NCube/papyrus huggingface dataset:
Real-time rendering of cities at night

In image synthesis, to determine the final color of a surface at a specific image pixel,we must consider all potential light sources and evaluate if they contribute to the illumination.  Since such evaluation is slow, real-time renderers traditionally do not evaluate each light source, and instead preemptively choose locally important light sources for which to evaluate visibility. A city at night is such a scene containing many light sources for which modern real-time renderers cannot allow themselves to evaluate every light source at every frame.We present a technique exploiting spatial coherency in cities and temporal coherency of real-time walkthroughs to reduce visibility evaluations in such scenes. Our technique uses the natural and predominant occluders of a city to efficiently reduce the number of light sources to evaluate.  To further accelerate the evaluation we project the bounding boxes of buildings instead of their detailed model (these boxes should be oriented mostly along a few directions), and fuse adjacent occluders on an occlusion plane to form larger conservative occluders. Our  technique  also  integrates  results  from  camera  visibility  to  further  reduce  the number of visibility evaluations executed per frame, and evaluates visible light sources for facades visible from the point of view of the camera. Finally, we integrate an offline rendering technique, Lightcuts, by adapting it to real-time GPU rendering to further save on rendering time.Even though our technique does not achieve real-time frame rates in a complex scene,it reduces the complexity of the problem enough so that we can hope to achieve such frame rates one day.

Keyphrases: Visibility, Real-time rendering, City, CHC, Lightcuts, GPU
Détermination de la concentration de manganèse dans l’eau potable associée à des déficits cognitifs chez l’enfant

Manganese (Mn) is an essential nutrient but can induce neurotoxic effects elevated exposure levels. Recent studies have reported that exposure to Mn in drinking water could be associated with a decrease in cognitive abilities in children. However, the concentration at which these effects appear has not been estimated in previous studies. Therefore, the objective of my master’s thesis was to estimate the concentration of Mn in drinking water associated with different predefined levels of cognitive deficits in children. To achieve this, data from two cross-sectional studies from Canada were pooled resulting in a sample of 630 children from ages 5-14 years. The intelligence quotient (IQ) of each child was assessed and the concentration of Mn was measured from the tap water of their residence. We used the software Bayesian Benchmark Dose Analysis to estimate the benchmark concentrations of water Mn associated with a 1%, 2% and 5% decrease in IQ, as well as the lower limits of the 95% credible interval (LL95%CI). Our results show that the concentration of Mn in water associated with a 1% decrease in IQ was 121 μg/L (LL95%CI, 70 μg/L), while those for a decrease of 2% and 5% points were 241 μg /L (LL95%CI, 141 μg/L) and 611 μg/L (LL95%CI, 367 μg/L) respectively. Since the results suggest that the association between Mn in water and IQ is different between the sexes, we also conducted sex-stratified analyses. The concentration of Mn in water associated with a 1% decrease in IQ was 169 μg/L (LL95%CI, 68 μg/L) in boys and 73 μg/L (LL95%CI, 8 μg/L) in girls.  As there is currently no established health-based guideline for Mn in drinking water in Canada, these results can guide decision-makers in developing a guideline aimed at protecting children from neurotoxicity from this metal.

Keyphrases: Environmental epidemiology, Drinking water, Manganese, Children, Neurotoxicity, IQ, Benchmark concentration
Les maladies fébriles non paludiques à Ouagadougou : prévalence, facteurs associés et évolution du 1er janvier 2015 au 31 décembre 2016

In sub-Saharan Africa, a major public health concern is the management of fever. In 2010, the application of WHO’s recommendations for the management of malaria based on biological evidence, has revealed a significant proportion of non-malarial diseases misdiagnosed. The objectives of this research are to describe the prevalence, identify associated factors and describe the evolution of non-malarial febrile illnesses (NMFI) from 2015 to 2016. The study design is an observational one aiming for a descriptive and analytical purpose within three of the CSPS of the capital city (Pazani, Zongo et Juvénat fille). We performed descriptive analyzes and analysed relationship between the monthly cases number of NMFI and the associated factors was studied using negative binomial regression. The trend analysis was done using interrupted time series. The overall prevalence of NMFI in the sample was 35.19%. The under five age accounted for 56% and those under seven for 69.71% of the sample. The descriptive analyzes show that all variables except sex appear to be associated with the occurrence of NMFI. The results reveal a prevalence of NMFI varying according to the diagnostic method used, it is higher when the thick drop has been used (53.05%) against 47% when the clinic was used and 22.22% if malaria’s rapid diagnostic tests are used. A link was found between the number of cases of NMFI and young age, sex, dry season hot temperatures and free care policies.  More cases were observed among children under’s one and under’s seven year (s); the respective incidence risk ratio (IRRs) are (IRR = 1.36 and 95% CI = [1.01, 1.71]); (IRR = 1.29 and 95% CI = [1.07, 1.56]). The dry season and increase’s thermal periods are also associated with an increase in the number of cases of NMFI. The analysis of the trend, considering the free healthcare policy implemented from April 2016, shows an increase in the trend of NMFI. Our results reveal the need to strengthen healthcare system capacity’s, to improve the management of non-malarial febrile illnesses for the well-being of the population.

Keyphrases: Burkina Faso, Non- malarial febrile illness, Prevalence, Trend, Tropical countries
Engagement, complexité et transmédia : une approche de recherche-création de la réflexion spectatorielle

This research and creation master’s thesis go from theoretical principles to conceive and establish a creative practice. The main idea is to understand the thinking process in an audiovisual environment and to suggest a creation method. Transmedia as a practice is suggested to meet this requirement. The first part is devoted to the theoretical issues. The concept of 'thinking' is defined with philosophy. With the proposed definition, the concept will be discussed in relation to transmedia notions. Engagement and narrative complexity will be put forward to analyse the relationship between 'thinking' and transmedia. Alternate reality games will then be suggested as a type of transmedia that fosters a thinking process. Finally, in order to define the concept of thinking in an audiovisual framework, it will be proposed to establish a heuristic model based on Roger Odin’s sémio-pragmatique. In the second part, the creation, which is a transmedia bible of a science fiction universe called INTE.R.E.ST., will be presented. This creation aims to encourage a thinking process by the spectator through the theoretical concepts of engagement and narrative complexity. Transmedia, and alternate reality games in particular, is used to operate those concepts.

Keyphrases: Engagement, Immersion, Sémio-pragmatique, Forensic fandom, Spectatorial thinking, Narrative complexity, Sémio-pragmatique, Science fiction, Forensic fandom, Alternate reality game (ARG), Transmedia bible
La force du cœur : les changements de l'archétype du héros durant la Renaissance de Disney (1989-1999)

Heroes and heroines from the Disney Renaissance (1989-1999) stand out from their pre-1989 counterparts. Although clearly present, the strengthening of heroism is never discussed in the theoretical literature. This narratological and comparative analysis examines those changes. It explains how the definition of the hero evolved in the theoretical literature, and introduces every Disney hero and heroine, whether they are highly represented or neglected in the Disney literature. Heroes and heroines are compared to similar protagonists of the preceding period to illustrate not only the level of activity and the place given to love and sexuality in characters’ depiction, but also many changes not mentioned in the Disney literature: the switch from opponent to hero and the changes in the heroes and heroines’ narrative structure. A new archetype emanates by the amalgam of Joseph Campbell’s structure of the hero’s journey and Kim Hudson’s virgin’s promise.

Keyphrases: Disney, Archétypes, Heroism, Narratology, Archetypes
Entre souvenir et identité, subconscience et rêve : voyage au sein d’un processus d’auto-affirmation en tant qu’artiste par la déconstruction du concept de l’artiste-génie

This essay offers an insight into the psychological journey undertaken by a young creator to better understand and define her status as an artist through a theoretical reflection on art and creative processes. By first approaching the question from a sociological angle, and eventually ending up within the sphere of psychoanalytical literature to address the concepts of inspiration and the subconscious, this research & creation paper thus follows the journey of a long meditation initiated with the aim of achieving self-affirmation as an artist by the deconstruction of the idea of the artist-genius.

Keyphrases: Art, Inspiration, Artist, Creative process, Identity, Oneiric, Subconscious
Étude de l’impact des collectionneurs sur la préservation et la conservation du jeu vidéo

This thesis proposes an incursion into the world of video games and the struggle against its unavoidable deterioration. It aims to determine the extent of this coming challenge and recommends possible ways to assure the lasting qualities of video games. The final objective resides within the proposition that communities of collectors can influence the preservation of the medium and try to determine if this influence is positive or negative. The study first addresses classic collecting to better understand what makes a collector and what motivates its behaviour. Afterward, we explore the problematic of video game preservation, looking at the coming difficulties while exploring possible solutions to counter the damages to the video game heritage. Finally, the thesis links these two themes while defining the video game collector with all of their idiosyncrasies and questioning its outlook toward the preservation of the medium. With the help of a questionnaire distributed into these communities, we then try to answer our guiding question looking at the impacts of collectors on the preservation of the video game medium.

Keyphrases: conservation, ROM, Video game, Collector, Emulator, Gameplay, Serialization
Stefano della Bella et Le Vase de Médicis : dessin et éducation artistique au XVIIe siècle

This thesis will address the practice of the Florentine draughtsman and printmaker Stefano della Bella (1610-1664), more specifically in regard to his actions related to teaching drawing and his emphasis on this activity in his work.  I will primarily focus on his engraving titled The Medici Vase, dated 1656, in which the artist drawing an antique vase becomes the main focus.  Through the drawing, the artist is representing the world surrounding him and is integrating the very figure of the observer within his work.  As such, the artist is demonstrating a new trend.  By this integration of the figure of the draughtsman, there is a manifestation of sorts of the artist’s conscience of his own image.  I will also examine the relationships that Stefano della Bella maintained with his sponsors.  Indeed, these relationships allow a better understanding of the foundations of his craft.   Furthermore, the present thesis will also explore the issue of artistic teaching, Della Bella having integrated himself in the education of princes.  He was involved in an educative program aimed at two famous princes: Louis XIV of France via educational decks of cards and Cosimo III de’ Medici via drawing classes.  The motivation behind concentrating on this aspect of Della Bella’s career is to study the way in which he used his artistic practice around influential people.  Conversely, this responsibility requires answering an offer that can become limitative and can influence the values and principles that the teachings must contribute to.  This thesis will allow a better understanding of the new status of an artist evolving in the 17th century and will provide a concrete example of a prolific artistic career that is characterised by strategic relationships.

Keyphrases: Stefano della Bella, drawing, Medici Vase, 17th century, artistic education
Pour une astronomie du cinéma : le perfectionnisme moral de Tom Cruise, trajectoire d'une star

Our study is structured around this question: how does Tom Cruise, with his singular manner of being present to us on screen, reflects our experience of cinema? Our approach is inspired by the philosopher Stanley Cavell, for whom thinking about film stars lead us to think about cinema, and vice versa. This dissertation explores Tom Cruise’s filmography by asking what is a star, in Hollywoodian cinema, and more specifically, what is the relation between the star and the ontology of the cinematographic image. First, we will examine the question of the ontology of film for Cavell, and how the star creates itself by using cinema’s revelatory power. This will then help us to distinguish our approach from the star studies, and their preference for semiology. Secondly, we will explore the problem of skepticism that takes hold of Tom Cruise: for Cavell, the film star is a model to whom we confront our ordinary experience. By accepting his skepticism, Tom Cruise becomes a guide for the spectator, in part because this skeptical drama reflects our experience of cinema, which Cavell describes as a “moving image of skepticism”. And since it’s a recurring drama in Tom Cruise’s filmography, we propose that it becomes an example of moral perfectionism. Finally, Minority Report (Steven Spielberg, 2002) introduces a new questioning for Tom Cruise, connected to the apparatus that projects his image. Cavell wrote his book The World Viewed in 1971, when the experience of cinema was still determined by a precise setting for viewing movies (the dark room, the large screen, the audience, film, etc.) So, in this movie, Tom Cruise seems to ask: if the film star is essentially linked with the photographic image, what becomes of the star within digital cinema? This question imply a second one: can the film star still be a guide for the spectator in our era of digital experience, and can she still help us think about digital image?

Keyphrases: Tom Cruise, Stanley Cavell, star, cinema, ethics, actor, skepticism, digital, philosophy
Une lecture phénoménologique des nus féminins de Francis Bacon et Lucian Freud : vers une éthique identitaire

The painters Francis Bacon and Lucien Freud both transformed and rejuvenated the genre of the female nude. Through the specifics of their handling of paint, they incarnated new modes of corporeality. In recognition of this innovativeness, the thesis offers a new, more ethically informed reception of their works. In this context, the usefulness of the phenomenological approach of Maurice Merleau-Ponty for interpreting the corpora of the two artists will be demonstrated. The ontology of the flesh developed in Merleau-Ponty’s later works provides a vital vocabulary for articulating the painterly fleshiness present in both Bacon’s and Freud’s artworks. It is nevertheless necessary to supplement Merleau-Ponty’s approach with more recent scholarship in phenomenology, particularly feminist and queer approaches, that enables greater discussion of sexuality. In Western culture, traditional conceptions of sexuality are being increasingly questioned. The painted nude, particularly when female, has conventionally affirmed patriarchal and heterosexist values. In Bacon’s and Freud’s female nudes, however, there is a marked effort to move beyond these limiting conventions and liberate the body from them. Through its analysis of the two artists, the thesis gestures towards a new ethics of identity that resists the constraining effects of cultural and social influences. The thesis concludes with an analysis of the art of Jenny Saville which it reads as synthesizing the corporeal insights of Bacon and Freud, embracing their nascent queer politics and more fully realizing its fleshy potential.

Keyphrases: Merleau-Ponty, Jenny Saville, flesh, feminist thinking, queer thinking
Théorisation et contextualisation des microchromies dans le cheminement artistique et spirituel de Fernand Leduc

Our work proposes a theoretical and contextual reading of the works of Fernand Leduc produced from the 1970s : the « microchromies ». Seeking to understand the intrinsic functioning of these paintings, we formally analyse four « microchromies », paying particular attention to the issues that each tries to elucidate.  The way we look at « microchromies » is based on the relationship between the work of art and the artist’s literature, allowing us to understand the evolution of his thought and his art. Through this double reading, we are able to include the « microchromie » in a journey of more than seventy years of artistic experimentation and spiritual exploration. To this end, we analyse the artistic movements and philosophies that have, from near or far, participate in the metamorphosis of Leduc’s approach. Since the « microchromies » are the latest works of Leduc’s career, we propose a comparative analysis with works from the beginning of his career in order to elucidate this continuous process. Thus, it is possible for us to determine in what way « microchromies » may or may not be included in the « rhythm of overcoming » (« rythmique du dépassement ») as the ultimate art proposition of his career.

Keyphrases: Fernand Leduc, microchromie, automatism, plasticism, Raymond Abellio
Ce qui échappe à la Raison d'État : stratégies discursives des intendants de la Nouvelle France confrontés à la contrebande des fourrures, 1715-1750

In New France in the eighteenth century, illicit trade between Montreal and Albany had become commonplace. The economic structures of the colony and the repressive measures aimed at contraband gave this trade its particular organization. Another important factor in the normalization of illicit trade was the discourse produced by colonial authorities on contraband. As top magistrate and administrator of the colony, the intendant of New France occupied a singular place in the repressive and discursive apparatus set up to fight unauthorized trade. The intendant and his Montreal subdélégué brought smugglers to trial, and the intendant often took up the matter in his correspondence with his superior in metropolitan France, the secretary of state of the Marine. In this thesis, three intendants will bring their own unique brand of discourse to bear on the Montreal-Albany trade. Based on information obtained from first-hand reports, these intendants classify facts and behaviours related to contraband, for judicial proceedings and ministerial decision-making. But the means and methods they employ to defend the fur exporting privilege of the Compagnie des Indes prove to be rather deficient and counterproductive. As their discourse delineates the many obstacles to the full application of French colonial law, the intendants give the Montreal-Albany trade its colouring. In official correspondence, the intendant describes the consolidated network of merchants who hold intercolonial commerce in their grasp, and the deleterious effects of distance on colonial subjects from the civilizing ways of the metropole. The intendant scrutinizes how the Compagnie's policies stimulate the phenomenon it deplores and anticipates breaches to colonial security related to the participation of the Domiciliés, or "settled" Natives, in the prohibited trade. This study focuses on the discursive strategies of three intendants, Michel Bégon de La Picardière (1712-1726), Claude-Thomas Dupuy (1726-1728), and Gilles Hocquart (1728-1748), who formulate in their correspondence with the secretary of state of the Marine in France matters of official policy toward a contraband which they officially must fight, but also tolerate.

Keyphrases: Albany, Amérindiens, Domiciliés, discours, justice, New France, contraband, Montreal, merchants, First Nations, Settled Natives, fur trade, colony, discourse
De Mehen à l’ouroboros : le symbole du serpent circulaire sur les gemmes magiques gréco-romaines

The ouroboros, the symbol of the serpent biting its own tail, originated in Egypt, from which it migrated to the Greco-Roman cultural sphere. This circular snake evolved from the iconography of Mehen, an archaic god known since the Predynastic era. Initially connected to the resurrection in the netherworld, it became the guardian of Ra, then the protector of Osiris under the aegis of the belief in the solar-osirian union. Following its emancipation from the funerary repertory, the symbol found its way to hundreds of magical gems worn across the Roman empire from the end of the Hellenistic period to Late Antiquity. The study of these artifacts indicates that, far from a chaotic use, the serpent stays faithful to its Egyptian origins. The traditional repertory involves three main themes, the osirian, solar and uterine concepts, all of which had already matured in the funerary books of the New Kingdom. The cement of their bond resides in the old belief in the posthumous birth of both Ra and Osiris through the uterine power of Nout, a process in which the snake took part through protecting and rejuvenating roles. Thus, the recurring iconography of the ouroboros on the magical gems, when not involving the two gods directly, tend to relate to one or more of the three themes. As for the symbolic significance of the circular serpent, it retains its Pharaonic prerogatives of protecting benevolent entities and restricting those that require control.

Keyphrases: Ouroboros, Mehen, Serpent, Snakes, Greco-Roman magical gems, Egyptian magic, Solar-osirian union
Les phrases se jettent en bas de mon corps ; suivi de L'expérience de la douleur dans l'oeuvre de Tania Langlais

This thesis, combining reasearch and creative writing, focuses on the experience of pain and how it takes shape in the language. The creative part, entitled Les phrases se jettent en bas de mon corps, proposes a narrative poetry in which a female enunciator lives, through the writing process, the pain and its impact on the various sensory systems: exterior perceptions (external perceptions, the five senses), proprioceptions (perceptions of body space) and interceptions (perceptions of the internal environment, how the body is felt). The reflexion of the cerebral body and the suffering corporal brain continues in the research section, where pain is approached as a vector of meaning in Tania Langlais' work. The three poetry books, Douze bêtes aux chemises de l'homme, La clarté s'installe comme un chat and Kennedy sait de quoi je parle are a poetic cycle where verses dialogue, resonate in a poem and in the same book, but also from one oeuvre to another. The analysis of their interaction, their disparities and similarities, allows us to better understand the particularity of the discourse of pain in Langlais. The various literary notions mentioned, such as the process of repetition, the question of enunciation and the representation of space, are supported by notions of neurobiology (Antonio Damasio, André Holley) and contemporary phenomenology (Mark Johnson and George Lakoff).

Keyphrases: Tania Langlais, creative writing, narrative poetry, study of Quebec literature, pain experience