NCube/papyrus huggingface dataset:
The ethical dilemma of lifestyle change: designing for sustainable schools and sustainable citizenship

his paper explores how participation and sustainability are being addressed by architects within  the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme in the UK. The intentions promoted by the  programme are certainly ambitious, but the ways to fulfil these aims are ill-explored. Simply focusing on providing innovative learning technologies, or indeed teaching young people about physical sustainability features in buildings, will not necessarily teach them the skills they will need  to respond to the environmental and social challenges of a rapidly changing world. However,  anticipating those skills is one of the most problematic issues of the programme. The involvement of young people in the design of schools is used to suggest empowerment, place-making  and to promote social cohesion but this is set against government design literature which advocates for exemplars, standard layouts and best practice, all leading to forms of standardisation.  The potentials for tokenistic student involvement and conflict with policy aims are evident. This  paper explores two issues: how to foster in young people an ethic towards future generations,  and the role of co-design practices in this process. Michael Oakeshott calls teaching the conversation of mankind. In this paper, I look at the philosophy of Hannah Arendt, Emmanuel Levinas,  Maurice Merleau-Ponty and Luce Irigaray to argue that investigating the ethical dilemmas of the  programme through critical dialogue with students offers an approach to meeting government  objectives, building sustainable schools, and fostering sustainable citizenship.

Keyphrases: participation
Retour à Montréal-Nord: un examen critique de mon expérience comme étudiant dans un projet participatif d'aménagement avec des jeunes

This paper explores with an ethical angle the expectations, surprises and disillusions experienced by students engaged in a participatory design workshop with youths aged 10 to 14. This project, part of the Growing up in Cities program, involved the youth as collaborators in a research  process and in the design of a realistic local development scheme. Outcomes are partly disappointing, especially regarding the student-youth relationship. Nevertheless, it appears that students searched various ways to treat youths as sensible, intelligent and autonomous persons.  This article concludes on some considerations on choosing participation methods.

Keyphrases: participation
Swimming upstream: navigating ethical practices in the creation of a participatory youth media workshop

Despite the growing popularity of participatory video as a tool for facilitating youth empowerment, the methodology and impacts of the practice are extremely understudied. This paper describes a study design created to examine youth media methodology and the ethical dilemmas  that arose in its attempted implementation. Specifically, elements that added “rigor” to the study  (i.e., randomization, pre- and post-measures, and an intensive interview) conflicted with the fundamental tenets of youth participation. The paper concludes with suggestions for studying participatory media methodologies that are more in line with an ethics of participation.

Keyphrases: participation
Agir de manière appropriée: la participation des jeunes à l'aménagement

Two dimensions can be considered in a reflection on the ethics of participatory design and planning with children and youth: on the one hand, the justifications of participation; on the other  hand, the issues that participatory practice may raise and that may come out of traditional (non  participatory) frames of reference. This paper explores the relationship between these two dimensions in the light of three distinct methodological approaches in moral theory: deontological  ethics, utilitarian ethics and virtue ethics. Drawing on the experience of a UNESCO-Growing Up  in Cities project, the paper stresses some contradictions between the principles of participatory  practice and how the ethical issues are sometimes managed.

Keyphrases: participation
Everyday Ethics: Framing youth participation in organizational practice

Much of the literature on ethical issues in child and youth participation has drawn on the episodic experiences of participatory research efforts in which young people’s input has been sought,  transcribed and represented. This literature focuses in particular on the power dynamics and ethical dilemmas embedded in time-bound adult/child and outsider/insider relationships. While we  agree that these issues are crucial and in need of further examination, it is equally important to  examine the ethical issues embedded within the “everyday” practices of the organizations in and  through which young people’s participation in community research and development often occurs  (e.g., community-based organizations, schools and municipal agencies). Drawing on experience  from three summers of work in promoting youth participation in adult-led organizations of  varying purpose, scale and structure, a framework is postulated that presents participation as a  spatial practice shaped by five overlapping dimensions. The framework is offered as a point of  discussion and a potential tool for analysis in ecipation in relation to organizational practice.

Keyphrases: participation
Participation as capacity-building for active citizenship

Within the framework of the “capability approach” to human rights, this paper argues that adults  who facilitate participatory planning and design with children and youth have an ethical obligation to foster young people’s capacities for active democratic citizenship. Practitioners often worry,  justifiably, that if young people fail to see their ideas realized, they may become disillusioned  and alienated from political life. Based on the experience of the Growing Up in Cities program  of UNESCO, four rules of good practice are distilled which can help promote young people’s belief  in the value of collective action, regardless of the challenges that the full implementation of their  ideas may face.

Keyphrases: Unesco
Comparaison des mécanismes de régulation des isoformes a et b des récepteurs 5-HT4

The therapeutic actions of antidepressants, currently available, require several weeks of treatment. This delay is due to pre-and post-synaptic sites adjustments, which, respectively, increase the availability of synaptic monoamines 5-HT and NA, and induce neuroplastic changes amending neuronal function in the limbic regions. We have recently observed in animal model of depression that serotonergic 4 receptor agonist RS67333 produces behavioural, electrophysiological, cellular and biochemical changes, as seen in antidepressants. More importantly, these changes appear only after 3 days of treatment while antidepressants often require several weeks. Moreover, activation of 5-HT4 receptors does not generate tolerance and that for 21 days of treatment.  However, the signalling and regulation properties of these receptors haven’t been established yet. Here, we wanted to better characterize these two aspects of their function, and in particular for isoforms a and b, strongly expressed in the limbic system. First, we assessed their ability to produce cAMP in a heterologous system. Functional assays revealed that both isoforms were capable of positive and negative modulation of cAMP levels by 5-HT. Stimulation by RS67333 induced cAMP stimulation. Together, these observations indicate that that both isoforms are able to couple adenylate cyclase through Gαs and Gαi proteins. Moreover, quantification of receptors sequestration showed that isoform b internalised more efficiently than the isoform a, following incubation with 5-HT (61 ± 3 % for b, 40 ± 2 % for a). PKA and PKC proteins, two seconds messenger kinases activated by these receptors, are not involved in producing this difference. However, PKC is essential to the internalization of both isoforms. Isoform b internalization was not affected by an inactive GRK2 mutant (GRK2-K220R) and was partially inhibited by dominant negative β-arrestin (βarr(319-418), while isoform a internalization was dependant on both. These observations indicate that internalization mechanisms of the two isoforms, most abundantly expressed in the central nervous system, are different. Functional desensitization studies showned that RS67333 selectively desensitizes the isoform b, but not isoforme a. Based on these observations, we conclude that isoform a and b differ in their signalling and regulatory properties. Isoform a incapacity to desensitization by RS67333 provides a molecular substrate for prolonged antidepressant affects of this agonist in pre-clinical studies.

Keyphrases: longue latence, 5-HT, RS67333, 5-HT4 receptors, a and b isoforms, depression, tolerance, long latency, regulation, desensitization, internalization, 5-HT, RS67333
Utilisation des suppléments alimentaires chez les athlètes d’élite québécois

This project derives from the Canadian Sport Centre Dietary Study. The purpose of this global research project consisted in studying the consumption habits of Canadians elite athletes towards dietary supplements and evaluating if regional differences could be identified. The number of subjects needed for each province was calculated from the number of athletes identified as Excellence, Elite or Releve by the Canadian Sports Centres and governmental organisms. Only subjects from Québec had been considered for this research work. Forty three subjects completed the questionnaire on dietary supplement consumption habits, 71 filled a three day food diary and 42 of them returned both documents. Results showed that dietary supplements were used by 90.7% of our sample. Users were consuming an average of 3.35 different types of dietary supplements, mostly sports drinks (48.8%), multivitamins-minerals (37.2%) and protein powders (34.5%). Reasons behind the use of supplements were: to stay healthy (27.9%), to raise energy level (27.9%) and to accelerate recovery (25.6%). Athletes were getting their information from physical trainers (25.6%), family members or friends (16.3%) and teammates (16.3%). Dietary supplements were bought in grocery stores (16.3%), drug stores (14.0%) and specialised stores (9.3%). Seventy percent of our sample thought that stopping the use of dietary supplement would have no impact on their performance level or had no idea of the impact it could have. Nevertheless, participants showed a clear interest concerning the efficiency (69.8%), legality (55.8%) and safety (53.5%) of dietary supplements. Eighty one percent of the subjects who were using protein supplements had dietary intakes above their needs for that nutrient. The use of multivitamin-mineral supplements compensated for inadequate intakes in calcium and folic acid, but not in potassium. This investigation showed that multivitamin-mineral users had dietary intakes above the Upper Intake Levels for sodium, magnesium, niacin, folic acid, vitamin A and iron. From these results, we can conclude, in this athlete population, that protein and multivitamin-mineral supplements were not required or used adequately.

Keyphrases: Performance, Dietary supplement, Nutritional supplement, Natural health product, Nutritional intake, Athlete, Performance
Le vieillissement chronologique
de Schizosaccharomyces pombe :
Implication des voies de détection du glucose

The first increase in life span due to man’s intervention was obtained with rats subjected to a diet reduced in calorie intake. Later, this phenomenon was repeated with many other species and referred as diet restriction or calorie restriction. The development of modern Molecular Biology approaches and the use of simple model organisms demonstrated that the rate of aging was regulated by genetic traits. Indeed, several cellular mechanisms were identified as responsible for the control of aging. These regulatory pathways appear to be conserved throughout species, from yeast to multicellular organisms like nematode, fly and mice, thus suggesting the existence of a universal program of aging. Yeast proved several times to be a powerful and reliable model for discovering genes involved in the regulation of aging. My study consisted in developing Schizosaccharomyces pombe (also called fission yeast) as a new unicellular model to study aging. The first step of my work was to show that pathways of nutrient detection through kinases involving Pka1 and Sck2 control chronological aging in S. pombe, as it was previously demonstrated in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This first work validated the use of fission yeast for the study of aging.  Subsequently, we analysed in more detail the pro-aging effect of glucose focusing on the role of its signalling through the G-protein Gpa2-coupled membrane receptor Git3, which acts upstream of Pka1. The loss of the glucose signal due to deletion of Git3 mimics partially the effect of increasing longevity by reducing glucose in the medium. Moreover, detrimental effects of glucose signal are maintained in absence of sugar metabolism following loss of hexokinases, the first enzymes of glycolysis. Together, these results suggest that the pro-aging effects of glucose signalling are predominant over those due to metabolism of this sugar. Moreover, both obliteration of this signalling pathway and decrease of glucose availability extend life span, and correlate with an increase in stress resistance, in mitochondrial activity and a lower production of free radicals. Finally, screening a cDNA-overexpression library allowed us to identify several genes candidates responsible for the effects on longevity downstream of Git3/Pka1. Research in the molecular mechanisms of aging propose holds the promise to bring precious clues as to this mysterious processes affecting all living creatures, and paves the way to unravel the underlying causes of many human diseases.  Indeed, aging is the first cause of numerous late-onset pathologies including cancers, cardiovascular diseases or neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer and Parkinson syndromes.

Keyphrases: schizosaccharomyces pombe, pka, sck2, aging, longevity, life span, yeast, stationary phase
Attitudes et habitudes de Canadiens relativement à la 
préparation des aliments à la maison et au repas en famille

Objective. To describe Canadians' attitudes and habits with regard to home food preparation for family meals in order to seize the motivations to be exploited during the promotion of these habits.  Methods. An electronic poll of 39 multiple-choice questions was posted on the Dieticians of Canada's website from November 16th till December 22nd, 2006. The analyzed statements cover the perception of the benefits associated with home cooking, supper planning and family meals, the barriers to cooking, the preparation time and supper planning, the development of cooking skills, sources of recipes ideas and consumption of family meals.  Results. A total of 4080 individuals completed the questionnaire.  Although they believe that home cooking can improve the food quality and eating habits, the participants meet several barriers to food preparation in everyday life, among which the lack of time, energy, ideas and planning. Although a majority of Canadians have family suppers, there are gaps according to age groups and Canadian regions.  Conclusion. This study highlights the relevance of elaborating communications strategies to inform consumers of the benefits of home cooking and family meals in order to help them to deal with the challenges associated with these habits. If nutritionists are the best interveners, interdisciplinary collaborations are proposed to promote a healthy, well planned home cooking enjoyed with the family.

Keyphrases: Home cooking, Family meal, Meal preparation, Meal planning, Cooking skills, Consumer convenience, Out-of Home food consumption, Fast food, Food industry
Modulation du cytochrome P450 dans un modèle murin d'insuffisance rénale chronique

Background: Mice models are widely used in renal studies. Seric creatinine concentration is used to evaluate glomerular filtration rate and is a good marker of chronic renal failure (CRF). It has been shown that CRF diminishes drug metabolism in the rat because of a downregulation of hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP450) isoforms. To study CYP450 regulation in the mouse model, we needed to 1) develop a model of CRF in the mouse, 2) define a method of dosage of CRF markers, and 3) evaluate CYP450 protein expression in the liver of mice with CRF.  Methods: Models of CRF were tested and sub-total nephrectomy was selected because of the efficacy and reproducibility to induce CRF. A high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the dosage of creatinine in mice sera was developed. Liver protein expression of CYP1A1, CYP3A11, CYP2D and CYP2E1 was assessed by Western Blot analysis.  Results: HPLC parameters such as pH, mobile phase concentration and flow rate modified the elution profile. Weight loss and high seric creatinine concentrations are seen in mice with CRF. Furthermore, protein expression of CYP1A, CYP3A11 and CYP2D was decreased in liver microsomes of mice with CRF by 37%, 60% and 42%, respectively (p<0.01) compared to sham-operated mice. We found no significant difference in the expression of CYP2E1. Conclusions: CRF models are reproducible in the mouse. The HPLC method for creatinine determination is precise and accurate, and can assess the severity of CRF. Hepatic protein expression of CYP450 is modulated in presence of CRF as in the rat.

Keyphrases: Cytochrome P450, Chromatographie liquide haute performance, Chronic renal failure, Drug metabolism, Mice, HPLC, Nephrectomy, Cytochrome P450, Creatinine
Développement d’une méthode d’estimation du contenu en glutamine des aliments

The purpose of this study is to estimate the dietary glutamine (Gln) intake of subjects undertaking a glutamine supplementation protocol and to clarify the information about the glutamine content of food products.  Clinical studies have demonstrated that glutamine supplementation can reduce mortality and morbidity associated with critical illness and that the mechanism underneath may imply the immune system. Studies undertaken on elite athletes, who may experience a drop in immune defence subsequent to long and strenuous training, have not been conclusive at this time. Yet, these studies systematically do not take glutamine intake from food into consideration in such a way that the conflicting results observed could have something to do with the food choices of the subjects. Since the conventional method used for the analysis of the amino acids content in food converts glutamine into glutamate, the food databases present glutamine and glutamate under the denomination “glutamate” or “Glu”. However, the term “Glx” should be used. Based on the probability that a high Glx intake could be a good indicator of glutamine intake, we have created a Glx calculator and have used it to analyse the food diaries of 12 athletes who participated in a study on glutamine supplementation. We observed that Glx intake was directly proportional to protein intake with 20,64 % ± 1,13 % of protein intake being Glx. Using data from the primary structure of amino acids, we observed that different types of protein showed a wide range of Gln/Glx ratios. While α and β-gliadins present a molar ratio of Gln/Glx of ~95 %, this ratio drops to 43 % for casein, 36 % for β-lactoglobulin, 31 % for ovalbumin and 28 % for actins. It is thus possible that certain types of protein can present advantages with regard to others, Glx remaining constant.

Keyphrases: Glutamine, Glutamine, Glutamate, Glutamate, Food, Overtraining, Stress, Stress, Immunity, Training
L'habiter, ou le bien de l'architecture

The act of building is a fundamental human condition. In our time, there is a growing body of  reflections that aim to better understand the phenomenological and anthropological sense of  the act of building. All these reflections recognize the meaning of the act of building in that of  inhabiting: building would thus draw its fundamental meaning in the act of inhabiting. This  consensus seems to mark what history may one day designate as the “turning point” of inhabiting in architecture. It is now possible to consider and build the overall picture of this activity  using all the faculties of the human mind: poetics (aesthetics and technology), logic, phenomenology, hermeneutics, rhetoric, mystique and, of course, ethics.

Keyphrases: architecture
Le relativisme moral et le projet de coopération épistémique

This paper critically examines some of the most important recent attempts to defend a relativist  position in metaethics. Proponents of moral relativism have made sophisticated attempts to show  that their position can either accommodate or invalidate our commonsense intuition that we are  all talking about the same thing when we use moral language. I argue that they have thereby neglected one of the most central functions of our moral discourse : creating a forum for epistemic cooperation in resolving moral questions.

Keyphrases: relativisme moral
Les missions des bibliothèques publiques autonomes du point de vue des élus municipaux québécois

The legitimacy of an organization is based on its mission, i.e. its raison d’être. Some libraries directors and many researchers fear that the legitimacy of public libraries is challenged in the information society. Moreover, official texts presenting the missions of public libraries are varied and the missions are deliberately not defined there. In Quebec, where a large majority of autonomous public libraries are directly under the supervision of municipalities, public libraries have to define and legitimate their missions with city councillors. The main objective of this research is to understand, via the discourses, the point of view of city councillors in Quebec on the missions of autonomous public libraries, compared to the libraries’ practices in their communities. Using the theory of the social construction of reality, a conceptual framework is proposed not only to study the discourses in their textual dimension, but also to contextualize them and analyze the distance between them and the libraries’practices.The research strategy adopted is that of the multiple case study. The aim is to develop an in-depth analysis of each case as well as a cross-case analysis. The twelve cases (municipalities) were selected according to two criteria of variation (size of the municipality and annual budget allocated by the municipality to the library) and a discriminant criterion (the distance from the Université de Montréal). Interviews were conducted with the city councillors who chair the commissions or the committees on which the public libraries depend. These interviews and the municipal cultural policies were subjected to a discourse analysis. The interviews with the directors of the public libraries and documents were subjected to content analysis. This made possible the triangulation of methods and data sources. Neither the city councillors in Quebec, nor the professionals have a homogenous discourse on the missions of public libraries. However, a model of discourse does emerge. It shows a “limited” discourse compared to the literature, in which a passive image of thelibrary is presented and in which the tradition continues in spite of the context of the information society. But the analysis also revealed that the city councillors base their points of view on their own convictions as individuals, on their role in the management of the municipality as elected officials, and on the image they have of the users of public libraries. Finally, the analysis revealed an axis of differentiation of the points of view according to whether the discourse was based on fundamental values or on the (real or supposed) uses of the library.

Keyphrases: mission, discours, public library, city councillor, discourse