NCube/papyrus huggingface dataset:
Pourquoi rendre les gens libres selon Rousseau?

At the heart of what are called the "ideals of the Enlightenment", Jean-Jacques Rousseau illustrates the tension between authority and freedom in each of his works. In this thesis, we study natural, moral and political freedom by focusing on the texts Discours sur l’origine et les fondements des inégalités parmi les hommes, l’Émile and Du Contrat social. We will examine the relationships between freedom, education, society as well as political institutions. In society, our actions and our freedom have an impact on others. In order to live freely in peace, we must use our practical reason to limit the effects of self-esteem and cultivate virtuous mores and conventions. In short, we must make people free because public freedom is a guarantee of our own freedom and of the common good. In order to enrich this discussion, we also analyze two types of criticism which denounce a tyrannical tendency towards rousseauist philosophy, namely that of Isaiah Berlin and its liberal fringe that denounces a totalitarian affinity; then that of Mary Wollstonecraft who addresses his misogynist prejudices.

Keyphrases: Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Isaiah Berlin, Mary Wollstonecraft, Freedom, Republicanism, Natural law
La philosophie avec les enfants : un outil à l’éducation à la tolérance au Québec

In Québec, the topic of education to tolerance is subject not only to debate but also, in the eyes of some, to controversy. As cultural diversity becomes a distinct feature of Québec’s society and culture, the relevance and feasibility of teaching young individuals critical thinking which is aimed at fostering an attitude of tolerance towards their peers remains a subject which is highly studied and discussed within realms of education. The purpose of this masters’ thesis is to examine the question of education to tolerance in Québec as well as to evaluate the present and possible forms said education may take. The research question can thus be formulated as such : "Is it reasonable to attempt to teach tolerance in Québec schools and, if so, what form should these teachings take? " To answer this question, we will examine the Ethics and Religious Culture (ERC) course, a program which withholds the objective to provide children and teenagers with the critical references necessary for tolerance. In addition, this text will present the method of philosophy with children as well as the role it may play in education for tolerance specifically, and education with young individuals in general.

Keyphrases: Interculturalisme, Tolerance, Diversity, Interculturalism, Ethics and religious culture, Philosophy with children, Education
Les rôles de Kant et de Hegel dans le diagnostic adornien de la crise de l’expérience des temps modernes

The entire work of T. W. Adorno can be interpreted as a philosophical answer to his singular diagnosis of the crisis of experience in modernity. This thesis sheds light on this diagnosis by examining the ambiguous roles that Friedrich Hegel and Emmunel Kant play in it. Following the transformation of the German Enlightenment from Kant to Adorno, we show how each of the three philosophers respond to a crisis contemporary to him by making experience a concept that bonds autonomy and subjectivity together. It is especially the Kantian concept of autonomy and the Hegelian concepts of experience and subjectivity that Adorno criticizes and saves in order to theorize the general incapacity of individuals to enter a non-ideological relation with the objective social reality that characterizes late capitalism. But such a diagnosis is no pessimism or nostalgia, it is a necessary pre-step opening the way to a subjectivity able to resist the multiple heteronomous forces that systematically undermine the individual and collective forms of self-determination.

Keyphrases: Kant, Hegel, Adorno, crisis, experience, autonomy, subjectivity
Logique du vague : survol des principales théories

In this dissertation, I am interested in vagueness, generally characterized as a propension of vague terms to create sorites paradoxes. I begin by defining vagueness and I try to find a neutral definition that fits for all theories. Then, I turn my attention to the principal theories that describe this phenomenon and I use Keefe’s good theory criteria, presented in her 2000 book Theories of Vagueness, to analyze them. Three accounts of vagueness are analyzed: supervaluationism, subvaluationism and Williamson’s epistemicism. For every theory, I describe the semantics and the logic and I present the major objections or problems that it has to face. I conclude that epistemicism has to be rejected because of its counter-intuitive semantics. Subvaluationism is, at this point, a better theory than supervaluationism because it can consistently accommodate higher-order vagueness and D operator.

Keyphrases: Vague, Vagueness, Semantics, Logic, Supervaluationism, Subvaluationism, Epistemicism, Sorites paradox, Higher-order vagueness, D operator
Le rôle de l'habitude dans la perception chez Merleau-Ponty

Our study is part of the spectrum of research on normativity in perception. Formally, we are interested in how motor intelligence constitutes and directs perception. Targeting the concept of habit in Merleau-Ponty’s Phénoménologie de la perception (1945), this work seeks to highlight the processes by which the body adopts motor powers and finally, to explain the role and the normative function of the habit in perception.

Keyphrases: Merleau-Ponty, Perception, Phénoménologie, Philosophy, Habits, Normativity, Phenomenology, Body Schema
De l'émancipation de l'homme par rapport aux phénomènes idéologiques : intelligibilité des phénomènes idéologiques omniprésents

This master’s thesis aims to shed light on ideological phenomena, more precisely on the relationship between them and the meaning of political concepts. Highlighting Karl Marx’s studies, we question humanity’s possibility of emancipation from the ideology. We stipulate that the ubiquity of the ideology makes this task impossible; but how can we make sense of these ubiquitous phenomena? To understand them, we draw inspiration from the work of Michael Freeden, “Ideologies and Political Thought.” The articulated semantic analysis states that ideological phenomena are sets of decontested concepts. We will look more closely to the morphology of those said concepts to better understand how they infuse significance in the phenomena, and to a larger extent to political theory.

Keyphrases: ideology, morphology, political philosophy, semantic, essentially contested concepts
Estimation robuste en population finie

A unit is considered influential when its inclusion or exclusion from the sample has a significant effect on the sampling error. The presence of influential units in a sample makes classical estimators unstable. Beaumont et al. (2013) have shown that conditional bias is a good tool for measuring the influence of a unit. They developed a robust estimator based on conditional bias. The proposed estimator depends on a constant, called tuning constant, which is determined by minimizing the largest conditional bias of the robust estimator. The purpose of this work is to study other criteria for obtaining robust estimators with good properties in terms of mean square error.

Keyphrases: conditional bias, influential unit, robust estimation, tuning constant
Au-delà des moindres carrés : mesurer les conséquences d'un modèle de régression linéaire surparamétré lors d'une application en cardiologie

In cardiology, we denote by RR and QT the time lapse of the full cardiac cycle and of going from states Q to T, respectively. An important quantity for cardiologists is QTc, the value of QT when RR is 1 second. To estimate it, many couples of RR and QT are measured, a regression model is fitted and the prediction for RR = 1 is the estimated QTc. A major difficulty is that observed RRs are usually much less than 1, leading to an extrapolation.  Preliminary studies seem to suggest that among the six models considered by researchers in cardiology, the most general one (with three parameters) is overparametrized. This research first, demonstrates this overparametrization, and then measures its consequences when that model is used for estimating QTc.  The set of all curves from the most general model with QTs and RRs similar to those observed in cardiology is considered. For each of these curves, we found another one sufficiently similar from two of the two parameters models among the six considered.  To measure the impact of such an overparametrization, the delta procedure, requiring no distributional assumption, has been developed and applied. In the end, for a given model, the QTc has been estimated from the set of all curves leading to a least squares criterion at most delta = 1% over the minimum. The range of corresponding QTcs from the most general model, when resulting from an extrapolation, is huge. We therefore conclude that this model is not appropriate for estimating QTc.

Keyphrases: Extrapolation, Overparametrization, Extrapolation, Least squares criterion, Nonlinear regression, Cardiology
Égalités et inégalités géométriques pour les valeurs propres du laplacien et de Steklov

This thesis is divided in three parts : in the first one, spectral inequalities based on the Cheeger constant and Jammes-Cheeger constant, its analogue for the Steklov problem, are introduced. An upper bound is obtained for the Laplace eigenvalues on a compact manifold without boundary by generalising a result from Buser. Then a lower bound for the k-th Steklov eigenvalue which depends only on the k-th Jammes-Cheeger constant is proved using a modified version of a proof by Lee, Gharan and Trevisan.  In the second part, it is shown that given a manifold M embedded in R^(n+1) , there does not exist a minimizer of the Steklov eigenvalues within the set of manifolds embedded in R^(n+1) with boundary ∂M .  Finally, in the third part of this thesis, inspired by Christianson’s results on triangles and simplices, the Neumann mass on the border of polytopes of a Dirichlet eigenfunction is studied. An explicit formula expressing the eigenvalue in terms of the Neumann mass on the faces of the polytope of the corresponding eigenfunction is proved.

Keyphrases: Spectral geometry, Laplace spectrum, Dirichlet problem, Steklov problem, Cheeger constant, Jammes-Cheeger constant, Neumann mass
Bifurcation de Hopf dans un modèle de signalement de NF-κB

The signaling system for the transcription factor NF-κB is involved in over 150 genes in a mammal cell. This leads scientists to try to analyse this molecule to understand its effect on a cell. Many scientists, including  Krishna and al., noticed oscillations in the amount of nucleic NF-κB. Before anyone noticed those oscillations, the quantities were thought to be somewhat stable, and they are, but not in every condition. This change of condition creates this instability and the transition of such stability for the stationary solution is caused by a Hopf bifurcation. To determine the existence of the stationary state in the tridimensional system and to analyse the bifurcation is important to predict the oscillations that might appear in certain conditions. It is then necessary to determine what kind of cycle appears or disappears at the bifurcation to understand the stability of those periodic solutions, of those oscillations. Finally, we simulate numercially the bifurcation diagrams for two models and differents parameters to observe the local similarities and global divergence of the diagrams.

Keyphrases: Hopf Bifurcation, Oscillations, Cycle limite, Forme normale, Limit cycle, Periodic solutions, Signaling system, Centre manifold, Normal form, Transcription factor
Sur les solutions d'équations différentielles de Stieltjes du 
premier et du deuxième ordre

The Stieltjes derivative, or g-derivative, was introduced by Pouso and RodrÍguez to obtain an equivalent of the fundamental theorem of calculus for the Lebesgue-Stieltjes integral.  This derivative also allows the generalization of different types of differential equations.  This thesis introduces the g-derivative and exposes work done until now in the demonstration of generalizations of results known for differential equations; namely the definition of an exponential function as the solution of a first order linear homogeneous equation and existence and uniqueness results for first-order systems of Stieljtes differential equations.  We proceed by generalizing some results, for example the existence of a maximal interval of existence for solutions and the continuous dependence on initial conditions.  We introduce the second order linear equation and present results on the existence and uniqueness of solutions, as well as their form.  These equations allow us to introduce equivalents of the trigonometric and hyperbolic functions.  Finally, we emphasize the pertinence of this new derivative, by showing how it generalizes previous attempts at unifying discrete and continuous calculus and by applying the theory of Stieltjes differential equations to the modeling of a population of drosophilae.

Keyphrases: Ordinary differential equations, Difference equations, Stieltjes integrations, Grönwall lemma, Mathematical modeling
Sur la structure cellulaire et la théorie de la représentation des algèbres de Temperley-Lieb à couture

This master’s thesis considers the representation theory of boundary seam algebras Bn,k (β), introduced by Morin-Duchesne, Rasmussen and Ridout [21]. Those unitary and associative algebras of finite dimension are parametrised by two positive integers n, k and a complex number β, expressed with q ∈ ℂˣ as β = q + q−1. They admit a diagrammatic definition and a realization of type Pk(ᵏ)TL n+k Pk(ᵏ) using the Temperley-Lieb algebra TLn+k and a family of idempotents Pk(ᵏ): the Wenzl-Jones projectors. We prove the cellularity in the sense of Graham and Lehrer [10] of this family of algebras for most values of β and use it to construct the simple, projective and cellular modules. Expressing β = q + q−1 for q ∈ ℂˣ, we get that the behaviour depends on the value of q : when it is generic, Bn,k (β) is semisimple; the case of q being a root of unity is richer and is studied in depth in chapter 4.  Chapter 1 pedagogically presents the theory of Temperley-Lieb algebras. Chapter 2 uses Temperley-Lieb algebras as examples to introduce cellular algebras. In chapter 3, boundary seam algebras are introduced in three different ways : by generators and relations, diagrammatically and by Wenzl-Jones projectors; the isomorphism between the three presentations is then shown except for the case q 2ᵏ = 1. The chapter finishes with the proof of the cellularity of Bn,k (β) and some of the representation theory results for q generic. Finally, chapter 4 presents in three steps the new results when q is a root of unity: the dimension of the radicals and of simple modules, the construction of the non-trivial morphisms between cellular modules and the characterisation of the principal indecomposable modules.

Keyphrases: Representation theory of algebras, Cellular algebras, Simple modules, Principal modules, Temperley-Lieb algebras, Boundary seam algebras
Three-Dimensional Model of the Release and Diffusion of Paclitaxel in the Stent-Polymer-Wall-Lumen System of a Blood Vessel

Stents are used in interventional cardiology in order to keep a diseased vessel open. New stents are coated with a medicinal agent that prevents the early reclosing caused by the proliferation of smooth muscle cells (SMC). In order to obtain the desired release kinetics for the SMC-controlling drug during the required therapeutic period, the current strategy focuses on biphasic or possibly polyphasic release from blends of degradable polymers. BlanchetDelfour-Garon [7] introduced an ordinary differential equation with two parameters and Garon-Delfour [42] a partial differential equation with two parameters to model the release kinetics. The parameters are all obtained from experimental release curves of Lao et al. [60] for pure polymers and polymer blends under infinite sink conditions. They are practical tools to numerically and theoretically simulate the 3D drug release from a thin coating of polymer to the aggregated wall and lumen of the blood vessel in order to facilitate the design and evaluation of the coating. The primary objective of this research was to pass from the thin, flat midsurface coating to the thin coating of a realistic 3D stent with curved and complex surface. To begin, the linearly diffusive model (and the results) of Delfour-Garon-Longo [31] that were obtained for a vessel with flat surface were extended to the case of a vessel with curved surface by finding the appropriate boundary conditions. The resulting model was then analysed from the point of view of the dose and the normalised concentration. Secondly, the resulting boundary condition from the 3D partial differential equation of Garon-Delfour was introduced into the model. This second nonlinear model was then used to study the normalised concentration as a function of the thickness of the polymer and the diffusion constant of the surrounding medium

Keyphrases: Paclitaxel, drug release kinetics, biodegradable polymers, Riccati equation, time- space partial differential equation, numerical simulation
Les ressources numériques d’information offertes aux parents belges et canadiens francophones en réponse au problème de la cyberintimidation : une analyse critique du discours

Research Framework : The term “cyberbullying” refers to any situation where a person or group communicates content using social-digital technologies in order to harm the well-being of a third person. This research focuses on digital information resources (DIR) addressed to French-speaking parents in Belgium and Canada, in response to this social problem. Objectives : Based on the theory of critical discourse analysis, our research aims to describe the “ways of acting” and the “ways of being” most often proposed to French-speaking parents in Belgium and Canada, then to evaluate them in terms of what scientific research judges appropriate in this area. Methodology : An analysis of the discourse of 17 Belgian DIRs and 35 Canadian DIRs was conducted. All the propositions presenting “ways of acting” and “ways of being” in these documents have been classified in analytical categories taken from the scientific documentation. Results : The discourse of the Belgian DIR prescribes modalities of intervention in the situation of cyberbullying which are proactive ; preventive actions focusing on the promotion of respect for others ; a media education prescribing good uses ; the exercise of a democratic parenting with an authoritarian tendency. The discourse of Canadian DIR prescribes modes of intervention in cyberbullying that focus on the well-being of the child-victim ; preventive actions aimed at understanding the socio-media universe of young people ; media education based on support and open dialogue ; the exercise of a democratic parenting with a permissive tendency. Conclusions : The two countries are different in terms of “ways of acting” and “ways of being” promoted in the discourses of the DIR. Our observations are consistent with the findings of surveys showing that parenting in Latin Europe is conducted in a more authoritarian way than in Canada. Contribution : Our research confirms the postulate of the critical discourse analysis theory to which discourses are oriented by common sense knowledge (beliefs, norms, values) geographically and culturally located.

Keyphrases: Intervention, Prévention, Information, Cyberbullying, Prevention, Media education, Parenting, Resources, Critical discourse analysis
Adaptation de l’activité nerveuse sympathique dirigée vers la peau à la suite d’une période d’acclimatation à la chaleur chez de jeunes adultes sains

Heat acclimation enhances the heat loss responses of sweating and cutaneous vasodilation. However, the physiological mechanisms underlying this improvement remain incompletely understood. This study evaluated the hypothesis that skin sympathetic nerve activity (SSNA) is activated earlier and that the thermosensitivity of the SSNA response is improved after a period of heat acclimation. Eight healthy adults (28 ± 6 years, 7 males / 1 female) underwent passive heat exposure before and after a 7-day isothermal heat acclimation protocol. SSNA (microneurography), local sweat rate (LSR), skin blood flow (SkBF) and esophageal temperature (Teso) were measured throughout passive heat exposure. Heat acclimation lowered resting Teso (36,74 ± 0.27 to 36,44 ± 0,37°C, P<0,01). During passive heating, the mean body temperature onset threshold for the activation of SSNA (1,01 ± 0,14 to 0,79 ± 0,15°C, P=0,01), LSR (1,31 ± 0,11 to 1,11 ± 0,23°C, P=0,03) and SkBF (1,31 ± 0,12 to 1,05 ± 0,32°C, P=0,03) was reduced post-acclimation. However, the thermosensitivity of SSNA (1782 ± 1828 to 1890 ± 1702 %/°C, P=0,88), LSR (1,94 ± 1,48 to 2.37. ± 1,13 mg/min/cm2/°C, P=0,23) and SkBF (546,30 ± 156,30 to 467,90 ± 250,50 perfusion units/°C, P=0,43) was similar pre and post-acclimation. These results suggest that heat acclimation leads to central adaptations that contribute to an earlier onset of heat loss responses.

Keyphrases: Thermorégulation, Skin sympathetic nerve activity, Thermoregulation, Acclimation, Passive heat, Sweat rate, Vasodilation, Human
Caractérisation de fibroblastes dérivés de cellules souches pluripotentes induites

In order to apply the concepts of cell therapy in humans, it is necessary to obtain an important source of human cells that are clinically safe. It is also highly preferable that these cells are autologous to the patient's immune system. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) are very attractive for cell therapy as they can be generated from any somatic cell while having unlimited replication potential. However, the reprogramming process for generating these cells requires an alteration of the expression of several genes involved in the control of cellular growth such as p53. Whether the expression and/or function of these genes is fully restored upon differentiation of iPSC is largely unknown. Using populations of fibroblasts (either originally derived from skin biopsies or differentiated from autologous iPSC), our goal is to characterize them and determine their DNA repair capacities following damages caused by irradiation. Both fibroblasts populations express markers such as FSP-1 and vimentin but lose the expression of pluripotency genes (SSEA4 and Tra1-60). We also have quantitatively measured the capacity of our populations to undergo cellular senescence and DNA repair following exposure to ionizing radiation. Our results show that both populations respond similarly to DNA damage but that a higher dose of irradiation (5 Gy) appears to further inhibit the growth of iPSC-derived fibroblasts. The p21 response also appears to be greater in iPSC- derived fibroblasts after a 10 Gy irradiation. The demonstration that iPSC-derived cells are able to repair their DNA after damages is essential to the development of iPS-based cell therapies in humans.

Keyphrases: iPSC, cell therapy, fibroblasts, DNA damage, DNA repair, differentiation