NCube/papyrus huggingface dataset:
La prévention de la cybercriminalité : résultats d’une enquête sur les effets perçus d’une campagne de prévention réalisée par une institution financière

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a prevention campaign about cybercrimes that was run by a Canadian financial institution. More specifically, we examined how participants/clients perceived the financial institution’s initiative to inform them about cybercrimes. The study also explored whether or not the campaign had the desired effect, which was to reinforce their sense of security. This campaign took place on October 2018 and 1,452 adults (831 males and 521 females) participated in the online web survey. The results indicated that the prevention campaign had been positively perceived by most of the respondents (75%), especially among older individuals (55 y/o and over). Further analysis has shown no gender differences in participants’ responses. In general, participants felt that the campaign has increased their sense of safety; however, they also noted that the campaign lacked visibility and only a low percentage of individuals had seen it prior to the completion of the survey.  Nonetheless, most participants have expressed an interest in receiving more information on cybercrime and how to take actions on protecting one’s self. In the future, it would be advisable to conduct targeted prevention campaigns in order to better achieve its objectives. Discussion also includes recommendations based on the results and the review of the literature.

Keyphrases: cybercrimes, prevention campaigns, security, sense of safety, financial institution
L’identification organisationnelle dans une entreprise de vente multiniveau ：une approche communicationnelle

In this thesis, we propose to examine the question of organizational identification by mobilizing an approach centered on the detailed study of interaction. To do so, we draw from the CCO framework (Communicative Constitution of Organization) and assume the communicational nature of the constitution of organizations. Communication is here understood as an organizing process that constitutes the organization, and can therefore be considered as the starting point for any organizational analysis (Putman, Nicotera and McPhee, 2009, Taylor and Van Every, 2000). By adopting this perspective, identification, conceived as an act of consubstantialization (where consubstantiality refers, echoing Kenneth Burke, to all the qualities of our respective identities from which we can develop a common basis of action with other people), is analyzed through the detailed study of interaction. To study this phenomenon, we adopted a qualitative approach by which we studied a multi-level marketing (MLM) company. Data were collected by videorecording distributors in their daily interactions, particularly while attending meetings and presentations. Our study allows us to show how a common substance is constructed, reproduced and negotiated through communication.

Keyphrases: substance, interaction, organizational identification, CCO framework, MLM company
Culturas [com]partidas? : une étude sur les tensions identitaires culturelles chez les jeunes issus de l’immigration latino-américaine à Montréal

The Latin American community constitutes the third largest visible minority in Quebec. Despite its importance, research regarding youth of Latin American origin is limited. These young people, who were born in Quebec, but who have at least one parent from Latin America, must juggle multiple cultural identities. They are constantly negotiating cultural meanings and references from Quebec, as well as from their parents’ culture of origin. Given that the boundaries between these different cultural identities are not always clear, their interactions needed to be analyzed to better understand their experiences, hence I mobilized two theories that underscore the role of communication within identity construction: Davies and Harré’s theory of positioning, as well as Erving Goffman’s theory of the presentation of self in everyday life. This research focused on the personal experiences of three young people of Latin American immigrant background, those of their parents and those of their friends. To do so, methodology consisted of photo analysis and individual interviews with the young people, as well as two focus groups: first, with the young people and one of their parents, and second, with the young people and a friend of their choice. This study revealed that youth of immigrant background have hybrid cultural identities. Moreover, the young people were not able to forge their own unique cultural identities, because some aspects of their cultural identities were negotiated and even imposed during interaction with others. As this thesis offers a rich portrait of how these young people positioned themselves both front- and back-stage, this paper also contributes to the literature on positioning and empirically shows how several, sometimes contradictory cultural identities can co-exist in youth of immigrant background in a multicultural city like Montreal.

Keyphrases: Culture, Cultural identity, Identity tensions, Hybrid identities, Bicultural identities, Imposed identities, Negotiated identities, Identity positioning
Odorama V2 : tentative de médiation technologique de la synesthésie tactile-olfactive

Synesthesia is a benign neurological condition in which subjects experience an automatic, involuntary and idiosyncratic cross-activation of the senses. For them, the information from one sensory modality (e.g. sight) triggers a response from another sensory modality (e.g. smell). This condition is estimated to be present in at least 4% of the population (Hubbard, 2007). Dozens of forms of synesthesia exist, and their expression varies from one individual to the next (Simner, 2013). Smell-touch synesthesia affects around 0.3% of the synesthete population (Day, 2011). It induces olfactory perceptions according to textures and other tactile sensations. Synesthesia impacts the day-to-day lives of synesthetes, as it affects the way they perceive and feel their environment. Since it is a form of divergent neurocognitive development (Ward, 2019), it can be considered a form of neurodiversity. Like any form of neurodiversity, its manifestations are difficult to express with language. This can lead to feelings of exclusion (Day, 2005; Nielsen et al., 2013). One way to promote inclusion is through empathy (Masten, Morelli, & Eisenberg, 2011), which can be facilitated through physically engaging artworks and exhibitions (Raboisson, 2014). Our goal was to create an artistic experience that allows participants to physically experience the reality of touch-smell synesthesia. However, as there was no media able to mediate this sensory phenomenon, we tried to understand how to design and build one. By applying a research-creation methodology, and in particular the principles of the DIY “maker movement,” we intended to create a prototype capable of simulating the effects of touch-smell synesthesia. However, this process of creating a device for the technological mediation of the senses proved to be a difficult one, and our final prototype is not exactly what we hoped to produce. We went as far as our technical skills allowed us to and we delivered an object that would require some future improvements. This present Master’s thesis presents the conceptual and theoretical frameworks as well as the process of creating this artefact. Based on the lessons learned from our practice analysis, we conclude that there are several social and technical issues that need to be addressed in the “maker” practice as a method for creating technological artifacts. Finally, we discuss the role that such a research-creation project can play in raising public awareness of synesthesia and neurodiversity.

Keyphrases: Perception, Sens, Prototype, Inclusion, DIY/Making, Synesthesia, Senses, Media, Maker Movement, Research-creation, DIY, Neurodiversity, Prototype, Mediation
Féminisme et afrofuturisme dans Pumzi de Wanari Kahiu et Metropolis de Janelle Monáe

This thesis explores the intertextual links between black feminism and the afrofuturist works Metropolis by Janelle Monae and Pumzi by Wanari Kahiu. A literature review showed that characters played by black women in protagonist roles had a minimal presence in the cinematic genre of science fiction but that they had a central place in afrofuturism. This research interrogates black women lack of representation in science fiction and futurism and studies the evolution of the afrofuturist movement, its intermediality and the consequences of its recent popularization. This research proposes a textual analysis of Pumzi and Metropolis and an exploration of the interaction between those two cultural objects and black feminism movements in relation with the concept of intertextuality. Out of this investigation emerges a study of the recent commodification of the afrofuturist movement and the subsequent weakening of its radical and social motivations, leading to a questioning on the possibility of a redefinition.

Keyphrases: afrofuturism, black feminism, intertextuality, black women
The intercultural communication competence of Canadian diplomats : a dialectic approach

In Canada, career foreign service employees are posted abroad on a rotational basis throughout their career. Because of the inherently international and intercultural nature of diplomatic work, intercultural communication competenies are essential for diplomats. Yet, studies examining intercultural communication competence (ICC) and expatriation have neglected this population, instead employing samples of sojourners, private sector expatriates or exchange students. Based on the premise that diplomats are particular expatriates because of their special circumstances abroad, this study aims to remedy this gap in the literature. Using qualitative methodology, this study examines the experiences on posting of Canadian diplomats through the conceptual lens of ICC. Data was collected through individual semi-structured interviews with twelve Canadian diplomats on posting, and analyzed through a dialectical approach combining tenets of relational dialectics theory and postmodernism. Analysis identified five dialectical tensions, three which interplayed at the individual level and two which interplayed at the organizational level. This thesis contributes to the intercultural literature by theorizing ICC as an organizational-level construct, by re-thinking competence as the sustainable management of dialectics, and by considering ICC on a meso-time scale.

Keyphrases: Expatriation, Intercultural communication competence, Diplomacy, Expatriation, Dialectics, Organizational intercultural communication competence
Synthèse, caractérisation et évaluation des performances de photosensibilisateurs à base de cuivre en synthèse organique

The present thesis describes the synthesis of fifteen organocopper-based photosensitizers bearing organic diimine and/or diphosphine type ligands. The complexes have been characterized by spectroscopy (1H, 13C NMR and UV-Vis), high resolution mass spectrometry, fluorescence lifetime spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. They also have been evaluated in two different photocatalytic processes including: a proton-coupled electron transfer and an energy transfer. Trends in yields and photophysical data have been examined and compared with other photosensitizers.

Keyphrases: Photocatalysis, synthesis, organometallic, photosensitizer, photophysics
Développement d'une méthode d'analyse par spectrométrie de masse du mode d'action des biguanides dans le traitement du cancer

The development of new therapies against pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), one of the most malignant and deadly tumors, has become of great interest for finding effective treatment. Many research groups have studied different types of biguanides in cancer treatment which inspired our group to synthesize a library of biguanide analogs. These new compounds can inhibit the tumor growth and show a great selectivity. We identified a biguanide with a phenylethynylbenzyl side chain as our hit compound, designated as compound A, which is 800 times more active than metformin and 10 times more active than phenformin, two commercial biguanide compounds used as antidiabetics. In vivo studies have been performed where human PDAC cells have been grafted in the subcutaneous space of mice and let to grow for 28 days to about 100 mm3. Different groups of mice were exposed to daily doses of 50mg/kg of metformin, phenformin or compound A. The tumors and organs of the treated mice were recovered to analyze their mechanism of action by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.  A method of analysis by MALDI-TOF was developed in order to locate and quantify the biguanide compounds in the treated organs and tumors. Various parameters, such as the choice of matrix and the deposition method were optimized to obtain IMS calibration curves for each biguanide compound. The analyzed organs and tumors showed accumulation of compound A in the liver and kidney. With linear regression, this semi-quantitative method allowed to determine a concentration of 16.8 µg/mL in the kidney and 4.1 µg/mL in the liver. Another objective to understand the mechanism of action of biguanides in cancer therapy is to detect molecular patterns of biomolecules that correlate with the diagnostic, the prognostic and to the response of the therapy. The livers from mice treated with compound A showed differences of expression of certain phospholipids compared to the other livers, namely at m/z 558. In short, the mechanism of action of biguanides in cancer therapy is still a work in progress for future developments.

Keyphrases: Biguanides, Cancer, Maldi-tof, Mass spectrometry, Imaging
Photomobility study of an azobenzene derived molecular glass

A molecular glass is a type of amorphous solid that lacks the characteristic molecular order found in a crystal. Azobenzene-derived molecular glasses have been widely studied due to their inherent photomobility. Upon irradiation below their bulk glass transition temperature (Tg), they undergo repetitive trans-cis-trans isomerization on the molecular scale that leads to macroscopic motion known as photoinduced mass transport. This project seeks to explore if photomobility is a result of light-stimulated structural relaxation using gDR1, a molecular glass derived from the Disperse Red 1 chromophore. First, UV-visible spectroscopy was used to measure the minimum cis content reached in the photostationnary state under irradiation at various wavelengths. The wavelengths chosen allowed for irradiation near the maximum absorbance of either isomer or in the regions weakly absorbed by both. In doing so, it was possible to consider the wavelength dependence of the material and the effect of the cycling efficiency. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy was then used to probe the effective temperature at the molecular scale of the azo moiety, spacer group and glassy backbone under irradiation. The results showed that despite the bulk temperature of the sample remaining well below Tg, localized effective temperature increases are felt by the molecule upon irradiation. The increase in effective temperature is greatest near the isomerizing azo group and depends on the irradiation wavelength due to the isomerization cycling efficiency. Ellipsometry measurements were then taken to measure photoexpansion of the films. The kinetics of relaxation of the cis content (UV-vis), effective temperature (IR) and thickness (ellipsometry) were compared to evaluate the relaxation process of the material locally and globally. Finally, differential scanning calorimetry was used to measure the enthalpy change in the system resulting from irradiation. Samples were first annealed below Tg for determined times, allowing the material to structurally relax towards its ideal state and thereby reducing its free volume. Upon irradiation, photoinduced cycling generates excess free volume whose impact can be quantified by measuring the enthalpy associated with structural relaxation near Tg. A comparison of the irradiated and non-irradiated samples showed an enthalpy difference of up to 1.2 J/g due to photoinduced effects, supporting the hypothesis that structural relaxation contributes to the photomobility phenomenon. This work thus contributes to understanding photoinduced mechanical changes below Tg in azo-containing amorphous materials.

Keyphrases: Azobenzene, Photomobility, Molecular glass, Photoisomerization, Structural relaxation
Représentations sociales de jeunes hommes pris en charge et hébergés jusqu'à la majorité dans le cadre de la Loi sur la protection de la jeunesse.

This research project aims to shed light on the social representations of young men who are placed under the Youth Protection Act until their 18th birthday. Representations on services received in relation to preparation for independent living after the end of protective services.   At first, we will paint a portrait of the young persons by discovering a little more about the factors that led to an investment of the government until their majority. Then, we try to find out more about the appreciation of services received and the depreciation or simply the factors to improve to help more young people in the same situation as themselves. In this way, we will be able to make assumptions about what would eventually work in the province's Youth Centers to better respond to the needs that are specific to their situations.   The topic was explored with the participation of 10 young people between the ages of 16 and 18 with whom we conducted semi-directed interviews.

Keyphrases: Autonomy, Adult, Housing, Majority, Youth protection act, Social representations
L'apport de la zoothérapie à la pratique du travail social : le point de vue de travailleurs sociaux

This master thesis is a qualitative study on the advantage of including zootherapy in the social work practice. First, the history of the relationship between humans and animals is exposed, as well as the benefits of the animal on multiple levels in the lives of individuals. Following, the role and the use of the animal in a social work perspective is highlighted. The researcher did qualitative interviews with social workers who integrated or had integrated animals in their social work practice. It can be concluded that zootherapy may be useful on multiple levels to the social work practice results. The animal can assist the client in achieving various goals sought after by the social worker. Furthermore, the animal is helpful in creating and establishing the therapeutic link between the social worker and the client, a critical aspect of counseling. Lastly, a working animal can contribute to community and government programs, helping to improve multiple areas of the individual and societal levels.

Keyphrases: Animal, Approche alternative, Social work, Zootherapy, Alternative approach
Récits nationaux gouvernementaux : analyse comparative des guides de citoyenneté canadiens (1947-2012)

This thesis focuses on citizenship manuals that have been produced by the Canadian government since 1947. Their aim is to prepare persons applying for citizenship for an examination attesting to their knowledge of the country, its history, institutions, and values. Updated periodically, these manuals constitute an official narrative of the nation’s history. In this study, we will analyze the representations of Canada and its history. The purpose of this research is three-fold: (1) identify the changes in the national narrative throughout the editions of the manuals; (2) analyze the type of figures who have been established as protagonists of Canadian history as well as the characteristics attributed to them; and (3) give an account of the social worldviews put forward by the manuals, which is to say the categories and schemata used to present, interpret, and analyze Canada. Attentive to the salience of nationalism and ethnicity in discourse, this thesis adopts a constructivist approach to these phenomena by building on contributions made by Max Weber, Fredrik Barth, and Benedict Anderson. Thus, it addresses the processes of categorization inherent in representations of nation and ethnicity. The aim of this approach is to understand how the Canadian nation and the figures who make it up are constructed discursively in the manuals as national and ethnic figures. This thesis uses a comparative analysis of citizenship manuals published between 1947 and 2012. The methodology includes qualitative approaches to content analysis. The comparative analysis of the storylines found in the manuals and of the characters depicted aims to identify continuities and tensions between the different versions of the national narrative.

Keyphrases: Ethnicity, Nationalism, Citizenship, Social representations, Content analysis
Analyse des représentations sociales du concept « d'intelligence » dans les discours sur l’Intelligence Artificielle.

Popular technology for some and field of scientific research for others, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an ideological project above all: shaping an artificial creature "in the image of Man" (Breton, 1995). However, the media's enthusiasm for AI reflects a debate that focuses exclusively on the opportunities it generates and the issues it raises. Essential to the understanding of the social phenomenon, the sociological study of the evolution of this ideological project constitutes a gap that this thesis intends to fill. The aim is to establish on what conception of the human being and his intelligence this project has developed. This research work focuses on the representations of intelligence conveyed by media discourses focused on AI. Analyzing the social representations of intelligence from a constructivist perspective not only allows us to better understand the social phenomenon that is AI, but also sheds light on the vision of the human being that it implies. We will try to demonstrate how AI has been developed on the basis of a reductive representation of Man and his intelligence without ever mentioning the foundations hidden on the edges of social representations. Especially since this "epistemic pauperism" (Robillard, 2019: 3) is not without effect: real scientific choices result from it, leading to the launch of concrete applications that guide and transform our daily lives. That is why a thorough reflection is required. This thesis thus aims to point out social interests affected by technocratic instrumental rationality.

Keyphrases: intelligence, Artificial Intelligence, social representations, constructivism, transhumanism, popularization, reductionism, technoscience