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In the Interest of Justice: The Coexistence of Religion and Citizenship
No full textIn recent years, several Western democracies, including France, Austria, and the Netherlands, have enacted bans on Muslim women wearing the niqab in public spaces. These bans are framed as measures to uphold Western democratic values of inclusion, gender equality, and social cohesion within pluralist societies. Amidst increasing migration from conflict-ridden and religiously diverse regions, national calls for similar restrictions have grown, suggesting that diversity requires regulation to sustain a unified national identity.
This thesis focuses on the Canadian government's face-covering ban during the oath of citizenship from 2011 to 2015. The requirement for women to remove face coverings during the citizenship oath was first established in Citizenship and Immigration Canada's (CIC) Operational Bulletin 359, followed by its inclusion in CIC's policy manual. This study critically examines the federal government's attempt to regulate religion and efforts to dictate how religious identity should be visibly embodied as a form of statecraft. The central argument presented here is that the Conservative government's public statements, policies, and legal strategies to deny one woman's right to Canadian citizenship - and her right to embody her religious identity - do not fully account for the complexities of this moment in Canadian history. Exploring the ways in which niqab-wearing women enter, assert, and negotiate their identities in legal cases is essential to understanding this issue. This thesis makes an original contribution to scholarly knowledge by offering a discursive analysis rooted in the concept of deep equality and its intersection with the law in the case of Zunera Ishaq v. The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration (2015 FC 156), its subsequent appeal Canada (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration) v. Ishaq, 2015 FCA 194, and the Motion for Stay (2015 FCA 212) in The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration v. Zunera Ishaq and Attorney General of Ontario. At its most transformative, the law, as a significant institutional site, holds the potential to reimagine national identity in ways that foster a more equitable society, promoting the social, political, and economic well-being of all citizens. This transformative potential is exemplified in the Zunera Ishaq case, where the courts upheld Ms. Ishaq's right to wear her niqab while reciting the oath of citizenship, citing it as a principle 'in the interest of justice'
Characterization of Dysregulated VHL-Mediated pRb Regulation in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
No full textThe von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor plays a pivotal role in maintaining cellular homeostasis as a key component of E3 ubiquitin ligase complexes, which direct proteins for proteasomal degradation. Loss of VHL function, through mutation or transcriptional silencing, is a defining feature of most sporadic cases of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). VHL loss leads to the constitutive stabilization of its E3 ligase substrates, most notably hypoxia-inducible factor α (HIF-α), which drives ccRCC tumorigenesis through the activation of hypoxia-responsive genes. While HIF-α is well established as a driver of ccRCC, the HIF-independent functions of VHL in oncogenesis remain poorly understood. In this study, we sought to identify novel VHL targets and evaluate their therapeutic potential in ccRCC. Using proximity labeling to identify proteasome-sensitive VHL interactors, we discovered that retinoblastoma protein (pRb) is a novel substrate of VHL. Immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that VHL binds nuclear pRb under normoxic conditions in a phosphorylation-independent manner, facilitating its ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation. In VHL-deficient ccRCC cells, pRb becomes hyperstabilized, leading to suppressed apoptosis and widespread transcriptional reprogramming that promotes tumorigenesis. Proteomic analysis of VHL-pRb interactors revealed an enrichment of proteins involved in genome-wide transcriptional remodeling, further implicating this pathway in ccRCC progression. To explore therapeutic strategies, we investigated pharmacological targeting of the VHL-pRb axis. Our findings revealed a pRb-dependent interaction between the CDK4/6 inhibitor Abemaciclib and the E2F1 activator β-lapachone, resulting in decreased viability across various ccRCC cell lines. While these results suggest a promising therapeutic approach, in vivo validation remains necessary. Overall, my work uncovers a previously unrecognized VHL-pRb pathway, providing new mechanistic insights into ccRCC pathogenesis and identifying a potential therapeutic strategy to mitigate tumor progression
Predicting Discharge Variations in the Ottawa River Integrating HEC-RAS with Artificial Intelligence in the Context of Climate Change
No full textThe importance of accurate flood prediction and effective flood management has become increasingly critical in the face of climate change, particularly in regions such as the Ottawa River, which has experienced devastating flood events (e.g., the 2017 and 2019 floods) that exceeded 100-year flood thresholds. These events underscore the urgent need for more advanced methods to predict discharge variations and improve disaster preparedness. This thesis develops an innovative framework by combining Hydrologic Engineering Center - River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) modeling with the New-Generation Group Method of Data Handling (New-Gen GMDH), a machine learning model, to predict discharge variations under multiple climate change scenarios. The study integrates 1D and 2D HEC-RAS simulations to generate a wide range of potential future flood scenarios, which are validated against historical data and satellite imagery. The generated datasets are fed into the New-Gen GMDH model, incorporating meteorological variables such as temperature and precipitation. This model improves prediction accuracy by identifying complex, nonlinear relationships between meteorological data and discharge outputs. The research provides a comprehensive, data-driven methodology for predicting flood risk and discharge variations, bridging the gap between traditional hydraulic models and advanced machine learning techniques. The hybrid framework provides policymakers and flood management authorities with practical tools, generating user-friendly equations that enable real-time decision-making in flood risk management. Through a comparative analysis of three modeling scenarios, the study demonstrates that Scenario 2 (SC2), which includes lagged variables, outperforms the other scenarios in predictive performance, with higher R² values (0.88 for training, 0.78 for testing) and Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) (0.75 for training, 0.57 for testing).
The findings underscore the need to improve flood forecasting techniques and demonstrate the value of integrating traditional hydraulic modeling with advanced machine learning to provide more reliable and scalable flood risk assessments. This integrated approach applies to other river systems facing similar climate-related challenges, contributing to climate change adaptation and enhancing resilience building
Grid Minors and Products
No full textMotivated by recent developments regarding the product structure of planar graphs, we study relationships between treewidth, grid minors, and graph products. We show that the Cartesian product of any two graphs, each connected and each having n vertices, contains an Ω(√n) × Ω(√n) grid minor. This result is tight: the lexicographic product (which includes the Cartesian product as a subgraph) of a star and any n-vertex tree has no ω(√n) × ω(√n) grid minor
Transmission Patterns of Zoonotic and Emerging Pathogens in Canada's North Related to Climate Change
No full textCountry food is a term used to describe the traditional food of the Northern Canadian Indigenous population. Country food diets are of great cultural significance but lead to increased risks of contracting zoonotic pathogens as most preparations of meat and fish are uncooked.
Climate change could lead to northward migration or range extension of certain animals, which could result in increased risk of zoonotic transmission in Northern Canada. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic pathogen that can transmit through the consumption of uncooked meats and causes acute and chronic hepatitis in humans. Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a protozoan parasite that causes zoonotic toxoplasmosis in humans. Toxoplasma gondii has been observed in Northern Canadian wildlife and can also transmit through the consumption of uncooked meats. This study aims to examine the prevalence of HEV and T. gondii in wildlife harvested as country food in relation to climate change.
Caribou, ringed seal and beluga are some of the keystone country food species that were sampled from various Northern Canadian regions. Prevalence was measured using PCR to detect pathogen genomes in serum, blood and tissues. Serological testing was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) for detection of antibodies against HEV and T. gondii.
These methods were successful in detecting both HEV and T. gondii in country food samples at higher prevalence than previously reported. There was also detection of HEV in ringed seal (Pusa hispida) and beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) which is the first time that HEV has been detected in these species. These results suggest that there is a potential food safety risk to humans when consuming country foods in Canada's North. These findings may explain the high seroprevalence of T. gondii in humans in these regions
Synthesis of Potential New Contrast Agents for Applications Across Multiple Imaging Modalities
No full textThe imaging field comprises a wide array of techniques, driving the creation and innovation of contrast agents and probes. The increasing prevalence of diseases and the detection of new conditions have driven the development and adjustment of contrast agents to aid in detection, treatment and the improvement of patient outcomes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive imaging technique known for producing high-resolution images. To enhance resolution and improve image visualization, contrast agents can be employed to assist in the detection and diagnosis of diseases such as tumors or cancers. This thesis explores the development and application of multiple imaging modalities through the creation of diverse probes designed for specific diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The research focuses on the design, synthesis and characterization of various imaging probes, each optimized for techniques such as MRI, chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST)-MRI, magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) and optical imaging. We have identified and characterized a hydrazone-CEST MRI probe capable of mapping vitamin B6 metabolism, with applications in lung cancer models. Additionally, we have developed a novel method for combining two lanthanides within the same complex to test their potential as gadolinium-based contrast agents in MRI and MRF imaging, as well as in optical imaging, using the emissive properties of europium(III). Building on this chemistry, the plan was to incorporate the radioisotope lutetium-177 into our complex for potential future application as a targeted radionuclide therapy agent against glioblastoma. Furthermore, we attempted to develop a THC-based probe for both Δ⁸ and Δ⁹ isomers to assess their ability to track biodistribution within the endocannabinoid system and their receptors engagement. This research contributes to the advancement of medical imaging technologies by demonstrating the adaptability and effectiveness of multiple imaging modalities and the designed probes for each application
La production de faits criminologiques : l'émergence d'une technologie et d'une psychopathie
No full textÀ l'ère du numérique et de l'intelligence artificielle, nous assistons à un bouleversement de nos rapports avec les technologies. Que l'on pense au piratage informatique, à la cyberintimidation, à l'hameçonnage ou aux fraudes en ligne, il n'est plus possible de faire l'impasse sur les technologies lorsqu'on s'attarde aux enjeux criminologiques contemporains. Et pourtant, elles demeurent trop souvent absentes ou mécomprises, selon plusieurs observateurs. Notre thèse visera donc à pallier cette carence apparente en resituant les technologies - ci-après aussi appelées les « actants » et les « non-humains » - au cœur de la criminologie, de la psychiatrie légale, de la justice, de la politique pénale et des neurosciences. Nous nous intéressons, ce faisant, aux cas du trouble de la personnalité psychopathique (TPP) et du Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R), tous deux ayant foisonné dans la littérature et dans les pratiques des sciences sociales et naturelles des 20ième et 21ième siècles. Notre intérêt pour le TPP et le PCL-R provient d'un paradoxe que nous observons : alors qu'ils ont considérablement gagné en notoriété dans les dernières années, ils demeurent particulièrement controversés dans l'ensemble des disciplines susmentionnées. Qu'à cela ne tienne, notre objectif de recherche ne sera pas de distinguer le vrai du faux, encore moins de nous prononcer sur leur véracité. Nous chercherons plutôt à mettre en lumière leurs capacités à participer à notre monde, non plus comme des objets inertes, mais comme des actants à part entière : capables de poser des actions, d'interagir, de tisser des liens, d'entrer en compétition et même de réorganiser nos sociétés et nos conceptions de la nature. Pour y arriver, nous prendrons appui sur la sociologie de l'acteur réseau de Bruno Latour et de Michel Callon, qui nous invite à ne pas distinguer a priori les humains des non-humains, à suspendre toute idée préconçue sur la composition du monde commun et à suivre les actants dans leur processus de construction de la criminologie du 21ième siècle
Drug-induced regeneration of pancreatic beta cells: An approach to cellular therapeutic targets
No full textAbstract Diabetes mellitus is a common and serious metabolic disease globally, characterized by increased blood glucose levels. The major pathogenesis is the functional impairment of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas and the lack of insulin secretion. Although both type 1 and type 2 diabetes develop through distinct pathological mechanisms, they lead to the destruction and/or dysfunction of beta cells, resulting in inadequate beta cell mass to maintain normal blood glucose levels. For this reason, therapeutic agents capable of inducing beta cell proliferation can be considered a possible approach to restore beta cell abundance and treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Although several methods have been found to promote the replication of beta cells in animal models or cell lines, it is still challenging to promote the effective proliferation of beta cells in humans. This review highlights the different agents and mechanisms that facilitate pancreatic beta cell regeneration. Numerous small molecules have been discovered to influence beta cell proliferation, primarily by targeting cellular pathways such as DYRK1A, adenosine kinase, SIK, and glucokinase. Additionally, receptors for TGF-β, EGF, insulin, glucagon, GLP-1, SGLT2 inhibitors, and prolactin play critical roles in this process. Stem cell-based clinical trials are also underway to assess the safety and efficacy of stem cell therapies for patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. We have emphasized alternative therapeutic pathways and related strategies that may be employed to promote the regeneration of pancreatic beta cells. The knowledge raised within this review may help to understand the potential drug-inducible targets for beta cell regeneration and pave the way for further investigations. Graphical Abstrac
Single-file Diffusion, Drift, and Collisions in One-dimensional Polymer Solutions
No full textResearch into the dynamics of polymer chains in tightly confined spaces is a crucial aspect of microfluidic device transport studies. Single-file diffusion remains one of the most under-explored topics in this field, yet it holds potential for various applications and further research.
In this thesis, I focus on the dynamics of polymer molecules under narrow tube confinement. These projects mainly aim to simulate various systems’ behaviors over time and understand the collective movement mechanism of polymer chains.
A good part of the work is related to first-passage issues within these systems. For example, we analyze the time to first separation for polymer fragments to reach clear separation in DNA mapping related problems. The system’s initial conditions significantly affect how fragments are spatially and temporally separated. We investigate the effect of randomness as well as segmental ordering on separation times. As a complement, we also briefly investigate how the initial random fragmentation of a polymer molecule affects its final fragment order, highlighting the importance of the blob theory in our study.
In addition, we also study collisions between polyelectrolytes and uncharged polymer chains under strong confinement. Non-monotonic velocity behaviour, collision duration, collision type and gel electrophoresis-like conditions may all contribute to the successful separation of polymer chains. However, building practical separation devices may require further modifications to the system, such as applying pulsed fields with asymmetric time periods or artificially creating asymmetric tube diameters. Ultimately, it should be possible to manipulate polyelectrolytes using the ideas presented in this thesis.
We also study the single-file diffusion of polymer chains using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. By comparing the motion of long polymer chains with the predictions of known theories for hard particles, we can gain a better understanding of the multiple time regimes that exist. In addition, with well-designed algorithms, we are able to simulate the same problems using simple Monte Carlo (MC) methods, thus increasing computational speed. Finally, we demonstrate that it is possible to establish a link between these two simulation methods (MD and MC) by mathematically calculating their key parameters
Rethinking Descriptive Representation: Queer Inclusion, Political Representation and Accountability
No full textIn this dissertation, I defend the value of descriptive representatives in securing the inclusion of groups that have historically been excluded in politics and under-represented in parliaments. I address several objections to descriptive representatives, particularly the argument that they cannot be held accountable because they serve a symbolic role and are not directly elected by the groups they represent. I build on Iris Marion Young's framework of oppression and social justice to emphasize that these representatives are essential for countering dynamics of systemic marginalization and for developing inclusive policies that enable the full participation of oppressed social groups in public life. Using a contextualist approach, I make a case for the political inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals within the specific Canadian political system and representative institutions.
I develop two key arguments to defend descriptive representation. First, I argue that descriptive representatives can promote a specific type of political interests, that I call “illegible” interests, which are marginalized within the public culture and therefore cannot be known by non-descriptive representatives. Second, I argue that descriptive representatives play a key role in decision-making, as aspirational decision-makers: they develop inclusive policies, and they take actions that correct the obstacles preventing the full participation of oppressed social groups in politics. Therefore, these representatives secure democratic inclusion while fostering an inclusive culture in parliaments, ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals feel represented and that their interests are effectively promoted in policymaking.
I argue that descriptive representatives achieve all these objectives while meeting the standard of deliberative accountability, as proposed by Amy Gutmann & Dennis Thompson (1996). By performing a critical discourse analysis of 448 articles published in the Canadian press for the time period from 2008 until 2022, I demonstrate that these deliberations on LGBTQ+ issues happening in the public sphere serve as mechanisms of performance evaluation and selection of good representatives to promote LGBTQ+ political interests. In conclusion, having demonstrated that descriptive representatives are valuable representatives that can and should be accountable, I argue that democracies should put in place mechanisms of guaranteed representation to ensure their presence in parliaments