NCube/papyrus huggingface dataset:
Le développement des fonctions exécutives à l’âge préscolaire : le rôle des comportements maternels en présence de différents facteurs de vulnérabilité

The simultaneous and marked interest of many fields of research for the notion of executive functioning (EF) has allowed for the primordial role of these functions in many spheres of development to be identified. However, the developmental mechanisms associated with individual differences in EF are still under studied. The two empirical articles constituting this dissertation aim at documenting the role of maternal behaviors in the prediction of EF in the preschool period. Using an ecological approach (Bronfenbrenner, 1979), interaction effects between different explanatory factors are considered, with the goal of reaching a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying early EF development.  To do so, the first article examines the interactions between family socioeconomic status (SES) and different dimensions of maternal behavior in the prediction of two specific components of EF, namely, conflict-EF and impulse control. 114 mother-child dyads participated in three home visits. SES was measured by a questionnaire filled by mothers during the first visit when their child was six months old and maternal behavior was observed in a second visit when the child was 12 months old, using the Maternal Behavior Q-Sort (MBQS; Pederson & Moran, 1995). Finally, child EF was assessed at 3 years with a battery of tasks chosen based on Carlson’s (2005) measurement guidelines. The second article explores, based on Differential Susceptibility Theory (DST), the interactions between different dimensions of maternal behavior and child temperament in the prediction of child EF. Seventy-two mother-child dyads participated in three home visits. Maternal sensitivity was observed when children were 12 months old, using the MBQS, child temperament was assessed at 15 months using a maternal report (ICQ; Bates, Freeland, & Lounsbury, 1979), and child EF was assessed with the same battery of tasks as in the first article.   The results of the first article showed significant interactions between family SES and the quality of maternal behaviors in the prediction EF, such that maternal behavior was related to EF only for children in the lower end of the SES spectrum and those relations were found especially for impulse control. The results of the second article confirmed the hypothesis put forward by DST, revealing that children with difficult temperaments were more affected by hostile maternal behavior and the absence of positive behavior, and that these same children benefit more than their easier peers from the presence of positive behaviors, but only in the prediction of impulse control.

Keyphrases: Executive functions, Maternal sensitivity, Socioeconomic status, Temperament, Preschool period, Moderation, Vulnerability, Differential susceptibility
Transport électrique dans les nanotubes de carbone et leurs dérivés fonctionnalisés

Carbon nanotubes are highly promising for building electronic devices because of their quasi-unidimensional nanometer-sized geometry, and their mechanical and electronic properties, including their remarkable electrical conductance. Their functionalized derivatives, in which the nanotube sidewall is chemically modified, are also interesting for their better processability and for creating a chemically active interface between the nanotube and the environment, which is essential for applications such as nanosensors or biosensors. In this thesis, we study the mechanisms governing electrical transport in carbon nanotubes and their functional derivatives. Our experimental work was performed on electronic devices made of individual single-walled or double-walled carbon nanotubes, with or without functional adducts. In the first part, we focus on the effect of reduced dimensionality on the physics of charge injection at electrical contacts. In the second part, we study the effect of covalent functionalization on carbon nanotubes electrical transport properties. We show that the impact of chemical addition is strongly dependent on graft valence, and that it is possible to produce covalently functionalized carbon nanotube devices with excellent electrical conductance. In the third part, we explore current saturation and electrical breakdown phenomena occurring at high bias. Finally, the impact of our results on the global understanding of electrical transport in highly confined systems is discussed, along with fundamental and technological perspectives unveiled by our work.

Keyphrases: Conductance, Injection aux contacts, Saturation, Carbon nanotubes, Electrical transport, Conductance, Functionalization, Carrier injection, Contacts, Saturation, Breakdown
Génération de résumés par abstraction

This Ph.D. thesis is the result of several years of research on automatic text summarization. Three major contributions are presented in the form of published and submitted papers. They follow a path that moves away from extractive summarization and toward abstractive summarization.  The first article describes the HexTac experiment, which was conducted to evaluate the performance of humans summarizing text by extracting sentences. Results show a wide gap of performance between human summaries written by sentence extraction and those written without restriction. This empirical performance ceiling to sentence extraction demonstrates the need for new approaches to text summarization.  We then developed and implemented a system, which is the subject of the second article, using the Fully Abstractive Summarization approach. Though the name suggests otherwise, this approach is better categorized as semi-extractive, along with sentence compression and sentence fusion. Building and evaluating this system brought to light the great challenge associated with generating easily readable summaries without extracting sentences. In this approach, text understanding is not deep enough to provide help in the content selection process, as is the case in extractive summarization.  As the third contribution, a knowledge-based approach to abstractive summarization called K-BABS was proposed. Relevant content is identified by pattern matching on an analysis of the source text, and rules are applied to directly generate sentences for the summary. This approach is implemented in a system called ABSUM, which generates very short and content-rich summaries. An evaluation was performed according to today's standards. The evaluation shows that hybrid summaries generated by adding extracted sentences to ABSUM's output have significantly more content than a state-of-the-art extractive summarizer.

Keyphrases: Automatic summarization, Abstractive summarization, Natural language generation, Natural language processing
Étude structure/fonction des cotransporteurs Na+/glucose

This thesis is about the structure/function relationship in Na+/glucose cotransporters (SGLTs). SGLTs are membrane proteins which use the Na+ transmembrane electrochemical gradient to accumulate their substrates within the cell. As an introduction, a short review of the current state of the field will be followed by a presentation of the different technics used in this work. This work can be divided in three main projects. In the first project, we investigated the structural basis of water permeation through SGLTs. By using molecular modeling technics, we have identified, in silico, a passive permeation pathway used by water to go through the cotransporter across the membrane. Using voltage-clamp volumetric measurement, we were able to corroborate these findings for hSGLT1 expressed in oocytes. A second project allowed elucidation of some of hSGLT1 structural characteristics through the use of dipicrylamine (DPA), a fluorescence acceptor whose repartition in the lipid membrane is voltage-dependant. Use of DPA concomitantly with voltage-clamp fluorescence and FRET (fluorescence resonance energy transfer) has clearly demonstrated the extracellular localisation of part of the 12-13 loop which was previously assumed to be intracellular. In addition, we have shown that hSGLT1 forms a dimeric structure where the subunits are linked by a disulfide bridge. A last project aimed at characterizing the steady-state and pre-steadystate currents of a member of the SGLT family named hSMIT2 (human Na/myo-inositol transporter 2). We showed that phlorizin is a poor inhibitor of pre-steady state currents following depolarisation, and the presence of a time, membrane potential and substrate dependent leak current. A simulated annealing algorithm was developed in order to allow objective determination of both the connectivity and the parameters associated with the optimal kinetic model.

Keyphrases: Biophysics, Membrane proteins, Na+/glucose transporters (SGLTs), LeuT structural family, Electrophysiology, Fluorescence spectroscopy, Molecular modeling, Kinetic modeling, Xenopus laevis oocytes
Étude des manifestations d’une pensée critique visée, stimulée et manifestée, chez des étudiants en formation initiale en enseignement de l’éducation physique et à la santé

Schools and Teacher Training Programs have undergone several transformations over the past decades. In particular, these transformations have been associated to the teaching professionalization movement that emphasizes, among others, the importance of developing reflexivity, and especially critical reflexivity, in future teachers through theoretical classes and practicum. To this end, the Ministère de l’éducation, des loisirs et du sport (MELS) and universities are responsible for interpreting the characteristics that are specific to Critical Thinking (CT) and to integrate these characteristics in Initial Teacher Training. However, although the concept of CT has been the subject of considerable theoretical and empirical research since the works of Dewey on Reflective Thinking (RT), a consensual definition of the concept has yet to be reached. Nevertheless, “classical” philosophers (Ennis, McPeck, Paul, Siegel, Lipman) agree in sustaining that CT implies methodological doubt, which leads to the mobilisation of complex intellectual attitudes and skills, related to the evaluation of facts and situations. For their part, epistemologists from the field of developmental psychology (King & Kitchener, Kuhn, Perry, and other) have elaborated CT development models based on the identification of stages. One of the more recent models stems from Education Science (Daniel et al.) and will be used as a grid to analyse our data. It presupposes four thinking modes (logical, metacognitive, creative, and responsible) and their increasing complexity based on three epistemological perspectives (egocentricity, relativism, and inter-subjectivity). The present study, of a qualitative nature, attempts to identify the reflexivity (simple or critical) outlined in the MELS’s official texts, as stimulated by Université de Montréal (UdeM) with its Initial Teacher Training for students registered in the Physical Education and Health program, and as manifested by these students at the end of their training. To do so, we relied on content analyses, and on an analysis based on the developmental model of Daniel and colleagues. These analyses were conducted on the MELS’s competency dictionary, on competency indicators and UdeM writing guidelines for summary reports, as well as on transcripts of individual and group interviews, and on the participants’ summary reports (nine in total).  Results from our analysis of the competency dictionary and competency indicators show that the reflexivity intended and stimulated is in the range of RT but not necessarily of CT. In parallel, the reflexivity manifested by trainees during the interviews and in their summary reports proved to be of a RT nature not necessary critic even if some manifestations of CT were observed.

Keyphrases: Critical Thinking, Reflexivity, Epistemology, Professionalization, Initial Teacher Training
A Psychophysical Assessment of Multisensory Processing and Multiple Object Tracking in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are currently characterized by a triad of impairments including social dysfunction, communication deficits and perseverative behaviours. The simultaneous integration of multiple senses is crucial in everyday life as it allows for the creation of a unified percept. Similarly, the allocation of attention to multiple events at the same time is critical in the processing of dynamic environmental information. In daily interactions with the environment, both sensory processing as well as attentional functions are building blocks to typical development (TD). Although not part of the current diagnostic criteria, difficulties with attention functions and sensory processing are very common among autistic persons. The present thesis therefore examined both these functions in two separate studies. The first study is based on the premise that alterations in basic sensory processing might underlie atypical sensory behaviours in ASD, as proposed by current theories of ASD. We conceived a cross-modal size discrimination task to assess the integrity and developmental course of visuo-tactile information in children with ASD (N = 21, aged 6-18 years), compared to age- and performance IQ-matched children with TD. In a simultaneous two-alternative forced-choice task, participants were asked to make a judgement on the size of two stimuli, based on unisensory (visual or tactile) or multisensory (visuo-tactile) inputs. Difference thresholds evaluated the smallest difference at which participants were capable to discriminate size. Children with ASD showed diminished performance and no maturational effects in both unisensory and multisensory conditions, compared to TD participants. Our first study therefore extends previous results of alterations in multisensory processing in ASD to the visuo-tactile domain. In our second study, we evaluated 3D-Multiple Object Tracking (3D-MOT) capacities in autistic adults (N = 15, aged 18-33 years), compared to age- and IQ-matched control participants, who were asked to track one or three moving targets amongst a set of distracters in a virtual reality environment. Performances were measured based on speed thresholds, which evaluates the greatest speed at which observers are capable of successfully tracking moving objects. Autistic individuals displayed overall reduced speed thresholds, whatever the number of spheres to track. These findings extend previous results of altered attention mechanisms in autism with regards to the simultaneous allocation of attention to multiple areas. Together, the findings of our two studies reveal alterations in ASD with regards to the processing of multiple events at the same time, be it within one modality or across modalities, which may have important implications for the clinical presentation of this condition.

Keyphrases: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Multisensory processing, Visuotactile processing, Development, Attention, 3D-MOT
Les pilotes comme agents de changement dans les télécentres communautaires au Mali

This dissertation examines the processes of selecting, training, and mentoring managers, also known as "pilots," and considered as change agents in the development of community telecentres in Mali. These processes are analyzed according to their positive and negative outcomes regarding the establishment and development of telecentres. The Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) project, launched by technical and financial partners, responds to the needs of Malian authorities in their efforts to connect the country’s 703 communes. Following the World Summit on the Information Society, held in Geneva on December 2003, UNESCO and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) decided to establish multimedia community telecentres in three African countries (Mali, Mozambique, and Senegal). The setting-up of these telecentres was modeled after a similar project conducted previously in Asia, without however taking into account the primary needs of the beneficiaries, nor their specific conditions (both economic, political, and cultural). Despite the difficult conditions that sometimes characterize the African context, African populations express a genuine interest for Information and Communication Technologies. The ICT sector has witnessed a considerable and widespread growth throughout many African countries, although with various degrees of success. However, a majority of the African population has still not been connected, since 70% of the population lives in more economically marginalized rural areas. Once the telecentres were established in various locations, most of them were confronted with the difficult challenge of selecting "pilots," to serve as change agents. Those in charge of selecting the pilots favored people located within their own family networks. Therefore, the dissertation emphasizes the pilot’s decisive role in the telecentres, and the support that he is able to generate within the beneficiary population. We put forward a model starting from the actions of the change agents, hoping to stimulate awareness amongst local deciders. We conducted a case study on four different sites in order to better understand the processes of selecting, training, and mentoring pilots, with a focus on the key factors influencing, for each of those processes, the level of success in all the telecentres.

Keyphrases: Pilots, Change agents, Digital Divide
Variance in Bioethics Services: Challenges and Opportunities in Canada with a Focus on In-house vs. Outsourced Health Care Ethics Consultations

Bioethics services vary within and across many jurisdictions. This case study describes such inconsistencies in Canada, and notes challenges and opportunities related to this variance.

Keyphrases: Canada, consultations, services, variance, bioethics, clinical, organizational, research
Résultats des cupules de grand diamètre dans les reprises d’arthroplastie totale de hanche : suivi minimum de deux ans

Acetabular implant revision with large bone defects, can be challenging. One of the reconstruction options is a large outer diameter cup or “jumbo cup” (≥62 mm in women and ≥66 mm in men). We hypothesized that cementless jumbo cups is a reliable technique to preserve or reconstruct hip center of rotation. We also evaluated stability at least 2 two years follow up. Fifty-three consecutive non septic loosening acetabular arthroplasty revisions at Hopital Maisonneuve-Rosemont where a cementless jumbo cup was used were assessed. Bone defect was evaluated according to Paprosky classification. Mean implanted component size was 66 mm (62-81) in women and 68 mm (66-75) in men. Cancelous bone chips allograft was used in 34 cases and bulk bone allograft in 14. Immediate postoperative AP view showed a mean abduction cup angle of 41.3° (26.0-53.0). Hip centre were found at satisfy position in 78% on mediolateral axis, in 71% on craniopodal axis and it was improved in 27% in this late axis. At the mean follow up of 84.0 months (24.0-236.4) radiologically and 91.8 months (24.0-241.8) clinically: 6 patients were died and 3 were lost of follow up. Complications were: dislocation in 5 cases (4 revisions with constrained liner), infection in 4 cases (2 treated conservatively and 2 revised in 2 times procedure) and radiographic loosening in 1 case. Bone graft integration was completed in all except in 3 cases. Clinically, the mean HHS was 82% +/- 17, WOMAC 86 +/- 14, physical SF-12 46 +/- 12 and mentally SF-12 53 +/- 13.  Jumbo cups appear as a reliable procedure to manage bone loss in acetabular revision. It allows conservation or improvement of physiologic hip center. Also, cementless fixation promote bone integration. with subsequent cup stabilitity. The complication rate is comparable or may be less than others reconstruction procedures .

Keyphrases: Hip arthroplasty, Jumbo cup, Acetabular revision, Hip centre, Bone loss
États cohérents et comprimés du potentiel de Morse et intrication créée par un miroir semi-transparent

In order to describe the vibrations inside a diatomic molecule, the Morse potential is a better approximation than the harmonic oscillator system. Thus, based on the definition of the coherent states given in the context of the harmonic oscillator, the first part of this work suggests a construction for the squeezed coherent states of the Morse potential. Two types of states will be constructed and their diverse properties will be studied with special attention to the trajectories and dispersions in order to confirm their quasi-classicity. The second part of this work proposes to insert those two types of Morse squeezed coherent states in a beam splitter in order to introduce a new way of creating entanglement. This entanglement will be measured by the linear entropy and we will study the dependence with the coherence and squeezing parameters.

Keyphrases: Squeezed coherent states, Morse potential, Quasi-classicity, Beam splitter, Entanglement, Linear entropy
Le concept d'autonomie s'applique-t-il aux animaux?

In this M.A. research, I try to understand why nonhuman animals are not considered autonomous in the contemporary liberal theories. To do this, I analyze two main conceptions of autonomy, autonomy as moral agency and hierarchical autonomy (as the capacity to act according to second-order desires), and I argue that these conceptions both fail to justify the respect of personal choices even for human agents. I suggest that these two conceptions of autonomy lead to perfectionist and paternalist conclusions, although this is inconsistent with their function. I then review a few alternative versions of autonomy that do not rely on possessing moral or rational faculties, before sketching a new conception of autonomy that could answer the different issues raised during this research and potentially recognize the autonomy of nonhuman animals.

Keyphrases: Autonomy, Animal ethics, Liberalism, Perfectionism, Speciesism, Well-being, Authenticity, Liberty, Intellectual disability