NCube/papyrus huggingface dataset:
La couverture de la crise soudanaise dans la presse montréalaise, 1885-1904.

This master’s thesis focuses on the Sudanese crisis coverage within Montreal popular press at the end of the 19th century. This comparative study of the narrations of the Anglo-French rivalry produced by La Presse and the Montreal Daily Star shows that, in the Quebec context, two main political cultures coexist: imperialism and nationalism. This thesis coverts a period starting in 1885 with the first report, by La Presse, about British interventions in the Soudan, leading toward the Fashoda crisis in 1898. The study period ends with the signature of the Entente cordiale in 1904, which bring an end to the main colonial rivalries between the United Kingdom and France. This research concludes that, first, the Montreal Daily Star shows an Anglophone political culture tied to Canadian imperialism; the newspaper preserves and even reinforces this perspective during all the study period. Then, on the other hand, La Presse tends to draw away from this ideology and reveal Canadian nationalism.

Keyphrases: Popular press, 19th century, Fashoda, Nationalism, Imperialism
Using virtual reality to treat subclinical health anxiety : a pilot study comparing physiological reactions between younger and older adults to determine its usefulness

Problem: Traditional exposure strategies (in vivo and imaginal) commonly used to treat health anxiety are not always applicable to seniors with mobility loss or cognitive difficulties. Virtual reality (VR) immersion may be an alternative solution, but no studies have tested its usefulness with seniors who are concerned about their health. Objective and hypotheses: To determine whether a virtual hospital waiting room generates anxiety (measured by two physiological reactions: heart rate and skin conductance) in elderly people suffering from subclinical health anxiety. H1: Anxious participants (regardless of age) will have higher physiological reactions (vs. baseline or T1) than non-anxious participants during immersion in the waiting room. H2: Compared to anxious elderly individuals, anxious young people will have significantly greater physiological reactions (vs T1) during immersion in the waiting room. Method: The physiological reactions of four groups (n = 30) of young adults (18-35 years of age) and seniors (65 years of age and older) with or without subclinical health anxiety were compared before (T1) and during (T3) an immersion session in a virtual hospital waiting room. To ensure that physiological reactions were not caused simply by being exposed to a virtual environment, participants were exposed to a neutral virtual environment (T2) between these two measurement times. Multi-level analyses were carried out to test both hypotheses. Results: Anxious participants experienced a significantly higher increase in heart rate (vs. non-anxious group) during immersion (T2: β = 8.77, p=0.045; T3: β = 9.73, p=0.03), but no significant difference between the two groups was observed on the skin conductance measure (T2: β = 0.30, p = 0.70; T3: β = 0.47, p = 0.55). In addition, the heart rate of anxious participants did not increase significantly between T2 (neutral environment) and T3 (waiting room) (β = -0.04, p = 0.97). Finally, compared to anxious elderly participants, anxious young individuals did not experience a significantly greater increase in their heart rate (T2: β = 1.92, p = 0.83; T3: β = -1.51, p = 0.87) and skin conductance (T2: β = -0.65, p = 0.65; T3: β = -0.79, p = 0.58) during immersion. Conclusion: The virtual waiting room does not generate more physiological reactivity in older individuals with health concerns than the neutral virtual environment. Since this pilot study was conducted with participants with subclinical health anxiety, further research is needed to test the usefulness of the virtual waiting room with clinical populations.

Keyphrases: Health Anxiety, Elderly, Exposure Therapy, Heart Rate, Skin Conductance, Virtual Reality
Étude électrophysiologique du balayage de la mémoire à court terme acoustique : décours temporel et effet de force de la trace mnésique

We aimed to understand better the processes involved in acoustic short-term memory retrieval using electrophysiology. We used a modified Sternberg task in which participants had to encode two, four, or six pure non-musical tones (out of the well-tempered musical scale) that cannot be readily recoded verbally. After a silent retention interval, we presented them with a probe tone and they had to report its presence or absence in the memory set. By using multiple load conditions, and by controlling for stimulation duration, we compared the serial position effects, as well as the load effects, on behavioral and electrophysiological data during memory scanning. In particular, we found a recency effect, similar across loads, where shorter response times, near perfect accuracy, and an increased P3 amplitude in the event-related potential (ERP) data were observed. Serial position data for all other positions were similar regardless of the memory load and showed lower performances (response times and accuracy), as well as smaller P3 components. We also performed a signal decomposition analysis, the independent component analysis (ICA), which allowed us to observe and describe better the time courses of the electrophysiological data for the retrieval of a perfectly memorised tone (the last one), and a lesser memorised one (any other serial position). Our results suggest the existence of two subtypes of sensory memory.

Keyphrases: Mémoire non verbale, Acoustic memory, Electrophysiology, Memory trace strength, Independent component analysis, Recency effect, Non-verbal memory
Dynamique épistémologique de la science : défense d'une gestion pragmatique des problèmes complexes

This thesis proposes an analysis of the epistemological role of complex scientific problems. Starting from the epistemological holism inherited from the philosophical positions of Pierre Duhem and Willard Van Orman Quine, and from the thesis that scientific practice is always based on a recognized theoretical and conceptual field, we develop a management model that proposes that researchers adopt a pragmatic attitude to react to complex problems. We explain in this research that these problems affect the applicability of theories and concepts that form scientific knowledge. To solve them, we must initiate research that will follow the steps of a pragmatic process to progressively assess the situation and gain a better understanding. During this period, the negative consequences of the complex problem are tolerated in order to ensure the maintenance of the scientific activities that it directly targets, or not, the achievement of a solution. The thesis defended in this study is that the management of the complex problems that it proposes is concluded by the rational elaboration, framed by pragmatic decisions and a favorable conjuncture, of an ad hoc hypothesis offering a solution to the problem. If the scientific community recognizes the epistemological value of this hypothesis, it will be integrated into the theoretical and conceptual field which will have the effect of enriching scientific knowledge and giving back to science its "normal" status.

Keyphrases: Quine, Duhem, Philosophy of science, Epistomology, Holism, Fallibilism, Pragmatism, Rationality, Ad hoc hypothesis
Prediction of the transaction confirmation time in Ethereum Blockchain

Blockchain offers a decentralized, immutable, transparent system of records. It offers a peer-to-peer network of nodes with no centralised governing entity making it ‘unhackable’ and therefore, more secure than the traditional paper based or centralised system of records like banks etc. While there are certain advantages to the paper based recording approach, it does not work well with digital relationships where the data is in constant flux. Unlike traditional channels, governed by centralized entities, blockchain offers its users a certain level of anonymity by providing capabilities to interact without disclosing their personal identities and allows them to build trust without a third-party governing entity.  Due to the aforementioned characteristics of blockchain, more and more users around the globe are inclined towards making a digital transaction via blockchain than via rudimentary channels. Therefore, there is a dire need for us to gain insight on how these transactions are processed by the blockchain and how much time it may take for a peer to confirm a transaction and add it to the blockchain network.      In this thesis, we aim to introduce a novel approach that would allow one to estimate the time (in block time or otherwise) it would take for Ethereum Blockchain to accept and confirm a transaction to a block using machine learning. We explore two of the most fundamental machine learning approaches, i.e., Classification and Regression in order to determine which of the two would be more accurate to make confirmation time prediction in the Ethereum blockchain. More specifically, we explore Naïve Bayes classifier, Random Forest classifier and Multilayer Perceptron classifier for the classification approach. Since most transactions in the network are confirmed well within the average confirmation time of two block confirmations or 15 seconds, we also discuss ways to tackle the skewed dataset problem encountered in case of the classification approach. We also aim to compare the predictive accuracy of two machine learning regression models- Random Forest Regressor and Multilayer Perceptron against previously proposed statistical regression models under a set evaluation criterion; the objective is to determine whether machine learning offers a more accurate predictive model than conventional statistical models.

Keyphrases: Machine Learning, Ethereum, Blockchain, Regression, Classification, Random Forest, Naive Bayes, Multilayer Perceptron, Transaction
Hierarchical Bayesian optimization of targeted motor outputs with spatiotemporal neurostimulation

The idea for this thesis by article sprung from the following question: can we use neural prostheses to stimulate specific muscles in order to help recovery of motor control after stroke or cervical injury? This question is of crucial importance to 15 million people each year around the globe, and is at the heart of Numa Dancause and Marco Bonizzato’s research, our collaborators in the Neuroscience department at the University of Montreal. It is now possible to implant large capacity electrodes for electrical stimulation in cortex, but still difficult to predict their effect on the brain and the rest of the body. Nevertheless, preliminary but promising results on rats and monkeys have shown that a non-negligible motor recovery is obtained after stimulation of regions of motor cortex that are still functional. The difficulties related to optimal microcortical stimulation hence consist in finding both one of these regions, and a stimulation protocol with optimal recovery efficacy. This search has up to present day been performed by hand, but recent and upcoming large scale stimulation technologies permitting delivery of spatio-temporal signals are making such exhaustive searches impossible.A promising approach to automating and optimizing this discovery is the use of Bayesian optimization. My work has consisted in developing and refining such techniques with two scientific questions in mind: (1) how can we evoke complex movements by chaining cortical microstimulations?, and (2) can these outperform single channel stimulations in terms of recovery efficacy? We present in the main article of this thesis our hierarchical Bayesian optimization approach which uses gaussian processes to exploit known properties of the brain to speed up the search, as well as first results answering question 1. We leave to future work a definitive answer to the second question.

Keyphrases: BCI, Stimulation Corticale, Cortical Stimulation, Gaussian Processes, Bayesian Optimization
Recentrement de masculinités ridicules dans les comédies québécoises : un mémoire proféministe

In Quebec, the most popular and successful film genre is without a doubt comedy. These movies are the most successful at the national Box Office and are usually appreciated by both critics and audiences alike. From a “profeminist” perspective, this thesis aims to demonstrate how representations of masculinity, or masculinities, become a means to provoke laughter in six Quebec comedies: Les Boys (Saia 1997), Québec-Montréal (Trogi 2002), Horloge biologique (Trogi 2005), Les 3’ptits cochons (Huard 2007), De père en flic (Gaudreault 2009) and De père en flic 2 (Gaudreault 2017). In these movies, men are portrayed as being self-centered, horny, competitive, immature, dumb or even “unmanly”. These masculine “flaws” are precisely what make these male characters funny, despite how problematic their behavior can become. These comedies also tend to categorize individuals based on their biological sex, which seems to be linked to their capacity to provoke laughter. On the one hand, men are flawed but still funny and thus entertaining, while women, on the other hand, represent stability and more accepted social norms, which makes them boring and less funny in comparison. The “comical” appears to be exclusive to men in these comedies. In that regard, genders get an uneven time of screen, often making women the “Others” to the male protagonists. This greater attention on men allows them to be targeted by ridicule, an inherently disciplinary state of being. Despite being constantly ridiculed for their actions, male characters are still funny, thanks to a ridicule that affects them more than it does for women. This ridicule also seems to act as a “gender police”, suggesting a male-male gaze. Men gaze upon one another to make sure male characters act in accordance with traditional masculine norms. Therefore, they try to avoid being ridiculed under the gaze of other men. The ones who can’t act accordingly see themselves becoming the target of ridicule, which becomes a means for men to reach normative configurations of masculinity. What seems paradoxical is how men are usually able to reach a “non-ridicule” masculinity. We consider this to be part of a “decentralization” followed by “recentralization” of their masculinity. Their questionable behavior, typical of traditional and normative masculinities, is thus trivialized and serves comical purposes. By doing so, these six Quebec comedies reassert traditional representations of genders without questioning them, which mostly benefits men.

Keyphrases: Ridicule, Masculinity, Gender studies, Comical, Representation, feminism, Quebec comedies
El gran apagón : techno-politiques, crises et infrastructures dans le secteur de l’énergie électrique en Colombie (1940-2000)

In Colombia, the predominance of hydropower over other sources of energy have generally been explained by the notion of water abundance in the territory and therefore because of the rentability of its production. Nevertheless, this research aims to question these given ideas. I argue that it is necessary to explore the political and relational nature of this resource to understand its importance in the national electric sector. To do so, I explore the causes and effects of the 1992 energetic crisis, well-know as El gran apagón (The Great Blackout). I put into evidence how this crisis happened to be instrumentalized to negotiate the techno-politics and infrastructures that shape the electric sector system. More precisely, in the processes of implementation of neoliberal politics and in the legitimization of the construction of new dams. In this case, Porce II dam situated in the department of Antioquia. The main goal of this study is to reveal how crisis and scarcity discourses (as much as abundance discourses) of hydroelectricity allowed its proliferation, and thus, massive transformations of several territories in the country. Discussing at the same time how these discourses aren’t neutral nor static through space and time. From political ecology and Science and technology studies perspectives, I pay attention on the effects of expert discourses and representations of hydropower and water to see how they have shaped the electric sector in the period between 1940 and 2000. The crisis of El grand Apagón proves to be interesting as it allows to put into light how these representations, but also practices and the governance are contested and negotiated in this context. In the historical trajectory of hydropower in Colombia, this research seeks to explore how infrastructures are not only legitimated by contradictory promises of development and progress, but also by crisis discourses.

Keyphrases: Hydropower, Infrastructures, Techno-politics, Crisis, Porce II, Colombia
Étude de la thermo-sensibilité mitochondriale des espèces de moules d'eau douce indigènes et invasives

Climate change is impacting many, if not all, forms of life. Increases in extreme temperature fluctuations and average temperatures can cause stress, particularly in aquatic sessile ectotherms such as freshwater mussels. However, some species seem to thrive more than others in face of temperature-related stressors. Thermal tolerance may for example explain invasive species success. It is also known that mitochondria can play a key role in setting an ectothermic species’ thermal tolerance. In this study, we aimed to characterize the mitochondrial thermo-tolerance in invasive and endemic freshwater mussels. With the use of high-resolution respirometry, we analyzed the mitochondrial respiration of two freshwater bivalve species exposed to a broad range of temperatures. We noticed that the invasive dreissenid Dreissena bugensis displayed a less thermo-tolerant mitochondrial metabolism than the endemic unionid Elliptio complanata. This lack of tolerance was linked with a more noticeable depression of aerobic metabolism at elevated temperatures. These findings may be associated with the life history traits of both species, as D. bugensis is more adapted to unstable habitats, where selection pressures for resistance adaptations are reduced. Our findings add to the growing body of literature characterizing the mitochondrial metabolism of many aquatic ectotherms in the context of climate change.

Keyphrases: Mitochondria, Climate change, Thermal sensitivity, Invasive species, Aquatic ectotherms
Mobilisation et transformations du mercure et du carbone dans les réservoirs hydroélectriques de la rivière Romaine

Following the flooding of soil during the construction of hydroelectric reservoirs, terrestrial inorganic mercury (Hg) and organic matter typically increase in concentrations in the aquatic environment. The anoxia developed due to the deepening of the water column and the degradation of organic matter due to aquatic microbial communities create new conditions in the system that are prone to the methylation of mercury into its neurotoxic and bioaccumulative form : methylmercury (MeHg). Results from this study, led in the hydroelectric complex of reservoirs of the Romaine River, showed that the percentage of total mercury which is methylmercury in the flooded area is on average 10 times higher than in surrounding natural systems from the watershed and in the upstream section of the river. MeHg concentrations in the Romaine River, however, remain relatively low when compared to other reservoirs in Quebec and worldwide. Upstream to downstream patterns have been observed, where MeHg increases along with carbon dioxide (CO2) throughout the series of reservoirs and where both showed higher values in June than in August, following the snowmelt and the melting of the ice cover. Concentrations were lower in the summer campaign, suggesting there was under-ice production due to the development of partial anoxia before the water column is mixed and oxygenated in spring. Moreover, the distribution of total mercury concentrations, dissolved organic carbon and dissolved organic matter components remained stable between flooded and natural sites. This suggests that hydroelectric reservoirs act as reactors for the transformation of terrestrial inorganic Hg in MeHg rather than as mobilizers of newly imported Hg and that processes occurring several kilometers upstream and months prior to sampling affect the carbon and Hg dynamics of this inter-connected system.

Keyphrases: PARAFAC, Mercury, Methylmercury, Dissolved organic matter, Flood, Greenhouse gases
Le personnage « en devenir » ; dialogue avec le récepteur dans la dramaturgie d'Étienne Lepage

This master’s thesis addresses the notion of character in three works by Quebec playwright Étienne Lepage.  First, it aims to identify how this form of the theater character differs from the existing theories on the subject, in particular, Jean-Pierre Sarrazac’s "impersonnage" theory. The aim is to identify the characteristics specific to this "evolving" character, driven by the movement that negotiates its construction in a dialogue with the receiver. This study, which focuses on the analysis of the theater text, draws its foundations from the observations of the theater theorists (Szondi, Lehmann, Abirached, Sarrazac) on this crisis experienced by the character. The second part focuses on the role of the receiver in the dramatic text. The integrations of the receiver give him an active role; he becomes co-creator. The analysis of Lepage’s treatment of immediate time and open space shows how these elements contribute to the arrangement of this space for the receiver. Finally, the monologue as the only possible mode of expression occupies a significant part of this reflection on the character of Étienne Lepage’s dramaturgy. At the confluence of character studies, reception theories and identity construction, this study seeks to identify the character "in the making".

Keyphrases: Étienne Lepage, Monologue, Performance, Burlesque, Theatricality, Event, Spectator, Receiver
2012, suivi de l’imaginaire du survivant dans l’œuvre de Christian Guay-Poliquin

2012 is a novel narrated by a survivor in a post-apocalyptic universe of zombies in Montreal. Books, movies and tv series will help him to stay alive. The text demonstrates that the knowledge acquired through different cultural objects allows survival. Intertextuality and intermediality become central tools in the survivor's imaginary. The essay in this thesis focuses on Christian Guay-Poliquin's Le fil des kilomètres (2013) and Le poids de la neige (2016), two texts which present the idea that cultural knowledge allows the narrator’s survival. Renée Bourassa's reflections on hypermedia fictions will demonstrate that the different cultural productions present in the imaginary of the surviving narrator form a knowledge network. This network enables the narrator to make decisions by interacting with the knowledge acquired in cultural items. This remembrance acts like a Wikipedia guide and a hypertextual labyrinth.

Keyphrases: Christian Guay-Poliquin, intermedialite, Survivor, Zombies, Hypertext, Intertextuality, Intermediality