NCube/papyrus huggingface dataset:
La contribution des mutuelles de formation au développement des compétences de la main-d’œuvre au Québec

This thesis aims to identify the contribution that training mutuals make to skills development. It also seeks to understand the contribution these devices make to skills development in the workforce and the factors that influence them. In particular, it aims to identify the role institutional entrepreneurs play and the inherent institutional complementarities of these training mutuals.   On the theoretical level, this thesis is based on the neo-institutionalist approach, which is designed to analyze the contribution these devices make in skills development in the workforce and to look specifically at the concepts of "institutional entrepreneur" and "institutional complementarity." Our model of analysis is based on these two concepts and seeks to show whether (and how) institutional entrepreneurs and institutional complementarities influence the effectiveness of training mutuals.   From a methodological point of view, this thesis is structured around four case studies. The case studies centre on training mutuals in four sectors of economic activity in Quebec. The collection of the qualitative data was carried out by way of semi-structured interviews with both actors involved in training mutuals, as well as secondary sources.  The analysis of the results confirms varying degrees of importance in the way training mutuals contribute to skills development in the workforce. Beyond the variance between mutuals, our results indicate that, on the one hand, they increase the supply of training in response to the needs of the labour force of a given sector and thus have an impact on the scope of the sector; on the other hand, they facilitate the training funding application for companies and thus mobilize the actors of a sector to invest in training.  Analysis of the results shows that the contribution of a training mutual increases when the actors (in particular, an employers' association) offer a common vision and support the training mutual through their capacity as institutional entrepreneurs. In addition, our findings show that positive complementarities between mutuals and other institutions occur when the following takes place: mutuals’ mandate is clarified, financial and strategic resources are added, and there is collaboration with mutuals. These will all make a lasting contribution to skills development in the workforce.

Keyphrases: Training, Institutions, Actors, Institutional entrepreneurs, Institutional complementarity, Skills, Skills development, Workforce
Étude de la formation d'agrégats de défauts ponctuels et d'impuretés de lithium dans le silicium cristallin par méthodes Monte-Carlo cinétique

This thesis, including three scientific articles, split in two parts: ``Theoretical, Methodology and Algorithmic'' and ``Simulations, Analysis and Results'', concerning our results on atomistic numerical methods as well as their application on systems based on crystalline silicon.  The first part consisting of three chapters introducing the problematic about activated process followed by the use of the transition state theory to address this thematic. Then we will discuss the key point of the kinetic Monte-Carlo method, with a review of advances that has been made so far. The second chapter presents the kinetic Activation-Relaxation Technique (kART), an off-lattice kinetic Monte-Carlo algorithm with on-the-fly catalogue building based on the Activation-Relaxation Technique nouveau (ARTn). ARTn is a powerful open-ended saddle search method, handling the long-range elastic effect completely. The first part ends with our first article, which addresses in detail the recent algorithmic additions, from the five past years, made to kART.   It is followed by the second part, consisting of three chapters, whose chapter four is a contextualization of: basic properties of silicon such as its crystalline phases; a definition of the various types of points defects existing in crystals; a presentation of interatomic potentials used; an introduction about the random telegraphic signals (RTS) noise; binary phases of c-LiSi; a discussion of the quick amorphisation of the c-Si anode during the first lithiation. Chapter 5 explains the aggregation and details pathways of diffusion of intrinsic defects in crystalline silicon. Jay \textit{et al.}~\cite{Jay2017} work, with our complete and precise preliminary results, led to a better understanding of random telegraphic signal (RTS) noise observed in highly damage semiconductors by correlating the oscillatory motion of vibrational states of small clusters of intrinsic defects present in these materials. Chapter 6 characterized energy states of the various configurations of systems with low concentration of lithium impurity in crystalline silicon. Thanks to kART, we show that impurities of lithium weakly interact, formed clusters shortly dissociate due to a non-negligible configuration entropy contribution.

Keyphrases: Stability, Aggregation, Point defects, Impurity, Silicon, Kinetic Monte Carlo
Étude numérique et asymptotique d'une approche couplée pour la simulation de la propagation de feux de forêt avec l'effet du vent en terrain complexe

The core of this thesis consists in the development of a new coupled model for wildfire spread. This model relies on an atmospheric model based on a single constraint for the wind velocity flow. This constraint given by a divergence equation is derived from a low Mach number approximation. The fire model represents the fireline on the topography as an infinitely thin interface which outlines the burned regions. The level set method allows to track the spread of this interface on the topography.  The fire and atmosphere models are coupled with a source term in the divergence equation governing the wind velocity field. This source is represented as a singular sink-source pair in order to capture the main features of the atmospheric flow near the fireline. Each singularity is supported on an interface, a codimension-2 manifold. The computation of the amplitude of the source term is achieved with Byram's formula for fire intensity. The derivation and particular characteristics of this coupled model are presented in this work.   A regularization technique combined with a rescaling algorithm for a delta function supported on a codimension-2 manifold has been elaborated for this model. A study of the convergence of the solutions of the elliptic problem, associated with the atmospheric model, demonstrates the necessity of this technique to achieve convergence with mesh refinements.  This thesis presents the numerical implementation of the coupled model. The simulations conducted with the model are used to study the fire spread regimes with a dimensionless number obtained in a dimensional analysis. The model is compared to the Firetec model with numerical experiments of fire spread over idealized topographies.

Keyphrases: Plume, Wildfires, Atmosphere, Coupled model, Fire intensity, Heat source, Singular interface, Delta function, Regularization, Spread regimes
Stabilité des chocs non classiques pour des lois de conservation non convexes

First, we study the existence and the properties of shock waves realized as the limit of a linear diffusive-dispersive regularization for the class of hyperbolic conservation laws with generic non-convex flux having an arbitrary number of inflection points. We introduce the construction of a corresponding family of kinetic functions, based on a generalization ofMaxwell’s equal area rule. Our main result is a characterization (via a kinetic function) of all admissible shocks : for each left-hand state and each shock speed, we prove that there exists a nonclassical shock with arbitrary many oscillations. Moreover, we state conditions under which a discontinuity is entropy dissipative and we describe the family of all entropy dissipative solutions to the Riemann problem. This work is an extension of the work done by Bedjaoui, Chalons, Coquel and LeFloch on the Van der Walls isentropic gases covering the case of two inflection points. Next, we are interested in the existence of a class of nonclassical entropy solutions to the initial value problem for nonlinear hyperbolic systems of conservation laws in one space variable. The solutions under consideration exhibit a splitting/merging pattern made of classical and nonclassical waves that interact together. Our analysis is based on a new non-classical Riemann solver which is motivated by a kinetic relation for the propagation of nonclassical shocks and by a nucleation criterion that selects between classical and nonclassical behavior. All solutions satisfy a single entropy inequality associated with a given entropy pair. Our existence proof of nonlinear stability builds on the introduction of a new total variation functional which suitably measure the total variation and wave interaction of nonclassical and classical waves. This work is a generalization of the work done by Laforest-LeFloch who have already established the existence of nonclassical entropy solutions for scalar equations.

Keyphrases: Hyperbolic conservation law, Nonconvex flux, Diffusive-dispersive regularization, Nonclassical shock, Kinetic function
Quels sont les problèmes de régulation sexuelle des délinquants sexuels? : Une recension systématique des écrits

Object : Sexual offenses are getting attention from a considerable amount of researchers due to the gravity of consequences for the victims. A large proportion of researches on sexual offending focuses on cognitive and behavioral processes. One of the current processes researchers begin to show attention is the sexual regulation. The following internship report aim is finding what are the sexual regulation problems amongst sex offenders in order to enhance the quality of clinical treatment and assessment of recidivism.   Method : This study is a systematic review made with 28 English key words used on five databases and 12 French key words used on three databases. After a selection of scientific publications directly linked with the present study subject regarding only adult male sexual offenders without any specificities (e.g. intellectual disabilities), 12 articles were singled-out to be part of this analysis.    Results : The results show that there are five sexual regulation problems amongst sexual offenders: the use of sex as a coping mechanism, the association between sexual preoccupation and negative emotions, the use of masturbation – with or without consumption of pornography – to cope with negative emotions, the association between deviant sexual fantasies and negative emotions as well as the use of sexual aggression as a way to cope with negative emotions.

Keyphrases: Sexual offender, Coping, Sexual preoccupation, Sexual regulation
Les facteurs personnels de décrochage, de raccrochage et de réussite scolaire en formation générale des adultes

What personal factors are involved in high school dropout, hangup, and the academic perseverance in the general adult education? To answer this question, we carried out a quantitative retrospective research using a questionnaire containing demographic variables and several intrinsic variables we found to be relevant in educational literature: psychological well-being, self-esteem, academic identity, motivation, aspiration, locus of control, and self-compassion. According to the literature in the education field, these variables were linked to school dropout, hangup, and academic performance and perseverance. The aim of our research was to describe the non-linear educational path of adult learners studying in adult educational centres. In total, we have recruited 44 participants from different ethnic backgrounds studying in Francophone and Anglophone adult education centres in Montreal and Laval. In our theoretical framework, we used Deci and Ryan’s (2000) self-determination theory, the Pavot and Diener’s (1993) psychological well-being, and explained their link to school perseverance and dropout.   The data collected with our questionnaire revealed that there are indeed differences between our variables of interest at time 1 (during high school education), at time 2 (during the dropout), and at time 3 (in the adult centres). Nevertheless, there are still correlations between these stages of transition for the same variables. Moreover, we found links between the different types of motivation and the other personal factors in our study. Those results were similar to the ones found in the literature. We finally have described the influences of certain demographic variables on the personal factors that seem to be involved in the dropout, hangup and school perseverance of our participants. Subsequently, the discussion chapter of this thesis allowed us to explain or make assumptions about our results. Finally, we determined the limitations of this study and gave some direction for future research.

Keyphrases: aspiration, motivation, affiliation sociale, dropout, hangup, school perseverence, school performance, adult general education, self-determination theory, psychological well-being, self-esteem, aspiration, school identity, motivation, autonomy, competence, relatedness, self-compassion
Consumption of ultra-processed food and its association with obesity in Canada

Background: The prevalence of obesity has increased worldwide. Meanwhile, traditional dietary patterns based on homemade culinary preparations from fresh foods are being replaced by processed and ready-to-consume foods.  Objectives: This study aims to assess the association between consumption of ultra-processed foods and obesity in the Canadian population. A secondary objective consists in investigating potential determinants associated with ultra-processed food consumption. Methods: Cross-sectional study including adults aged 18 years or more from the 2004 Canadian Community Health Survey, cycle 2.2. Obesity is determined using body mass index. Ultra-processed food intake is estimated using daily relative energy intake of ultra-processed food (% of total energy intake) from 24-hour food recall. Multivariate linear regression is performed to investigate potential determinants of ultra-processed food consumption, and multivariate logistic regression is performed to verify the association between ultra-processed food consumption and obesity. Results: Ultra-processed foods are largely consumed in Canada, almost half (44.7%) of Canadians daily calories comes from these foods. Consumption of ultra-processed foods is higher amongst men, younger adults, with fewer years of formal education, smokers, physically inactive, and Canadian-born individuals. Ultra-processed food consumption is positively associated with obesity. A ten-percentage point increase in the relative energy intake of ultra-processed foods increases the odds of having obesity by 6%, after adjustment for potential confounding factors (OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.02-1.10). Conclusion: Canadians willing to improve their health and diet would benefit in reducing consumption of ultra-processed foods and increasing consumption of freshly prepared dishes made from unprocessed and minimally processed foods.

Keyphrases: ultra-processed food, food processing, obesity, diet quality
L’accès adapté au sein du réseau de cliniques universitaires de l’Université de Montréal : une étude observationnelle

Objective: To describe and compare the accessibility of the Family Medicine Units (FMU) of the University of Montreal network regarding the implementation of the advanced access model, using the dimensions of the concept of patient-centred access.  Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a quantitative approach. A survey aimed at identifying organizational characteristics through the dimensions of access to primary care was completed by the lead physician of each of the 18 FMUs of the University of Montreal. Descriptive comparisons then revealed differences between the FMUs that were labelled as using Advanced access and those that did not implement the model. Results: Of the 18 FMUs studied, 12 mentioned having implemented Adapted Access and differ in several points from the other six. First, they are more concentrated in secondary care settings, are younger, and seem to spread their services offer more widely. Despite being heterogeneous in terms of size, this group includes larger FMUs, suggesting proportional funding by ministerial authorities. Nurses are more numerous and use more diverse standing over prescriptions, but do not appear to have a larger scope of practice. Physicians are also more numerous, more present and offer more visits to the FMUs using advanced access. However, these clinics are less inclined to fully base their response to the client's needs on an open appointments formulation, often choosing a combination with walk-in services. Finally, the FMUs using the Advanced access method offer more and larger availability during out-of-hour periods. Conclusion: Although this study does not establish any form of causality, it raises questions regarding the potential role of these characteristics regarding the implementation of Advanced access by these FMUs. In keeping with the constant evolution of primary care services, our results call for a timely evaluation of the FMUs and a more concrete analysis of the factors influencing the implementation of the model in these environments.

Keyphrases: Advanced access, Appointments, Models, organizational, Family Practice, Academic medical center, Health services accessibility, Waiting time
Amélioration de l’usage des psychostimulants en TDAH pédiatrique par des régimes médicamenteux axés sur le bien-être des patients : approche par modélisation et simulation

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder known mostly for school-aged children, but as well diagnosed in adulthood. People with ADHD often have trouble in paying attention, or difficulty in controlling impulsive behaviors, or being overly active. Worldwide it has been reported a prevalence between 5.29% and 7.1% in children and adolescents. Psychostimulants, mainly methylphenidate (MPH), are used in extended release (ER) and immediate release (IR) formulations from different pharmaceutical companies. Using clinical and statistical criteria, this study aims to present a quantitive strategy for better combined use of these medications, while respecting a patient’s specific needs. Using our population pharmacokinetic models of various formulations of MPH with data in hand, we generalized our previously developped computational strategy to IR MPH in the case of combination use of IR and ER. It consists of three steps: a clinical selection process at first, followed by a statistical comparison process (mean, ratio and variance), and the detailed computation around the regime performance distribution as the last step to provide additional information on the comparison. A combination regimen of ER and IR formulations performs better than a t.i.d. of IR formulations, with a probability of 50.1% that the combination will outperform the t.i.d. regimen by a difference larger than 10% in the morning. The combination also outperforms a q.d. ER dosing regimen, with a difference larger than 10% in the morning for 47.1% of simulated patients. Using this algorithm, we are able to adapt the use of psychostimulant drugs to a patient, accounting for his daily routine and activities.

Keyphrases: ADHD, methylphenidate, comparison, regimen, combination
Étude de l’influence de différentes méthodes de fabrication sur l’architecture et les propriétés physico-chimiques des nanoparticules à base de PEG-b-PLA

Polymeric nanoparticles can improve the biodistribution and stability of active molecules. Their in vivo performance is closely related to their physicochemical properties, so it is important to study the factors that modify these properties, in order to properly control the nanoparticles performance . The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of the fabrication method on the properties and surface PEG coverage of nanoparticles. A PEG-b-PLA diblock copolymer, synthesized in our laboratory, was used to prepare nanoparticles through batch nanoprecipitation, flash nanoprecipitation (using an impinging jet micromixer) and microfluidics (using a herringbone micromixer).  We loaded the nanoparticles with three different drugs, having different Log P values, to evaluate the combined effect of Log P and the manufacturing process on the encapsulation efficiency. Size distribution and Zeta Potential were determined by DLS and ELS respectively. The distribution and density of PEG at the surface were quantified by 1H-NMR and the encapsulation efficiency of each drug was determined by HPLC-UV. Size, PdI and surface PEG density of the nanoparticles were found to be strongly affected by the manufacturing process. For its part,  the Zeta Potential is markedly affected by the composition of the medium where the nanoparticles are dispersed. Moreover, the encapsulation efficiency depends mainly on the Log P of the drug, and it is not significantly affected by the fabrication method. The results obtained show the relationship between the preparation method and the characteristics of the nanoparticles, which can help us to select the best method of preparation according to the targeted characteristics and the target tissue.   Keywords: PEG-b-PLA, Polymeric nanoparticles, Batch Nanoprecipitaion, Impinging jet micromixer, Herringbone micromixer, Encapsulation efficiency, Physicochemical properties, Surface PEG, Log P, Injection rate.

Keyphrases: PEG-b-PLA, Nanoprecipitation flash, Log P, Polymeric nanoparticles, Batch Nanoprecipitaion, Impinging jet micromixer, Herringbone micromixer, Encapsulation efficiency, Physicochemical properties, Surface PEG, Injection rate
Caractérisation des profils de traitements pour accident vasculaire cérébral et événements cliniques associés

Data on drug-prescribing practices following an acute ischemic stroke (AIS), a major health problem, and secondary stroke prevention treatments’ effectiveness are scarce in a realworld setting. The aim of this thesis was to describe patterns of treatments prescribed in the Quebec community practice setting among incident AIS patients and to determine the risk of death or AIS recurrence. A retrospective cohort study of 5,587 incident AIS adult (age 18+) patients identified between 1st January 2011 and 31st December 2012 was conducted using the claims databases of the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). In the month after discharge, the majority of patients (n=4,005; 71.7%) were receiving antithrombotic agents (anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet) while only 55.7% were taking these treatments according to the Canadian clinical guidelines. However, nearly one fifth (20.2%) of patients did not receive any prescribed treatment in the month following hospital discharge. Survival analyses showed that all treatments were associated with a 50% risk reduction of allcause mortality and AIS recurrence. Clinical efficacy of secondary stroke prevention treatments reported in randomized controlled trials seemed to be confirmed in a real-world setting.

Keyphrases: Stroke, Acute ischemic stroke, treatment profiles, secondary prevention, mortality, AIS recurrence