NCube/papyrus huggingface dataset:
L'excision comme révélateur identitaire : l'expérience des Égyptiens ayant migré à Montréal

Excision is a widespread practice in Egypt; it is considered one of the highest places of prevalence of excised women in the world (DHS, 2009). Since 1940, many Egyptians migrate to Canada (Hayani, 1999) and choose Montreal as their host city (Gouvernement du Québec, 2014). This exploratory research concerns evolution, or not, in Egyptian’s conceptions of excision, before and after their migration in Montreal. In a context of semi-structured interview, four Egyptian men and four Egyptian women shared their migratory journey and relative experience of excision. We can notice different point of view according to their socio demographic profiles and relations with their native country. They use cleavage to protect their religious or socioeconomics groups against any association with the practice of excision. Their use of French language, in Egypt, influences their choice of migratory destination and illustrates some differences between them and other Egyptians. Keywords:

Keyphrases: perceptions, migration, excision, Africa, Western, perception, migration, Egypt, Montreal, identity, cleavage, excision
La spécialisation du travail artisanal dans la civilisation de l'Indus

The Indus civilization puzzles archaeologists in that it shows a seeming uniformity in its material culture during the period from 2600 to 1900 BC and over its huge geographical extent (approximately 1 million square km). In this study two hypotheses are tested: 1) This uniformity in material culture is due to a central political force monitoring craft production; or 2) This uniformity results from an extensive trade and distribution network of craft production. In order to assess these, all available data concerning the craft production of ceramic, lapidary, shell-working and metal artefacts were inventoried and analyzed. A study of craft specialization identified a few wealth items (long carnelian beads, stoneware bangles), which were most probably related to an elite. After reassessing the nature of this elite, a new model of sociopolitical organization for this civilization is proposed.

Keyphrases: Archaeology, Indus civilization, 2600-1900 BC, Social organization of craft production, Socio-political organization, Craft specialization, Wealth items
L’universalité des émotions humaines de base : une analyse multidisciplinaire

Researchers interested in the study of emotions are generally divided into two groups - each of which possesses a different way of perceiving the emotional experience and understanding its foundations. These two groups are at the basis of two distinct schools of thoughts: that of discreet emotions and that of dimensional emotions. The former, phylogenetically inclusive, focuses on the similarities between our species and other mammals in order to find proof of the existence of universal emotional components. The latter, more phylogenetically exclusive, finds interest in the variants of emotional states, principally in our own species. The following memoir will focus on these two theoretical families and its aim will be to confront previously made hypotheses in order to answer the following question: are emotions culturally variable or are they universal?

Keyphrases: universal emotions, transculturelle, transculturel, psychological construction, basic emotions, neuroimaging, interspecific
Compositeurs français à l'heure allemande (1940-1944) : le cas de Marcel Delannoy

Although the French musical life during the Occupation is now a familiar field of research, no detailed study has been made of Marcel Delannoy (1898-1962), one of the most important composers of the period. Supported by a wide range of sources, including the large collection of Delannoy’s papers conserved at the BnF, the present work aims to fill this gap by situating Delannoy in the larger context of a generation of musicians that were especially visible during the Vichy years. In this context, both coercive and favorable to musical creation, several composers (notably Poulenc and Honegger) were indeed involved in a number of activities that reveal their commitments and the degree of adaptation when faced with the Occupation. To account for Delannoy’s activities under Vichy, it was necessary to extend the period under study: his principal project and success of the period, Ginevra (an opera premiered in 1942 at the Opéra-Comique), was the result of a 1938 State commission; more generally, his musical and extra-musical choices, much like those of his contemporaries, cannot be understood if they are restricted to the four years of the Occupation. Having made his name in the 1920s, Delannoy participated in the 1930’s ventures of cultural popularization, while his eclectic and accessible style won him a large public. In 1942, his opera Ginevra was very well received thanks to its ties to the traditional genre of French opéra-comique as well as its eclectic borrowings and references to the music of the past. Very much in the public eye, Delannoy also compromised himself in different ways: as a musical critic of collaborationist newspaper, as a member of the “Groupe Collaboration” and of the French delegation invited to Vienna for the Mozart Week of the German Reich (1941), he took part in several projects of cultural collaboration. It is because of these activities that the composer was penalized by professional and judicial purges following the Liberation, and also by a kind of more informal épuration. At the intersection of history and musicology, this monographic approach which places the composer in the context of his generation aims at a broader understanding of the Occupation’s consequences on composers’ careers, their political commitments, and the roles they played in the musical politics of Vichy and the German occupier.

Keyphrases: Vichy, Occupation, Collaboration, Composers, German Occupation, Politics, Generation, Adaptation, Resistance
Of Songwriting and Storytelling as learned through the composition of WAG! The Musical

WAG! The Musical is Aleksey Shegolev's second full-length musical and it is the first to be performed in an off-Broadway theatre in New York during the summer of 2013. The idea for the plot was inspired by William Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour's Lost, and he and his partner, Julian Silverman, created a story fit for modern times. Shegolev was the composer and lyricist, while Silverman was the book writer. Good storytelling and strong songwriting depends on the characters having a goal to pursue as they overcome the obstacles in their paths. As the story progresses, the level of intensity must always rise to keep the audiences’ attention. Jazz and rock ‘n’ roll were the main musical influences on this piece and we will see how rhythm, harmony and texture played a part in creating WAG!. Musicalizing comedy by using various techniques in composition is another topic that will be explored. Finally, this dissertation will close with Shegolev's experiences during the workshop from dealing with the director to the endless revisions and cuts that had to be made before opening night.

Keyphrases: Jazz, Rock 'n' roll, Musical, Theatre, Lyrics, Songwriting, Broadway
Interaction d'Escherichia coli entérohémorragique (EHEC) avec Acanthamoeba castellanii et rôle du régulon Pho chez les EHEC

EHEC O157:H7 are an emerging zoonotic food- and water-borne hazard highly pathogenic to humans and associated with diseases ranging from acute gastroenteritis to hemolytic uremic syndrome. From their commensal carriage by farm animals to human targets, EHEC pass through a crucial step of persistence in the open environment. Microbial endosymbiosis is one strategy used by pathogenic bacteria to survive in aquatic environments. Amoebae species are free-living protozoa found in diverse environmental habitats and known to host several water-borne pathogens. Thus amoebae could contribute to transmission of EHEC to humans. The first part of my PhD project was focused on interaction of the free-living amoebae Acanthamoeba castellanii with EHEC. The results showed that the presence of amoeba extends the persistence of EHEC that survived phagocytosis by amoebae. This demonstrates the real potential of amoebae to harbourd EHEC that may contribute to their transmission. However, absence of shiga toxins enhanced the intra-amoeba survival. Moreover, EHEC had a toxic and lethal effect on amoebae partially due to shiga toxins. The involvement of shiga toxins in the intracellular survival and mortality of amoebae suggests the value of using amoebae as a model of host/pathogen interactions to study the pathogenicity of EHEC.   During their transmission cycle, EHEC encounter limitation inorganic phosphate (Pi) in the environment. Using jointly the PhoB-R two-component system (TCS) and the Pst (Pi specific transport) system, EHEC detect and respond to this Pi limitation by activating the Pho regulon. The interplay between the EHEC virulence, the Pho-Pst and/or the environmental Pi remains unknown. The second part of my project explored the role of Pho regulon (responding to Pi-limitation stress) in the virulence of EHEC. Transcriptomic analysis showed that EHEC has evolved a sophisticated response to Pi deficiency involving not only biochemical strategies that are likely critical to its survival, but also coordinating its virulence response. In these conditions, the regulator PhoB regulates directly the expression of LEE and Stx2 genes. This is confirmed by an increase in EspB secretion and Stx2 production and secretion in low Pi conditions. Moreover, the activation of Pho regulon increases biofilm formation and reduces motility in EHEC. This correlated with the induction of genes regulating curli production and repression of indole production pathway and the flagellum and PGA biosynthesis.

Keyphrases: Acanthamoeba castellanii, Enterohaemorrhagic E. coli, Environmental phosphate, Pho regulon, Shiga toxin, Type 3 secretion system
Les attentes messianiques dans les manuscrits de Qumran : conceptions, typologie et contextualisation du messianisme de la communauté qumrano-essénienne

The Qumran scrolls provide us the first-hand sources for the study of development of messianism in Judaism during the Second Temple period. One of the most striking characteristics of Qumran library is the plurality of messianic expectations, as well as the variety of expressions with messianic meaning applied to different figures. Using a literary analysis and a socio-critical approach, especially a typological distinction between restorative and utopian messianism, this dissertation investigates the relationship between Qumranian sectarian messianic texts and 1) biblical and extra-biblical data, 2) the forms through which the various messianic figures are conceptualized, 3) the socio-political context of the period during which these texts were in use.  The dissertation presents four major patterns through which the various messianic ideas were formulated in the Qumran-Essene community, whereas the interpretation of the texts focuses on the issues around the restorative/utopian typology. The analyses reveal an aspect of messianic expectations in Ancient Judaism, marked by the belief in a plurality of agents of salvation endowed with messianic attributes, oscillating between the desire for the restoration of religious and political structures of an ideal past Israel, and the utopian hope aspiring to a dramatically transformed world. Although it is difficult to establish an unanimous, consistent and linear development based on the content and the chronology of the messianic texts, this research demonstrates the general tendency of the historical evolution of Qumranian messianic ideas. It is the combination of several dynamics, namely a critical attitude against the Hasmonean priest-kings, a concern for ritual purity and observance of the Law, and an apocalyptic perspective envisioning a catastrophic transformation leading to a renewal world, which generated the messianic fervor of Qumran-Essene community.

Keyphrases: Messie (oint), Pesher, Second Temple, Ancient Judaism, Dead Sea Scrolls, Hasmonean, Messiah (anointed), Messianism, Qumran, Restorative/utopian typology, Second Temple, Teacher of Righteousness
Analyse cinématique 3D de la coordination des articulations de l'épaule par l'entremise du rythme scapulo-huméral

The shoulder is often afflicted by musculo-skeletal diseases.  However, shoulder evaluation is limited to qualitative measures affecting the specificity and accuracy of diagnosis.  Three-dimensional motion analysis could complement conventional treatment with quantitative functional measures.  The interaction between shoulder joints is estimated by the scapulo-humeral rhythm, but its pronounced variability of measurement ampers appropriate clinical use.  Hence, the main objective of the thesis was to reduce the variability in the measure of the scapulo-humeral rhythm.  The effect of the calculation method and conditions of motion (arm axial rotation, load, velocity, muscular activity) were tested on healthy subjects.  Shoulder joints kinematics were obtained with an optoelectronic system using a kinematical chain and an extended Kalman filter.     The common method of scapulo-humeral rhythm calculation extracts the angles of gleno-humeral elevation and scapulo-thoracic lateral rotation.  Since these angles are not co-planar, their sum does not correspond to the arm elevation angle.  A novel approach of joint contribution including all the rotations of each joint was developed and compared to the common method.  The common method systematically overestimated gleno-humeral contribution in comparison to the proposed method.  The new scapulo-humeral rhythm calculation allows a dynamic functional evaluation of the shoulder and reduces inter-subject variability.    Shoulder coordination was compared on typical supraspinatus rehabilitation exercises contrasting in arm axial rotation, and the effect of adding external load was tested.  The ''full-can'' exercise increased the scapulo-humeral rhythm and gleno-humeral contribution, which correspond to supraspinatus function.  In contrast, the ''empty-can'' exercise increased scapulo-thoracic contribution, which is associated to compensation to avoid gleno-humeral contribution.  The use of external load in supraspinatus rehabilitation seems justified by a similar scapulo-humeral rhythm and superior gleno-humeral elevation.    Shoulder motion is often measured or evaluated in static or dynamic and passive or active conditions.  However, the effect of these conditions on shoulder coordination remains uncertain.  The comparison of these conditions revealed significant differences on shoulder kinematics showing the importance to consider conditions of motion for acquisition or comparison of data.

Keyphrases: Coordination, Shoulder, Coordination, Joints, Scapulo-humeral rhythm, Kinematics, Motion analysis
Relations entre la mobilité, la condition physique et les fonctions cognitives dans une perspective de vieillissement sain

Introduction – Aging is characterized by an increase in the energy cost of locomotion (ECL) and a decrease in maximal oxygen uptake (V ̇O2max). It also appears that neuromuscular performances are jeopardized in older adults. Taken together, these phenomena contribute to a slower gait speed, which could reduce quality of life. Moreover, it was shown that cognition was also a key determinant of mobility performances. Indeed, the ability to execute simultaneously two tasks (motor and cognitive) was associated with a lower risk of falling. Objective – The objective of this thesis was to specify the relationships between mobility, physical fitness and cognition in a perspective of healthy aging. Results – A study was conducted to clarify the ECL testing methods. Results demonstrate a higher ECL when testing occurs on a treadmill in comparison to an overground measure. Moreover, it was shown that the association level was unsatisfying between the two testing modes. It was concluded that, when a treadmill testing is necessary, a complementary functional walking test should be implemented to increase external validity in data interpretation. Afterwards, a cross-sectional analysis was used to determine the physical fitness factors associated with better cognitive and mobility performances. Along with V ̇O2max, higher levels of strength were related to the fastest individuals both in mobility and in cognitive flexibility. Also, it was shown that clinical tests like the Timed up and go and the maximal walking speed over 10 meters were able to distinguish individuals with poorer physical fitness and cognitive performances. Finally, an intervention study was proposed to verify the effects of a combined aerobic and strength training program on physical fitness and cognition. It was hypothesized that reducing the ECL and increasing V ̇O2max would induce better cognitive performances during a dual-task (motor and cognitive). Results showed that this intervention improved inhibition performances. However, data also suggested that a training program aiming for gross motor abilities development was as efficient as the fitness training intervention to improve inhibition. Conclusion – Taken together, these results confirm the relevance of a complete physical fitness assessment in an healthy aging perspective including both aerobic and neuromuscular components. Convenient clinical tests are also proposed to establish a first physical and cognitive diagnosis, which will be confirmed by subsequent more exhaustive tests. Moreover, it was suggested that many interventions were leading to better cognitive performances. Along with aerobic and strength training which is a privileged method to improve physical fitness, programs aiming for gross motor abilities development could also be implemented, especially in a context where individuals are particularly sedentary.

Keyphrases: Cognition, Aging, Mobility, Cognition, Metabolic energy cost of locomotion, Neuromuscular function, Maximal oxygen uptake
Essays in political economy

This dissertation ties together three papers on political economy. These papers explore both theoretically and empirically whether, and to what extent, three different political phenomena (political parties, civil wars and external threats), and their interaction, affect economic outcomes.    The first chapter investigates the impact of the presence in power of politicians from new parties on the size of government. The chapter focuses on Colombian municipalities, where new parties have been numerous and successful in recent years. Regression discontinuity estimates show that public spending and tax revenue are significantly higher in municipalities governed by a mayor from a new party. Using information about local politics and the features of the new parties, as well as a model of political incumbency, I argue that this result can be explained by the fact that there is less information on politicians from new parties than on politicians from traditional parties.  The second chapter develops an novel explanation of the impact of both civil war and interstate disputes on state building based on the idea that the protagonists of these two types of conflicts might have an link (ethnic or ideological).  A first result shows that the strength of this link determines whether conflicts fought against internal adversaries (i.e. civil wars) or external enemies (i.e. interstate disputes) complement or substitute each other, leading to larger or smaller investments in fiscal capacity. The theory also predicts a non trivial role of political stability in channelling the relation between both kinds of conflicts and fiscal capacity: a second result shows that while less political stability translates into less fiscal capacity, more stability does not automatically imply more state building. Whether or not they are equivalent depends on how cohesive institutions are. A novel mechanism through which  more political stability might imply less state building is proposed. Additionally, it is shown that some correlations in cross-country data are consistent with the theory.  The third chapter investigates the relationship between the likelihood of a violent domestic conflict and the risk that such a conflict ``externalizes'' (i.e. spreads to another country by becoming an international dispute). I consider a situation in which a domestic conflict between a government and a rebel group externalizes. I show that the risk of externalization increases the likelihood of a peaceful outcome, but only if the government is sufficiently powerful relative to the rebels, and if the risk of externalization is sufficiently high. I show how this model helps to understand recent intriguing peace talks between the Colombian government and the most powerful rebel group in the country, the FARC.

Keyphrases: New parties, size of government, local governments, fiscal capacity, political stability, interstate conflicts, civil war, externalization, peace talks
L’impact de la stéréoscopie dans la reconnaissance, la perception et la constance de forme 3D

The goals of the researches presented in this thesis were to evaluate the role of stereopsis in shape recognition, in relief perception, and in shape constancy.  The first study examined the role of stereopsis in visual shape perception using a recognition task. The stimuli were presented with null binocular disparity (i.e. 2D), normal binocular disparity (3D) or reversed disparity. Recognition performance was better with 2D and 3D displays than with reversed 3D. This indicates that stereopsis contributes to shape recognition.  The second study examined the joint contribution of shading and stereopsis to the relief perception of shape. The stimuli were the images of a synthetic convex 3D shape seen from viewpoints leading to ambiguity as to its convexity. Illumination either came from above, or below and from the right or the left, and stimuli were presented dichoptically with either normal binocular disparity, reversed disparity, or no disparity between the views presented at each eye. Participants responded “convex” more often when the lighting came from above than from below. Also, participants responded that the shape was convex more often with normal than with zero disparity, and more often with 2D than with reversed stereopsis. The effects of lighting direction and display mode were additive; i.e. they did not interact. This indicates that shading and stereopsis contribute independently to shape perception.  The third study assessed the contribution of stereopsis to shape constancy and how it interacts with perceptual expertise using three sequential matching tasks with bent paperclips rotated in depth. Stimuli were presented without stereopsis, or with normal or reversed stereopsis. In the first half of Exp. 1, where display mode variations were within-subject, the performances were better with stereoscopic displays than with 2D or reversed stereoscopic presentations. In the second half of the experiment, the rotation costs became weaker for the 2D and reversed 3D display modes than for the 3D one. In Exps. 2 (display mode within-subject, with stimuli switched halfway into the experiment) and 3, (display mode between-subjects) the rotation effect was consistently weaker with normal stereo than with either 2D or reversed stereoscopic displays. These experiments also demonstrate an advantage of reversed stereo over 2D presentations. This indicates that stereo may contribute to shape constancy. This, however, requires stereoscopic information to be valid with a minimal degree of consistency. Otherwise, stereo may become strategically ignored.  In a nutshell, the three studies presented in this thesis showed that stereo contributes to shape recognition, relief perception and shape constancy. Furthermore stereopsis and shading are integrated independently.

Keyphrases: Shape recognition, Shape constancy, Stereopsis, Relief perception