Latin America
BRAZIL
ROLE OF OXIDATIVE STRESS IN DIABETES COMPLICATIONS
Faculty: Faculty of Medicine
Unit: Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine
Funding Agency: Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF)
Description: Diabetics are three times more exposed to cardiovascular diseases, and diabetic nephropathy is the main cause of terminal renal failure in Canada and Brazil. Factors contributing to these complications include metabolic and hemodynamic factors, which activate the pro-inflammatory tracks. Oxidative stress (increased production of reactive oxygen species), is found in these processes. The main objective of this project is to elucidate the disease’s redox-sensitive molecular mechanisms and to find new therapeutic methods.
DATA MINING FOR MODERN NETWORKS AND SPATIO-TEMPORAL APPLICATIONS
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering
Unit: School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Funding Agency: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT)
Description: The project aims to support PhD student and researcher mobility, and research networking activities for the purpose of advancing research in machine learning and data mining which has a strong potential for technology transfer and commercialization. It is expected that research outcomes will be relevant in two areas of application, namely computer network management and the use of spatio-temporal data for fisheries management. The collaboration between research groups will exploit complementary strengths to build long-term research capacityand enhance the learning environment for PhD students by providing full access to state-of-the-art facilities.
CHILE
RESEARCH, POLICY AND PRACTICE WITH REGARD TO WORK-RELATED MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS IN CHILE: A GENDER PERSPECTIVE
Faculty: Faculty of Law
Unit: Civil Law Section
Funding Agency: International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
Description: This program of work brings together researchers from a variety of disciplines (sociology, law, psychology, medicine and other health sciences) and a broad range of research users from both governmental and non-governmental organizations for the purpose of studying; the effects of paid and unpaid work on the mental health of Chilean workers, and effective legislative and policy instruments designed to protect workers’ mental health. All aspects of the study are viewed through a gender lens. By providing for a series of scientific and capacity building activities, the program is designed to sensitize the Chilean population to the problem, to identify best practices in policy and implementation designed to promote healthier workplaces, and to strengthen the training, political and institutional capacities of actual and potential research user organizations.
Project website: www.proyectoaraucaria.cl
COSTA RICA
DEVELOPMENT OF A BOTANICAL ANXIOLYTIC FOR THE ANIMAL HEALTH MARKET
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Unit: Department of Biology
Funding Agency: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)
Description: The research project aims to lead to a new commercial natural health product derived to treat anxiety in animals and eventually the human health market. The antianxiety product is a tropical vine which was previously identified in a research program in collaboration with Costa Rican botanists. The overall goal is to provide socio-economic benefits through sales of an innovative new product on the international market, employment of both a skilled and a rural workforce. The project highlights the value of disappearing tropical plant species and reponds to an unmet need in animal health.
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
C-CHANGE: MANAGING ADAPTATION TO ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE IN COASTAL COMMUNITIES: CANADA AND THE CARIBBEAN
Faculty: Telfer School of Management
Funding Agency: International Development Research Centre (IDRC); Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)
Description: This project focuses on vulnerable coastal communities whose livelihoods will be most affected by environmental changes. The selected communities are located in the Caribbean and in Canada’s Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic regions, where particular attention is given to the impact of sea-level rise and storm surges. Bringing together 21 researchers and 17 partner organizations, this alliance aims to build the capacity of local communities to face up to the inevitable climate changes and to anticipate and confront its consequences for their well-being. The research team aims to develop community awareness of the environmental threat, proposals for new infrastructure, and tools for creating adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Project website: http://www.coastalchange.ca/