NCube/papyrus huggingface dataset:
Étude d’interactions biologiques à l’aide de la résonance des plasmons de surface et de la spectroscopie de fluorescence

The understanding of biological interactions is of utmost importance if we are to comprehend the complex mechanisms taking place in living beings. These interactions can involve proteins, oligonucleotides and peptides, but are not limited to these types of biomolecules. Biological interactions are characterized by their affinity and binding kinetics. Therefore, it is extremely important to have an analytical tool able to measure these properties in order to characterize the interaction between biological molecules. This Master’s research had the objective to optimize surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy (SPR) to study biological interactions of poorly characterized biomolecular interactions and to measure both affinity and kinetic parameters of the binding between several sets of relevant biological molecules. The SPR technique relies on the immobilization of a biological receptor on a gold-coated prism to create a biosensor. One of the studied biomolecules is anchored on the surface while the other one is flowed through a fluidic cell placed on top of the prism. The resulting measured signal results from the binding between the two biomolecules and allows us to determine thermodynamic (KD) and kinetic (kon and koff) parameters associated with the biological complex. These properties of SPR were exploited in this thesis to study the interaction between the protein CD36 (Cluster of Differentiation 36) and peptides homologous to the GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 6), the interaction between a ganglioside (GM1) and the Cholera toxin B sub-unit (CTB) and a synthetic peptide, the interaction of cytokines and the proteinaceous soluble receptor EBI3 (Epstein-Barr virus Induced Gene 3) and the interaction between GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein) and another protein provided by a collaborator. The sensors developed for this Master’s project allowed us to study complex interactions for which few standard methods of analysis exist. This Master’s thesis also briefly describes an instrument prototype able to monitor either bulk or surface fluorescence during the SPR assay.

Keyphrases: Fluorescence, Surface plasmon resonance, Biological interactions, Affinity, Kinetic
Intégration de la démarche d’évaluation et des TIC mobiles (iPad) au préscolaire

Kindergarten education in Quebec follows the changes inspired the competency-based approach, constructivism and the integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) which have had particular ramifications in the field of assessment: the child needs to play an active role in same. Even if the integration of ICT in assessment is a challenge in kindergarten, few studies have shed light on these changes as regards teaching practices. In this context, we proposed a training program aimed at accompanying a kindergarten teacher in her assessment practices through the use of a digital tablet. This training program addressed problems dealt with in class and helps enrich teaching practices.  In this study, we aimed to document the integration of mobile technologies and assessment practices in the daily life of a kindergarten teacher through the following tools: a questionnaire on assessment practices and video taping of learning circles, classroom practices and group discussions. The five components of professional development as defined by Shulman and Shulman (2004) were considered for analysing changes brought about in the vision, the motivation, understanding, practices and community sharing, during and at the end of the training. Results indicate a number of changes, which are more or less pronounced as regards regulation practices, differentiated instruction practices and use of assessment tools, be it at the level of the use of descriptive rubrics or self-assessment. As regards the integration of the digital tablet, results show marked changes as its use was favored in certain stages of the evaluation procedure, like data collection, judgement and communication. Finally, teacher accompaniment through learning circles proved to be beneficial.

Keyphrases: Assessment practices, Kindergarten education, Mobile technology (digital tablet), Professional development
Application du renforcement non contingent pour
réduire les comportements problématiques chez les
personnes ayant un trouble du spectre de l’autisme

Noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) is an intervention with strong empirical support to reduce problem behaviour in individuals with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The intervention involves providing access to a preferred stimulus, typically the reinforcer maintaining the problem behaviour, on a regular or continuous basis. The paper has an educational purpose, which is to describe and discuss issues to consider when applying NCR with individuals with an ASD. The importance of conducting a functional assessment prior to intervening is explained with an emphasis on the different types of reinforcers that maintain problem behaviour. Then, the identification of preferred stimuli is described in case the reinforcer maintaining the problem behaviour cannot be used as part of NCR. Subsequently, two different procedures are presented in order to assist clinicians in implementing the intervention. A fictitious clinical example illustrates the use of NCR with a child with an ASD who emits problem behaviour (i.e., screaming) during meetings at home between his mother and a professional. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of the intervention as well as directions for future research are discussed to promote an optimal application of NCR with individuals with an ASD.

Keyphrases: Intervention, Intervention, Noncontingent reinforcement, Problem behavior, Time-based schedule, Autism
Éthique tu cliques! Entre idéal et réalité : enjeu(x) éthique(s) de la recherche

The principle of this game, which is primarily aimed at junior researchers, is as follows: participants are asked to embody a research team studying the health impacts associated with the conduct of mining activities in Bolivia. This interactive game, which promotes ethical reflection and decision-making through a dialogical and reflexive process, was designed to put into practice the integration of decision-making, interaction between the participants and the co-construction of meaning.

Keyphrases: bioethics, teaching, interactive game, decision making, research ethics
Des enjeux éthiques liés à l’utilisation des données de recherches en collaboration internationale

This global health case study uncovers the ethical issues associated with the use of research data collected in the context of international collaboration involving research assistants.

Keyphrases: thèse, global health, international collaboration, data use, thesis
Fair Innings: Equality and Children’s Healthcare

This commentary assesses the ethical implications of a fair innings inspired approach to healthcare through the lens of the equality guarantee contained in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Keyphrases: fair innings, justice, allocation de ressources, Canada, equality, resource allocation, healthcare, children
Application de la sémantique intertextuelle à la modélisation de constats d'infraction de la ville de Québec

In the current thesis, we propose an XML modelling of a legal document, the statement of offense, using Marcoux’s intertextual semantics approach to information object design. Our method combines the modelling approaches of Maler and El Andaloussi, Glushko's Document Engineering and Salminen's RASKE method. We first analyse a selected corpus of documents, and identify information relevant to our topic and its context of use. We then transpose the document from a paper medium onto a XML-based electronic medium by i) the construction of a Document Type Definition (DTD) and ii) the elaboration of its intertextual semantics specification. The result is a prototype that enables the authoring of a statement of offence in XML, and allows for the automatic rendering of the document’s intended meaning in a natural language via a web browser.  By designing the DTD so that the content models are mostly introduced sequentially, and by distributing the themes included in the "Règlement sur la forme des constats d’infraction" in accordance with the syntax of the French language, we simplify the rendering of the intertextual semantics and possibly improve its idiomaticity.

Keyphrases: XML, Cyberjustice, Structured documents, Intertextual semantics, Document modelling, Document engineering
Conception et caractérisation de nanoparticules polymères théragnostiques destinées au traitement des tumeurs cérébrales

The interest in developing new applications of nanotechnology in the pharmaceutical health care increases year after year. The role of nanosystems became clearer, especially after some of them contributed to revolutionary solutions in serious diseases. In our project, we sought to synthesize ‘intelligent’  nanoparticles  (NPs)  capable  of  selectively  delivering  anticancer  agents.  NPs  were synthesized to target brain cells affected by glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a brain cancer with a poor prognosis and a very low rate of median survival. To this end, we planned to synthesize and analyze these nanoparticles and also to study the proof-of-concept of their efficiency. First,  we  carefully  selected  the  formulation  process  and  the  polymers  prior  to  optimize physicochemical characteristics of the nanogels (NGs) formulated with chitosan. After optimization of the NGs size, PDI and surface potential, we synthesized NGs loaded with active  substances.  Two  therapeutic  molecules  were  selected.  First  we  chose  doxorubicin  HCl (DOX) which is too hydrophilic to cross the BBB, whereas demonstrating in vitro efficacy against GBM. The second drug was temozolomide (TMZ), already used in the treatment of GBM as an adjuvant to radiotherapy after surgery. Analytical methods were then developed to determine the encapsulation efficiency (EE %) and drug loading efficiency (DLE %) of both drugs. For the preparation of theranostic nanogels, we followed the same procedures after the addition of the USPIO contrast agent during the NGs synthesis. Next, we needed to ensure the quality of our NGs during long-term storage. To achieve this goal, we developed a freeze-drying process using different kind of sugar cryoprotectants at varying concentrations, in order to protect NGs against mechanical and physical stresses at play during freeze-drying.  Most  promising  sugars  used  with  unloaded  NGs  were  subsequently  used  to cryoprotect DOX-loaded NGs. Finally, we studied the release of DOX from DOX-loaded NGs before and after freeze-drying. This study in particular had two objectives. The first was to compare the effect of the freeze-drying process on the behavior of the DOX-loaded NGs, observing the impact of this procedure on the release kinetics. The second purpose of the release study was to test the ability of NGs to release their contents at three different pH: 5.8 (intracellular pH of tumor cells), 6.8 (interstitial space of the tumor) and 7.4 (blood plasma).

Keyphrases: GBM, Nanogels, Doxorubicin, Nanoparticles, Chitosan, Freeze-drying, Cryoprotectants
Toutou Tango (cahier d'activité) suivi de Le jeu de la construction du sens dans Téléthons de la Grande Surface

By taking elements out of their respective context and placing them together in a shared space, the form of the list in poetry engages the reader in different ways than linear forms of literature made of regular sentences would. Therefore this thesis proposes that the list gives way to a wider range of interpretation, transforming the activity of the reader into something of a game. The creative part, Toutou Tango (cahier d’activité) explores the form of the list as a way of apprehending reality into words and plays with the idea of the reader’s intervention in the text. The essay about Téléthons de la Grande Surface studies a reader’s intervention and its dialogic aspects in regards to meaning-making. Especially within the context of the list, meaning is in the eye of the beholder.

Keyphrases: dialogisme, list, meaning making, reader, dialogisme, poetry
Usages de l'épistolaire dans la littérature française du XVIIIe siècle (Crébillon fils, Rétif de la Bretonne, Laclos)

The eighteen-century literary scene is marked by the success of both epistolary and libertine novels. Through the imposition of a communicational structure specific to letters, the epistolary novel deals with introspection and subjectivity, and takes some liberties with the expression of passion: if La Nouvelle Héloïse by Rousseau and English novels such as Clarissa by Richardson contribute to the popularity of the epistolary novels, the aforementioned novels forgo the theme of “pure” love in order to describe the exploits of libertine characters. This major shift provokes the interest of the public towards this new genre. We think that letters are used as the favoured medium for the libertine’s narrative because of the successful combination of epistolary and libertine novels. The search for authenticity in literature makes letters the most pertinent means of expression, while the consequences of a changing society occupy a particular place in libertine novels. We suggest a specific compatibility between the two genres: the subjectivity that is inherent in letters allows the libertine character to express himself without any apparent narrative filter, and the libertine’s principle of intrusion allows the reader to access all the letters. The novels in our study (Les Heureux Orphelins by Crébillon, Le Paysan et la Paysanne pervertis by Rétif de la Bretonne et Les Liaisons dangereuses by Laclos) each associate the libertine’s speech and epistolarity in a different way.

Keyphrases: XVIIIe siècle, Crébillon, Libertinage, Rétif de la Bretonne, Laclos, French Litterature, XVIIIth century, Epistolarity
Le processus d'adhésion aux citoyens souverains : une étude exploratoire du phénomène au Québec

Groups of sovereign citizens are hard to define since they are the subject of very few studies. According to sources, they are terrorist groups or sectarian groups or they are part of a radical movement. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, courts and some federal and provincial departments and agencies are taking measures to offset the impact of criminal actions they commit. As for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), it does not consider these groups as terrorist entities. The purpose of this thesis is not to define these groups per se, but rather to understand the enrolment process for Quebec sovereign citizens. Through situational action theory, it shows the various steps involved in the creation of a moral filter by this movement’s members. By analytic induction based on testimonies of group members, it shows the prerequisites for enrolling in the sovereign citizen movement – such as victimization and selective exposure to conspiracy theories. This thesis is the first study to poll the views of these members in order to understand how they get to commit illegal acts that they consider to be totally legitimate.

Keyphrases: sovereign citizen, enrolment process, situational action theory, victimization, selective exposure, conspiracy theories
La dignité au travail chez les employés atypiques

This study begins with a brief historical overview of the concept of dignity. Despite the multiple meanings given to the notion of dignity over time, a clear duality appears between definitions that privilege the intrinsic, inalienable nature of dignity and those that attribute dignity according to the quality of an individual's actions. While dignity at work has received far less scholarly attention, the emergent literature replicates the same dichotomy that is found in studies of dignity. The question of dignity at work is particularly important for atypical employees who, due to their precarious status, are especially vulnerable to workplace indignity. Surprisingly, atypical workers, a category that includes seasonal workers, temporary workers, workers on short-term contracts, and permanent part-timers, remain on the sidelines of much academic research, despite constant growth in their numbers as a proportion of the Canadian labour market since the late 1990s. The importance of studying dignity at work appears clearly in the following conundrum: how can we understand dignity at work when dignity implies that one recognizes the unique value of every human person based on his/her autonomy to choose his/her own ends, yet the context of work requires that workers commit themselves to attaining objectives imposed by someone else?   Using an interpretive methodology to explore the meanings of dignity at work, this study is based on semi-structured interviews with twelve atypical employees. The findings show how participants reconciled the duality between being and doing as a source of dignity. Participants added three other dimensions that are not present in the extant literature: interaction, work systems, and time. These five dimensions are combined to create a typology of dignity at work that is specific to atypical employees. Interaction acts as a core concept that links all of the other dimensions together. The organization of work systems and the ephemeral status of atypical employees work together to trivialize workplace practices that undermine the dignity of atypical employees, who come to perceive their situation as a rite of passage to be endured while waiting for a better future.

Keyphrases: Méritocratie, Respect, Dignity, Dignity at work, Atypical employees, Temporary employees, Autonomy, Meritocracy, Recognition, Respect, Rite of passage, Work status
Impacts d’un guide pratique sur les connaissances concernant le traitement contre l’eczéma et son application dans une population pédiatrique : phase 1 : conception et validation d'un guide pratique écrit et d'un questionnaire de connaissances sur l'eczéma de l'enfant auprès d'une population de jeunes adultes

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a common chronic disease for which treatments are often complex and difficult to understand. This prospective study aims to develop and validate a written action plan and a knowledge questionnaire about eczema in order to fill an existing gap in literature concerning the availability of a self-management training program that would be accessible to patients suffering from this condition. The secondary end-points aim to evaluate the impact of the written action plan as well as the impact of health literacy and other demographic variables on eczema knowledge over a short period of time. A pilot over 11 subjects was firstly conducted in a prenatal class at the University of Sherbrooke. Validity and reliability analyses were performed and allowed for alterations on the written action plan as well as the knowledge questionnaire so that they could be used on a larger scale. These modified assessment tools were then used on the 107 patients recruited at the dermatology clinic of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke (CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS) for comparative analyses. Results demonstrate a significant increase on the short-term eczema knowledge when comparing mean knowledge scores on the pre-test and post-test. On a general basis, there is no significant difference on the knowledge progression for the many demographic variables analysed (delta between pre-test and post-test mean scores). Also, knowledge progression between the different levels of health literacy is comparable. These results demonstrate a lack of impact of health literacy and other demographic variables on the studied assessment tools, which support their applicability on a larger scale. Keywords : Atopic Dermatitis, Eczema, Self-Management, Written Action Plan, Health Education.

Keyphrases: Atopic dermatitis, Self-management, Written action plan, Health education
Fonction auriculaire gauche dans la maladie de Fabry par analyse échocardiographique de la déformation myocardique

Background: Fabry disease (FD) is characterized by the accumulation of sphingolipids in multiple organs including the left atrium (LA). It is uncertain if the LA reservoir, conduit and contractile functions evaluated by speckle-tracking echocardiography are affected in Fabry cardiomyopathy and whether enzyme replacement therapy can improve LA function. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, LA strain, strain rates and phasic LA volumes were studied in 50 FD patients and compared to 50 healthy controls.  Results: All three LA phasic functions were altered. The peak positive strain (reservoir function) was 38.9 ± 14.9 % vs. 46.5 ± 10.9 % (p=0.004) and the late diastolic strain (contractile function) was 12.6 ± 5.9 % vs. 15.6 ± 5.3 % (p=0.010). In 15 patients who started enzyme replacement therapy during the study, most of the LA parameters improved at one-year follow-up (peak positive strain from 32.0 ± 13.5 % to 38.0 ± 13.5 %; p=0.006) whereas there was a trend towards deterioration in 15 patients who never received treatment (peak positive strain from 47.3 ± 10.8 % to 41.3 ± 9.3 %; p=0.058). Nine FD patients (21%) experienced new-onset atrial fibrillation or stroke during four-year follow-up. By univariate analysis, peak positive strain and early diastolic strain demonstrated significant associations with clinical events, surpassing conventional echocardiographic parameters and clinical characteristics. Conclusions: Left atrial reservoir, conduit and contractile functions by speckle-tracking echocardiography were all affected in FD. Enzyme replacement therapy improved LA function. Left atrial strain parameters were associated with atrial fibrillation and stroke.

Keyphrases: Fabry disease, Left atrial function, Myocardial strain, Speckle-tracking echocardiography, Atrial fibrillation, Stroke, Enzyme replacement therapy