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Drone lidar-derived surface complexity metrics as indicators of intertidal oyster reef condition
Get PDFEastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) generate structurally complex reef systems that offer diverse ecosystem services. However, there is limited understanding of how reef structure translates into reef condition. This knowledge gap might be better addressed if oyster reef structure could be more rapidly assessed. Conventional in situ monitoring techniques are often time-intensive, invasive, and do not provide spatially continuous information on the reef structure. Unoccupied Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones, equipped with optical sensors can rapidly and non-invasively map intertidal oyster reef surfaces. We demonstrate how a digital surface model from UAS-based light detection and ranging (lidar) can enable very high-resolution characterization and monitoring of intertidal oyster reef surface morphology. Generalized linear models (GLMs) identified relationships between in situ live oyster counts and surface complexity metrics derived from digital surface models produced from lidar point clouds. Statistically significant relationships between surface complexity metrics (e.g., gray level co-occurrence features, volume to area ratio, skewness of elevation) and live oyster counts suggest that surface complexity provides useful proxies for reef condition. Advancing the application of remote sensing to intertidal oyster reefs can help identify reefs that are prone to degradation and inform conservation and restoration strategies
Abondance des poissons fourrages littoraux du lac Saint-Jean en 2022
Get PDFLes poissons fourrages littoraux constituent un maillon essentiel, quoique souvent méconnu, des réseaux trophiques aquatiques. Ce terme rassemble tous les petits poissons (jeunes de l’année et adultes) qui nourrissent les poissons piscivores, dont plusieurs sont ciblés par la pêche sportive. Au lac Saint-Jean, il s’agit de l’éperlan arc-en-ciel, du méné émeraude, du méné à tache noire, du naseux des rapides, de la ouitouche, de l’omisco, du fouille-roche zébré d’un an et plus (≥1+) et des jeunes de l'année (0+) de catostomidés (meunier rouge et meunier noir) et de perchaude. Le projet d’acquisition de connaissances sur les poissons fourrages littoraux du lac Saint-Jean est porté par les intervenants du milieu régional et a pour but de mesurer les variations interannuelles de l’abondance de ces différentes espèces indicatrices.
L’échantillonnage des poissons fourrages littoraux du lac Saint-Jean a été effectué à 162 stations par deux équipes de trois échantillonneurs du 4 au 20 juillet 2022, entre 05:00 et 13:00. La turbidité (NTU) et la température (˚C) de l’eau étaient mesurées à chaque station suivant le coup de seine. En 2022, 25 878 poissons (23 500 jeunes de l’année et 2 378 poissons d’un an et plus) ont été capturés c’est-à-dire le plus faible nombre de jeunes poissons de l’année et total capturés depuis le début du projet en 2019. L’abondance relative moyenne calculée d’après la moyenne géométrique était de 52 poissons par coup de seine (0+ et ≥1+). Les indices d’abondance des espèces indicatrices mesurés en 2022 étaient cependant similaires à ceux mesurés en 2021 et 2020, et les indices d’occurrence à ceux obtenus en 2019. Les espèces indicatrices présentant les indices d’abondance les plus élevés sont la perchaude 0+ et les catostomidés 0+, ainsi que le fouille-roche zébré ≥1+. L’indice d’occurrence révèle que ces espèces étaient aussi celles les plus fréquemment capturées. Les abondances de plusieurs espèces indicatrices de poissons fourrages littoraux étaient statistiquement corrélées à la turbidité et à la température de l’eau, la corrélation la plus élevée venant avec l’abondance du méné à tache noire ≥1+ (ρ = 0,41; p <0,0001). Le total des poissons fourrages ≥1+ (ρ = 0,33; p <0,0001) était aussi fortement corrélé à la turbidité, comme c’était le cas en 2021 et 2020
Distinctive phases and variability of vibration-induced postural reactions highlighted by center of pressure analysis
Get PDFBackground
The vibration-induced postural reaction paradigm (VIB-PR) offers a unique way for investigating sensorimotor control mechanisms. Measures of VIB-PR are usually calculated from the whole VIB period, yet recent evidence proposed that distinctive mechanisms are likely at play between the early vs. later phases of the postural reaction.
Objectives
The present work verified if spatiotemporal analyses of center of pressure (COP) displacements can detect differences between these early/later phases of VIB-PR. Also, we further characterized the intra/inter-individual variability of COP measurements, since the underlying variability of VIB-PR remains largely unexplored.
Methods
Twenty young volunteers realized two experimental conditions of bipodal stance with eyes closed: (i) bilateral VIB of tibialis anterior (TIB) and (ii) Achilles’ (ACH) tendons. Each condition consisted of five trials and lasted 30 s as follows: 10 s baseline, 10 s VIB and 10 s post-VIB. Linear COP variables (antero-posterior (AP) amplitude & velocity) were computed for both VIB and post-VIB periods using the following time-windows: early 2 s, the later 8 s and the whole 10 s duration. Intra- and inter-individual variability were respectively estimated using the standard error of the measurement and the coefficient of variation. Both variability metrics were obtained using five vs. the first three trials.
Results
Significant contrasts were found between time-windows for both VIB and post-VIB periods. COP variables were generally higher during the early 2 s phase compared to the later 8 s phase for both TIB [mean difference between 8 s– 2 s phases: Amplitude AP = -1.11 ± 1.14 cm during VIB and -2.99 ± 1.31 during post-VIB; Velocity AP = -1.17 ± 0.86 cm/s during VIB and -3.13 ± 1.31 cm/s during post-VIB] and ACH tendons [Amplitude AP = -0.37 ± 0.98 cm during VIB and -3.41 ± 1.20 during post-VIB; Velocity AP = -0.31 ± 0.59 cm/s during VIB and -3.89 ± 1.52 cm/s during post-VIB]. Most within- and between-subject variability scores were below 30% and using three instead of five trials had no impact on variability. VIB-PR patterns were quite similar within a same person, but variable behaviors were observed between individuals during the later phase.
Conclusion
Our study highlights the relevance of identifying and separately analyzing distinct phases within VIB-PR patterns, as well as characterizing how these patterns vary at the individual level
Favoriser les transitions afin de souvenir la persévérance scolaire des étudiants.es autochtones au Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean
Get PDFLe présent rapport fournit aux acteurs.trices concernés.es des données inédites afin de bonifier leurs interventions. Les résultats permettront, nous l’espérons, de briser les silos d’intervention à l’échelle régionale et de favoriser une meilleure rétention des étudiants.es autochtones au SLSJ. Ce rapport fait état des travaux réalisés dans le cadre du projet de janvier à juin 2022. Alors que la première partie propose une brève revue de la littérature scientifique traitant de la transition des étudiants.es autochtones aux études supérieures, la seconde présente le contexte de l’étude, en précise les objectifs et en expose la méthodologie utilisée. La troisième partie brosse un portrait des mesures mises en place dans les institutions d’enseignement supérieur du SLSJ pour soutenir la transition aux études postsecondaires des étudiants.es autochtones. Alors que la quatrième partie s’attarde à leur vécu lors de leur entrée au collégial et/ou à l’université, la dernière partie fait le point sur les enjeux, les défis et les mesures d’accueil et de soutien des étudiants.es autochtones mises en place dans les établissements d’études supérieures du SLSJ
Reproducing Transformers’ Frequency Response from Finite Element Method (FEM) Simulation and Parameters Optimization
Get PDFFrequency response analysis (FRA) is being employed worldwide as one of the main methods for the internal condition assessment of transformers due to its capability of detecting mechanical changes. Nonetheless, the objective interpretation of FRA measurements is still a challenge for the industry. This is mainly attributable to the lack of complete data from the same or similar units. A large database of FRA measurements can contribute to improving classification algorithms and lead to a more objective interpretation. Due to their destructive nature, mechanical deformations cannot be performed on real transformers to collect data from different scenarios. The use of simulation and laboratory transformer models is necessary. This research contribution is based on a new method using Finite Element Method simulation and a lumped element circuit to obtain FRA traces from a laboratory model at healthy and faulty states, along with an optimization method to improve capacitive parameters from estimated values. The results show that measured and simulated FRA traces are in good agreement. Furthermore, the faulty FRA traces were analyzed to obtain the characterization of faults based on the variation of the lumped element’s parameters. This supports the use of the proposed method in the generation of faulty frequency response traces and its further use in classifying and localizing faults in the transformer windings. The proposed approach is therefore tailored for generating a larger and unique database of FRA traces with industrial importance and academic significance
Le bien-être spirituel comme un moyen de rétablissement en santé mentale
No full textIntroduction:
Le premier objectif de cette recherche vise à explorer le rôle du loisir(s) comme agent permettant aux personnes de retrouver un équilibre de vie d’un nouveau normal. Le deuxième objectif est une démarche conceptuelle pour expliquer plus afin de mieux comprendre des avenues de solutions pour l’équilibre spirituel des personnes (Mounier, 1949).
Méthode:
Chaque personne aura à décider de son point de vue dans leur sacralité personnelle et leur spiritualité sachant que l’histoire est porteuse de la tragédie d’une humanité qui développe son histoire, mais que celle-ci ne sait pas véritablement l’histoire qu’elle développe (Weber, 1919/1959). Le modèle théorique du loisir(s) de Kelly (1987) suggère la formule de « quelque chose comme ceci » c’est-à-dire que si vous voyez quelque chose de ce point de vue, il peut aussi bien être compris de cette manière.
Résultats:
Suite à la crise pandémique et au confinement obligatoire, il y a une nécessité de redéfinir l’estime de soi des personnes luttant envers le phénomène de la fragmentation (Taylor, 1992) et des forces sociales antagonistes (Delisle, 1992). Des stratégies pratiques d’intervention visant à atteindre une vie active fondée sur de saines habitudes de vie sont proposées avec les contraintes liées à la participation sociale (Gravelle 1995, 2019). Le rétablissement en santé mentale dépend du pacte de soins basé sur la confiance dans la lutte contre la maladie et la souffrance (Ricoeur, 2001b), ce sur quoi nous luttons tous en dépit de (Ricoeur, 2005). Dans les rencontres cliniques avec les thérapeutes, l’emploi des mots et des attitudes positives et altruistes par ceux-ci vis-à-vis des personnes-usagers reste fondamentale pour ne pas briser une confiance toujours relative voire fragile pour éviter la stigmatisation causée par les préjugés et les stéréotypes.
Or, pour les personnes-usagers, la notion d’autonomie se résume dans la capacité à communiquer leur souffrance et leur vulnérabilité (cf. Ricoeur, 2001a). Le modèle théorique du loisir(s) de Kelly (1987) contribue à restaurer la confiance générée dans la métaphore de l’« interaction » stimulant des « liens » positifs quand à la structuration de l’identité personnelle et sociale des personnes-usagers. Les problèmes psychiques deviennent transitoires et dynamise un retour à la vie active (Deschênes, Heintzman & Reimer 2015). Par ailleurs, les personnes au Canada sont en quête de l’au-delà/paradis. Ils cherchent à cantonner leur foi dans la sphère du privé en choisissant des pratiques religieuses/spirituelles d’après leurs valeurs changeantes dans le temps exprimant leur religiosité (cf. Bibby, 1988). Il est primordial de chercher et de découvrir des chemins de sens en pensant par soi-même (Sasseville, 2009) tout en stimulant une variétés d’activités de loisir(s) qui donnent à penser aux projets de vie future (cf. Ricoeur, 1990). Cette praxis du loisir(s) révêt un effet de cultures. Cela implique nos rapports au temps. D’Amours (1988) affirme que le temps est une question intime des personnes qu’il est pertinent d’intervenir parce que les pratiquant.e.s du loisir(s) sont désemparé.e.s devant une si grande quantité de temps libérés qu’il ont devant eux dont il ne savent pas quoi en faire. Le loisir(s) comme style de vie (Paré, 1985 ; 1997) explore les possibilités des personnes plus en santé dans une approche asymptomatique en intégrant la pratique du loisir(s) perçue comme agent d’inclusion dans l’ensemble de la population des provinces et des territoires canadien.ne.s dont chaque personne est citoyen.ne à part entière
Unraveling the role of non-coding rare variants in epilepsy and its subtypes with deep learning
Get PDFThe discovery of new variants has slowed down in recent years in epilepsy studies, despite the use of very large cohorts. Consequently, most of the heritability is still unexplained. Rare non-coding variants have been largely ignored in studies on epilepsy, although non-coding single nucleotide variants can have a significant impact on gene expression. We had access to whole genome sequencing (WGS) from 247 epilepsy patients and 377 controls. To assess the functional impact of non-coding variants, ExPecto, a deep learning algorithm was used to predict expression change in brain tissues. We compared the burden of rare non-coding deleterious variants between cases and controls. Rare non-coding highly deleterious variants were significantly enriched with Genetic Generalized Epilepsy (GGE), but not with Non-Acquired Focal Epilepsy (NAFE) or all epilepsy cases when compared with controls. In this study, we showed that rare non-coding deleterious variants are associated with epilepsy, specifically with GGE. Larger WGS epilepsy cohort will be needed to investigate those effects at a greater resolution. Nevertheless, we demonstrated the importance of studying non-coding regions in epilepsy, a disease where new discoveries are scarce
Selection of summer feeding sites and food resources by female migratory caribou (Rangifer tarandus) determined using camera collars
Get PDFMigratory caribou (Rangifer tarandus) is a socioeconomically and culturally key species for northern communities in the Arctic, and most of its populations are experiencing a sharp decline. Female migratory caribou depend on the availability of summer habitat resources to meet the needs associated with lactation and the accumulation of fat reserves to survive when resources are less abundant. Because of the large scales at which habitat and resource data are usually available, information on how female migratory caribou select habitat and resources at fine scales in the wild is lacking. To document selection of summer feeding sites, we equipped 60 female caribou with camera collars from 2016 to 2018. We collected a total of 65,150 10-sec videos between June 1 st and September 1 st for three years with contrasted spring phenology. We determined the selection at the feeding site scale (3 rd scale of Johnson) and food item scale (4 th scale of Johnson) using resource selection probability functions. Wetlands were highly selected as feeding sites in June and July while they were avoided in August. Shrublands were mostly selected in July and August. At the resources scale, lichen, birch, willow, and mushrooms were the most strongly selected resources. Our results provide precise and novel information on habitat selection at feeding sites and food resources selected by female caribou in the wild. This information will help understand foraging patterns and habitat selection behavior of female migratory caribou and will contribute to the management and conservation of its declining populations
Prediction of post-peak stress-strain behavior for sensitive clays
No full textUnlike typical soils, sensitive clays undergo extensive post-peak strength degradation with increasing strain and finally disintegrate into a remolded liquid state. Realization of post-peak stress-strain behavior of sensitive clay up to large strains is vital in assessing large deformation problems such as landslides and mud flows. The conventional experimental approaches are uncertain about accurately determining the post-peak stress curve up to large strains (>100%) owing to rapidly increasing testing problems at increasing strains. This necessitates the exploration of an alternative scientific approach to predict the complete stress-strain curve for sensitive clays, which is addressed in this paper. Post-peak stress-strain curves of sensitive clays for different sites are obtained by converting remolding index vs. strain energy curves. Using site-specific data from eastern Canada sites, a mathematical expression is proposed to predict the complete stress-strain curve. Subsequently, an equation is developed for predicting remolding energy based on the stress-strain curve. Finally, it is observed that the post-peak stress-strain behavior is highly site-specific and can be mathematically expressed with a combination of exponential and linear strain-softening curves. Overall, the knowledge of the complete stress-strain behavior contributes greatly to the prediction of post-failure movements closer to reality
The correlates of statistics anxiety: Relationships with spatial anxiety, mathematics anxiety and gender
Get PDFThis study investigates the correlates of statistics anxiety. Considering that statistics anxiety and spatial anxiety have been separately correlated with related constructs (e.g., mathematics anxiety, academic performance, etc.), the possibility that spatial anxiety plays a role in statistics anxiety is explored. When facing statistics or mathematics operations, people may imagine or visualize the task operations they must do to obtain the result. To examine this hypothesis, 778 students in a Social or Health Sciences program, enrolled in a –often mandatory– statistics course from Canadian, French and Belgian universities completed an online survey. The results show moderate to strong positive correlations between all three types of anxiety (spatial, mathematics, and statistics). In addition, a mediation analysis reveals the intermediate role played by mathematics anxiety in the relationship between spatial and statistics anxieties. Nonetheless, the direct link from spatial anxiety to statistics anxiety is non-negligible in the model. Finally, the results also indicate that women report higher levels of statistics anxiety, which may be partly explained by their higher level of spatial anxiety