NCube/papyrus huggingface dataset:
Plasticité de la réponse aux orientations dans le cortex visuel primaire du chat par la méthode d'imagerie optique intrinsèque

In the cat primary visual cortex (areas 17 and 18), neurons responding to orientations in the environment (such as the outline of objects) are organized in columns perpendicular to the cortical surface. It was previously shown that a drastic change in orientations in the environment changes the response of neurons. For example, a neuron responding to a horizontal orientation will respond, after learning a new environment, to an oblique orientation. In this thesis, we seek to follow the changes of properties of large populations of neurons due to this type of learning. To this end, we used the intrinsic signals optical imaging technique, which measures the activity of a cortical surface using the BOLD (blood-oxygen-level dependent) signal. This thesis follows three axes: the effect of learning at the local level, the effect of learning at the visual area scale, and the modeling of learning. In the first part, we compared the changes in orientation of neurons according to the local gradient of orientation. This gradient is strong when two neighboring neurons have very different orientations, and weak when their orientations are similar. The obtained relation between the gradient and the magnitude of change in orientation shows that when neurons are increasingly surrounded by neurons with different orientations, they change their response to orientation to a greater extent. This suggests that local connections have a decisive influence on the extent of learning. In the second part, we followed the change in the orientation of neurons in the areas 17 and 18, before and after learning. The results are not significantly different between area 17 and area 18. However, it is noteworthy that orientation changes in area 18 are more variable in amplitude than in area 17. This may be because area 18 receives more diverse inputs than area 17, including a direct input from dLGN (dorsal Lateral Geniculate Nucleus) Y cells. In the third part, we modeled the experimentally observed learning with neural networks using a Hebbian learning rule (networks are self-organizing maps). We have shown that feedback from higher areas to the primary visual cortex was desirable for the neurons orientation selectivity conservation. Overall, this thesis shows the importance of local connections in neuronal plasticity. In particular, they guarantee a homeostatic learning, i.e. maintaining the representativeness of orientations in the cortex. In a complementary manner, it also shows the importance of the superior areas in the conservation of learned orientations.

Keyphrases: V1, V2, A17, Adaptation, Primary Visual Cortex, Orientation map, Cat, Learning, Plasticity, Neural Networks
Les enjeux éthiques de la pratique privée de l’ergothérapie : perceptions d’ergothérapeutes

In Quebec, 31% of occupational therapists work in the private sector, which is constantly growing. To date, no studies have specifically documented the ethical issues involved in this practice. The objective of this study was to explore these issues, that is, situations that could compromise the respect of an ethical value. Using a phenomenology-inspired research protocol, seven occupational therapists were interviewed in semi-directed individual interviews. Based on the conceptual framework of Swisher and colleagues, the interview questionnaire permitted the identification of different types of ethical issues. The results show that several values are likely to be compromised: patient well-being, patient autonomy, public safety, distributive justice, quality of interventions, competent practice, professional independence, honesty and professionalism. Although occupational therapists are concerned about the well-being of patients, there are a number of factors that appear to contribute to compromised values, including dual-loyalty situations experienced by occupational therapists, third-party interference in the clinical process, and the funding of clinics. Moreover, the ethical issues of private practice occupational therapy are mainly macroscopic. The ability of occupational therapists to perceive some of these issues seems to be related to some of their characteristics, that is, their ethical sensitivity and the fact that they are novices. The results of this study are generally in line with those documented in the physiotherapy literature and demonstrate the lack of support available to occupational therapists, notably novices, to help effectively overcome these issues.

Keyphrases: occupational therapy, private practice, ethics, dual loyalty, ethical dilemma, ethical temptation, ethical distress
L’urgence, la préméditation, la persévérance et la recherche de sensations suite à un traumatisme cranio-cérébral en lien avec les fonctions exécutives

Impulsivity is a common sequela following traumatic brain injury (TBI) to which are associated many negative consequences and necessitates important resources. A thorough assessment of impulsivity is therefore necessary in a rehabilitation setting. However, there is no consensual definition of post TBI impulsivity nor is there a specific measure allowing its assessment. It is generally acknowledged, in recent literature, that impulsivity is a multidimensional construct. The UPPS-P model is gaining a significant amount of support and could allow a better understanding of post-TBI impulsivity. According to this model, there are four dimensions to impulsivity, namely urgency (tendency to experience and act on strong impulses frequently under conditions of strong affect),  lack of perseverance (inability to remain focused on a task that may be boring or difficult), lack of premeditation (inability to think and reflect on the consequences of an act before engaging in that act) and sensation seeking (tendency to enjoy activities that are exciting and a willingness to try new experiences). It has been suggested that urgency, lack of perseverance and lack of premeditation are linked to impairments on prepotent response inhibition, on resistance to proactive interference and on decision making, respectively (Bechara and Van der Linden, 2005). This conceptualisation offers a promising avenue as to the assessment of post-TBI impulsivity. This project aims to clarify the construct of post-TBI impulsivity, to determine whether the same cognitive mechanisms come into play in the different dimensions of impulsivity in an intensive functional rehabilitation setting and to determine which performance tasks allow the prediction of impulsive behaviors in that setting.  Firstly, a literature review among studies on post-TBI impulsivity gives support to a multidimensional conceptualisation of impulsivity and allows to bring out the obstacles which make the study of post-TBI impulsivity more complicated. Secondly, the use of different performance tasks is used to assess the links between UPPS-P dimensions and cognitive mechanisms. Results indicate impairments on the mechanisms linked to prepotent response inhibition, to resistance to proactive interference and to decision making. However, they do not support Bechara and Van der Linden’s (2005) propositions as to the underlying mechanisms to the dimensions of post-TBI impulsivity in an acute rehabilitation setting. Thirdly, the results show the relevance of ecological performance tasks as to the prediction of impulsive behaviors in everyday life. The theoretical and clinical implications of the results are discussed.

Keyphrases: inhibition, impulsivity, assessment, traumatic brain injury, urgency, perseverance, premeditation, sensation-seeking, decision-making, performance tasks, disinhibition, TBI, brain injury, impulse control, regulation, inhibitory control, definitions, upps
L’impact des capacités d'inhibition et de flexibilité cognitive sur le taux de réussite d'une thérapie cognitivo-comportementale pour les tics chroniques

Tics are involuntary motor movements or vocalizations which are sudden, rapid, stereotyped, non-rhythmic and repetitive (Bloch & Leckman, 2009). According to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5), Tourette’s Disorder (TD) includes multiple motor tics and at least one vocal tic that can be observed multiple times every day for more than a year (APA, 2013). When at least one motor or vocal tic can be observed for at least a year, Chronic Tic Disorder (CTD) is diagnosed instead.  Multiple studies show similarities between TD and CTD for comorbidities as well as associated neuropsychological and psychosocial variables (Spencer & al., 1995; Shapiro & Shapiro, 1982). Many authors suggest that CTD is actually a milder form of TD (Jedynak, 2004). The harmful effects of chronic tics on social, academic or professional life are extensively documented in the scientific literature (Cavanna, Servo, Monaco & Robertson, 2009; Robertson, 2006; Thibert, Day & Sandor, 1995). Cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT) represent an alternative to medications whose side effects can sometimes be incapacitating. However, their success rate is highly variable, from 30% to 67% depending on the study (Verdellen, Van de Griendt, Hartmann & Murphy, 2011; Piacentini & al., 2010; O’Connor et al., 2015, 2008, 2005a, 2005b, 2001, 1997a, 1997b, 1997c). For this reason, many authors tried to predict the therapeutic success rate by using a series of neuropsychological factors in order to explain these variations. The general consensus is that the success rate of a CBT depends on executive functioning, notably on inhibition and cognitive flexibility.  Participants in this study are adults aged 18 to 50 suffering from TD or CTD (n = 92) who are compared to participants without a diagnosed psychiatric or neurological disorder (n = 56). The data was collected at the Centre d’Étude sur les Troubles Obsessionnels-Compulsifs et les Tics (CÉTOCT) between 2003 and 2013. The objective of the first part of this study was to compare the inhibition and cognitive flexibility of a group of participants with chronic tics and a group of neurotypical participants (control group). On the other hand, the aim of the second component was to measure inhibition and cognitive flexibility in two subgroups of participants : a subgroup that strongly succeeded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for chronic tics and another with weak success. The results showed that participants with chronic tics had significantly lower inhibition and cognitive flexibility than a control group. However, only cognitive flexibility can significantly predict the therapeutic success rate associated with CBT for chronic tics.

Keyphrases: Inhibition, Tourette’s Disorder, Chronic Tic Disorder, Cognitive flexibility, Neuropsychology, Psychology, Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Le lien entre la consommation de drogues et la criminalité chez de jeunes contrevenants à haut risque et sa prise en charge par le Centre jeunesse de Montréal – Institut universitaire 

There are multiple studies on the complex relationship between drug use and crime. For example, alcohol intoxication has been linked to violent behaviour numerous times in the literature. One of the most widely used conceptual models to explain the link between drug use and crime is Goldstein’s (1985) tripartite model. However, it has been rarely used with a population of high-risk youths. In this regard, this report analyzes the files of 115 high risk delinquent youths under the care of a youth centre and studies the possible relationships between drug use and crime with the help of the tripartite model. This research also targets to document the interventions used by the workers with the juvenile delinquents pertaining to drug abuse. The obtained results show an important presence of alcohol and marijuana use and abuse, as well as a high propensity to use violence. The possible relationships between drug use and crime are then studied with the complete analysis of the high-risk youth follow-ups by using the categories inside the Goldstein (1985) tripartite model. Its findings identify a potential relationship between drug use and crime within 71 delinquent youths. The psychopharmacological model is the most represented, observed in the follow-ups of 45 juvenile offenders. On the other hand, the workers identify and explore the link between drug use and crime with only 26 adolescents. In regards to interventions, punishments are the most documented, present in 70 of the 71 follow-ups. On the opposite side, it is revealed that interventions considered to useful pertaining to the drug-crime link issue are only used within 19 of the clinical follow-ups. As for referrals, they are used with 41 of the juvenile offenders. While a conceptual model linking drug use and criminal activity is not foolproof, this research reveals issues with the identification of a potential drug use and crime relationship and with the interventions to be used when it is present. Keywords: substance abuse, drugs, crime, link, relationship, juvenile delinquents, high-risk youths, interventions, Montreal Youth Centre, psychopharmacologic, economic-compulsive, systemic.

Keyphrases: Goldstein, CJM-IU, interventions, crime, drug, juvenile delinquents, economic-compulsive, psychopharmacology
Évaluation du développement et de la mise en oeuvre d'un référentiel de compétences pour favoriser l'utilisation des connaissances issues de la recherche en éducation

To foster research knowledge utilization, the Centre de transfert pour la réussite éducative du Québec and the Équipe RENARD de recherche sur le transfert des connaissances wished to empower school practitionners to play the role of intermediate agents. To do so, they developped and implemented a competency model : the Référentiel d’agir compétent à l’intégration de connaissances favorables à la réussite éducative des jeunes du Québec. This thesis has three objectives : 1) present and analyze the program theory of this competency model’s elaboration process; 2) present and analyze the program theory of the implementation of this competency model and 3) present the results of the evaluation of the process and mecanism of the project. In order to achieve these objectives, a qualitative methodology has been used, based on the Integrative process/outcome evaluation approach described by Chen (2015). The first article of the thesis present the competency model’s elaboration process and analyze this process comparing it with the best practices in the field. The second article present the components of the action model and those of the change model. In comparing the action and change model’s components with the litterature, the second article demonstrate that the program theory of the project is plausible. The third and last article of the thesis shows that the project has had an influence on the way the participants perceive there role in fostering knowledge utilization. This article also reveals that the participants have been able, to some extent, to utilize in their practice the ressources they acquired in the project. Finally, this article also present an analyze of the components that have helped or hindered the achievements of the project.

Keyphrases: Transfert des connaissances, Knowledge Utilization, Competency modelling, Knowledge Transfer
Étude de la dynamique de croissance de revêtements nanostructurés multifonctionnels sur le bois par plasmas froids à la pression atmosphérique

The objective of this thesis is to achieve advanced fundamental study of plasmas aimed at the deposition of functional nanostructured coatings on wood. A particular emphasis is placed on dielectric barrier discharges (DBD) at atmospheric pressure that do not require expensive vacuum systems and therefore are more easily combined with an industrial approach of production chain. Throughout our research, we realized that the deposits on wood substrates present much more scientific and technological challenges than processes on conventional substrates. This can be explained by the micro and nanostructure, quite unique to this material that not only changes the physical and chemical properties of the plasma but also the thin films growth dynamics. In this context, from electrical and spectroscopic measurements, coupled with predictions of a collisional-radiative model, we first studied the influence of the presence of wood substrates on the physics of DBD. In the case of the helium plasma, we measured the outgassing effects of the substrate on the evolution of the electron temperature and the number density of atoms in a metastable level. We further demonstrated that the discharge could "localize" on some regions of the substrate, an effect attributed to spatial variations in the atom density of the substrate which directly influence the voltage applied locally to the gas, and consequently, the local values of the discharge current. Subsequently, we studied the addition of an organosilicon precursor in the plasma for plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. We noted that the surface becomes highly hydrophobic with contact angles greater than 130° due to the deposition of organosilicon fragments. In addition, these coatings exhibit excellent dimensional stability, a result very promising for applications. In the presence of outgassing effects, however, we noted that the coatings exhibited an interfacial SiOx layer, paving the way for multifunctional coatings: barrier properties of the SiOx layer and hydrophobic properties provided by the topmost SiOCH layer. Finally, we attempted to integrate this knowledge and expertise in the field of cold plasma at atmospheric pressure to develop plasma jet configuration coatings rather than by direct exposure to the plasma

Keyphrases: Dielectric barrier discharge, Atmospheric-pressure plasmas, Collisional-radiative model, Multifunctional coatings, Wood
Representación de la naturaleza y el espacio en la pintura andina de los siglos XVII y XVIII

In the colonial period, the great subject matter of nature was instrumentalized by different sectors of Peruvian vice regal society. Essentially as an evangelization tool, but also as a space where colonial religiosity was manifested, the representation of nature was interpreted in different ways by artists and consumers of vice regal paintings. In this dissertation, we analyze the representation of nature in colonial Andean painting, focusing especially on the Central Andean region (currently covered by Peru and Bolivia) in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. This work seeks to move forward on an issue that has been largely underestimated by critical discourse of art history regarding the Latin American colonial period. We will discuss this problem from different perspectives. However, the religious aspect seems to be above all a fundamental element to explain the key issues behind this pictorial manner. The representation of nature was consistent with spiritual values that forged colonial religiosity. Andean people considered nature as a way to visualize deep metaphysical experiences by rethinking religious identities and granting to the images magical-religious powers essential for the well-being of communities. Beyond the religious aspect, we focus on the analysis of other consequences and interests that are related to the different forms of representation of territories and elements of nature, allowing different social groups to assert their ideological, political and cultural positions. The representation of nature and space in colonial painting was never a simple decorative object, nor, in the case of religious painting, did it fulfil the role of scenographic framework and background to pictorial stories. The colonial painters treated this element with particular concern, conceding it special value and narrative powers, according to different preoccupations in colonial society.

Keyphrases: Nature morte, Art of the Viceroyalty of Peru, Andean viceregal painting, Painting and nature, Landscape, Still life
L’argent ne fait pas le bonheur : les discours sur la société de consommation et les modes de vie à Montréal, 1945-1975

This dissertation examines discourses on consumer society in Montreal between 1945 and 1975, during a period known as the “golden age of capitalism.” Relying on a variety of sources that reflect a diversity of perspectives — namely mainstream periodicals, “feminine” magazines, social work theses, commissions of inquiry, and publications produced by financial institutions, parent associations, unions, Catholic organizations, and community associations — this dissertation reveals how a wide array of commentators perceived the beginnings of mass consumerism in Montreal and its repercussions on lifestyles. It also explores, to an extent, how so-called ordinary people experienced these beginnings and repercussions in their everyday lives. Although economic indicators display a relative prosperity, this dissertation first offers a quantitative analysis that shows that consumer society did not truly begin in Montreal (or Quebec more generally) before the 1960s. This study then proceeds to a qualitative analysis of discourses concerning Quebec’s and Canada’s economic situation. Apprehensions surrounding the economy persisted throughout this period — most notably around inflation, despite its being under control — and several experts continued to view prosperity as fragile. This dissertation then looks at the positive, ambivalent, but more frequently negative reactions to the beginnings of mass consumerism and the changes in values it entailed. It then finally examines discourses that addressed the repercussions of consumer society on household financial practices, on familial relationships and identity construction within the home, and on poverty. This dissertation suggests that French-Québécois experts resisted mass consumerism to a greater extent than their anglophone colleagues and that the arrival of consumer society reinforced patriarchy (at least discursively). It also highlights a rupture within discourses on consumerism sometime around 1965 as the conservatism of the previous two decades gave way to ideas linked to the social unrest of the mid-to-late 1960s and early 1970s. From the mid 1960s onward, most commentators began to understand phenomena like debt and poverty as fundamentally connected to consumerism as they developed an oftentimes militant socializing rhetoric that increasingly viewed consumption itself as a structural and collective problem.

Keyphrases: XXe siècle, Conditions sociales, Genre, Consumerism, History, Twentieth century, Living conditions, Consumer credit, Gender, Poverty, Lifestyles