NCube/papyrus huggingface dataset:
Adieu ma concubine vu par des Chinois vivant à Montréal : stéréotypes et enjeux de communication interculturelle

Based on the Chinese film Farewell my concubine, this research proposes a study of the stereotypes perceived by the members of a target culture within the intercultural communication field. Starting by the stereotypes drawn in this film, this research studies everyday stereotypes about China and the Chinese by conducting one-on-one interviews with Chinese people living in Montreal divided into three groups depending upon how long they have been living in Canada. The interviewees challenge the cognitivist perspectives of stereotypes while confirming the critical ones. About including and excluding people inside or outside their community, that is, relationships that define who are "we" facing who are "them", there is a gradual evolution in relation to the time of stay in Canada in the major concerns for the participants talking about stereotypes, demonstrating different outcomes of acculturation to the host society for the Chinese diaspora in Canada. Thus, perceptions of stereotypes are not fixed once and for all but are strongly relational and affected by the level of acculturation in Canada.

Keyphrases: Stereotypes, Chinese film, intercultural communication, Chinese diaspora, social integration
Témoins de l'horreur, images de terreur : pour un portrait du sujet actuel

The present Master’s thesis explores the phenomenon of capturing, distributing and viewing personal and emotional videos, created with a portable digital apparatus, such as a Smartphone, during terrorist attacks in the Western world. Thinking this phenomenon as, above all, “actual”, the thesis examines what, I believe, are its main characteristics, in order to understand and analyze the possible needs and desires behind it, its context of emergence, and its anchorage in the present of the West and in the subject who inhabits it. Based on an epistemology that I would call “hypermodern,” the analysis explores the fabrication of a “weak” ontology of the actual Western subject: an ideal subject who is imagined through the phenomenon and its characteristics, an imaginary subject at once capturer and viewer of the image. Anchored in the theory of philosopher Charles Taylor, in his conceptualization of the Modern Western world, in its sources and ideals, whose ideal of civilization is here put at the center, the current thesis then develops a portrait of the phenomenon at the same time as a portrait of the subject who could hide behind it. It builds a portrait of the phenomenon tied to a particular image, to the Smartphone and its technology, to terror and terrorism, and to atrocity and death. It builds a portrait of a subject tied to a distinct conception of four fundamental notions of human life, namely truth, existence, the Other, and finality.

Keyphrases: existence, fin, actuality, modernity, hypermodernity, ethics, ontology, photography, witness, truth, digital, smartphone, instantaneity, terrorism, terror, alterity, death, brutality, atrocity, vulnerability, precarity, humanness
Le passage du concept épistémique au concept pragmatiste de vérité chez Habermas

The conception of truth advocated by Habermas in 1972 involved a procedure of justification that did not leave any room for a direct confrontation with the thing (adaequatio). K.-O. Apel immediately criticized this narrow epistemic conception of truth, pointing out the “correspondence” that is an essential part of the idea of truth. The clash between the two authors on this matter comes to the fore in their respective interpretation of Husserl’s theory of evidence. In his book Truth and Justification published in 1999, Habermas introduces a modified version of his theory. He is from now on ready to acknowledge the fact that truth implies a certain form of realism, at least in the pragmatic context of the lifeworld. It is important to examine the role played by Rorty in this evolution of Habermas’s thought toward a pragmatist conception of truth.

Keyphrases: Habermas, Apel, Rorty, Truth, Realism, Pragmatism, Evidence
A passagem do conceito epistêmico ao conceito pragmatista de verdade em Habermas

The conception of truth advocated by Habermas in 1972 involved a procedure of justification that did not leave any room for a direct confrontation with the thing (adaequatio). K.-O. Apel immediately criticized this narrow epistemic conception of truth, pointing out the “correspondence” that is an essential part of the idea of truth. The clash between the two authors on this matter comes to the fore in their respective interpretation of Husserl’s theory of evidence. In his book Truth and Justification published in 1999, Habermas introduces a modified version of his theory. He is from now on ready to acknowledge the fact that truth implies a certain form of realism, at least in the pragmatic context of the lifeworld. It is important to examine the role played by Rorty in this evolution of Habermas’s thought toward a pragmatist conception of truth.

Keyphrases: Truth, Realism, Pragmatism, Evidence, Habermas, Apel, Rorty
Synthèse d'un copolymère ionique électrochimiquement actif à base de ferrocène-imidazolium et son utilisation possible en matériaux composites

Many years of research in the field of energy storage have led scientists to develop new materials capable of storing more specific energy, while providing high specific power. Among known devices, supercapacitors are viable alternatives to batteries, providing their specific energy can be increased. One way of increasing the supercapacitors’ energy densities is to exploit a pseudocapacitive charge storage mechanism that contributes to specific capacitance. Pseudocapacitance originates from the faradic electron exchange that is confined at the electrode surfaces. Selected materials such as ruthenium oxide (RuO2) and titanium oxide (TiO2) were investigated for their pseudocapacitive properties. It is also possible to modify an electrode surface with an electroactive compound to induce pseudocapacitance. This strategy was adopted in this research project by modifying electrochemically exfoliated graphite with an ionic redox-active polymer, consisting of ferrocene repeating units, named poly(N-vinyl-N’-(methylferrocenyl)imidazolium chloride-co-N-vinylimidazole) (PVFI-Cl) or simply, PVFI-Cl. The polymer was prepared by free radical polymerization. The structure and purity were verified by NMR, XPS and IR spectroscopies. The electrochemical results confirmed that the PVFI-Cl was electroactive. Furthermore, the PVFI-Cl was incorporated into the exfoliated graphite yielding the composite material PVFI-Cl:ec-graphite, whose morphological and pseudocapacitive properties were studied. PVFI-Cl’s integrity was also assessed by various methods that showed no significant structural and electronic modification occurred after the polymer was incorporated in the composite material. Moreover, it was possible to determine that standard exchange rate constant of k0 = 3.8 x 10-4 cm∙s-1 for PVFI-Cl which is ten times higher than that of PVF (3.8±0.5) x 10-4 cm∙s-1. Keywords:

Keyphrases: Redox-active ionic polymer, Electrochemistry, Composite material, Carbon-based materials properties, Pseudocapacitance, Supercapacitors
Caractérisation des solvants régénérables utilisés pour la capture du CO2 par chromatographie liquide couplée à la spectrométrie de masse

Despite the emergence of renewable energy, fossil fuels still make up the bulk of Canada's energy production. In order to limit the production of greenhouse gases, which is governed by several government laws, the industry uses regenerable amine solvents for CO2 capture. The characterization of these solvents and their degradation products that have not yet been identified during the isolation (or sequestration) of CO2 is essential in order to verify their efficiencies. The research presented in this thesis is about the development of a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analytical method to separate all known species in the different regenerable amine solvents. To do this, the determination of the best of the five stationary phases that were previously selected was performed in order to select the one that offers the best separation of a mixture of 16 known degradation products and the capture solvent at an established concentration. Using pre-established performance criteria and five different mobile phase conditions, three stationary phases were selected for optimization of chromatographic separation parameters (mobile phase composition, mobile phase flow rate, elution gradient, etc.). The optimization of the various instrumental parameters was carried out in order to determine the stationary phase which gives the best separation of the different target analytes in the samples provided according to these criteria. Using this method, it will be possible to identify new species present in these solutions using high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). The transfer of the optimized method to our industrial partner's laboratory will be carried out after the final validation of the method so that the analyses made in their laboratory will allow them to monitor and quantify the known analytes with a better sensitivity more quickly and more efficiently. This will allow them to optimize the different amine solvents they use in the short term to achieve better carbon capture efficiency for economical and environmental purposes.

Keyphrases: LC-MS, Method development, Aqueous amine solvents, Degradation products, CO2 capture
Développement de biocapteurs pour le diagnostic portable d’antibiotiques et de HER2

In hospitals, analytical tests requiring long analysis and qualified personnel are currently used. This situation is considerably slowing down the treatment and the recovery of patients and increasing hospital expenses. Therefore, it is essential that researchers focus on the development of new analytical techniques that are faster, simpler and as sensitive as current methods. It is in this context that biosensors are the perfect candidates to improve technologies in the healthcare system. Biosensors can be fast, precise and portable devices that can be easily used by the public. Thus, as part of this masters’ thesis, innovative point-of-care biosensors for biomolecules will be presented.  The development of biosensors for antibiotics was prioritized because of the global healthcare problem of the bacterial resistance developed toward these molecules. In addition, antibiotic treatment requires close monitoring to ensure the dose is within the narrow therapeutic range, to avoid severe side effects or underdosing. As a first example, aminoglycosides were analyzed using a surface plasmon resonance competitive assay. Thus, aminoglycosides competed with active pyrrolo-[1,5-a]pyrazine analogs functionalized on gold nanoparticles to bind the protein receptor on the biosensor. Secondly, a fluorescence biosensor was built to monitor vancomycin for the SensUs Competition. The BiosensUM team, for which I was the leader, has developed a competitive assay where sample vancomycin and fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled vancomycin compete to bind the anti-vancomycin antibodies on the surface. This test occurred in a microfluidic chip placed in a custom-made fluorimeter. A mobile application was used to extract the results.  Finally, an instrument combining surface plasmon resonance and electrochemiluminescence was built in collaboration with Dr. Polo from the National Cancer Institute (CRO) Aviano in Italy. A biosensor coupling these two techniques was developed to monitor a biomarker of breast cancer, the extracellular domain of the HER2 transmembrane protein.

Keyphrases: SPR, Biosensor, Surface Plasmon Resonance, Fluorescence, ECL, Aminoglycosides, HER2, Instrument de diagnostic portable, Electrochemiluminescence, Antibiotics, Vancomycin, Breast Cancer Biomarker, Point-of-care Instrument, Nanoparticles
Étude de la déflexion électrochimique de micro-leviers fonctionnalisés d'une monocouche auto-assemblée électroactive

Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) chemisorbed on a metallic substrate can react and change their physicochemical properties when an electric potential is applied. Alkanethiols with a redox functional end group are excellent candidates for the preparation of electroactive platforms on gold electrod. Ferrocene-terminated SAMs are a great model, whose electrochemical properties are stable and reversible. In this research project, SAMs of ferrocenylalkanethiolates on gold are used as electrochemically switchable surfaces for electroactuation.  The objective of this research project is to study the effect of chain length and order in a self-assembled monolayer. To do this, surface characterization by different methods (AFM, IR, electrochemistry and TOF-SIMS) and the deflection of microcantilevers functionalized with ferrocenylalkanethiolate are studied. Microcantilevers are simple microelectromechanical devices (MEMS), with the ability to react by a movement to a physical or chemical disturbance that induces a surface change. The pairing of the anion of the electrolyte, ClO4¯, following ferrocene oxidation  to ferrocenium, which induces a change in compressive surface stress and where three phenomena have been observed. The first phenomenon is the comparison of the surface change between the alkanethiols with a ferrocene terminal group and the n-alkanethiols (inert thiols). This allows to observe at positive potentials, the deflection observed for the alkanethiolates comes from the permeability of the anions inside the monolayer. The second phenomenon is the effect of the electrolyte. The trend observed is the influence of the nature of the counter-ion, the cation of the electrolyte, and  the influence of the concentration for the electrolyte. The third phenomenon is the influence of the chain length of the ferrocenylalkanethiols chain on the surface stress change. These trends will evaluate the use of micro-levers in different fields.

Keyphrases: Microcantilever, Electrochemistry, Self-assembled monolayer, Ferrocenylalkanethiols, Surface stress
Archivage et transmission des films de famille dans l’environnement numérique

This dissertation aims for a better understanding of value and uses of homes movies and alternative practices deployed to archive them, then considers how they contribute to the renewal of archival perspectives. First, we observe the main material, discursive and expressive components which define home movies and what makes their archiving problematic (part 1). Then, we examine their qualities and possible uses and assess the reasons that justify, despite their trivial, redundant and incomplete nature, their archiving and their inclusion into the audiovisual heritage of the nations (part 2). The fact that they are taken into consideration by the archives is part of the postmodern approach, which argues for the necessity to preserve and to disseminate more diversified representations of the society, while the practices deployed to archive them are part of the contemporary approach, which count on use of the archives and direct involvement of community members at all stages of the archiving process (part 3). Finally, we study a few home movies archiving projects taking place outside major heritage institutions, trough the intermediary of regional organizations and independent networks which adhere to the community archives model and the collector-storyteller spirit. We analyse how these projects make the most of digital environments to gather related movies into collections of interest, to make them visible and intelligible in the eyes of the community through acts of edition and narration, and to establish common spaces of sharing which support their consultation, their interpretation and their usage in order to maintain their meaning potential over time (part 4).

Keyphrases: Archive, Film orphelin, Appraisal, Archival practice, Archival theory, Archive collection, Audiovisual archive, Audiovisual heritage, Community archives, Digital environment, Home movie, Orphan film
La racine des mots : héritage, langue et identité chez les apprenants du gaélique irlandais au Canada

The Irish are among the European founding peoples of Canada. Arriving by thousands during the 19th century, they marked the culture and genealogy of Canada, especially in the East. Yet, there is no trace of their language in Canadian homes. But the Gaelic language has not disappeared. It has actually experienced a resurgence in recent decades. Driven by their heritage, but also by a strong interest in the culture, more than a hundred Canadians learn the Irish language each year, helping to revitalize this endangered language. This research will show that Irish Gaelic is alive in Canada, fueled by people's interest in Irish culture and their own ancestry, and even building the identity of a more committed minority.

Keyphrases: Gaélophone, Ancêtres, Immigration, Minority language, Multiculturalism, Language learning, Irish diaspora, Ancestors, Gaelophone, Linguistic identity, Irish Gaelic, Diasporic language
La gouvernance de proximité en contexte interculturel : villes et intégration des immigrants au Québec

Population flows, influenced by either political or environmental issues, but also by countries needs with regards to labour and demographic growth, have a significant impact on social dynamics in contemporary societies. This ‘diversification of diversity’ (Vertovec, 2007) reveals political and administrative problems faced by the institutions. The subject of this research is the emergent role of municipalities with regards to the integration of newcomers in Quebec. For this research, I took part in the meetings of the Réseau des municipalités en immigration et relations interculturelles (RÉMIRI). Those meetings allowed me to better understand the issues of the municipal governance with regards to the integration of immigrant, but also visible and ethnic minorities. This network is composed of municipal civil servants who are looking for tools to help them respond to the new challenges of cities which are increasingly diverse. The principal objective was to understand the impact of the local turn in the province of Quebec according to immigration and intercultural relations and to provide a critical analysis of municipalities and municipal actors as important players in intercultural policy and practice.

Keyphrases: Immigration, Gouvernance locale, Relations interculturelles, Municipalités, Institutional ethnography, Local turn, Immigration, Local governance, Systemic analysis, Public policy, Intercultural relations, Municipalities
L’exploitation faunique au site BiFk-5 : étude zooarchéologique des restes squelettiques mammaliens

This master's thesis presents the results of a zooarchaeological study on the faunal remains from the BiFk-5 archaeological site of île Saint-Bernard located in the municipality of Châteauguay on the south shore of the Saint-Lawrence, in the greater Montréal region. The study focuses on contexts from the 17th and 18th centuries historically associated with fur trade activities. The analysis of 3914 skeletal remains of mammalian origin and cut marks shows that the site’s occupants exploited a wide range of wild taxa. For their dietary needs, they especially consumed pigs and beavers. In addition, multiple fur bearing taxa and diagnostic cut marks indicate that regular fur extraction activities were carried out on the site. The comparison between the BiFk-5 site faunal assemblage and assemblages from similar archaeological contexts reveals a significant contribution of wild taxa to the dietary practices of trading post inhabitants, enabling us to recognize a zooarchaeological signature characteristic of trading post.

Keyphrases: Archaeology, Zooarchaeology, Trading post, 17th and 18th century, Cut marks
Du choc à la confusion : la rencontre interculturelle dans les stages Québec Sans Frontières au Sénégal

In recent years, voluntourism has become the object of increasing criticism, but the boundaries around this concept are unclear. In Quebec, the Quebec Without Borders (QWB) program, created in 1995, offers “initiation to international cooperation” internships for young Quebecers aged 18 to 35. Defending itself from being associated with voluntourism, the program places emphasis on its primary missions of solidarity and rapprochement. On the question of intercultural encounters, the literature on international volunteering is divided between enthusiastic postures and critical postures. While the object of study is almost always the result of the encounter, this research focuses on its process, which makes it possible to understand the dynamic nature of interactions in intercultural encounters. Standing out from the theoretical apparatus and analyses borrowed from tourism studies, this research was inspired by the literature on student mobility, focusing on adaptation and learning processes. To be able to grasp the interactional nature of the intercultural encounter, this research mobilizes an intercultural theoretical framework inspired by Gadamer's hermeneutic philosophy, systemic approaches to human relations, ethnographies of communication and interactive sociolinguistics. This research project thus takes the form of an ethnography of the intercultural encounter in the Quebec Without Borders internships in Senegal, in which I intend to answer the following question: How are the cultural and intercultural knowledge produced, through the encounter, and how do they relate to the processes of adaptation and integration of the participants? This research is the result of an ethnographic fieldwork of 4 months, in Quebec and Senegal, following the course of two cohorts of participants, in two different international cooperation organizations, doing a QWB internship in Senegal, in the summer of 2017.

Keyphrases: Adaptation, Quebec Without Borders, Voluntourism, International volunteering, Intercultural encounter, Adaptation, Intergration, Intercultural skills, Culture shock, Culture confusion, Comprehension, Hermeneutic philosophy, Systemicanalysis, Quebec, Senegal