NCube/papyrus huggingface dataset:
Étude comparative de la pensée économique canadienne-française et canadienne-anglaise durant l'entre-deux-guerres

The interwar period represents a period of transition in the evolution of the economic thought in Canada. The economic and social context of the 1920-1940’s was highly favorable to the expansion of new ideas and new approaches. In the face of the crisis, economists and intellectuals began to question the fundamentals of capitalism and the market economy. Under the influence of Keynesianism and Corporatism in conjunction with the professionalization of the discipline, economists’ approach to issues of public policy changed considerably during the period. I study the two major political-economy journals, L’Actualité économique, and the Canadian Journal of Economics and Political Science, as well as the work of leading economists of the time, Harold A. Innis, W. A. Mackintosh, Esdras Minville and Édouard Montpetit, to showcase new economic approaches to the changing social and economic realities of Canada.

Keyphrases: Canada, Édouard Montpetit, Esdras Minville, W. A. Mackintosh, Harold A. Innis, Canadian Journal of Economics and Political Science, Economic History, Economic Thought, Corporatism, Keynesianism
La relation texte/scène en phase de reconfiguration : propositions théoriques autour de Terre océane de Daniel Danis

With Hans-Thies Lehmann’s ''Postdramatic Theater'' and the growing presence of performance in the contemporary theater scene, the notion of drama, and the text itself, seems once again to suffer a terrible blow. Unfortunately, some critics’ tendencies to present new ways of making theater as if it were a violent upheaval, overshadow some phenomena, for one the dynamic between text and scene, in which instead of its first constituant disapearing, both of them seem to metamorphose under mutual influence. This thesis will investigate that phenomenom and its consequences on the dramatic text, as well as how we understand it as praxis of contemporary theater.

Keyphrases: Daniel Danis, Theater, Intermediality, Drama theories, Pragmatic linguistic
Discours situationniste dans l'oeuvre de Réjean Ducharme

This thesis is devoted to the analysis of the situationnist discourse in the work of Quebec author Réjean Ducharme. We analyse more closely three novels: Le nez qui voque (1967) L’hiver de force (1973) and Dévadé (1990). Assuming that Ducharme could have had contact with the ideas of a French counter-cultural group named Internationale situationniste (1957-1972), we try to pick up similitudes between them and analyse the ways those have an effect on Ducharme’s work. Our comparative micro-textual analysis is divided in three parts. First we address their vision of the role art should have in society as well as their resistance to its institutionalization. We then address the ducharmian and situationnist conceptions of the city and its organization, both being very similar. Finally we analyse the economic and political discourses in our corpuses insisting on the way Ducharme’s characters as well as the members of the Internationale situationniste resist to the capitalist and hierarchic organization of society and favour an ideal based on game, friendship and love. We show that the situationnist discourse is omnipresent in Ducharme’s work. We think it proves that even though some critics claim the opposite, Réjean Ducharme is a political author.

Keyphrases: Réjean Ducharme, Internationale situationniste, Literary discourse analysis, Counter-culture
La tejedora de coronas de Germán Espinosa (1982) : un ensayo de desmarginalización cultural

This dissertation proposes an analysis of the historical novel The Weaver of Crowns (Germán Espinosa, 1982).  This novel deals with the exchange of ideas between colonial Latin America and the Europe of the Enlightenment. The French invasion of the Caribbean port of Cartagena de Indias in 1697 is the historical event that triggers the plot. The novel covers two geographical spaces and two historical periods – America under Spanish domination and Enlightened Europe – in which real and fictional characters interact.   In a first step, this dissertation undertakes an analysis of the roots of the historic novel in Latin America. In a second step it examines narrative strategies used in Espinosa’s novel and the way they may influence the critical side of this work. The central hypothesis suggested by this dissertation is that historical fiction contributes a critical view of the official historiography of  Latin America by showing its hidden or silenced sides.  It offers a reflection on the causes of the epistemological stagnation in Latin America as well as the unresolved historical processes in Latin America such as its epistemological liberation and the consolidation of its emerging epistemologies as described by the postcolonial theory cited in this work. The novel also shows the emergence, development and failure of an epistemological liberation project undertaken by a female character. This liberation project is aimed at putting an end to the marginalization of the Latin American knowledge rather than decolonizing it.   Among the conclusions drawn by this dissertation is the idea that because of the historical causality of Latin America, as presented by the novel, the moment has not yet arrived for a cultural and epistemological liberation. This pending process would allow the consolidation of the emerging epistemologies along the lines proposed by the postcolonial and decoloniality studies. Another conclusion of note is that the evolution of ideas is a historical process in which the ideological currents are not absolute but subjected to the social situations that determine their existence as well as their continuity.

Keyphrases: Postcolonialisme, Historical fiction, Post colonialism, Decoloniality, Critical historicism, Emerging epistemologies, Epistemocriticism, New historical novel
El debate sobre la memoria del conflicto armado en el Perú (1980-2000) : un acercamiento a través de la cultura visual

Through its approach of visual culture, this Master’s Degree Project explores the debate surrounding Memory and the internal armed conflict of Peru (1980-2000) that followed the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s presentation of the Final Report (2003). Initially, this project traces a panorama of the debates pertaining to the political arena before beginning an in depth study of the controversy surrounding the Museo de la memoria and the Ojo que llora monument. Then, it will explore the representation of the conflict in the photography exhibit Yuyanapaq (2004), the films La boca del lobo (1988), La vida es una sola (1993) and Sangre Inocente (2000), and in so doing, will establish a dialogue with ongoing research on memory and academic criticism. Finally, after tracing a map of visual imaginaries of the conflict, it will introduce the post-conflict phase (2000-today) in order to analyze the debate on post-memory in the films Madeinusa (2005) and La teta asustada (2009). Through its analysis of the precedents of this debate and the visual culture’s representation of the conflict, this project argues that memories are still being disputed in Peru; while some defend hegemonic discourses such as the Informe de Uchuraccay (1983), others resist the totalizing views of Memory, as exemplified by the emergence of a new provincial cinema that not only produces and projects its own perspectives on the internal conflict but that also involves villages affected by the violence.

Keyphrases: Visual memory, Peruvian cinema, Yuyanapaq, Postmemory, Mémoire culturelle, Cultural memory, La teta asustada, The Milk of Sorrow, CVR, Informe de Uchuraccay
An exploration of the cases referred to victim-offender mediation within the framework of the juvenile justice system

This thesis provides an in-depth look at the cases of young offenders referred to Trajet, an organisme de justice alternative (OJA) in Montreal, for victim-offender mediation.  More specifically, the objectives of this thesis are to describe the characteristics of these cases, to examine their relationship with participation in mediation and outcome, and to compare these same elements under the laws and processes in effect during the study time period (Young Offenders Act versus Youth Criminal Justice Act and Entente cadre).  Quantitative research methods were used to analyse the cases referred to Trajet over a ten-year period (1999-2009).    Descriptive analyses helped to determine how the cases resembled or distinguished themselves from those referred to other mediation programs.  Bivariate analyses revealed that offender age, offender gender, offence number, victim number, victim type, victim age, victim gender and case referral delay were significantly correlated with participation in mediation.  Logistic regression showed that offender age, victim number and referral delay were significant predictors of victim-offender participation in mediation.  Unfortunately, it was not possible to explore characteristics related to mediation outcome through bivariate and multivariate analyses due to the small proportion of cases in which the outcome was unsuccessful.  Significant differences were found in cases referred to victim-offender mediation after the implementation of the Youth Criminal Justice Act and the Entente Cadre regarding offence type, offence number, referral for prior offending, victim age, referral delay, reasons for which mediation did not occur, restitution terms and, more specifically, financial restitution.  Participation in victim-offender mediation also differed significantly in that participation was more likely following the implementation of the YCJA/Entente Cadre.  Partial correlations revealed that different case characteristics were associated with participation under the YOA and the YCJA/Entente cadre.  Only one characteristic was significantly correlated with participation regardless of the law and processes in effect: victim gender.  This in-depth look at the cases referred to Trajet for victim-offender mediation resulted in a better understanding of victim-offender mediation practice and of the impact of the YCJA/Entente cadre. However, because the sample of cases used was not representative, the results of this study cannot be generalised to the cases referred to all of Quebec’s OJAs for victim-offender mediation.

Keyphrases: Young offenders, mediation, Young Offenders Act, Youth Criminal Justice Act
Entre les bonnes intentions et les effets pervers : l’utilisation des sports de combat comme levier d’intervention auprès des jeunes à risque

The aim of this study is to describe and understand the impact of a combat sports program on the life of at-risk youths. The program aims at socially reintegrating at-risk youths and was created by a school board in partnership with a combat sports gym. The typical day that participants experienced while on the program is divided into two blocs. In the morning, they attend school. In the afternoon, they train. The best way to understand how this program really works and to grasp its atmosphere is by attending the same training as they do.  Accordingly, participant observation and semi-structured interviews were conducted with different actors of the program. Results suggest that the program has mixed effects on the lives of these at-risk youths: 1) some youths experience positive changes, particularly in terms of self-esteem and discipline, 2) others do not seem to benefit from the program, and 3) some develop indifference and apathy, caused by the environment in wich the program takes place. The fundamental assumptions underlying the program are, in theory, beneficial. However, negative effects ensue from the ineffective implementation of it.

Keyphrases: Combat sport, at-risk youth, implementation, intervention program, social integration
L'utilisation du pouvoir discrétionnaire des policiers dans le cadre de la Loi sur le système de justice pénale pour les adolescents (LSJPA)

Since April 3rd 2003, the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) provides police officers with new tools to divert canadian juvenile offenders. Specifically, police officers can officially impose extrajudicial measures to juvenile delinquents instead of handing them directly to the justice system. The current study seeks to determine which characteristics of the offenders and circumstances of the offences significantly impact the decisions of officers to divert cases instead of sending them to the formal justice system. The results are based on three samples of juvenile offence participations recorded by a Canadian police force between 2003 and 2010: the first composed of violent offences (n= 3,482), the second, of proprety offences (n= 8,230) and the third, of other offences (n= 1,974).  Multilevel logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine which factors - for example, gender, age, and criminal record of the offender as well as location in time and space of the offence - have a significant impact on police decision-making for each category of offence. Although some factors have similar significant impacts regardless of offence type, others have a differential influence depending on the type of crime that was committed.

Keyphrases: police officers, discretionary power, extrajudicial measures, diversion, juvenile justice, Youth Criminal Justice Act, juvenile delinquency, multilevel modeling
La gestion des risques informationnels dans l’entreprise privée : perspective des gestionnaires de la sécurité

This master is about the informational risk mitigation within the private sector. More precisely, we have tried to understand, from the experience and the point of view of the security managers, how was the decision making process elaborated with regards to the protection of the informational assets. In order to achieve this, we had to take the elements, which are influencing the decisions taken by the security managers with regards to this subject matter, out of its organizational context and consider two main dimensions: the relational dynamics at play and the issues, constraints, and opportunities likely to influence the decision making.  We wanted to know as well, what were the roles and responsibilities of the security managers with in the decision making process and determine their participation in the security governance model. To expose the level of complexity of this process, we thought it would be appropriate to create a theoretical frame work combining two different approaches: the multidimensional approach and the social transaction approach. If the first one considers that the risk definition needs to be put in a context, the second one admits that the relationship dynamics are not just a simple power game between strategic actors. The analysis of the two approaches has revealed that the informational risk mitigation in the private sector is largely tributary to the personal characteristics of the security managers. More so, the organisational context and the rising numbers of security treats are considerably influencing the decision process, but the experience, the knowledge and the communication skills of the security managers are directly contributing to the success of each phase in the informational risk mitigation process.

Keyphrases: security, risk management, organisation, asset protection, information risk, multidimensional risk approach, social transaction perspective
Détection de protéines par diffusion Raman exaltée par effet de pointe (TERS)

Measurement of the local concentration of chemical messengers secreted by cells may give a better understanding of molecular mechanisms related to different diseases, such as cancer metastasis. Current techniques are not suited to perform such measurements and thus, new analytical techniques must be developed. This Master’s thesis reports the development of a new technique based on the plasmonic response of atomic force microscopy (AFM) tips, which will ultimately allow monitoring of chemical and biological molecules on the surface of a cantilever by use of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and tip-enhanced Raman scattering (TERS). Indeed, it is possible to localize the enhancement of the Raman signal on the AFM tip using principles associated to surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), based on the absorption of light by nanometer-sized metal particles, resulting in a large enhancement of the Raman signal. The AFM tip was constructed by the deposition of a nanometer-size gold layer, followed by the assembly of a biosensor with a biomolecular receptor. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) conjugated with a secondary antibody served as the secondary detection step. In addition, the use of the gold nanoparticles for antigen detection allows an amplification of the SPR and Raman signals. This Master’s thesis will demonstrate the development and validation of a biosensor for immunoglobuline G (IgG) at the tip of an AFM cantilever.This thesis sets the basis for future projects, where this new imaging technique will be developed for monitoring cellular communication by exploiting the plasmonic signal at the AFM tip. Different biosensors will then be developed and coupled to an AFM probe for scanning the chemical environment and detect in real-time chemical messengers secreted in the extracellular matrix in cellular communication.

Keyphrases: Surface plasmon resonance, Atomic force microscopy, Biodetection, Gold nanoparticles, Tip-enhanced Raman scattering
Hydroxylation d’halogénures d’aryle utilisant la chimie en flux continu et développement d’une nouvelle méthodologie de synthèse de 3-aminoindazoles

The continuous attraction towards accessing cyclic structures that possess interesting biological properties by pharmaceutical companies has guided the projects described in this M.Sc. thesis. Due to the increasing complexity of drug targets, methodologies encompassing efficient, rapid, economical and environmentally friendly syntheses are highly sought in the organic chemistry literature. The present work consists of two projects targeting the synthesis of two important aromatic structures in the field of medicinal chemistry. The first part of the thesis will present an improved synthesis of phenol derivatives. The recent chemical contributions in the continuous development of greener and efficient synthetic routes will be discussed, followed by a quick review of the literature on the hydroxylation of aryl halides. Then, the development of a new approach for rapid synthesis of phenol derivatives using continuous flow chemistry will be presented, including an overview of its benefits and limitations. The second part of the thesis will put forward the development of a novel methodology for the formation of 3-aminoindazoles. A summary of the literature on the synthesis of various indazoles will be presented, followed by an overview of two effective bond activation methods: the amide activation using triflic anhydride and transition metal catalyzed C–H activation. Finally, the evolution of a new method for the synthesis of 3-aminoindazole using the previously mentioned two approaches will be discussed.

Keyphrases: hydroxylation, 3-aminoindazoles, activation C–H, C–H activation, Phenols, flow chemistry, palladium, triflic anhydride, copper
Inégalités en santé et vie de quartier : le sentiment d'appartenance comme déterminant de la santé chez des femmes vivant dans le quartier Hochelaga-Maisonneuve

This thesis was conducted amidst a context of growing social inequalities. In our western societies the gap between rich and poor is widening which influence health inequalities. In Montreal, there is a ten year gap in life expectancy between rich and poor. This thesis is linking health inequalities with a sense of belonging of women living in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, an area of Montreal. Through datas, gathered by litterature review, interviews and participant observation, we opened up areas to think about our theme. First of all, we write a literature review which describes the basic concepts as health, sense of belongings and social inclusion or exclusion, of this project. The methodology is explained through data collection and the context of the study. After, health is studied through women’s perception and factors which are contributing to it. The fourth chapter is studying the impact of physical and social environment on health. Finally, social exclusions are linked with health inequalities. Consequently, this project is not only understanding health inequalities by their individual aspects.

Keyphrases: gentrification, health, sense of belonging, social ties, health inequalities, social exclusion
On Recurrent and Deep Neural Networks

Deep Learning is a quickly growing area of research in machine learning, providing impressive results on different tasks ranging from image classification to speech and language modelling. In particular, a subclass of deep models, recurrent neural networks, promise even more. Recurrent models can capture the temporal structure in the data. They can learn correlations between events that might be far apart in time and, potentially, store information for unbounded amounts of time in their innate memory. In this work we first focus on understanding why depth is useful. Similar to other published work, our results prove that deep models can be more efficient at expressing certain families of functions compared to shallow models. Different from other work, we carry out our theoretical analysis on deep feedforward networks with piecewise linear activation functions, the kind of models that have obtained state of the art results on different classification tasks. The second part of the thesis looks at the learning process. We analyse a few recently proposed optimization techniques, including Hessian Free Optimization, natural gradient descent and Krylov Subspace Descent. We propose the framework of generalized trust region methods and show that many of these recently proposed algorithms can be viewed from this perspective. We argue that certain members of this family of approaches might be better suited for non-convex optimization than others. The last part of the document focuses on recurrent neural networks. We start by looking at the concept of memory. The questions we attempt to answer are: Can recurrent models exhibit unbounded memory? Can this behaviour be learnt? We show this to be true if hints are provided during learning. We explore, afterwards, two specific difficulties of training recurrent models, namely the vanishing gradients and exploding gradients problem. Our analysis concludes with a heuristic solution for the exploding gradients that involves clipping the norm of the gradients. We also propose a specific regularization term meant to address the vanishing gradients problem. On a toy dataset, employing these mechanisms, we provide anecdotal evidence that the recurrent model might be able to learn, with out hints, to exhibit some sort of unbounded memory. Finally we explore the concept of depth for recurrent neural networks. Compared to feedforward models, for recurrent models the meaning of depth can be ambiguous. We provide several ways in which a recurrent model can be made deep and empirically evaluate these proposals.

Keyphrases: Memoire, Reseaux de neurones recurrents, Deep learning, Memory, Natural gradient, Optimization, Recurrent neural networks, Second order methods, Supervised learning