The applied research that Humber Polytechnic professor Maryam Davoudpour undertakes keeps her engaged and enthused about the work she does.
Davoudpour, a professor with Humber's Faculty of Applied Sciences & Technology (FAST), is involved in several exciting research projects for industry partners. Having worked at other post-secondary institutions where she conducted theoretical research, Davoudpour quite enjoys the applied research aspect of her projects.
For example, she created a new algorithm years ago that she felt was a great idea. She published the research paper but said that requires people to seek out her research and read the paper if they wanted to learn more.
"I'm not a person who wants to stay with just the theoretical research," said Davoudpour.
Applied research is different as it can have a tangible impact on whatever issue or problem is being addressed. Davoudpour added applied research seems to be more engaging for the student researchers that assist her on the projects.
"They see the potential adoption and usage of the technology and that seems to engage them," said Davoudpour.
The Economic Impact of Applied Research at Canada's Polytechnics report, which was released in August, shows that every dollar invested in the applied research carried out by polytechnics generates a combined private and social return ranging from a low estimate of $8.09 to a high estimate of $18.49.
One of Davoudpour projects - Smart Textiles to Deliver Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for Intensive Care Unit Acquired Weakness (ICUAW) - is a collaborative undertaking with teams from St. Michael's Hospital, the University of Toronto and Toronto Metropolitan University.
The project's objective was to create a device that will connect to smart textile garments such as leg stockings and arm sleeves that will allow for automated and sustained NMES. NMES sends electrical impulses to nerves, which cause the muscles to contract.
The project will allow for an ICU therapist to easily and quickly apply, coordinate and optimize individualized NMES therapy for patients in the ICU. Full or partial prevention of ICUAW decreases ICU mortality and helps prevent possible physical disability in patients, which reduces the need for accessing health resources and health care after discharge.
Prototype being tested
Davoudpour, who won the Research Excellence Award as part of the President's Awards in 2020, was a co-applicant on the New Frontiers in Research Fund Exploration Award in 2019 that provided $250,000 for the project.
A prototype of the device is currently being tested at the St. Michael's Hospital ICU. A prototype with a new textile format will be tested next year.
Humber students Sonya Patel, Jeremy Nugara, Conor Goodeve and Ahsan Abdullah are research assistants on the project with Technologist Vlad Porcila also part of the team.
Davoudpour is also working on the High-quality Physiological Signal Acquisition for Wearable Technologies research project being created for partner Vee Canada. It involves the development of an innovative data gathering and transmission protocol over a state-of-the-art communication platform. It aims to develop a system that will collect data from a multitude of sensors in a single platform.
This project is set to enter its third phase in January.
Humber students Aline Zarpelão, Will Foster-Friesen and Joseph Brand are research assistants on the project. Humber faculty Dennis L. Kappen, George Paravantes, Patrick Burke and Davoudpour are part of the project along with University of Toronto's Azadeh Yadollahi and Toronto Metropolitan University's Behrang Keshavarz.
Drowsiness detection technology
Humber is also working on another research project with Vee Canada on a device to monitor the drowsiness of drivers and has received a MITACS grant for the project. MANTA: Integrated Sensor Embedded Seating Systems and Accessories in Vehicles to Detect Drowsiness of Drivers is designed to fill a gap in the market for non-intrusive and easy-to-apply drowsiness detection technology for professionals at high risk of drowsiness-related accidents.
For industrial, aviation and health-care workers, drowsiness is a public health and safety issue resulting in loss of productivity, limitations in decision making and marginalized task performance. The project, which is being conducted in conjunction with researchers from the University of Toronto and Toronto Metropolitan University, explores the use of physiological indicators of drowsiness to research and develop sensor-infused fabrics, textiles, or pliable materials capable of monitoring physiological changes in the functioning of the human body as predictors of drowsiness in persons working extended hours or doing shift work.
As part of Building Brilliance: Our Vision to 2030 and Beyond, we are shedding the traditional constraints of higher education and reimagining a model that both adapts to and shapes the world around us. Humber has a powerful convening ability and we can bring together key players from across the entire ecosystem - nationally and internationally - in ways that others cannot. By 2030, Humber will be the go-to destination for partners who want to solve problems, increase productivity, commercialize their innovations, and succeed in a competitive market. We'll be their engine of productivity and growth. By making bold decisions around how we fundamentally operate, we can reimagine learning, forge deeper partnerships and drive impact, creating real value and progress. This story is an example of how we are building brilliance by developing deeper partnerships every day.
