Search Results (481)

The construction industry is a major consumer of raw materials and a significant contributor to global waste. In Canada, the construction, renovation, and demolition (CRD) sector diverts only 16% of its waste from landfills, underscoring the urgent need for circular economy (CE) practices. This study develops a generalizable and reproducible framework for archetype identification to support CE strategies, with a focus on Montréal, Canada’s second-largest city. We define a new set of exterior shell archetypes for low-rise residential buildings and demonstrate their application in a neighborhood-scale case study. These archetypes enable systematic estimation of material and component stocks, as well as end-of-life recovery flows, across a representative sample of buildings in the Mercier–Hochelaga–Maisonneuve district. Results show that prioritizing reuse can nearly double material recovery compared to conventional sorting and recycling. More broadly, this framework advances engineering design for circular systems by integrating component-level data into reuse strategy assessment and providing a scalable approach for urban circularity. Full article

The study presents a scalable decision-support framework to assess energy-sharing strategies within mixed-use urban districts, with a focus on planning, sustainability, and policy relevance. Two renewable energy-sharing mechanisms—energy sharing (ES) and net metering (NM)—are compared through a techno-economic analysis applied to a real neighborhood in Montréal, Canada. The workflow integrates irradiance-aware PV simulation, archetype-based urban building modeling, and financial sensitivity analysis adaptable to local regulatory conditions. Key performance indicators (KPIs)—including Self-Consumption Ratio (SCR), Self-Sufficiency Ratio (SSR), and peak load reduction—are used to evaluate technical performance. Results show that ES outperforms NM, achieving higher SCR (77% vs. 66%) and SSR (40% vs. 35%), and seasonal analysis reveals that peak shaving reaches 30.3% during summer afternoons, while PV impact is limited to 15.6% in winter mornings and negligible during winter evenings. Although both mechanisms are currently unprofitable under existing Québec tariffs, scenario analysis reveals that a 50% CAPEX subsidy or a 0.12 CAD/kWh feed-in tariff could make the system viable. The novelty of this study lies in the development of a replicable, archetype-driven, and policy-oriented simulation framework that enables the evaluation of renewable energy communities in mixed-use and data-scarce urban environments, contributing new insights into the Canadian energy transition context. Full article

Background: Metastatic prostate cancers frequently harbour pathogenic aberrations in Homologous Recombination Repair (HRR) genes that confer sensitivity to PARP inhibitors (PARPi). Therefore, accurate identification of all eligible patients is needed. The development of a circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) testing alternative is promising as genomic testing of archived tissue leads to a failure rate of up to 30–40% in prostate cancer. Methods: This was a bi-institutional retrospective cohort study of patients with metastatic prostate cancer treated at the Jewish General Hospital or the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada, between 2021 and 2023. Molecular data and treatment information were abstracted from a chart review. Chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, and Mann–Whitney tests were used to assess differences between groups. Results: We identified 484 metastatic prostate cancer patients. Somatic and germline testing for HRR was performed in 55.4% (n = 268) and 20% (n = 97) patients, respectively. Somatic testing was performed on tissue (n = 192, 71.6%) or ctDNA from liquid biopsies (n = 18, 6.7%) or both (n = 58, 21.7%). Pathogenic somatic HRR alterations were detected in 48 patients (17.9%). BRCA2 was the most frequent (n = 17), followed by ATM (n = 11), then CHEK2 (n = 5). Amongst patients with germline testing, 13/97 (13.4%) had pathogenic alterations predicted to lead to deficient HRR, mostly BRCA2 (n = 9), and three had detectable BRCA2 in tissue. Dual testing modality (tissue+ctDNA) significantly enhanced the detection rate of HRR alterations 19/58 (32.7%) vs. 29/210 (13.8%) for single testing modality (tissue or ctDNA), p = 0.008. The rate of inconclusive results was significantly lower in dual testing modality 0/58 (0%) vs. 25/210 in single testing modality (11.9%), p = 0.003. Amongst the 14 patients who had discordant results between liquid and tissue tests, HRR abnormalities were more frequently identified in ctDNA (n = 11) vs. tissue (n = 3). Patients who had HRR deficiency detected only in ctDNA had older tissue samples (median 5.6 years) compared to those who had deficient HRR detected only in tissue (median 0.2 years; p = 0.14). Conclusions: These data highlight a potential role in implementing liquid biopsy—especially in patients who only have older archival tissue available or failed tissue testing—to improve the detection rate of deficient HRR. Our ongoing prospective study will further validate whether the addition of liquid biopsy can identify more patients who are eligible to receive precision therapies by increasing the rate of detection of HRR deficiency compared to routine tissue testing alone. Full article

Background: In patients aged 65 years and older who experience severe trauma, their underlying health status significantly influences overall mortality. This study aimed to determine whether computed tomography (CT) evaluation of skeletal muscle quality could serve as an effective risk stratification tool in the emergency department (ED) for this population. Methods: Retrospective observational study conducted between January 2018 and September 2021, including consecutive patients ≥65 years admitted to the ED for a major trauma (defined as having an Injury Severity Score > 15). Muscle quality analysis was made by specific software (Slice-O-Matic v5.0, Tomovision^®, Montreal, QC, Canada) on a CT-scan slice at the level of the third lumbar vertebra (L3). Results: A total of 263 patients were included (72.2% males, median age 76 (71–82)), of whom 88 (33.5%) died during hospitalization. The deceased patients had a significantly lower skeletal muscle area density (SMAd) compared with survivors. The multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed that SMAd <38 at the ED admission was an independent risk for death (adjusted HR 1.68 [1.1–2.7]). The analysis also revealed that, among the survivors after the first week of hospitalization, the patients with low SMAd had an increased risk of death (adjusted HR 3.12 [1.2–7.9]). Conclusions: Skeletal muscle density assessed by a CT scan at ED admission may represent a valuable prognostic marker for risk stratification patients ≥65 years with major trauma. In patients with SMAd <38 HU the in-hospital mortality risk could be particularly increased after the first week of hospitalization. Full article

To achieve a complete circular economy for used electric vehicle batteries, it is essential to implement a disassembly step. Given the significant diversity of battery geometries and designs, a high degree of flexibility is required for automated disassembly processes. The incorporation of human–robot interaction provides a valuable degree of flexibility in the process workflow. However, human behavior is characterized by unpredictable timing and variable task durations, which add considerable complexity to process planning. Therefore, it is crucial to develop a robust strategy for coordinating human and robotic tasks to manage the scheduling of production activities efficiently. This study proposes a global optimization approach to the scheduling of production activities, which employs a genetic algorithm with the objective of minimizing the total production time while simultaneously reducing the idle time of both the human operator and robot. The proposed approach is concerned with optimizing the sequencing of disassembly tasks, considering both temporal and exclusion constraints, to guarantee that tasks deemed hazardous are not executed in the presence of a human. This approach is based on a two-level adaptation framework developed in RoboDK (Robot Development Kit, v5.4.3.22231, 2022, RoboDK Inc., Montréal, QC Canada). At the first level, offline optimization is performed using a genetic algorithm to determine the optimal task sequencing strategy. This stage anticipates human behavior by proposing disassembly sequences aligned with expected human availability. At the second level, an online reactive adjustment refines the plan in real time, adapting it to actual human interventions and compensating for deviations from initial forecasts. The effectiveness of this global optimization strategy is evaluated against a non-global approach, in which the problem is partitioned into independent subproblems solved separately and then integrated. The results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach in comparison with a non-global approach, particularly in scenarios where humans arrive earlier than anticipated. Full article

Having opportunities to readily access bereavement support for people affected by the death of a loved one is central to any comprehensive approach to cancer care. Hope & Cope, a community-based cancer support organization in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, offers professional- and volunteer-led bereavement programs in two formats: “drop-in” (open as needed) and “closed-group” (structured). This qualitative study explored contributions and potential drawbacks of these two-program delivery formats as reported by bereaved participants (N = 18). Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted according to groups: Drop-in (n = 7) and closed-group (n = 11). Audio-recorded interviews (lasting between 30 and 60 min) were transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Three themes were revealed: (1) Program structure according to grief timeline, (2) Flexibility in the choice of topics and impact on grief experiences, (3) Grief support dynamics in relation to group composition. Findings indicate that drop-in provided “as-needed” tailored support, whereas closed-groups ensured consistency in attendance. Some drawbacks included high attendance turnover in the drop-in and less relevant topics in the structured closed format. Supportive interventions should continue to be tailored to people’s profiles and preferences, not only for content but also for delivery formats. Full article

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is characterized by sinonasal inflammation, mucus overproduction, and edematous mucosal tissue. This inflammatory condition is characterized by mucosal thickening, nasal obstruction, facial pain or pressure, hyposmia, and nasal discharge. The aim of this research was to clarify a potential role for the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) in mouse nasoantral epithelium in perpetuating pro-inflammatory cytokine elaboration similarly expressed by CRS patients. Specifically, wild-type (WT) mice and transgenic (TG) mice overexpressing RAGE in sinonasal epithelium (RAGE TG mice) were maintained in room air or subjected to secondhand smoke exposure using a nose-only delivery system (Scireq Scientific, Montreal, QC, Canada) for five days per week over a 30-day period. Histological analysis was performed using staining for RAGE. Tissue lysates were analyzed for pro-inflammatory cytokines. We observed increased RAGE expression in sinus tissue following SHS exposure and in sinuses from RAGE TG mice in the absence of SHS. We also discovered elevated T helper (Th)1 products (TNF-α, IL-1β, IFN-γ) and Th2/Th17 (IL-5, IL-13, IL-17A) cytokine abundance in SHS-exposed WT and SHS-exposed RTG tissues compared to room air controls. These findings highlight the pivotal role of RAGE signaling in the exacerbation of inflammatory processes, particularly in the context of chronic inflammation induced by smoke exposure. The study expands our understanding of the RAGE signaling axis as a key contributor to the progression of smoke-related lung and sinonasal pathologies. Targeting RAGE-mediated pathways could represent a novel therapeutic strategy to mitigate the progression of chronic sinusitis associated with smoke exposure. Full article

The failure of large gravity dams during an earthquake could lead to calamitous flooding, severe infrastructural damage, and massive environmental destruction. This paper aims to demonstrate reliable methods for evaluating dam performance after a seismic event. The work included a seismic hazard analysis and nonlinear finite element modelling of concrete cracking for two large dams (D1 and D2, of 35 and 90 m in height, respectively) in Eastern Canada. Dam D1 is located in Montreal, and Dam D2 is located in La Malbaie, Quebec. The modelling approach was validated using the Koyna Dam, which was subjected to the 1967 Mw 6.5 earthquake. This paper reports tensile cracks of D1 and D2 under combined hydrostatic and seismic loading. The latter was generated from ground motion records from 11 sites during the 1988 Mw 5.9 Saguenay earthquake. These records were each scaled to two times the design level. It is shown that D1 remained stable, with minor localised cracking, whereas D2 experienced widespread tensile damage, particularly at the crest and base under high-energy and transverse inputs. These findings highlight the influence of dam geometry and frequency characteristics on seismic performance. The analysis and modelling procedures reported can be adopted for seismic risk classification and safety compliance verification of other dams and for recommendations such as monitoring and upgrading. Full article

One practical approach to reduce GHG emissions is to shift from driving to modes with lower emissions, such as cycling. One key component of supporting cycling is the quality and quantity of cycling infrastructure. This study analyzes the relationship between the quality (or comfort) and quantity of bicycle infrastructure, the likelihood of cycling, and the emissions. The first objective of this study is to analyze the influence of various variables on cycling choice using an interpretable ensemble learning approach. Second, a scenario-based analysis is applied to examine the influence of various policy scenarios (related to cycling infrastructure) on the transportation life cycle GHG emissions. Using origin–destination survey data from Montreal and Laval, Canada, policy modelling results suggest that without current cycling infrastructure, cycling mode share would be 5.3% less, driving mode share would be 4% higher, and GHG emissions would be 10.2% higher among all trips of a reasonable cycling distance starting from home. Then, policy scenarios modelling for this subset of trips suggests that improving the quality of bikeways, increasing their quantity, and reducing the trip distances by 25% can reduce the GHG emissions by 3.9%, 6.6%, and 29.3%, and increase the number of cycling trips by 8.1%, 14%, and 24.4%, respectively. Full article

Over the past two decades, interest in minimally invasive scoliosis surgery (MISS) for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) has grown substantially, driven by advancements in growth-based surgical techniques. Given the substantial advancements in MISS for AIS, investigating the bibliometric data of the scientific literature is crucial to understanding the current research trend and providing valuable insights into its future directions. However, limited information on MISS for AIS exists in the literature. The publication data related to MISS for AIS from 2004 to 2024 were exported from the Web of Science. The research output between 2004 and 2024 was 373 for publication volume, 7760 for citations, and 46 for h-index. The annual publication and citation trend over time showed a gradual increase with fluctuations up until 2017, followed by a sharp upward trend starting in 2018. The foremost countries and affiliations in this field were the United States and Montreal University in Canada, respectively. The top 10 most-cited articles on MISS in AIS predominantly focused on the topic of vertebral body tethering (VBT). Among the productive authors, most contributions were focused on VBT, while several authors in South Korea significantly contributed to the study of MISS via a posterior approach. Historical development of VBT and posterior MISS identified their current advantages and limitations and highlighted potential future research directions. Full article

This study presents a novel switchable multi-inlet Building integrated photovoltaic/thermal (BIPV/T) curtain wall system designed to enhance solar energy utilization in commercial buildings. The system integrates controllable air inlets and motorized dampers that dynamically adjust airflow patterns in response to real-time environmental conditions such as solar irradiance, ambient air temperature, and PV panel temperature. A steady-state energy balance model, developed using a thermal network analogy and implemented in Python, was used to simulate winter operation in Montréal, Canada. Three operating modes with different air inlet configurations were assessed to evaluate system performance across variable air velocities and solar conditions. Results indicate that the switchable system improves combined thermal and electrical generation by 2% to 25% compared to fixed one- or two-inlet systems. Under low irradiance and air velocity, one-inlet operation is dominant, while higher solar gain and airflow favor two-inlet configurations. The system demonstrates effective temperature control and enhanced energy yield through optimized airflow management. This work highlights the potential of integrated control strategies and modular façade design in improving the efficiency of solar building envelope systems and offers practical implications for scalable deployment in energy-efficient, heating-dominated climates. Full article

This review presents a comprehensive synthesis of recent advances in the tensile performance of adhesively bonded joints, focusing on applied aspects and modeling developments rather than providing a full theoretical analysis. Although many studies have addressed individual joint types or modeling techniques, an integrated review that compares joint configurations, modeling strategies, and performance optimization methods under tensile loading remains lacking. This work addresses that gap by examining the mechanical behavior of key joint types, namely, single-lap, single-strap, and double-strap joints, and highlighting their differences in stress distribution, failure mechanisms, and structural efficiency. Modeling and simulation approaches, including cohesive zone modeling, extended finite element methods, and virtual crack closure techniques, are assessed for their predictive accuracy and applicability to various joint geometries. This review also covers material and geometric enhancements, such as adherend tapering, fillets, notching, bi-adhesives, functionally graded bondlines, and nano-enhanced adhesives. These strategies are evaluated in terms of their ability to reduce stress concentrations and improve damage tolerance. Failure modes, adhesive and adherend defects, and delamination risks are also discussed. Finally, comparative insights into different joint configurations illustrate how geometry and adhesive selection influence strength, energy absorption, and weight efficiency. This review provides design-oriented guidance for optimizing bonded joints in aerospace, automotive, and structural engineering applications. Full article

The relationship between theory of mind (ToM) or mentalizing, i.e., the cognitive ability to attribute mental states to oneself and others, and language has been widely explored across disciplines. Identifying reliable linguistic markers of ToM extractable from individuals’ speech provides a promising path for both research and clinical practice. In this narrative review, we aimed to synthesize findings from studies identified through a PSYCINFO search to provide an overview of speech-based markers associated with ToM abilities. Our results revealed six primary categories of relevant speech markers: mental state terms, general linguistic ability, embedded clauses, referring expressions, and pragmatic markers. Standardizing these markers could enhance the replicability and applicability of ToM assessments across diverse populations. We encourage future research to build on these findings to examine how mentalizing is expressed through language in varied social, cultural, and clinical contexts. Advancing this line of inquiry will deepen our understanding of the interplay between language and mentalizing and contribute to broader insights into language and cognition. Full article

Canada’s national surveillance shows an 11% year-over-year decline in deaths from opioid and other unregulated drug poisonings, and a 10% drop in related hospitalisations in 2024. In stark contrast, Québec, home to more than nine million residents, and Montréal, the country’s second-largest city, experienced a continued rise in suspected drug-poisoning mortality through 2024, with fentanyl or analogues detected in almost two-thirds of opioid deaths. We conducted a narrative synthesis of provincial coroner and public-health surveillance tables, Health Canada dashboards, and the 2022–2025 Québec Strategy on Psychoactive-Substance Overdose Prevention. Results indicate a 40% increase in opioid-related mortality since 2018, a parallel uptick in stimulant toxicity, and a five-fold rise in overdose reversals at Montréal supervised-consumption services during the COVID-19 pandemic recovery. We aim to summarise the key problems underlying this epidemic and offer province-specific public-health strategies while also sending a call to action for first-line clinicians and psychiatrists to integrate overdose-risk screening, take-home naloxone, and stimulant-use-disorder treatments into routine care. We further urge Québec healthcare professionals to deepen their knowledge of provincial services such as supervised-injection sites and stay up to date with the rapidly evolving substance-use-prevention literature. Québec’s divergent trajectory underscores the need for region-tailored harm-reduction investments and stronger policy-to-clinic feedback loops to reduce preventable deaths. Full article

The heteroresistance phenotype refers to the presence of bacterial subpopulations with reduced antibiotic susceptibility compared with the main population. Mathematical modelling and computer simulations suggest that heteroresistance can lead to negative treatment outcomes and finally, treatment failure. Due to the low frequency and resistance level of resistant subpopulations, detection of heteroresistance phenotype in the diagnostic laboratory is problematic. Routine laboratory tests do not have the ability to accurately detect heteroresistance, but on the other hand, specific methods are time consuming and expensive. The emergence of colistin heteroresistance is a public health concern that threatens human health. Colistin heteroresistance to date has been reported in eight pathogens including Acinetobacter spp., Klebsiella spp., Enterobacter spp., Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (referred to as Salmonella Typhimurium), Neisseria meningitidis and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. The growing emergence of colistin heteroresistance worldwide underscores the crucial need for coordinated global action to combat it. Understanding the mechanisms of colistin heteroresistance can help to provide better guidelines for reducing antibiotic resistance and to achieve new therapeutic approaches. Our review showed that the prevalence of colistin heteroresistance strains varies in different countries. It seems that the use of different treatment strategies, especially combination therapy, can be effective in reducing the incidence of resistant subpopulations. Also, the use of new generation diagnostic methods can have a significant impact on treatment. Our findings in this review are needed to raise the awareness of microbiologists and specialists to the colistin heteroresistance mechanisms and to achieve effective treatment. Full article