NCube/papyrus huggingface dataset:
Effets de l'arme à feu sur la carrière criminelle: Sondage auprès de détenus fédéraux au Québec

The criminal career is defined in terms of number, intensity and duration, and severity, thus integrating dimensions such as the diversity of crimes, specialization in a particular type of crime, and the frequency of crimes per month. Firearms play a role in this criminal career and represent the tool that will make the job easier. The general aim of this study is to observe the effects of firearms on parameters of the criminal career and to understand their evolution in terms of firearm acquisition and individual criminal predispositions. The data is self-reported and comes from a survey of 253 inmates in various penitentiary institutions in Quebec. The results of the multiple regression and multinomial logistic regression analysis reveal significant effects of the firearm carrying frequency and its use on crime diversity. The frequent firearm carrying influences the frequency of property crimes per month of activity, whereas the occasional firearm carrying influences the frequency of violent crimes per month. This frequency is also influenced by firearms ownership. Finally, the firearm use with the intention to commit a crime play a role on the three parameters of the criminal career defined initially.Firearms facilitate crimes and make the offenders more active and prolific.

Keyphrases: Violence, Firearms, Criminal career, Criminal pathways, Firearms carrying, Gun use, Violent crimes, Property crimes, Market crimes, Violence, Criminal profile
Développement d’un outil bio-informatique pour l’annotation des associations entre gènes et métabolites basée sur les voies métaboliques

Metabolomic enables the investigation of metabolites belonging to different chemical classes (ex: lipids, sugars, amino acids) which requires various methodologies and analytical tools. The current bottleneck is the impossibility to investigate every metabolite classes within one metabolic study or using one protocol. Thus, it is crucial to develop methods and tools to predict metabolites or metabolite classes to analyze for a given phenotype. The aim of this study was to develop a bioinformatic tool to prioritize metabolites to analyze based on the genomic architecture of a given phenotype. To achieve our goal, we hypothesized that genes encoding enzymes catalyzing metabolic reactions have an impact on the metabolite levels that are near them in metabolic pathways. We developed a method to compute the shortest reactional distance (srd) between a gene and a metabolite mapped on the metabolic pathways of the KEGG database. To test our method, we applied it to a dataset of statistical associations between genes (SNPs annotated to their putative gene) and metabolites reported by the mGWAS study of Shin et al. We mapped and annotated an srd value for 49 of the 79 associations involving a gene encoding an enzyme and a metabolite of that dataset with a median value of 1. Meaning there is only one reaction separating the gene from the associated metabolite. This indicates the genes could have a significant impact on metabolite levels. On the other hand, the lack of coverage of the associations could be improved by applying the method to other databases, in particular, Recon2. In conclusion, PathQuant and its future developments represent a relevant tool to predict a metabolic profil to analyze based on the genomic architecture of a given phenotype, in addition, it can improve the understanding of the genes control on metabolism.

Keyphrases: mGWAS, Metabolomic, Genomic, Metabolic network, KEGG, mGWAS, Graph theory
The small subunit of the mitoribosome from Andalucia godoyi : isolation and study of its protein composition

Mitochondria originated from an ingested alpha-proteobacterium that developed a permanent endosymbiont relation with its host. Thereafter, most of the endosymbiont’s genes were lost or migrated to the host, and the mitoribosome was remodeled by shortening the mito-ribosomal RNAs (mt-rRNAs) and the recruitment of new mitochondrion-specific ribosomal proteins (mito-r-proteins). Yet, how exactly this evolutionary remodeling took place remains speculative due to the small number of studies in primitive eukaryotes. Here we show that the mt-SSU ribosome of A. godoyi, a free-living heterotrophic flagellated jakobid with the most primitive mitochondrial genome, has an elevated proportion of bacteria-like components compared to its counterpart in highly diverged eukaryotes. We found by mass spectrometry analysis that the mt-SSU ribosome of A. godoyi contains more homologs of bacterial r-proteins (21 proteins) than its counterpart in any other eukaryote (from 9 to 20 proteins). Although the mt-SSU ribosome of A. godoyi represents a more primitive stage of mitoribosome remodeling, some of the mitochondrion-specific proteins are already present (S25, S29, S33, S35, Rsm22, and Mrp10), yet to a smaller extent than in the mt-SSU ribosome of S. cerevisiae (16 proteins) and H. sapiens (13 proteins). Furthermore, the mt-SSU ribosome of A. godoyi lacks the mito-r-proteins S22, S26, S27, S31, S34, S36, S37, S38, S39, S41, S42, S43, S44, S45, S46, S48, and S49 -most of which are eukaryotic-specific. Our results, in addition to the bacteria-like features of A. godoyi’s mt-rRNAs, demonstrate that this organism possesses the most primitive mt-SSU ribosome known. The characterization of primitive mitoribosomes may be a starting point for studying the early and intermediate steps in mitoribosome evolution.

Keyphrases: mitoribosome, small subunit, Discoba, Excavata
Analyse du rôle de la paire de gènes A830082K12Rik/Nr2f1 dans la gliogenèse du système nerveux entérique

The Spot mouse line is a model for Waardenburg syndrome associated with Hirschsprung’s disease (Waardenburg syndrome type 4). Spot mice suffer from a lack of neural crest cell (NCC)-derived cells including myenteric neurons in the colon and melanocytes in the skin and vestibule. The Nr2f1-A830082K12Rik (K12) gene pair is significantly overexpressed in enteric NCC (ENCC) of Spot embryos. In addition, ENCC of Spot embryos prematurely differentiate into glial cells at the expense of undifferentiated progenitors. Several recent studies suggest that some cases of Hirschsprung’s disease could be explained by an early glial differentiation of ENCC induced by Sonic Hedgehog (SHH). Our first goal is therefore to determine if and how NR2F1 transcription factor and its paralog NR2F2 are involved in the SHH-induced gliogenesis. Our second goal is to determine if the lncRNA K12 is able to regulate a neighboring gene in cis. We have observed that treatment of P19 cells (mouse embryonic stem cell model) with SHH effectively induces the expression of Nr2f1 and Nr2f2 (measured by RT-PCR) as well as several glial markers. In addition, knockdown of Nr2f1/2 in ENCC appears to effectively block enteric gliogenesis. On the other hand, our first analysis of K12 shows that this lncRNA is able to regulate the transcription of a neighboring gene in cis. NR2F1 transcription factor appears to be a key factor in enteric gliogenesis. A better understanding of its mechanisms of action as well as the signaling pathways involved in its regulation therefore seems essential to better understand this key stage of the development of the enteric nervous system.

Keyphrases: lncRNA, Enteric Nervous System, Neural Crest Cells, Gliogenesis
Encadrement de la grève et restrictions à la négociation collective : impact de la Trilogie de 2015 de la Cour suprême du Canada

In January 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada issued three important decisions regarding the freedom of association, granted by section 2d) of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. In the case Saskatchwean Federation of Labour, the Court recognizes constitutional protection to the right to strike, and sees it as an essential part of a meaningful collective bargaining process. The Court seeks support in the history of labour relations, and in international labour law. The extension of the protection granted by the Charter to the right to strike was envisioned by some authors, fallowing the evolution of the interpretation of the freedom of association, since the Health Services case. The Sakstachwean decision, however, falls within the specific frame work of strike oversight in essential services.   The purpose of this Master’s is to determine the extent to which the legislator may interfere with collective bargaining and the right to strike following the 2015 Trilogy. To do so, we draw up a portrait of the state of the law on freedom of association by combining the analysis of the 2015 Trilogy, doctrine on the issue, and Canada's international obligations, as defined by the ILO's international instruments and oversight bodies. We then identify the constitutional challenges brought to the attention of Quebec courts and those of the Canadian provinces concerning the imposition of working conditions, both before and after the 2015 Trilogy. We exclude from our analysis the statutory restrictions to collective bargaining and the right to strike, although they are the subject of comments in the conclusion. Our study focuses more specifically on the public and parapublic sector since it is in this area that the majority of the listed decisions have been made. We conclude that the use of international law is highly variable in the listed decisions, and that the 2015 Trilogy has had mixed effects. According to the current state of the law, the courts would still allow the imposition of certain working conditions in the event of a financial crisis, and when a form of discussion has taken place. However, a special law preventing strike action for workers who are otherwise entitled to it violates the freedom of association. It could be justified, however, under article 1 of the Charter if an adequate substitute mechanism is put in place in the essential services domain.

Keyphrases: Freedom of association, Strike, International labour law, Collective labour relations, Charter of rights, Back to work legislation, Collective bargaining, Essential services
L’égalité et la protection contre la discrimination basée sur les convictions politiques sous la Charte des droits et libertés de la personne du Québec

For over 40 years in Quebec, the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms prohibits discrimination based on the political convictions of a person. However, only one case law in Quebec’s legal history involves this protection and no convincing interpretation of this legal provision can be found. In this dissertation, I suggest such a definition and try to answer the question: what is political within the meaning of the Charter? To answer this question, I set forth different underlying principles within our political and legal system. First, political equality can be linked with the rise of the modern liberal democratic state. Second, constitutional rights and freedoms, such as the right to be a candidate and to vote at an election and the freedoms of opinion and expression, protect political equality today. This political and legal structure establishes the basics of political equality. But an utter definition needs to be up to date. Thus, I conclude by addressing the challenges of adapting the law to postmodern society and the consequences for the definition of political discrimination.

Keyphrases: Political Equality, Political Discrimination, Political conviction, Liberal Democracy, Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms (Quebec)
Savoirs traditionnels autochtones, projets environnementaux et revalorisation culturelle : étude de cas du Bureau environnement et terre d’Odanak

The goal of this master’s thesis is to better understand contemporary manifestations of traditional knowledge, specifically in Odanak, a First Nations community in the province of Quebec. What are the impacts of the revitalization of traditional knowledge for this Indigenous community? Many authors suggest that traditional knowledge can play a major role in processes of indigenous self-determination. This thesis studies the community of Odanak, an Abenaki First Nations Reserve, whose Bureau environnement et terre aims to integrate and enhance traditional Abenaki knowledge through its environmental projects. My hypothesis is that traditional knowledge, when mobilized by community members (in this case, Abenaki working for the Bureau), can be instrumental in helping to establish an environmental management system that responds to the community’s needs, and can thus be part of a process of cultural affirmation and self-determination. Eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with Odanak citizens, as well as with people involved in the Bureau’s projects. Qualitative analysis of the data reveals that for this community, designing and carrying out environmental projects according to its own priorities, values and goals is both beneficial and meaningful, especially in light of the history of colonial repression. These projects contribute socially, economically, politically and educationally to the reinforcement of the Abenaki identity and autonomy, due in part to the revitalization of traditional knowledge.

Keyphrases: Odanak, environnement, Abenaki, First Nations, indigenous knowledge, decolonization, self-determination, environment, keystone cultural species
Par-delà le rose et le bleu : l'expérience des parents d'enfants transgenres

This study focuses on parents who support their transgender child, and offers a sociological analysis of their experience. Firstly, this master’s thesis examines the emergence, during the last decade, of the figure of the transgender child. Next, it focuses on the manner in which this figure is apprehended by the parent, who is strongly encouraged by the affirmative model to support the child and avoid repressing their non-cisgender identity. Gender is fundamental in the parent-child relationship and more generally in the construction of the parent’s social role, and becoming “parent of a transgender child” disrupts normative landmarks and inflects parental tasks. Our analysis is based upon semi-structured interviews with six parents whose child identifies as transgender. We suggest that learning or discovering that their child is transgender constitutes a “trial” in the parents’ social role, and defines entry into a “career” of “parent of a transgender child”. We show that, in order to solve this trial which is marked by a sense of grief, the parent must make sense of the event. They will resort to different strategies such as biographical rereading, and rationalization. Next, we define the three phases of the career: to commit, to learn, to change. These bring the parent to endorse a new parental identity and perform a social role adjusted to their child. Through interviews with parents of mainly adolescent children, this sociological study sheds new light on the transitional experience the parent goes through in the relationship with their child.

Keyphrases: Transgender youth, Gender norms, Parental identity, Parenting, Career (concept of), Trial (concept of), Parenting norms, Gender socialization, Cisnormativity, (Trans)affirmative approach
Une précarité menant à l’expérimentation : limites de l’engagement syndical face aux aspirations de jeunes travailleurs québécois

Ever since the recession in 2008, global markets have faced hardships which had significant repercussion on vulnerable populations, such as professionals of generation Y.  A trend originating from Mediterranean Europe instigated a gradual disappearance of standard jobs, herein defined as salaried activity performed in a singular environment and on a regular schedule. Risking periods of unemployment, young people must embrace flexible work conditions such as part time employment, fixed-term contracts and freelance work. Faced with a systematic inability to obtain permanent jobs, young Quebecers take on community involvement on the basis that it has the potential to conform to their personal qualities and skills, even though it does not possess comparable material and social benefits. Professional and social insertion takes place for many of them through a portfolio of citizenship values, which allows young people to perceive their initiation to adulthood through elective activities. These are not part of a remunerated work arrangement, be it standard of flexible. Among the multiple means of emancipation available outside the areas of work, the renewal of unionism will be the focus of this Master’s thesis in wake of its potential to join the expressive and instrumental finalities of work. Taking the mantra of organising the disorganised, the leaders of this movement seek to expand their activities further than the sole protection of workers’ rights. However, this new direction did not resonate with the young adults who participated to this inquiry, citing the rigidness of their respective unions. In their place, they chose to get involved in a variety of activities and organisations for their ability to adapt to their needs as well as their personal values.

Keyphrases: Youth, Precarity, Citizenship induction, Union commitment
Expériences de recours à l'aide en contexte de violence conjugale de femmes immigrantes racisées : obstacles, éléments facilitateurs et moments propices

Minority women are more vulnerable to intimate partner violence, thus experience higher rates of victimization (White et al., 2012; Montminy et al., 2010). Although a growing body of research questions the universality of the experiences of violence, little research has been done in Montreal related to immigrant women. This study aims to increase our knowledge of the barriers and helping elements regarding their help-seeking process. Seven semi-structured interviews were conducted with immigrant women in Montreal. The findings suggest that women do not seek help directly with regards to IPV. Rather, they encounter obstacles which become the facilitators to help-seeking. Diverse contexts bring distress which ultimately leads them toward help-seeking. Financial difficulties also bring them towards general social services, which in turn refer them to the specialized resources. An analysis based on temporality highlights the challenges along their path as well as ways to act upon them, while Intersectionality explores the bases of inequality and possible courses of action. We then witness the importance of the social link and the perception of others for help-seeking. With neoliberal politics arising within the State, is preventative action possible? How do other social positions, such as being a person experiencing mental health issues, influence help-seeking? Is changing the stigmatizing perception towards victims of IPV possible? To answer these questions, further research is necessary.

Keyphrases: Help-seeking, Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), Experience, Immigrant women, Intersectionality
La participation des groupes de parents à travers l’évolution des maisons de naissances québécoises

This thesis examines birthing center user participation in Quebec over the last 25 years, as well as practices that animate community life in these settings. Using both a participatory conceptual framework, as well as parent group experiences, this project sought to understand how these committees manage and organize themselves, and develop the means for concrete, novel actions that respond to their community’s needs. This qualitative study was conducted with 18 women from parent groups, including 4 participants who were involved during pilot projects over 20 years ago, and 14 participants who are currently involved in birthing centers. Using sequential thematic analysis, the research results demonstrate women’s desire to engage in a respected maternity, for themselves and their community. Participant experiences indicate that while involvement is desired in birthing centers, it is complex to achieve and inconsistent between settings due to various challenges and distinct birthing center operating methods. Regardless of the strategies employed by groups of parents or by birthing center workers, there are specific essential elements that must be present to assure continuity in both these groups’ involvement and full participation: support, autonomy and recognition, and the presence of democratic spaces. The presented typology identifies the principal characteristics of parenting groups based on distinct elements: the objectives, structure, participation, nature of activities and autonomy.

Keyphrases: Participation, Engagement, Participation, Women, Engagement, Community birthing center, Midwifery, Community life
La réaction des travailleurs sociaux espagnols face aux mesures d'austérité

This graduate thesis focuses on the austerity context in Spain that followed the global economic crisis of 2008 and the reactions of social workers to the changes applied in their workplace and practices. More specifically, this research focuses on the actions taken by social workers in their field of practice. This paper seeks to understand the reality of practice of social workers and the change of dynamics that followed the austerity, as well as their positioning in the face of these changes. This research was conducted in Granada, Spain, with eight social workers in a variety of practice settings. The results of this research show that social workers cannot apply solutions on a microscopic scale because the space where they practice has greatly changed to their disadvantage. This research demonstrates that the solutions to counter the austerity measures, and the obstacles to these solutions, lie on three levels: individual, in the collection action and at the societal level. The context of practice of Spanish social workers was analyzed according to Michel de Certeau’s theory of everyday practices, stipulating the presence of an asymmetric dynamics of power that focuses on the management of space for the dominant group and the management of time for the dominated group.

Keyphrases: Spain, Granada, Austerity, Economic crisis, Social workers, Michel de Certeau, Obstacles, Solutions, Strategies, Tactics