Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in Finnish children and adolescents : diagnosis, cognition, behavior, adaptation and brain metabolic alterations

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can potentially affect the developing fetus in devastating ways, leading to a range of physical, neurological, and behavioral alterations most accurately termed Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Despite the fact that it is a preventable disorder, prenatal alcohol exposure today constitutes a leading cause of intellectual disability in the Western world. In Western countries where prevalence studies have been performed the rates of FASD exceed, for example, autism spectrum disorders, Down���s syndrome and cerebral palsy. In addition to the direct effects of alcohol, children and adolescents with FASD are often exposed to a double burden in life, as their neurological sequelae are accompanied by adverse living surroundings exposing them to further environmental risk. However, children with FASD today remain remarkably underdiagnosed by the health care system. This thesis forms part of a larger multinational research project, The Collaborative Initiative on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (the CIFASD), initiated by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) in the U.S.A. The general aim of the present thesis was to examine a cohort of children and adolescents growing up with fetal alcohol-related damage in Finland. The thesis consists of five studies with a broad focus on diagnosis, cognition, behavior, adaptation and brain metabolic alterations in children and adolescents with FASD. The participants consisted of four different groups: one group with histories of prenatal exposure to alcohol, the FASD group; one IQ matched contrast group mostly consisting of children with specific learning disorder (SLD); and two typically-developing control groups (CON1 and CON2). Participants were identified through medical records, random sampling from the Finnish national population registry and email alerts to students. Importantly, the participants in the present studies comprise a group of very carefully clinically characterized children with FASD as the studies were performed in close collaboration with leading experts in the field (Prof. Edward Riley and Prof. Sarah Mattson, Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, U.S.A; Prof. Eugene Hoyme, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, U.S.A.). In the present thesis, the revised Institute of Medicine diagnostic criteria for FASD were tested on a Finnish population and found to be a reliable tool for differentiating among the subgroups of FASD. A weighted dysmorphology scoring system proved to be a valuable additional adjunct in quantification of growth deficits and dysmorphic features in children with FASD (Study 1). The purpose of Study 2 was to clarify the relationship between alcohol-related dysmorphic features and general cognitive capacity. Results showed a significant correlation between dysmorphic features and cognitive capacity, suggesting that children with more severe growth deficiency and dysmorphic features have more cognitive limitations. This association was, however, only moderate, indicating that physical markers and cognitive capacity not always go hand in hand in individuals with FASD. Behavioral problems in the FASD group proved substantial compared to the typically developing control group. In Study 3 risk and protective factors associated with behavioral problems in the FASD group were explored further focusing on diagnostic and environmental factors. Two groups with elevated risks for behavioral problems emerged: length of time spent in residential care and a low dysmorphology score proved to be the most pervasive risk factor for behavioral problems. The results underscore the clinical importance of appropriate services and care for less visibly alcohol affected children and highlight the need to attend to children with FASD being raised in institutions. With their background of early biological and psychological impairment compounded with less opportunity for a close and continuous caregiver relationship, such children seem to run an especially great risk of adverse life outcomes. Study 4 focused on adaptive abilities such as communication, daily living skills and social skills, in other words skills that are important for gradually enabling an independent life, maintain social relationships and allow the individual to become integrated into society. The results showed that adaptive abilities of children and adolescents growing up with FASD were significantly compromised compared to both typically-developing peers and IQ-matched children with SLD. Clearly different adaptive profiles were revealed where the FASD group performed worse than the SLD group, who in turn performed worse than the CON1 group. Importantly, the SLD group outperformed the FASD group on adaptive behavior in spite of comparable cognitive levels. This is the first study to compare adaptive abilities in a group of children and adolescents with FASD relative to both a contrast group of IQ-matched children with SLD and to a group of typically-developing peers. Finally, in Study 5, through magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRS) evidence of longstanding neurochemical alterations were observed in adolescents and young adults with FASD related to alcohol exposure in utero 14-20 years earlier. Neurochemical alterations were seen in several brain areas: in frontal and parietal cortices, corpus callosum, thalamus and frontal white matter areas as well as in the cerebellar dentate nucleus. The findings are compatible with neuropsychological findings in FASD. Glial cells seemed to be more affected than neurons. In conclusion, more societal efforts and resources should be focused on recognizing and diagnosing FASD, and supporting subgroups with elevated risk of poor outcome. Without adequate intervention children and adolescents with FASD run a great risk of marginalization and social maladjustment, costly not only to society but also to the lives of the many young people with FASD.

Defending behavior in bullying situations

In order to encourage children and adolescents to defend and support their victimized peers, it is important to identify factors that either maximize or minimize the probability that students will engage in such behaviors. This thesis is composed of four studies designed to elucidate how a variety of factors work in conjunction to explain why some children defend their victimized classmates, whereas others remain passive or reinforce the bully. The conceptual framework of this thesis is drawn from several theoretical considerations, including social cognitive learning theory, the expectancy-value framework as well as the literature emphasizing the importance of empathy in motivating behaviors. Also the child-by-environment perspective and the socialecological perspective influenced this research. Accordingly, several intra- and interpersonal characteristics (e.g., social cognitions, empathy, and social status) as well as group-level factors (e.g., norms) that may either enhance or reduce the probability that students defend their victimized peers are investigated. In Studies I and II, the focus is on social cognitions, and special attention is paid to take into account the domain-specificity of cognition-behavior processes. Self-efficacy for defending is still an interest of study III, but the role of affective empathy on defending is also investigated. Also social status variables (preference and perceived popularity) are evaluated as possible moderators of links between intrapersonal factors and defending. In Study IV, the focus is expanded further by concentrating on characteristics of children���s proximal environments (i.e., classroom). Bullying norms and collective perceptions (i.e., connectedness among the students and the teachers��� ability to deal with bullying situations) are examined. Data are drawn from two research projects: the Kaarina Cohort Study (consisting of fourth and eighth graders) and the randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the effects of the KiVa antibullying program (consisting of third to fifth graders). The results of the thesis suggest that defending the victims of bullying is influenced by a variety of individual level motivational characteristics, such as social cognitions and affective empathy. Also, both perceived popularity and social preference play a role in defending, and the findings support the conceptualization that behavior results from the interplay between the characteristics of an individual child and their social-relational environment. Classroom context further influences students��� defending behavior. Thus, antibullying efforts targeting peer bystanders should aim to influence intra- and interpersonal characteristics of children and adolescents as well as their social environment.

Visual customer segmentation and behavior analysis : a SOM-based approach

Ett ��mne som v��ckt intresse b��de inom industrin och forskningen ��r hantering av kundf��rh��llanden (CRM, eng. Customer Relationship Management), dvs. en kundorienterad aff��rsstrategi d��r f��retagen fr��n att ha varit produktorienterade v��ljer att bli mera kundcentrerade. Numera kan kundernas beteende och aktiviteter l��tt registreras och sparas med hj��lp av integrerade aff��rssystem (ERP, eng. Enterprise Resource Planning) och datalager (DW, eng. Data Warehousing). Kunder med olika preferenser och k��pbeteende skapar sin egen ���signatur��� i synnerhet via anv��ndningen av kundkort, vilket m��jligg��r m��ngsidig modellering av kundernas k��pbeteende. F��r att f�� en ��versikt av kundernas k��pbeteende och deras l��nsamhet, anv��nds ofta kundsegmentering som en metod f��r att indela kunderna i grupper utg��ende fr��n deras likheter. De mest anv��nda metoderna f��r kundsegmentering ��r analytiska modeller konstruerade f��r en viss tidsperiod. Dessa modeller beaktar inte att kundernas beteende kan f��r��ndras med tiden. I f��religgande avhandling skapas en holistisk ��versikt av kundernas karakt��r och k��pbeteende som ut��ver de konventionella segmenteringsmodellerna ��ven beaktar dynamiken i k��pbeteendet. Dynamiken i en kundsegmenteringsmodell innefattar f��r��ndringar i segmentens struktur och inneh��ll, samt f��r��ndringen av individuella kunders tillh��righet i ett segment (s.k migrationsanalyser). Vardera f��r��ndringen modelleras, analyseras och exemplifieras med visuella datautvinningstekniker, fr��mst med sj��lvorganiserande kartor (SOM, eng. Self-Organizing Maps) och sj��lvorganiserande tidskartor (SOTM), en vidareutveckling av SOM. Visualiseringen anteciperas underl��tta tolkningen av identifierade m��nster och g��ra processen med kunskaps��verf��ring mellan den som g��r analysen och beslutsfattaren smidigare. Asiakkuudenhallinta (CRM) eli organisaation muuttaminen tuotepainotteisesta asiakaskeskeiseksi on her��tt��nyt mielenkiintoa niin yliopisto- kuin yritysmaailmassakin. Asiakkaiden k��ytt��ytymist�� ja toimintaa pystyt����n nyky����n helposti tallentamaan ja varastoimaan toiminnanohjausj��rjestelmien ja tietovarastojen avulla; asiakkaat j��tt��v��t jatkuvasti piirteist����n ja ostok��ytt��ytymisest����n kertovia tietoj��lki��, joita voidaan analysoida. On tavallista, ett�� asiakkaat poikkeavat toisistaan eri tavoin, ja heid��n mieltymyksens�� kuten my��s ostok��ytt��ytymisens�� saattavat olla hyvinkin erilaisia. Asiakask��ytt��ytymisen monimuotoisuuteen ja tuottavuuteen paneuduttaessa k��ytet����nkin laajalti asiakassegmentointia eli asiakkaiden jakamista ryhmiin samankaltaisuuden perusteella. Perinteiset asiakassegmentoinnin ratkaisut ovat usein yksitt��isi�� analyyttisia malleja, jotka on tehty tietyn aikajakson perusteella. T��m��n vuoksi ne monesti j��tt��v��t huomioimatta sen, ett�� asiakkaiden k��ytt��ytyminen saattaa ajan kuluessa muuttua. T��ss�� v��it��skirjassa pyrit����nkin tarjoamaan holistinen kuva asiakkaiden ominaisuuksista ja ostok��ytt��ytymisest�� tarkastelemalla kahta muutosvoimaa tiettyyn aikarajaukseen perustuvien perinteisten segmentointimallien lis��ksi. N��m�� kaksi asiakassegmentointimallin dynamiikkaa ovat muutokset segmenttien rakenteessa ja muutokset yksitt��isten asiakkaiden kuulumisessa ryhm����n. Ensimm��ist�� dynamiikkaa l��hestyt����n ajallisen asiakassegmentoinnin avulla, jossa visualisoidaan ajan kuluessa tapahtuvat muutokset segmenttien rakenteissa ja profiileissa. Toista dynamiikkaa taas l��hestyt����n k��ytt��en nk. segmenttisiirtymien analyysia, jossa visuaalisin keinoin tunnistetaan samantyyppisesti segmentist�� toiseen vaihtavat asiakkaat. Visualisoinnin teht��v��n�� on tukea havaittujen kaavojen tulkitsemista sek�� helpottaa tiedonsiirtoa analysoijan ja p����tt��jien v��lill��. Visuaalisia tiedonlouhintamenetelmi��, kuten itseorganisoivia karttoja ja niiden laajennuksia, k��ytet����n osoittamaan n��iden menetelmien hy��dyllisyys sek�� asiakkuudenhallinnassa yleisesti ett�� erityisesti asiakassegmentoinnissa.

Critical aspects on the behavior of material from the mechanical tool-workpiece interaction in single point diamond turning

Some material aspects such as grain size, purity and anisotropy exert an important influence on surface quality, especially in single point diamond turning. The aim of this paper is to present and discuss some critical factors that can limit the accuracy of ultraprecision machining of non-ferrous metals and to identify the effects of them on the cutting mechanism with single point diamond tools. This will be carried out through observations of machined surfaces and chips produced using optical and scanning electron microscopy. Solutions to reduce the influence of some of these limiting factors related with the mechanism of generation of mirror-like surfaces will be discussed.

Thermalhydraulic behavior of electrically heated rod during a critical heat flux transient

In nuclear reactors, the occurrence of critical heat flux leads to fuel rod overheating with clad fusion and radioactive products leakage. To predict the effects of such phenomenon, experiments are performed using electrically heated rods to simulate operational and accidental conditions of nuclear fuel rods. In the present work, it is performed a theoretical analysis of the drying and rewetting front propagation during a critical heat flux experiment, starting with the application of an electrical power step from steady state condition. After the occurrence of critical heat flux, the drying front propagation is predicted. After a few seconds, a power cut is considered and the rewetting front behavior is analytically observed. Studies performed with various values of coolant mass flow rate show that this variable has more influence on the drying front velocity than on the rewetting one.

Effect of particle morphology on the mechanical and thermo-mechanical behavior of polymer composites

Fiber reinforced polymer composites have been used in many applications, such as in automobile, aerospace and naval industries, due basically to their high strength-to-weight and modulus-to-weight, among other properties. Even though particles are usually not able to lead to the level of reinforcement of fibers, particle reinforced polymer composites have been proposed for many new applications due to their low cost, easy fabrication and isotropic properties. In this work, polymer composites were prepared by incorporating glass particles of different morphologies on poly(aryl sulfones) matrices. Particles with aspect ratios equal to 1, 2.5 and 10 were used. The prepared composites were characterized using electron microscopy and thermal analysis. Mechanical properties of the composites were evaluated using a four-point bending test. The thermo-mechanical behavior of the obtained composites was also investigated. The results showed that the morphology of the particles alter significantly the mechanical properties of composites. Particles with larger values of aspect ratio led to large elastic modulus but low levels of strain at failure. This result was explained by modeling the thermo-mechanical behavior of the composites using a viscoelastic model. Parameters of the model, obtained from a Cole-Cole type of plot, demonstrated that interactions at the polymer-reinforcing agent interface were higher for composites with large aspect ratio particles. Higher levels of interactions at interfaces can lead to higher degrees of stress transfer and, consequently, to composites with large elastic modulus, as experimentally observed.

Effects of anthropogenic and natural hydrological changes on the behavior of the acidic metal discharge from acid sulfate soils in a river- and lake system in western Finland

Larsmo-��jasj��n i ��sterbotten skapades genom invallningar p�� 1960-talet pga. industrins behov av s��tvatten. Sedan dess har vattenomr��det drabbats av ��terkommande f��rsurning och fiskd��d, och invallningen har ofta beskyllts f��r problemen. Avhandlingen unders��ker syrabelastningen i omr��det; bl.a. hur markanv��ndning, hydrologi och klimatf��r��ndringen p��verkar belastningen. Konsekvenserna unders��ks med fiskyngel som bioindikator, och olika milj��metoder testas och diskuteras. ��kad kunskap om f��rsurningen hj��lper oss att till��mpa effektiva milj��metoder och f�� f��rb��ttrad vattenkvalitet i framtiden. Den prim��ra orsaken till den f��rs��mrade vattenkvaliteten under de senaste 40 ��ren ��r intensiv dikning av svavelrika sediment. Detta leder till oxidering av svavlet till svavelsyra och uppkomst av sura sulfatjordar. Syran l��ser upp m��ngder med toxiska metaller som spolas ut i vattendragen. Unders��kningen visar att tiotusentals ton svavelsyra tillsammans med stora m��ngder metaller rinner till Larsmo-��jasj��n per ��r fr��n sura sulfatjordar. ��arna bidrar med mest belastning, men den sammanlagda belastningen fr��n de otaliga dikena och b��ckarna ��r ov��ntat stor. Andra potentiella k��llor till f��rsurningen, t.ex. muddringar och humussyror, ber��knas vara obetydliga. Syra- och metallbelastningen varierar kraftigt med hydrologin, dvs. st��rst belastning sker under v��r- och h��stfl��den. En eventuell klimatf��r��ndring kan ��ndra p�� avrinningsm��nstret och orsaka mera belastning vintertid. Den ��rligt ��terkommande syra- och metallbelastningen kan ofta hindra lakens f��r��kning, vilket kan ha st��rre l��ngtg��ende konsekvenser f��r fiskpopulationerna ��n de relativt s��llsynta stora surchockerna med synlig fiskd��d. F��r att f��rebygga skador p�� vattendragen b��r man undvika att dr��nera svavelrika sedimenten. P�� redan existerande sura sulfatjordar visade sig kontroll av grundvattenniv��n kunna m��jligg��ra en effektiverad markanv��ndning utan m��rkbart ��kade milj��konsekvenser.

Behavior of Bradyrhizobium japonicum strains under different herbicide concentrations

The Bradyrhizobium japonicun strains SEMIA 5073, SEMIA 5074, SEMIA 5079 and SEMIA 5080 were grown in vitro using Vincent medium combined with different rates of the herbicides imazaquin (0, 0.04, 0.12, 0.24, 0.36 mg a.i. g-1), clomazone (0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6 and 3.2 mg a.i. g-1) and sulfentrazone (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 mg a.i. g-1) to evaluate the strains tolerance to herbicides. The three herbicides drastically inhibited all the rhizobium strains tested, showing a significant decrease of the CFU number as a function of herbicide rates. The rhizobium strains presented a differentiated tolerance to the herbicides. The herbicide rates that reduced 50% (I50) of the growth or survival of the rhizobium strains were below the recommended sprayed rates for weed control in the soybean crop, for all the three herbicides studied; however, sulfentrazone I50 was smaller than imazaquin and clomazone I50.

Effects of obtained benefits on willingness to pay and word-of-mouth behavior in newspaper industry

The purpose of this master���s thesis was to investigate the effects which benefits obtained from reading a newspaper and using its website have on behavioral outcomes such as word-of-mouth behavior and willingness to pay. Several other antecedents of willingness to pay have been used as the control variables. However, their interrelations haven���t been hypothesized. The empirical part focused on a case company ��� Finnish regional newspaper. Empirical research has been conducted using a quantitative method and data was collected via online survey placed on newspaper���s website during 2010. 1001 responses have been collected. The results showed that benefits obtained both from traditional printed newspaper and from online one have positive effects on the word-of-mouth about this newspaper and its website. However, it has been revealed that benefits obtained from reading the newspaper don���t have effect on the willingness to pay for this newspaper. Additionally, only interpersonal and convenience benefits obtained from using the newspaper���s website influence on the willingness to pay for it. Finally, willingness to pay for the bundle of printed newspaper and its website access is affected positively only by the information/learning benefits obtained from reading the newspaper and by the interpersonal benefits obtained from using the newspaper���s website.

Cultural distance and negotiation behavior : Perception of entrepreneurs operating in Turku

This thesis investigates the influence of cultural distance on entrepreneurs��� negotiation behaviour. For this purpose, Turku was chosen as the unit of analysis due to the exponential demographic change experienced during the last two decades that has derived in a more diversified local environment. The research aim set for this study was to identify to what extent entrepreneurs face cultural distance, how cultural distance influences the entrepreneur���s negotiation behaviour and how can it be addressed in order to turn dissimilarities into opportunities. This study presented the relation and apparent dichotomy of cultural distance and global culture, including the component of diversity. The impact of cultural distance in the entrepreneurial mindset and its consequent effect in negotiation behaviour was presented too. Addressing questions about the way individuals perceive, behave and interact allowed the use of interviews for this qualitative research study. In the empirical part of this study it was found that negotiation behaviour differed in terms of how congenial entrepreneurs felt when managing cultural distance, encompassing their performance. It was also acknowledged that after time and effort, some of the personal traits were enhanced while others reduced, allowing for more flexibility and adaptation. Furthermore, depending on the level of trust and shared interests, entrepreneurs determined their attitudinal approach, being adaptive or reactive subject to situational aspects. Additionally, it was found that the acquisition of cultural savvy not necessarily conveyed to more creativity. This experiential learning capability led to the proposition of new ways of behaviour. Likewise, it was proposed that growing cultural intelligence bridge distances, reducing mistrusts and misunderstandings. The capability of building more collaborative relationships allows entrepreneurs to see cultural distance as a cultural perspective instead of as a threat. Therefore it was recommended to focus on proximity rather than distance to better identify and exploit untapped opportunities and better perform when negotiating in whichever cultural conditions.

Behavior of RR soybeans subjected to different formulations and rates of glyphosate in the reproductive period

Recent studies indicate that glyphosate applied in post-emergence in RR soybean can eventually cause phytotoxic effects. However, there are many questions that need to be clarified in the scientific and technical contexts, involving the issue of RR soybeans regarding the use of glyphosate. This study has assessed the impact of the application of different doses and formulations of glyphosate in the reproductive period of RR soybean (R1 stage). For that purpose, an experiment in the field was conducted in two harvests (2011/12 and 2012/13), in which a 2 x 5 factorial design was used (formulations versus doses) totaling 10 treatments. In these two experiments the variables related to agronomic performance were: phytotoxicity (7, 14, 21 and 28 days after application), plant height, number of pods per plant, yield and weight of 100 grains (end of soy cycle). The results obtained allowed characterizing phytotoxicity and damages to the height and yield in RR soybean, with increasing rates of glyphosate applied in the reproductive period.

Influence of surface functionalization on the behavior of silica nanoparticles in biological systems

Personalized nanomedicine has been shown to provide advantages over traditional clinical imaging, diagnosis, and conventional medical treatment. Using nanoparticles can enhance and clarify the clinical targeting and imaging, and lead them exactly to the place in the body that is the goal of treatment. At the same time, one can reduce the side effects that usually occur in the parts of the body that are not targets for treatment. Nanoparticles are of a size that can penetrate into cells. Their surface functionalization offers a way to increase their sensitivity when detecting target molecules. In addition, it increases the potential for flexibility in particle design, their therapeutic function, and variation possibilities in diagnostics. Mesoporous nanoparticles of amorphous silica have attractive physical and chemical characteristics such as particle morphology, controllable pore size, and high surface area and pore volume. Additionally, the surface functionalization of silica nanoparticles is relatively straightforward, which enables optimization of the interaction between the particles and the biological system. The main goal of this study was to prepare traceable and targetable silica nanoparticles for medical applications with a special focus on particle dispersion stability, biocompatibility, and targeting capabilities. Nanoparticle properties are highly particle-size dependent and a good dispersion stability is a prerequisite for active therapeutic and diagnostic agents. In the study it was shown that traceable streptavidin-conjugated silica nanoparticles which exhibit a good dispersibility could be obtained by the suitable choice of a proper surface functionalization route. Theranostic nanoparticles should exhibit sufficient hydrolytic stability to effectively carry the medicine to the target cells after which they should disintegrate and dissolve. Furthermore, the surface groups should stay at the particle surface until the particle has been internalized by the cell in order to optimize cell specificity. Model particles with fluorescently-labeled regions were tested in vitro using light microscopy and image processing technology, which allowed a detailed study of the disintegration and dissolution process. The study showed that nanoparticles degrade more slowly outside, as compared to inside the cell. The main advantage of theranostic agents is their successful targeting in vitro and in vivo. Non-porous nanoparticles using monoclonal antibodies as guiding ligands were tested in vitro in order to follow their targeting ability and internalization. In addition to the targeting that was found successful, a specific internalization route for the particles could be detected. In the last part of the study, the objective was to clarify the feasibility of traceable mesoporous silica nanoparticles, loaded with a hydrophobic cancer drug, being applied for targeted drug delivery in vitro and in vivo. Particles were provided with a small molecular targeting ligand. In the study a significantly higher therapeutic effect could be achieved with nanoparticles compared to free drug. The nanoparticles were biocompatible and stayed in the tumor for a longer time than a free medicine did, before being eliminated by renal excretion. Overall, the results showed that mesoporous silica nanoparticles are biocompatible, biodegradable drug carriers and that cell specificity can be achieved both in vitro and in vivo.

Understanding Online Game Players' Post-adoption Behavior: an Investigation of Social Network Games in China

Retaining players and re-attracting switching players has long been a central topic for SNG providers with regard to the post-adoption stage of playing an online game. However, there has not been much research which has explored players��� post-adoption behavior by incorporating the continuance intention and the switching intention. In addition, traditional IS continuance theories were mainly developed to investigate users��� continued use of utilitarian IS, and thus they may fall short when trying to explain the continued use of hedonic IS. Furthermore, compared to the richer literature on IS continuance, far too little attention has been paid to IS switching, leading to a dearth of knowledge on the subject, despite the increased incidence of the switching phenomenon in the IS field. By addressing the limitations of prior literature, this study seeks to examine the determinants of SNG players��� two different post-adoption behaviors, including the continuance intention and the switching intention. This study takes a positivist approach and uses survey research method to test five proposed research models based on Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2; Use and Gratification Theory; Push-Pull-Mooring model; Cognitive Dissonance Theory; and a self-developed model respectively with empirical data collected from the SNG players of one of the biggest SNG providers in China. A total of 3919 valid responses and 541 valid responses were used to examine the continuance intention and the switching intention, respectively. SEM is utilized as the data analysis method. The proposed research models are supported by the empirical data. The continuance intention is determined by enjoyment, fantasy, escapism, social interaction, social presence, social influence, achievement and habit. The switching intention is determined by enjoyment, satisfaction, subjective norms, descriptive norms, alternative attractiveness, the need for variety, change experience, and adaptation cost. This study contributes to IS theories in three important ways. Firstly, it shows IS switching should be included in IS post-adoption research together with IS continuance. Secondly, a modern IS is usually multi-functional and SNG players have multiple reasons for using a SNG, thus a player���s beliefs about the hedonic, social and utilitarian perceptions of their continued use of the SNG exert significant effects on the continuance intention. Thirdly, the determinants of the switch ing intention mainly exert push, pull, and mooring effects. Players��� beliefs about their current SNG and the available alternatives, as well as their individual characteristics are all significant determinants of the switching intention. SNG players combine these effects in order to formulate the switching intention. Finally, this study presents limitations and suggestions for future research.

Guilt, shame, emotion regulation, and social cognition: Understanding their associations with preadolescents' social behavior

In this thesis, two negatively valenced emotions are approached as reflecting children���s self-consciousness, namely guilt and shame. Despite the notable role of emotions in the psychological research, empirical research findings on the links between guilt, shame, and children���s social behavior ��� and particularly aggression ��� have been modest, inconsistent, and sometimes contradictory. This thesis contains four studies on the associations of guilt, shame, emotion regulation, and social cognitions with children���s social behavior. The longitudinal material of the thesis was collected as a survey among a relatively large amount of Finnish preadolescents. In Study I, the distinctiveness of guilt and shame in children���s social behavior were investigated. The more specific links of emotions and aggressive behavior were explored in Study II, in which emotion regulation and negative emotionality were treated as the moderators between guilt, shame, and children���s aggressive behavior. The role of emotion management was further evaluated in Study III, in which effortful control and anger were treated as the moderators between domain-specific aggressive cognitions and children���s aggressive behavior. In the light of the results from the Studies II and III, it seems that for children with poor emotion management the effects of emotions and social cognitions on aggressive behavior are straight-forward, whereas effective emotion management allows for reframing the situation. Finally, in Study IV, context effects on children���s anticipated emotions were evaluated, such that children were presented a series of hypothetical vignettes, in which the child was acting as the aggressor. Furthermore, the identity of the witnesses and victim���s reactions were systematically manipulated. Children anticipated the most shame in situations, in which all of the class was witnessing the aggressive act, whereas both guilt and shame were anticipated the most in the situations, in which the victim was reacting with sadness. Girls and low-aggressive children were more sensitive to contextual cues than boys and high-aggressive children. Overall, the results of this thesis suggest that the influences of guilt, shame, and social cognition on preadolescents��� aggressive behavior depend significantly on the nature of individual emotion regulation, as well as situational contexts. Both theoretical and practical implications of this study highlight a need to acknowledge effective emotion management as enabling the justification of one���s own immoral behavior.

Meiotic behavior in wild and domesticated species of Passiflora

The meiotic behavior of fourteen Passiflora taxa was analyzed. The species were grouped according to the n value (6, 9 and 12) for statistical studies. Some species presented tetravalent associations or univalent chromosomes in diakinesis, bivalent formation prevailing. The qui-square test revealed significant differences in the chiasma frequency among species for n = 9 and n = 6 groups. There was predominance of interstitial chiasmata in almost all studied species. The n = 12 group was the only one whose meiotic behavior was considered similar due to the quantity of chiasmata per cell, tendency of interstitial chiasma localization. Some species presented meiotic irregularities, such as laggard and precocious chromosomes in meiosis I. In telophase II the percentages of meiotic irregularities was low. Irregularities in the spindle orientation were presented in higher percentages in the end of meiosis II, and were also responsible for post-meiotic abnormal products. The irregularities observed during meiosis can have influence on the percentage of sterile pollen grains and success of interspecific crossings in Passiflora species.