Methods for the detection of multiple linked QTL applied to a mixture of full and half sib families

A new multiple trait strategy based on discriminant analysis was studied for efficient detection of linked QTL in outbred sib families, in comparison with a multivariate likelihood technique. The discriminant analysis technique describes the segregation of a linear combination of the traits in a univariate likelihood. This combination is calculated for each pair of positions depending on the inheritance of the pairs of QTL haplotypes in the progeny. The gains in power and accuracy for position estimations of multiple trait methods in grid searches were evaluated in reference to single trait detections of linked QTL. The methods were applied to simulated designs with two correlated traits submitted to various effects from the linked QTL. Multiple trait strategies were generally more powerful and accurate than the single trait technique. Linked QTL were distinguished when they were separated enough to identify informative recombinations: at least two genetic markers and 25 cM between the QTL under the simulated conditions. Except in a particular case, discriminant analysis was at least as powerful as the multivariate technique and its implementation was five times faster. Combining the advantages from both methodologies, we finally propose a complete strategy for rapid and efficient systematic multivariate detections in outbred populations

Power of three multitrait methods for QTL detection in crossbred populations

The multitrait detections of QTL applied to a mixture of full- and half-sib families require specific strategies. Indeed, the number of parameters estimated by the multivariate methods is excessive compared with the size of the population. Thus, only multitrait methods based on a univariate analysis of a linear combination (LC) of the traits can be extensively performed. We compared three strategies to obtain the LC of the traits. Two linear transformations were performed on the overall population. The last one was performed within each half-sib family. Their powers were compared on simulated data depending on the frequency of the two QTL alleles in each of the grand parental populations of an intercross design. The transformations from the whole population did not lead to a large loss of power even though the frequency of the QTL alleles was similar in the two grand parental populations. In these cases, applying the within-sire family transformation improved the detection when the number of progeny per sire was greater than 100

Transcribe America. A new approach of the “discovery” of the New World

Estudios recientes postulan que la escritura fue la principal (aunque no la única) modalidad de producción del conocimiento empírico que Europa elaboró a partir de la colonización de las Indias y la formación de modelos de gobierno distante, invitando a (re)plantear la cuestión de la representación de la realidad americana desde la perspectiva de una “transcripción”. Partiendo de un estado crítico de la cuestión, este artículo propone pistas de reflexión para analizar la manera como diversos actores coloniales se apropiaron, adaptaron e usaron las prácticas de escritura en el Imperio hispánico (América y Asia) entre los siglos XV y XVIII. Se trata asimismo de detallar un método de análisis del archivo colonial delineando los contornos de un proyecto colectivo.Scientific literature has shown the important role that handwriting played in the production of an empirical knowledge which was instrumental to the expansion of the European empire in the Indies. Handwritten documents were also instrumental in the way power was exercised from the metropolis. This scientific literature indirectly challenges us to (re)think the way European representations of the New World were a “transcription of America”. The first objective of this article is to provide a critical summary and reflect on how writing practices were spread, appropriated and used among in Spanish America and Philippines from the fifteenth century to the eighteenth century. The second objective of this article is to present a wider scientific project based on a new methodology to analyze handwritten colonial archives

Conséquences d'un épisode d'état de mal épileptique sur le développement psychomoteur et l'émergence des fonctions exécutives chez le jeune enfant

Thèse numérisée par la Direction des bibliothèques de l'Université de Montréal

Improved Performances and Motivation in Intelligent Tutoring Systems: Combining Machine Learning and Learner Choice

Large class sizes pose challenges to personalized learning in schools, which educational technologies, especially intelligent tutoring systems (ITS), aim to address. In this context, the ZPDES algorithm, based on the Learning Progress Hypothesis (LPH) and multi-armed bandit machine learning techniques, sequences exercises that maximize learning progress (LP). This algorithm was previously shown in field studies to boost learning performances for a wider diversity of students compared to a hand-designed curriculum. However, its motivational impact was not assessed. Also, ZPDES did not allow students to express choices. This limitation in agency is at odds with the LPH theory concerned with modeling curiosity-driven learning. We here study how the introduction of such choice possibilities impact both learning efficiency and motivation. The given choice concerns dimensions that are orthogonal to exercise difficulty, acting as a playful feature. In an extensive field study (265 7-8 years old children, RCT design), we compare systems based either on ZPDES or a hand-designed curriculum, both with and without self-choice. We first show that ZPDES improves learning performance and produces a positive and motivating learning experience. We then show that the addition of choice triggers intrinsic motivation and reinforces the learning effectiveness of the LP-based personalization. In doing so, it strengthens the links between intrinsic motivation and performance progress during the serious game. Conversely, deleterious effects of the playful feature are observed for hand-designed linear paths. Thus, the intrinsic motivation elicited by a playful feature is beneficial only if the curriculum personalization is effective for the learner. Such a result deserves great attention due to increased use of playful features in non adaptive educational technologies.Comment: 29 pages, 37 figure

IDENTIFICATION DES ENJEUX PRIORITAIRES DES PME DANS LE BUT D'ÉTABLIR UN TABLEAU DE BORD POUR LEUR GESTION DU DÉVELOPPEMENT DURABLE

Cette présentation a pour objectif de proposer un cadre d'analyse pour le développement d'un outil de pilotage du développement durable en contexte PME. Dans une première partie, les principales approches des questions liées à la responsabilité sociale de l'entreprise seront abordées. Dans une seconde partie, une revue de la documentation relative au développement durable en contexte PME fera ressortir les apports et les limites des travaux du domaine. Suivra un exposé de la norme ISO 26000 et du guide SD 21000. Enfin, en dernière partie, les données recueillies auprès de 43 managers et qui concernent, en autre, une liste des enjeux prioritaires adaptés aux PME sont présentés.Développement durable, SD 21000, ISO 26000, tableau de bord. PME

Application of the regression of offspring on mid-parent method to detect associations between single-nucleotide polymorphisms and the beta 2 electroencephalogram phenotype in the COGA data

The beta 2 electroencephalogram (EEG) phenotype is used as a quantitative measure related to alcoholism, and evidence of linkage and association has previously been reported in the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism data. In this study, associations between the beta 2 EEG phenotype and single nucleotide polymorphisms from whole-genome Illumina and Affymetrix panels were investigated with the regression of offspring on mid-parent method to identify significant genetic effects and to estimate their heritability. Separate regressions on father and mother were performed to identify parent-specific effects. Estimates of the heritability of the beta 2 EEG phenotype were 0.68 ± 0.12 and 0.52 ± 0.07 based on father-offspring and mother-offspring pairs, respectively. Significant associations at the 0.0005 level, some of which were parent-specific, were found on chromosomes 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 with heritability attributable to each SNP ranging from 0.01 to 8%