NCube/papyrus huggingface dataset:
Le modèle antarctique

There are currently border disputes between North circumpolar states that impede the good governance of the region. In order to identify possible solutions for improving the governance in the Arctic and to facilitate cooperation, we analyze the process that, at the other pole, led to the creation of the 1959 Antarctic Treaty. We use a neoliberal institutional approach as a theoretical framework and a methodology based on the process tracing. We identified four variables (states' interests, the political context, leadership, and the International Geophysical Year [IGY]) that we studied through three historical periods and whose evolution has contributed to elaborating the Antarctic regime. The steps leading to the development of a regime, identified in Frischmann’s dynamic institutionalism theory, apply to the three periods that we have identified. The first historical period corresponds to identifying an interdependency problem. States first tried to satisfy their particular interests pertaining to the Antarctic continent through individual strategies. The unclear status of the Antarctic continent characterized by conflicting claims, the will of the superpowers to potentially make territorial claims, and the leadership of the United States, however, facilitate the states to move to more cooperative strategies. The second historical period corresponds to negotiating the agreement. The leadership of a group of scientists and the United States in addition to the political context of the Cold War facilitated the cohesion of states interested in Antarctic affairs and their investment in a soft multilateral cooperation, the IGY. The third period corresponds to implementing the agreement, that is IGY. During this event, the parties have respected a tacit agreement, a gentlemen’s agreement, which suspended territorial considerations in Antarctica. The cooperation during the IGY proved to be a success. States were satisfied with their gains from the scientific cooperation in a peaceful environment. The IGY has allowed states to experiment multilateral cooperation and to observe the behavior of other participants within the institution. Due to the satisfaction of the states vis-à-vis the cooperation, the development of the 1959 Treaty was facilitated. Through our study, we identified key elements that led to the creation of the Antarctic regime and could serve as an inspiration for the development of future regime. The continuous of leadership throughout the process helped to promote the benefits of cooperation and to strengthen relations between the states involved in Antarctic affairs. The accomplishment of a soft agreement, during the IGY, centered around the parties common interests, and of a gentlemen’s agreement, which put aside divisive issues were also central points in the success and the extension of the coopération after the IGY. This gradual approach from soft law to hard law is undoubtedly the most important element that facilitated the cohesion of parties and the creation of the Antarctic Treaty.

Keyphrases: Antarctic, Arctic, Multilateral cooperation, Neoliberal institutionalism, Process tracing
Stress oxydatif, fonction mitochondriale et maladie inflammatoire de l'intestin

Background: Although mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are key mechanisms in various pathological conditions, they have not been extensively studied in the gastrointestinal tract, which is known to be constantly exposed to luminal oxidants from ingested foods and pathogens. Key among these is the simultaneous ingestion of iron salts and ascorbic acid, which can cause oxidative damage to macromolecules. The protein ‘’Nuclear factorerythroid 2- related factor’’ (Nrf2) is an important redox-sensitive transcription factor, which protects against oxidative stress by inducing antioxidant and detoxifying genes through binding with antioxidant response element (ARE). Many of Nrf2 antioxidant protective and anti-inflammatory functions have been established in various cells and tissues. However, limited information is available on its role in the gastrointestinal tract. Objectives: The objectives are to evaluate how iron-ascorbate (FE/ASC)-mediated lipid peroxidation affects mitochondrion functioning in Caco-2/15 cells, and to mechanistically determine the role of Nrf2. Methods: Caco2/15 cells were treated with 0.2mm/2mm of FE/ASC to induce oxidative stress. To increase Nrf2 expression, cultured Caco2/15 cells were pre-treated with 50 μM Olitpraz (OPZ). To down regulate the Nrf2 function, Nrf2 gene was knocked down by transfecting Caco-2/15 cells with a pGFP-RS lentiviral vector containing shRNA against Nrf2. 4 RESULTS: Our results show that the treatment of Caco-2/15 cells with FE/ASC (0.2 mm/2 mm): increased the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of oxidative stress; reduced ATP production; raised mitochondrial calcium content; regulated the protein expression of cytochrome C and apoptotic inducing factor (AIF); decreased mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes I, II, III and IV activity; prevented mtDNA damage as illustrated by the raised levels of 8-OHdG; lowered DNA Glycosylase, and altered the gene expression and protein mass of mitochondrial transcription factors (mtTFA, mtTFB1, mtTFB2). Furthermore, our observations indicate that the induction and activation of Nrf2 in Caco2/15 cells resulted in an augmentated endogenous antioxidants enzymes (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase), a reduction of nuclear factor-kappaB (NFκβ) and Tumor Necrosis Factor- Alpha (TNF-α), an increase in the ATP production, mitochondrial respiratory complexes (I, II, III, VI), PGC1α , and a regulation of the mitochondrial Prohibitin, anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein, and Occludin level. CONCLUSION: Findings indicate that acute exposure of Caco-2/15 cells to FE/ASC-catalyzed peroxidation produces pathological effects on mitochondrial functions and DNA integrity, which were diminished by Nrf2 induction. It appears that Nrf2 plays a critical cytoprotective role in intestinal epithelial cells against oxidative stress.

Keyphrases: Oxidative stress, Mitochondria, Inflammation, NRF2
A Generalization of a Theorem of Boyd and Lawton

This thesis applies to study first, in part 1, the Mahler measure of polynomials in one variable. It starts by giving some definitions and results that are important for calculating this height.        It also addresses the topic of Lehmer’s question, an interesting conjecture in the field, and it gives some examples and results aimed at resolving the issue.        The extension of the Mahler measure to several variable polynomials is then considered including  the subject of limit points with some examples.        In the second part, we first give definitions of a higher order for the Mahler measure, and generalize from single variable polynomials to multivariable polynomials.        Lehmer’s question has a counterpart in the area of the higher Mahler measure, but with totally different answers.        At the end, we reach our goal, where we will demonstrate the generalization of a theorem of Boyd-Lawton. This theorem shows a relation between the limit of Mahler measure of multivariable polynomials with Mahler measure of polynomials in one variable.  This result has implications in terms of Lehmer's conjecture and serves to clarify the relationship between the Mahler measure of one variable polynomials, and the Mahler measure of multivariable polynomials, which are very different.

Keyphrases: higher Mahler measure, Lehmer’s question, Llimit points, Multivariable polynomials, Boyd-Lawton theorem
Évaluation d’une expérience de conférence citoyenne : analyse éthique

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the role of citizens in public decision-making. This interest is reflected in the development and implementation of various citizen participation mechanisms, such as citizen conferences (also known as consensus conferences). Many of these experiences have been evaluated, but mainly in terms of their effectiveness or success. What are the ethical challenges posed by citizen participation mechanisms? This study looks at a citizen conference on advances in human biology in the era of genomics, held by the Groupe de recherche en bioéthique (GREB) of the Université de Montréal in 2005. The concept of discourse ethics, as developed by four Quebec authors, is used to conduct a qualitative analysis of six documents from the conference. Two categories of results are discussed: noteworthy aspects of the citizen conference and participants’ concerns with regard to science, society and their participation. A better understanding of key ethical issues will help to improve citizen conferences and their long-term use.

Keyphrases: Bioéthique, Citizen participation, Citizen conference, Consensus conference, Discourse ethics, Bioethics
Craftsmanship as a means of empowerment for the traditional population of Guaraqueçaba : a case study

This research is a case study of craftspeople from a traditional population that have been successful in transforming craft tradition into income-generation. These craftspeople of Caiçara culture have formed a cooperative in Guaraqueçaba, state of Paraná, southern Brazil. Caiçara is the name given to the traditional population living along Brazil south and southeast coast, of mixed Aboriginal and European descent. The natural environment of Guaraqueçaba, because of its precious and extremely high biodiversity, is one of the highest priorities for conservation in the planet. In order to protect its ecosystems, an Environmental Protection Area was created, in 1985, to regulate the use of natural resources. These regulations imposed many severe restrictions to the traditional subsistence practices and sources of income of the Caiçara communities, causing their impoverishment, a disruption in the Caiçara way of life and a great damage to their culture. This case shows the local population striving to improve their living conditions by the means of the creation of crafts for sale. The objective of this research is to understand how craft design and production allowed for their empowerment and the valorization of the local culture. The approach to data collection in the field was inspired by ethnography, using the following methods: interviews (unstructured and semi-structured), observations (participant and non-participant), and photos and physical artifacts. This case study had an exploratory nature, exploring questions related to empowerment and culture aiming to provide the scope for future research.

Keyphrases: Guaraqueçaba, craft, empowerment, caiçara culture, sustainable development, traditional population, craftspeople cooperative, Brazil
Les chercheurs, leur discipline, leurs publics: l’orientation de la recherche en sciences sociales et humaines

Our study of the orientation of research in the social sciences and humanities is a response to Micheal Burawoy’s typology of knowledge production. The objective of this investigation is to identify and describe the social organisation of the meaning of research as scholars attempt to reach different audiences and as their investigations are routed towards particular cognitive aims. Having conducted twenty-five in-depth interviews with historians, sociologists and economists, we analysed their interpretations of research practices in relation to the social space of academia and in regards to the extension of academic activities towards other social spaces. This analysis is then mobilised to comment on Michael Burawoy’s typology of research as we attempt to correct some of the distinctions he makes between professional, critical, policy and public knowledge. Notably, we suggest that these “types” should be broken down into multiple postures understood in relation to a segmentation of academic discursive fields and a differentiation of extra-academic modes of intervention.

Keyphrases: Sociology of social sciences, Semantic analysis, Meaning of research, Micheal Burawoy, Public sociology, Sociology, history, economics
Les risques découlant de la diffusion sur les plateformes néomédiatiques du point de vue des producteurs audiovisuels

The broadcasting of audiovisual works over new media platforms (for example : broadcasters’ websites, video on demand, mobile television or the distribution over the Internet) alters the risks producers  usually face when broadcasting over traditional platforms like television. The transformation of risks has four main sources: the market, the business practices, the laws and regulations and the technologies themselves. These sources may also engender standards to create a legal framework that can modulate or eliminate the risks. This thesis will analyze, from the point of view of audiovisual producers, the risks incurred by broadcasting audiovisual works over new media platforms. This analysis will be made under the theory of risk management. First, the modified risks will be identifying as well as the new risks the producers are confronted with. Then, these risks will be defining and the legal framework will be studied as well as the risk management strategy that could help producers limit or avoid risks incurred by their productions and their exploitation activities.

Keyphrases: copyright, webcasting, risk management, business model, audiovisual work, practice, producer, broadcaster
Le système et la législation archivistiques en Russie : 20 ans après la fin de l’Union Soviétique

To administrate the records complexes generated during their history, countries create archival systems, composed of leading organs, conservation centers and auxiliary institutions. These systems interact with governments for the management of State’s organisms’ and historical records. They develop differently according to the circumstances of national political, social and economical evolution. During the 20th century, the Soviet Union possessed a unique archival system, based on maximalist principles of total archives’ centralisation. At the beginning of the 90’s, the political and economical transition provoked a succession of changes for the Russian archival system: introduction of an archival legislation, apparition of a private sector, etc. To a large extent, the Russian case illustrates the question of the adaptation of archival systems facing historical changes. The present thesis aims to give an overview of the changes that happened in the Russian archival system from 1991 to 2011, with a study of the historical context, a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the archival legislation’s evolution, a content analysis of the main acts of this legislation, and also an overview of the non-state archives’ situation, to illustrate the magnitude of the changes brought to this system. Thanks to these different steps, this thesis will allow a better comprehension of the adaptation’s processes of the Russian archival system, by illustrating the apparition and the content of the archival legislation, its effects and the problems encountered. It will show finally the special dynamics between the old and the new.

Keyphrases: Archival system, Archival legislation, Russian Federation, Maximalist approach, Non-state archives, Content analysis, Soviet Union
Les droits fondamentaux des animaux : une approche anti-spéciste

In this thesis, I use well-established principles of justice to demonstrate that there exists no valid moral reason to deny nonhuman sentient beings the most fundamental moral and legal rights. I begin by going over the principles that will inform my discussion of these basic rights. I examine the principle of equality, which requires that similar cases be treated similarly; the notion of fundamental right, which is based on the concept of interest; the principle of equal consideration of interests, which the principle of equality entails; and, finally, the concept of interest, which is applicable to all sentient beings. This first section establishes the necessity of attributing the most fundamental rights to all beings who possess the basic interests these rights are designed to protect. I then delve into an examination of the three most fundamental rights and the interests underlying these. First, I discuss the right to physical integrity, demonstrating that numerous nonhuman animals are sentient beings, and that all sentient beings, by definition, have an interest in not suffering. Second, I examine the right to life. I argue that it is reasonable to assume that every sentient being, because he or she can benefit from the good things in life, has a certain interest in his or her continued existence. This interest, regardless of its intensity or nature, deserves to be protected by an equal right to life. Third, I establish that the interest in being free is generally interpreted negatively; it simply consists of having the ability to act without interference. I argue that based on this conceptualization of liberty, all sentient beings have an interest in being free. I go on to explore the republican interpretation of freedom, suggesting that it provides further grounds for the recognition that nonuhuman sentient beings also have an interest in benefiting from the same moral and legal status as human beings. I conclude that granting the right to physical integrity, life and freedom to all sentient beings implies that we abandon all forms of institutionalized animal exploitation and that we give to all conscious beings the equal status of person.

Keyphrases: Philosophy, Ethics, Animals, Person, Fundamental Rights, Interests, Equality, Sentience, Speciesism, Abolitionism
Exploration du lien entre les dynamiques sociales et les perceptions de l’activité physique chez de jeunes Québécois de 12-14 ans

The early adolescent years mark an important drop in physical activity participation. Peers have frequently been identified as important social determinants of physical activity involvement (PAI) during this period of youth’s lives. This study explores the influence of adolescent peers’ social dynamics on perceptions related to PAI. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews which were conducted with 12 to 14 year old boys (n = 12) and girls (n = 10) attending schools of three different locations (urban, suburban and rural), socioeconomic statuses, and ethnic compositions. The interview guide broached topics such as friendship, teasing, emotions and social interactions relating to PAI. The analysis of participants’ accounts focused on the description of social interactions as they relate to physical activity in different settings. On one hand, coeducational school settings appear to promote the emergence of power relationships based on performance norms and to foster negative perceptions associated with physical activity. On the other hand, physical activity conducted outside of school with same sex peers who have similar abilities seem to promote relationships based on equality amongst adolescents and positive perceptions about physical activity. These results may provide guidance for professionals aiming to present youth with social environments which promote PAI.

Keyphrases: Adolescents, physical activity, gender, social dynamics, qualitative methods
Macro-analyse quantitative des facteurs d’émergence des émeutes : une nouvelle approche de compréhension mondiale des violences collectives

Following the 2011 Arab Spring’s riots and apparent difficulty predicting such events worldwide, the study is interested in developing a new macroscopic approach that utilizes quantitative aspects of the issue to generate a systemic view. Building on existing knowledge, considering the design of an eclectic theoretical framework for the emergence of the riots, the study conducts an analysis of their political, economic, social and technological factors. From the analysis the study has considered three main categories of riots: the ethnic-religious riots, the socioeconomic riots, and the mass-political riots. In the second part of the research we have addressed the issue from quantitative perspective. Initially, we conducted bivariate analysis between the different categories of riots and the different variables grouped in the political, economic, social and technological areas. Statistical analysis of these variables points out that the different spheres of variables act differently on different categories of riots. The study has also remarked that the mass-political riots are mainly sensitive to countries' political factors. Socio-economic riots in our sample are tightly bound to social and economic variables. Finally, ethnic-religious riots are related to social variables, especially ethnical and religious homogeneity. These findings may seem tautological, but our study leads us to think otherwise. This study identifies an interesting relationships: various types of riots, as we have established, have a direct link to certain spheres of variables, following a quantitative logic.   Additionally, we developed statistical models through multiple linear regressions. For each type of riot, a specific model has been created. The study utilizes a comprehensive model to understand the riots as a whole, as well as specific models designed to analyze subcategories of riots. Second important point of the study: it is possible to build reliable statistical models to analyze the riots in a macroscopic approach and they vary based on the categories of riots. Thus, our main multivariate model explains 50% of the riots rate’s variance.

Keyphrases: Violences collectives, Collective violence, Riots, Analyses quantitatives, Data Analysis, World