NCube/papyrus huggingface dataset:
Les jeux de tarot Visconti-Sforza : une analyse iconographique

The Duchy of Milan in the Quattrocento is marked by the reign of two powerful families in Lombardy, the Visconti and the Sforza. During a time full of territorial conflicts and disputes for the ducal title, art in the International Gothic style became essential to political propaganda. Among the various works of this period that emphasize the power and the hierarchical position of the nobility are the oldest sets of tarot that have survived to the present day: the Visconti-Sforza tarot decks, dating from the first half of the 15th century. Named according to their supposed patrons, the nomenclature is actually used to designate fifteen separate decks, three of which are analyzed in this master’s thesis: the Pierpont Morgan-Bergamo deck (divided between the Accademia Carrara in Bergamo, the Pierpont Morgan Library in New York, and the private collection Casa Colleoni, in Bergamo), the Brera-Brambilla (Pinacoteca di Brera, in Milan) and the Cary-Yale (Beinecke Library, in New Haven). The study of this corpus enables us to unravel the struggle for power between the Visconti and the Sforza, as well as the traditions of the literature and the triumphal processions of the time. Using an iconographic analysis, our goal is to identify the sociocultural context in which these decks were produced. This work's analysis also highlights questions about the attributions, the dating and the patronage of these luxury playing cards.

Keyphrases: Cartes, Tarot, Milan, Visconti, Sforza, Bembo, Zavattari, Quattrocento, Cards, Heraldry, International Gothic, Petrarch, Triumph
Parcours migratoire de demandeurs d'asile mexicains déboutés par le Canada

This research focuses on the migratory path between Mexico and Canada of disallowed Mexican refugee claimants. Deprived of fundamental rights and freedoms of citizenship, Mexicans live in a constrictive space-time and hold a limited access to mobility. Victims of the failures in the socioeconomic and political systems of Mexico, asylum is often the only option for survival. Once in Canada, Mexican refugee claimants are often confronted with the predominance of asylum criminalization and stigmatization discourse creating a context of massive forced return migrations. Dispossessed of the right to choose where they want to live, Mexican asylum-seekers are facing a double exclusion of space.  In this regard, this study explores Mexican refugee claimants’ migratory path through the lived experience and migratory imaginary surrounding it. It also attempts to understand the reasons behind migration as well as the elements responsible of the initial migratory quest’s modulation and transformation. Thus, it seeks to identify to what extent the Canadian asylum granting process affects the integration and sense of belonging to the host country. This research also raises the difficulties of the reintegration process within the society of origin. Finally, this study seeks to move away from the administrative framework and therefore focuses mainly on lived experience and human consequences of these phenomena, by exploring each person’ specific perceptions and interpretations.  In conclusion, this research establishes that Mexican refugee claimants disallowed by Canada are facing a double rejection of space. Having a priori opted for asylum because of an inability to obtain safety and ensure their integrity, exile then opposes them to a restrictive and punitive grating system that hinders their integration and often leads to their request being refused. When returning, reintegration is often impeded by the continuation of exclusion and persistent discrimination of returnees. The original migratory quest resets itself, it being the search for rights, freedoms and dignity.

Keyphrases: asylum, migratory path, forced migration, migratory imaginary, integration, reintegration, Mexico
La conception de la liberté chez les premiers Cyniques

Diogenes of Sinope, the main representative of ancient Cynicism, says in one of his works that « he preferred freedom above everything ». He does not mean here freedom in its political sense, but rather in its moral and individual meaning, which dates back at least to the sixth century BC and perhaps to the very root of the word ἐλεύθερος. Tracing the history of this notion reveals diverse influences on Cynicism, whether the figure of the « free slave » of the tragedians, or the correspondence between nature and freedom of the Sophists and Democritus. To reach self-sufficiency and apathy, the two characteristics of Cynic freedom, Diogenes must submit his body to physical training, it being the only way to break free from the chains of civilization. Socrates, especially in Xenophon and to a certain extent in Plato, had already made physical exercises a condition for acquiring freedom. However, with Socrates the emancipation of the individual ends in gaining knowledge that he deems necessary to virtue. Cynics, for their part, reject virtue-knowledge and limit their philosophical activity to the practice of a rigorous physical asceticism, so that freedom leads directly to virtue and happiness to the point of identifying with it. Therefore, Cynics differ from their Socratic predecessors by not extending their philosophical quest beyond the moment of liberation and thereby make freedom the true hallmark of their philosophy.

Keyphrases: Socrate, Freedom, Inner freedom, Cynicism, Socrates, Antisthenes, Diogenes of Sinope, Crates of Thebes
La construction de l'imaginaire du retour dans «Pays sans chapeau» et «L'Énigme du retour» de Dany Laferrière

Through what he names his "American autobiography" formed by ten novels, Dany Laferrière creates a multifaceted universe dealing with childhood, adolescence, dictatorship, the departure and the return to one’s native land. Both Pays sans chapeau and L’Énigme du retour explore the theme of the return to one’s native land by using a character-narrator whose discursive ethoses, that is the images of oneself created within and by a discourse, are multiplied. While they are rediscovering the country, the narrators present themselves for instance as the reader, the son, the writer, the traveler, the member of an exiled community, the reporter, the stranger, etc. The identitarian mobility of the narrators allows us to connect those novels with the autofiction genre, as well as the study of the settings and the experience of returns in both cases. Furthermore, when the narrators present themselves to the readers as a writer, their literary knowledge is revealed and their vision of the country is enriched by their literary memories.  In this thesis, we propose to study the strategies of representation of one’s native land and to question the possibility of the narrators’ return. To do so, we will attempt to bring out and to define the discursive ethoses that appear crucial in the novels. Then, we will develop the narrative identity of the writer in order to explore the narrators’ literary memories by studying the implicit and the explicit intertexts. Finally, we will bring forward the possibility of returning to one’s native land by writing.

Keyphrases: Dany Laferrière, autofiction, return to one’s native land, intertextuality, contemporary haitien novel
Bill Readings : penser le dissensus dans les ‘ruines’ de l’université

This master’s thesis offers a critical interpretation and exploration of the main proposals of Bill Readings’ posthumous book, The University in Ruins (Harvard, 1996). I situate Readings’ provocative thoughts as a translation of Lyotard’s notion of differend into American pedagogical debates within the literary crisis upon the curricula and the so-called “Culture Wars”. The study expands on the dialogue which opposed Readings to Graff, where the latter sought to posit the notion of “Conflict” as the locus of a renewed academic community. In contrast to Graff, the radicalism of Readings’ “community of dissensus” becomes more salient. While renouncing the emancipatory ideals of Modernity, Readings suggested an understanding of education as a space of heteronomous ethics, and pedagogy as an infinite and asymmetrical relationship to others. Finally, I show that the “community of dissensus” maintains as a permanent question the aporetic nature of its identity as well as of the nature of the social bond within the “post-historical” university. By doing so, this work provides an original contribution which underlines a kinship between Readings’ most controversial statements and Mikhail Bakhtin’s dialogism and anthropological ideas.

Keyphrases: Communication, dialogisme, Dissensus, University, Community, Dialogism
Le grand écart? 
La vie privée sur internet vue par les adolescents et leurs parents

The rising popularity of social media platforms among teenagers and the role they are taking as an integrated part of their daily communication has and will continue to raise a number of questions around the concept of security, and more precisely, about online privacy. This research paper aims to explore and compare the perceptions about online privacy in the digital era, first from the point of view of teenagers between 14 and 15 years of age, and then from the point of view of their respective parents. The first step in the data collection process was to ask the students to complete a survey about their online habits and the type of content they publish and share online.  In the second part of the research, face-to-face interviews were conducted, first with the teenager alone, then with the parents. The objective was to get a better understanding of the household’s dynamics and to observe the differences in the perception of online privacy. To begin, the data collected has shown significant discrepancies in the online behaviour of teenage girls versus boys. However, the results did not provide any statistical significance in online behaviour in respect to household regulations regarding the use of online communication tools. Furthermore, though widely influenced by personal experience, the interviews with different family members brought up fairly similar definitions of online privacy. The notion of gradation of values has also been approached in their definitions.

Keyphrases: Parents, Internet, Perception, Privacy, Teenagers, Family, Definition, Rules, Social media
The potential role of the multivalent ionic compound PolyP in the assembly of the liquid nature in the cell

Prion-like proteins containing Low Complexity Sequences (LCSs) have the propensity to aggregate and form membrane-less compartments in the cell. These proteins form droplets that have liquid features such as wetting, dripping and fusion. In this study, we demonstrated that the prion domain-containing protein Hrp1 forms droplets of different sizes in the presence of negatively charged polymers via liquid-liquid phase separation, whereas under the same conditions, the prion-like domain PolyQ/N of Hrp1 forms a gel-like material. Based on these findings, we hypothesize that droplets in vivo could be modulated by negatively charged polyelectrolytes found in the cell such as DNA, RNA and polyphosphate (PolyP). My goal was to examine the role of the polyanionic nature of PolyP on the assembly of P-bodies using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a cellular model and fluorescence microscopy. We chose to study processing (P)- bodies, based on previous findings that these cellular subcompartments are formed by liquid-liquid phase separation of component proteins in the cytoplasm. We found that depleting phosphate from the media and deleting vtc4 gene, which is responsible for PolyP synthesis, did not have any effect on P-body formation. In addition, we demonstrated that PolyP and the protein Edc3, a core component of P-bodies, do not colocalize. Our data suggest that PolyP does not affect P-body formation. However, further and complementary studies have to be performed to confirm that PolyP have no effects on other membrane-less organelles.

Keyphrases: Prion like proteins, Low Complexity Sequence, Droplet, Gel-like material, PolyP, Liquid-liquid phase separation., Gouttes liquides, PolyP
Détermination des concentrations de déoxynivalénol et zéaralénone associées à des maladies chez les vaches laitières

In Quebec, the most common mycotoxins found in the diet of the dairy herd are deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZON). As part of our study, we had two main objectives. The first objective was to quantify DON and ZON mycotoxins in naturally contaminated dairy cows by assessing their presence in the feed, serum and urine of these cows. The second objective was to determine the extent to which these mycotoxin concentrations could be associated with health, production and reproductive problems in these cattle. The study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, we carried out 60 dairy herds to identify their levels of mycotoxin contamination. In the second phase, we selected 15 herds with the lowest serum De-epoxy-deoxynivalenol (DOM-1) concentrations and 15 herds with the highest DOM-1 concentrations This project allowed us to identify concentrations of DON and ZON at the dietary and urinary levels that were associated with increased risks of reform, abortion, decreased reproductive performance, hypercetonemia, clinical endometritis And lower milk production. The data collected will allow veterinarians and nutritionists to refine their recommendations to dairy producers regarding the management of mycotoxins.

Keyphrases: Urine, Deoxynivalenol, Zearalenone, Cow, Food, Serum
Variations génomiques et antigéniques du virus de la grippe porcine (Influenzavirus porcin) sur le territoire québécois

Data about genomic variability of swine influenza A viruses (SIV) in Quebec herds are scarce. Yet, this information is important for understanding virus evolution in Quebec from until 2015. Different clinical samples were obtained from 24 outbreaks of swine flu in which animals were experiencing respiratory disease. Samples including lung tissues, saliva and nasal swabs were collected and virus isolation was attempted in MDCK cells and embryonated eggs. All eight gene segments of the 18 isolated SIV strains were sequenced and analysed. Antiviral drugs resistance against oseltamivir carboxylate (GS4071), zanamivir (GS167) and amantadine hydrochloride was evaluated by neuraminidase inhibition assays (NAIs) and plaque reduction assay. Two subtypes of SIV, H3N2 and H1N1, were identified in Quebec pig herds. Twelve SIV strains were genetically related to trH3N2 Cluster IV and at least 6 different reassortment profiles were identified. On the other hand, 6 Quebec SIV strains were found to be genetically related to the pandemic virus A(H1N1)pdm09 and from which three reassortment profiles were identified. Overall, the trH3N2 was the most prevalent subtype (66.7%) found in Quebec swine herds. The epitope mapping of HA indicated that the H3 subtype was the most variable with a possibility of 21 amino acids (aa) substitutions within the 5 antigenic sites A(5), B(8), C(5), D(1) and E(2). However, the HA protein of the H1 subtype had only 5 aa substitutions within 3 antigenic sites Sb(1), Ca1(2) and Ca2(2). One H1N1 (1/6 = 16.7%) and one trH3N2 (1/12 = 8.3%) were identified as strains resistant against oseltamivir. In contrast, two H1N1 (2/6 = 33.3%) and two trH3N2 (2/12 = 16.7%) strains were found to be resistant against zanamivir. Overall, the SIV resistance against antiviral neuraminidase inhibitor drugs was (33.3%). All strains were resistant against the M2 inhibitor antiviral drug, amantadine. The presence of antiviral drug resistance in Quebec swine herds and the possible emergence of new SIVs strains are public health concerns supporting the surveillance of SIVs.

Keyphrases: Virus Influenza A, H1N1, H3N2, Influenza A virus, Swine, Reassortment, Antiviral resistance, Neuraminidase inhibitors
La musique comme outil de préparation mentale chez les athlètes olympiques

The use of music as a mental preparation tool is very common amongst Olympic athletes. However, this practice has received little research attention. Thus, the present study has two objectives: (a) to identify the functions of music in a sporting context and (b) to explore the messages conveyed by the lyrics. To this end, semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten Quebec Olympians practicing technico-artistic sports. In addition, athletes took part in a music task where they listened to the song that most influenced their athletic career and write all the memories evoked by the song. Data analysis by grounded theory demonstrates that athletes use music as a mental preparation tool for two main reasons: (1) to trigger or (2) to regulate psychological processes such as focus, visualization and emotions, which are beneficial to their athletic performances. However, if not used properly music can have a negative effect on these psychological processes and thus impair performance. Furthermore, analysis of the lyrics that most influenced the sport careers of the athletes reveals that the message conveyed by these songs is very similar from one song to another. Practical implications for using music in sport settings and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Keyphrases: sport psychology, music, lyrics, olympic athletes
Facteurs associés à la santé mentale positive chez les jeunes adultes de 18 à 29 ans au Canada

Background: Positive Mental Health (PMH) is defined as a state of well-being to feel, to think, and to act so as to expand the capabilities necessary to enjoy life and the challenges it brings. Some studies have examined associations between PMH and certain other health determinants. Few are the ones taking into account a range of factors, especially among young. Objectives. To study the relationships between sociodemographic, individual, family, community factors and PMH in young adults. Methods. The present study is based on data from the Canadian Community Health Survey - Mental Health (CCHS-MH) conducted in 2012. Participants consist of 4242 young adults aged between 18 and 29 years, of which 47% are women and 53% are men. PMH is measured by the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF). The associations between PMH and 19 sociodemographic, individual, family and community factors are examined using hierarchical linear regression. Results. Among young adults, age, being a man, educational level, main occupation, parental status, coping skills, health perception, physical activity, spiritual values importance, household income, social support are positively associated with PMH. The exposure to stress and violence in childhood, illicit drug use, family mental health, are negatively associated with PMH of young adults. Age has a moderating effect on relationship between social support, educational level and PMH and gender, with coping skills and spiritual values. Conclusion. Results of the present study allow for a better understanding of factors associated with PMH in young adults on sociodemographic, individual, family and community levels. In addition, results could help decision makers develop programs of intervention, of prevention, and of promoting of mental health better adapted to young adults.

Keyphrases: Wellbeing, Well-being, Positive mental health, Young adults, Young women, Young men, Mental health, Psychology, Sociodemographic factors, Individual factors, Family factors, Community factors
Réforme des vaches laitières au Québec

There are several ways to increase the profitability of dairy farms. Among them, culling can affect the average herd production and therefore the costs of production, by modifying the herd structure. In order to determine an optimal herd profitability, it is important to quantify the culling rates and to understand the mechanisms leading to the culling of an animal. The main objective of this thesis is to describe culling in Québec dairy herds. Specifically, it aims to quantify the culling rates, to explore relationship between the herd, the culling rate, and the individual culling risk, to determine the causal effect of clinical mastitis on culling, and to identify the decision-making criteria used by producers and farm advisers.  A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted on health and production data from cows in dairy herds from Québec, Canada. Ten years of data, between 2001 and 2010, were used to determine herd profiles and their culling rates, and their potential relationship. Herd influence on individual culling risk and the causal effect of clinical mastitis were explored respectively by contextual analysis and by using a marginal structural model. Shared criteria on culling decisions held by dairy producers, veterinarians and other advisers were identified with the help of the Q-methodology, which provides a means to reveal the decision structure of individuals.  This study quantified an average culling rate of 32% based on ten years of follow-up, with significant variations between herds. Specific herd profiles according to a set of characteristics related to their reproductive and production performances, management and health indicators could not be determined. It is however possible to distinguish herds against certain unique feature taken one by one and to relate it to the culling rate, including herd management, reproduction performances, and milk production. These indicators can be considered as contextual variables in multilevel analyses.  A herd contextual effect is present in the cow culling risk, but limited. It is mainly due to the pressure of heifers coming into the herd. Culling risk due to clinical mastitis, considered in the counterfactual framework of a longitudinal study where exposure is time-varying, is comparable between primiparous and multiparous cows. For this risk, dairy production has less influence in primiparous that in multiparous cows.  Producers and their advisers share a common framework for culling decision-making, referring essentially to cow's udder health and her milk production. Herd culling rate is not involved in the decision to cull a specific cow.

Keyphrases: culling, dairy cow, survival, bias, decision-making
Les processus de dissémination et de création des connaissances dans les organisations de santé : le cas du Bureau de transition du Centre universitaire de santé McGill

Health organizations are characterized by the complexity of their activities and a high level of care fragmentation that inevitably result in service coordination stakes. Their main coordination mechanism, knowledge and expertise standardization is an essential, but limited, mechanism. Thus, the challenge still stands for a health organization to promote knowledge utilization at an organizational level. This project evaluates how an organizational structure aiming at mobilization and knowledge utilization in decision making helps to improve the coordination services in a health organization. This research relies on a specific case: the Transition Support Office (TSO) of the McGill University Health Center (MUHC).  The analysis uses a conceptual framework of organizational knowledge creation inspired by the work of Nonaka et al. Data have been collected by observations, documentary and interview analyses. This theory driven evaluation explains how the conversion process of tacit knowledge to explicit knowledge allows the dissemination and creation of new organizational knowledge and contributes to the improvement of service coordination. The evaluation demonstrates the influence of contextual factors on the processes of knowledge creation/utilization. The research shows that it is necessary to otherwise conceptualize the use of empirical data in decision making by highlighting their specific role in the social process of knowledge creation. We propose a new knowledge use typology in decision making. We also show how an organizational structure like the TSO can contribute to the care and service coordination in a health organization. Results also enrich the scientific knowledge on governance and organization transformation.

Keyphrases: Healthcare coordination, Knowledge creation, Organizational learning, Knowledge use in decision-making, Implementation evaluation, Theory driven evaluation