the assessment of depression to develop objective biomarkers for depression and treatment response; 2) Develop semi-supervised machine learning algorithms based on dynamical system models for accurate diagnosis of depression as well as prediction of treatment outcomes and relapse prevention using the biomarkers resulting from the previous objective; 3) Build sensor device prototype systems for continuous real-time monitoring and collection of biomarker data; 4) Architect a scalable privacy-preserving cloud-based networking platform for secure data acquisition, storage, classification and assessment of depression and treatment course; 5) Extend the overall system to include behavioral markers including social networking data and mobile device usage characteristics. Deliverables include objective bio- and behavioral markers, machine learning algorithms and software, sensor design and prototype, and secure and private cloud platform and software design for automatic for psychiatric cloud data collection, processing and assessment of depression.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Physiological Biomarkers, Depression Diagnosis, Treatment Outcomes, Secure and Private Automatic Assessment

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Kang Lee

Reducing Racial Biases in Early Childhood

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Racial bias is a serious social and public health problem worldwide. It has far-reaching negative personal and societal consequences in all spheres of human life such as heightened physical and psychological health risks for victims of such bias. Our research in the last five years has revealed that children as young as 3 years of age already show a strong and unabashed racial bias in favour of their own race but against other races. This explains why decades of racial bias reduction efforts targeting school-aged children have produced limited and at best short-term success: they are implemented too late. Further, most of the existing racial bias reduction methods tend to introduce children to discuss other-race individuals in terms of their race and cultural practices. Our recent findings suggest that such method is counter-productive because it focuses children's attention to other-race individuals as an out-group rather than treating them as individuals. Indeed, our recent experimental studies have shown that by focusing children's attention to other-race individuals as individuals, we can reduce preschoolers' racial bias immediately after 20-minutes of training. With a follow-up 20-minute training, this reduction can last for at least 70 days. Building on this success, we have assembled a team of developmental psychologists, economists, and community partners to conduct randomized control trial studies with preschool children in daycares and kindergartens. Our goals are (1) to empirically determine the short- and long-term effects of our racial bias reduction protocol delivered by early childhood educators in preschool settings, and (2) to develop, test and refine early childhood racial bias reduction programs and materials for wide dissemination across Ontario’s early childhood educational settings and beyond. Thus, our research program will transform current early childhood educational practices concerning racial bias reduction and provide novel early intervention methods to parents and educators to produce long-lasting racial bias reduction effects. Ultimately, our research will advance relevant public health knowledge, policy, and practice to combat racism so as to reduce the negative social and health consequences of racism while enhancing interracial harmony at individual and societal levels.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Racism, Racial Bias Reduction, Implicit Racial Bias, Explicit Racial Bias, Randomized Control Trials, Socialization

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Peter Lehn

Next-Generation Energy Sub-Systems for High-Efficiency Electric Vehicles

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Electric vehicles (EVs) will play an integral role in addressing Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) reduction commitment: the IPCC notes Canada’s transportation sector accounts for 28% of Canada’s total GHGs, and within Ontario 35% of GHG emissions stem from transportation with cars and trucks accounting for 83 Mt of Canada’s 2015 CO2e emissions. Replacing internal combustion engine 2017 vehicles with EVs saves about 4 tonnes of CO2 emissions each annually, assuming renewables grid charging. Canada is competing to become a leading EV technology exporter. Havelaar Canada as an advanced EV design and manufacturing company is positioned to spearhead this ambition with the world's first electric pickup truck designed and built in Canada. This research project is an initiative of the University of Toronto Havelaar Electric Vehicle Research Centre (UTHEV), launched in 2016 with major funding support from Havelaar Canada. UTHEV’s focus is power management, energy storage and high- efficiency EV sub-systems, with clients including Havelaar. UTHEV’s goal is transitioning towards a sustainable economy via drastic GHG reductions. The research program will address key hurdles limiting widespread EV penetration, namely: (1) high cost and limited range associated with EV storage media in Canadian climates, and (2) poor access to fast-charging facilities due to excessive rapid-charger infrastructure costs. The multi-disciplinary investigator team will lead development of: 1) Advanced Battery Management Systems: As battery cell prices fall due to economies of scale, the intelligent control system interfacing battery cells with the rest of the car – the Battery Management System (BMS), together with the battery thermal management system play a pivotal role in maximizing performance and driving range from a battery. The team will demonstrate novel battery systems combining: (a) selective localized heating/cooling within the pack, (b) high-precision impedance-based state-of-charge, state-of-health and power availability determination at the cell level, (c) dual-chemistry architecture to optimize cost/performance trade-off and (d) holistic mechanical/electrical design enabling a seamless transition to grid-tied ‘second-life’ stationary battery applications, repurposing old EV batteries to stabilize the ac grid, facilitate renewable energy integration, and derive further value from the EV. 2) Advanced EV Drive-Train Technologies: EV range anxiety is a major obstacle to consumer adoption of EVs. Ubiquitous availability of fast-charging facilities is required to address this concern, but with costs of $10,000-$40,000 per station, deployment remains sparse. Through clean sheet redesign of the electric motors and particularly the associated power electronics of the vehicle drive-train, the team will demonstrate: (a) the introduction of higher voltage, higher efficiency drive systems, (b) the ability to exploit mixed storage media within the EV to improve driving range and battery life, and (c) use of dynamic hardware redeployment, that will allow the drive-train power conversion components to be redeployed for fast-charging purposes when the vehicle is stationary. National and regional economies will benefit from these developments and an extensive HQP training program at UTHEV, with industry placements in Havelaar, other partners in Canada’s automotive sector, and with strong continuing international industry partnerships.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies - Clean Technologies

Keywords: Electric Vehicles, Power Electronic Converters, Battery Management, Thermal Management, Clean Transportation

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Alberto Leon-Garcia

Creating a Cloud of Clouds for Next Generation Applications

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Software applications drive economic and social innovation. Cloud computing has transformed software applications by defining a new computational model in which software is hosted, run, and administered in large data centres and in which software is provided as a service. Massive-scale data centers built on commodity computing-technology offer huge economies of scale. For application providers, cloud computing provides access to unlimited resources, with no up-front costs and pay-per use billing. These compelling advantages stimulated an explosion in application innovations. Open source efforts in cloud computing provide a large body of software that allows developers to increase the pace of innovation in application creation and delivery. The open source nature of this enabling software facilitates the emergence of a global application and content marketplace. We envision a marketplace based on a cloud of clouds where vendors--securely and reliably--buy, sell, and exchange applications, content, services, and infrastructure to other vendors as well as to consumers. This marketplace will have extremely large scale, with applications introduced and others retired at very fast rates. Massive volumes of content will be produced at high rates, and changes in popularity will lead to highly dynamic demand. Research in cloud computing is already addressing the needs for agility in resource allocation, scalability, reliability, accountability and security. A crucial missing element in this anticipated marketplace is the ability to readily create, deploy, and control, on an end-to-end basis, applications that are built with resources and services from different providers. Our research agenda will address this missing element—the cloud of clouds. Our strategy is to advance and combine two major research activities to enable the end-to-end applications in a global service marketplace. The first activity concerns delivery of applications over a federation of multiple computing clouds from different providers. The second activity advances Software- Defined Internet Exchanges. Software-defined network technology is being used to develop new Internet Exchanges to provide network providers with improved control of their traffic flows across the Internet. We will design a future generation of exchanges based on datacenters that operate using software- defined infrastructure principles. These exchanges will use Network Function Virtualization to enable interconnection of network flows at different layers. Indeed, our next generation exchanges will enable the federation of SDI infrastructures to create and deliver end-to-end applications. Our research builds on our experience building the SAVI Canadian testbed for application platforms, which has been federated with the U.S. GENI testbed for network innovation.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Cloud Computing, Software-defined Networking, Virtualization, Federation, Orchestration

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Alberto Leon-Garcia

Integrated Regional Elective Vehicle Traffic and Energy Management

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Traffic congestion reduces the productivity of an urban region and increases costs through additional fuel consumption and carbon footprint as well as unhealthy air pollution. Integrated Management (IM) can improve urban mobility, safety, and other transportation goals. IM involves the operational coordination of multiple interconnected transportation networks that support different modes of transport for passengers and goods, e.g. highways, arterial roads, trains, subways, buses, parking, bicycles, and pedestrians. IM also involves the coordination of the agencies and operators responsible for corridor mobility, and communications with stakeholders such as public safety personnel, e.g. police, firefighters and emergency services, and of course, travelers and other transportation network users. Climate change, air pollution, and the sustained urbanization of global population create an urgency to deploy new transportation systems based on renewable energy and clean technologies. Electric vehicles powered by a smart electricity grid based on renewable sources are a key element of these new systems. The growth in the penetration of electric vehicles adds challenges from power grids to the existing challenges in transportation systems. From a power perspective, careful management of electricity supply will be required in the large-scale charging and discharging of electric vehicles in a manner conducive to energy efficiency and grid stability. This project will design advanced integrated traffic and energy management (ITEM) in future transportation systems in which electric vehicles are pervasive. ITEM will leverage advanced ICT technologies so that travel times are reliable and transportation networks carry more traffic without compromising safety or sustainability. ITEM requires that the operators of the transportation and energy networks agree on a cooperative and integrated management policy. It requires the real-time monitoring and the dissemination of the state of the various transportation and energy networks as well as traffic demand and weather conditions. Historical and real-time state information support control strategies for demand management, load balancing, and event response by diversion of traffic between its component networks and by providing additional resources in response to incidents. These strategies can be implemented using coordinated actions such as traffic signal timing, ramp metering, HOV/HOT lanes, road signage, changed transit schedules, traveller advisories, and personalized routing. The project will apply advanced information and communications technologies to address the challenges in ITEM. Advanced sensing, big data, and machine learning techniques will be used to characterize normal demand and operation, to detect anomalous events, to diagnose these in terms of severity and duration, and to predict the impact of events on corridor and grid performance. Optimization and game-theory will be used to synthesize control actions according to region-wide objectives. Low-latency, advanced communications will be used to coordinate network operators, to distribute actuator messages, and to post and disseminate traveller and stakeholder advisory messages. ITEM will use real-time monitoring data to assess and validate the response of the corridor to its control actions. A critical challenge will be to achieve the very fast reaction times required to respond to major incidents.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies - Clean Technologies

Keywords: Intelligent Transportation Systems, Smart Grids, Carbon Footprint, Application Platforms, Resource Management

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Emma Master

Synbiomics: Functional Genomics and Techno-economic Models for Advanced Biopolymer Synthesis

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Increasing environmental concerns, along with stricter regulations in many jurisdictions, are fostering a global economy for clean technologies and customer demand for greener products. Although these markets are new, many Ontario companies are already competing in this space and plan to replace petrochemical feedstocks with renewable alternatives. The demand for renewable feedstocks presents a tremendous opportunity for Ontario’s forestry sector. Both forestry and agriculture are key drivers of Ontario’s economy, contributing $34 billion in 2014. In particular, Ontario’s forest and bioproduct sectors will be central to ensuring the province plays a prominent role in international markets that are moving towards greener economies. Although Ontario’s forestry industry has the capacity to supply biomass for the global bioeconomy, technologies developed to date have focused on the deconstruction of biomass into sugars that can then be converted to fuels and chemicals. Commodity chemicals and fuels are largely “biomass-agnostic”, where the best biomass resources are those that can be grown quickly and at low cost. The technologies being developed by Synbiomics and desired by its industry partners directly address the real challenges that arise from the vast distances and slow regeneration of Ontario’s forest resource. Synbiomics is developing clean technologies that upgrade (rather than degrade) all key forestry biomass fractions, leading to bio-based polymers and materials that realize the inherent performance attributes of regionally sourced feedstocks and are not feedstock agnostic. Decades of investment in genomics research has generated an enormous amount of data, which promises to positively impact many aspects of our life. Translating such “big data” to real benefits in clean technology, however, requires a transition to functional genomics programs aimed at specific application sectors. Accordingly, the Synbiomics project is developing clean technologies tailored to forest product sectors. Specifically, we are: 1) deploying bioinformatics pipelines to prioritize biocatalysts that upgrade underused biomass fractions; 2) producing targeted biocatalysts using industrially relevant hosts; 3) coordinating an iterative bioproduct and biotechnology development cycle with our project partners; 4) developing techno- economic models for deploying SME ecosystems around existing Ontario pulp mills, and 5) analyzing anaerobic bioreactors to develop predictive tools for effluent treatment and energy recovery. Deliverables of the Synbiomics project will include: 1) a gold-standard database of functionally characterized biocatalyts for the development of new cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin derived bio-products; 2) three or more validated, chemo-enzymatic pathways to value-added products transferred to our project partners for commercialization (e.g. coatings, bioplastics, and adhesives for lightweight biocomposites), and 3) decision-making tools to monitor wastewater treatment processes and predict impact from changing effluent compositions to ensure high quality feedstock availability. The project has assembled five veteran researchers and ten partner organizations that span the bioproduct sector value chain, from bioresource providers and logistics, to biochemical and biomaterial producers. These partnerships will help ensure that the clean technologies developed by Synbiomics have a clear path to commercialization.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies - Clean Technologies

Keywords: Bioeconomy, Bio-based Chemicals, Forest Bioproducts, Renewable Feedstocks, Treatment of Biorefining Effluents

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Christopher McCulloch

Cross-Disciplinary, Interactive Platforms for Improving Tissue Repair

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Tissue repair is an essential biological response that restores homeostasis following injury, infection and surgical or therapeutic interventions. Physiological tissue repair occurs through a series of tightly regulated phases that include hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and remodeling of the extracellular matrix. While tissue repair has evolved to stabilize acute disturbances, chronic or overwhelming injuries disrupt normal healing phases. Further, a wide array of factors including ischemia, several systemic diseases and lifestyle factors, can perturb physiological tissue repair, which results in a state of pathological inflammation. Notably, although injury elicits tissue-specific pathological features, the prevailing repair processes, such as matrix synthesis and remodeling by fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, are common among all injured tissues. Impaired tissue repair that culminates in loss of tissue architecture and function, and eventual organ failure, is of high prevalence in many diseases, in the elderly and in patients undergoing chemotherapy. These impairments have important impacts on the quality of life and patient survival. In North America, pathological tissue repair affects 3-6 million people and is associated with high morbidity, mortality and health care costs (>$10 billion per year). However, how physiological tissue repair is driven into a pathological state and which factors contribute to and/or exacerbate abnormal tissue repair, are poorly understood. We aim to delineate the mechanistic interplay between injury and inflammation that switches physiological tissue repair to pathological processes in which there is insufficient restoration of healing or excessive repair after injury that leads to fibrosis. We have assembled an interdisciplinary group of scientists and clinician scientists with in-depth fundamental and clinical expertise in skin and periodontium, which are topically accessible model tissues to study tissue repair processes. Moreover, chronic wound healing of pressure ulcers, hypertrophic scarring after burns and trauma and keloid formation in the skin as well as incomplete restoration of periodontal tissues after therapy are high prevalence disorders. We will develop new molecular, cell and animal models combined with existing techniques and human investigations to study the mechanistic processes that aggravate tissue repair. We will examine perturbations in matrix dynamics, hyper-contractile myofibroblasts, cross- talk between stroma and inflammatory cells, and pro-fibrotic growth factor signaling pathways that drive inadequate tissue repair or fibrosis. Our focus on skin and periodontium will generate synergistic opportunities to advance the field of tissue repair by exploiting their common features and learning from their important differences that affect clinical outcomes. Together with our industrial partners in Ontario, we will identify new drug targets and advance the development of biomaterial delivery systems to promote reconstitution of tissue structure and function in periodontium and skin. A better understanding of the mechanisms that cause pathological tissue repair and the development of promising technologies will help improve the clinical care of Ontario patients afflicted by impaired tissue repair and in the long-term would benefit patient outcome and health care costs.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Healing, Skin Scar Formation, Periodontal Disease, Inflammation, Myofibroblasts, Fibrosis

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Charles Mims

Transformative Energy, Structural, and Environmental Technology through In-Situ Characterization

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Funding is sought for a portfolio of research at the leading edge in energy, structural, and environmental technologies. The proposed program is focused on realizing transformative next-generation technology to (i) optimize utilization of natural resources, (ii) minimize and remediate environmental impacts of human activity, and (iii) develop alternative energy technologies, and unified by the need for molecular- scale characterization of advanced materials under actual operating conditions. Detailed understanding of how conditions affect the structure and performance of target materials is required to achieve the objectives. The Ontario Centre for Characterization of Advanced Materials (OCCAM), a UofT research center comprising leading-edge characterization equipment, unique capabilities for sample treatment/handling (including investigation under operating (gas composition, liquid, temperature, electrical polarization) conditions)), and requisite research and development expertise, is a nexus for advanced materials research programs. This project leverages the world-leading capabilities of OCCAM, its exceptional cadre of associated researchers (both academic and industrial), and its leadership in technical development/advancement, to realize and exploit home-grown, revolutionary knowledge and technology in areas of strategic interest to Ontario. The project addresses identified deficits in capabilities and support for research and development in targeted high-impact Ontario companies, including both start-ups and established manufacturers. Nanostructured materials for electronics, energy, and high- performance structural applications: These technological materials perform under conditions ranging from room temperature in the presence of liquid electrolytes, to temperatures over 1000°C in various gases. Understanding the nano-scale molecular structure under these conditions will allow development of (1) better energy and environmental catalysts, including solar fuels catalysts, (2) efficient, manufacturable solar energy materials, (3) new nano-phase structural materials and methods of their manufacture, and (4) new high energy and power density batteries. Biological, emulsion, mining and other liquid based systems: The study of materials in liquid phase environment systems is challenging - their rapid changes in structure with conditions (shear, temperature, e.g.) are central to their performance. This research will (1) allow the manipulation of microbe communities used in environmental remediation and energy generation, (2) develop new emulsifying agents for use in oil recovery and pollution remediation and (3) develop materials with greater protection against corrosion in severe environments, including nuclear power generation. Advances in molecular scale, in-situ, characterization: The development of new analytical apparatus, including nano-scale machining and manipulation capabilities, as well as protocols and procedures specific to these programs, is a critical aspect of the proposed research. Capabilities will be developed through close collaboration between researchers, experts in the experimental techniques, and Ontario high-tech companies. The resulting developments will have profound spin-off impacts for research programs in Ontario that are not directly funded as part of this proposal.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Nanomaterials, Energy Materials, Biomaterials, Electron Microscopy, Surface Analysis

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Andrea Moshovos

A Hardware/Software Platform for Emerging Machine Learning Applications

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW We seek to advance the state-of-the-art in the emerging area of “intelligent”, sensory applications (ISAs), applications based on Machine Learning, which may well be the next disruptive technology. In plain terms, computing devices are learning to “think”, to “see”, to “hear”, to “read”, to “write” and in general interact with the physical world in ways that we typically associate only with humans and high intelligence. ISAs can rival human abilities and promise to enhance our ability to discover, learn and benefit from information. The application areas are vast covering science, medicine, manufacturing, commerce, civil planning, security, and so on. ISAs have been enabled by the exponential growth that every aspect of computing has sustained, from sensory data acquisition throughput to processing power, storage and bandwidth. If sustained, these improvements are poised to revolutionize numerous applications. Unfortunately these advances are at risk as processing speed growth has been diminishing; long gone are the days when general-purpose computing cores delivered double the performance every two years a trend that has fueled software innovations. Unfortunately, the power that a compute device can safely dissipate has hit a fundamental limit. Further advances in compute processing are only possible by reducing energy per operation. Specialization -- that is, by tailoring hardware designs to specific applications -- has the potential to deliver these performance advances. This is a major shift in computing hardware architecture design; specialization that was rarely profitable in the past whereas now is a necessity. Our goal is to deliver the hardware computing engines that will enable further innovations in ISAs. We seek to capitalize on a unique opportunity that currently exists in our province. The University of Toronto has been at the forefront in advances in the key ISA technologies with world leading groups in machine learning, data management and computational imaging. Moreover, Ontario has been successful in attracting significant investments from computer hardware manufacturers that have been establishing research and development facilities throughout Ontario such as Altera, AMD, Huawei, Intel, and Qualcomm. Others, with a longer presence in Canada, such as IBM, have been recently expanding in hardware-related technologies. These complement long established applications and services industrial companies such as Google and IBM among others. The proposed research targets fundamental and timely challenges that are of direct interest to all aforementioned parties. We will (1) develop programmable, yet specialized hardware, software and system technologies enabling critical advances in ISA sophistication in addition to miniaturization of existing, (2) advance core ISA technologies centered around Machine Learning (ML), computational imaging and computer vision, and data processing and analysis, and (3) build a complete software/hardware implementation which will be made available for training ISAs We will release the resulting ISA software and hardware building blocks lowering the barrier to entry, thus fostering and accelerating the creation of a world-leading, Ontario-based ISA development and deployment ecosystem. The partner organizations may include: AMD, Google, Huawei, Intel/Altera, and Qualcomm. Additional partners will be approached as well.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Data Analytics, Computing Hardware, Mobile and Server Devices

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Javad Mostaghimi

Advance Coatings for Energy and Manufacturing (ACE & M)

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Advanced coatings are making major and growing contributions to the sustainability and economics of advanced manufacturing. Examples include coatings for protection against high temperature environments such as thermal barrier coatings for aerospace; wear and corrosion resistant coatings to enhance sustainability in natural resources and energy sectors; friction reduction and related applications in auto industry; and, extension of components’ lives by advanced repair techniques. Advance thermal spray coatings refer to a number of processes designed to modify surface properties of industrial components to extend their life and improve their performance. Thermal spraying uses powder or wire spray material which is fed into or outside of a spray gun, heats up the material into a state of plasticity or a molten state and then accelerates them towards the substrate. The state of particles at the point of impact is dependent on their trajectory and residence time within the source. New and highly promising processes in the thermal spray family have recently emerged and they are suspension plasma spraying (SPS) and solution precursor plasma spray (SPPS). Thermal spray process is commonly used to apply protective coatings on components to shield them from wear, corrosion, and high temperatures. The most widely used thermal spray sources include direct current plasma, radio frequency inductively coupled plasma, wire-arcs, and supersonic combustion jets. The process may be at atmospheric pressure or under vacuum. The Advance Coatings for Energy and Manufacturing (ACE & M) initiative is the result of consultation with and participation of a number of Ontario industries that are in aerospace, automotive, power generation, high power LED lighting, and surface hard-facing. A meeting between the industry and Centre for Advanced Coating research team was held on March 28th, 2017. The meeting was focused on the needs of the participating companies in the area of component protection and advance surface engineering technologies over the next five years. These needs are in the following areas and the objective of the ACE & M proposal will be to respond to these needs: 1. Innovative deposition processes: These include suspension plasma spraying (SPS) and solution precursor plasma spraying (SPPS) in atmospheric pressure and under vacuum conditions. SPS and SPPS are two relatively new and very promising coating technologies which will be employed to develop alternative thermal barrier coating compositions and microstructures. Some of the important issues of interest include study of the deposition efficiency in SPPS, SPS processes; development of functional coatings, e.g., superhydrophobic coatings; internal deposition and decreasing inner diameter that is possible; near net-shape deposition; and, modeling and process simulation studies 2. Wear and erosion resistant coatings: Developments will be in the area of finding alternatives to WC-Co, such as new bond coat phases, e.g., Ni alloys, as well as new hard phases, e.g., TiC or mixed carbides/nitrides. Tribology studies of the new coatings and effects of surface finish will be studied. 3. Thermal Management/Heat Transfer: Development will be in the area of hot stamping in auto industry where heat transfer plays a crucial role in the quality of the manufactured components. Innovative solutions to manufacture better cooling channels through application of thermal spray has been envisioned.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies - Clean Technologies

Keywords: Advance Coatings, Corrosion and Wear Resistant Coatings, Thermal Barrier Coatings, Heat Transfer, Characterization

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Michelle Murphy

Engaged Technoscience

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW This proposed project seeks to create a hub in Toronto for Engaged Technoscience Studies that fosters social justice oriented research creation that capacitates collaborative and community design, protocol, and tool building. This project has a disruptive potential in that it subverts assumptions about where technological and scientific innovations happen, rescripting the continuing divide between the disciplines responsible for technical change and those supposedly responsible for studying its ‘effects.’ The limits of such a divide are increasingly obvious with the unintended consequences of overly instrumentalized infrastructures having adverse effects on aspects of our social, cultural, and environmental lives. The social sciences and humanities have done important critical work in surfacing the biases, norms, and injustices embedded into technical systems and infrastructures. Now, such work is being usefully extended into real world innovations and interventions. This hub supports this work, establishing best practices and scaffolding local scholars and community organizations in leveraging emergent digital technologies and technoscience concepts and methods to produce social justice outcomes. This community is already latent within Toronto, with scholars and community activists engaged in interventionist activities that leverage insights from technoscience research in order to enact civic and community-based transformation. Toronto is home to the Technoscience Research Unit, the Critical Making Lab, McLuhan Centre, the Politics of Evidence Working Group, Civic Tech TO, Waterkeepers, Code for Canada, as well as being an important node of the international femtechnet project and the Environmental Data and Governance Initiative. Equally technology firms such as Autodesk, Mozilla, and Google have a local presence and a continuing interest in questions of technology and social justice. Finally, world-recognized design companies engaged in human-centred methods have their home in the GTA, including Idea Couture, Normative Design, and Bridgeable. This project aims to gather and capacitate the fragmented projects currently happening in the city by creating a hub for the sharing, training and dissemination of engaged technoscience, building a shared toolbox of protocols, technologies, and practices for social justice engagement. Organized through collaborative practices that take their inspiration from organizations like Public Lab, Civic Laboratory for Environmental Research, and the Science and Justice Centre at UCSC, our hub will build a “socio-technical platform” that aims to activate social science and humanities insights into the very design of tools, scripts, and protocols. To strengthen Ontario’s capacity for Engaged Technoscience, the hub will host leading practitioners of this mode of research creation work in Toronto, allowing them to share their methods and innovations with the wider community. This project has the potential to disrupt academic research habits that separate technoscience research from wider community endeavors, and aspires to make Toronto a provincial, national and world leader in Engaged Technoscience.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Civic and Community Technology, Data Justice, Critical Making, Social Justice, Research Creation, Action Research

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Hani Naguib

Factory of the Future

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The proposed Factory of the Future (FOF) is an innovative research, commercialization, and technology deployment initiative driven by the Toronto Institute of Advanced Manufacturing (TIAM) and the Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics (IRM) at the University of Toronto. The Principal Investigators are Professor Hani Naguib, Professor Goldie Nejat, and Professor Chris Beck. State-of-the-art TIAM and IRM research labs within the Centre for Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CEIE) will be the locus of the applied R&D work. These labs will be used for technology and process development and testing, and the training of HQP (graduate students, research associates, and postdoctoral fellows) in the leading challenges of Ontario’s advanced manufacturing sector so that they can take up leadership roles in this sector. The distinguishing element of our proposed FOF concept is the linking of on-campus research activities with on-the-ground product development, testing, commercialization, and ultimately sales and exports with our industrial partner at their facilities. In doing so we intend to maximally leverage existing engineering facilities and expertise, as well as create new facilities and processes designed explicitly for the execution of the projects and products at the heart of this proposal. The key sector targeted is the ICT of the Factory of the Future Initiative. Canadian manufacturing is eager for advanced-manufacturing business improvement in the Factory of the Future areas of productivity, efficiency and time to market, as well as for significantly improved or novel product development and process-enabled product development. Thus the overall objectives for this initiative are to: 1. Execute on specific design, product development, and process efficiency objectives of industry partners; 2. Conduct applied R&D at both UofT and company labs that is sufficient to provide prototypes or proof- of-concept on key manufacturing innovations, as well as clear pathways to commercialization and implementation in the Ontario marketplace; 3. Build lasting industry-academic relationships that can continue to enrich the Southern Ontario advanced manufacturing ecosystem for decades to come. The proposed approach is comprised of three themes: firstly is a collaborative Automated Guided Vehicles (CAGVs) for High-Mix Low-Volume (HMLV) Product Transportation; secondly is Novel Optically Guided Manufacturing Assist System for Complex Manual Assembly and Repair; and thirdly is 3D Printing for Sustainable Materials Design and Manufacturing Throughout each theme, information technology will be integrated into manufacturing processes for assembly, maintenance, repair and inspection functions. The proposed research themes under the Factory of the Future Initiative will engage, in its first five years, primarily the mechanical/industrial, electrical, robotics, chemical and materials nodes of TIAM and IRM, through ICT- and advanced-materials-based process innovations that are saleable and scalable to our industrial partner, and their supply chains in the electrical, electronics and coatings/materials industries. The project themes all incorporate electrical and electronics R&D and have at their root the industrial partner’s imperative to innovate and gain market share in niched electronics manufacturing—specifically high-mix, low-volume (HMLV) manufacturing in Canada—through process R&D, design and engineering and manufacturing services.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies - Clean Technologies

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Daman Panesar

From Manufacturing to End of Life - Reducing the Environmental Impact of Concrete

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Globally, concrete is the largest and most widely used construction material. Approximately 90% of concrete’s environmental impact is from Portland cement production. Over the years, alternative cementing materials such as ground granulated blast-furnace slag and coal combustion fly ash have been utilized. Use of these materials as cement replacement can yield desirable material properties and also offset carbon emissions. Across Canada these supplementary cementing materials are becoming scarce. At the same time, concrete infrastructure in Canada is undergoing degradation. There is an urgent need in Ontario to design, construct, and maintain structures which meet the performance requirements, are economically viable and environmentally responsible. The scope of the proposed research spans the spectrum from material manufacturing to durability design to health monitoring and demolition. Five key elements of the proposed research are: (i) Material Manufacturing: To identify and process alternative supplementary cementing materials. Ontario is host to a variety of clay and shale deposits which will be examined to optimize processing conditions and to maximize pozzolanic potential. Attention will be focused on the development of kaolinite-rich clay deposits in the James Bay Lowland of northern Ontario, as well as illite-rich clays of the former Champlain Sea in southeastern Ontario and Palaeozoic shales of southcentral and southwestern Ontario. (ii) Durability Design: To test materials and develop codes and standards towards sustainable and durable structures and infrastructure. In addition to selection of concrete materials and mix designs in accordance with national and provincial specifications, incorporation of critical factors such as: volume stability, crack control, as well as placing, protection and curing during construction, need be accounted for in codes and guidelines. It is proposed to develop Ontario and Canadian Standard Practice for achieving durable concrete infrastructure and buildings which can be adopted by owners and designers. (iii) Implementation of Structural Health Monitoring: To implement structural health monitoring approaches for intelligent and sustainable concrete structures. This research will develop a monitoring and prognosis framework for condition-based maintenance by incorporating multi-sensor data fusion algorithms that account for uncertainty, imperfect or ambiguous data, inconsistency, and dimensionality. Implementation of such a framework will not only extend the operational life cycles of structures, but will also reduce frequency of concrete repair and replacement activities. (iv) Use of Demolition Waste: To optimize use of demolition waste in construction to reduce extraction of new aggregates. Demolition waste ends up in landfills each year. This research will develop a system to identify, separate and characterize different construction waste streams with the aim to increase utilization in new construction. (v) Revisions to Provincial and National Codes: To remove barriers to adopt carbon and energy friendly concrete materials. The major barriers to adoption of new materials are a lack of appropriate test methods and specifications that preclude their use in structural applications. The focus, through effective technology transfer, will be to use existing knowledge to remove these barriers by modifications to existing test methods and development of new specifications.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies - Clean Technologies

Keywords: Cementing Materials, Environmental Impact, Health Monitoring, Recycled Aggregate, Durability, Standardization Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Ue-Li Pen

Big Digital Data Sets

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW This proposal seeks to develop Ontario as an international leader in “big data” acquisition, shipping, archiving, and processing, using data from radio astronomy. The project will work in partnership with Thoth Technology Inc., IBM, and Skywatch to develop real-time global Internet Very Long Baseline Interferometry (IVLBI) and the software platforms required for efficiently handling these large data sets. IVLBI is an important tool for understanding the physics of pulsars, “fast radio bursts” (FRBs), and many other astrophysical phenomena, and the science-driven data sets it generates are already in the petascale (1,000,000 gigabytes) range and approaching exascale (1,000,000,000 gigabytes). These data sets will provide an open platform and database for training Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP) and developing big-data capability in Ontario universities and industry, a key step in Ontario’s transition to a knowledge-based and information-technology-based economy. These HQP will be qualified to work on leading edge big-data projects across a multitude of fields, from finance and marketing to medicine, epidemiology, and artificial intelligence. Within the field of astronomy, Ontario industry will be a strong contender to bid on large data projects including major components of the multi-billion dollar international Square Kilometre Array (SKA) (https://www.skatelescope.org), the world’s largest radio telescope project, currently in pre-construction. Over a five-year period, the team will utilize a high-speed link from the Algonquin Radio Observatory (ARO) to the Toronto SciNet site to leverage the Southern Ontario Smart Computing Innovation Platform (SOSCIP: www.soscip.org) Blue Gene/Q (BGQ), the fastest supercomputer in Canada (https://wiki.scinet.utoronto.ca/wiki/index.php/BGQ) and cloud infrastructure. This data centre will archive and manage petabytes of data, combining big data sets from ARO and from facilities in the U.S. and Europe. The new capabilities and capacities will allow the industrial partners to use the substantial provincial technology resources--the ARO and SOSCIP/BGQ--to provide internationally competitive services and products and expand the interactive digital media ecosystem to potentially incubate the next big discovery.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Digital Signal Processing, VLBI, Data Mining

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Ito Peng

Social Implications of Robotics for the Future of Care

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The meanings of care have been changing rapidly in Ontario, as around the world. The use of paid non- family members to provide care is now firmly established, with care provision a large and growing source of employment. Aging populations and spiraling healthcare costs have made the development of Socially Assistive Robots for elderly care a priority of government and industry. These robots, or carebots, designed to help with cognitive skills and social engagement, as well as simple tasks, have the potential to improve seniors’ quality of life while reining in government expenditures. However, inter-disciplinary and social scientific research has lagged behind scientific R&D. Pressing questions remain unanswered even as the development and deployment of this technology proceeds. First, what are the options and social, psychological and ethical implications of the blending of robotic assistance with human care in different settings, in service to different demographic groups, and via private versus public provision? Second, what are the expected impacts of the technology on inequality, labour markets, conditions of employment and skills? Third, what does the promotion and regulation of these innovations require from government and industry in terms of economic, organizational, human relations, and social policy? This large-scale, multi-year collaborative project addresses these and related questions. Participants from a range of disciplines will survey the existing international research literature, interview key stakeholders, and form and execute a research agenda to address the gaps in our knowledge, providing a framework for understanding the larger picture and research to guide our choices.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Care, Robots, Elderly Care, Cognitive Function, Social Engagement, SAR, AI, Ethics, Carework

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

David Pettinicchio

Disability-Based Employment Discrimination: An Audit Study

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW More than a decade ago, Ontario enacted legislation declaring that its disabled citizens have the right to fully participate in the labour market. Nonetheless, despite legal protections, Ontarians with disabilities are three times less likely to work, and when they do work, earn considerably less than people without disabilities. Although theories of discrimination based on indirect evidence suggest that employer attitudes and behaviours create obstacles at various stages in employment for people with disabilities, direct evidence about how discrimination manifests itself will provide valuable information for developing solutions to help Ontarians with disabilities achieve their employment potential. My team and I are directly observing correspondence between job candidates and employers using matched-pair résumés sent to real employers. Our field experiment represents a major step forward in the study of labour market discrimination placing Ontario at the forefront of audit-based employment discrimination research. Our findings will address the ongoing disconnect between policies meant to increase employment among the disabled– especially in Ontario’s growing knowledge-based economy – and actual employment outcomes. Underemployment and underperformance in the labour market is a concern shared by many industrialized countries. Given these international concerns, the implications of this study will also be of interest to researchers and policymakers around the world. This project focuses on discrimination in the hiring process. Our research team will: • Learn about how discrimination varies by type of disability and type of occupation. • Compare labour market discrimination among people with disabilities to discrimination faced by other vulnerable groups. • Assess Ontario’s existing policy efforts in removing barriers in the labour market by comparing it to Alberta which represents a different economic and policy context. To achieve these objectives, my students and I are conducting an audit study that involves submitting fictional matched-pair résumés (see Bertrand and Mullainathan 2004; Oreopoulos 2011) to employers in the Greater Toronto Area. Each matched pair varies only by disability status. We will then analyze variation in employer responses. For comparison, our collaborator, Michelle Maroto and her team at the University of Alberta, will send similar fictional résumés to employers in Edmonton. I am using funds from my SSHRC Insight Grant, Connaught Grant and most recently awarded ERA Grant to cover operating costs and with these, and the ORF-Research Excellence funds, will hire more graduate and undergraduate research assistants, as well postdoctoral researchers, to help develop methodological tools, implement the study, and conduct analyses. These funds are providing graduate and undergraduate students the unique opportunity to acquire skills in a cutting-edge field experiment design. They are benefiting from training in a rapidly growing method in social science and labour market research. Our findings will shed light on employer preferences for prospective job candidates which often remain elusive in studies of labour market discrimination. Like other governments, Ontario sought to combat discrimination in order to increase access to, and improve the quality of, employment for people with disabilities. This project will help inform policies and programs meant to address discrimination.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Employment, Discrimination, Labour Markets, Inequality, Audit Methodology, Disability, Stratification

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Joyce Poon

Three-dimensional Imaging with No Moving Parts

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The capability to rapidly scan and detect beams of electromagnetic waves at optical and radio frequencies is critical for three dimensional (3D) imaging needed for the navigation of autonomous vehicles and robots, medical imaging, augmented reality, and expanding the communication bandwidth in future networks. This proposal will develop integrated, chip-scale solutions for 3D imaging without any moving parts. Approaches using phased arrays, reconfigurable metasurfaces, structured light, and coherent imaging will be investigated.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Imaging, Integrated Photonics, Phased Arrays, Metasurfaces, 5G Networks, Autonomous Vehicles and Robotics

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Ruth Ross

Building Ontario's Drug Discovery and Delivery Pipeline in Neuroscience

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW This initiative will leverage the collective skills and resources of scientists from industrial partners and the University of Toronto (Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy) and Toronto Academic Health Sciences Network to accelerate the pace of drug discovery, development and delivery in the field of mood disorders. This is an area of major therapeutic areas of unmet need and significant societal burden. We will build on existing world-class research assets and infrastructure through the University of Toronto and the Centre for Collaborative Drug Research (CCDR), a multidisciplinary center designed to spur networking, collaboration and innovation in drug research. Together with industry partners, the CCDR is the actively engaged in validating new targets via projects within the Neuroscience Catalyst Program. External industrial funding will be leveraged to build a drug discovery pipeline and platforms that will remain in Ontario. The project portfolio is targeted towards milestone-driven goals aimed towards development of de-risked projects that can rapidly progress to commercialization, new company creation and clinical trials. The proposed structure will accelerate the pace of developing and bringing new drugs and drug discovery platforms to market.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Neuroscience, Mood Disorders, Drug Discovery, Mental Health

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Erik Schneiderhan

Understanding Sexual Violence at the University of Toronto

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Institutions of higher education across Canada are working to respond to the problem of sexual violence on campuses, but there are few evidence-based interventions that address these issues at the individual and group-level, and no evidence-based interventions for prevention at the environmental or structural level on university or college campuses. A majority of research on sexual violence on campuses is U.S. based, with very little research from within Canada. Research that does exist tends to focus on individual factors of sexual violence, with little focus on social and institutional related factors. Using a mixed methods approach, our research project fills this gap by investigating the social and structural factors, campus climate, individual attitudes, and behaviours that produce a propensity for sexual violence across the three campuses of the University of Toronto.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Sexual Violence, Diary Study, Ethnography, Survey, University, Sexual Harassment, Stress, Substance Use

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Sachdev Sidhu

Large-scale Development of Synthetic Modulators of Ubiquitin-binding Proteins as Therapeutic Agents

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The Ubiquitin (Ub) Proteasome System (UPS), comprised of over 1200 proteins, plays a key role in the coordination of critical cellular processes, and deregulation of several of its components promotes cancer development. Therapeutic targeting of the UPS has been demonstrated by the success of currently approved proteasome inhibitors, such as Bortezomib, used for the treatment of multiple myeloma. However, these inhibitors target the UPS rather non-specifically, and therefore their use is often associated with toxicity and non-desirable side-effects. We have established a high-throughput protein engineering method for the generation of highly selective Ub variants (Ubvs) that inhibit UPS signaling pathways by specifically targeting individual UPS enzymes. Our technology is based on the premise that Ub binds its targets with relatively low affinity, but with high specificity. Therefore, it is possible to mutate Ub to generate Ubvs with enhanced affinity for a particular Ub-binding target. Moreover, the Ubvs can act as specific and potent competitive inhibitors of enzyme activity by blocking the binding of natural Ub substrates, while in other cases, Ubvs can also act as activators of Ub-mediated signalling. This unprecedented, unique-in-the-world molecular platform, for which a patent application has been filed, provides an entirely novel, rapid and cost-effective way of generating inhibitors, that differs from conventional chemical inhibitors synthesis methods, and yields biologically active compounds that represent not only prominent investigational tools, but are also potential therapeutic agents. Our major goal is to further develop this platform and create an advanced discovery pipeline for the development and validation of Ubvs, that will enable efficient and large-scale production of Ubvs for use as reagents and potential therapeutics. Although the main focus will be on cancer targets, the Ubvs generated will later be tested for efficacy in other diseases where UPS enzymes are deregulated. To harness the power of this program for the benefit of human health and the Ontario economy, the pipeline will yield candidate therapeutics for commercialization. The pipeline will be structured in a series of steps that includes target identification, and Ubv production, characterization and validation. UPS enzyme targets will be prioritized based on existing experimental evidence for a role in tumorigenesis, such as observed deregulation in cancer cells. We will then use Ubv phage-displayed libraries, which we developed and optimized, to generate Ubvs to the selected UPS enzyme targets by high throughput, semi-automated screening. Subsequently, we will used established methodologies to assess the specificity and affinity of the Ubvs in cancer cells and animal models, and examine Ubvs in cell-based assays to identify those that, in the cellular context, modulate downstream signalling events, and inhibit the proliferation of cancer cell lines. Our ultimate aim is to produce a panel of high value Ubvs suitable for clinical testing in patients. Our efforts will also produce highly valuable resources for drug discovery and validation with substantial commercial opportunities.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Ubiquitin, Phage Display, Combinatorial Libraries, High Throughput, Protein Engineering, Enzyme Inhibition, Therapeutics

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Mikko Taipale

Systematic Functional Profiling of Rare Disease Variants

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Rare disorders, defined as those that affect fewer than 1/2000 people, present a conundrum to the research community, the pharmaceutical industry, and the society. Individually, they are rare, making traditional approaches to develop treatments inefficient or altogether obsolete. But collectively, the ~7000 known disorders affect ~300 million people worldwide, and the lack of effective treatments poses an immense burden on the affected individuals, their families, and the economy. Most rare diseases follow a simple Mendelian inheritance pattern, and the extraordinary success of medical genetics has revealed the molecular basis for the majority. With the current pace, we will soon know the genetic causes for virtually all Mendelian disorders. Yet, despite our success in identifying causal variants, our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of these diseases has lagged behind, hampering the translation of genomic discoveries to effective treatments. This is compounded by the lack of financial incentives for the pharmaceutical industry to invest in drug development programs for rare diseases. Repurposing existing drugs is, therefore, the most promising avenue for treatment, but it critically depends on a thorough understanding of the molecular phenotypes. Yet until recently, approaches to systematically analyze disease variation were not widely available to rare diseases. In this project, we will turn the traditional rare disease research setting upside down: instead of studying a single disease with multiple methods, we will study over a thousand Mendelian diseases in parallel with specific assays. We propose to leverage our strong expertise in high-throughput biology and functional proteomics to systematically phenotype thousands of mutant variants with quantitative mass spectrometry and high-content imaging. The general impetus for this timely proposal is that systematic characterization of the functional alterations caused by disease mutations will accelerate both the understanding of the molecular basis of rare diseases and the discovery of targets for drug repurposing. Our specific aims are: 1) To systematically compare the subcellular localization of over 2,000 Mendelian disease variants with their wild-type counterparts by high-content confocal microscopy. This will comprehensively reveal the role of protein mislocalization in human disease and provide potential phenotypic readouts for future drug repurposing screens. 2) To characterize the protein/protein interaction landscape of over 500 mutant variants causally implicated in Mendelian diseases with quantitative mass spectrometry. This will connect disease genes to novel pathways and decipher the role of network rewiring in rare diseases. 3) To catalyze the translation of genomic discoveries to functional insights by functionally profiling novel disease-associated variants discovered in whole-exome studies by the Canadian medical genetics community. 4) To create an online resource for dissemination of mutant allele phenotypes to the scientific community This project will generate unparalleled insights on the fundamental molecular mechanisms by which mutations lead to disease, and provide a springboard for future drug discovery efforts for rare disorders.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Rare Diseases, Protein/Protein Interactions, Drug Repurposing, Functional Proteomics, Mass Spectrometry

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Richard Teuscher

OnTRAC: Ontario Technology Research At CERN

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW OnTRAC is an international collaboration between the Ontario microelectronics industry, the University of Toronto, and CERN. This project will focus on the automated commercial production in Ontario of high- reliability devices including silicon imaging sensors connected to fast signal processing via custom Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs).

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Imaging Sensors, Advanced Microelectronics, Automation, High Reliability Devices, International Collaboration, CERN

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Toronto MayLiza Baak Phone: 416-978-7605 Email: [email protected]

Ning Yan

Sustainable and Intelligent Packaging Products From Biomass Materials

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW In recent years, with the increasing concern over the rapid depletion of non-renewable resources and climate change, there has been a strong global interest in developing sustainable products using renewable biomass materials. Meanwhile, forest products producers in Canada are facing unprecedented challenges due to the decreased consumer demand, increased global competition, and higher raw material and energy cost. Many mills in Ontario have to significantly curtail, idle, and even permanently cease production. Therefore, Ontario’s forest industry sector is urgently in need of a transformation to become producers of higher value-added grades and to expand into novel markets. With the rising living standard and growing population, demand for packaging materials is expected to increase and the global packaging market is projected to grow significantly. Higher utilization of environmentally friendly materials and novel smart functionality are two key emerging trends in the packaging sector. Renewable and low cost biomass materials with inherent recyclability and biodegradability have a great potential to replace fossil fuel derived packaging materials and to reduce products’ eco-footprint. Intelligent packaging, that can provide information about product traceability and quality and respond to environmental conditions, offer additional marketing advantages to the packaging suppliers and goods manufacturers. The proposed ORF project intends to develop GREEN biomass based novel products that can replace petroleum-based raw materials for packaging applications and intelligent packaging products with smart functionality. These novel biomass based green and intelligent packaging products will help transform Ontario’s forest sector into a knowledge-based industry, enhance its competitiveness in the global marketplace, and create new jobs. This project specifically supports new areas and opportunities that combine Ontario’s existing strengths in forestry with emerging technologies in sustainable and smart packaging sector to boost economical development in Ontario. The HQP’s trained by the project will possess the leading edge biomaterial sciences and engineering expertise that make them ideally suited to become the next generation of leaders in the emerging bio-economy. The developed novel biomass based products can significantly contribute to the long-term prosperity and well-being of Ontario.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Biomass, Manufacturing, Forest Products, Biopolymer, Smart Packaging

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

Wendi Adair

Indigenous Workways: Making Space for Indigenous Youth Employment and Career Advancement

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Rates of employment for Indigenous youth across Canada lag well behind those of non-Indigenous youth. In southwest Ontario, a region referred to as Silicon Valley of the North, the increasing population of Indigenous youth creates opportunities for growth, development, and well-being within our communities, businesses, nonprofits, and government sectors. An understanding of how Indigenous worldviews impact the meaning of work and workplace experiences for Indigenous employees is necessary to support successful post-secondary transitions to work and career advancement. The proposed research program aims to increase rates of employment and career advancement among Indigenous youth in Southwest Ontario through collaborative and qualitative participatory research that will address common cultural, geographic, and economic factors that affect current and future indigenous employees. In support of the research, workplace experiences, decisions, interactions, and communication will be examined. Our proposal is a collaborative research effort among scholars and Aboriginal Education Centres in Southwest Ontario. The research will be based on a strength-based perspective, building on existing assets within Ontario’s Indigenous communities. Indigenous research perspectives and methodologies will be employed. Indigenous undergraduate and graduate post-secondary students will be provided employment connections, realistic work previews, and workplace communication training. Indigenous research assistants and high quality personnel will be trained in research methods, scholarly writing, knowledge dissemination for academic and industry audiences, academic career planning, and project management.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Indigenous, Employment, Careers, Conflict, Trust, Communication, Work, Economic Development, Qualitative

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

Janice Aurini

Assessing the Impact of Classroom-Integrated Robotics on the Cultivation of 21st-Century Competencies

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Ministries of education are increasingly using technology to support student engagement and learning. Ontario is no exception. In 2014, the Ontario Ministry of Education (MOE) launched a $150 million technology and learning fund. In addition to tablets, netbooks, and other devices, the MOE purchased robotics kits for every school board in the province. This investment is part of a larger initiative to enhance 21st century competencies -- including effective problem solving, creative thinking, collaboration, and communication -- by integrating robotics in classroom education, and by teaching children how to code. There is a considerable amount of variety in how schools across the province are using robotics kits, and in the new pedagogies and assessment techniques that teachers are developing. Many teachers are highly motivated, but report having limited resources and/or experience with teaching robotics and programming. Some feel constrained by the lack of official curriculum and the emphasis placed on standardized test that are not sufficient for measuring student acquisition of 21st century competencies. The abilities of schools and teachers to cultivate 21st century competencies with classroom-integrated robotics is shaped by social inequalities within and across school boards. School boards have to make difficult decisions about resources, and must find ways of supporting teachers who want to integrate robotics and coding into their classrooms while still helping their students perform on standardized tests and other existing assessment tools. Despite great promise, there is much we do not know about how classroom- integrated robotics and programming education impact the development of 21st century competencies, how they could be used more effectively, and how to mitigate the effects of social inequality on learning within and across school boards. The proposed research will build on a year-long pilot project that our research team has been conducting with schools across Ontario. A combination of provincially-representative surveys, administrative data, focus groups, interviews, classroom observations, and meta-analyses of existing educational research will be used to answer three sets of key questions. First, what organizational and instructional strategies are most effective in cultivating 21st century competencies in Ontario schools? Second, how can we best support schools and teachers in their efforts to develop new pedagogies and assessment techniques? Finally, how can we mitigate the effects of social inequalities within and across school boards? This project will provide high-level mixed- methods training for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as postdoctoral fellows. In additional to writing articles for social science and education journals, the research team will produce policy reports for the Ministry of Education, and will collaborate with schools and teachers seeking to use this empirical research to improve their use of classroom-integrated robotics.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Sociology, Education, Collaboration, Problem solving, Creativity, Inequality, Programming, Robotics, Technology

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

David Blowes

Integrated tools and technologies for environmentally-responsible management of metal-bearing wastes

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The wealth derived from the extraction and processing of mineral resources for export and manufacturing continues to provide a foundation for economic growth and social development in Ontario. Unfortunately, the legacy of mineral development and manufacturing includes thousands of contaminated sites impacted by waste residues. Stewardship for many of these sites, including more than 4,000 abandoned mine sites (Office of the Auditor General of Ontario, 2015), is the responsibility of the province of Ontario. The Office of the Auditor General of Ontario (2015) estimates that the costs associated with cleanup of only 47 mining-contaminated sites will exceed $1.2B. Reducing costs and improving the effectiveness of remediation strategies, and developing new approaches, requires a thorough understanding of the unique challenges associated with waste management and an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of remediation alternatives. This program will include detailed field characterization and evaluation of remediation strategies at active, decommissioned, and abandoned mine sites, coal-combustion residue storage sites, and industrial sites. The program will integrate established characterization techniques and novel approaches, including: innovative synchrotron-based techniques; advanced analytical techniques for determination of non-traditional stable- isotope ratios and concentrations of emerging contaminants (e.g., perchlorate derived from explosives); and leading-edge genomic and proteomic characterization tools. This program will provide an unprecedented understanding of the mechanisms controlling the release, transport, and attenuation of contaminants from metal-bearing wastes, and will lead to significant improvements in remediation approaches. Laboratory studies will be conducted to assess waste-management systems and determine mechanisms controlling the release and attenuation of dissolved constituents, the role of microorganisms in controlling contaminant behaviour, and potential opportunities to exploit these mechanisms to enhance the performance of existing and proposed remediation strategies. These studies will include batch/microcosm experiments to provide information on contaminant release and immobilization, and column experiments to provide detailed information on reaction rates, products, and mechanisms to assess the potential for implementation of new remediation approaches. Observations from field characterization programs and laboratory studies will be used to inform numerical modelling of reactive solute and gas transport in waste-management systems. These modelling studies will provide comprehensive descriptions of gas and water movement, solute transport, and biogeochemical reactions in waste-disposal areas, and impacted aquifers and surface-water flow systems. The results from field, laboratory, and modelling studies will be integrated to evaluate new technologies for the prevention and remediation of environmental impacts from waste-disposal sites. Studies will assess the potential benefit of integrating current approaches for site remediation (e.g., combining cover systems with passive remediation strategies). Novel waste-management strategies will be evaluated through field-scale demonstration projects conducted at sites in Ontario. Results from this research program will lead to significant improvements to existing remediation approaches and the development of more cost-effective remediation strategies.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies – Clean Technologies

Keywords: Environmental protection; Water; Metals; Waste management; Remediation; Prediction; Non- traditional isotopes

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

Jennifer Boger

A Wireless Markerless Activity and Falls Tracking System for Supporting Aging and Wellness

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Successful independent aging hinges on the ability for people to be as safe, secure, and healthy as possible, regardless of where they live. Rapid advances in technology coupled with the Internet of Things (IoT) has resulted in an explosion of remote health monitoring and integrated health provision and support services. However, many of these can be cumbersome and require explicit, ongoing compliance by the person using it for the technology to be successful. For example, wearable technologies (such as bracelets or sensors placed at the waist) are a concern for older adults (especially people living with dementia) as they can be annoying, intrusive, and require charging. Video data processed by a computer is the leading form of markerless tracking, however, this requires the installation of many units within the person’s environment and raises concerns regarding privacy. The objective of the proposed research is to use wireless signals and deep learning to create a system that supports health and security in institutional and community (i.e., home) settings. Wireless infrastructure along with machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence will be used to integrate existing wireless standards along with innovative ones. Advanced machine learning techniques will also be developed to learn individual user’s profile. To do this, the team will design deep neural networks to autonomously discover and extract the most useful features from the acquired wireless signal coupled with collected health of data. Combined together, the system will generate information that will be passed to an emergency alert system, which could include an interface that will notify responders about adverse situations.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Ambient assistive technology, Wireless sensing, Artificial intelligence, Fall and Activity tracking, Clinical support

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

Susan Cadell

Comprehensive Mapping of Intersectoral Grief Resources Across Ontario: Improving Interventions for Those Left Behind

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW When someone dies, there is almost always at least one person left behind who grieves that loss. More often, there are multiple people left behind: parents, young children, adult children, spouses, and friends. What happens to those people? What is the impact of grief in their lives? Is their physical and mental health compromised by their grief? Little is known about the services and health outcomes of those who are grieving in Ontario. This application seeks to map and improve on the services that are provided to the grievers. Mechanisms for following the health outcomes, both physical and mental, of grievers will be sought with the ultimate goal of improving them. Grievers belong to no one. When someone dies in hospital, the grievers are not patients. When someone dies at home with services in the home, the grievers are not Community Care clients. When someone dies in hospice, the grievers may get some follow-up but they are not the principal aim of the service. Grievers are not cared for by police when they are investigating a death by accident or homicide. When a death is suspicious, the coroner’s office is involved and grievers may be involved but the aim is not their care. Those who are grieving might feel some sense of connection and belonging with funeral homes and religious institutions. These contacts generally last only during the period of the funeral. Grievers are disenfranchised: their world has changed and they often do not know where to turn. While death is a normal part of life, grief is often stigmatized. The old saying goes (attributed to Benjamin Franklin) that there are two things that are unavoidable in life: death and taxes. In Ontario, we do talk about taxes but we do not talk about death. The bereaved are hidden and the process of grieving is cloaked in secrecy. Recently, Prince Harry broke with British Royal protocol and spoke about his grief after his mother died. He sought counselling after more than a decade of trying to swallow his grief. His honesty has been widely praised as a contribution to the de- stigmatization of grief. One of the aims of this project is to help promote the idea that grief is normal in order to further reduce the stigma of grief. The impact of grief that is hidden and uncared for can be enormous. Bereavement leaves from work for those who are grieving is often only a few days. Some do not return to work or take longer, unpaid leaves. Some return to work but are affected by “presenteeism”: they are present in body but not fully functioning. The economic impact potential is huge. The societal impact is also enormous. Services do exist throughout Ontario to care for those who are grieving. These services are not coordinated, however, and are sometimes difficult to locate or access. This project will begin by mapping the services that do exist. A national and international scan will also be undertaken to find exemplars of services to grievers. The overarching aim will be to improve on services with the establishment of a proposal to integrate services into the province of Ontario.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Grief, Bereavement, Mental Health

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

Melanie Campbell

Noninvasive Imaging of Bio-markers of Disease: the Eye as a Window on the Brain

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The eye can be exploited as a window to the brain since it consists of neural tissue analogous to brain tissue. Moreover, the eye is more easily imaged, and requires less expensive imaging technologies than those used in brain imaging. Our research has previously shown that a biomarker of neurodegeneration expressed in the retina is also expressed in the neural cell layers of the retina. Our research has concentrated on developing noninvasive optical methods of imaging this biomarker, characterizing its properties and comparing expression in the retina to severity of disease in the brain. We have shown that retinal expression can predict disease severity, including pre-symptomatic stages. In this project we will expand this approach to biomarkers of other diseases which have been predicted to be expressed in the retina.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Biophysics, Neuroscience, Pathology, Vision science, Biomedical engineering, High resolution imaging

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

Zhongwei Chen

High Energy, Long Cycle Life Lithium-ion Batteries

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Recently, lithium based rechargeable battery technology has become the focal point of research to fulfill the requirements of electric vehicles (EVs), the most desired one being an extended driving range of 300~400 mile per full charge with durable performance. So far, the most commonly used Lithium Ion Batteries (LIBs) utilize graphite and transition metal oxides as anode and cathode materials, respectively. Such a battery can only provide an energy density of ~180 Wh kg-1 due to the low specific capacities of the electrode materials. To meet the requirements of both high energy and power density with cycle durability of modern EVs, the next generation of active material must be developed. The proposed project will specifically address critical technical barriers to the improved performance including energy density, cycling stability, safety, and power density of LIBs, while strategically lowering the cost of commercial production by designing and developing silicon and graphene based composite electrode materials and advanced solid electrolytes for automotive applications. The novel silicon and graphene based composite materials and advanced solid electrolytes can overcome the existing challenges of energy density, cycling life, and safety as well as cost of current lithium-ion batteries. The detailed strategic objectives of this proposed research are development of highly porous graphene materials with ultra-high surface, and novel composite materials which combine Si nanoparticles with highly porous graphene sheets to create a unique 3D architecture with excellent mechanical and electrical properties. Another approach of the material development is development of polymer and ceramic electrolytes with self-healing property, and fabrication of a smart battery with fast and reversible pressure-responsive or/and thermo-responsive functionalities for safe operation. From the development of proposed research, it is expected that the newly designed high energy electrodes and solid electrolytes will efficiently overcome the current challenges of commercial electrodes, which will play the key role in improving the energy density, cycling stability, safety and power performance of LIBs.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies – Clean Technologies

Keywords: High Energy, Battery, Cyclability, Performance, Electrodes

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

Donald Cowan

Next Generation Intelligent Software Technologies for Open and Big Data

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Because of the integration and interconnection of digital technologies, available data has reached the largest volume in human history, namely several zettabytes. This wealth of data, termed open and big data (OBD), represents a huge unexploited asset for the 21st century digital economy. The ability to mine, manage and analyze such large volumes of data can have revolutionary socio-economic impacts such as improving healthcare and education, addressing environmental and climate change issues, establishing precision agriculture strategies, and making society safer and more energy efficient. However, new challenges for market growth are appearing. Challenges include enabling governments, non-government organizations (NGOs), businesses and individuals to use OBD effectively. Current methods require highly specialized technical expertise to discover and support actionable decision-making. There is a lack of approaches and tools for automated development and customization of OBD applications to satisfy requirements for intelligent and effective data exploitation. Without these next-generation OBD products and services, many of Ontario’s potential productivity and competitive advantages could be missed. The proposed research program aims to produce the next generation of enabling intelligent software (NGEIS) technologies for OBD applications and support a multidisciplinary research agenda in areas that combine OBD, software engineering, artificial intelligence such as machine learning, intelligent software agents, mobile infrastructures, databases, cloud computing and the Internet of Things (IoT). With appropriate approaches and tools to enable smart data management, data mining and analytics, and visualization and collaboration, opportunities for using OBD for economic and societal growth are limitless. Smart OBD technologies will be transformative as more digital content is created and consumed and will revolutionize the world by changing the way business, government and society operate as they evolve from data analysis to insight and prediction. The impact of the research program will be felt in many domains as novel disruptive applications in areas such as business, finance, government, precision agriculture, natural resources and public health will be developed. In addition, new approaches, methods and tools for changing and accelerating how current and future NGEIS systems and services for OBD technologies are designed, built, deployed and maintained, will be introduced. These innovations are essential for understanding how OBD links people, agents, databases, mobile devices, maps, policies, organizations and other actors and resources to provide collaborative actionable decision-making insights at a level never before imagined. By extracting value from our excellent, world-class research and industry-academia partnerships, this research will lead to the commercialization of innovative smart OBD products and services, and will secure Ontario’s future as a global leader in applications of smart OBD technologies.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: IT, Software engineering, Open data, Big data, AI, Mobile, Internet of things, Cloud, E- business, E-health, E-agriculture

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

Lorne Dawson

Countering Violent Extremism in Ontario

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The Canadian Network for Research on Terrorism, Security, and Society (TSAS) is Canada’s premier consortium for national security research and knowledge mobilization. Our mandate is to foster the development of a more comprehensive, evidence-based, and distinctively Canadian approach to the study of terrorism and its societal consequences. Since 2012 we have developed extensive working relationships with 10 federal agencies, 10 Canadian universities, 6 major research centres, and non-governmental and community organizations, the media, and security groups, in Canada and internationally. With over 250 research affiliates, TSAS has adjudicated and funded 10 major research projects, 18 small research projects, and 38 studentships. We have published 38 Working Papers (with more in progress), organized 14 workshops, run 3 week-long Summer Academies, and created the Canadian terrorism incident database. In its structure and activities TSAS is dedicated to promoting the many forms of intersectionality crucial to understanding terrorism and its societal impact: (a) between policy officials and researchers; (b) between researchers focused on terrorism, security issues, and the impact of both on society; (c) between researchers, government, and community organizations; and (d) between different disciplines (e.g., political science, sociology, psychology, history, criminology, legal studies and the law). When TSAS began Canada lagged behind many other nations in its research capacity on these issues. Now significant research is happening across Canada, and many fruitful research partnerships have been struck – due in part to the stimulus and leadership of TSAS.Through the proposed ORF-RE project, TSAS will address a recent and profound shift in the conception of counter terrorism towards incorporating insights from public health and community policing. The project will target the implementation of multi-sectoral strategies required to prevent radicalization leading to violence, and will recognize the importance of communities, and those working closely with them, in this process. In this context the local and the global are intimately linked. Through this project TSAS will expand its network to include more provincial, regional, and municipal partners and activities. The objective is to use the lessons learned at the local level to inform work at the national and international levels, and in turn to provide national and international expertise to assist local agencies and initiatives. The ORF-RE project will enable TSAS to assist such provincial and municipal agencies as the Ministry of Community Safety and Corrections, Ministry of Children and Youth, Ministry of Education, Ontario Provincial Police, and many municipal police services. The proposed project will focus on three closely interrelated yet distinguishable tasks: (1) undertaking environmental scans of the informational needs of the new institutional players in Ontario; (2) completing specific knowledge translation tasks to meet the needs identified; (3) utilizing the results of these tasks to launch the collaborative design and implementation of targeted research projects. TSAS’s co-ordination of these tasks will help these agencies to minimize the redundancies of multiple calls for proposals; (ii) tap into an existing network of national and international expertise; and (iii) better co-ordinate and integrate a range of projects, and the mobilization of their results.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Terrorism, Radicalization, Extremism, Political violence, Religious violence, Counter- terrorism, Youth violence

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

Maurice Dusseault

Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) - Demonstration Project

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW With a small environmental footprint, grid-scale Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) will integrate more renewable power, reduce new base load needs, and accelerate decarbonization. Ontario (ON) needs grid- scale storage to develop a low-carbon, stabilized grid. An opportunity has arisen to prove concepts in the field, test new instrumentation systems, and train the new generation of engineers for CAES. Need: Growth and energy decarbonization of renewable energy requires grid-scale energy storage. Problem: ON needs long- duration, grid–scale storage to increase wind and solar inputs (>20%). Solution: Compressed air energy storage (CAES) in salt caverns is part of the solution; the geology is excellent in south west ON. CAES has a minimal environmental impact, is carbon free, and cost-competitive, but in its infancy; ON needs R&D, young expert training, and field trials. Reward: A Washington Univ. study showed that 1000MW of CAES could reduce ON energy costs by $6.5 to $8B over 20 years, reducing need for more GHG emitting base load, fostering decarbonization, and developing ON technology. Proposal: NRStor Inc. has a proposed 1.75MW, no carbon CAES demonstration project in Goderich, funded in part by the ON IESO. This is an exceptional opportunity to develop applied engineering aspects of CAES (cavern and ground response, thermal issues, cyclic effects, etc.). Waterloo leads a government-funded CAES research project with industry partners (OPG, NRStor, Union Gas, Compass Minerals, HydroOne) developing CAES and grid management models integrating geomechanics, power and mechanical engineering. The model-oriented project ends in 2018. Field work with NRStor’s project allows testing models (calibration), emplacing monitoring arrays (cheap sensors we developed), addressing heat management issues, and advancing this potentially key ON technology. Thermal energy management: Capturing, storing and using heat of compression increases CAES efficiency from 50% to 70%. We will research the potential of heat geo-storage on a daily to weekly basis, with shallow and deep scenarios, and porous aquifer versus fractured rock approaches. We will explore waste heat use for Goderich industrial and community facilities, including district heating. Geomechanical calibration: Displacements are used to calibrate and verify geomechanics design analyses. We have an accurate and cheap precision tiltmeter based on a new principle, and will deploy 12 to 20 devices at 6 m depth around the cavern wellhead to measure overburden and cavern deformations with time. Sonar cavern surveys will provide additional information, and a microseismic array will be installed to monitor rock mass acoustic emissions. Lifecycle and environmental analysis: We are publishing LCA analyses and results of an assessment of Canada’s capacity for CAES in salt. This project allows model validation and provision of precise information for environmental and utility assessments for future SW ON CAES projects. Industry impact: We will examine 5-50 MW scale CAES and >100 MW systems for grid storage. Guidelines for cavern sizing, location, placement and operation will be a product of this work.Grid integration: This project will be the first grid- connected fuel-free CAES facility, and R&D is needed to optimize operations and maximize benefits to the ON grid. Learnings on optimal dispatch and operations are key outcomes to apply to all future CAES projects.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies – Clean Technologies

Keywords: Terrorism, Radicalization, Extremism, Political violence, Religious violence, Counter- terrorism, Youth violence

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

Sebastian Fischmeister

Automotive Systems for Next-Generation Vehicles

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Technological advances are placing enormous pressure on both the automotive and information and communication technology (ICT) industries to produce a safer driving experience. The answer is the “connected vehicle”; a car with multi-connectivity to the internet, cloud services, and road infrastructure to autonomously perform complex sensing and actuation tasks in co-operation with other vehicles and infrastructure. The potential applications in such a vehicle promise, safer driving (e.g., assisting the driver in critical conditions), shorter commutes (e.g., cloud-based flow planning and road trains), and more relaxing road trips (e.g., autonomous driving in safe conditions). In Ontario, there are over 7 million vehicles in operation and as these vehicles transition into “connected moving information devices”, Ontario’s industry has an opportunity to lead in creating safe, secure, and usable ICT solutions. However, in reality such solutions require disruptive new technology. For example, it is unclear how to rapidly adopt new information technology to build safe, secure, and usable integrated automotive systems. Solutions to this will have a great impact on Ontario’s economy, impacting both the information and communication technology and transportation sectors. This research will facilitate new collaborations between Ontario’s ICT companies and, automotive component manufacturers and assemblers to create new groundbreaking applications. The project’s technology agenda is driven by consumer demand for driver assistance, ICT augmented driving experiences, autonomous driving operations, and vehicular connectivity, as well as new applications around such technology. To this end, we have formed an accomplished team of industrial research partners, including prominent companies from both the ICT and automotive sectors to address the challenges and create deployable solutions. The aim of this project is to make cars and driving safer by bringing state of the art information and communication technologies into and around vehicles. Specifically, the project will take a holistic, interdisciplinary approach and advance the state-of-the-art in: i) human factors (user experience, distraction, cognitive load); ii) vehicle connectivity and security (in-vehicle, intra-vehicle, extra-vehicle); iii) sensing and actuation (near and far field, electromagnetic interference, certification), iv) advanced system control (modeling, analysis, experimental); v) hardware/software integration (modeling, verification), and vi) robotics (autonomous control and operations, reasoning). Innovations derived from the research include new sensor technologies, new software algorithms, new physical interaction components, and new workflows and processes for safety evaluation and integration. Combined, the ICT and automotive sectors in Ontario employ over 200,000 skilled workers. With this established critical mass, Ontario has the ability to establish itself as a leading innovator in this disruptive technology, with hardware and software ready from ICT providers for integration by assemblers and automotive component manufacturers. The technologies produced in the project will be created and produced by Ontario-based industry partners, in both, the information technology and automotive sectors, also opening applications for greener and more intelligent driving.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Driver assistance, Automated driving, Connected vehicles, Automotive systems, Safety- critical software systems

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

Roydon Fraser

Automotive Systems for Next-Generation Vehicles

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Introduction:This project will provide ON access to deep geothermal energy to further decarbonize its energy usage and meet critical energy needs in the north.Objective and Expected Outcomes: We will integrate Intermediate Grade Geothermal Energy (IGGE) and Thermal Energy Storage (TES) into a viable technology for communities and industry. In northern ON, IGGE may replace diesel, is of lower risk (no transport), has no Carbon(C) emissions, and is amenable to co-generation (power + heat) in a region where heat is valuable, infrastructure is lacking, and wind and solar are weak in the cold months. High-grade geothermal is absent in ON; below 3 km, IGGE is available (Grasby et al, 2012 ). The goal is C-free energy for large-volume, low- grade heating and small-scale power for communities and industry on an annual cycle. IGGE and TES can provide reliable, robust, and resilient energy. Need is acute in northern ON, and if IGGE and TES are rendered economically interesting, use in more southern ON communities is probable. Geomechanics and Thermal Science: Recent deep hammer drilling advances and implementing rock mass connectivity through fracturing are game changers for IGGE. TES at great depth in large volumes (0.5 cubic km) is novel. Heat from exhausts, biomass combustion, incinerators, and solar can be stored. We need thermohydromechanically coupled mathematical modeling of naturally fractured rock masses subjected to fracture stimulation and then to heat/cool cycles. Proposal: An IGGE system, can store heat (TES) in the large rock mass because boundary heat losses are conductive (slow), but extraction and storage are convective (fast); on an annual storage cycle, losses are modest (< 10%). We propose studying at an experimental scale the combination of solar heat harvesting in summer months, geo-storage (deep or shallow), and heat utilization (greenhouses, homes, mine operations buildings). This “thermal battery” concept has been pioneered in shallow cases (Drake’s Landing in Alberta), but never for a deep geo-repository as proposed.Solar heat: We will test parabolic trough solar collectors to heat a primary transfer fluid with 70% efficiency (5 times higher energy capture efficiency than photovoltaics) in northern climates. With sun and solar data the heat collected is modelled and sized to use a secondary fluid (H2O for trials) to store the energy in the geothermal rock mass. Geomechanics model: We will build a shallow two well system into low permeability bedrock (perhaps in Sudbury in cooperation with Mirarco and CEMI) to carry out preliminary prototype testing, fully monitored to allow model calibration and design process improvements. The ΔT will be about 75°C. The small volume disallows annual cycle storage, but up- scaling will be straightforward. Power extraction: Best is to generate some power and use all remnant heat for district heating. We will assess binary circulation systems, and surface co-generation using Stirling or Rankine- cycle engines to strip off some heat for power, with the rest available for heating.Benefits: ON leadership in this technology, training of “new generation” personnel with the necessary expertise, energy decarbonization, community improvement, greenhouses in the north (using grow-LED technology and geothermal heat), and other benefits are envisioned. Grasby, S.E., 11 others 2012. Geothermal Energy Resource Potential of Canada. Geol Surv Can, Open File

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies – Clean Technologies

Keywords: Renewable Energy, Decarbonization, Thermal Energy Storage, Power Generation, District Heating, Greenhouses

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

Adrian Gerlich

Materials and Processes for Future Transportation Systems

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Transportation related industries are facing drastic shifts in design and fabrication of vehicles over the next decade resulting from technology advances in energy storage, ownership, and control of vehicles. This creates a wide range of opportunities for future transportation systems, including electrified cars, autonomous multi-mode transit, and the next generation of public transit. Increased utilization of these technologies also comes with the inherent implications of mitigating climate change. Transportation of the future will involve new vehicles which place much higher requirements on the performance of materials used in their structure. This stems from the demands for increased range, reduced weight, higher efficiency, improved crash worthiness, along with greater environmental sustainability and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Consequently, a wide range of future vehicles will incorporate new multi- material structures with enhanced performance in these areas by integrating aluminum, magnesium, polymer composites, and ultra-high strength steel in various components or structures. By advancing innovation in those materials and their processing, vehicle weights are reduced and energy efficiency increases. Currently, the transportation equipment industry in Canada represents the largest manufacturing industry according to Statistics Canada, with $113B in sales in 2014, achieving an annual growth of 9.6%. Ontario accounts for 46.2% of this manufacturing activity, being heavily focused on the automotive industry, along with a significant and rapidly growing aerospace sector. However, the manufacturing industry together with the transportation activity account for more than half of all greenhouse gas emissions. This emphasizes the need to maintain a competitive edge in efficient and green manufacturing, while also providing materials and processing solutions for lightweight structures of the future. This proposal aims to address both the need for increased utilization of advanced materials for lightweight transportation systems, as well as more advanced and efficient industrial processes. Impacts in these areas will lead to reduced energy consumption related to mobility and manufacturing activity. A world-class team led by the University of Waterloo will partner with material suppliers and fabricators to commercialize structures involving the following technologies that will target two areas: 1) Next generation light-weight structural materials, including multi-material composites and advanced lightweight alloys, and 2) Processing and fabrication methods which enable energy efficient forming, joining, and assembly of lightweight structures. The cluster of researchers will leverage their expertise in the areas of mechanical properties and materials science to ensure that component structures utilizing these technologies will meet commercial performance requirements in terms of strength, crashworthiness, fatigue durability, and corrosion resistance. Advancing novel materials and processes will enable Ontario to build and utilize the next generation of efficient transport systems, while also developing transferable manufacturing know-how that will position it as a leader in green and sustainable manufacturing.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies – Clean Technologies

Keywords: Materials processing, Aluminum, Magnesium, Composites, Transportation

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

Randy Harris

Advanced Natural Language Processing, Neurocognitive Rhetoric, and Dementia

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The proposed research will develop advanced diagnostic tools for dementia patients that will allow for automated, independent, and early assessment, as well as longitudinal monitoring. These diagnostic tools will be produced based on the investigation of the language of dementia patients from the perspective of corpus linguistics and computational rhetoric. The key to this project is an unlikely one given the history of language pathology and dementia research, and also of rhetorical research: Rhetorical Figures. Rhetorical Figures (commonly known as figures of speech), with a few small exceptions, are often thought as a kind of decoration that gets added to language which is otherwise a direct representation of thought. But rhetorical figures are the nuts and bolts of language. Not only do we talk in terms of submerged metaphors (arm of a chair), metonymies (the press), and other conceptual figures. We also speak in submerged rhymes (hoi polloi), alliterations (sea sick), and other phonological and syntactic figures. It is not the figures themselves that are important. It is the neurocognitive affinities to which figures are tuned that are crucial here. Our minds, and ultimately our brains, organize and process perceptions along certain lines—such as similarity (to which metaphors are tuned), correlation (metonymies), repetition (rhymes) and demarcation (alliterations). Moreover, these processes extend well beyond words to larger sentential and discourse patterns. Dementia has many well-known ‘biomarkers’ in language, speech patterns that reflect degrees of neurocognitive degeneration. But they have never been considered from the perspective of cognitive rhetoric. One of the many virtues of rhetorical figures computationally is that they can be detected fairly easily, so they can be used to investigate language automatically in all number of ways (genre detection, argument mining, and authorship attribution, for instance). But they have not been used in dementia research at all, despite their neurocognitive foundation; despite clear production and comprehension patterns in dementia language use; and despite the availability of dementia corpora.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Aging, Dementia, Language pathology, Speech-to-text, Rhetorical figures, Text linguistics

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

Kaan Inal

Materials Informatics for Genetically Enhanced Materials and Manufacturing (MI-GEM)

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Traditional materials paradigm involves the Structure-Processing-Property-Performance interrelationship. The Process-structure-property-performance (PSPP) linkage strives to understand the effects of processing (conditions during manufacturing processes like rolling, extrusion etc. and subsequent forming processes) on the performance of the final structure. Various components of these relationships have an effect on the final performance of the material. Typically, this interrelationship has been probed with experimental observation and theoretical development that supports experimental observations. In the last few decades, with the advent of better experimental facilities as well as the development of new setups, large data collection has somehow became routine. The proposed project will lead us to a new material development paradigm with targeted experiments and accompanying model development. Materials informatics will be used to determine the relevant data size and the feature extractions while artificial intelligence (AI) based techniques will be used to understand the interrelationships and how Structure-Processing-Property interrelationship affect the final performance.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Material Performance, Micromechanics, Artificial Intelligence, Deep Learning, Neural Networks

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

Fakhreddine Karray

Development of Intelligent Machines for Human-centric Environments

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW This ORF research in Machine Intelligence and Smart Robotics will target development of novel methods for safe and dependable autonomous behavior in environments where humans and machines closely interact. The research program will seek to integrate technologies such as advanced sensing, pattern recognition, deep learning and cognitive robotics. The originality in this research program lies in connecting and integrating multiple areas of profound existing strength on campus at Waterloo and beyond. To be specific, machine perception must be integrated with planning and control to create truly intelligent machines. Through this integration, we will create transformative fundamental and applied methodologies to develop the next generation of robotic technologies to enable improvements in perception of human actions, behaviors, intent while simultaneously allowing shared autonomy; adapting to the user and their preferences; learning and improving sensing and actions over time, both from human feedback and from experience. Through the above, we aim to improve efficiency of physical human-robot interaction while emphasizing safety. Canadian industries will be able to utilize intelligent robotics systems powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cognitive abilities in a wide spectrum of applications to boost productivity, accuracy, flexibility, reconfigurability and ease-of-use. Application areas include, but are not limited to autonomous driving, manufacturing automation, service robotics, multi-agent robotics, humanoid systems, social robotics, flexible and modular manufacturing and assistive robotics for healthcare applications. Unlike many of the existing AI systems, which rely on large datasets, powerful computers and off-line learning, the ORF program will develop methodologies suitable for physically embodied systems that are autonomous and interact with the environment and humans in real time. These systems must be capable of on-line decision making and learning in previously unseen environments, while ensuring human safety and concurrently accomplishing system objectives. Our proposed research program will capitalize on growing interest in operational AI. State-of-the-art human- machine/robot interaction capabilities powered by embedded intelligence within smart mechatronics environments will enable robots/machines to assist humans with complex and dangerous tasks while increasing safety, productivity and throughout.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Cognitive Robotics, Smart Machines, Reinforcement Learning, Machine Intelligence, Human- machine Interaction

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

Tim Kenyon

Polarized Beliefs: Causes and Remedies

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Society, culture and politics are increasingly characterized by sharp divides between informationally insular groups. The research team will examine cases, causes, and possible mitigations for polarized beliefs between individuals or groups. Proceeding from current and recent work on belief polarization and the nature of disagreements, the team will explore a wide range of possible approaches to the problem. These include educational strategies, such as how to engage in disagreements with an attitude of epistemic humility; extended training exercises, including gamified methods of debiasing; and technical strategies, such as designing both physical and digital discussion venues in order to reduce the common drift into polarized or extreme positions, which can shut down the moderating influence of communication between groups.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Belief polarization, Critical thinking, Ideology, Extremism, Bias, Debiasing, Communication, Open-mindedness

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

Florian Kerschbaum

SPIFFY - Security & Privacy in the Financial Industry

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Financial institutions in Canada and worldwide rely increasingly on secure and private Internet and cloud transactions. This applies to customer interactions (e.g. online banking), internal processing (e.g. accounting systems), all the way to inter-institutional applications (e.g. credit rating), and new FinTechs (e.g. cloud data mining). Security and privacy of these transactions is of the utmost importance since a single mistake can cost billions of dollars. Ontario is home to the systems development centres for Canada’s banks, as well as many start-up and more mature FinTech companies. The SPIFFY team will investigate these issues, building on collaborations with Canadian banks while accounting for the following three types of online transactions. Customer to Bank: This theme will investigate how customers can retain data ownership of their interactions with a bank. Using Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PETs), customers can protect their privacy during interactions. These technologies will be integrated with the current online banking systems; allowing banks to use these technologies safely. Bank-Internal Systems: This theme will investigate how to enable modern infrastructures used by banks, such as software-defined networking, for intrusion detection. Online use of machine learning techniques will be applied and adapted to the needs of financial institutions. This theme will investigate how to optimize speed and accuracy in a real-world setting including dealing with the output of an intrusion detection system – its alerts. It is particularly critical to manage false positives (without increasing false negatives) in order to manage the time of the security administration staff. Using the capabilities of software defined networking, the team will then investigate how to best adapt the infrastructure to on-going threats. Inter- Banking Applications: This theme will investigate how to enable inter-institutional applications, such as credit scoring, fraud detection or benchmarking without the disclosure of privacy-protected or confidential data. Using modern approaches from cryptography and advances in hardware, tools will be built for collaborative machine learning that hide the sensitive data, but reveal the result and apply them to existing applications in the financial industry. The team aims to develop an integrated approach to managing the data at financial institutions to achieve the maximum benefit while not neglecting the goals of enhancing security, customer privacy and trade secrets. The data used in internal systems and inter- institutional applications depends on the customer. A balance between customer utility and the protection needs must be found. The approaches that will be used as part of this research also define an in-depth defense strategy where threats that are not perfectly covered by the protection mechanisms of external interactions can be caught by the internal intrusion detection systems. This research, conducted in close collaboration with Canadian banks, will ensure the timely impact of results. Collaborating financial institutions will be able to perform more secure on-line interactions with customers and other institutions, with better privacy protection while at the same time making better use of the data they are collecting. In that respect, SPIFFY will have a noticeable impact on the economy in Canada and Ontario driven by its financial institutions.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Computer Science, Security, Privacy, Cryptography, Computer Systems, Computer Networks

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

Bruce MacVicar

Next Generation Integrated Environment Modeling, Monitoring and Analysis: Digital Technologies for Sustainability

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Managing surface water quality, quantity, and accessibility are challenges that Ontario and Canada face in the 21st century. Critical issues emerge from the complexity, volume and disparate nature of environmental data and the need to integrate social, economic and environmental factors. This research program will develop next generation integrated environmental modeling, monitoring and analysis approaches and tools for surface water. The research and commercialization program activities involve world class researchers consisting of geomorphologists, hydraulic engineers, biologists, environmental scientists, computer scientists and software developers, as well as more than 50 partners in universities, industry, governments at all levels, conservation authorities and other non governmental organizations (NGOs). These experts acknowledge that the explosion of surface water-related digital information and associated tools will transform the very nature of their research. Indeed, experiments, simulations, observations, instruments and surveys, in their various sub-fields, are generating exponentially growing amounts of data. This information can be combined to support new discoveries and lead to progress on a wide range of grand challenges, from climate change, storm management, biodiversity impact, water pollution prevention, and water level management. These water-related research challenges are clearly critical to Canada and to the world, especially in light of recent water-related disasters that affected thousands of people and led to the losses of billions of dollars, such as Walkerton water contamination (2000), Alberta floods (2013), Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy (2005, 2012), and lead water poisoning in Flint Michigan (2016). Surface water quality, quantity, availability, and management, are crucial to society. Safeguarding, protecting and sustainably managing our water-related resources, such as our great lakes, rivers and watersheds, are among the greatest immediate challenges Ontario and Canada face in the 21st century. Critical issues emerge from the complexity, volume and disparate nature of environmental data, the dynamic and interdependent nature of the human and natural sources of stress and their impacts on planet earth, and the need to integrate social, economic and environmental factors. In this setting, next generation theoretical and technological solutions that combine digital technologies, a whole systems approach to management, modeling and prediction, and data-oriented methods and massive data analysis has the power to positively impact current and future generations by opening a new era in environmental behavior exploration and prediction. The research program will contribute to the creation of innovative Information and Communications Technology (ICT) products and services and accelerate their commercialization in Canada and abroad in studying the impact of climate change. Thus, the market for new data-driven water products and services is immense.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies – Clean Technologies

Keywords: Environment, Water, Modeling, Monitoring, Advanced software, Open data, Big data, Data analysis, Applications

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

Raafat Mansour

Eye Tracking Systems Based on Microsystem Technology for Human Computer Interaction Applications

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The movement of the human eye reveals a wealth of information about an individual’s interests, desires and state-of-mind, which can be gleaned through the use of eye-tracking systems. The most widely used eye trackers today are video-based image processing systems. Such systems are bulky, expensive, power-hungry, and slow and have therefore not been broadly adopted in mobile or wearable technology. Eye-tracking sensors must be improved significantly to provide seamless Human Computer Interaction (HCI) with connected devices. The objective of this research program is to develop a microsystem platform based on complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor microelectromechanical systems (CMOS- MEMS) technology to develop eye-tracking systems for a wide range of applications including biomedical, automotive and virtual reality (VR). The proposed system will achieve improvements in size, cost, power consumption, bandwidth and precision. The CMOS-MEMS technology that is proposed is a robust technique that has been adopted in the manufacture of various high-volume products such as sensors. The gesture recognition of human eye movement patterns is a powerful capability that will offer unique insight into the desires and intentions of users. A robustly calibrated system will be capable to predict the desired actions of the wearer, and provide unprecedented control of their environment. The proposed system has the potential for ubiquity, thereby increasing the amount of research that can be done and improving the ability to compare studies using a well-accepted platform device. A low-power, wearable unit with the ability to detect unconscious movements in the eye will enable HCI researchers to truly interpret the most subtle eye movements in order to enable seamless interaction with the technology that surrounds us. Our long term goal is to provide seamless tracking systems with a wider range of connected devices. There are numerous potential applications to be developed for the technology within the health-care sector. Through collaboration with the school of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of Waterloo, we intend to pursue applications of eye movement technology in ocular diagnosis and the broader diagnosis of neurological and psychiatric conditions in which eye movements have been implicated. Low cost, reliability and ease of use will be required for the ubiquitous use of objective eye tracking in the diagnostic arsenal and for home monitoring devices. The use of eye movement patterns for determination of intent is a powerful capability which could have significant positive impact on quality of life for those with limited physical mobility including those with skeletal muscular problems, cerebral palsy, stroke and other conditions that preclude speech and/or written communication. Our goal is to work closely with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to provide solutions for key applications in this area. The proposed CMOS-MEMS eye-tracking systems also present opportunities in applications beyond the health-care sector. This technology is poised to capture a significant market opportunity in the wearable computing segment as an input device for virtual/augmented reality (V/AR) headsets. Eye tracking is also being used in driving and automotive usability studies, mobile device testing, sports research, flight simulation training and market research.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Microsystems, MEMS-CMOS, Eye Tracking, Human Computer Interaction

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

Ian Milligan

Big Data and the Future of Historical Scholarship on Web Archives

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Historians of the 21th century need to wrestle with primary sources such as web pages, social media, and email in order to construct meaningful narratives of the modern world. Over the past couple of decades, archivists and other practitioners have made meaningful strides in the preservation of digital material. In the realm of web archives, which is the focus of this proposal, the non-profit Internet Archive holds hundreds of billions of webpages captured over the last two plus decades totaling over 30 petabytes. Unfortunately, historians (and more broadly, social scientists) are ill-equipped to interrogate the content of these archives for scholarly work. The broader goal of our work is to equip future historians with both the computational and methodological tools to interrogate web archives for scholarly pursuits. We propose to bring together historians and computer scientists to accomplish this by leveraging modern "big data" infrastructure to develop the next-generation open-source web archiving platform to support exploration and discovery by future digital historians. This project leverages and builds on momentum that we have already captured in the Warcbase project (http://warcbase.org/). We aim to unlock the potential of web archives by developing and providing the tools, via a cloud service, and the training, via a coordinated series of datathons, for scholars with limited technical expertise to explore archived web content.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Big data, Web archives, Digital history

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

Marina Mourtzakis

Integrative Health Program: Transforming Multidisciplinary Research to Improve Metabolic Health

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Background: As of 2016, 4.6 million Ontarians have been diagnosed with either pre-diabetes (3 million) or diabetes (1.6 million), and these numbers are projected to rise to 5.9 million in 10 years (Canadian Diabetes Association, Sept 2016). This condition has far-reaching health consequences and contributes to 30% of strokes, 40% of heart attacks, and 50% of kidney failure requiring dialysis (Canadian Diabetes Association, Sept 2016). Type 2 diabetes typically evolves from impaired glucose metabolism and insulin resistance, stemming from diverse modifiable and non-modifiable factors, such as reduced physical activity, poor nutrition, and obesity. Impairments in glucose metabolism, leading to type 2 diabetes, are generally accompanied by clusters of metabolic disturbances including muscle atrophy, dyslipidemia, and neuropathies. These metabolic aberrations are also observed with other comorbidities, including cancer, arthritis, and vascular disease. Importantly, the presence of these comorbidities may exacerbate the health and clinical outcomes of pre-diabetes and diabetes. Metabolic, neurological and biomechanical characterization of factors that are common and/or distinct between diabetes and other comorbidities is lacking. Understanding the intricate links between these health conditions is important in generating targeted interventions, such as nutrition and exercise, to improve clinical and health outcomes in pre- diabetics and diabetics. Thus, our overarching aim is to evaluate and assess existing pathologies and chronic diseases to develop targeted nutrition and exercise programs. Proposal: Quality nutrition and appropriate exercise prescriptions are known to improve metabolic and clinical outcomes of diverse health conditions including pre-diabetes, diabetes, vascular disease, cancer and arthritis. While metabolic, neurological and biomechanical deficits exist in each of these cohorts, the integrated effects of comorbidities have been evaluated in a limited manner. Here, at the Centre for Community, Clinical and Applied Research Excellence (CCCARE) in the Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, we plan to comprehensively examine the interactions between various comorbidities and leverage our existing nutrition and exercise programs, to develop targeted approaches. Significance: An integrative approach is essential to understanding the intricate interactions and influences of comorbidities on pre- diabetes and diabetes. Our multidisciplinary approach will provide a comprehensive evaluation of these patient cohorts to optimize health in pre-diabetics and diabetics and address this knowledge gap.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Chronic disease, Glucose metabolism, Body composition, Muscle metabolism

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

Linda Nazar

Empowering Ontario's Grid and Communities with Advanced Electrochemical Energy Storage

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW This application seeks to develop new technologies that support the Ontario government’s climate change plan and its investments in solar energy and wind energy, through the development of innovative, cost-effective, advanced-energy storage batteries. Both grid storage and market-competitive hybrid and electric vehicles are completely reliant on these to decrease energy use and emissions. Increased energy demands have generated a call for environmentally responsible energy sources that do not rely on fossil fuels, however, these technologies require energy storage. Pumped hydroelectric and compressed air storage are possible storage solutions, but are not scalable. In contrast, electrochemical energy storage technologies based on rechargeable batteries have immense promise. Their appealing features include pollution-free operation, high round-trip efficiency, and flexible power and energy characteristics. Batteries represent an unparalleled energy storage technology for the integration of renewable resources that provide intermittent energy. Their compact size makes them well suited for use at distributed locations (“mini-grids“), including rural communities, where they can provide frequency control and electrical storage for local solar output and load-level output fluctuations at wind farms. The estimated demand for Li-ion batteries in 2012 was $16.9 billion worldwide, with an anticipated increase to $64.4 billion by 2019. Our proposal focuses on two primary systems and includes: 1) all solid state batteries (ASSB; for electric vehicles); and 2) aqueous batteries (for grid storage). Our goal is to take the advances that we have made in electrochemical science developments in the last decade to foster change in two important directions. The first is directed at automotive transportation. High-demand energy storage applications such as electric vehicles require the next generation of batteries to exhibit high volumetric energy density, enhanced safety, abuse tolerance and utilization of cost effective materials. This has imposed stricter requirements on the electrolyte materials. Our proposal focuses on the development of solid state electrolytes comprising Li (or Na) superionic conducting materials which exhibit excellent safety and stability, and are a necessary replacement for organic liquid electrolytes. This will enable the development of ASSB’s which represents a major leap forward in battery technology. ASSB’s are particularly ideal for application in higher density Li-ion and Na-ion cells. Furthermore, the utilization of metallic lithium anodes potentially enabled by solid state electrolyte membranes, in typical liquid electrolyte cells would, on their own, increase the energy density of cells by more than 2-fold compared to the graphite anodes currently used. The second critical direction is devoted to developing solutions to enable low-cost, reliable energy storage for the grid. We will focus on creating step-changes in the storage capability and cycle-life of aqueous batteries. This project will capitalize on our recent discoveries which are the subject of a patent application filed with UWaterloo, and supported by the Department of Energy (USA).

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies – Clean Technologies

Keywords: Electrochemical energy storage, Advanced rechargeable batteries

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

Neil Randall

Hybrid Reality Interactive Narrative: Creating and Applying Narratives for Virtual and Augmented Reality Applications

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The human desire to enhance reality has for most of its history been driven by storytelling. Recently, advancements in computer graphics and gaming interfaces have enabled plausible virtual experiences in alternative realities. Here, the goal is to create virtual environments that are indistinguishable from our experience of the physical world. While we are close to being able to create sensory experiences with equivalent resolution of human sensory organs, our ability to fully immerse a user in an alternative reality remains just out of reach. Our proposal is to determine how to best create and design narrative in the hybrid reality that exists between the human user and the virtual environment and to conduct research on narrative and its potential to enhance immersion and bolster the effectiveness of simulated virtual environments. In the Hybrid Reality Interactive Narrative project (HYBRIN), we conduct research into the use of narrative structures and methods in virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) environments for specific user experience purposes. Overall, we explore narrative as the foundational element linking the virtual continuum, ranging from experiences in the physical world to experiences in augmented reality - with its partially virtual environment, and virtual reality, with its fully virtual environment. We examine, implement, and test interactive narrative elements that afford storytelling across media applications in a variety of research areas.The research is founded on the principle that narrative lies at the core of human experience, and that virtual and augmented reality narratives afford innovative and compelling kinds of immersive user experience; our range of application areas reflects this. We explore increasingly established creative Hybrid Reality instances in such media as games, but we also examine the impact of story-driven Hybrid Reality in purposeful media interactions related to areas ranging from health through education. The use of narrative to ground a user’s experience in an augmented or virtual environment and the capacity for stories to give depth to simulated experiences will lead to the creation of best practices in the crafting of stories for various VR settings.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Narrative and storytelling, Games studies, Virtual reality, Augmented reality, Simulation, Immersion, Interface design

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

Ann Marie Rasmussen

Storyworlds Lab

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Our objective is to create an international, interdisciplinary team of experts, homed at the University of Waterloo, who will develop a new, robust set of research questions, methodologies, and concrete projects around the idea of storyworlds and make Ontario an international leader in this area of research. Storyworlds are fictional realms in which stories are adapted and agglomerate across time and space in different media around a set of familiar central events, characters, images, and themes. One example of a storyworld is the King Arthur tradition, with its one thousand years of stories. Our definition of a storyworld focuses on artistic creation in writing, art, and the moving image, traditionally the domain of the humanities. Yet making, talking, and sharing stories are fundamental to the creation and sharing of meaning in all spheres of life and culture. Stories are also vital to the worlds of political action, law, and business, for example. Storyworlds Lab’s broadly interdisciplinary, collaborative research promises the fruitful integration of scholarship across disciplines and offers a timely path for scholarly exchange between the humanities and the social sciences. Storyworlds Lab addresses head on a key challenge faced by humanistically inflected scholarship today. While there is much talk about a crisis in the humanities, storyworlds are more popular and globally present than ever before. We witness stories old (King Arthur; Mulan; Macbeth) and new (Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars) proliferating in media old and new (novels, graphic novels, tv series, films, art, online gaming) and published on diverse platforms such as fan fiction, twitter, you-tube, and self-published multi-book sagas. These trends upend received notions of popular and high culture, of authors as agents and audiences as passive consumers, and of disciplinary boundaries. Traditional literary scholarship, with its focus on theoretical models and on writing that is considered high culture, has struggled to find a way to integrate these global trends into the discipline, while political science and media studies too often address storyworld phenomena without knowledge or understanding of its long, deep, and culturally diverse history. The Storyworlds Lab aims to produce a unified methodological framework, to be shared through workshops, conference presentations, a collectively authored book project, articles published in open-access, peer-reviewed journals, edited collections of essays, a time-limited, project-specific website, and graduate student research projects (master’s theses and dissertations). The Storyworlds Lab will also connect scholars with members of the broader public and with practitioners such as teachers, writers, artists, filmmakers, to help bridge expert knowledge between diverse groups so that all may learn from one another. Public outreach includes events and workshops for secondary school and college teachers; workshops with writers, artists, and other storyworld practitioners; a public web portal; interactive exhibitions; and Storyworld conventions. The Storyworlds Lab will also establish innovative scoping and assessment measures for interdisciplinary, collaborative research projects. These will be used to develop a university-wide conversation around creating a distinct, unique UW culture of interdisciplinary collaboration that enhances UW’s signature strengths. This project will be assessed annually.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Communication; Social change; Artistic creation; Semiotics; Group formation; Change over time; Language; Media

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

Chris Riddell

Pay Equity Within the Workplace: A Field Study of Six Firms

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Recent data shows that in Canada: women earn substantially less than men; we are below the OECD average in gender pay inequality; and have fallen to 35th place in the World Economic Forum’s global gender rankings (Globe and Mail 2017). We can think of gender pay differences within the workplace as arising in two key scenarios: a) differences in pay between men and women who do substantially the same type of work (e.g., a male and female incumbent both with the job title ‘Finance Manager’), and b) differences in pay between men and women who do substantially different work, but that could be of similar value (e.g., a janitor and an administrative assistant). Canada has legislation, anti-discrimination legislation, in effect (both federally and provincially) to address differences in pay in the former case. It is much more unusual to see legislation to address inequality in the latter scenario, particularly in the private sector – not just in Canada, but also throughout the developed world. Ontario is highly unusual, and considered quite progressive in other parts of the developed world, in that the province has legislation – known as the Ontario Pay Equity Act – that addresses pay differences stemming from gender-based occupational segregation for the private sector (along with the public sector). Indeed, pay equity as contemplated by the Pay Equity Act in Ontario is described in the statute as “equal pay for equal work”. Despite this legislation, Ontario is below the Canadian average in the extent of the gender pay gap. This research is principally concerned with addressing why pay equity legislation in effect in Ontario does not appear, on aggregate, to have affected the male-female wage gap by conducting an in-depth, mixed method (qualitative-quantitative) longitudinal field study of six firms that implemented pay equity compensation systems. We also address pay differences between men and women who work in substantially the same jobs, but our focus is on pay equity, as the literature has had much less to say about latter issue. In more detail, the Ontario Pay Equity Act essentially requires firms to implement compensation programs and policies that: a) formally evaluate the value of all jobs to the organization (virtually always done with a point factor-type job evaluation method); b) to determine male vs. female dominated jobs (based on internal gender ratios across jobs); and then c) to make pay adjustments to any incumbents in female dominated jobs that are paid less than male dominated incumbents of the same value. It is widely recognized – indeed by the Ontario Pay Equity Commission itself in their internal manuals – that most firms require the services of a consultant to implement these systems. Even large firms with fully staffed HR departments rarely have the internal expertise to implement what are fairly complicated pay systems that, among other things, require multivariate regression tools. Understanding the performance of Ontario’s Pay Equity Act thus requires understanding how consulting firms implement these systems. Our research begins here: we partner with a well-known Ontario consulting firm that allows us to examine their recent pay equity clients that have implemented the policies and compensation systems required by the Act. Our research seeks to uncover how compliance with Ontario’s Pay Equity Act is implemented on the ground, and why or why not the Act results in changes to the male-female wage gap.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

Jennifer Roberts-Smith

Engaging Audiences: A Virtual Archive of Ontario Theatre

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW This project will design and build a virtual archive of audience responses to professional theatrical production in Ontario. Its goal is to extend our understanding of the value of the performing arts in the province. The measures currently most commonly used emphasize the short-term economic impacts of theatrical productions (in terms, for example, of the jobs they create or the secondary sales they generate in the tourism industry) or their utility as educational tools for making social justice interventions. While these are important and relevant measures, they tend to privilege the perspectives of the systems that fund the performing arts rather than the people who consume them; they tend not to address the particular values of art as distinct from other forms of economic or social activity; and they tend to focus on short-term rather than long-term, sustainable impacts. Theatre archives and museums are not yet equipped to address this challenge, because they typically collect records related to the production of theatre, and not (beyond the immediate, formal reviews written by expert critics) of its reception or impacts on audiences. As a result, it is difficult to say why theatre matters to Ontarians, and why it might continue to matter over time. We cannot say why theatre thrives in Ontario, how it contributes to Ontarians’ senses of identity, or how audience engagement might be leveraged by policy-makers, educators, and artists to enhance and ensure the sustainability of the positive economic and social impacts we can already identify. Engaging Audiences will address this challenge by making audience reception of theatrical performance its focus. It will develop a series of in-person and online engagement activities that encourage audiences to articulate the value of theatre to them, as individuals and as groups of friends, family, and/or community members, both immediately and at increasing intervals of time after a performance. It will design a methodology for digitally collecting and recording these responses, a database for preserving them, and interfaces for retrieving and exhibiting them. Lastly, it will develop a grounded theory of audience engagement in performing arts events. The initial network of collaborators for Engaging Audiences will include professional theatres representing a broad range of scales and mandates; institutions already engaged in the collection, preservation, and curation of theatre archives; and researchers engaged in the design and development of virtual cultural repositories. The frameworks the project develops for inviting, recording, analyzing, visualizing, and theorizing audience responses will be adaptable to other art forms and other production contexts, ranging from classrooms to community theatres to international festivals. The virtual archive itself will function as an established, recognized, growing, and sustainable testament to the cultural complexity and vitality of the province.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Theatre, Spectatorship, Virtual archive, Audience engagement, Interface design, Database design, Experience design

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

Susan Roy

Ayamoowin ijwa paapoowin - Songs in the Key of Cree - Laughter and Language Revitalization in Canada

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Songs in the Key of Cree is a collaboration between acclaimed Cree playwright Tomson Highway, academics, artists, institutional partners, and organizations at the forefront of Indigenous language revitalization. It centres on a tour of a "Cree cabaret" to communities in Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. The project highlights the role music, laughter, and arts-based research plays in language revitalization and in restoration of social, economic, and family relations in Indigenous communities. This project is committed to community wellbeing, especially the empowerment of Indigenous youth. Building on the talents and expertise of Indigenous knowledge holders and speakers, the project incorporates community-based research into the history of language loss and revitalization and contributes to the development of new multi-media language curriculum. A driving force of this project is the conviction that Indigenous languages, because they describe relational concepts, are central to reconciliation in Ontario and Canada. Through oral histories, community-based, and archival research, this project critically examines histories of colonialism, drawing on Indigenous language and ways of knowing, to offer new frameworks and understandings of the colonial history of Canada and its legacies. A priority of this project is community engagement. While performing in Indigenous communities across Ontario and in urban centres, including in London, Waterloo, Toronto and Ottawa in which many Indigenous peoples live, we will engage with community members through a variety of mediums to examine the relationship between language and colonial histories. In collaboration with our partners, we will develop multimedia histories and curriculum allowing communities and scholars to work together to create and share knowledge. Indigenous languages represent unique worldviews. They serve, as do all languages, as vehicles for the transmission of culture from one generation to the next. For example, even though there are over 83,000 Cree speakers in Canada today, Cree remains threatened by dominant English-language television and media in the north. Indigenous languages throughout the world are critically endangered. Both the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the conclusions of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada stress that Indigenous peoples have the right to preserve their languages and that it is urgent to do so. This project reflects a deep commitment to the UNDRIP, to the TRC's call to action, and to community initiatives. It contributes to broader understandings of the legacies of our colonial past that are necessary for social justice and restitution.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Cree language Revitalization, Indigenous history, Arts-based research, Youth well-being, Indigenous-state relations

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

Safiedden Safavi-Naeini

Intelligent Antenna and Radio Technologies for Emerging Millimeter-wave Systems

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The objective of the proposed research program is to investigate and develop cost-effective intelligent antenna and radio technologies for emerging millimeter-wave (mmW) systems. Progress in future generation communication networks (5G and beyond), HTS mobile satellite communication, high performance automotive sensors/radars, and other related applications depend on availability of low-cost modular, flexible, and adaptive mmW technologies. Millimeter-waves have opened up new possibilities and unlimited market opportunities for extreme bandwidth radio communication systems, ultra-high resolution radars/imagers, and novel types of material characterization and sensing devices. Despite remarkable advances in millimeter-wave passive/active device and integrated system technologies, to realize these fascinating potentials, particularly for mass market applications, significant technology challenges have to be dealt with. Millimeter-wave active devices are still costly and complex and cannot deliver the gain/noise performances their lower frequency counterparts can offer. Lack of cost-effective miniaturized packaging and sub-system integration technologies with adequate performance constitutes another major bottleneck. In addition, millimeter-wave radio-wave propagation involves particularly complex reflection/refraction, scattering, and severe atmospheric losses that have to be accurately investigated and fully taken into consideration to develop a high performance end-to-end system solution. Conventional fixed (non-adaptive) radio/antenna system concepts based on layered (hierarchical) methodologies do not provide a viable approach to meet the aforementioned challenges. The most promising strategy, which is the main focus of the present proposal, is to build intelligence in device, circuit, antenna and system architecture, as well as the physical layer, and to apply a global approach to optimize the entire system. The resulting intelligent radio/antenna system can adapt its performance to a highly complex, unpredictable, and time-varying radio-wave propagation and noise/interference environment and deliver the optimal performance under any operational conditions. The proposed research addresses interrelated topics including fundamental noise properties of low noise mmW devices, device modeling and device-circuit interaction, co- design strategies for mmW systems, and new reconfigurable/scalable transceiver front-ends. Low-power/high- efficiency architectures, high performance tunable active/passive mmW circuits, novel signal processing algorithm for a mmWave physical layer, and active/reconfigurable and intelligent integrated multi-antenna systems will be explored in this research. The applicants' collective expertise combined with the UW world- class mmW infrastructure are uniquely positioned to implement such a multi-faceted scheme. The proposed program will offer a significant educational environment for graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and visiting scientists to gain invaluable knowledge and firsthand experience in the highly critical area of mmW device and system technologies. Ontario industries have strong national and international positions in telecommunication/wireless communication, satellite communication, automotive, aerospace/avionics, and mobile-health/bio-medical and environmental sensor technologies. These sectors will significantly benefit from the results of the proposed research.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Millimeter-waves, RF technology, Integrated Circuit, Antenna, Radio, Low Noise Amplifier, Power Amplifier, Array

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

Andrei Sazonov

Distributed Self-powered Portable Water Treatment and Disinfection Systems

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The goal of this project is to develop self-powered portable water treatment and disinfection systems that enable small and remote communities, remote and rural areas, and individuals to have access to on-the- spot clean water. Current water treatment approaches requiring either chemicals or bulky and costly equipment do not meet the need of individuals or small communities that may have to rely on potable water. Distributed water treatment will shorten water supply chain and will reduce contamination and wastage of water during transport and/or storage. Proposed systems are designed to consume low power, be light-weight and independent of consumable chemicals, produce no hazardous by-products. These features will allow the technology to be used for “on the go” applications, even by individuals in remote areas (disaster relief workers, tourists, hikers) and will also allow it to be scalable to meet the needs of farms and small communities. This approach has the potential to directly impact about 15% of Ontario population that resides in rural areas and about 3 billion people worldwide by improving their health and life quality.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies – Clean Technologies

Keywords: Water treatment, Flexible electronics, Solar cells

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

Bryan Smale

Socially Smart Communities: Transformative Data-Centric Approaches and Technologies in the Social Sciences

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW In an era of accelerated scientific and economic change, owing to digital technologies and globalization, the ability of communities to adapt is critical to community well-being. This presents a grand challenge for this century, building capacity within communities to ensure they are moving toward a better quality of life. Current approaches to measure community performance, such as the Canadian Index of Wellbeing (CIWB), usually use data gathered by government agencies, and compile socio-economic and other indicators to reflect well-being. Typically, data are the product of some form of census or survey that can take several years to compile and often do not address community-level geography. In contrast, this research program proposes community-level data-centric approaches to support socially smart communities (SSC) by building on our work on the CIWB. This transformative SSC program, combines community-based approaches for capturing and sharing socio-economic open and big data with mapping, and data analytics. Improving communities with these approaches can transform the existing community socio-economic paradigm and will determine where, when, how, why and for whom community life is improving or degrading. Based on the data from various sources, a community’s pulse is taken in a timely fashion to capture a community’s past, present and future in fine spatial and temporal resolution and in areas such as jobs, business, government, housing, food security, education, health, community participation and commerce. This approach can be used in adaptive management, a repetitive cycle of measuring, diagnosing and implementing to test the effectiveness of governance, development, or service delivery. This transformation to socially smart communities has the potential to create immense socio-economic benefits by addressing critical issues such as uncovering job opportunities, reducing poverty, improving service delivery, optimizing use of community resources, supporting vulnerable citizens, identifying local needs, building safe and strong urban and rural communities, improving social conditions and economic opportunities. Just as the shift to a digital economy transformed the world, the transformation to more timely and smart community health intelligence has the potential to create immense social and economic benefits. The research program is multi-disciplinary with national and international collaborative efforts, in areas such as social sciences, computer science and statistics. By addressing critical community challenges, this research will produce novel products and services geared towards businesses, governments, industries and non-profit organizations, and it will position the province as an international leader in data-centric and smart approaches to community well-being. Tremendous socio-economic impact will be targeted as people and communities are supported to achieve their potential, build independence, and improve their quality of life.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: IT, Software engineering, Open data, Big data, AI, Mobile, Internet of things, Cloud, E- business, E-health, E-agriculture

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

Imre Szeman

Mobilizing Literacy in Energy Transition – Ontario

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Communities across Ontario face technical and economic barriers to transitioning toward sustainable energy systems. Though a small number of municipalities have undertaken sustainable policies and practices, at present most communities have limited access to knowledge creation, evidence-based discussion, and public leadership in energy transition (for a range of reasons, including geographical distance, limited communication with existing energy providers, and the financial burden of investment in sustainable energy systems). In conjunction with the Energy Humanities Research Group at the University of Alberta, Mobilizing Literacy in Energy Transition Ontario (MLET) will implement and evaluate: (1) site-specific community transition workshops in small to medium-size communities ( < 20,000) across Ontario, and (2) develop a single digital platform for resource sharing and crowd-sourced problem solving over the next five to seven years. MLET-Ontario builds on existing expertise in the field of Energy Humanities (EH) by building a socio-cultural framework for energy literacy, public deliberation, and grassroots problem solving. Public discourse in Canada still positions energy as separate from the technical and social structures it fuels. By approaching energy from a cultural and social perspective, EH offers knowledge and tools to re-conceive energy as integrative and socially practiced. EH plays an important role in the multi-directional engagement necessary at every stage of energy transition, from imagining new energy futures, to creating technologies that respond to those imaginaries, to implementing those technologies and systems in ways that communities can embrace, to addressing the social and cultural changes that will necessarily accompany major changes to energy systems. Research in EH can influence the types of technologies produced, such that new sources and systems respond in more socially equitable ways to the needs of intersectional communities, reducing the social disparity produced by current energy sources and systems. EH also engages with communities about both the potential and limits of new technologies, creating greater energy literacy about the challenges and opportunities of energy transition. Partnering with leading organizations in public-oriented energy transition, such as the Transitions Network Ontario, the Ontario Sustainable Energy Association (OSEA), and the University of Toronto Institute for Sustainable Energy (ISE), MLET-Ontario will approach 1) small to medium-size suburban communities, and 2) rural communities in order to foster regional partnerships that cross the city-country divide. The suburb, as a prevalent form of built space during the age of oil, constitutes a key type of social as well as physical infrastructure, while the industrialization and depopulation of agricultural communities has likewise contributed to the integration of fossil fuels across social and physical space. Linking these two forms of community through energy transition will help regionalize the knowledge and tools developed through MLET-Ontario.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Energy transition, Democratic decision-making, Natural resource management, Community- based research

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

Zongchao Tan

Accurate Air Quality Mapping in Large Cities

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Air pollution is a global challenge, including countries like Canada and China. Existing monitoring activities for outdoor air quality involves collecting data at a few point sources set around the city. Government agencies rely on this data to determine strategies for air quality management. Meanwhile citizens adapt their behavior based on this data, by wearing dust masks, using air cleaners, or simply staying indoors when the outdoor air quality is poor. However, data collected from a few air quality stations is far from being representative, reliable or accurate. Air quality in a large city like Toronto or Beijing, China varies dramatically with location and time, therefore, an accurate map of air quality within a large city would be ideal. The challenge to this air quality mapping is the cost of accurate air quality monitoring devices. With recent growing concerns over air pollution in China, hundreds of air monitoring devices have been quickly developed and brought to market. However, in the July 7, 2016 edition of Nature, the comment section called for a scientific analysis that would “validate (the) personal air-pollution sensors” that have expanded rapidly among concerned citizens and government agencies due to their low cost. The problem is that while low cost sensors for air pollution can provide decision-makers with valuable information to guide decisions about protective measures, “authorities and the public lack the technical means of checking these themselves, so must take the quality of the measurements on trust from the supplier.” The applicant proposed to develop a low-cost air monitoring system that can be used to collect air quality data in real time with extremely low cost and high accuracy. With this ultimate goal in mind, the PI’s team has successfully developed this type of sensor and fabricated a prototype. Built on the success of this core technology, the applicant now proposes to develop and evaluate a system for accurate air quality mapping in cities. Data collected can be provided to end users including government and clean air industries for city planning, air emission source management, and related business decisions.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies – Clean Technologies

Keywords: PM2.5, Air pollution, Air Quality, Air Monitoring, Big data

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

Hamid Tizhoosh

Accurate Air Quality Mapping in Large Cities

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Millions of medical images are stored in the archives of hospitals and clinics, and are generally annotated with detailed patient-specific information (biopsy findings, treatment plans, follow-up reports). Being able to retrieve and describe images of similar cases (from past patients) when examining the images of a new patient can help physicians to make more informed decisions (more reliable diagnosis), decisions that are critical to both patient’s well-being and to the costs of the healthcare system. The ability to correlate new patient images, with known (expertly diagnosed) cases of the past, can assist experts to avoid missing malignancies. Such a technology will exploit big data or more specifically, big image data and constitutes a new generation of clinical procedures that can be coined “computational peer review”. With emergence and growth of digital pathology in recent years, millions of very large pathology scans are being stored and archived along with all diagnostic information. Digital pathology, the final diagnostic frontier, can be a prime beneficiary of fast image search and captioning, significantly enhancing the clinical workflow to make use of presently un-used stores of data. Adopting machine learning methods to bridge the semantic recognition gap between computer algorithms and pathologists will enable the identification of anatomical and pathological similarities. In this project, we will design a cohort of intelligent algorithms aligned with the needs of digital pathology as shall be required for any commercial adoption of this technology to occur. We will use thousands of histo-pathological scans from our clinical partners to develop and validate our algorithms. We need to solve several challenges to develop a functional prototype. Scans are very large (e.g., 50K by 50K pixels and larger). We need to design fast algorithms for reading and splitting them into smaller images/patches manageable for learning. This will generate millions of images of high resolution. We plan to commercialize the outcomes of the project as they become available.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Image Retrieval, Image Captioning, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Medical Imaging, Digital Pathology

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

Steven Waslander

SAFEAUTO: Functionally Safe Autonomous Driving with Runtime Monitoring in Adverse Weather

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Autonomous driving technology has started to transform the automotive sector, with prototype vehicles already patrolling public roads. Yet recently, progress has not kept pace with private sector investment. Major unsolved barriers in perception, safety assessment and failure recovery are crippling deployment objectives, and leading firms to now put fully autonomous operation a decade or more in the future. Industry players such as Toyota, Ford and GM are reaching out to universities across the world, seeking new approaches and creative solutions. A major research effort will be needed to match and exceed human driving performance, but the rewards will be tremendous. Road accidents kill over a million people annually, and are the leading cause of death for children in North America; 95% are thought to be caused by human error. We propose to create SAFEAUTO: a complete autonomous driving reference design with functional safety assessment and runtime monitoring that maintains minimum performance standards during operation through redundancy and fault monitoring, particularly for adverse weather conditions. We have an opportunity to build a uniquely strong research program, leveraging existing world-class infrastructure that includes the Autonomoose Testbed, the only full-size autonomous research vehicle at a Canadian university and all-season access to the Waterloo Region test track, the only vehicle test track fully accessible to Canadian researchers. The SAFEAUTO research agenda will target specific advances in three critical areas: ● Robust AI perception in all weather and road conditions, paving the way for true autonomy on Canadian roads. ● Safety assurance for autonomous driving AI systems – critical for viable autonomy. ● Runtime monitoring of algorithm performance for real-time failure detection and mitigation. Leadership team: Led by Prof. Steven Waslander, SAFEAUTO brings together some of Waterloo’s most productive and promising autonomous driving researchers recruited to Canada from Stanford, the University of Salzburg, and Daimler-Benz. Their track records of leadership include some of the largest national and provincial automotive research programs, and their research groups support over 50 HQP. Ontario’s opportunity: The Ministry of Transportation - Ontario (MTO) has shown foresight by legislating to allow autonomous vehicle testing on public roads as of January, 2016. Announced at the University of Waterloo, this decision was praised by Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association, who characterizes Ontario as an “early mover” in automated vehicle technology, and the decision as one that will help Canada maintain that advantage: “a very critical next step in staying in the lead”. Several major manufacturers are now are looking to build their autonomous vehicle research capacity in Canada. Goldman Sachs predict an autonomous driving technology market of $96 billion as early as 2025. Driving innovation in autonomous driving within Ontario will protect and create high-paying permanent jobs in ICT, engineering, control systems, and hardware, all of which will remain relevant as the industry shifts toward connectivity, safety, and autonomy

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Autonomous Driving, Deep Learning, Localization and Mapping

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

Stephen Watt

MAKOMAN – Mathematical Knowledge Management

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW How to capture, represent, manipulate and use knowledge in specific areas is one of the key challenges for the coming decade. To achieve this objective, several problems must be overcome. These problems range from foundational questions to matters related to dealing with ambiguity, imprecision and errors. The present work will develop technology to address these problems by focusing on an area (mathematical knowledge) where the application domain has clarity on what is correct and what is incorrect.There are two principal aspects to this effort, representing the conversion and transmission of knowledge in the two directions: from human-based to computer-based knowledge and vice-versa. The International Mathematical Union has as an ultimate objective to collect all of the world’s published mathematics in a Global Digital Mathematics Library. The next step is to compile the knowledge in publications in a computable form. The steps in this process include conversion of scanned documents into machine parsable text, the recognition of mathematical formulae, statements and arguments within individual publications, organization of this knowledge as a coherent knowledge base, providing query and reasoning services. Good progress has been made on the early steps in this process (mathematical OCR and formula recognition) so we shall concentrate on the later steps. Ontologies exist already for some areas of high economic or societal impact, such as the International Classification of Diseases. Some work has been done in this area, for example the online encyclopedia of continued fractions or the online encyclopedia of integer sequences, but these have all been hand-curated. This approach will not scale to dealing with hundreds of thousands of related definitions in an area’s literature corpus. We are interested in developing a semi-supervised process for ontology development that can be applied to mathematics and other areas, and to develop techniques to harvest the claims and arguments presented in the literature. This work is proposed to be done in conjunction with a software company with a strong Ontario presence. With a computer-based representation of mathematics in hand, a major question is then how to transmit this information back to humans. It is not sufficient simply to serve up a collection of documents, but rather it is important to be able to summarize and present what is contained in those documents in a comprehensible form. What is comprehensible will be reader-dependent. The second major part of this work will focus on modeling reader understanding and how to present knowledge in a way adapted to the specific individual.This work will be conducted in conjunction with Ontario-based software company using their platform as a test bed. The University of Waterloo has already worked with this company to develop numerous on-line mathematics courses, where the mathematical content is presented in an interactive way. Simple mechanisms are already in place to allow learner-specific paths through lessons. The proposed work will bring more substantial tools to bear by modeling the learner’s present knowledge and the ways in which the learner has demonstrated they can take up new knowledge most easily. This can then be correlated to the new knowledge to be transmitted to develop a knowledge conveyance strategy.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Computer Science, Mathematics, Knowledge Management, Computer Aided Instruction

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

John Wen

Optimization of Energy Management System and Control Strategy for Utilizing Renewables in Remote Regions

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Ontario’s long-term energy plan highlights five major pillars to support its economy: affordability, reliability, clean energy, community and indigenous engagement, and conservation and demand management. The proposed project directly addresses each of those five pillars through characterization and assessment of the overall economic, environmental and energy conversion performance of utilizing multiple renewable energy sources in remote regions to provide cost-effective and low-carbon-footprint energy. The project will cover a wide spectrum of technologies for energy generation, conversion, storage and use and will implement the concept of smart energy networks by optimizing the size and components of the energy system and developing advanced energy dispatch strategies.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies – Clean Technologies

Keywords: Energy management, Control strategy, Renewable sources, Heat, Power and Co-generation

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

Alfred Yu

Ontario Consortium on Innovations in Ultrasound Imaging and Theranostics

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW For about 2.2 million Ontarians who are now at or above the age of 65, age is inevitably a major risk factor for contracting cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Meanwhile, the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer for young Ontarians is also rising as a consequence of various lifestyle factors. In the face of this epidemiological trend, there is a growing need to develop new non-invasive technologies that can facilitate early diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. In this research program, a multi- disciplinary team of researchers will work together to collaboratively make transformative advances in cardiovascular and cancer theranostics by pioneering a series of ultrasound imaging inventions and integrating them with new ultrasound-based drug delivery paradigms. On this topic, the applicants have a long-standing track record in devising ultrasound imaging innovations, investigating the biophysical fundamentals in therapeutic ultrasound, developing enabling tools to realize and test new ultrasound- based inventions, and applying ultrasound technology to pre-clinical and human studies. Building upon these prior accomplishments, this research program will enable the applicants to jointly invent the next generation of innovations in ultrasound imaging and theranostics, from conceptual development to experimental realization and application.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Next-Generation Ultrasonics, Imaging, Theranostics, Cardiovascular, Cancer, Aging

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Waterloo Aaron Pereira Phone: 519-888-4567 x38523 Email: [email protected]

Norman Zhou

Smart Water: Integrating Functional Nanomaterials in Water Treatment and Monitoring Systems

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Rapid increases in urban development, industrial activities, and atmospheric deposition have created multiple stressors in lakes and watersheds in Ontario and globally. These stressors along with the increased demand for water have increased the fiscal and energy costs to treat water. Water and waste-water services are typically one-third to one-half of a municipality’s total electrical use and will continue to rise unless energy efficient treatment and monitoring systems are used. The significant energy usage from water purification alone presents an opportunity to significantly lower these costs using “smart” materials and networks in water treatment and monitoring systems. The proposed ORF-RE stems from several R&D efforts conducted by the Waterloo research team since 2010 in the areas of nanomaterials, water quality monitoring, and water treatment technologies. As the top university in water research (Lux Research Inc., 2013) and nanotechnology in Canada, the knowledge and technological know-how is globally recognized, attracting world-class researchers, media, and industrial collaborations. The ultimate goal of the research program is to commercialize water treatment technologies using nanomaterial-based solutions integrated with “Internet of Things” (IoT) connectivity to maximize energy efficiency, while maintaining water quality standards. The program will: (1) Develop scalable processing of multi-functional nanomaterials for commercial filtration applications. (2) Produce cutting-edge research to support and accelerate point-of-use TiO2/UV advanced oxidation processes. (3) Evaluate innovative integrated optical biosensors with simultaneous detection of multiple contaminants. (4) Integrate IoT connectivity with water purification systems to enable predictive and efficient maintenance. The holistic methodologies, nanomaterial processing protocols, water quality monitoring assays, and engineered water treatment and monitoring systems resulting from our proposed sub-projects will provide a sustainable foundation for disruptive solutions in the short, medium, and long-term. Nanomaterial and network enabled water technologies have a prominent role in Ontario’s current and future water-energy nexus. The research will stimulate and facilitate the innovation cycle, through research driven innovation, technology and process development, and pilot-scale demonstrations. The multiple sub-projects will leverage the Waterloo’s group achievements to implement novel solutions for improving large-scale processing methods for nanomaterials and design of treatment and monitoring systems. Furthermore, the lack of understanding of effects of nanomaterials in treatment processes will be addressed by performing comprehensive studies that address its risk. Close partnerships with water companies that deal with membrane filtration, treatment, and nanomaterial development can potentially use the results of this research for product development. Feedback and partnerships with end-users of the technology (communities, municipalities, industry, and consumers) will ensure technological outcomes are met. The program will also develop a pool of highly qualified personnel, who will be trained, and have an impact in the local and global water economy. Overall, the proposed program will have a broad impact on Ontario’s water economy that will increase its competitiveness in the global marketplace for water purification and monitoring technologies.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies – Clean Technologies

Keywords: Nanomaterials, Advanced oxidation processes, Water treatment, Water quality monitoring, Internet of Things

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The University of Western Ontario David Tweddell Phone: 519-661-2111 x85313 Email: [email protected]

Eric Arts

A Pharmaceutical/Academic Partnership to Develop ACT-VEC: An HIV Cure Strategy

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Despite the huge success of combination anti-retroviral treatment (cART) at reducing and maintaining HIV viral loads at undetectable levels in HIV infected individuals, cART is a non-curative therapy due to presence of long-lived latently HIV infected cells, unaffected by cART inhibition. If cART is withdrawn, the spontaneous or cytokine/chemokine-mediated re-activation of these latent infected cells can result in rapid outgrowth of HIV leading to disease progression and requiring the patients to resume treatment. A major focus for the HIV research community and of most funding agencies is to develop drugs and strategies to “awaken” HIV in these latently infected cells that can then be inhibited by ongoing cART, which could the lead to a functional “Cure”, i.e. cART is no longer needed in this patients. We have developed a novel “Cure” involving the genetic reconstruction and production of autologous non- infectious HIV particles (ACT-VEC) that can activate replication of latent HIV housed in memory CD4+ T cells of HIV-infected patients treated with cART. Based on ex vivo studies using memory T cells from 5 patients, ACT-VEC was 100-fold more effective as “kick” in activating latent HIV than HDACi, TLR ligands, PKC antagonist, and other latency reversal agents (LRAs). Based on recent preliminary data, Gilead, Merck, American Foundation for AIDS Research, CHERUB in the UK, and the Canadian HIV Trials Network are all supportive in moving towards a safety-based Phase I clinical trial. However, we still have three main objectives/questions for preclinical evaluations: 1) What is the fate of HIV-specific CD4+ memory T cell following ACT-VEC treatment? This is a question being addressed in a grant proposal by Dr. Jamie Mann, Assistant Prof. and Immunologist at Western University. 2) Will ACT-VEC induce latent HIV to replicate following direct administration with an adjuvant, i.e. outside of the ex vivo setting? We have performed a macaque study but remnants of SIV replication is still evident in macaques despite cART. We have now started on a humanized mouse model that eliminates all active HIV replication and retains only latently infected T cells. When treated with latency reversal agent (e.g. ACT-VEC), the activated T cells carrying the HIV vector will harbor a PET target for PET/MRI as well as fluorescent protein for bioilluminense imaging/IVIS. 3) Can a heterologous ACT-VEC work as effectively in latency reversal than autologous ACT-VEC? and for the best latency reversal in CD4+ T cells in chronically infected patient receiving cART, should we use autologous ACT-VEC derived from acute/early infection or from samples just prior to initiation of cART? The latter two questions are the objectives of this CIHR project grant led by Dr. Eric Arts in collaboration with Ali Ashkar (supplying the BLT mice), and John Ronald (assisting the whole animal imaging of latency reversal).

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Vaccines, Latency, Cure, HIV, Treatment

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The University of Western Ontario David Tweddell Phone: 519-661-2111 x85313 Email: [email protected]

Stephen Barr

Development of GARPS, a revolutionary Global Antiviral Response Prediction System for HIV

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Despite highly effective antiretroviral therapy, HIV-infected individuals vary considerably with regards to HIV infection, disease progression, and antiretroviral drug efficacy and toxicity. This variation is likely the result of a complex interplay between viral, host, environmental and genetic factors. Identification of factors that influence HIV disease progression is vital for effective patient care in order to enhance the quality of life of infected individuals and improve survival. Our team has access to 7 global and ethnically diverse cohorts of HIV-infected individuals, offering a unique opportunity to carry out unrivaled comparative genetic analyses. Our research will provide clinicians and patients with new precision technology that uses artificial intelligence to monitor and predict drug resistance, drug toxicity and disease progression in each patient so that they can receive the best therapy possible for the best quality of life possible.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Drug-resistance, Drug toxicity, HIV evolution, Disease progression, Metabolomics, Genomics

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The University of Western Ontario David Tweddell Phone: 519-661-2111 x85313 Email: [email protected]

David Barrett

Health System Design: Reconfiguring the Health System Structure and Infrastructure of the Future

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The World Health Organization defines health systems as “all organizations, institutions, and resources devoted to producing actions whose primary intent is to improve health” (WHO, 2016; pg 2). Health care systems worldwide have an estimated economic value of US$4.27 trillion (IBM, 2010). 42% of the total economic value of the health care system, or US$1.8 trillion, is wasted annually (IBM, 2010). While all categories of economic systems have some level of inefficiency, it is estimated that approx. 34% of the health care inefficiencies could be eliminated through simple improvements (IBM, 2010). The health care system has the highest percentage of inefficiency and the highest percentage of improvable inefficiencies. That equates to US$600 billion per year in efficiency savings worldwide. Predominately through the legacy structures and infrastructures of healthcare, health systems have been organized around the provider and availability of existing service delivery tools, which has resulted in large inefficiencies, resistance to change and poor value generation. This supply driven system of health care delivery is primarily organized around what health practitioners and institutions (and other influential suppliers) do and want, and not a patient driven system designed around what patients need (Porter and Lee, 2013). To transition from a supplier centric model to one that is “Patients First” (Hoskins, 2015), we must not only critically evaluate the systems current configuration and the metrics for which we are evaluating health system success, but also design a potential future state incorporating empirically demonstrated service delivery models from other health jurisdictions and industries. Our hypothesis is that the current state is gravely suboptimal, based primarily on existing institutional resources and practices, poorly adopts technological enhancements for enhanced service delivery, and focuses on caring for the sick and not caring for population health. In order to address the “Patients First” mandate, we must couple the system design and management principles learned from successful optimizations (i.e., those based around the consumer) in other industries and health jurisdictions, and incorporate those lessons and best practices into meaningful and practical solutions to design a health system centred on patient needs. It is only once we have addressed the fractured system of “value” generation within health systems that we can begin to effectively manage the costs associated with health system performance and utilization to deliver superior value to the citizens who rely upon it. As such, the objective of the multi- disciplinary research project is to use empirically demonstrated principles of operation and supply chain management in concert with primary research to propose an optimally configured structure and infrastructure health system in Ontario. In essence, the two research questions we seek to investigate are: (1) if we could design and configure a health system (including prevention) using all the available technologies and proven concepts from other industries, what would that look like, and (2) how could we best ensure deployment of said system and transformation from our current state system?

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Multi-disciplinary approach to design and Configuration of future-state health system

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The University of Western Ontario David Tweddell Phone: 519-661-2111 x85313 Email: [email protected]

Franco Berruti

Waste-to-Resource Research Innovation Program

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The Waste-to-Resource Research Innovation Program will expand existing knowledge developed through federally and provincially funded initiatives to bring them to the next level, application in a circular economy. More specifically, we propose the valorization of residues and waste materials from forestry, agricultural, industrial and municipal sectors through conversion to valuable materials, chemical products and/or energy. We propose to adapt a versatile mobile pyrolysis plant technology to have the capacity to economically convert substantial volumes of a wide-range of feedstocks into commodities needed by end-users while reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and pollution, and contributing to carbon sequestration and storage. Examples of residues already identified as feedstocks for mobile pyrolysis conversion in this R&D program include: solid digestate from biogas plants; biosolids from wastewater treatment plants; low value co-products of the ethanol industry, such as corn stover and distiller grains; residual biomass from greenhouses; residues from fruits and vegetable productions; and more. The high value products anticipated to be generated include, by way of example: energy for greenhouses; activated carbon for a variety of purposes included water treatment and odor control; fertilizers and soil amendments; fillers for plastic and cement composites; bio-oils with high phenolic content suitable to produce green adhesives and antioxidants. The proposed project will bring together internationally recognized researchers with different backgrounds and from three different Ontario Universities, in partnership with municipalities and with several companies representing feedstock producers, conversion technologies and uptake market opportunities. The Waste-to-Resource Innovation Program will involve start- ups, small, medium and large-sized businesses. The main objective is a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to the development of innovative solutions for the optimal utilization of various waste/residual streams and their transformation from liabilities into value-added products, ultimately aiming at approaching a “Zero Waste” solution. Western University’s Strategic Mandate Agreement (SMA) identified Sustainability and Harsh Environments, as well as Materials and Biomaterials as key areas of differentiation. Western has shown a corporate commitment towards Sustainability and has recently been named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers. The City of London, in working towards the Province of Ontario’s “Waste-Free Ontario Strategy” has publicly stated its vision of having a Waste Management & Resource Recovery Park and London Waste to Resources Innovation Centre. As part of this vision, the City of London has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Western University and specifically, involving the Institute for Chemicals and Fuels from Alternative Resources (ICFAR), that sets out the mutual intentions of the City and Western to advance their joint waste conversion, resource and energy recovery objectives. In summary, the over-arching principles of this ORF Research Excellence initiative are: - diversion of wastes from landfills, with obvious benefits of greenhouse gases and pollution reduction - valorization of wastes to produce energy, materials and chemical products - reduction of carbon footprint by carbonization, - sequestration and storage of stable carbon in the form of biochar.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies – Clean Technologies

Keywords: Waste, Residues, Value-added, Conversion, Diversion, Valorization, Carbon, Sequestration, Circular economy

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The University of Western Ontario David Tweddell Phone: 519-661-2111 x85313 Email: [email protected]

Eric Desjardins

Geoethical Insight and Action: Responding to the Accelerating Environmental Changes in the Great Lakes Basin

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Accelerating interrelated environmental changes—including climate change, biodiversity loss, and novel socioecological conditions—pose multidimensional challenges that demand new transdisciplinary research methods, new approaches to governance, and new forms of community engagement. These challenges affect Ontario with particular urgency in the interlinked social and ecological systems of the Laurentian Great Lakes (LGL) basin; where growing urban populations and industry, vital agricultural production, and essential natural systems (especially blue water, forest, and wetland systems) are concentrated. Governments at different levels, as well as private sector stakeholders and community organizations, have taken some actions to mitigate and adapt to changing conditions. Yet, their responses are compromised by the lack of a unifying strategy and ethical framework. Recent political developments in the US underline the urgent need for Canadian leadership in developing such a framework for research, governance, and effective response in the LGL basin. The proposed project is a collaboration by Canadian and US philosophers, natural and social scientists, policy experts, and private sector partners to build integrative understanding of the multifaceted challenges of environmental change in the LGL basin, and to devise tools for realizing responses that are effective, adaptable to changing conditions, robust to uncertainty, and responsive to diverse stakeholder values. Our collaborators will examine how values, science, policy, and implementation practices interact in the context of the interlinked social and ecological systems of the LGL basin, focusing on three related challenges: 1. How to balance competing environmental goals directed by various stakeholder concerns, kinds of knowledge (e.g. indigenous knowledge), and evidence-based policy frameworks; such as those focusing on climate change, biodiversity, ecological functioning, and social-ecological interaction. 2. How best to determine what can (and cannot) be saved or restored, and what the extended impacts of alternative interventions and strategies are likely to be in view of the complexity and entanglement of social and environmental systems. 3. How to balance competing value judgements concerning which impacts are acceptable and which must be avoided, which ecosystems or species are most precious and which are more expendable, which outcomes are ethical and which are not—taking account of various kinds of uncertainty, conflicts between different values (e.g. indigenous culture and economic values) and human needs, as well as considerations of generational and cultural diversity. The project aims to articulate an integrative framework to guide ethical, effective, and coordinated responses to environmental change at the local level. This knowledge will be mobilized via publicly accessible resources and outreach activities to: enhance the social, ecological, and economic resilience of Ontario’s Great Lakes region; sustain vital agricultural production, natural biodiversity, and blue water resources; and enhance adaptive and mitigatory responses to changing conditions. The project will also train HQP in transdisciplinary and community- engaged research methods, to foster needed integrative understanding of complex social-ecological interactions.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Environmental ethics, Philosophy of science, Philosophy of ecology, Sustainability studies, Biodiversity

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The University of Western Ontario David Tweddell Phone: 519-661-2111 x85313 Email: [email protected]

Ashraf El Damatty

Towards a Resilient and Sustainable Urban Environment

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW This proposal considers four projects aimed to make the urban environment more resilient in a sustainable manner. The first project is related to transmission lines and their performance under localized High Intensity Wind events (HIW), such as tornadoes and downbursts. This is a large problem in North America as several collapses occurred to transmission lines under HIW including some in Ontario. During the first phase of the project, a unique computer code was developed to analyze transmission towers under HIW and a scaled transmission line was tested experimentally for the first time at the unique WindEEE testing facility under simulated HIW. In this second phase, the progressive failure from tower to tower will be investigated, numerically and experimentally, to assess the behaviour of the entire transmission line under HIW. This project will help the society by reducing the tremendous economical and social losses associated with power outage and will provide business opportunities by commercializing the developed software worldwide. The second project is related to the development of a software to perform the structural analysis and design of light-framed wood (LFW) buildings. Recently, the wood construction trend has moved towards extending the use of LFW to mid-rise construction after the province of Ontario has passed legislation that allows the construction of up to six storey LFW buildings. However, there is no accurate and yet simple analysis and design tool available for LFW buildings. This software will be used and commercialized by an Ontario company and will incorporate various international building codes for promotion worldwide. The third project is related to the design and optimization of a roof retrofitting system for LFW houses when subjected to hurricane events. During these events, wind flowing over the roof creates strong uplifting forces making the roof, and hence the whole building vulnerable to failure. This easy-to-install retrofitting system was developed and tested experimentally at University of Western Ontario. A software will be developed to design and optimize the roof retrofitting system. This system including the developed software will be commercialized by an Ontario company for application in places like southern USA and Caribbean region. The fourth project is related to the use of rice straw instead of burning it in open fields which creates a global environmental problem. The project involves building a small- scale prototype based on a Canadian technology that will use rice straw to produce energy as well as high quality rice straw ash. This ash is rich in silica that can be used as a concrete admixture to enhance the concrete durability or as partial replacement of cement, reducing carbon dioxide emissions. This technology can be adopted to other agricultural bi-products in Canada. Many Ontario companies are involved in the manufacturing of different components of the process. Commercialization of this technology has a very strong market in many countries that produce rice. In addition to scientific lead, the projects include many environmental benefits such as avoiding the burning of rice straw, energizing the construction of mid-rise wood buildings, social benefits including saving the society from the catastrophes associated with wind storms. This is in addition to the economical benefits for many industrial partners from commercializing the products coming out of this research.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Structures, Transmission lines, Wind, Wood, Structural sustainability, Structural resilience

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The University of Western Ontario David Tweddell Phone: 519-661-2111 x85313 Email: [email protected]

Aaron Fenster

Ontario Consortium for Image-guided Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy (OCIPCaDiT)

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed non-cutaneous cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related death in Canadian men, with an estimated 21,600 new cases and 4000 deaths in 2016. Accordingly, it is estimated that 1 in 8 Canadian men will develop prostate cancer in his lifetime, and 1 in 27 Canadian men will die from the disease. PCa caused 35,600 potential years of life lost (PYLL) in Canadian men in 2009, and is the third largest contributor to PYLL, next to colorectal (65,100 PYLL) and lung (152,200 PYLL) cancers. Prostate cancer is also the most commonly diagnosed non-cutaneous cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death among men in developed countries with an estimated 180,890 new cases and 26,120 deaths in 2016 in the United States alone. It is widely recognized that the PSA blood test is not sufficiently specific, requiring a biopsy to provide a definitive diagnosis of cancer. While improved prostate biopsy techniques are now available (e.g., ultrasound/MR fusion biopsy), this technique is not yet ideal as MR of the prostate has limitations. It is also widely recognized that prostate cancer is currently overtreated, and that conventional, whole gland-based therapies may be excessive for a large proportion of men with PCa, exposing them to potential genitourinary, gastrointestinal and sexual side effects. Thus, physicians managing patients with possible prostate cancer are faced with the challenges to: (i) diagnose clinically relevant cancers at a curable stage, (ii) stage the disease accurately, (iii) apply appropriate therapy to optimize destruction of cancer cells while preserving normal tissues and function, and (iv) follow patients to assess effectiveness of the therapy and side effects. This proposal focuses on these challenges, by leveraging the significant strengths in Ontario and past success related to prostate imaging and image-guided interventions by developing novel methods to diagnose and treat prostate cancer, while minimizing treatment-related morbidity. We propose to further advance the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer with new developments in 3D ultrasound technology, multi-modal imaging probes and therapeutics and robotic systems that promise to deal with current limitations of diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. We have assembled a multi-institutional team that has a long history of developing new techniques for diagnosis and therapy of prostate cancer with many successes that have already been used clinically and commercialized. Specifically, our proposal is based on three interlocking thrusts: (1) development of novel radionuclide probes that will be more sensitive and specific than MR-based techniques used to identify prostate cancer, (2) integration of 3D ultrasound technology with a novel miniature gamma radiation detector within the ultrasound probe that will identify the location of the suspicious lesion and provide accurate guidance of a needle to the target to provide a definitive diagnosis, and (3) image processing techniques (radiomics) based on 3D ultrasound images that will identify the lesion that require biopsy. Thus, our techniques will face the challenge of minimizing overtreatment of prostate cancer by using imaging technique to identify men with potentially life threatening cancer, biopsy these sites in the prostate accurately, and treat these men with minimal impact on their quality of life.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Imaging, Image-guidance, Radionuclide probes, Radiomics

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The University of Western Ontario David Tweddell Phone: 519-661-2111 x85313 Email: [email protected]

Jason Gerhard

TREAT: Transport and Remediation of recalcitrant and Emerging contaminants with interdisciplinAry Technologies

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Contamination of soil and groundwater by hazardous industrial chemicals remains a serious threat to water resources in Ontario, and around the world. There are an estimated 30,000 brownfield sites in Canada, including decommissioned refineries and chemical manufacturing facilities. In addition, more pollution is continually being generated. Oil sludge (petroleum industry) and coal tar (industries using coal) are both produced at rates above 60 million tonnes per year with more than 1 billion tonnes of each having accumulated worldwide. Due to lack of effective solutions, they continue to contaminate soil and water. In addition to these well known problems, there are emerging contaminants now recognized as urgent threats to human and ecosystem health. For example, fluorinated compounds, that originated in widely used consumer products and fire-fighting foams, are now found widely in groundwater, surface water, and drinking water. All of these compounds are persistent, toxic, and the lack of effective remediation strategies means they remain unsolved. Meanwhile, it is estimated that for every dollar spent on restoration and investment in remediation yields a four-fold return in terms of economic benefit to Canada. This project aims to develop innovative remediation approaches that capitalize on recent advances in a wide array of disciplines, integrating them to solve these environmental challenges. For example, advances in microbiology and genetics are providing new abilities to rapidly and safely degrade these compounds. Advances in harnessing heat and combustion will be developed for pollutant destruction. Electrokinetics is emerging as a technique for delivering and activating remediation in otherwise impenetrable soils. Moreover, new oxidants, reductants, and custom-designed nanoparticles are emerging that can break down persistent pollutants. These and other technological breakthroughs will be integrated with advanced approaches for quantifying the problems and demonstrating success. These include tracking pollutant discharge from groundwater to surface water, stable isotope analysis, and non-invasive imaging of the subsurface with innovative geophysics. Laboratory, modelling, and field- based research, tightly linked with industry stakeholders, will accelerate the most promising ideas from proof-of-concept to accepted full-scale remedies. This program will capitalize upon and extend the success of two programs that position Ontario at the leading edge of clean tech innovation in this sector. INTEGRATE (Innovative Technologies for Groundwater Remediation), involving three universities and 5 industrial partners in Ontario, created a platform for proving new remediation approaches. RENEW (Remediation Education Network) involves 4 Canadian universities, 11 international academic institutions, and 8 leading environmental remediation firms that collaborate on an industrial-led training program. This synergistic network of remediation professionals, leading academics, and highly qualified personnel will be expanded with this program to bring innovative contaminant clean-up technologies from concept to application.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies – Clean Technologies

Keywords: Groundwater/soil remediation, Contaminant transport, Biolgeochemical reactions, Groundwater-surface water interact

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The University of Western Ontario David Tweddell Phone: 519-661-2111 x85313 Email: [email protected]

Kostas Kontogiannis

CyPreSS: Techniques for Engineering Cyber-Physical Systems

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Cyber-Physical systems refer to mechanisms that involve the interconnection of software systems, with physical components in order to control, command, and coordinate electro-mechanical units, autonomous systems, and software applications. Cyber-Physical Systems encompass many mission critical applications which include smart electrical grids, the city-wide efficient management of resources, smart homes, smart farming, the intelligent management of the food supply chain, factory automations, and applications to support cost effective health care delivery. In this context, it is of no surprise that the market for Cyber-Physical Systems and their applications is constantly expanding. It is reported that the Internet of Things market is growing at a compound annual rate of 23% since 2014, while it is estimated that industrial products companies will invest US$907bn per annum through to 2020 in Cyber-Physical Systems and Industry 4.0 technologies, expecting to achieve an increase in annual revenues by an average of 2.9% (or US$493bn) for the next five years. Now more than ever there is a need for the industry in Ontario to actively engage in such technologies by acquiring the necessary skills in order to develop, adapt, or extend technologies for the engineering of Cyber-Physical Systems and consequently train the next generation of engineers and scientists capable of sustaining growth and generating innovations in this area of Information Technology. The project brings together leading researchers from Ontario Universities and major software and hardware companies, telecommunication operators, as well as network and utility providers in order to design, develop, and test software methods and tools for supporting the implementation, deployment, and management of systems that exhibit a high degree of context sensitive, adaptive, and autonomic behavior and involve at the same time the interconnectivity of physical and software components. The project aims to tackle issues in three main areas. The first area deals with techniques for the specification and modeling of adaptive and autonomic systems. The second area deals with programming models as well as infrastructure computing models for the implementation and efficient deployment of such systems. The third area deals with run-time management, safety, security, and compliance. The project aims to investigate and explore the synergy between Software Engineering approaches and systems’ management research, and apply it in order to address key challenges for the engineering of Cyber-Physical Systems. These challenges include the modeling and analysis of functional and non-functional requirements in massively interconnected and collaborative systems where various stakeholders are involved, the design of programming models and software infrastructure platforms which support new computing models for adaptivity and performance such as, serverless, fog and edge computing, the design of software platforms which support the safe deployment, dynamic re-configuration, and continuous operation of autonomous or adaptive systems, and the design of techniques to enforce at run-time, compliance with regulatory standards and constraints. Specific application areas the project will focus on include the support of smart grid operations, smart buildings, and the coordination of Machine-to-Machine and Machine-to-Human processes such as smart agriculture and food-supply chains.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies – Clean Technologies

Keywords: Software Engineering, Cyber-Physical Systems, Requirements, Middleware, Cloud Computing, Security

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The University of Western Ontario David Tweddell Phone: 519-661-2111 x85313 Email: [email protected]

Steven Laviolette

Characterizing the Therapeutic Benefits and Risk Factors of Cannabinoids on Mental Health

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Mental health disorders cost the Ontario healthcare system billions of dollars annually. Despite advances in understanding the neurobiological basis of disorders such as schizophrenia, depression and anxiety, effective treatments remain elusive. There is an urgent need for the development of novel and effective pharmacotherapies with improved patient tolerance. Increasing pre-clinical and clinical evidence demonstrates that cannabis-derived phytochemicals, specifically delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), represent highly promising treatments for various mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression and schizophrenia-related symptoms. Nevertheless, despite a burgeoning medical marijuana industry in Ontario, little is understood regarding the neurobiological mechanisms responsible for the clinical benefits and/or risk variables associated with therapeutic marijuana use. Furthermore, there is an urgent need for improved understanding of how specific phytocannabinoids interact with clinically relevant brain pathways for the treatment of specific neuropsychiatric symptoms. Answering these questions requires pre-clinical, translational characterization and validation of specific cannabis strains and their associated phytochemical derivatives. Equally important, it is imperative that neuroproteomic and metabolomic biomarkers associated with both the clinical efficacy or potential risk factors related to cannabis use be identified prior to the implementation of large scale clinical trials. At the forefront of these efforts, translational neuroscience research in Dr. Steven Laviolette’s laboratory is characterizing and identifying specific molecular and proteomic pathways in the brain associated with the clinical effects of phytocannabinoids in the treatment of symptoms associated with schizophrenia, depression and anxiety. Results from these preclinical, translational studies have led to significant advances in our understanding of how specific phytocannabinoids regulate neuroproteomic, pharmacological and molecular neural signaling pathways associated with the clinical benefits and potential risks of cannabinoid exposure. We propose a unique, integrated research program encompassing neuroproteomic, metabolomic and translational characterization and development of specific cannabis-derived phytochemical formulations and how these compounds may modulate select symptom clusters associated with schizophrenia, depression and anxiety. Following pre-clinical neuroscience studies aimed at characterizing the effects of THC and CBD phytocannabinoid modulation of mental health-related symptom profiles, precision cannabinoid oil formulations derived from select cannabis plant strains will be developed with our industrial partner and will be screened and characterized using mass spectrometry and NMR-based metabolomics tools with our project collaborators. Immediate outcomes and concrete deliverables will include advancing our understanding of the clinical benefits and potential risk variables associated with therapeutic marijuana use. In addition, our program will identify specific biomarkers, metabolomic and neuroproteomic signaling pathways associated with both the clinical efficacy or potential risk factors of cannabis derivatives and plant strains, allowing for the development of novel, cannabis-derived pharmacotherapies and potential prognostic and diagnostic tools for precision mental health treatments.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Cannabinoids, Marijuana, Mental Health, Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Pre-clinical

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The University of Western Ontario David Tweddell Phone: 519-661-2111 x85313 Email: [email protected]

Janet Martin

Know4Go: Contextualized Evidence at the Speed of Decision-Making

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW This research will focus on facilitating decision making regarding uptake and abandonment of health technologies for the surgical and perioperative setting in Ontario hospitals. It will develop, implement and evaluate real-world application of "in time" evidence based decision-support through integration of cognitive computing with Know4Go to provide a decision-ready framework that provides meaningful estimates of benefit, risk, economic impacts, and socio-legal-ethical issues related to the disinvestment and reinvestment of surgical and perioperative health technologies for clinical practice, research prioritization, and policy making for hospital settings in Ontario.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Cognitive Computing, Health Technology Assessment, Economic Analysis, Decision-Making, Knowledge Translation

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The University of Western Ontario David Tweddell Phone: 519-661-2111 x85313 Email: [email protected]

Julio C Martinez-Trujillo

Development of Brain Computer Interfaces for the Treatment of Paralysis

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Brain Computer Interfaces (BCI’s) extract signals from the brain and use them to control devices in real time. One goal of BCI technology is to enable people living with severe neurological impairments such as cervical spinal cord injury to communicate with or control their environment. Reducing the burden of these conditions is important because more than 85000 Canadians live with paralysis due to spinal cord injuries. The quality of life of these patients is poor and the estimated cost to Canada is 3.6 Billions dollars a year. A few small trials have demonstrated the feasibility of keyboard, computer mouse and robotic arm control with a BCI. However, so far, no viable commercial solution exists to provide therapeutic assistance through a BCI. We will advance the field of BCI to allow a commercially viable system by utilizing advanced brain targeting, and subsequently brain decoding; and by developing algorithms layered on the specialized functions of each brain region. Over the past decade, our team has been researching brain areas in macaque monkeys using chronically implanted arrays of microelectrodes. We have found areas that support decoding of movement direction, decision making, working memory and attention. We propose that these cognitive signals can be reliably used to improve the performance of a motor cortex BCI that drives movement kinematics. In this proposal we bring together a team of researchers – combining basic lab research with non-human primates and a human BCI trial – and private industry stakeholders to develop specific BCIs that can be commercialized and used for treatment and rehabilitation of real patients living with neurological disabilities. Our overarching goal is to extract signals from prefrontal and motor areas of the brain that will be used to control an interface for navigation in a spatial environment. Our objectives are: 1) To conduct two sets of parallel experiments in macaque monkeys and in humans with spinal cord injury. The macaque monkey has been the model of choice to test pre-clinical BCIs, and develop the system, experiments, and algorithms. 2) To optimize the implantation of chronic electrode arrays in different brain regions of monkeys (preclinical) and patients (clinical). To do this we will utilize 3D printing technology, and functional brain imaging to optimize array placement and design biocompatible devices to be implanted on the skull. The devices will hold electrodes in place and provide stability to the recorded signals. 3) Extraction and preprocessing of signals from the prefrontal and motor cortices of monkeys and patients. Signals will be extracted and processed in real time through the development and use of closed loop adaptive algorithms to maximize the information about spatial routes, obstacles and landmarks. 4) We will design virtual environments using videogame engines for monkeys and patients to navigate through using the BCI. We will then use real settings and motorized wheel chairs or vehicles for real-world navigation. Key competencies: Robarts-Western: Track record of electrophysiological experiments using microelectrode array technology. University of Ottawa: Track record in neurophysiology and trials using neural prosthetics in patients with paralysis. Neuroteknik: Track record in manufacturing and 3D printing small devices for using in BCIs. Blackrock Microsystems Inc.: Track record in BCI technology, microelectrode arrays and recording systems.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Brain computer interface

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The University of Western Ontario David Tweddell Phone: 519-661-2111 x85313 Email: [email protected]

Stanimir Metchev

Small Solar System Bodies: Origins, Populations, and Effects

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW We seek support for operational costs of the new Small Solar System Bodies Research Facility (SSSBRF): a rapidly expanding experimental hub for planetary science and impact cratering geology at the University Western Ontario. The Facility, hosted at the Elginfield Observatory site 25 km north of London, Ontario, serves a very broad range of objectives in planetary science. It comprises the Canadian Meteor Orbit Radar (CMOR; PI: P. Brown) and the Canadian Automated Meteor Observatory (CAMO; PI: M. Campbell-Brown), hosts the largest collection of impact crater drill cores (PI: G. Osinski), and is being developed as a test site for Mars rover analogue missions (PI: K. McIssac). As of summer 2017, Elginfield Observatory will also host the robotic Colibri telescope array (PI: S. Metchev), which will detect and study outer Solar System comets. Each of the research experiments hosted at Elginfield is absolutely unique in Canada, and of high international prominence. CMOR and CAMO combine into the largest radar and optical meteor detection network internationally. The impact crater drill cores, donated by National Resources Canada, comprise the largest set in the world from different sites of kilometre-sized impactors. The rover analogue mission test site is also unique in Canada. The Colibri telescope array is one of only two experiments internationally dedicated to detecting the vast, and still entirely unknown, population of kilometre-sized Solar System comets. The overall research thrust of the SSSBRF is to study the population, origins, and effects of small Solar System bodies, ranging from kilometre-sized, potentially hazardous comets and asteroids to the smallest interplanetary dust particles that burn up as meteors in Earth’s atmosphere. Such studies have wide-ranging scientific, economic, and governance implications, ranging from understanding the origin of the Solar System, to studying and exploiting mineral resources from impact cratering, and to managing satellite operation and safety. Most operations at Elginfield Observatory, including CMOR, CAMO, Colibri, and the rover analogue mission tests, are or will be automated. The SSSBRF is thus an excellent testing ground for remote and autonomous operations further afield: whether in the High Arctic or in space. The combination of experimental infrastructure, federal funding, industrial involvement, and research expertise at SSSBRF is unprecedented internationally, and a strategic asset to Ontario science. We seek to leverage these resources with operational funding from the ORF-RE initiative to establish this transformative facility as the premier international hub for planetary science and surface geology.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Asteroids, Comets, Meteors, Meteorites, Craters, Solar system, Planets

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The University of Western Ontario David Tweddell Phone: 519-661-2111 x85313 Email: [email protected]

James Noel

The Environmental Impact of Engineered Materials Degradation in Porous Consolidated Media

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW In deep geologic repositories for nuclear waste, as well as in many industrial, infrastructure, and environmental circumstances, the interaction of engineered materials with moist, porous media (soils, clays, concrete, etc.) may lead to corrosion/degradation and release of chemical species into the environment. These species may then be transported through the surrounding media and dispersed as contaminants in the environment. The chemical form of these species, their transformations, and their transport behaviour will be strongly dependent on the composition, characteristics and properties of the media. Likewise, they will be influenced by the types, concentrations, and transport rates of mobile chemical species transported from the surrounding environment to the material surface. Moreover, biological activity, especially from microorganisms, can play an important role in determining the nature and amounts of chemical species entering and exiting this area of interest. In this project, we aim to more fully understand these interrelated processes, and then apply this knowledge to obviating undesirable materials and environmental processes (e.g., by engineering the mineralogy, chemistry, physical characteristics, and biology) and developing remedial procedures to counteract the issues that arise. The project team will apply their diverse expertise in metallurgy, electrochemistry and corrosion science, solution thermodynamics, transport phenomena in soils, clays, and concrete, mineralogy, subterranean microbiology, synthetic chemistry, and computer simulation and modeling to; (i) understand the fundamental science of complex systems involving metals, oxidants, corrosion products, contaminants, groundwater, porous media, minerals, microorganisms, and mitigants; and, (ii) to apply this understanding, through interdisciplinary collaborations, to achieve a comprehensive, holistic, and predictive assessment that integrates the interdependencies of all of the processes. For example, metal corrosion in a clay medium will deplete oxidants in the adjacent clay, produce oxides and surface deposits, release a plume of soluble metal ions into the clay, and perhaps also alter its pH. Further corrosion will then be influenced by the evolution of these deposits, the dispersal of corrosion products, the replenishment of oxidants and the restoration of the local pH. These processes amount to the propagation of multiple redox and chemical fronts through the medium, and their individual progress will be determined by the solvation, speciation and solubility of the chemical species, the transport properties of the medium (moisture content, porosity, tortuosity, interfacial tension, etc.) and any redox or chemical modifications contributed by the medium itself (e.g. by dissolution of mineral particles) or by microorganisms that modify their own local environment by the consumption and production of chemical species. Appreciation of the interplay of all of these phenomena will be key to the development of predictive models and the implementation of avoidance and mitigation strategies, including engineering the environment by incorporating conditioners, such as reactive minerals, probiotic cultures, or chemical sequestering agents.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Chemistry, Corrosion, Porous media, Environmental remediation, Microbiology, Electrochemistry, Mineralogy

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The University of Western Ontario David Tweddell Phone: 519-661-2111 x85313 Email: [email protected]

Veronica Pacini-Ketchabaw

The Ecological Intergenerational Justice Research Collective: Children and Elders Building Sustainable Communities

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW We live in ecologically challenging times, and Ontario has responded by being a leader in planning for an environmentally friendly planet. To continue leading in this capacity, however, requires building on strengths while innovating knowledge gaps, and that is what The Ecological Intergenerational Justice Research Collective is designed to do. A center of excellence and innovation like no other, the Collective is premised on pioneering research that identifies the significance of children’s participation in building ecologically responsible societies and the vital role of elders (persons who have reached senior status in a community) in fostering children’s ecological relations with, and responsibilities to, past and future generations. Together with expert scholars, private and public sector partners, and graduate students, the Collective will synthesize the research knowledge from ecological education and intergenerational learning to build, study, and evaluate intergenerational curricula and programming that promote ecological justice. In so doing, the Collective is positioned to achieve the following broad aims: 1. Produce intergenerational curricula across a diversity of program structures that can make a difference in an era of environmental crisis. 2. Generate knowledge about the constituents, construction, and effects of such curricula relative to environmental outcomes; 3. Develop concrete tools including curriculum materials and pedagogies that can be transferred for use in other locales. 4. Provide immediate benefits for program participants and their communities. The programs will contain purposefully-selected foci such as: • Sustainable agriculture through intergenerational learning • Urban gardening for the future by learning from past • Food sustainability through intergenerational greening • Children learning with elders to care for wildlife in urban spaces • Environmental sustainability through intergenerational local food preparation Through these programs, the Collective will create reciprocal, intergenerational exchanges to ensure the continuity and development of customs and traditions, including the right to teach about the environment across generations. The Collective will accomplish its knowledge generation aims by selecting apt methodological, theoretical, analytic, and evaluative tools to thoroughly respond to research questions like: 1. How can curricula be generated and practiced with children, youth, elders, and other members of the collective to create optimum ecological learning opportunities within intergenerational groupings across a variety of program structures? 2. How can participants be supported to engage collaboratively to address ecological challenges within their own local contexts? 3. What tools (existing or novel) can participants use in their own learning and the promotion of that learning with others (e.g., digital apps, community gardens)? 4. What roles do educators and elder care practitioners play in working with children and elders to collaboratively and locally respond to climate-related issues? How can the Collective enable and sustain this engagement so that educators and practitioners focus on supporting participants’ collaborations in creating life-sustaining environmental relations? 5. How can participants be supported to share their knowledge and practices within and across generational contexts in ways that honour and respect cultural mores and positions?

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Early childhood education, Environmental education, Intergenerational education, Qualitative research

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The University of Western Ontario David Tweddell Phone: 519-661-2111 x85313 Email: [email protected]

Narinder Paul

Digital radiography and tomography for cost-effective diagnosis and therapy

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The Challenge: Aging Ontarians with Chronic disease The majority of medical imaging performed in Ontario provides detailed information about anatomical abnormalities in order to help generate accurate diagnoses and improve care. While this has served our patients and healthcare system well for over 100 years, a radically new approach is required to deal with our new demographic reality. Many Ontarians requiring care today are older, with a greater number of comorbidities and complex medical needs; diagnosis is not only required but deeper phenotyping and stratification to available therapies and image-guidance is urgently needed to help improve outcomes. Moreover, the establishment of chronic disease in patients is often preceded by progressively diminished organ function that is then followed by symptoms and diminished quality of life that demands medical care. We strongly believe that novel functional imaging methods, biomarkers and phenotypes will result in more specific and accurate diagnosis, improved disease characterization and more sensitive detection of disease response to treatment. In addition, functional imaging can be used to directly identify and guide therapeutic interventions. It is important that these imaging assessments are performed using the lowest radiation dose possible in order to decrease the risk of long-term harm to the patient. We propose an integrated team of researchers who will develop and validate novel advanced ultralow dose x-ray, tomographic, dynamic function and perfusion x-ray imaging techniques to improve the diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases - reducing a health and economic burden in Ontario and across Canada. Research Objectives: This multi-disciplinary program will focus on the development and validation (using health and economic outcomes) of novel low-dose x-ray imaging techniques for: 1) assessment of tissue viability in patients with impaired blood flow to the brain (cerebrovascular accident, CVA), the heart muscle (myocardial infarction, MI) and the lungs (pulmonary embolus, PE); 2) tomographic and functional assessment in patients with lung disease: pulmonary fibrosis (PF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and with disabling disease that involve the bones and joints of the knees and ankles, and 3) image-guided therapeutic interventions using in-room immobile technology (computed tomography (CT), flat plate cone-beam CT) and using point-of-care portable dynamic x-ray devices. Program objectives include: 1) the development of ultralow dose x-ray perfusion imaging techniques to characterize normal and abnormal tissue; 2) the development of ultralow dose tomographic imaging techniques to characterize normal and abnormal tissue; and 3) the development of ultralow dose dynamic x-ray imaging techniques to characterize normal and abnormal joint motion and biomechanics in the lower limbs. Anticipated Outcomes: Through an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach we will develop and validate advanced ultralow dose x-ray imaging techniques in tissue perfusion, dynamic and tomographic assessment. The proposed translational research will directly enhance economic activity and job creation in Ontario and moreover will provide an ecosystem to validate health outcomes stemming from our novel technology development. This program of research will also leverage existing investments in infrastructure and training to create a roadmap for international leadership in this sector.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Computed tomography, Digital radiography, Fluoroscopy, Perfusion, Stroke, Coronary disease, Pulmonary embolism

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The University of Western Ontario David Tweddell Phone: 519-661-2111 x85313 Email: [email protected]

Terence Peters

Consortium for Image-guided Neurosurgery of Ontario (CINO)

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Image-guidance has increasingly been employed to reduce invasiveness and increase precision in a variety of surgeries, and it has played a major role in neurosurgery. However, image-guided neurosurgery, which typically relies on pre-operative images for guidance, has been limited by the movement of the brain that occurs following craniotomy. It also lacks the ability to identify important specific characteristics of tissues such as tumour cells, nerve bundles or the optimal pathways to the surgical site. The focus of this research will be to develop new approaches that employ tracked hand-held instruments to acquire this type of data during the procedure, while causing minimal disruption to the operating room workflow. In particular, we will exploit Ultrasound and Video imaging (from endo- and exoscopic systems) as well as from instruments such as Raman Spectroscopy, Optical Coherence Tomography and Mass Spectrometry, which will be used as intra- operative imaging modalities built into simple hand-held probes or scalpels. Data acquired from these modalities will be registered to pre-operative images of the patient to assist the navigation process. A unique element of our proposal will be the correlation of the different signatures from these modalities, and from pre- operative MR images with histological tissue samples. This will inform the surgeon directly of the presence of pathological tissue as part of the visualization system during surgery. Key Questions to be Addressed: What is the optimal way to visualize the critical nerve pathways to be avoided during surgery?; how can tumour margins be accurately identified? ; and, can the cellular characteristics of brain tissue be inferred from the pre- and intra-operative imaging data? Key Objectives: To develop clinically acceptable means of performing US- guided tissue shift correction when registering MR data to patients, such that a deformed MR image reflects the intra-operative morphology of the patient’s brain at all times within 2mm; To develop a means to track the acquisition sites of data from Optical Coherence Tomography, Raman Spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry, and to map the data obtained to the sampling site; To develop techniques for mapping multi-spectral pre- operative MR imaging (relaxation mapping, diffusion imaging) for imaging and pathology of excised tissue; To develop techniques for correlating Optical Coherence Tomography, Raman Spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry data with pathology of excised tissue; To validate MR-based pathology prediction in human studies; To develop a test-bed platform with the above capabilities using open-source software tools; and After refinement, to integrate these capabilities into a commercial image-guided neurosurgery system. Key Competencies of the Consortium: Robarts – Long track record of development of Image-guidance systems for multiple organ systems SickKids – Development of instrumentation for image-guided pediatric neuro and general surgery Queens – Development of open source tools; evaluation of iKnife technology Synaptive Medical Inc. Innovators of novel image-guided neurosurgery technologies. Northern Digital Inc. World leaders in tracking technology for Surgical interventions.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Imaging, Surgery, Surgical guidance, Image fusion, Ultrasound, OCT, Magnetic resonance imaging, Visualization

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The University of Western Ontario David Tweddell Phone: 519-661-2111 x85313 Email: [email protected]

J. Geoffrey Pickering

Deep Content Analysis of Microvascular Structure and Function in Health and Disease

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The cardiovascular system is comprised of a muscular pump and a distribution network of arteries, veins and capillaries. Within this integrated system, it is the intricate network of small vessels that are responsible for matching the delivery of blood flow and oxygen with local energetic demands. Blood flow control is typically viewed in terms of its magnitude, and there are well developed tools and techniques for evaluating the extent of organ perfusion. However, there is a lack of strategies for assessing blood flow distribution. This is an important gap because measures of blood flow magnitude alone often correlate poorly with tissue function, particularly in disease states such as diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerotic disease, infection, and chronic inflammatory conditions. The reason for the limited investigative strategies for studying blood flow distribution, and the underdeveloped knowledge in this area, is the small-scale nature of the microcirculation, a complex network of vessels of 5-300 µm in diameter. To interrogate this blind spot in both clinical medicine and animal models of disease, it is essential to couple microscopy infrastructure with the development of state-of-the-art analytical tools for image analysis. In this proposal, an established group of experts in vascular biology and vascular medicine at Western University, and their commercial partners, will syngergize their collective expertise in microvascular biology, hardware innovations, and software design to develop new visualization and analytical tools to delineate microcirculatory function in health and disease. This will be integrated with infrastructure in the "Facility for Microvascular Imaging" at Western. Our objectives are to design and apply analytical systems to efficiently: 1) reconstruct and quantify 3D images of microvascular structure; 2) data-mine high speed video images of microcirculatory blood flow and substrate delivery; and 3) monitor microvascular function in both healthy human and patient populations. These one-of-a-kind tools will enable investigators to interrogate microvascular design, blood flow delivery, and oxygen transport at unprecedented levels of spatial and temporal resolution and with the necessary data coverage for the vast and intricate microcirculatory networks. The studies will be undertaken with healthy animal tissues and in models of disease including tissue ischemia, diabetes, accelerated aging, hypertension, and sepsis. Importantly, the hardware and software interfaces that we will develop to monitor human microvascular function will also address pressing clinical and investigative needs. For this, we will leverage our strengths in near-infrared spectroscopy, absorption optical microscopy, 3D pathology, microvascular control, and software design to develop innovative tools that can quantitatively assess microcirculatory perfusion and red blood cell transit in the brain and skeletal muscle. Collectively, this program will generate a powerful new investigative platform for unraveling the workings of the microcirculation in health and disease.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Microscopy, Imaging Analysis, Software Development, Microcirculation, Cardiovascular Disease

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The University of Western Ontario David Tweddell Phone: 519-661-2111 x85313 Email: [email protected]

Michael Poulter

Novel Strategies and Interventions for the Treatment of Neurological Disorders after Brain Injury

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Neurological disorders arise from numerous causes. Among the most frequent are insults arising from stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI). For example, TBI is known to be a major factor in the development of epilepsy. Persons having suffered a moderate TBI have about a 1 in 5 chance of developing seizures. Drug treatments to prevent seizuregenesis after TBI are available, but they are, more often than not, ineffective. Similarly, stroke often leads to long term disabilities including but not limited to paralysis and other neurological problems (epilepsy, memory loss and neuropsychiatric problems). Understanding why and how secondary morbidities arise is difficult to understand primarily because injured patients are discharged from the hospital soon after stabilization , returning home and hopefully their work place. This makes the surveillance of their disease trajectory impossible. Thus in the absence of long term monitoring there is no way recognize functional biomarkers that tell us how disease progression occurs and how pharmacological interventions may work. There is, therefore, considerable need to be able to recognize, predict and stop the development of more long term debilitating neurological disorders after these kinds of injuries. While there are numerous hypotheses as to why problems arise this project will explore the idea that inappropriate brain remodelling occurs after injury and this leads to subsequent pathophysiological outcomes. Here, we propose to develop novel small molecules that prevent pathophysiological neuroplasticity. We will make and screen molecules that either prevent pathophysiological brain activity like high frequency oscillations or block the activity of a transcription factor (Sox 9) that is known to induce aberrant synapse formation. The goal of this research is to be able to monitor functional bio markers and stop brain remodelling that leads to brain disease. This will be done be using novel small molecules that will be synthesized by one of our team, screening these molecules and then following their effects in animal models of stroke and TBI while continuously monitoring of brain activity. The objectives of this research will be to 1) validate functional biomarkers in animal models and in humans which predict the development of post injury neurological disorders. This will be done by monitoring brain activity in real time for up to one year after injury. 2) develop novel in vitro models of brain injury that will be used to screen novel molecules that prevent pathophysiological brain remodelling. This will be done by screening our molecules in electrophysiological and biochemical assays. 3) use the identified novel small molecules in our screen to prevent secondary neurological pathophysiology in animal models of stroke and TBI. 4) use these validated biomarkers to show that pharmacological interventions prevent post brain injury induced neurological disorders. The overall goal of this research is to identify molecules that prevent the occurrence of aberrant plasticity that leads to functional changes that induce post brain injury neurological disorders.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Small molecules, Brain injury, Stroke, Epilepsy

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The University of Western Ontario David Tweddell Phone: 519-661-2111 x85313 Email: [email protected]

Paul Ragogna

Ontario Water Remediation Initiative

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Overview – Sufficiently cleaning wastewater from a wide range of industrial processes critical to Ontario’s environmental and economic stability continues to be challenge. Although contaminants range widely from organic pollutants (e.g. pharmaceuticals; pesticides) to inorganic metal ions (Cd, Pb, Hg, Ni, Cr, Mn, Cu), no universal purification system can address the spectrum of contaminants. Metal ion removal remains one of the highest items on the water remediation agenda because of the serious and lasting negative impacts to environmental and human health. In this context, The Ontario Water Remediation Initiative (OWRI) aims to develop transformative membrane technologies discovered at Western University that will address three key areas, which are divided into interlinked development nodes: Node 1(a): Tunable phosphorus-based membranes for metal speciation – two major sectors in Ontario are the Nuclear and Metals and mining industries. Each have many environmental challenges associated with production and cleanup. The P-based membranes created from a new polymer class (phosphane-ene polymers) can be specifically tailored to (i) Bind specific metal ions based on size, such as neutron activation products of transition metals (63Ni, 60Co, 55Fe, 10Be.); (ii) Be fabricated using low energy UV light-based curing; and, (iii) Amenable to roll-to-roll processing. Node 1(b): Recovery of metals from wastewater – More important to Ontario (and Canada) is having highly effective technologies that can efficiently clean up the environment in the event of a nuclear fuel leak, in remediation of decommissioned uranium mine sites including mine site leaching. We anticipate the technology in Node 1 can be readily implemented into day-to-day operation of reactors or for decontamination and decommissioning operations. Electrochemical extraction methods will be utilized to enable the long-term storage (repository) of this difficult to handle waste. Target ions will be efficiently captured from the contaminated water to a waste concentrate collector, on a roller-based membrane or fluid channel based separator. Node 2: Carbon-based filters for metal ions – Node 3: Carbon-based filters for metal ions – Offering potable water at affordable costs is becoming increasingly critical in Ontario. A viable treatment to make water fit for drinking involves purification by reverse osmosis (RO). Graphene is an environmentally benign 2D material formed by a single layer of carbon atoms. Due to its thinness, it is the ideal platform for energy-efficient RO. Our objective to scale-up the graphene-based filtration technology recently invented by team members, and enhance it towards removal from drinking water of critical contaminants (Cd, Hg and Pb). At the core of our technology is a facile method to fabricate a molecular sieve from few-layer graphene platelets after sealing, with a technique potentially scalable over square-meter areas, the inter-platelet junctions, which can be made continuous and water tight even at sub-micron thickness. As the differential pressure required at the two sides of a membrane to ensure water permeation scales inversely with the thickness, these ultrathin membranes are poised to realize a breakthrough in terms of energy-efficient water treatment by RO.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies – Clean Technologies

Keywords: Membranes, Graphene, Polymers, Radioactive metal ions, Ion capture/release, Purification

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The University of Western Ontario David Tweddell Phone: 519-661-2111 x85313 Email: [email protected]

Walter Siqueira

Digital Technologies and Advanced Devices for Personalized Oral Health Care

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Research goal: Develop advanced devices and a systematic approach for integrating state-of-the-art digital technologies for patient-specific oral care. Oral diseases – dental caries, periodontal diseases, oral cancer, trauma from injuries, and others – include the most common chronic conditions in the population of Ontario. Millions lose teeth, endure pain, and develop oral infections that contribute to systemic diseases, compromising their overall health. Others suffer catastrophic facial defects requiring complex craniofacial reconstruction and rehabilitation. Direct costs of dental care in the Province of Ontario are estimated at $5 billion annually. Although advanced digital technologies are gaining acceptance in isolated aspects of dental practice (e.g. patient records, digital radiography), there are tremendous opportunities to develop, apply and integrate advanced technologies for seamless, efficient personalized oral health care. Research objectives: Underutilization and lack of integration of digital technology presents a challenge – and an opportunity – for our researchers, who will: develop innovative biosensor technologies for wireless monitoring of oral disease activity and controlling the delivery of therapeutics to the oral cavity with timing and dose best suited to the individual patient’s needs; seamlessly integrate data from 3D intraoral scanners with computer-aided design and additive manufacturing of patient- specific prosthetics; design personalized devices for craniofacial reconstruction (utilizing data from CT scanners and the flexibility afforded by state-of-the-art 3D additive manufacturing); create next-generation orthodontic appliances using smart materials and digitally controlled actuators; and incorporate sensors into these devices to monitor patient compliance and response to therapy. This transdisciplinary program of materials sciences, imaging, advanced device design and manufacturing, and computer and systems engineering will lead to processes and devices for basic and clinical research, oral diagnosis, therapy, and rehabilitation applications. We propose a cohesive program of dental clinicians and technologists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, biomaterial scientists, oral biologists, engineers, imaging scientists and computer scientists – working with world-class private sector partners – to develop these new processes and devices with the potential to revolutionize delivery of personalized oral health care. Anticipated outcomes: Most importantly, these developments will positively impact patient outcomes and the oral and systemic health of Ontarians. The program will impact general dentists, specialists, dental educators, hospital-based dentists, dental technologists and dental laboratories that manufacture prostheses and appliances, and dental supply companies, as well as the oral health products sector. Our studies promise faster, more cost-effective and accurate, diagnoses and therapies tailored to the specific needs of each individual patient. Moreover, the proposed translational research will directly benefit our private sector partners, enhancing economic activity and job creation in Ontario. Our studies will help position these companies to take advantage of the rapidly growing global market for personalized medicine products. Support for this application will also leverage existing investments in infrastructure and training to create an R&D program of international prominence.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Biosensors, 3D-Digital imaging, Personalized medicine, Prosthetics, Orthodontics, Surgery, Wireless technology

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The University of Western Ontario David Tweddell Phone: 519-661-2111 x85313 Email: [email protected]

Juan-Luis Suarez

The Cultural Analytics Institute of Canada

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Cultural Analytics is the combined practice of data science, ethnographic observation (digital and analogue), and design techniques to understand, visualize and represent the cultural ecosystem in which agents, products and institutions interact to perform their mission. The Cultural Analytics Institute of Canada led by Western University and OCAD University will mobilize cultural institutions in Canada and abroad, Ontario companies and start-ups, and publicly available data to enhance our understanding of cultural ecosystems, including individuals’ and groups’ behaviours. As a new emerging discipline that in part synthesizes many scientific trends, Cultural Analytics does not a have an established theoretical framework yet. Though recent publications (Schich, Manovich, Suarez, among others), events such as the 2016 long-term multidisciplinary research program organized by UCLA's Institute of Pure and Applied Mathematics, and the recent creation of a journal on Cultural Analytics point at the consolidation of the field. The dawn of the digital age has highlighted the close relationships between individuals, groups and cultural objects, such as evidenced in messages, pictures, videos, and “simple” likes. Observation of human behaviour combined with dynamics of social networks and the analysis of human and social data make it possible today to understand patterns, predict behaviours, as well as affect and “nudge ”many aspects of our lives. These possibilities rarely exist when we deal exclusively with transactional data, which lacks both the social connections (and their associated data), and the interactions between humans and cultural objects. It is in the emerging field resulting from the intersections of human behaviour, network theory, data analysis and visualization that Cultural Analytics finds its niche and offers a deeper knowledge for: evidence-based public policy, actionable knowledge for companies and organizations, and a better understanding of the human condition in the digital age. A program of Cultural Analytics presents the advantage of being tailored to the specific needs and context of a cultural phenomenon. We will do this for our business and non-for-profit partners of the Cultural Analytic Institute of Canada. Cultural Analytics takes advantage of an intensive use of data sources and the observation of human behaviour to accurately represent the hybrid (digital and physical) nature of cultural ecosystems in the age of technology. Finally, the iterative process of Cultural Analytics helps to develop a set of tools and metrics that create a competitive edge for the organization. The goals of The Cultural Analytics Institute of Canada are: To contribute to the development of a main theoretical framework of Cultural Analytics, as well as to the definition of relevant metrics for the discipline. To bring new computational tools and concepts to cultural organizations, companies, and start-ups with the goal of helping them advance their missions and improve their efficiency. To expand our knowledge of how human beings behave in the digital age. To make Ontario into a global centre of excellence in Cultural Analytics. To move and translate this research into the domains of practical users and to disseminate the methodologies and applications of Cultural Analytics to other communities of practice.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Cultural Analytics; Data Science: Data Visualization; Cultural Institutions; Start-ups; Ethnography; Human Behaviour

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The University of Western Ontario David Tweddell Phone: 519-661-2111 x85313 Email: [email protected]

Xueliang (Andy) Sun

Development of Next-Generation All-Solid-State Lithium Batteries for Safe Electric Vehicles

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Recently, there has been a dramatic increase in the interest of large-scale batteries for energy storage, especially for the transportation sector (e.g., hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), electric vehicles (EVs), plug- in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), etc.) and the energy storage sector (smart grid). Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are considered as one of the most promising power systems due to their ability to operate at elevated voltages as well as provide high energy density when compared to competing energy storage technologies. However, current state-of-the-art commercial liquid-electrolyte based LIBs presently face significant challenges to meet the requirement of both high energy density and safety. Therefore, developing all-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLB), and related systems, have been considered as a highly feasible candidate for high performance power supply for future EVs and HEVs. Structurally, the components of ASSLB and traditional liquid-electrolyte based LIBs are strikingly similar and are composed of a cathode, anode, electrolyte as well as current collectors and packaging. However, the most important difference between these two technologies is the employment of a solid-state electrolyte in ASSLB rather than a liquid based electrolyte that is traditionally found in LIBs. The development of solid-state Li ion electrolytes has historically been hindered due to their low intrinsic ionic conductivity. Importantly, recent progress of various novel solid-state electrolytes, possessing high ionic conductivity (even comparable to that of liquid electrolytes), has enabled the development of high power density ASSLB. However, current development of ASSLB is stifled due to a lack of understanding of interfacial phenomena occurring between components within the battery as well as other key basic scientific and technical issues. If these issues can be solved, there is no doubt that the development of ASSLBs, battery packs, and EVs based on ASSLBs can be greatly accelerated. The proposed ORF program aims to develop advanced solid-state Li batteries and their key components to meet requirements of high power and energy density as well as safety. The goal of this research is to address the challenges associated with the study and fabrication of ASSLBs, from material design and development, to battery assembly as well as possible practical problems. To reach this goal, various materials and their composites (cathodes, anodes, and solid-state electrolytes) will be fabricated and assembled to create full solid-state Li batteries. One important aspect for this promising technology is the design and control of the interface between the electrolyte and the electrode material. Our approach will employ the use of advanced coating techniques such as atomic layer deposition to control interfacial reactions and significantly reduce interfacial resistance thereby increasing electrochemical performance. Another key aspect is the understanding of reactions between electrode and electrolytes in the solid-state Li batteries through the use of advanced characterization techniques. Successful completion of the proposed project will provide significant benefits to Ontario and the Canadian industry by transferring new knowledge, expertise and technologies as well as accelerating the commercialization of next-generation Li ion battery while simultaneously alleviating environmental pollution.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies – Clean Technologies

Keywords: Solid-State Li batteries, Electric vehicles, Nanomaterials, Clean energy, Energy storage, Synthesis, Characterization

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The University of Western Ontario David Tweddell Phone: 519-661-2111 x85313 Email: [email protected]

Ana Luisa Trejos

Smart & Dynamic Wearable Devices for Enhanced Mobility

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Hundreds of millions of people suffer from musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders worldwide. The aging population and growing obesity rates in Canada are predicted to result in a substantial increase in these conditions. Rehabilitation programs are often too expensive, time consuming, overwhelming, and/or ineffective, especially for patients who struggle with unsupervised exercises. This results in chronic pain and disability associated with limited mobility that costs Canadians $20.6 billion annually in direct and indirect costs. To assist patients’ movements and posture, improve recovery time, retain lifelong mobility and reduce chronic pain, our multi- disciplinary research team will build on the use of wearable technology that has grown rapidly in recent years to monitor such things as physical activity, quality of sleep, and heart rate. We are at the forefront of a revolution in wearable mechatronic systems for rehabilitation and have an opportunity to develop wearable devices that can monitor patient performance and actively respond to their needs, providing therapy in real time. The use of conventional motors in wearable devices that facilitate motion and apply forces make them large, heavy and cumbersome; thus, the development of specialized smart materials that integrate seamlessly into devices will be key to incorporating sensing and actuation into the design of wearable technologies for patient care. Sensors that gather information relevant to the assessment of MSK health will enhance our understanding of how natural daily movement habits change during recovery, while the unobtrusive actuators will provide rehabilitative support that improves recovery time and reduces the burden of chronic pain. The main purpose of our work is to move beyond the current focus on sensory mechanisms alone to develop novel dynamic devices that include actuation and biofeedback for the MSK health of the back, neck and upper extremities. Our collaborative approach will engage all relevant stakeholders from conception to design and through to implementation and commercialization. Scientific experts working directly with private-sector partners will advance mechatronic design knowledge, bearing in mind the manufacturing and commercialization needs. Health care professionals will ensure that clinical needs are met, while consumers will be crucial to identifying limitations in current designs that can negatively impact uptake. Our research objectives, driven directly by patient needs, include the development of: 1) skin-like smart mechatronic systems that interact with users; 2) advanced smart materials for sensing and actuation that can measure movement and provide distributed actuation forces; 3) methods for patient data interpretation and clinical analysis tools that allow advanced control systems to measure patient outcomes; and 4) data communication methods and cloud computing interfacing. Based at Western University with a Cluster of Excellence in MSK Health and the Bone and Joint Institute that spans 5 faculties of experts and collaborative relationships with multiple clinical partners, the anticipated outcomes of this research have the potential to improve lifelong mobility and reduce the burden of chronic pain for 1 in 5 adult Ontarians. Commercialization of this next generation of wearable mechatronic devices will lead to economic growth and job creation via Ontario-based companies and beyond through national and international partnerships.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Wearable devices, Smart materials, Musculoskeletal injuries, Clinical assessment, Sensors, Actuators, Patient care

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The University of Western Ontario David Tweddell Phone: 519-661-2111 x85313 Email: [email protected]

C. Nadine Wathen

Reducing the Impact of Domestic Violence on Workers and Workplaces

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Domestic violence follows people to work, affecting victims, perpetrators, co-workers, employers, unions, and the economy. Canadian employers lose $77.9M/year due to its impacts, and the harms and costs far exceed this. Paid work is a key pathway to leaving abuse, but those experiencing domestic violence have more disrupted work lives, lower incomes, and are more often underemployed. Perpetration can lead to productivity loss and safety hazards. Our vision is to make workplaces sites of intervention to improve safety and employment stability for victims, reduce domestic homicide and children’s exposure to violence, and hold perpetrators accountable. We will give employers, unions and co-workers knowledge and tools to reduce the negative impacts of domestic violence. The Domestic Violence at Work Network (www.DVatWorkNet.org) is a collaboration between Western University and the Canadian Labour Congress which includes over 30 national and international partners; labour confederations; business groups, anti-violence advocates, policy actors. We conducted the first pan-Canadian survey on this topic, and building on this, partners have launched surveys in Mongolia, Taiwan and Belgium, with plans underway in many other countries. Our results have supported collective bargaining and been cited widely; have been used to support new Canadian legislation, including paid DV leave for Ontario workers, and an international labour standard. These emerging impacts demonstrate the timeliness and urgency of this issue. Early work engaged partners while building basic knowledge. The proposed work will accelerate impacts and develop capacity in Ontario and beyond. We will develop and evaluate workplace actions to support and protect DV victims, identify perpetrators to prevent violence escalation, protect co-workers and shift workplace culture. Our envisioned approach to address victimization and perpetration is comprehensive, based on our theoretical approach and substantive empirical data from our work, and underpinned by our integrated knowledge mobilization model. To enhance uptake and ongoing international impact of the work, we will a) examine the role and impact of corporate leadership in the development and implementation of workplace policies, of collective agreements and labour initiatives in supporting workplace training and response, and of legislative and policy responses, examining these measures in specific sites; and b) continue to collect and analyse data on the impact of DV at work, through country-specific replications of employer, victimization and perpetration surveys. A specific focus will be the Ontario context; i.e., an Ontario survey focusing on non- unionized/precarious workers and partnering with the Conference Board of Canada, and a survey for small/medium- sized Ontario businesses to understand the supports needed in these settings. An expansion of our successful integrated knowledge mobilization will ensure that partners, which already include Ontario government actors, are fully engaged in the work, and share emerging knowledge with their constituencies. Our commitment to capacity development will address the paucity of dedicated researchers in this area. These activities will develop crucial knowledge and connect it to policy and practice, continuing our contributions to solutions for those experiencing and perpetrating DV and reducing its harmful impacts on individuals, workplaces, and society.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Domestic violence, Workplace, Unions, Employers, Knowledge mobilization, Interventions, International network

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The University of Western Ontario David Tweddell Phone: 519-661-2111 x85313 Email: [email protected]

Charles Weijer

Reducing the Impact of Domestic Violence on Workers and Workplaces

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Consciousness is a central feature of human nature, but it is not uniquely human: we share the capacity for sensory, perceptual, and emotional experience with many other species. But there are modes of conscious awareness that may be uniquely human, at least in their complexity and elaboration. Although the members of other species may be capable of rudimentary forms of moral cognition, aesthetic appreciation, and even deception, the mature manifestations of these phenomena are ours alone. These phenomena raise scientific, philosophical, and ethical problems resolution of which have far reaching implications for the law and public policy. We now have the tools to examine these distinctively human cognitive abilities, but developing the right concepts and the right orientation for this project demands an interdisciplinary approach. We propose to tackle these problems by bringing together experts in cognitive neuroscience and in analytic philosophy. Western is uniquely poised to do this. The Rotman Institute of Philosophy has a critical mass of scholars specializing in the philosophy of neuroscience, the philosophy of mind, as well as practical and normative ethics. Likewise, the Brain and Mind Institute (BMI) has a wide range of scientists whose research is focused on the brain bases of human cognition. Together, the two Institutes have the potential to bring a powerful interdisciplinary approach to understanding the neural foundations of human nature, its ethical and practical implications. The BMI and the Rotman already have successful research collaborations underway, but we have yet to realize the full potential of working together in a concerted way to attack one of the fundamental questions in science and philosophy: how our growing understanding of the brain impacts our conception of human nature and human agency. With ORF-RE funding we will be able to strengthen the collaborative culture between our two Institutes in order to make significant progress towards answering this scientifically and philosophically pressing question. Building meaningful and lasting relationships between the disciplines in the humanities and sciences will not only consolidate their respective strengths towards the solution of common problems, but will also position us to develop, for the first time, a fundamental framework for understanding how our brains give rise to consciousness, our unique perspective on the world we inhabit, and our normative and practical orientation to it. These questions are not abstract, but have vital, real-world implications. Investigating how the brain generates cognitive abilities – and developing a new taxonomy of cognition – will help us understand the relationship amongst apparently disparate psychiatric and neurological disorders in which cognition is altered. The absence of effective taxonomies has been a major obstacle to the diagnosis and treatment of such mental illness. Investigating these disorders and their management from a philosophical point of view will help us deepen our understanding of human agency, responsibility, and human flourishing, their emergence and promotion. The collaboration will also support the development of evidence-based pedagogy, based on our improved understanding of the cognitive basis of learning disabilities and their treatment.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Applied ethics, Cognition, Brain, Philosophy of neuroscience, Neuroimaging, Philosophy of mind, Psychiatry, Pedagogy

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

The University of Western Ontario David Tweddell Phone: 519-661-2111 x85313 Email: [email protected]

Merrick Zwarenstein

LEarning Health SystemS in ONtario (LEHSSON)

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Learning Health Systems (LHSs) integrate research into everyday clinical and managerial decision making by analyzing retrospective 1) patient level data to identify clinical choices which optimize patient outcomes, and 2) facility level data to identify choices which optimize care delivery. A novel approach to disseminating these analyses is to spread them in the form of interactive decision support tools to help patients and clinicians make personalized choices among care options, and facility managers to make tailored choices among delivery options. We will build technical, organizational and human capacity to create two LHSs, one in CCO, Ontario’s cancer and renal care coordinating organization, and the other in the Association of Ontario Health Centres (AOHC), the coordinating organization for the 200 publicly funded facilities delivering primary care to half a million mainly disadvantaged Ontarians. We will use mixed participatory research methods, engaging stakeholders groups (patients, clinicians, middle and senior managers, analysts and researchers) from each future LHS. Research team members from collaborating research institutions will work with CCO and AOHC stakeholder groups to help each prioritize their most frequent and important clinical and service delivery decisions, and to help them develop core data sets on their patients and facilities and the capacity to turn these data into decision support tools. The core data sets will contain extracts of the key characteristics of each encounter and facility, from a large representative sample of electronic records, covering health care delivery choices and clinical choices (e.g. of clinical choice for CCO, stage, size and receptor status of cancer and detailed treatment choices for drugs, surgery and radiotherapy, and outcomes such as recurrence free survival and patient wellbeing; e.g., of healthcare delivery choice for AOHC,, type of service provider, time and number of consultations, clinical condition and comorbidities, range and organization of supporting team, size of facility, cost of episode). The data sets will have a common structure across all Ontario facilities in each LHS, and will be held centrally in each LHS, in de-identified form. Using microsimulation techniques with these data we will design and pilot test patient, clinician and manager-oriented decision support tools for each organization. Some tools will enable patient users to specify demographic factors, a primary condition and comorbidities and analyze the outcomes for different treatment combinations. Others will allow managers to specify facility characteristics and a health care problem and analyze the outcomes of alternative service delivery models on cost, quality and other health care process measures. We will provide online and face to face support in the use of these decision support tools, and will also support each organization to develop other such tools, strengthening their internal capacity to select optimal clinical and delivery choices. We will study actual use with qualitative, quantitative and economic methods, publishing underlying care delivery, organizational and methodological lessons, and share these globally, by producing online, free, self-directed learning modules on the EdX MOOC (massive open online course) platform.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Health care access, Quality, Value, Efficiency, Patient participation, Learning health systems, Integrating research into care

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Windsor Nicole Noel Phone: 519-253-3000 x3916 Email: [email protected]

Anderson William

Making Better Borders; the Integration of Technology, Policy and Public Administration

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Canada is a trading nation. Ontario accounts for more than half of Canada’s global trade, which passes through its road, rail and airport border crossings. The Cross-Border Institute (CBI) takes a multidisciplinary approach for overcoming the operational challenges inherent at border crossings; the question we are solving for is how to significantly reduce border costs while enhancing the effectiveness of border functions, in order to realize the full benefit of international trade and investment. In order to maintain and expand on Canada’s trading capacity, the Government of Canada negotiates preferential trade agreements to allow unimpeded movement of goods, services and people to and from its trading partners. These agreements establish rules for the elimination of tariffs and quotas; enforcement of health and safety standards; and the harmonization of regulations. But they only do half the job of removing impediments to trade because they do not, in general, address the operational challenges of moving people, goods and services across international borders. The research agenda and multidisciplinary approach presented in this proposal seeks to establish best border practices through the integrated development and implementation of technology, policy and public administration. Customs, immigration and security functions depend on the active or passive exchange of information between border users and border officials. Technologies that are already in broad use can be leveraged to transfer information to border officials more effectively and efficiently, and often well before the person or vehicle reaches the border. These include various forms of wireless communication, satellite tracking, static and mobile sensors, systems for detection of pathogens and various contraband, and compact biometric identification devices. While each technology can provide useful information by itself, the greatest benefit lies in integrating these technologies to create an information-rich border environment and using Intelligent Transportation Systems driven by Artificial Intelligence methods to ensure the fastest possible movement of people, vehicles and goods through that environment. The available technology cannot, in itself, improve border performance. Existing policies must be adjusted and new policies established in order to use technologies in a way that is effective, efficient and consistent with Canadian standards of privacy and other rights. Policies and technologies must be supported by efficient administrative practices. In particular, the transition from a system based largely on physical documents, traditional electronic protocols and face-to-face interrogation to a more technologically advanced and information-rich border system will require a complex and coordinated program of administration. Located steps from Canada’s busiest border crossing and comprising a unique team of researchers from engineering, science, social science, business, law, public administration, infrastructure development, procurement, customs, immigration and cross-border logistics,the CBI is uniquely placed to undertake the multidisciplinary research needed to address the challenges of making a better border.

ORF Application Stream: General

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Windsor Nicole Noel Phone: 519-253-3000 x3916 Email: [email protected]

Lori Buchanan

Aphasia Friendly Ontario

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Aphasia is a disorder that arises from brain injury (usually stroke) that impairs people’s ability to produce or understand language but does not impact cognitive competence. This Social Sciences ORF-RE application is a request for funds to support a three-pronged Aphasia Friendly Ontario research program that aims to establish best practices in the psychosocial aspects of aphasia treatment and rehabilitation and to make Ontario the leading province in accommodating this invisible disability. To monitor effectiveness, pre- and post- measures of all relevant dependent variables will be collected. Partners include numerous private and public organizations. An extensive and complex legal framework− Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Human Rights Code, Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001, and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005− safeguards the rights of Ontarians with disabilities and encourages their full participation in society. Despite this legal requirement, Mayo Moran's Second Legislative Review of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 reported a lack of accessibility improvements at the storefront level to accommodate people with non-visible disabilities, such as aphasia. In consultation with obligated sectors Moran heard that organizations would comply with the legislation standards if they knew what was required, but they had difficulty understanding their obligations because “the standards are often not specific enough about what is required, there is a lack of support for education and implementation, and the training requirements under the standards consume too much time and effort”. Aphasia Friendly Ontario links researchers, students and businesses in a project that will address the issues identified by Moran and many partners (e.g., Tim Hortons) have already signed on. The first prong, the Aphasia Friendly Business Campaign will support public and private sectors in meeting their legal obligation to commit to an accessible Ontario. The call for action to offer on-site accessibility training for obligated organizations under the AODA, coupled with the need for public support systems to enable full participation in society for people with aphasia, is the impetus for this Aphasia Friendly Business Campaign: a comprehensive workplace intervention program aimed at overcoming barriers so people with aphasia can access goods and services like everyone else. In the second prong, Aphasia Friendly Ontario will also address the barriers that stand in the way of full engagement in society for individuals with aphasia by offering them weekly conversation group sessions. These conversation groups will introduce supported communication techniques to facilitate functional communication between group members, allow individuals living with aphasia to meet and interact with others like themselves, offer compensatory strategies to overcome communication barriers in the community, and offer psychosocial support. Finally, we will address the needs of caregivers of people with aphasia by providing psychosocial education and interactive group support. Through a collaborative and reiterative process we will establish the best practices for support for caregivers. Some of the activities that will take place include discussions about educational material on stroke and aphasia, frequent challenges of care-giving, coping strategies, conversational techniques, and available community resources.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Accessibility, Aphasia, Caregiver, Quality Of Life, Promotion through Accessibility, Communication Barriers

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Windsor Nicole Noel Phone: 519-253-3000 x3916 Email: [email protected]

Sazzadur Chowdhury

Advanced Diagnostic Imaging Data Acquisition System

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The objective of the proposed research is to develop a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and advanced image processing algorithm based multimodal and multispectral diagnostic imaging data acquisition technology. The developed technology will use two non-ionizing modes, ultrasound and microwave, to acquire high resolution, and high contrast volumetric real-time data of internal organs to detect medical conditions, such as breast cancer, at an earlier stage than is currently possible. The ultrasound probe will be constructed to have a novel self-reassembly capable MEMS based high sensitivity transducer system. This self-reassembly feature of the ultrasound probe will allow it to alter the logical geometry of the transducer array dynamically to adapt to a particular frequency requirement. The feature will allow the same probe to be used for various tissue types and imaging needs to obtain dynamically optimized high resolution real time 2-D or volumetric images. The microwave probe will use a radar based novel MEMS based 2-D microwave-pixel array to generate high-resolution 3-D non-contact, through-cloth non-ionizing tomographic diagnostic data by exploiting the dielectric properties of tissues. Advanced image processing algorithms will be developed to process the acquired data to facilitate more accurate early diagnosis of medical conditions that are not possible or too expensive with existing diagnostic imaging systems. As none of the modes use any ionizing radiation and will operate in non- invasive manner, the system will totally curb radiation exposure, inconvenience, risk of infection in invasive procedures, patient discomfort, etc. The proposed diagnostic data acquisition system is expected to be the size of a typical desktop computer while offering hospital quality diagnostic imaging capability. Due to low cost batch fabrication of the transducers like conventional integrated circuits (IC), the proposed system will be cheaper and can be affordable in a primary care practitioner’s office. This will reduce waiting time in hospitals to improve the efficiency of the healthcare system as the diagnostic imaging process will become faster and more accurate, easily accessible, and less expensive. The equipment can help a triage nurse to be able to carry out more accurate preliminary examinations using a simple graphical interface and consult a specialist if necessary. The developed technologies could be commercialized through Ontario based companies to enhance Ontario’s global competitiveness in the areas of microsystems based disruptive healthcare technology. In this context, $2 million funding is requested from ORF-RE program to support the partial operating cost of the project. The proposed multi- institutional research will be carried out partially in the MEMS laboratory in the University of Windsor and Robarts Research Institute in the Western University. Both the facilities have state-of-the-art capabilities to conduct research in the proposed area and complementary expertise. The principal investigator (PI) is the Director of the MEMS laboratory in the University of Windsor who has recently been awarded CFI/ORF support for advanced nanotechnology research. The Co-PI, Professor Aaron Fenster, is the Imaging Director of the Robarts Research Institute. The proposed system will be developed using state- of-the-art design, simulation, and experimental methods. A number of HQPs will be trained during the project period.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: MEMS, Ultrasonic, Radar, Diagnostic, Image Processing, Algorithm, DSP, Microelectronics, IC, Packaging

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Windsor Nicole Noel Phone: 519-253-3000 x3916 Email: [email protected]

Roman Maev

Novel Emergency Portable Transcranial Acoustical Imaging System (TAIS)

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are considered an epidemic around the world. About 160,000 Canadians sustain brain injuries every year. Currently, CT is the only clinical method enabling fast diagnosis of TBI. However, CT scanners are available only in major medical centres. Early detection and diagnosis of TBI shortly after the traumatic event would reduce critical amount of time to surgical treatment. The ultimate goal of the proposed research project is the development of a Novel Emergency Portable Transcranial Acoustic Imaging System (TAIS) for on-site head trauma diagnosis which is especially important for remote areas. In the proposed research, the Institute for Diagnostic Imaging Research at the University of Windsor will address a fundamental problem in ultrasonic imaging: the inverse problem, that is, the need to recover parameters/image of target objects hidden behind an acoustical barrier like the human skull. Ultrasonic waves propagating through multilayer thick skull bone undergo multiple reflections, phase aberration, and get considerably attenuated. That makes it very difficult to detect static (e.g. bone fragments and blood clots) and dynamic (e.g. vasculature blood flow disruptions such as hemorrhage and aneurysm) abnormalities behind the skull. Our solution offers real-time high quality digital imaging of both static and dynamic abnormalities. It is anticipated that the most important elements of the proposed project will arise from: (a) Phase aberration correction of ultrasonic fields, taking into account variable thickness of the skull; (b) Image reconstruction of dynamic abnormalities through thick skull bone by using the multiple acoustic echo signals created from flow of blood cells and platelets; (c) Design of a multi- element 4D matrix ultrasonic array system optimized to support high-resolution transcranial imaging application; (d) Development of anatomically correct medical phantoms with human-like acoustic and MRI-compatible properties for the TAIS system calibration. (e) Clinical validation and modification of the TAIS system into an effective portable device for emergency personnel and physicians. This system will be clinically evaluated in collaboration with three Ontario health research institutes: a) Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto (co-applicant Dr. James Drake, Chief Neurosurgeon). The target patient population in this clinical site is mostly neonates suffering from a TBI such as Intra-Ventricular Hemorrhage (IVH); b) Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto (co-applicant, Dr. Todd Mainprize, Chief Neurosurgeon). The target patient population in this clinical site is adults suffering from a TBI such as clotted blood vessels and Intracranial Hemorrhage; c) Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute (co-applicant, Dr. Radu Rozenberg, Interventional Radiologist). The target patient population in this clinical site is residents of Northern Ontario, including rural, remote and indigenous communities, suffering from a static or dynamic TBI. On this site, the system’s telecommunication capabilities will be used for real-time consultation with a base hospital, which is a major advantage of the system for rural, remote, and indigenous communities. It is anticipated that the unique TAIS system will be produced in Ontario. The project will allow IDIR to retain about 30 research and engineering jobs in Windsor, ON and create 30-50 new highly skilled engineering jobs in the Province of Ontario.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Ultrasonic Transducers, Signal/Image Processing, Transcranial Ultrasound Imaging, Modeling, Medical Phantoms

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Windsor Nicole Noel Phone: 519-253-3000 x3916 Email: [email protected]

Ming Zheng

Clean Energy Engine Research and Vehicle Demonstration

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Renewable and sustainable biofuels to meet Canada’s greenhouse gas reduction promises, have remained strong interests for automotive industry, due to the instability and political turmoil in oil production countries, cost and performance advantages of alternative fuels. A wide use of biofuels as practical strategies calls for the significant advancement of clean combustion engines that would result in increased energy efficiency and gradual replacement of fossil fuel to achieve carbon neutral. Such cost- effective plan and energy efficient approaches for automotive sectors to realize the effective uses of bio- sourced fuels is more attractive as alternatives in current engine infrastructure than a large scale of electrification to meet customer needs and environmental concerns in next 50 years. The engine adaptation relies heavily on the new strategies and optimization for engine hardware, engine control and clean technologies intended for versatile multiple-fuel uses. The Ontario automotive sector needs sustainable technologies to better meet the ever increasing demands in engine production industry for cost effectiveness, fuel efficiency, high engine power, and low emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gas. The demands can be met through advanced R&D in powertrain and high-efficiency engines adapting renewable fuels as well as promoting the technology commercialization. Novel methodologies and prototypes to reduce empirical tests in the prototype design, calibration, optimization, and adaptive engine control techniques to multiple-fuel types play key roles in these initiatives. The proposed research initiatives will include research in 1) clean combustion engine research with bio-sourced alcohol, dimethyl ether, oxy-methylene ethers, and other possible fuels in compression ignition engines including chamber optimization, injection management and fueling system design; 2) development of model guided data- driven optimization for the calibration and control of clean and efficient combustion engine operation; 3) optimized after-treatment technology to match the targeted in-cylinder combustion strategies including modeling pollutant emissions; and 4) combustion control with ignition innovations to tolerate variations in biofuel constituents. The proposed initiatives has strong support from major automotive OEMs, engine manufactures, and local Ontario-based suppliers, as well as international companies to connect to direct commercialization receptors of the research outcomes. Demonstration vehicles, engine control modules, and production engine potentials are provisioned in OEMs’ Ontario-based facilities to promote job creation and new technologies development. The research team has the nucleus of highly qualified personnel needed to conduct the fundamental research to enable new technological innovations. In particular, innovative methodologies and devices are to be developed such as flexible pressurized fueling system for retrofitting, novel igniters and power-drive, sensors, and an intelligent ignition timing control module. The proposed initiatives will generate direct impacts on Ontario’s capability for automotive innovations and increase Ontario's competitive edge in a critically important area of renewable fuel clean engines. Job creation with the establishment of biofuel utilization in Ontario’s leading manufacturing industry will also be a notable outcome of this project.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies - Clean Technologies

Keywords: Biofuel Clean Engine, Data-driven Control, Model-based Control, Adaptive Biofuel Engine Design and Optimization

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Ontario Institute of Technology Jennifer Freeman Phone: 905-721-8668 x3176 Email: [email protected]

Ahmad Barari

A Novel Technology to Produce Carbon Nano-materials for Tribiological Applications and Lubrication Industry

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Developing a novel and feasible technology to produce carbon nano-materials with beneficial solutions in tribological applications and lubrication industry is the scope of this project.The goal in this multi- disciplinary project is to develop an industrial mass production system to produce carbon nano-materials in form of soot containing fullerenes C60, C70, C76 and C84, and Multiwall carbon nanotubes. The contributors to the project include the research team at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Intellectual Alliance Inc. (IAI), and end-user companies. IAI is a Concord-based company that is working toward developing the novel mass production process for a wide spectrum of carbon-nanomaterials. The conceptual design is completed at IAI and the validation tests completed at UOIT show very promising results. The project seeks financial support at this stage to develop the full scale production system. Professor Ahmad Barari, from Department of Automotive, Mechanical, and Manufacturing, at UOIT, has been conducting several research collaborative projects with IAI during the last 5 years, including development of Diamond-Like Carbon Coating (DLC) process and modelling the effect of DLC on friction properties of rotating shafts. The effect of soot additives in lubrication properties of rotating shaft has been recently studied at Dr. Barari’s research lab. It is found that by adding certain percentages of produced soot to various types of industrial grease for lubrication of rotating shafts, the friction coefficients are greatly reduced. This solution potentially can be used in various transportation industries including public transportation systems, railways, and all types of road vehicles. Reducing rotational friction of shafts, wheels, and axels results in great saving in energy consumption and reduces the environmental pollution sources including various types of air pollution, noise, and wear of materials. Several other companies already expressed their interest to contribute in this comprehensive research and development project. UOIT team leads the project and contribute to develop models and experimental results on effect of various types of carbon nano-products including fullerenes C60, C70, C76 and C84, Multiwall carbon nanotubes on the lubrication properties in various applications aiming to investigate efficient, beneficial and feasible solutions. Intellectual Alliance Inc. actively continue the design and manufacturing process toward developing the revolutionary technology of producing carbon nanomaterials in all mentioned ranges of carbon-nanoproducts. The other (that already showed their interest) contribute to the project by integrating the solution to their end-user products and to commercialize the Ontario-based carbon nano-products to their production systems.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies – Clean Technologies

Keywords: Carbon nanomaterials, Fullerene containing soot, C60, C70, C76 and C84, Multi-wall nanotubes, Lubricant Additives

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Ontario Institute of Technology Jennifer Freeman Phone: 905-721-8668 x3176 Email: [email protected]

Christopher Collins

Explainable Artificial Intelligence

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The impact and application of artificial intelligence is growing in all areas of the Ontario economy. In recent years there have been dramatic advances in creating computer systems which can learn from data to make decisions, provide advice, and even act autonomously. From guiding the best crop placement, to recommending movies to watch, to directing traffic flowing through our cities, deep learning is improving the way we live. While Ontario has become a world leader in artificial intelligence technology, the decisions made by these systems remain difficult for non-experts to understand. AI systems are not infallible, but it is challenging to know when to trust them and when reject their recommendations. Indeed, the nature of modern learning algorithms is that systems learn from patterns in training data which are impossible for a human to detect. The resulting algorithms have thousands of even millions of interdependent components which work together to arrive at a final recommendation. The advancement in the state of the art in artificial intelligence in the past few years has meant that while the quality of the outputs has increased, the explainability of outputs has suffered. We are moving toward a society of blindly trusting AI, and this begs the question: is the trust appropriate? An AI system may recommend we close a highway, read an article, or visit the doctor, and we may reasonably ask “Why?” However, no interpretable answer is provided by current systems. The goal of this program of research is to help people understand why an AI system makes a specific decision or recommendation (the evidence) and how certain the system is in its decision or recommendation (the confidence). Through exposing the evidence and confidence in AI systems, we will provide new interfaces which will help people decide whether to trust the AI algorithm. For example, decisions based on problematic evidence or decisions which are highly uncertain may be rejected by users as unreliable. This research includes two major initiatives in tandem: innovating on the artificial intelligence algorithms to make them more understandable, and designing novel interfaces to present explanations of the reasoning underlying artificial intelligence systems in ways that can be understood by non-experts. We will apply these approaches in several focus areas of importance to Ontario’s knowledge economy, including large scale urban sensor systems (smart cities) and systems which reason about large amounts of text (business analytics, policy analysis, and social media analytics). This project proposes to build on Ontario’s world-leading expertise in both artificial intelligence as well as human-computer interaction and visual analytics. This work will be lead by an interdisciplinary team of computer scientists headed by Canada Research Chair Christopher Collins who has expertise in natural language processing and information visualization. Collins will be joined by Fanny Chevalier of University of Toronto, who has a strong research record in creating explanatory interfaces for understanding data, and Graham Taylor of University of Guelph, who leads a research group in deep learning. This research program will bring together researchers from both human-computer interaction and deep learning with additional domain experts in application areas such as smart cities and text analysis to create an interdisciplinary team of researchers to tackle this challenging problem.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Machine learning, Interface design, Human-computer interaction, Artificial intelligence, Information visualization

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Ontario Institute of Technology Jennifer Freeman Phone: 905-721-8668 x3176 Email: [email protected]

Ibrahim Dincer

Development of Cluster on Clean Fuels Production Technology

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The recent figures show that Canada is among the top 10 greenhouse gas emitters in the world, with two major contributing sectors, namely the oil and gas sector and the transportation sector accounting for about 50% of the total greenhouse gas emissions (the remaining 50% comes from the other economic sectors, including residential). At the Paris Climate Conference in December 2015, 195 countries, including Canada, adopted the first-ever universal, legally binding global climate deal on implementing two critical solutions, namely renewable energies and carbon-free fuels (including synthetic fuels) in order to reduce greenhouse gases and combat global warming effectively and efficiently. Canada’s heavily dependence on hydrocarbon fuels creates major issues on the environment and society. Renewable energy and clean fuels are crucial solutions for reducing greenhouse gases. This project aims to create a cluster on renewable energy and clean fuel technologies at UOIT in close collaboration with leading researchers from University of Waterloo, McMaster University and Memorial University and industrial partners. Clean energy systems and technologies will be developed for the production of hydrogen, ammonia and synthetic fuels (such as methanol and ethanol) which will result in commercializable products. Various clean hydrogen production technologies using renewable energy sources will be developed in this project namely: (i) thermochemical cycles (CuCl, MgCl, FeCl2, CoCl2, MnCl2, VCl2 etc.), (ii) photoelectrochemical (and photoelectrolysis and photocatalysis), and (iii) high temperature electrolysis. Hydrogen can be directly utilized in the applications or it can serve as an input gas for ammonia, methanol and ethanol production. At UOIT, various types of hydrogen and ammonia production methods have been extensively studied. In this project, these technologies will be further improved, experimental setups will be built, tested, validated, prototyped and patented. The produced hydrogen will be used in the ammonia, methanol and ethanol production processes. Synthetic methanol and ethanol production require CO2 and hydrogen. This project proposes capturing of CO2 from different processes and utilization in synthetic fuel production integrated to renewable hydrogen for achieving a cleaner pathway. Also, this project will transfer the knowledge developed into technologies and technological products through the project partners and other potential partners which will strengthen Ontario and Canada’s economic potential, energy security, technological innovation and competitiveness, environmental friendliness and hence sustainable future. This new infrastructure will enable Ontario, to position itself globally with a broad vision of sustainable development. The following outcomes are expected upon successful completion of this project: strong collaboration and knowledge transfer between university and industry; development and enhancement of renewable energy and clean fuel industries; training of HQP to meet the needs for skilled researchers for academia and industry. The project outcomes are anticipated to yield new technologies for significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of Canada to meet the targets and committed levels. Also, they would lead to increased productivity and competitiveness; job creation with these new areas of renewable energies and clean fuels; and increased local and international and international collaborations.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies – Clean Technologies

Keywords: Renewable energy, Clean fuels, Hydrogen, Ammonia, Methanol, Ethanol, Efficiency, Economy, Environment, Society

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Ontario Institute of Technology Jennifer Freeman Phone: 905-721-8668 x3176 Email: [email protected]

Hossam Gaber

Implementation of Resilient Energy Storage Platform for OPUC Substations

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Oshawa Power & Utilities Corporation (OPUC) is planning installation of new substations, in addition to the existing stations, to ensure stable and reliable power support to their customers. The purpose of the OPUC substations is to meet Oshawa’s customer load demand. By installing battery storage, the intent is to participate in IESO capacity market to provide voltage, frequency regulation and demand response. The integration of battery systems will provide balance between the load and supply while stabilizing the performance of substations. This requires dynamic storage systems to charge the battery quickly, and stabilize the dynamic behavior of the substation with charging / discharging cycles. Flywheel technologies can provide fast and dynamic response to enhance the performance of the integrated battery storage with substations. In addition, flywheel can provide fast charging capabilities to maximize the performance of battery storage by reducing the charging time. The proposed study of engineering and layout design is to install the battery system from eCAMION and integrate the flywheel systems in existing substation. Those proposed systems called FFCS: Flywheel-based Fast Charging System, which comprises advanced battery technologies, from eCAMION Inc., with state-of-the-art flywheel technology from Stornetic to maximize the performance of the substation in terms of demand response, voltage and frequency regulation to meet customer requirements. The proposed energy storage system that can apply to all OPUC substations will be integrated with the substation monitoring and control system as a unified operational solution. The proposed integrated energy storage system will include advanced resiliency features to ensure sustainable and safe operation during normal and emergency conditions. This project will ensure reduced power transmission and operational costs with clean energy technologies to meet national and international target of reduced gases emissions in the energy infrastructures. The proposed project will include comprehensive reliability and safety tests, in view of national standards and regulations from CSA / IESO, and complete validation to ensure acceptable risk levels of the operation of the substation. Objectives: • Develop resilient energy storage systems suitable for integration with power substations and utility grids to maximize the overall performance • Utilize flywheel technologies within each energy storage system to improve the charging / discharging capabilities • Design fast charging infrastructures with each energy storage system to minimize the charging time and maximize utilization of the battery systems • Develop integrated control architecture to control battery with intelligent features R&D Innovations: • Design configuration, control, monitoring, and performance optimization of the proposed integrated system as interconnected with utility grid. • Develop an integrated architecture of intelligent control system for the proposed system including battery units, flywheel systems, and the integration with the grid, considering balance between supply and demand and economy. • Synthesis, evaluation, and optimization of charging / discharging scenarios with energy efficiency and stability considerations. • Develop self-healing and fault tolerant techniques and strategies for resilient operation. • Evaluate the impacts of energy storage systems on distribution networks, considering uncertainties.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies – Clean Technologies

Keywords: Reliable power, Stability, Capacity market, Demand response, Voltage regulation, Charging cycles, Flywheel technology

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Ontario Institute of Technology Jennifer Freeman Phone: 905-721-8668 x3176 Email: [email protected]

Kamiel Gabriel

Pilot Facility for Production of Hydrogen by Thermo-chemical Water Decomposition and Recovered Waste Heat

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Large-scale hydrogen production, distribution and storage are a mature and well-established technology for industrial applications. However, to produce cost effective hydrogen for energy use in transportation and electricity generation systems, conventional production and distribution methods using burning fossil fuels (e.g., Methane reforming) are no longer the preferred option. While SMR is a cheap and reliable technology, it produces enormous amounts of CO2 during the process. While CO2 capture and storage could reduce such emissions, it has been proven not economical or viable for large-scale applications. The proposed technology has the advantage of producing Hydrogen without fossil fuel feed and produces only Oxygen as a by-product.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies – Clean Technologies

Keywords: Clean hydrogen production, Thermochemical cycles, Pilot plant demonstration

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Ontario Institute of Technology Jennifer Freeman Phone: 905-721-8668 x3176 Email: [email protected]

Leigh Harkins

Assessment of Deviant Sexual Interest Proclivity

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Context Sexual violence is an ongoing problem in our communities. We are currently unable to identify people who will commit acts of sexual violence before these acts are committed. However, measures have been developed in an attempt to determine whether someone has a proclivity towards sexual violence. These measures ask members of the general population to self -report whether they hold certain types of interests in potentially engaging in different types of rape or child sexual abuse. In previous research, when these proclivities were assessed in a university sample, a high proportion of the participants (71%) reported at least a slight level of interest in these deviant sexual activities (Brown & Harkins, 2016). However, of the measures currently used, there is ambiguity in some of the questions thus revision of these measures could potentially improve these measures to be more discerning of true interest in rape or child sexual abuse. We also do not know whether these measures are able to distinguish between students or members of the general public and those convicted of sexual violent crimes. For these measures to be useful, it would be expected that those who had been convicted of such offenses would score significantly higher than those without such convictions. We also do not know whether these proclivity measures predict future sexually violent behaviour. In order for these measures to have predict validity, scores on the measures would need to be related to a high likelihood of committing future sexually violent acts. The overall aim of the proposed research is to improve our ability to assess a deviant sexual interest proclivity. The following are the specific objectives of the proposed research: 1) To modify, update and further develop measures of deviant sexual interest in rape, multiple perpetrator rape, and child sexual abuse. 2) To determine whether students and the general public score lower on these measures than convicted sexual offenders attending a community treatment group. 3) To ascertain whether these measures predict future sexually violent behaviour. Proposed Methodology Objective 1 will be met through interviews with students about their understanding of the questions on the existing measures and by asking them to anonymously provide examples of coercive or age-inappropriate sexual scenarios that they could envision someone might become involved in. This information will be used to generate revisions to the existing measures. Objective 2 will be met through administering these revised proclivity measures anonymously online to students, members of the general public, and sexual offenders completing a community treatment group. This will allow it to be determined whether scores on these measures differentiate between convicted sexual offenders and member of the community. Objective 3 will be met through use of Qualtrics anonymous multi-wave panels. These panels allow follow-up data to anonymously be collected from community participants at multiple time points. At Wave 1 participants will complete the revised proclivity measures and measures of their sexual experiences, including sexually coercive experiences. At Wave 2 (6 months later) they will be asked to report again on their sexual experience including any new sexually violent experiences. We can then determine if their scores at Wave 1 will predict their sexual behavior at Wave 2. Outcome:Targeted prevention for those with deviant proclivities.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Sexual violence, Rape, Deviant sexual interest, Child sexual interest, Sexual offender

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Ontario Institute of Technology Jennifer Freeman Phone: 905-721-8668 x3176 Email: [email protected]

Carolyn McGregor

Trysh Project with Cloud Based Big Data Analytics for PTSD Health Research

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant problem for active serving military personnel, veterans, and first responders worldwide. PTSD fundamentally impacts a person’s ability to regulate emotions and behaviours, and affects the entire family, along with communities in which individuals live and work. Recent research by others has demonstrated that analysis of measures of physiology such as heart rate provide additional ways to assess mental health state for many mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder. However, this analysis is too complex for a person to perform manually on an ongoing basis. There is great potential for Big Data analytics to provide new insights to individuals and their families about their health and well-being and integrate this with other traditional self-knowledge / self-awareness knowledge approaches to measure the person’s physical activity and their emotional well-being from routine behavioural self-assessments. We propose to demonstrate such a solution.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Analytics, PTSD

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Ontario Institute of Technology Jennifer Freeman Phone: 905-721-8668 x3176 Email: [email protected]

Carolyn McGregor

Big Data Analytics and Immersive Simulation for Resilience Assessment and Development in Tactical Training

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Combat tactical training activities utilising virtual reality environments are being used increasingly to create training scenarios to promote resilience against stressors and to enable standardized training scenarios to allow trainees to learn techniques for various stressors. Resilience is an important component for mental health. However, assessment of the trainees’ response to these training activities has either been limited to various pre and post training assessment metrics or collected in parallel during experiments and analysed after collection rather than in real-time. New Big Data approaches have the potential to provide real-time analytics. We have created a Big Data analytics platform, Athena, that in real-time acquires data from a first person shooter military combat simulation game, ArmA 3, as well as the data ArmA 3 sends to the muscle stimulation component of a haptic garment, ARAIG. In this research we will test the efficacy of our platform and the impact of the inclusion of ARAIG.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Analytics, Big Data, Haptics, Virtual Reality, Resilience

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Ontario Institute of Technology Jennifer Freeman Phone: 905-721-8668 x3176 Email: [email protected]

Carolyn McGregor

Health and Wellness Analytics within Serious Games for First Responder Training and Mental Health Treatment

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The health and wellness of first responders as well as veterans is an important healthcare challenge. Beyond the risks of physical injury or death, mental health is an integral component of their health and wellness. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious and growing health issue with high personal and societal costs. In the USA, approximately 7.7% American adults (3.5%) are diagnosed with it and as many as 50% of recent veterans screen positive for PTSD symptoms when returning from deployment. Canadian Forces have recognized that mental health disorders such as PTSD is a growing concern and have proposed within their strategic mandate to create sustainable strategies to provide support for those that have such disorders and to determine better training to reduce the incidence and develop better techniques to detect it. As a result this is a highly appropriate time to propose new advanced computing techniques to address this need. Recent research directions for first responder training and PTSD treatment are using virtual and immersive reality to create a diverse range of training experience not readily creatable as a real-world models due to physical replica expense. However, they have not integrated real-time physiological using new Big Data based techniques to present that data to trainers, practitioners and participants. Recent studies that rely on adhoc data collection are reporting early work to track physiological data such as heart rate variability (HRV) as showing a very high correlation between reduced HRV and the diagnostic scoring of PTSD. However, virtual reality is not integrated with real-time assessment of the trainee/patient’s physiological response during the immersive reality treatment intervention. This data intensive research will be built on the foundation of Artemis, a world renowned online health analytics platform that is able to, in real-time, perform complex analysis of multiple clinical algorithms, for multiple patients, using physiological data from multiple medical sensors to propose innovative advanced clinical decision support for critical care. Artemis, a research project led by McGregor has been used to enable several clinical research studies in neonatology. McGregor has extended Artemis to create Athena which has all the functionality of Artemis, but has additional functionality to process in real-time virtual reality game information and integrate that with physiological response. The initial functionality of Athena is being demonstrated through an initial research study involving tactical operators. The research in this application proposes further innovative advanced health technologies that build upon and extend pioneering research in digital media and information communication technologies in the areas of Big Data analytics, virtual reality spaces and serious games. Existing research collaborations with first responder communities and the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research (CIMVHR) will be utilized to perform non clinical trial initial validation assessment using these new advanced health technologies. HQP (students) and collaborators will complete cutting edge research with state-of-the-art equipment not available elsewhere. Personnel trained to use this infrastructure will gain skills in immersive reality, human-computer interaction, health science, data science and analytics together with information visualization. This skills mix is unique in Canada.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Analytics, Big data, Virtual reality, Immersive reality, Serious games, First responder Training, PTSD

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Ontario Institute of Technology Jennifer Freeman Phone: 905-721-8668 x3176 Email: [email protected]

Thomas McMorrow

Law's Role in End-of-life decision-making

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Aging demographics, increasing social diversity, advances in bio-medical technologies, and shifting beliefs around ethical questions render the legal governance of end-of-life decision-making an urgent area for both research and policy development. It is not just courts, legislatures, and governments—or for that, matter hospital administrators and health care professionals—who are at once affected and implicated in these major societal changes. So too are patients, families and ultimately all members of the public. Since 2015, when the Supreme Court of Canada in Carter invalidated the blanket penal prohibition on voluntary euthanasia and physician assisted suicide, there has been a great deal of public debate over the formal legal norms that ought to govern medical assistance in dying. Arguments about the authority of Parliament and provincial legislatures to restrict access to this practice have figured in those debates, as well. Just how relevant is the law-in-the- books to the law-on-the-ground? Are the assumptions upon which legal and political debates have relied actually justified? How can law and policy be developed in a way that is sensitive to the lived experiences and challenges of patients, their families and healthcare professionals? In the present study, we explore the kinds of social implications that are more often assumed than examined empirically, when arguing over the optimal legal regime for medical assistance in dying. This is a socio-legal study that empirically examines the role of law in end-of-life decision-making. We are interested in examining on-the-ground decision-making processes in which hospital administrators, physicians, nurses, clinical ethicists, patients and their families participate. Administrative, professional, and social practices interact with positive legal norms, institutions, processes, and justifications to frame end-of-life decision-making. Our goal is not only to make an inventory of the range of regulatory schemes and their differing effects on patient experience from hospital to hospital, ward to ward, healthcare professional to health care professional. Rather, we want to see how contextual factors (social, economic, cultural, religious) interact with formal legal norms to guide end-of-life decision-making. Thus, this research project will examine how state and non-state normative orders contribute to the “symbolic governance of human agency” in end-of-life decision-making. We will conduct interviews with participants in the end-of-life decision-making process—health care professionals, medical ethicists, patients, and their families. Our aim is to offer a thick description of this decision-making process, conducting research in several hospitals in Ontario. In this way, we hope to have an impact on legal academic scholarship, public discourse, and policy development in this complex and changing field. Attending to social, cultural, economic, and regional factors in the provision and experience of medically assisted dying will help to inform Ontario's future steps on this challenging rpath ahead.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Socio-legal, Qualitative, Medical assistance in dying, Health law, Ethics, Legal pluralism

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Ontario Institute of Technology Jennifer Freeman Phone: 905-721-8668 x3176 Email: [email protected]

Barbara Perry

Hate in the Peaceable Kingdom: A National Study of Hate Crime in Canada

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The proposed project will conduct a national study of hate crime in Canada. The intent is to document peoples’ experiences of targeted hostility; to understand the physical and emotional harms suffered by victims and their communities; and to identify ways to enhance the quality of support and services for targeted individuals and communities. The outputs are intended to guide organisations and policy makers in confronting all forms of hate crime. The project will be the largest such study in Canada, and in fact, anywhere in the world. It will be conducted in the 54 Canadian cities with populations over 100,000 (26 of which are in Ontario). The focus will be on communities recognized by the Ontario Hate Crimes Community Working Group (2006) as most vulnerable to hate crime victimization: Indigenous peoples; blacks; Asians; Jews; Muslims; lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people; and South Asians. The goal is to have at least 500 online survey respondents at each site. The surveys will be followed by two qualitative strategies: interviews and focus groups that pursue themes identified in the quantitative survey phase. These will provide more nuanced data on how discriminatory experiences may have changed peoples’ attitudes or behaviours; why participants choose to report or not report victimization; and what they perceive as important strategies for minimizing the risk and impacts of victimization. The in-depth interviews will be conducted with local individuals who play leadership roles in their communities, and with individuals who indicated in the surveys their interest in offering more detailed information about their experiences of hate crime. The interviews will be followed by focus groups in each city. The protocol follows that used previously by Dr. Perry in a SSHRC funded study of anti-Muslim hate crime, and in a recently funded (SSHRC) national study on the same topic. The study will be the inaugural project for a Centre on Hate, Bias and Extremism (CHBE) that will likely launch in January 2018. The focus of CHBE is to explore and challenge the ways in which hate, bias and extremism threaten values of inclusion and equity, along lines of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability and other relevant status characteristics, both singly and intersectionally. It is intended to be a dynamic intellectual space for the creation, exchange and dissemination of knowledge relating to historical and contemporary patterns of bias, prejudice and extremism. The Centre draws on the broad interdisciplinary expertise around social justice within our Faculty, other UOIT Faculties and community partners. We aim to work with policymakers and community leaders to manage, identify and understand the complex themes of hate and prejudice. It is important to note that both the proposed project and CHBE reflect the current political landscape by embracing the priorities contained in recent federal and provincial policy initiatives. They address three of the four key pillars of the Ontario Racism Directorate (policy, research and evaluation; public education and awareness; and community collaboration) and are firmly aligned with the recently established Office of the Community Outreach and Counter-radicalization Coordinator. In addition, each addresses the federal government’s commitment to the protection of all religious faiths through the condemnation of “all forms of systemic racism and religious discrimination” (Motion 103).

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Social Justice; Equity Studies; Hate, Bias and Extremism

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Ontario Institute of Technology Jennifer Freeman Phone: 905-721-8668 x3176 Email: [email protected]

Shahram ShahbazPanahi

Information Processing for Intelligent Transportation Systems and Autonomous Vehicles

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The main objective of the proposed research training program is to train the very first generation of Canadian researchers and engineers in the areas of information and communication technologies (ICT) for self-driving cars and intelligent transportation. These areas include vehicular communication systems and networks, information processing as well as antenna and microwave technologies, for future generation of intelligent transportation systems. In this training program, the trainees will conduct research activities which are both theoretically solid and practically relevant to the automotive industry interests in intelligent transportation. University of Ontario Institute of Technology houses the Automotive Center of Excellence (ACE) - a world-class facility for research and training highly qualified personnel for automotive industry. Equipped with state-of-the-art technologies which are unique in Canada and in manu aspects in the world, the ACE enables researchers and educators within Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and also external partners to conduct research in the areas of vibration, aerodynamics, and thermodynamics as they are related to cars. It is worth mentioning that that the ACE is sponsored by GM Canada, which is in active development of self-driving (Autonomous) cars, vehicle-to-vehicle, and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication technologies. There are other auto-makers who are actively working on these technologies. Thus, ACE provides an excellent training facility and location to bridge between researchers and students on one side and key industry players on the other side, thereby developing intelligent system for smart transportation. What appears to be missing from the ACE, is the expertise and equipment related to the development of information and communication technologies (ICT) for future generations of cars, i.e., smart cars. With the emergence of self-driving cars, we soon witness intelligent transportation changing the way we travel from one point to the other. Designing and developing such cars require certain expertise and set of skills in information processing and data communication which are hardly being taught in academia. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, statistical signal processing, antenna design technologies, and microwave systems have to be employed in such cars to guarantee their reliability and the safety of the passengers. This proposal aims to establish a research training program which benefits from the ACE facility and which trains HQP with expertise in ICT applications in automotive industry. This lab will be unique as to the best knowledge of the applicant as no other such lab in Canada now has the mandate to train HQP with the aforementioned skill set. Needless to say that soon automotive industry will be in dire need for ICT engineers that can design and operate information-processing-intensive cars of tomorrow.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Signal Processing, Machine Learning, Vehicular Communications, Antenna Design, Microwave Technologies

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

University of Ontario Institute of Technology Jennifer Freeman Phone: 905-721-8668 x3176 Email: [email protected]

Roland van Oostveen

Developing a Digital Readiness Index: Increasing Access and Diversity for Online Learning

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The rapid pace of technological and pedagogical change presents significant challenges for those charged with integrating these changes into practice—creating significant barriers to the development of highly effective online learning environments. In order to adequately support innovative online and/or technology-enabled pedagogical approaches, there is a need to better identify and understand the specific mix of competency and skill required by all those engaging in online learning environments. It is not only for formal higher education that these skills and competencies are of interest. The integration of technology across all industry sectors and many aspects of community living is also leading to the need for the development of these as fundamental, career-related, technology-based skills and competencies. The need to better integrate the development of these skills in higher education programming is exemplified in the lists of job readiness skills from the World Economic Forum, the Conference Board of Canada, and the broader industry sector. In Ontario, a list of essential employability skills that are expected of higher education graduates has also been developed by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development. However, what are the skills, knowledge, values, behaviours, and competencies that would be necessary for them to be able to be effective and efficient at learning and innovating in the new and rapidly growing digital educational environment? It has become apparent that over the course of the past few decades, at least since the appearance of digital information and communication technologies into schools, post-secondary institutions, and, indeed, industry, there has been a convergence of thinking about the skills that are required for employability within a knowledge/information, or “app economy”. It is surmised that similar types of skills are required, regardless of whether one’s career goals are in academia, commerce, service, or entrepreneurship. In this context, there is a need to creating a digital readiness index that enables individuals and institutions to plan and prepare for the transformations that are required to meet the demands of the ever-changing employment and learning landscape. The main aim of this project is to develop and pilot a digital multi-dimensional readiness index for online learning community environments in order to determine whether individuals and institutions are ready to learn as part of online learning communities. Students and faculty from community colleges and universities will be engaged in the research. The research team will also explore difference between indigenous cultures, first generation students, mature learners, and traditional higher education populations across a broad spectrum of disciplines. The index, when used by individuals, will provide indications of areas of relative digital competence required to prepare for, function, and thrive in online learning and digital work environments. Simultaneously, the index could be used by institutions to determine modifications to program/course curriculum and pedagogy, as well as helping to determine the sorts of professional learning opportunities that might be offered to alumni and staff members. As a result, the tool will support the development of capacity for both individuals and educational institutions to adapt to the context presented through technological change and social innovation.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Educational informatics, Online learning, General technology competency and use, Survey use, Digital readiness index

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Vineland Research and Innovation Centre Tania Humphrey Phone: 905-562-0320 x623 Email: [email protected]

Gideon Avigad

Developing Advanced Decision Support Systems and Robotic Technologies for Agricultural Harvest Applications

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Automation is a well-demonstrated approach for improving productivity in agriculture yet this area of research and technology development has only recently progressed to a level where it has become a viable option for fruit and vegetable production. When harvesting crops such as mushrooms and cucumbers, humans make complex decisions regarding when and how to pick. When such cognitive decisions have to be made, or when complex eye-hand coordination is required, human capabilities surpass those of machines. As such, harvesting tasks are still carried out largely by human labour. This research project brings leading edge scientists and engineers from across Ontario and Europe to close the gap between human capabilities and robots. Making the right harvesting decisions is the first step towards automation and a novel decision support system (DSS) for mushroom harvesting has recently been developed (patent pending) at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (Vineland). The system has been tested against an expert human harvester from a commercial mushroom farm and shown to result in higher quality and comparable yield, with greater consistency across the crop. The same team has achieved high success with robotic mushroom picking. With respect to cucumber harvesting, researchers at Wageningen University and Research (WUR) in the Netherlands, who are partners on this project, have successfully used robotics to pick cucumbers. As part of the proposed research, Vineland will build upon the success of their novel mushroom harvesting DSS to develop an upgraded system that will provide yield quantity and quality greater than that achieved by human harvesters. This will be accomplished in a commercial mushroom farm setting through the development of new multi-agent, multi- objective optimization algorithms. The University of Guelph, supported by mushroom biology expertise from Brock University, will also develop a deep-learning based disease detection DSS to integrate into the upgraded system, further enhancing its impact. Moreover, in collaboration with researchers from Carleton University, the performance of the robotic mushroom harvester will be further enhanced through adaptation and integration of on-line learning algorithms. For the cucumber harvesting challenge, the robotics experts from WUR, together with researchers from Vineland, will develop collaborative robotics solutions and cognitive architectures that will allow for the execution of complex handling activities, such as swiftly approaching a cucumber while avoiding others, and then delicately holding it and cutting its stem. As part of this project, research talent will be developed including two postdocs, one PhD and two Masters students. The results of the research will be published in journals and conference papers and technology demonstrations will take place for stakeholders. The commercial impact of the proposed research will be reinforced by the involvement of leading robotics companies in Ontario, and by various local growers who will support testing of the prototypes.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Learning algorithms, Collaborative robotics, Data mining, Deep learning, Stochastic algorithms

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Vineland Research and Innovation Centre Tania Humphrey Phone: 905-562-0320 x623 Email: [email protected]

Daryl Somers

Plant Genomics and Metabolomics for Sustainable Production of Greenhouse Tomatoes in the Winter

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW In Ontario, tomatoes are the highest selling vegetable at retail and an important component of Ontario’s bioeconomy. This project aims to extend the production season of greenhouse tomatoes through understanding of crop productivity under light and temperature stresses and creating adaptive solutions to climate challenges. Even within the relatively protected environment of the greenhouse, the production season and yield are limited in Ontario by temperature extremes, low light levels and energy consumption such that tomatoes are produced within a nine month window between March and November. In 2015, Ontario exported over $220 million of greenhouse tomatoes to the US but due to the seasonal nature of production, the balance of exports and imports varies significantly throughout the year with imported tomatoes coming in primarily from Mexico to fill Ontario’s demand. Production of Ontario greenhouse tomatoes throughout the full 12 month cycle will dramatically improve the trade balance with the US/Mexico. The goals of this project are to 1) advance our knowledge of the biology and genetics of year round tomato production in Ontario and 2) discover and characterize the genetic elements that limit production. Completion of these goals will lead to innovative, customized tomato cultivar development for Ontario and similar production environments. This requires a systems approach that integrates disciplines that include: genomics, genetics/breeding, biochemistry, pathology and plant stress physiology. The project team at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre will build on several years of in-house tomato research and biological resource development to identify key genetic and metabolic components that limit year round production of tomato. More specifically, the project will incorporate Ontario adapted hybrid and inbred tomato lines, a tomato MAGIC mapping population specifically designed for abiotic stress studies, genomic selection based on DNA sequence data, metabolomic and reverse genetic capabilities and novel traits centered around disease resistance. The project will also leverage the unique infrastructure at Vineland including our pre-commercial-scale Greenhouse Technology Centre and metabolomics lab suite. The outputs of this research project will include newly discovered and characterized genetic elements that regulate tomato production in the winter months, all underpinned by advanced knowledge in biology and biochemistry. The research will be immediately deployed in the Vineland tomato breeding program in order to work toward tomato cultivars adapted to Ontario with an extended year round production capability. A new greenhouse tomato variety with the targeted adaptation and production traits will generate additional revenue for growers during the winter months and further revenue from increased yield. The same traits transferred into multiple varieties across the different categories of “beefsteak”, “cherry” or “tomatoes on the vine”, would further increase grower revenues. The right tomato varieties, with adaptation to year round production will help growers, distributors and retail companies benefit from increasing demand, and maximize the amount of Ontario product available in the local and export marketplace.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Agriculture, Tomato, Abiotic stress, Disease, Greenhouse Production

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

Wilfrid Laurier University David Cuff Phone: 519-884-0710 x4747 Email: [email protected]

Manuel Reimer

Closing the Performance Gap in High-performance Green Buildings by Cultivating a Culture of Sustainability

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The Ontario and Federal governments have set ambitious carbon reduction goals that require innovative solutions and significant transformation of current practices. Among possible strategies for carbon reduction, disruptive innovation in the built environment is an area of great opportunity. Buildings currently account for 40% of global energy use and 38% of global GHG emissions. And yet, high-performance, green-certified buildings consistently fall short of meeting their forecast emissions and energy-use targets. Known as the “performance gap,” this outcome occurs when the “people side” of sustainable buildings is not sufficiently addressed. Prior approaches have typically considered the people in these buildings as passive building occupants. Our approach views people as active building citizens embedded in a Culture Of Sustainability (COS), which must be actively cultivated. A COS is characterized by shared values, norms, language, and practices focused on making individual and collective choices that foster social, economic and environmental sustainability. We ground this research in a systems framework that models complex interactions between human/social factors and physical design elements, along with other key system features such as resources, regulations, and leadership. This project leverages a unique and timely opportunity to study COS-related processes through the implementation of a comprehensive engagement strategy at the Evolv1 building, currently being built in Waterloo, ON. The Evolv1 is a collaborative initiative of industry, environmental, and academic partners aiming to build “the most sustainable multi-tenant commercial office building in Canada” with a completion date in 2018. As a demonstration centre, the Evolv1 aspires to define the forefront of commercial building design and practice, and to develop replicable knowledge that can be systematically transferred to other commercial building projects. This living lab will enable our research team to study the process of cultivating a culture of sustainability longitudinally and in great depth, with particular focus on the interaction of the building with the COS in fostering positive, sustainable behaviours among building citizens, along with tracking wellbeing and productivity. We will use a longitudinal mixed-method case-study design, including a yearly survey with building citizens, yearly qualitative interviews with selected stakeholders (e.g., building managers, organizational leadership, employees), repeated participatory observations in the building, photovoice (i.e., using photographs taken by building citizen to engage in conversations about their experience and interaction with the building), ongoing environmental assessments (e.g., air quality, lighting, energy use, water use, waste audits). The potential impacts for Ontario’s goals in addressing its climate change and carbon reduction goals are significant. The green building industry has highlighted the performance gap as a critical challenge in realizing the full potential of innovative high-performance buildings. The Building Operators and Managers Association (BOMA) is an active partner for the proposed research because they have identified the performance gap as part of their BOMA Best building certification program. An evidence-based approach to cultivating a COS in green buildings will be critically important to closing this gap.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Sustainability, Environmental psychology, Community psychology, Organizational studies, Green buildings

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

York University Mark Roseman Phone: 416-736-2100 x22507 Email: [email protected]

Margaret Boittin

Human Trafficking Information Campaigns: An Experimental Study of the General Population and Street-Level Police

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The proposed project aims to establish the effects of mass media information campaigns on norms and behaviours related to human trafficking vulnerability. It explores whether such campaigns can be employed to induce shifts in knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices (KABP) that will reduce the incidence of human trafficking. We design randomized controlled trial (RCT) interventions to explore these questions—a rigorous research method that allows us to establish the causal effects of mass media campaigns. We explore these questions in Nepal, a country where both domestic and cross-border sex and labour trafficking are issues of significant concern. We propose two data collection efforts. The first examines the effects of anti-trafficking information campaigns on the general population, which can include potential victims of human trafficking, as well as community members who, though maybe not personally at risk of being victims, are in a position to report or prevent the occurrence of trafficking, interact with returned survivors, or engage in trafficking themselves. The second data collection proposal examines the effects of anti-trafficking campaigns specifically on street-level police officers—those individuals at the frontlines who are best positioned to identify human trafficking and intervene to prevent it. For both of these outputs, we will collect both attitudinal and behavioural data. We will be able to establish whether mass media campaigns change respondent understanding and perception of human trafficking, and whether such campaigns have an effect on actual identification and reporting of human trafficking cases. We examine both narrative-based information campaigns, which enfold educational messages into a dramatic story, as well as fact-based ones. We also compare the effects of two different types of narrative campaigns: fear-based stories focused on the dangers of human trafficking, and empowerment ones that portray self-sufficient victims of human trafficking. While anti-trafficking organizations frequently use information campaigns to raise awareness about human trafficking, to our knowledge this is the first research project to propose measuring the impact of anti-human trafficking campaigns rigorously through a randomized-controlled experiment. The study has theoretical implications for our understanding of human trafficking, mass-media campaigns, and street-level bureaucrats. In addition, the police survey presents a particularly rare opportunity to delve into the attitudes and behaviours of a subset of the population that is both crucial to anti-trafficking efforts, and is also extremely difficult to access. The proposed study also has important policy implications: it is actionable, has the potential to produce findings that go beyond the geographic scope of Nepal to anti- trafficking efforts globally, and could save lives.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Human trafficking, Randomized controlled trials, Nepal

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

York University Mark Roseman Phone: 416-736-2100 x22507 Email: [email protected]

Jose Etcheverry

Developing Smart Buildings for Climate Change Mitigation and Affordable Housing

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Our proposal aims to help Ontario fulfill its commitments of greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions, employment creation, and greater access to affordable housing by focusing on new advanced building solutions. Our goal is to develop and commercialize a model “Plus Building” a term used here for a new type of building that goes beyond net-zero buildings (two buildings are in the pipeline at York that can be harnessed by our proposed project). A Plus Building is an innovative new product that will be developed by applying multidisciplinary research, private sector know-how and advanced construction and measuring technologies to achieve profitable new buildings that can generate more energy than they need by harnessing local renewable sources and high efficiency systems through smart systems and operations. Plus Buildings can also store their excess energy to work as a reliable resiliency strategy in existing and new neighborhoods. Residential and commercial buildings are a significant contributor to Ontario’s GHG emissions because too often they are poorly insulated and rely heavily on fossil fuels for heating. Our goal is to develop model Plus Buildings to help reduce climate change, pollution, and operational bills. We have partnered with Ontario building company, Del Ridge Homes, an expert in the construction of high efficiency buildings that use renewable energy and efficient systems to create affordable housing solutions. Our partners also include Silfab Solar, Kinetic Solar, Canadian Energy, and MOAI Solutions, which manufacture some of the world’s best renewable energy products and measuring systems in Ontario. Our proposal combines cutting-edge research focused on the Internet of Things, big data, energy conservation and micro grids to create disruptive new building technologies aimed at commercialization in Canada and internationally. Our project unites academic expertise, private sector know-how and York's Campus Services & Business Operation (CSBO) to create a new living laboratory focused on innovative technological solutions and experiential learning. This living laboratory will bring together experts from engineering, computer science, facilities, and environmental studies focusing on: 1. Measuring 2. Improving 3. Adopting 4. Promoting 5. Changing Through this iterative approach the proposed living lab will create a model Plus Building at the Keele Campus in collaboration with our academic experts, leading private sector partners and York's CSBO. In association with our partner MOAI Solutions, we will develop accurate and innovative data gathering techniques with the viewpoints of improving the design and performance parameters of Plus Buildings and promoting our real-life findings for further innovation in the Ontario and Canadian building sectors. Throughout the proposed research we will document and disseminate findings using audiovisual techniques aimed at promoting best practices and policy suggestions through knowledge mobilization. Our goals are to develop new technologies and disseminate know-how with strong replication and commercialization values to achieve widespread and clear measurable improvements in the building sector. Our proposed collaborative team of academic experts, leading private sector firms and York University’s Campus Services and Business Operations will help us achieve innovation with a strong governance structure focused in achieving tangible building innovations in real-life settings.

ORF Application Stream: Disruptive Technologies – Clean Technologies

Keywords: Building Technology, Renewable Energy, Computer Science, Engineering, Marketing, Environmental Science

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

York University Mark Roseman Phone: 416-736-2100 x22507 Email: [email protected]

Luin Goldring

Citizenship and Precarity in Southwestern Ontario

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Over the last 10-15 years, federal policy has doubled the number of temporary workers entering Canada and tripled the number of these workers still present. Adding other temporary entrants (international students, refugee claimants and “other”) increases the number of people in forms of precarious legal status who enter, work, and remain in Canada. This research will document and analyze the emergent role of non-permanent immigration status and legal status trajectories in shaping patterns of social inclusion/exclusion/ inequality, and analyze intersections between legal status and other dimensions of social location. Our previous research shows that legal status transitions do not follow a simple two-step process of temporary entrance followed by a shift to permanent residence, with citizenship presumably following at some point. Instead, precarious status migrants may move between various forms of temporary immigration situations and unauthorized status. Learning more about the precarious legal status population is critical for developing just policies that take into account the diversity of non- permanent and non-citizen legal statuses and the implications these may have for individuals accessing the labour market, education and health care. This knowledge will also shed light on emergent patterns of social inequality in Ontario. This project will use survey and interview data to study migrants, employers, service providers and school staff in key gateway localities in southwestern Ontario, and will conduct a series of case studies addressing questions about work, education and health among particular sociodemographic and occupational groups. The case studies will focus on specific topics that together will build knowledge about an understudied topic. Case study topics include: employers and migrant workers in food services, hospitality and construction; legal status and domestic violence; challenges and best practices in access to post-secondary education; the costs of legal status transitions; specific avenues to permanent residence (e.g. humanitarian and compassionate applications, express entry, and international student internal migration); the costs of non-status and temporariness for de-facto residents and their families; strategies to mitigate exclusion at work, educational institutions, and for health care. In addition to providing information necessary for policy development, the project will also offer “best practices” in employment, education and health that can be scaled up to improve socioeconomic outcomes for precarious legal status populations. In addition to academic publications, the project will generate and facilitate other forms of knowledge exchange (e.g. fact sheets, blog entries, digital stories, and clear language reports).

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Immigration, Settlement, Temporary migration, Employment, Planning, Employers, Citizenship, Education, Health

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

York University Mark Roseman Phone: 416-736-2100 x22507 Email: [email protected]

Christopher Kyriakides

SMARTT – Social Mobilities App for Refuge, Trust and Transition

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW INTRODUCTION: The international refugee crisis brings global challenges to local contexts. Social isolation, educational exclusion, family separation, mental/physical trauma and downward mobility are some of the problems faced by refugees. Canada’s unique private sponsorship program provides a potentially excellent base of support. The SMARTT project will research the information, communications, social integration and human support needs of refugees so as to provide the basis to adapt/evaluate/disseminate/integrate an online application linking sponsors, refugees, and governmental agencies to meet those needs. BACKGROUND: SSHRC-funded Targeted Research on Syrian refugees led by the PI (2016-17) indicates that Canadian localities have the potential to emerge as ‘smart reception contexts’. Apps such as Refugee AID, MetaCollect, Cisco’s NetHelp and web portals such as Entrepreneurial Refugees are some of the global tech community’s high impact responses. But if computer-based applications are to aid inclusion, research/development must be grounded in the daily realities of refugee life, including interactions with sponsors and governmental agencies. Our findings demonstrate: 1) Trusted contact between sponsor and sponsored is crucial to successful refugee resettlement; 2) Communicative sharing initiated prior to arrival greatly facilitates trust; 3) Trusted contact is currently initiated on an ad hoc basis through Facebook, Skype and email placing some refugees at risk of estrangement on arrival; 4) Absence of trusted sharing can have deleterious effects on refugees and sponsors. OBJECTIVE. SMARTT combines the expertise of sociologists and software developers to generate an integrated approach to refugee inclusion. Based on Shore Consulting’s Peeristics Virtual Learning Environment software, SMARTT will provide a tailor-made communication platform facilitating pre-arrival, language-sensitive sharing between sponsors and sponsored. SMARTT will avoid a ‘one-size fits all approach’ by fully integrating all levels/types of experiences encountered as refugees learn about and settle into local reception contexts. CHALLENGES. 1) social research must formulate appropriate user categories and identify all use case scenarios, 2) technical adaptation of Peeristics VLE to SMARTT requirements and evaluating the adaptation. APPLICATION. In collaboration with industry, university, community and government partners we will adapt the Peeristics VLE so that SMARTT meets the needs of refugees, their sponsors, supporting governmental agencies and NGOs, as well as researchers. We will develop content with which to populate the application, and provide usecase analyses to, 1) address issues faced by refugees prior to, during and post-settlement in Canada, including barriers to and factors facilitating inclusion; 2) ensure communications and information sharing between refugees and sponsors; 3) provide easy access to relevant governmental information (federal, provincial and municipal). The adapted Peeristics platform will generate extensive data on use/benefit for later analysis by researchers. BENEFIT TO ONTARIO. SMARTT will 1) help an Ontario-based company take the lead in digital innovation in refugee reception; 2) enhance the integration of refugees in local reception contexts; 3) provide pre/post-arrival links between refugees, sponsors, government agencies, NGOs, 4) facilitate evidence-based policy decisions on refugee resettlement.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Refugee reception, Social inclusion, Computer application, Communications

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

York University Mark Roseman Phone: 416-736-2100 x22507 Email: [email protected]

Marin Litoiu

Smart Applications for Smart Buildings

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW As the Internet of Things (IoT) grows and data analytics mature, their application to buildings and building management is proved a significant opportunity. The main motive for this domain is to improve the building performance and regulate the energy consumption. The buildings sector has a significant environmental impact, responsible for 32% of global energy consumption, and resulting in 19% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This naturally creates an incentive to measure building condition and eventually manage and control their functions. Normally, the amount of data generated by buildings can create challenges with respect to their management and how efficient this can be. This can significantly reduce the reaction time of management systems and prolong the inefficient function of buildings regarding energy consumption. In the context of IoT technologies, “Smart Building” approaches, whose objective is to provide smart sensing and efficient management capabilities, have been shown to reduce energy consumption in buildings. However, buildings globally remain underperforming and they are not achieving their expected energy performance due to differences between the as-designed and as-built condition as well as changes to building condition and use over time. Even when ideally designed, static Building Management Systems (BMS) cannot adapt to such changes, resulting in decreased building performance, compared with systems integrating dynamic control. “IoT for Smart Buildings” has been examined as a possibility to improve and automate building management. However, there are several challenges around the adoption of IoT technologies in this domain. From the building perspective, while new buildings are constructed to be fully instrumented and equipped with appropriate sensing and control infrastructure, existing buildings may lack these necessary technical capabilities. The expenses to replace any existing infrastructure with IoT devices for such purposes are prohibiting. From a technical perspective, the development of IoT systems for Smart Buildings requires the involvement of a multitude of expert domains, from architects and civil engineers to software engineers and data scientists. Bringing together experts from all these domains to develop a single system can be a daunting task. The main objective of this proposal is to provide a comprehensive platform for the development of dependable IoT applications for Smart buildings. With dependable applications, the project focuses on high quality software application with particular emphasis on high throughput, low latency and high reliability with respect to data ingestion and analytics. Our proposal aims to offer the capability to leverage existing sensing and control systems as well as the definition of new ones to develop such IoT applications. At the same, it is intended to encapsulate expert domain knowledge, so that it is easier to develop the desired system without extensive prior domain knowledge.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Software engineering, Cloud computing, Internet of Things, Analytics, Big data, Smart buildings

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

York University Mark Roseman Phone: 416-736-2100 x22507 Email: [email protected]

Paul Lovejoy

Documenting Ontario’s Architectural and Archaeological Cultural Heritage: the Transatlantic Slave Trade

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW “Today the world is losing its architectural and archaeological cultural heritage faster than it can be documented.” - The Getty Conservation Institute. This project will support an international team of public and private sector partners and their trainees to beta test emerging technologies and document important Ontario heritage sites through scanning and position-based imaging data, capture technologies, and 3D-modeling and virtual reality applications. Using the latest 3d scanning and other reality capture techniques our academic team, with the support of partners Cyark and sector-leading experts Trimble, is currently investigating opportunities to scan, document and 3d model physical heritage sites around the world. Through the ORF-RE we will be able to focus on preserving and disseminating Ontario heritage sites, beginning with Buxton, Ontario. The Elgin (Buxton) Settlement is one of four Black Settlements organized for the fugitives from slavery in Upper Canada and a key node in the global understanding the Atlantic Slave trade. The legacy of the trans-Atlantic slave trade can be felt around the world, through the inherited cultural identities of individuals communities and nations as its living legacy. “Documenting Ontario’s architectural and archaeological cultural heritage: the Transatlantic Slave Trade ” will make it possible for this province’s part in this ongoing story to be better understood and communicated through partnerships between historians, artists and engineers. Project Goals • advance both scholarship in the digital humanities and to enrich technology development and transfer in Ontario • Create a lasting digital record of sites associated with the slave trade • Tell complex and harrowing stories through a new 3D lens • Create free public access and standards-based curricula around the project for teachers • Leverage global partnerships to create broader public access and understanding • Build technical capacity in Ontario by engaging partners, universities and students in field work We will develop workflow, improve imaging technologies, and train Highly Qualified Personnel both in the use of the latest cutting edge technology and in advanced research techniques in the arts and humanities associated with archival and historical research, advanced visualization techniques and digital poetics. Trainees working with us through this grant will be part of an international team that includes members from UNESCO in addition to York University. Existing technology required to support the project and already secured includes access to Trimble equipment and expertise in 3D point cloud generation from Trimble TX8 scans, the production of hi-res panoramas and 3D Laser Scanners. Technology • V10 Imaging Rover -Panoramic images, point clouds • Fixed-wing (Unmanned Aerial System) - Ortho-mosaics, surface models • GNSS Receivers • SX10 Scanning Total Station - Panoramas, precise positions, Point clouds of larger geographic areas • Rotor UAS - Ortho-mosaics, surface models, oblique imagery, Mobile Mapping Systems Imagery, point clouds The project will be centred at the Harriet Tubman Institute for Research on Africa and Its Diasporas and the Augmented Reality Lab at York University and will put Ontario and its researchers at the centre of an important and timely global conversation and practices around both the preservation of histories and the powerful intersection of the humanities and emerging imaging technologies.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Virtual reality, Augmented Reality, Trans-atlantic slave trade, Heritage conservation

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

York University Mark Roseman Phone: 416-736-2100 x22507 Email: [email protected]

Myriam Mongrain

A Massive Open Online Intervention (MOOI) to Increase Compassionate Action

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Evolutionary theory points to the critical role of compassion and kindness in successful societies (de Waal, 2009; Goetz, Keltner, & Simon-Thomas, 2010). Theorists have argued that the “ability to care” or motivational aspects of compassion may be essential in inhibiting aggressive responses and favoring prosocial responses (Batson, 2011; Hoffman, 2008; Vachon, Lynam, & Johnson, 2014). The first phase of this research will involve the development of mobile app that will implement an experience sampling methodology. It will allow for the collection of thousands of records on compassion as experienced by Ontarians and expressed over time within individuals and across geographically diverse locations. Respondents will be signaled on their phone and will report on their recent actions, thoughts, feelings, and interpersonal situations that may have prompted compassionate or altruistic responding. Demographic data will be obtained providing the first global naturalistic study of compassion. The first phase of this study aims to answer three questions: 1) Which settings elicit prosocial responses? 2) What are the broader contextual variables in which compassionate acts unfold? 3) What are the characteristics of the provider and of the recipient in these helpful exchanges (e.g. family, strangers, similar other)? The overarching aim of the first phase will be to elucidate factors underlying prosocial behaviours through the repeated assessment records of personal, situational and broader contextual variables. The second phase of the project will test "Massive Open Online Interventions" (MOOIs) to increase compassionate action globally within the province of Ontario. The data from Phase 1 (ecological niches in which compassion unfolds) will be utilized to maximize the effectiveness of these interventions. A values self-affirmation task, previously been shown to reduce threat and defensiveness by enhancing belief in one’s convictions (Sherman & Cohen, 2006) will be administered. The other manipulation will be a loving kindness exercise, also documented to have ramifications for prosocial behaviour (Weng et al., 2013). The exercises, individually, have solid empirical support in improving emotional well-being (Sergeant & Mongrain, 2015). They will be administered in the form of MOOIs delivered through the App previously developed in Phase1. These interventions are expected to yield greater, and wider benefits for the providers and recipients of compassionate action once individual individual differences can be considered in the contexts and situations that elicit prosocial responding. MOOIs have the potential to radically increase the reach, and access of evidence-based interventions (Munoz et al., 2016). Some have argued that MOOIs can play an essential role in global health efforts by providing people worldwide access to these interventions. The current project examines the ecological niches in which compassion unfolds in order to design more powerful interventions to facilitate and promote prosocial action. The impact of this work is substantive with pivotal implications for the well-being of the individual and society.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Compassion, Subjective Well-Being, Altruism, Massive Online Interventions

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

York University Mark Roseman Phone: 416-736-2100 x22507 Email: [email protected]

Dan Priel

A Supreme Court of Canada and Ontario Court of Appeal Database

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW This project seeks to create a comprehensive database of Supreme Court of Canada and Ontario Court of Appeal decisions that will enable researchers around the world to perform analysis of hundreds of variables related to judicial decision-making. It combines law and other social science disciplines with digital technologies. The two courts share some important characteristics. In recent decades, the Supreme Court of Canada has gained significant worldwide influence. Its constitutional decisions are more frequently cited by other jurisdictions than any other apex court. The Ontario Court of Appeal is probably Canada's most important provincial Court of Appeal. Given the importance of provincial courts of appeal in criminal matters, it has a large role to play in establishing precedents related to the criminal justice system. As a result, legal commentators have recognized that Canadian law serves as a source of inspiration for many countries. Additionally, both courts now plays an increasingly consequential role on the domestic stage, with their decisions playing a central role in countless issues of national importance. Yet, in spite of these courts' prominent domestic and international stature, the ability to perform systematic analysis of their decisions has not kept pace. As a result, researchers do not have the necessary means to fully assess the work of both courts and their influence. By contrast, researchers have access to an almost unlimited source of material relating to decisions by the Supreme Court of the United States, catalogued in the United States Supreme Court Database, a publically available resource run by the Washington University School of Law. This database has become a foundational resource and revolutionized the way researchers have been able to assess the decision-making abilities, reasoning and viewpoints of judges at the USSC. There is thus a clear and significant gap in the information available to scholars interested in studying the workings of Canada’s Supreme Court and Ontario Court of Appeal. This proposed project would create publically available databases of our Supreme Court and Ontario Court of Appeal, similar to the US database. Once created, these databases would enable researchers (and the general public) to assess, build upon, and develop new knowledge regarding our legal system, significantly advancing our current understanding of the justice system. Given the increasing importance of Canada’s Supreme Court on the world stage and its growing involvement in domestic issues, the Supreme Court database would fill a glaring gap in legal data, and be an invaluable tool for future research projects; the Court of Appeal database would complement this, adding Ontario-specific matters to these same potential research projects.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Law, Political science, Courts, Judiciary, Legal empiricism, Databases

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

York University Mark Roseman Phone: 416-736-2100 x22507 Email: [email protected]

Gunho Sohn

A Supreme Court of Canada and Ontario Court of Appeal Database

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Introduction: Ontario is facing real challenges in disaster and emergency management (DEM): rising number of natural, technological, and human made disasters combined with increasing vulnerability and aging infrastructure posing critical socio-economic and environmental impacts. Despite severe socio-economic risks and impacts of disasters on Ontarians, tightly combining proactive and reactive DEM process has not been implemented at a full-scale yet. Building upon strategic investments by York University, IBM and Ontario, an existing infrastructure is available to this research program. IDEA (Innovative Disaster Emergency Management) research program will address the above challenges and radically improve and enhance Ontario’s ability to cope with and mitigate future disasters. Background: This technology builds upon recent scientific advances made by the labs comprising our team. The first is a proactive risk detection of critical infrastructure. This technology combines innovations in computer vision, machine learning, robotics and sensor networks. The second is an approach to simulate disaster risk, planning and operation simulations using advanced neural networks and agent-based simulation. Objectives: In the proposed project we will fuse these three technologies to generate an integrated system that goes well beyond the state-of-the-art in providing real- time analytics of potential risks related to critical infrastructure, simulation and visualization capacity to address challenging DEM issues that modern societies are encountering today. Technical Challenges: For this integrated system to be effective, technical challenges must be met: reliable object detection, and understanding the healthiness of critical infrastructure assets in highly complex scenes using a range of sensory data, efficient integration of multiple methods for predictive and spatio-temporal risk modeling, and scaling up of crowd simulation and visualization algorithms in disaster environment. Each of these problems is of central scientific interest to DEM policy and logistics, mathematical dynamic modeling, artificial intelligent, computer vision, geomatics and computer graphics research communities. Moreover, meeting these challenges will lead to a next-generation intelligent system for robust and efficient emergency risk management. Applications: In collaboration with our industrial partners and end-user stakeholders in the communities, we will focus our research towards two types of application: 1. Proactive DEM applications: Here we wish to sense, analyze, visualize and simulate the range of risk elements that potentially threaten the critical infrastructure. Key applications are: safety and security, disaster management, business continuity, infrastructure management. 2. Reactive DEM applications: Here we wish to assist reactive on-site practice and training of first responders, risk management officers and publics to safely and efficiently deploy resources and evacuate people when disaster events happen. Benefits to Ontario: This project will be of direct benefit to Ontario by providing: 1. Opportunities for our Ontario-based industry partners to incorporate our technology into their own products to provide market advantage, leading to growth and jobs. 2. Tools for security, disaster management and sustainable business operations that enhance the safety of Ontarians. 3. Tools required for sustainable management of critical infrastructures

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Disaster Simulation, Virtual 3D Visualization, Computer Vision, Sensor Networking, Dynamic Modeling, Robotics

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

York University Mark Roseman Phone: 416-736-2100 x22507 Email: [email protected]

Garry Sweeney

Understanding Sterile Inflammation in Chronic Disease for Improved Diagnostics and Therapeutics

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) such as heart failure are a major cause of death and a huge financial burden on our provincial healthcare. 1.5 million residents of Ontario have diabetes (10.2% of the population, which is higher than National average of 9.3%). Diabetes causes many medical complications, including CVD which accounts for the cause of 36% of canadian deaths. Indeed, approximately every 7 minutes in Ontario someone dies from heart disease or stroke; that's equivalent to 17,000 cardiac arrests every year. It has been estimated that cardiovascular disease costs the Ontario economy more than $8.2 Billion every year. Both diabetes and CVD are highly related to obesity; in fact 14.6% of obese Canadians 18 or older had diabetes, compared with 5.2% of those who were not obese. It is now appreciated that obesity and associated chronic diseases have a chronic inflammatory component. Inflammation can be induced by infection or other stimuli, the latter being referred to as sterile inflammation. A primary goal of this program is to study cellular mechanisms of sterile inflammation and their physiological significance in the heart and other metabolic tissues. Identifying specific molecular mechanisms allows us to focus on these as biomarkers for disease or therapeutic targets. To achieve this, we have assembled a research team with strong credentials and outstanding collaborators. We will also develop a theme in which we work with computer engineers and clinical laboratory analysis partners to examine the improved diagnostic power of biomarkers discovered by our research in samples from patients with chronic disease. Some populations are at higher risk of type 2 diabetes and CVD (such as those of South Asian, Asian, African, Hispanic or Aboriginal descent) so we will build this aspect of genetic background into our algorithm. Success of our project will see us set up a spin-off company to develop and commercialize new diagnostic products. Project governance and risk management will be robust and deliverables clearly identified. Ultimately our project will provide new knowledge on fundamental mechanisms controlling sterlile inflammation and their significance in various chronic diseases. This will uncover novel biomarkers and we will also further validate existing biomarkers. Ultimately this will translate to improved disease risk prediction, early intervention and/or personalized therapeutic approaches. This has high personal relevance to the large % of Ontario residents which are affected by these chronic diseases, and has benefits to Ontario by reducing healthcare costs and incubating a new biotech company focusing on clinical diagnostics.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Inflammation, Chronic disease, Infectious, Sterile, Innate immunity, Biomarker, Algorithm

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

York University Mark Roseman Phone: 416-736-2100 x22507 Email: [email protected]

Jianhong Wu

Vaccine Mathematics, Modelling and Manufacturing

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW The proposed research program in Vaccine Mathematics, Modelling and Manufacturing will develop cutting-edge mathematical technologies and train the next generation of mathematical modelling experts to meet the significant challenges faced by Canadian vaccine manufactures. These challenges include increasing costs of vaccine development, growing demand for rapid transition from vaccine development and production to mass use in target populations, and the inherent complexity of infectious disease transmission dynamics in an increasingly interconnected world. In light of these important realities, Canadian vaccine manufacturers and regulatory authorities must develop a greater capacity for producing evidence-based predictions, and new technologies for conducting transmission dynamics and cost-benefit analyses. In addition to developing and applying mathematical models and tools to better understand mechanisms of infection dynamics and to inform vaccine development and production, this enhanced capacity must also involve the training of the next generation of experts with the required expertise in data analytics, cost-benefit evaluation and infectious dynamics modelling and simulations. The proposed research program will develop a dedicated resource of Principal Investigators and Trainees that will provide strategic inputs, data and advice, as well as enhanced research capacity in mathematical modelling for targets relevant to Canadian vaccine industry's product pipeline and the protection of Canadians. The program will support mathematical modelling and data analytics for proactive impact and safety assessment, rapid production response, and retroactive evaluation of vaccine candidates, products and programs. The mathematical methodologies and technologies, as well as the datasets collected and analysed, will be broad and generic in terms of diseases, populations, and geographical settings. Research expertise proposed for this program include data informatics and analytics; transmission dynamics modelling and simulations; mechanism understanding and risk projections of disease spread through population mobility, demographic shift and contact mixing.

ORF Application Stream: General

Keywords: Mathematical modelling, Structured population models, Health data analytics, Spatiotemoral patterns

Summary of Applications by Institution

This report provides a summary of information currently provided to MRIS concerning Notices of Intent for Round 9 of the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence program.

York University Mark Roseman Phone: 416-736-2100 x22507 Email: [email protected]

Jelena Zikic

Enhancing Ontario’s Prosperity Through Building Effective Migrant-Employer Relationships

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW Ontario’s economy and prosperity relies on immigration, yet there still remain major challenges related to professional migrants’ entry and successful integration into jobs and satisfying careers with local businesses. While much of the existing research focuses on the education, skills and experiences of immigrants’ as they attempt to access the labour market, the role of employers has been much less examined and remains something of a ‘black box.,’ We view the successful integration of immigrants into Ontario’s economy as the joint responsibility of both newcomers as well and the local employers/organizations. Through innovative methods combining qualitative and quantitative approaches, this research seeks to provide businesses as well as policy makers and organizations offering services to immigrants with clear policy guidelines as well as more tangible outcomes such as detailed reports/briefs, curricula and pedagogy for building relevant skills to promote more effective attraction and integration of skilled migrants into the local economy. We propose to explore this dynamic relationship between migrant job seekers/newcomers on the one hand and employers/businesses (small/medium to large city based employers as well as employers in smaller communities across Ontario) on the other. Key Elements: A significant shortcoming of previous research is that it has typically treated migrant and employer perspectives separately and to some extent as independent of one another. Moreover, meaningful policy relevant research on the employer perspective is rare and much less developed. In order to address these shortcomings, the strength of our research program and our team is in providing several unique yet complementary theoretical perspectives and a range of methodological expertise. This will allow for examination of migrant and employer issues from both micro to more macro levels of analysis. Specifically, we will investigate what local employers view as facilitating and impeding their ability to attract and integrate migrant professionals. And, secondly, we will explore the experiences of migrant professionals with a view of identifying those job search and career strategies (including accessing services and local community supports) that lead to good economic outcomes for Ontario businesses and satisfying careers for migrants. Our team will engage in conducting policy relevant research by exploring migrant entry and integration into local workforce and also by relying on experimentation (i.e., randomized resume studies) as well as other innovative and complementary qualitative approaches (i.e., in depth interviews with several employee groups within each employer context, to focus groups and observation). Thus, we propose a comprehensive set of studies and innovative interventions at three levels: job seekers accessing a variety of services and programs; businesses (including HRM professionals and relevant managers and coworkers), as well as at least one cross-national comparison examining a migrant integration initiatives in a multinational organization operating in Canada and abroad. This program of research will promote better performance of local businesses as well as facilitating a more equitable and inclusive economy. Finally, we aim to contribute to Ontario by focusing on ways to support Ontario businesses by leveraging a ‘global mindset’ and tapping into the international skills and experience of Ontario’s skilled immigrants.

ORF Application Stream: Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Keywords: Career management, Job search, Migration policy, Work integration, Recruitment and selection, Migrant professionals