NCube/papyrus huggingface dataset:
La selva contada por los narradores : ecología política en novelas y cuentos hispanoamericanos de la selva (1905-2015)

The forest has been, and remains, a key theme in Hispanic American literature. This research examines images of the forest in the Hispanic American narrative of the last century, stressing the analysis of works of writing set in the Amazon rainforest, Latin America’s quintessential natural setting. What are the most common imaginaries of the rainforest in this narrative production? What impact has the global ecological crisis had on different ways of “narrating the forest”? What types of relationships between human societies and rainforest ecosystems are represented in this corpus? What environmental and ecological problems are thematized in the texts? What role do Indigenous peoples play in the stories? And what role do animals, plants, and other nonhuman entities play? Do these works give a voice to notions of “nature” and “culture” that are different from Western ones? Do they give a voice to needs and perspectives that are different from human ones? To answer these questions, my work delves into four key issues of canonical rainforest narratives: the cultural perceptions of a tropical rainforest setting, the relationships between Indigenous peoples and settlers, the development of a historical consciousness of images of nature, and the search for new forms of relating to the natural environment. Although the proposed methodology favors the tools of ecocriticism and political ecology, the work also draws on current developments in environmental philosophy, rainforest biogeography, and cultural anthropology. By means of such an interdisciplinary approach, my work seeks to create a suitable setting for dialogue between literary criticism and other areas of knowledge. Ultimately, I aim to use these chosen literary texts as a window to exploring the human condition’s environmental dimension, providing ideas and viewpoints that could contribute to building a distinct, symbiotic and not merely extractive relationship between human societies and natural ecosystems.

Keyphrases: Rainforest imagery, Twentieth Century Hispanic American narratives, Green hell, Virgin paradise, Fragile rainforest, Political ecology, Ecocriticism
Entre le mythe et l’animal : la communication imaginée

It has been noted that the lack of affection that human beings in modern societies suffer from, leads to a renewal of interest in interacting with pets. Rather than abandoning themselves in the fantasies of the mechanical and digital world, many individuals have chosen to integrate pets into their daily lives. There has been a rise in specific meeting places which provide interactions with animals.  In the past year, we have noticed in Montreal the emergence of Cafés with animals that operate on the same model, offsetting the city dwellers' needs for contact and affection. This new way of human/animal meeting requires its participants to have specific communication skills. This thesis in communication focuses on how myths can be embodied and expressed in the communication and relationships with pets in a Café with Cats. This empirical work is based around the concept of the myth, the pictorial communication and the analysis grid of the C.A.P. model. The first concept, the myth, is defined as all social constructions which have the power to stabilize the H/A (human/animal) representation of the individual. The second one, the pictorial communication, is represented by all means of communication that allow the individual to fill in the gaps in the exchange of information with the animal by using what we call prosthesis-codes. The third one, the C.A.P, is an analytical framework for detecting, within the speech, the knowledge elements, the attitudes and practices that demonstrate the presence of these prosthesis codes supported by the use of myths. These codes consist of knowledge, attitude, and practice characterizing all the actors’ behaviors.  To answer this question we have opted for an interview process a methodology. This method allows us to obtain all the information that represents the actors' performance from their relationship with the animal. We have been looking to understand the new emotional forms that can put the myths of pet relationship in the context of a modern society - a society that is increasingly detached from the traditional animal world that used to be associated with labor or meat consumption. This approach makes us understand the role of the imagined communication on how we perceive the benefits of animal contact on humans.

Keyphrases: animals, myths, imagined communication, Interview, cat coffee
Étude diachronique de la relation entre le climat et la mobilité de Néandertal dans le sud-ouest de la France au Paléolithique moyen telle qu’exprimée par ses choix technologiques et cynégétiques

South-Western France was occupied by Neanderthal on a continuous basis from Marine Isotope Stages 6 to 3 inclusively. Fifty four levels of occupation from 20 archaeological sites located in this region were studied in order to identify the relationship between Pleistocene climate variations and the mobility of Neanderthal groups as measured by their technological behavior and choice in hunting strategy. Climate data were obtained from glacial, terrestrial and marine cores. Technological data were derived from the description provided by Delagnes and Rendu (2011) of the intrinsic mobility characteristics associated with the 4 techno-complexes found in the target region (Levallois, Quina, Mousterian of Acheulean Tradition (MAT) and Discoïd Denticulate). The faunal data were based on the relative representation of the identified species and the ethology of the five main species hunted by Neanderthal namely: reindeer, bison, red deer, horse and roe deer. These three types of data were converted into coefficients in order to quantify the nature of their inter-relationships through two- and three-dimensional displays, simple and multiple regression analyses and cluster analyses. Our results reinforce the hypothesis advanced by Delagnes and Rendu (2011) and show that Quina and Discoïd Denticulate flaking production systems, with their high mobility potential, were associated with mobile prey; that Levallois flaking, with its low mobility potential, was associated with low mobility prey; and that the MAT biface was a hybrid flaking system in terms of mobility associated with a variety of prey species. Results also tend to demonstrate that a greater mobility was mostly associated with more rigorous climatic conditions while a more limited mobility was mostly associated with more temperate conditions with the exception of specialized hunting. The best predictor of technological choices turned out to be knowledge sharing and the cumulative technical flaking skills developed through time: i.e. culture. Climate appears to have played a secondary role.

Keyphrases: Climat, Neanderthal, Climate, Mobility, Technology, Cynegetic
La communitas à l’ère de l’accélération sociale : portrait d’une anti-structure pèlerine

In 2015, I conducted fieldwork on St. James Way. As is demonstrated by Victor Turner’s theoretical work, it is this paper’s belief that liminal phenomena, that are manifested during rites of passage such as St. James Way, provide precious insight into the daily life from which it arises from, namely, social structure. The study of extraordinary temporality here is justified thus, by its interdependence to daily life. In fact, liminal phenomena are known to frame crises in daily life. Results of the fieldwork conducted on St. James Way’s extraordinary temporality led to the observation that the impression of ‘being in the moment’ is a prevalent theme amongst pilgrims. The impressive upsurge of pilgrims walking the paths to Santiago, at a time of secularization and individualization, raises questions. If rites of passage are indeed mechanism acting like pressure releasing valve, to which crisis do they owe this surge? Secondly, which aspects of this pilgrimage explain its current appeal? First, it will be argued that St. James Way’s pilgrimage establishes itself as an anti-structure, or put otherwise, an extraordinary temporality. For the purpose of this demonstration, an overview of the stages pilgrims go through will be presented, namely: separation, crisis, adaptation and communitas. Furthermore, we will see that the impression of being in the moment marks the threshold of the communitas. To explain this ‘impression’, this paper invokes a psychological perspective that St. James Way delivers a proper experience of flow. According to Csikszentmihalyi, the flow is known to trigger a feeling of ‘being in the moment’. On the contrary, this research supports the thesis that the structure of daily life fails to deliver an equally optimal experience. Therefore, this paper investigates the processes through which the society of acceleration hinders the experience of flow. Among these processes, emphasis is given here to the impending obsolescence of knowledge in the age of information technology and the altered perception induced by technologies, more specifically, digital devices.

Keyphrases: Communitas, Anti-structure, Flow, Social structure, Social acceleration, Crisis, St. James' Way, Digital, Obsolescence of knowledge, Presence, Crise
Le style emblématique des potières Iroquoiennes du Saint-Laurent : comparaison interrégionale de deux attributs identitaires

This thesis concerns the detailed study of two stylistic attributes, the ladder plait motif and reed impressions, typically associated with St. Lawrence Iroquoian pottery during the Late Woodland period. Our research aims to demonstrate that these representative traits of a culture organised in provinces or regions can vary in their applications within the same region; evidence of internal variability among St. Lawrence Iroquoians. The presence of certain stylistic peculiarities on pottery is generally a sign of membership in a cultural group. Through a morphostylistic analysis we hope to demonstrate that, in spite of a certain cultural homogeneity, which we find in the global stylistic project, the agency of the craftswoman has to be taken into account in terms of the finishing and the "signature" of the pottery productions. Using the interregional comparisons of those two attributes, we shall demonstrate that the Saint-Anicet region, and in particular the Mailhot-Curran site (BgFn-2), is part of the St. Lawrence Iroquoian culture but remains distinctive from a stylistic point of view. We will use the data acquired during autumn 2014 at the Canadian Museum of History (CMH) from pottery collections of the Summerstown cluster of sites: Salem (BgFp-4), Glenbrook (BgFp-5) and Grays Creek (BgFp-6). This comparison will also allow us to highlight similarities that could lead to chronological proposals, including the placing of the Mailhot-Curran site in a wider chronocultural context than the Saint-Anicet region. At the scale of the Mailhot-Curran site, this approach will allow us to reach the hands of the potter through this stylistic dimension analysis, the hand of the potter, her relationship with her family within the longhouse, within her household, and with her clan within the village.

Keyphrases: Archaeology, St. Lawrence Iroquoians, pottery, ladder plait motif, reed punctation, identity, Late Woodland, Saint Lawrence Valley
Le vêtement, outil d’inclusion sociale pour femmes baby-boomers en situation de handicap, potentiellement en situation de handicap et en processus de vieillissement : le manteau d’hiver

This cross-sector study in clothing design and occupational therapy targets women of the baby boomer generation with disabilities, eventual disabilities, and in the process of ageing. Often these women tend to isolate themselves because, for example, their coats are simply inadequate in winter. Supported by principles of universal and inclusive design, this study helps identify how the concepts of HEDONISM, COMFORT, and FUNCTIONALITY are expressed and articulated, and which insights could inform the design of a winter coat from an Aging in place perspective. The on-going relationship between body and clothes allows to analyze the ageing process, both on the physiological and cultural realms. This thesis proposes the study of how these phenomena affect ageing women. Julia Twigg’s work is an essential point of reference here. In order to deduce the parameters of design, a qualitative research includes interviews with four women, direct observations, as well as individual fittings of their own winter coats. The ensuing data brought forth a new concept, and this concept is TEMPORALITY (the progression of ideas and perceptions linked to clothing and women undergoing with disabilities, eventual disabilities, and in the process of ageing). Time acts like an umbrella under which we find the three main concepts mentioned above. Criteria for designs are thus revealed. For one point, affordability promotes social inclusion. Accessories are unavoidable considerations when modeling attire. Sportswear technology is of primary importance for HEDONISM, COMFORT and FUNCTIONNALITY clothing, as is versatility. The creation of specs sets for an interdisciplinary design of an eloquent coat suitable for harsh winters is the goal of this study. These winter coats should be pleasing to the contemporary tastes of women of the baby boomer generation. In conclusion, this systemic approach to clothing design for the baby boomer woman offers a new way to shoulder old age.

Keyphrases: Aging in place, design, body, clothing, inclusive design, occupational therapy, winter, women baby-boomers
La preservation d'une gare historique et la perspective de l'usager

Contemporary theories of conservation, urban planning and architecture all work together to integrate citizen participation into their processes, with a view to sustainable development. Several issues influence decisions regarding the fate of abandoned train stations. This study attempts to clarify the impact of some of these issues such as what are the new uses that give the station its new "life", what is the architecture of the station itself and how it will be treated or modified, the space of the station and its transformation and ultimately the appropriation of this space by the citizens. The methodological approach that is chosen is qualitative and combines content analysis and case study methodologies. The case study chosen is of Westmount station in Westmount, Quebec, Canada, it is examined in comparison with the case of Orsay station transformed into the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, France. The views  of users are explored to comprehend how they understand the space of the station, how they might react in case its architecture remains intact and a new use is granted to it, and in case the interior and/or exterior architecture is modified by adding contemporary structures to accommodate one or more new uses. Comparing the results of the Musée d'Orsay and Westmount station helped to better understand the context and its political/economic, heritage/sustainability and social/spatial variables. While divided, many participants expressed various and rich opinions. These included having a mix of historic architecture and contemporary architecture to favour the preservation of the historic sections by updating the building and its facilities and extending their use. However, this could not materialize without the fulfillment of certain conditions, including political/economic support from the city, a contemporary architecture that is uncluttered, simple or an architecture that mimics existing architecture, and finally the appropriation of space by users. This appropriation seems to depend on the final architecture and its harmonization with the existing architecture. Users seem to appropriate more the space of the station, with or without a new structure, especially if there is participation on their part in the process of rehabilitation. Giving a voice to users and their suggestions is important as they would "inhabit" better the space if they participate in the project. In addition, recommendations on conservation, especially that some changes could occur, more specifically in terms of the mix of historic architecture and contemporary architecture, are to be considered.

Keyphrases: Appropriation, Preservation, Historic architecture, Contemporary architecture, Mix, Users, Space, Appropriation, New resources, Limited use
BRCA Previvors: Medical and Social Factors That Differentiate Them From Previvors With Other Hereditary Cancers

In this paper, I outline some of the reasons why BRCA “previvors” (i.e., “survivors of a predisposition to cancer”) are different from previvors with other hereditary cancers. I examine how the absence of a standard of care for breast cancer risk for women with a BRCA mutation, coupled with a broad range of genetic penetrance and lower mortality, makes BRCA different than other hereditary cancers that have clear and established guidelines. In addition to these medical differences, social factors like the cultural prominence of breast cancer and the social significance of breasts have engendered a more complicated individual previvor identity for and cultural response to women with a BRCA mutation.

Keyphrases: previvor, BRCA, hereditary cancer, breast cancer
Compte-rendu de L’éthique clinique : pour une approche relationnelle dans les soins, 2014, Hubert Doucet, Paramètres, Les Presses de l’Université de Montréal

In his book L’éthique clinique pour une approche relationnelle (Clinical Ethics: A Relational Approach), Hubert Doucet proposes an approach to clinical ethics that includes various theoretical and practical perspectives, notably that of the philosopher Paul Ricoeur. Doucet argues for a relational vision of clinical ethics practice, an ethics of caregivers that, in his words, “needs to be built from the experience of the disease and adapted to the ill person.”

Keyphrases: éthique clinique, clinical ethics, bioethics, care ethics, medical ethics
Expanding and defining human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells ex vivo using small molecules

Human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are defined by their capacity to self-renew and to differentiate into all blood lineages during an adult lifetime. Based on these unique properties, HSCs are used in transplantation procedures to treat various hematological diseases. However, the low number of HSCs in a graft limits the use of this treatment. To overcome this restrain, different approaches were established to expand HSCs ex vivo; yet, the absence of a reliable surface maker that correlates with HSC activity in culture made the assessment labor-intensive and time-consuming. Using a library of small molecules, we were able to identify pyrimidoindole derivative named UM171 as an agonist for HSC self-renewal. UM171 promotes ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic and stem cell progenitors (HSPC) independently of AhR suppression- a pathway reported by Boitano et al. to have the greatest effect in HSC expansion. Unlike AhR suppression that targets a hematopoietic population with limited proliferative potential, UM171 targets the long-term HSCs. Transcriptome analysis showed that UM171 reduces the levels of transcripts associated with lineage differentiation and induces the expression of genes encoding for membrane proteins, one of the best differentially expressed being the endothelial protein c receptor (EPCR). Cell sorting and transplantation experiments of EPCR expressing cells showed a high correlation with HSC activity. We demonstrated EPCR as a first reliable marker to enrich for HSC in culture and that it is required for HSPC function in vivo. These findings provide a valuable tool for clinical and research applications to optimize further HSPC expansion protocols and understand the molecular machinery that governs the HSC self-renewal.

Keyphrases: Cord Blood, Hematopoietic Stem Cell, Self-renewal, Small Molecule, Surface Marker
Self-care tools to treat depressive symptoms in older adults with ocular diseases : a randomized controlled clinical trial

Purpose: Depression is a common problem in people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR). Antidepressants and psychotherapy are often underutilized. Our goal was to determine if self-care tools plus limited telephone support could reduce depressive symptoms. Methods: A single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted at Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital in Montreal, Canada. All eligible patients were invited to participate in the trial. To be eligible, participants must have had either late stage AMD or DR, at least mild depressive symptoms, and visual acuity better than 20/200 in their better eye. Half were randomized to the intervention arm and half to delayed intervention/usual care. The intervention consisted of large print written and audio tools incorporating cognitive-behavioral principles plus three 10-minute telephone calls from a coach. Eight-week follow-up data were collected by telephone. The primary outcome was the 8-week change in depressive symptoms as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Results: Eighty participants, aged 50 years and older, were recruited while 10 were lost to follow-up (12.5%) giving 70 with complete data, 35 in each group. The mean baseline PHQ-9 score was 9.5 out of 27 (SD=3.9) indicating moderate depressive symptoms. The average decrease in PHQ-9 scores over the 8 weeks was 4.9 (SD=4.2) in the intervention group and 3.2 (SD=4.6) in the usual care group, a 1.7 point difference (P=0.104). After adjusting for baseline imbalances in visual acuity, ii antidepressant use, and participation in psychotherapy, the difference increased from 1.7 to 2.3 and became statistically significant (p=0.037). Sixty percent of those in the intervention group reported having used the tools at the end of the study. Conclusions: Self-care tools plus telephone coaching led to a small improvement in depressive symptoms in patients with age-related eye disease. Additional research into the best way to support depressed patients with age-related eye disease is necessary.

Keyphrases: Self-care tools, Randomized Controlled Trial, Eye disease, Depressive symptoms