NCube/papyrus huggingface dataset:
La dynamique spatio-temporelle de l'attention dans la lecture

A vast number of studies examining the cognitive and neurobiological aspects of reading have been conducted in the past decades. However, the strategy underlying expert word identification and the way visuospatial attention is deployed across time and space remains unknown. The study from Blais et al. (2009) offered a significant advance to our knowledge in this regard. The present study extends this initial investigation by using a protocol which can specify how visual information is extracted in space and time during visual word recognition in neurotypical readers.  16 students were tested using an adaptation of the « Bubbles » technique. Participants read five-letter French words exposed for 200 ms and sampled in space-time by random signal-to-noise ratio  (SNR) variations which were independent for each letter position. Participants first completed a 150-trial practice session during which the maximum allowable SNR was adjusted in order to maintain accuracy at about 51% correct. Then, four experimental blocks of 150 trials each were completed. This was followed by a 75-trial practice block to readjust the maximum allowable SNR. Finally, four additional blocks of 150 experimental trials each were conducted.  Data analyses examined how the temporally varying signal/noise determined the response accuracy of participants. Classification images in the temporal domain were constructed for each participant by subtracting the weighted sum of the temporal profiles of signal/noise ratios of incorrect trials from those associated with correct responses. We also constructed classification images in the time-frequency domain which indicate the contribution of particular frequencies as a function of time to processing effectiveness. Individual classification images were transformed into Z scores to put them on the same scale, thereby allowing the calculation of group means. Statistical significance was determined by the application of the Pixel test.  The results suggest a serial processing of letter extraction information in which the order of letters is a function of the diagnostic value of that letter for word identification. These observations are inconsistent with a parallel processing model, which is the generally accepted account for the invariant latency of expert visual word recognition as a function of word length. These would seem to indicate a serial processing of letters within which several joint letters are still possible. The absence of word length effect in the serial processing would be explained by the number of letters (and/or the number of attention attachments required) which remains constant whatever the length of the word. However, this hypothesis still need to be substantiated by testing this protocol on words of different lengths.

Keyphrases: attention, reading, visuospatial, parallel, serial, processing, word, length, effect
Conceptualisation des pratiques d’empowerment dans la relation d’aide auprès des femmes avec un parcours de prostitution : regards des intervenantes

The World Health Organization promotes the use of empowerment-based approaches when working with socially and politically disadvantaged populations in general and more specifically with women engaged in prostitution. With the growing popularity of this concept, it is now used to label a variety of psychosocial practices, however, questions remain as to how these practices are articulated and put into practice in interventions, especially considering that certain authors have highlighted paradoxes associated with the concept of empowerment. The articulation of this concept may be even more complex when working with people who experience social marginalization and for whom life contexts and intervention structures can limit the possibilities of self-determination, as is the case for women with a history of prostitution. There are major barriers in establishing a bond of trust and developing pertinent objectives in interventions. Such barriers are related to the complex nature of exiting prostitution and the long-term impacts of experiences of abuse and oppression. In order to conceptualize empowerment practices, this qualitative research, with a comprehensive approach, gathered the experiential knowledge of six practitioners who describe their practice as empowerment-oriented and work with women who have experienced prostitution. Analyses allow us to describe: (1) the contexts in which the practices are embodied, (2) the way in which the participants adapt their practices, (3) empowerment as a process, (4) the conditions and mechanisms for empowerment, and finally, (5) the paradoxes and tensions that the participants encounter in applying their empowerment practices. The results illustrate that the participants exercise empowerment at individual, collective and structural levels, and dissect the conditions and mechanisms necessary to support the process of empowerment. The results underline the importance of developing a relationship based on authenticity, reciprocity and cooperation.

Keyphrases: Empowerment, Prostitution, Recherche qualitative, Intervention practices, Help relationship, Sex work, Community organisation, Qualitative research
L’agent de liaison interculturel : sa place dans la dynamique entre les écoles, la Direction de la protection de la jeunesse et les familles issues de la diversité culturelle dans des situations à risque de compromission

The multicultural agent is a community worker who works with families from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Sensitive to these families’ needs, the agent aims to provide them with culturally adapted interventions. As such, the agent quickly becomes a reference for these culturally diverse families. The objective of this qualitative research is to better understand the experience and perceptions of community workers with regard to their roles, the variety of conditions that affect their work, their relationships, and the dynamics between themselves and their external partners, such as schools and child protective services (CPS), more specifically when the security or development of a child is potentially compromised. Ten semi-directed interviews with twelve participants were conducted. The verbatim were thereafter summited to a descriptive content analysis validated by a second analyst. Results highlighted eight different roles held by the multicultural agent. Some of these roles are enacted directly with families, other roles relate to interactions with partners, and two of them refer to interventions when doubts arise concerning the security or development of a child. These roles take place in organizations and with partners, each of which holds a certain dynamic that influence the experiences of the agents. These same dynamics are themselves influenced by a variety of systemic factors. Indeed, there are certain conditions that can benefit or compromise the scope of their work. Inequal power held by the different partners often represents an obstacle in agents’ relationships with large institutions. Even though attempts are made to develop real partnerships with schools, the multicultural agent’s place is not yet fully recognized by CPS. This study brings knowledge on some aspects of inter organisational work that is to be considered in order to create a fully functioning partnership between multicultural agents, schools, and protection services. It also enlightens the need to better adapt the interventions for families from cultural diversity facing a possible report to CPS.

Keyphrases: Children, Cultural diversity, Community, Families, Schools, Youth protection, Reports
Soutenir ses collègues : Oui, mais comment ? Exploration du soutien positif et négatif offert par les collègues aux travailleurs en protection de la jeunesse exposés à un événement traumatique au travail

Child protection workers are regularly exposed to traumatic events at work. From these events arise numerous individual consequences (hypervigilance, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc.) and organizational consequences (absenteeism, sick leave, turnover, etc.), which can last over time or even amplify without adequate intervention. The best practices to promote in the acute phase (0-30 days) following a traumatic event remain unclear and do not currently allow us to offer optimal support to workers who experience more or less severe post-traumatic reactions in the days/weeks following a trauma. Social support is recognized to be a determining factor in the recovery of individuals exposed to traumatic events, support from colleagues being particularly important for events occurring in the workplace. However, we do not know how the support of colleagues manifests itself after a traumatic event neither how it is perceived by exposed employees. Objective. Explore the support offered by colleagues after trauma and distinguish support actions according to whether they were perceived as positive or negative by employees. Method. An exploratory qualitative method was used to conduct a thematic analysis (inter-case) and typical case studies (intra-case). Semi-structured interviews of 30 employees exposed to a traumatic event in the past 0-30 days were analyzed. Results. Support actions reported by participants could fit the typology of House (1981), namely emotional, instrumental, informational and evaluation support. The most frequently reported type of support was emotional support, and the majority of participants reported receiving positive support from colleagues. Positive and negative actions are detailed. Conclusion. Positive support offered by colleagues is consistent with the essential principles of early post-traumatic intervention, while negative support refers mainly to a lack of organizational resources and a culture where violence is trivialized. The study suggests that organizations should invest in an approach based on emotional support rather than trivialization.

Keyphrases: Traumatic events, Child protection workers, Social support, Colleague support, Acute phase
Associations prospectives entre l’engagement dans les jeux vidéo et le bien-être psychosocial des jeunes

Context. The growth of screen time in our society, as well as the growing appeal for video games is dazzling. However, can this hobby have negative consequences on the psychosocial adjustment of children a year later? Objective. Identify the prospective associations between engagement in video games at age 12 and psychosocial well-being at age 13. Method. This study includes 1344 subjects including 702 girls and 642 boys from the Longitudinal Study of the Development of Children in Quebec (ÉLDEQ). At 12 years old, the child selfreported the number of hours he engaged in video games per week. Then, using loyal and valid scales, he reported reactive aggression, inattention and impulsivity and emotional distress at 13 years of age. To measure the prospective associations between video games and well-being at 13, multiple regressions were studied while controlling for the relevant confounding and competing variables. Results. Engaging in video games at 12 is associated with an increase in reactive aggression (β=0.13), symptoms of emotional distress (β = 0.10), and inattentiveness and impulsivity (β = 0.15) at 13 for boys. Engaging in video games at 12 is associated with an increase in reactive aggression (β=0.16) and inattentiveness and impulsivity (β = 0.09) at 13 for girls. They were no association between video games and emotional distress for this population. Conclusion. Video games can be a risk factor for developing difficulties later, more reactive aggression, more attention and impulsiveness, and more emotional distress. In this sense, it is important to act in prevention as to the number of times allocated to this hobby.

Keyphrases: Video games, Psychosocial well-being, Reactive aggression, Emotional distress, Symptoms of inattention and impulsivity
Associations entre les habitudes de vie et les problèmes intériorisés à l’enfance : une analyse de profils latents

Context. According to the 24-Hour Movement guidelines adopted by the government of Canada, a balanced lifestyle regarding physical activity, screen time, and sleep is essential for a better physical and psychological health. Many children do not follow these guidelines. The adoption of an unhealthy lifestyle in childhood is prospectively linked, among other things, to internalizing problems such as depressive symptoms and anxiety. Conversely, internalizing problems are also prospectively associated with an unhealthy lifestyle in childhood. Very few studies have examined the specific effects of physical activity, screen time, and sleep when modelled jointly. In addition, very few longitudinal studies have examined the links between internalizing problems and lifestyle in childhood. Objectives. (1) To identify lifestyle profiles at 10 years old using indicators of physical activity, screen time, and sleep. (2) To examine the association between internalizing problems (depressive symptoms and anxiety) at 8 years old and lifestyle profiles membership at 10 years old. (3) To compare children according to profile membership in order to examine the differences in terms of internalizing problems at 12 years old. Method. Data are from the Québec Longitudinal Study of Child Development. The sample used to derive lifestyle profiles at age 10 included 1334 children. Physical activity, screen time and sleep were reported by mothers. Internalizing problems at age 8 were reported by mothers and teachers, then by children at age 12. All data were collected by questionnaires. The profiles have been derived empirically by a latent profile analysis. Multinomial logistic regressions and covariance analysis were conducted to test the associations between internalizing problems and profiles. Results. Four lifestyle profiles at age 10 were found among our sample: (1) Balanced lifestyle (43 %), (2) Average lifestyle (38 %), Inactive lifestyle (15 %), and Very inactive lifestyle (4 %). Internalizing problems at age 8 did not predict profile membership, whereas, children in the Very inactive lifestyle profile had significantly more depressive symptoms at age 12 compared to children in the Balanced lifestyle. Implications. In line with our hypothesis, children with an inactive lifestyle in childhood are at risk of elevated depressive symptoms in early adolescence. Therefore, governmental programs such as the 24-Hour Movement which aim to increase the levels of physical activity and decrease screen time in youth are beneficial for their psychological well-being. Furthermore, a physical activity component should be added to programs that aim to reduce depressive symptoms in youth.

Keyphrases: Lifestyle, Internalizing problems, Childhood, Latent profile analysis
Relevé en photométrie rapide d’étoiles naines blanches de type ZZ Ceti dans l’échantillon Gaia

This thesis presents a high-speed photometric survey aimed at discovering new ZZ Ceti white dwarf stars, whose atmosphere is dominated by hydrogen. White dwarfs represent the final stage of stellar evolution for main-sequence stars less massive than M~8 Msol, or 97% of the stellar population. These stellar remnants go through a phase of pulsational instability that manifests itself in the form of luminosity variations, as they evolve through a narrow region of the mass-effective temperature plane, called the ZZ Ceti instability strip. The main goal of our study is to identify new ZZ Ceti white dwarfs within this instability strip.   To do so, we measured with high precision the effective temperature and mass of all white dwarfs in the Northern Hemisphere within 100 parsecs of the Sun, by combining trigonometric parallax measurements from the astrometric survey Gaia, with photometric measurements from the Pan-STARRS, SDSS, and CFIS surveys, and by comparing these observations with the predictions of detailed model atmospheres. Light curves of ZZ Ceti candidates, selected within the empirical instability strip, were then obtained with the PESTO instrument attached to the 1.6 m telescope of the Mont-Mégantic Observatory. We discovered 29 new ZZ Ceti stars, including a very rare ultra-massive variable pulsator. We also identified 5 possibly variable stars within the strip, in addition to 32 objects that do not appear to show any photometric variability. However, several of those could be variable with an amplitude below our detection threshold, or could be located outside the instability strip due to errors in their photometric parameters. Our results, combined with others to come, will allow us to verify the purity of the instability strip, i.e. that it is devoid of non-variable stars, a result that would support the idea that ZZ Ceti stars represent an inevitable phase through which all hydrogen-atmosphere white dwarfs must evolve. If this were the case, it would then be possible to probe the internal structure of all DA-type white dwarfs using asteroseismology, providing an additional tool for understanding their evolution.

Keyphrases: white dwarfs, techniques : photometric
Prédiction des éruptions solaires par assimilation de données avec les modèles d’avalanches

Solar flares are sudden releases of electromagnetic radiation, relativistic particles and occasionally coronal mass, caused by the release of magnetic energy from the solar corona. They pose a danger to astronauts in high orbits and directly impact the Earth, including significant disturbances on GPS systems, and can even cause damage to technological infrastructures, including electrical networks. Predicting solar flares is therefore considered to be one of the most critical challenges in space weather. However, no method presented in the literature can produce reliable predictions, highlighting the complex nature of the triggering of solar flares. We, therefore, present in this thesis an alternative method to the usual statistical forecasting techniques. Our method is based on data assimilation coupled with computationally inexpensive cellular automaton models called avalanche models.  Avalanche models are a drastic simplification of the physics underlying the triggering of solar flares. Despite their simplicity, they reproduce reasonably well the long-term statistics of solar flares sizes. In this thesis, we present empirical analyses of the predictive capabilities of four models: the Lu and Hamilton (LH) model (Lu & Hamilton, 1991, ApJ, 412, 841-852), two deterministic-driven (D) models (Strugarek & Charbonneau, 2014, SoPh, 289(8), 2993-3015) and finally two models using the principle of minimum energy during magnetic reconnection, called DMC models, which are strongly inspired by the models presented by Farhang et al. (2018, ApJ, 859(1), 41). The DMC models were developed during this project; therefore, a chapter of this thesis is dedicated to their presentation and more detailed analyses of their characteristics. We show that for D and DMC models, a memory exists between large simulated events, despite the high stochasticity present within each of these models.  We finally present in this thesis a new protocol for predicting solar flares, using data assimilation coupled with avalanche models. Our protocol is based on a simulated annealing method to adjust the initial condition of the model until it satisfactorily reproduces a series of observed events. Once this optimal initial condition is found, the resulting simulation produces our prediction. In this thesis, we show our algorithm's success in assimilating hundreds of synthetic observations (produced by the avalanche models themselves).

Keyphrases: Solar flares, Avalanche models, Data assimilation, Forecasting, Complexe systems
Identifications des interactions des inhibiteurs connus des canaux HCNs.

HCN channels have a role in regulating heart rate as well as in the transmission of nerve impulses. Many pathologies are caused by a malfunction of these channels. To date, Ivabradine is the only molecule used as a drug, but despite its specificity for HCN chan- nels, it is not selective between the isoforms of the HCN family. In order to identify a molecule more suitable for the treatment than ivabradine, we analyzed the interaction between HCN family and 9 known blockers using docking. This analysis allowed us to identify the necessary residuals for ligand binding. It is also observed that ivabradine forms no solid bond with the HCN channels but only blocks the passage by its pres- ence, the same was observed for its derivatives Zatebradine and Cilobradine. Ligands of smaller size, for their part, are lodged in a hydrophobic cavity and form stable bonds with the proteins. Our results seem to suggest that blocking with Ivabradine is more effi- cient but that the stable bonds of small ligands have a greater potential for better affinity. However, the observed interactions suggest that the specificity towards isoforms would come from the kinetics of the channels and state dependencies of ligands rather than identified interactions. Finally, the binding of the ligands to the closed conformation of the HCN1 channel suggests that there would be a closed-bound conformation that is not known since no ligand has been able to access the pore.

Keyphrases: HCN, stimulis, ion channel, drug binding, docking, bradycardia, arrhythmia, epilepsy, pain
Caractérisation et optimisation des paramètres physiques du Ta₂O₅ affectant le facteur de qualité de miroirs diélectriques

This master's thesis presents the experiments made to reduce the loss angle of tantala coatings similar to those used in LIGO. To improve the relxation level of the coatings they were deposited  by magnetron sputtering at temperatures varying from 50 °C to 480 °C. They were also subjected to rapid thermal annealing, and oxygen implantation. In another experiment, the coatings were deposited by magnetron sputtering with substrate biasing varying from 0 V to -450 V at room temperature and at 250 °C. Finally, the coatings of tantala were deposited by high power impulse magnetron sputtering. The loss angle, thickness, roughness, refractive index, atomic composition, stress, the relaxation state and Young's modulus of the coatings were characterized using spectroscopic ellipsometry, Rutherford backscattering, elastic recoil detection, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and nanoindentation. It was found that the deposition temperature improved the loss angle until it reached 250 °C. However, annealing the coatings had a superior impact and the influence of the deposition temperature was not visible after annealing. When was applied a high bias to the susbtrate at room temperature, the obtained coating was slightly more relaxed than when a low bias was applied but this effect is, once again, insignificant after annealing. The other methods of deposition mentioned did not improve the loss angle or modify the relaxation state found by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction of the tantala coatings. This research was made with the financial support of the NSERC and of the FRQNT (file number 206976).

Keyphrases: Implantation, Dielectric coatings, Tantala, Gravitational wave detectors, Magnetron sputtering, Substrate biasing, High power impulse magnetron sputtering, Rapid thermal annealing, Implantation, Loss angle