NCube/papyrus huggingface dataset:
Phyto-extraction du zinc et de l’arsenic par différentes espèces de plantes

My master project aimed to evaluate if phytoremediation by phytoextraction was a viable solution in cleaning up a moderately contaminated soil in zinc and arsenic. This evaluation was based on the results of a potted experiment done within Montreal Botanical Garden, in a growth tunnel set up by Institut de recherche en biologie végétale (IRBV). The soil was collected from a contaminated site. We chose the following plants species: two willow cultivars, Salix purpurea ‘Fish Creek’ and Salix miyabeana ‘SX67’, two grasses Medicago sativa L., Festuca arundinacea and a mix of grasses used for soil stabilization. The impact of a chelating agent (nitrilotriacetic acid, NTA) on phytoextraction and plant growth was also assessed. Salix extracted two to three time more zinc than the grasses. For arsenic, the opposite trend was observed, with two to three times more arsenic extracted by grasses. Chelator NTA had a positive effect on above ground biomass and overall phytoextraction of zinc, but not for arsenic phytoextraction. A significant diminution of zinc and arsenic was observed in soil after the experiment. This diminution comes from the combined effects of phytoextraction and other factors, such as intrinsic soil variability and its leaching. Arsenic phytoextraction was overall mediocre regardless of the species and treatments used. These results show the effectiveness of willows and potential from chelator NTA for zinc phytoextraction.

Keyphrases: Salix, NTA, zinc, arsenic, Phytoextraction
La technique des insectes stériles comme méthode de lutte contre la drosophile à ailes tachetées (Drosophila suzukii)

Spotted wing drosophila is an exotic pest especially damaging to berry crops because of its ability to lay eggs inside ripening fruits. Since its invasion of North America and Europe in 2008, its populations are controlled mainly with chemical insecticides. The objective of this study was to explore the potential of the sterile insect technique (SIT) as a control method for the spotted wing drosophila, first by irradiating pupae at different doses to identify the optimum dose for male sterilization, and secondly by evaluating the reproductive capacities of these irradiated males. First, it was observed that irradiation had no significant effect on emergence, malformation and longevity of adults at any of the doses tested. Following mating of irradiated males with healthy females, two equations were obtained to establish a relation between the irradiation dose and the egg hatch rate, and the survival rate to the adult stage. These results made it possible to choose the dose of 120 Gy as the irradiation dose for the spotted wing drosophila in an SIT context. The reproductive capacities of males irradiated at this dose were later compared with those of non-irradiated males. Irradiated males were shown to be significantly as effective as non-irradiated males to mate and transfer sperm to females in absence of competition. In competitive conditions however, the success of irradiated males was of 37.5% and of 62.5% for the non-irradiated males, but without significant difference. Then, an experiment on the re-mating of the females concluded that it was infrequent and was not significantly influenced by the irradiation of the males.

Keyphrases: Invasive species, Pest management, Sterilization, Behavioral ecology, Fruit fly
Étude de la diversité mycorhizienne associée à la rhizosphère de plantes poussant spontanément dans un des bassins d'un site hautement contaminé par des hydrocarbures pétroliers

The arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) belong to phylum Glomeromycota, a group of early divergent fungal lineage. These fungi form a mutualistic symbiotic association with more than 80% of vascular plant species, including most important crops. The arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis is widespread and has been found in almost all terestrial ecosystems on earth such as hot and cold deserts, as well as tropical and temperate forests. The use of molecular biology tools and fossil records dated back the origin of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis to 460 million years ago, which coincides with the emergence of terrestrial plants. There are several types of mycorrhizas depending on fungal groups and host plants. It has been suggested that vascular plants and AMF have co-evolved and that Glomeromycota helped plant ancestors to colonize the land. It has been reported that organic contaminants can negatively impact this mutually beneficial symbiosis between plant and fungi reducing the growth of the AMF and changing the structure of AMF communities. The objective of my master project was to determine the diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated with two plant species, Eleocharis obtusa and Panicum capillare, which spontaneously growing a highly petroleum hydrocarbons contaminated basin with an heterogeneous pattern of contamination, and to describe the structures of their communities in their rhizosphere soils and roots. My results revealed an unexpected high diversity of AMF OTUs associated with two plant species. Indeed, we identified 26 OTUs of AMF. This diversity covered the most important families of Glomeroycota except Ambisporaceae, Geosiphonaceae and Pacisporaceae. Genus Diversispora dominated the AMF community by its relative abundance, however the genus Claroideoglomus was the most represented in the samples. My study determined the influence of the host plant on the composition of the AMF community. Based on the analysis of the α diversity, we found that the rhizospheric soil and root samples showed different community structures between the two plants species. β diversity analysis showed that high Local Contributions to β Diveristy (LCBD) values (high uniqueness of species composition) were often linked to the sample with a large number of AMF taxa. Using a principal component analysis (PCA), we found that the samples collected in 2011 have approximately the same composition of OTUs. It is likely that a turnover of AMF OTU and 4 plants may occur from one year to another. This study provides an overview of the diversity of AMF associated with plants located in heavily polluted sediments. It also suggests that AMF may be potentially important microbial candidates in the remediation of oil-contaminated soils.

Keyphrases: Glomeromycota, Eleocharis obtusa, Panicum capillare, OTU, AMF, Α diversity, Β diversity, PCA
Biogeography and adaptations of torquaratorid acorn worms (Hemichordata : Enteropneusta) including two new species from the Canadian Arctic

This study of the family Torquaratoridae is based on morphological descriptions of two new species collected from the Canadian Arctic in 2008 and 2009 at 505 meters and 444 meters depth . These two species represent the first acorn worms described from Canadian Arctic. The new descriptions bring the overall number of Torquaratoridae species to nine, increase the total number of Arctic Torquaratoridae to three including Coleodesmium karaensis (Osborn et al. 2013) from the Russian Arctic, and increase the North America Torquaratoridae to four including Torquarator bullocki (Holland et al. 2005) from the Northeast Pacific, and Tergivelum baldwinae (Holland et al. 2009) from the Eastern Pacific (California coast). The family Torquaratoridae is different from other Enteropneusta in terms of the habitat, which is epibenthic, or on the surface sediments at the bottom of the ocean, demersal (is an area of sea close to the benthos) drifting to new feeding sites, and poorly developedmuscular, vascular and collagenous organs. The geographic location of these two new species support the idea that Torquaratoridae has a global distribution in the world’s oceans.

Keyphrases: Enteropneusta, Hemichordata, Torquaratoridae, Taxonomy, Morphology, New genus, New species, Canadian Arctic biodiversity
Étude du cycle cellulaire chez Lingulodinium polyedrum

Dinoflagellates are unicellular photosynthetic eukaryotes comprising a major part of the phytoplankton and thus, represent the foundation of the food chain. Although dinoflagellates are eukaryotes, their genetic organization has several features which are unique to them. Unlike all eukaryotes in which the chromosomes condense only at the moment of mitosis, dinoflagellates chromosomes stay condensed throughout the cell cycle. Furthermore, the mitosis of dinoflagellates is distinguished from the ordinary mitosis of eukaryotic cells. The nucleus of Lingulodinium polyedrum remains intact and its nuclear envelope does not break down during mitosis. Microtubules stick to the nuclear membrane on the side of the cytoplasm and link to the chromosomes that are attached to the inner surface of the membrane by transmembrane proteins. The mitotic spindle therefore passes through the nucleus by one or more nuclear invaginations or channels. Lingulodinium polyedrum is considered as model organism for studying circadian rhythms among which is featured the cell cycle. This study illustrates the morphological changes of chromosomes during the various stages of mitosis, by transmission electron microscope and a fluorescence microscope. The transcriptome of Lingulodinium polyedrum was used to identify conserved regulatory components controlling entry into S-phase or M phase, such as cyclins or Cdks.

Keyphrases: Lingulodinium polyedrum, CDK, transcriptome, Dinoflagellate, Cell cycle, Mitosis, S-phase, M-phase
Méthodes de recherche d’emploi, formelles et informelles, et accès à des emplois qualifiés des immigrants brésiliens à Montréal

Many studies highlight the challenges of integrating skilled immigrants into the labor market in Quebec (Chicha and Charest, 2008; Boudarbat and Boulet, 2010; Forcier and Handal, 2012). The lack of recognition of qualifications acquired abroad, insufficient knowledge of the French language and discrimination in the workplace, are among the most frequently cited challenges that new immigrants face upon settling in Quebec (Bourhis et al. 2007; Chanoux, 2009). One of the difficulties mentioned (Eid 2012; Forcier and Handal, 2012) is the challenge of integrating into socio-professional networks composed of non-immigrants. Nevertheless, as shown by some authors (Ibarra, 1993; Granovetter, 1983; Robert, 2007; Beji and Pellerin, 2010), those networks are key to integrating into the job market. Indeed, networks provide access to important information such as the availability of job opportunities before they are posted on job boards or career sites (Ibarra, 1993). Once employed, being part of a network of colleagues or superiors can facilitate the individual’s career goals by having the support and advice of their network. Brazilians, like other immigrants, also face challenges in building a network. Since there is very little research regarding the integration of Brazilians in Montreal, especially concerning the job search methods (formal and informal) that influence the access to skilled jobs for Brazilian immigrants in Montreal, we have decided to explore this subject and will focus our research on this population. Consequently, the aim of this research is to analyze and understand job search methods (formal and informal) that influence the access to skilled jobs for Brazilian immigrants in Montreal.As for the methodology, a qualitative analysis, with semi-structured interviews, were conducted with highly qualified professionals living and working in Montreal. The results of our research will allow further research to better understand how Brazilian immigrants succeed, or not, in obtaining a job related to their background and building social and professional networks as well as how those networks can support their employment integration.

Keyphrases: Immigrants, Socio-professional networks, Recruitment, Integration, Employment, Brazilians
Le recrutement des employés-cadres par les médias sociaux et son effet sur l’efficacité du recrutement international des talents : le cas de la multinationale Camso

The purpose of this research is to bridge the existing gap between theory and practice in regards to recruiting through social media. This exploratory case study aims to explain how the use of social media for recruiting executive level IT employees can influence performance indicators associated with global talent management. In this master degree thesis, I examine recruitment delays and costs, as well as the impact of cultural differences in using this new recruitment method. The case studied is the multinational manufacturer Camso, which conducted a pilot project in 2015 using social media to hire for thirteen (13) positions in two (2) locations: Magog, Quebec, in Canada, and Ekala, Ja-Ela, in Sri Lanka. Interviews with recruiters and hired candidates involved in the pilot project were conducted through individual interviews and focus groups. This method allowed me to contrast the outcomes of this recruitment method and to understand the associated limits.  The main findings of my study suggest this recruitment method can be effective in procuring talent, both in terms of reducing the costs and the time associated with the recruitment process. Differences among cultural dimensions for the two countries did not manifest in divergent recruitment costs and efficiencies, but rather in the presence of certain categories of candidates on social media and the amount of public information available on their social media profiles. Recommendations for use in practice as well as contributions to the theory on social media use for international human resource management are presented.

Keyphrases: multinationale, recrutement international, Canada, Sri Lanka, social media, international recruitment, recruitment efficiency, staff employees, Information technology
Progression et plafonnement de carrière chez les femmes assistantes accessoiristes de plateau dans l'industrie cinématographique au Québec

Around the world, only a few studies try to understand the barriers to career progression of women technicians in the film industry. Those few studies show that women are underrepresented in key role person and are overrepresented in jobs considered traditional areas of work for women. In Quebec, we note that women represent the majority of assistants props on set, but are only a minority in lead props set positions. The purpose of this study is to understand why women are underrepresented in key positions by highlighting the factors that influence the objective career success of women assistants props on set. This qualitative study was conducted using primary data collected from interviews with seventeen stakeholders in the industry : women and men in the props profession, two women producers and a union representative of the Alliance québécoise des techniciens de l’image et du son (AQTIS). The data analysis suggests that gender stereotypes are still ingrained in the Quebec film industry. Women assistants props on set interviewed are assigned based on stereotypical female duties and most of them are kept away from the set in their work. Consequently, they have few occasions to develop valuable skills that are mostly associated with stereotypical male qualities to become key props on set. Furthermore, props work teams are often made up of a key props man and a woman assistant props who work together in a steady way from contract to contract. This professional duo provides a certain form of job security for the women assistants props on set because the key props on set is in charge of finding contracts. However, this situation also prevents them from varying their work experience to progress in the profession. We also note that when the key props on set act as a mentor for his or her assistant, this relationship tends to positively influence the career progression of assistants. However, we also note that it is mostly men assistant props on set who have access to those mentors. Also, in this profession, motherhood appears to be a main constraint in women’s career because most mothers balance their work life and their family life by finding multiples strategies. For example, they tend to reduce their working hours and their income because they prioritize their family.

Keyphrases: Women, Career, Assistant props on set, Film
Facteurs de protection et santé sexuelle chez des adolescentes ayant un vécu d'agression sexuelle dans l'enfance

The phenomenon of sexual abuse on children and the severity of its consequences is an important social problem. Research on the subject indicates that the negative impact of assaults affects the vast majority of victims. The psychological and behavioral repercussions have been well documented to this day, yet the result involving the impact of the abuse on sexual health, especially amongst adolescents, have been scantly investigated. The aim of this research is to explore the consequences of child sexual abuse (CSA) on adolescent sexual health, as well as the protective factors that may contribute to the recovery of victims. The sample consisted of 125 female adolescents that have been sexually abused, who have completed a questionnaire measuring the characteristics of their assault and different indicators related to sexual health. Results show that sexually active adolescent present different unhealthy sexual behaviors that may affect their sexual health, including early age of first sexual relations, number of sexual partners, condom use, pregnancy and prostitution. Among the different protective factors considered, only maternal support was found to have a positive impact on the risk of engaging in prostitution-related activities. The other protective factors revealed no significant link contradicting the hypothesis. Finally, data from this research highlights the fact that more severe CSA victims are more likely to engage in unprotected sex. Moreover, the CSA committed by an intra-familial perpetrator predicted a greater number of sexual partners. Thus, clinical interventions that integrate the mother into therapy and maximize knowledge about contraception and their necessity in preventing sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies may be particularly relevant to CSA teenage survivors.

Keyphrases: Sexual abuse, Teenagers, Adaptation strategy, Resilience, Sexual health, Family support, Social support
Profils latents d'usage de substances psychotropes chez les consommateurs de cannabis à l'adolescence : les problèmes les plus fréquents par profil et les profils les plus représentés par problème

Cannabis is the most widely used illicit substance among adolescents worldwide. We know that cannabis misuse is likely to cause a variety of effects at physical, psychological, social and economic levels. However, consumers are a heterogeneous group and not all will experience significant problems associated with such use. It is therefore important to identify high-risk users and to specify the nature of these problems in order to intervene effectively with this clientele. Yet, although the scientific literature raises the idea that certain types of consumers are at higher risk, the current state of knowledge reveals little empirical information that would distinguish adolescents with higher risk profiles. To this end, the typologies available today are generally limited to theoretical or clinical studies, refer to specific problems, or are based on specific consumption indicators such as frequency of use. Furthermore, no study has yet been able to reveal the types of problems associated specifically with certain consumer profiles or to specify which profiles are more prone to various consequences. The present study is based on a latent class consumption model developed from several consumer characteristics found in the study by Fallu, Briere and Janosz (2014). They were compared with several predictors and problems associated with the consumption. The sample comes from within the context of evaluation of the New Approaches New Solutions (NANS) dropout prevention program, and consists of 1618 students who used cannabis in 10th grade. The subjects were annually evaluated from the 7th grade until the 11th. This study examines which attributed and non-attributed problems are most common for each class. It also examines which classes are most frequently assigned to different attributed and non-attributed problems. Finally, it compares the results obtained for the attributed and non-attributed problems. The analytical strategy used was to conduct descriptive analysis, chi-square analysis and univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA), sometimes followed by post-hoc tests when relevant. The results show that the class can predict the occurrence of various problems that young people face, that some classes are more represented for some problems, and that teenagers with heavier profiles are at risk of underestimating certain problems associated with their consumption. One of the main findings regarding the two early classes. It seems that early-moderate use students have a more internalized problems profile and those with early-heavy and polydrug use, a more externalized problems profile. Finally, the implications of these results are discussed.

Keyphrases: Cannabis use, Substance use, Classes, Adolescents, Substance-related problems
Utilisation de la technologie mobile pour réduire l’autostimulation : validation des algorithmes décisionnels du iSTIM

Parents do not always have access to the resources necessary to implement behavioral interventions that will effectively reduce engagement in stereotypy in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). To address this issue, we developed an iOS app, the iSTIM, designed to support parents in reducing stereotypy. The purpose of our study was to preliminarily test the decision-making algorithms of the iSTIM using trained university students to implement the assessments and interventions.  Specifically, we examined the effects of the iSTIM on stereotypy and appropriate behavior in 11 children with ASD within an alternating treatment design. Using the iSTIM reduced engagement in stereotypy in 8 participants while increasing functional engagement in 4 participants. Our results indicate that the iSTIM may decrease engagement in stereotypy, but that some of the decision-making algorithms may benefit from modifications prior to testing with parents.

Keyphrases: iSTIM, App, Autism, Differential reinforcement, Noncontingent access, Stereotypy