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This paper proposes a multi-level feature learning framework for human action recognition using a single body-worn inertial sensor. The framework consists of three phases, respectively designed to analyze signal-based (low-level), components (mid-level) and semantic (high-level) information. Low-level features capture the time and frequency domain property while mid-level representations learn the composition of the action. The Max-margin Latent Pattern Learning (MLPL) method is proposed to learn high-level semantic descriptions of latent action patterns as the output of our framework. The proposed method achieves the state-of-the-art performances, 88.7%, 98.8% and 72.6% (weighted F 1 score) respectively, on Skoda, WISDM and OPP datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of individuals’ current life stages is a powerful approach for identifying und understanding patterns of human behavior. Different stages imply different preferences and consumer demands. Thus, life stages play an important role in marketing, economics, and sociology. However, such information is difficult to be obtained especially in the digital world. This work thus contributed to both theory and practice from two aspects. First, we conducted a large-scale empirical study with 1435 participants and showed that a person’s mobile app adoption pattern is strongly influenced by her current life stage. Second, we presented a data-driven, highly-scalable, and real-time approach of predicting an individual’s current life stage based on the apps she has installed on smartphone. Result showed that our predictive models were able to predict life stages with 241.0% higher precision and 148.2% higher recall than a random guess on average. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emotions constitute a key factor in human nature and behavior. The most common way for people to express their opinions, thoughts and communicate with each other is via written text. In this paper, we present a sentiment analysis system for automatic recognition of emotions in text, using an ensemble of classifiers. The designed ensemble classifier schema is based on the notion of combining knowledge-based and statistical machine learning classification methods aiming to benefit from their merits and minimize their drawbacks. The ensemble schema is based on three classifiers; two are statistical (a Naïve Bayes and a Maximum Entropy learner) and the third one is a knowledge-based tool performing deep analysis of the natural language sentences. The knowledge-based tool analyzes the sentence׳s text structure and dependencies and implements a keyword-based approach, where the emotional state of a sentence is derived from the emotional affinity of the sentence’s emotional parts. The ensemble classifier schema has been extensively evaluated on various forms of text such as, news headlines, articles and social media posts. The experimental results indicate quite satisfactory performance regarding the ability to recognize emotion presence in text and also to identify the polarity of the emotions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Affective computing researchers adopt a variety of methods in analysing or synthesizing aspects of human behaviour. The choice of method depends on which behavioural cues are considered salient or straightforward to capture and comprehend, as well as the overall context of the interaction. Thus, each approach focuses on modelling certain information and results to dedicated representations. However, analysis or synthesis is usually done by following label-based representations, which usually have a direct mapping to a feature vector. The goal of the presented work is to introduce an interim representational mechanism that associates low-level gesture expressivity parameters with a high-level dimensional representation of affect. More specifically, it introduces a novel methodology for associating easily extracted, low-level gesture data to the affective dimensions of activation and evaluation. For this purpose, a user perception test was carried out in order to properly annotate a dataset, by asking participants to assess each gesture in terms of the perceived activation (active/passive) and evaluation (positive/negative) levels. In affective behaviour modelling, the contribution of the proposed association methodology is twofold: On one hand, when analysing affective behaviour, it can enable the fusion of expressivity parameters alongside with any other modalities coded in higher-level affective representations, leading, in this way, to scalable multimodal analysis. On the other hand, it can enforce the process of synthesizing composite human behaviour (e.g. facial expression, gestures and body posture) since it allows for the translation of dimensional values of affect into synthesized expressive gestures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the popularity of micro-blogging sites, expressed as the number of active users and volume of online activities, increases, the difficulty of deciding who to follow also increases. Such decision might not depend on a unique factor as users usually have several reasons for choosing whom to follow. However, most recommendation systems almost exclusively rely on only two traditional factors: graph topology and user-generated content, disregarding the effect of psychological and behavioural characteristics, such as personality, over the followee selection process. Due to its effect over people׳s reactions and interactions with other individuals, personality is considered as one of the primary factors that influence human behaviour. This study aims at assessing the impact of personality in the accurate prediction of followees, beyond simple topological and content-based factors. It analyses whether user personality could condition followee selection by combining personality traits with the most commonly used followee predictive factors. Results showed that an accurate appreciation of such predictive factors tied to a quantitative analysis of personality is crucial for guiding the search of potential followees, and thus, enhance recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A long prevailing view of human reasoning suggests severe limits on our ability to adhere to simple logical or mathematical prescriptions. A key position assumes these failures arise from insufficient monitoring of rapidly produced intuitions. These faulty intuitions are thought to arise from a proposed substitution process, by which reasoners unknowingly interpret more difficult questions as easier ones. Recent work, however, suggests that reasoners are not blind to this substitution process, but in fact detect that their erroneous responses are not warranted. Using the popular bat-and-ball problem, we investigated whether this substitution sensitivity arises out of an automatic System 1 process or whether it depends on the operation of an executive resource demanding System 2 process. Results showed that accuracy on the bat-and-ball problem clearly declined under cognitive load. However, both reduced response confidence and increased response latencies indicated that biased reasoners remained sensitive to their faulty responses under load. Results suggest that a crucial substitution monitoring process is not only successfully engaged, but that it automatically operates as an autonomous System 1 process. By signaling its doubt along with a biased intuition, it appears System 1 is “smarter” than traditionally assumed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study explores associations between implicit and explicit aggression in young adult male prisoners, seeking to apply the Reflection-Impulsive Model and indicate parity with elements of the General Aggression Model and social cognition. Implicit cognitive aggressive processing is not an area that has been examined among prisoners. Two hundred and sixty two prisoners completed an implicit cognitive aggression measure (Puzzle Test) and explicit aggression measures, covering current behaviour (DIPC-R) and aggression disposition (AQ). It was predicted that dispositional aggression would be predicted by implicit cognitive aggression, and that implicit cognitive aggression would predict current engagement in aggressive behaviour. It was also predicted that more impulsive implicit cognitive processing would associate with aggressive behaviour whereas cognitively effortful implicit cognitive processing would not. Implicit aggressive cognitive processing was associated with increased dispositional aggression but not current reports of aggressive behaviour. Impulsive implicit cognitive processing of an aggressive nature predicted increased dispositional aggression whereas more cognitively effortful implicit cognitive aggression did not. The article concludes by outlining the importance of accounting for implicit cognitive processing among prisoners and the need to separate such processing into facets (i.e. impulsive vs. cognitively effortful). Implications for future research and practice in this novel area of study are indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolutionary legacy hypothesis proposes that an evolved reciprocity-based psychology affects human behavior in anonymous one-shot interactions when reciprocity is not explicitly possible. Empirical support rests on experiments showing that altruism among adults increases in the presence of stylized eye spots or faces. Such stimuli do not affect material payoffs, but they are assumed to activate a person’s reciprocity-based psychology. We identify two versions of the evolutionary legacy hypothesis. The weak hypothesis posits that reputational concerns can generate altruism in the absence of opportunities for a good reputation. The strong hypothesis posits that reputational concerns alone can explain anonymous one-shot altruism, and they can do so specifically in lieu of explanations based on group selection. A number of experimental studies support the weak hypothesis but are merely consistent with the strong hypothesis. To address both the weak and strong hypotheses, we conducted an eye spot experiment with children. Altruism can vary by age or sex in childhood, and under the strong hypothesis this kind of variation should reveal associated variation in sensitivity to eye spots. Although we found significant variation in altruism among children, we found no corresponding variation in sensitivity to eye spots. More generally, we found no eye spot effects of any kind. We discuss the possibility that eye spots might only affect altruism under specific conditions. We further argue that conditional effects do not refute the weak hypothesis in any way, but they do suggest potential limitations on the explanatory scope of the strong hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Life history trajectories have been shown to be sensitive to local environmental conditions. Using English census data (2001), Copping, Campbell, and Muncer (2013) demonstrated that ecological indicators affect life history strategies (affecting levels of criminal violence and teenage conceptions). We replicated the original study using recently published census data (2011) to validate the model. We also examined whether census data from 2001 predict criminal violence and teenage pregnancy outcomes ten years later. Results demonstrated that the proposed model is applicable to both census periods. Predictions of violence and pregnancy rates in 2011 were higher when ecological estimates from 2001 rather than 2011 were modeled. Individuals' perceptions of ecological variables included in the models were also collected from 738 participants. There was a striking concordance between census and individual level data; all but five of the original pathways remained significant. Results highlight the importance of examining different units of analysis and implications are discussed from a life history perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children will comprehensively copy others' actions despite manifest perceptual cues to their causal ineffectiveness. In experiment 1 we demonstrate that children will overimitate in this way even when the arbitrary actions copied are used as part of a process to achieve an outcome for someone else. We subsequently show in experiment 2 that children will omit arbitrary actions, but only if the actions are to achieve a clear, functional goal for a naïve adult. These findings highlight how readily children adopt what appear to be conventional behaviors, even when faced with a clear demonstration of their negligible functional value. We show how a child's strong, early-emerging propensity for overimitation reveals a sensitivity for ritualistic behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Major depression is one of the strongest known risk factors for suicide. However, of the estimated 8.5 million adults with serious thoughts of suicide in the past year, only half had a major depressive episode (MDE). Identifying risk factors for suicide in the absence of depression may provide additional targets for prevention and intervention. This study uses nationally representative data to evaluate the association of binge drinking with suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts in adults with and without MDE. Methods Combined 2008–2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health data were analyzed. Sex-stratified prevalence estimates of past year suicide indicators were generated by past month binge drinking and past year MDE status. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of binge drinking with suicide indicators by sex with and without MDE. Results Unadjusted prevalence estimates for suicide indicators in males and females were higher among binge drinkers than among nonbinge drinkers, regardless of MDE status. Regression analyses indicated that binge drinking was associated with suicidal thoughts (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.28–1.79), plans (aOR = 1.75, CI = 1.23–2.48), and attempts (aOR = 2.57, CI = 1.74–3.79) in females without MDE and with suicidal thoughts in males without MDE (aOR = 1.25, CI = 1.04–1.49). Among males and females with MDE, binge drinking was not associated with any of the suicide indicators ( p > .05). Conclusions Binge drinking in females without MDE may be an indicator for identifying at risk individuals for targeting suicide prevention activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Individuals with social phobia (SP) represent a large group with elevated rates of cigarette smoking and cessation rates lower than that of individuals without psychopathology. For individuals with SP, cigarette smoking may be used to reduce social anxiety in anticipation of and during social situations. However, no study to date has experimentally examined this association. The aim of the current study was to experimentally examine the relationship between cigarette smoking and SP as a function of induced social stress. Method We recruited daily smokers ages 18–21 who scored in either a clinical or normative range on the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS). Participants included 54 smokers (42.6% female, 77.8% White, age M ( SD ) = 19.65(1.18), CPSD M ( SD ) = 7.67(4.36), 46.30% high SP) who attended two sessions: one social stress session and one neutral session. Results Results indicated that high SP smokers experienced significant decreases in negative affect (NA) following smoking a cigarette when experiencing social stress. This effect was specific to high SP smokers under social stress and was not observed among individuals' average in SP or when examining changes in positive affect. Conclusions For individuals with SP, cigarette smoking may be maintained due to changes in NA associated with smoking specifically in the context of social stress. These results speak to the importance of targeted cessation interventions that address the nature of smoking for individuals with SP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Implicit drinking identity (i.e., cognitive associations between the self and drinking) is a reliable predictor of drinking. However, whether implicit drinking identity might mediate the relationship between other robust predictors of drinking and drinking outcomes is unknown. We hypothesized that implicit drinking would mediate the relationship between drinking motives and alcohol consumption and craving. Method We assessed drinking motives at Time 1, implicit drinking identity at Time 2 (on average, 11 days later) and self-reported alcohol consumption and craving at Time 3 (on average, 6 days later) in a sample of 194 US undergraduates (54% women) who reported at least one heavy drinking episode (4 drinks for women, 5 for men) in the past month. Participants completed self-report measures of drinking motives, daily alcohol consumption, and current craving. Results Implicit drinking identity uniquely mediated the relationship between social motives and alcohol consumption. It did not, however, mediate the relationship between motives and craving. Time 2 implicit drinking identity was positively associated with greater alcohol consumption and craving at Time 3, even after controlling for drinking motives. Subsequent analyses indicated significant indirect effects between social, enhancement, and coping motives (but not conformity) and consumption and craving when each motive was evaluated individually. Conclusions Implicit drinking identity continues to have promise as a predictor of drinking outcomes and as a target for interventions. Future experimental and prospective studies will be critical to establish the circumstances under which implicit drinking identity is strengthened and/or activated and the resulting effects on hazardous drinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Behaviour is one of the most powerful objective signals that connotes psychological functions regulated by neuronal network systems. This study searched for simple behaviours using smartphone sensors with three axes for measuring acceleration, angular speed and direction. We used quantitative analytic methodology of pattern recognition for work contexts, individual workers and seasonal effects in our own longitudinally recorded data. Our 13 laboratory members were involved in the care of common marmosets and domestic chicks, which lived in separate rooms. They attached a smartphone to their front waist-belts during feeding and cleaning in five care tasks. Behavioural characteristics such as speed, acceleration and azimuth, pitch, and roll angles were monitored. Afterwards, participants noted subjective scores of warmth sensation and work efficiency. The multivariate time series behavioral data were characterized by the subjective scores and environmental factors such as room temperature, season, and humidity, using the linear mixed model. In contrast to high-precision but stress-inducing sensors, the mobile sensors measuring daily behaviours allowed us to quantify the effects of the psychological states and environmental factors on the behavioural traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spontaneous stereotypic behaviour (SB) is common in many captive animal species, as well as in humans with some severe psychiatric disorders, and is often cited as being related to general basal ganglia dysfunction. Despite this assertion, there is little in the literature examining SB specifically in terms of the basal ganglia mechanics. In this review, we attempt to fill this gap by offering an integrative, cross-domain perspective of SB by linking what we currently understand about the SB phenotype with the ever-growing literature on the anatomy and functionality of the basal ganglia. After outlining current models of SB from different theoretical perspectives, we offer a broad but detailed overview of normally functioning basal ganglia mechanics, and attempt to link this with current neurophysiological evidence related to spontaneous SB. Based on this we present an empirically derived theoretical framework, which proposes that SB is the result of a dysfunctional action selection system that may reflect dysregulation of excitatory (direct) and inhibitory (indirect and hyperdirect) pathways as well as alterations in mechanisms of behavioural switching. This approach also suggests behaviours that specifically become stereotypic may reflect inbuilt low selection threshold behavioural sequences associated with early development and the species-specific ethogram or, low threshold behavioural sequences that are the result of stress-induced dopamine exposure at the time of performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A few mortalities and cases of severe abnormal behavior have been reported after oseltamivir administration for influenza, thus increasing medical and public concerns regarding the drug's safety. We investigated the association between oseltamivir and abnormal behavior for seven years. All outpatient clinics and hospitals all over the country were requested to report severe abnormal behavior that could have resulted in a fatality if nobody intervened, such as abrupt running outside the home or intention of jumping off a building. The survey was performed prospectively between the 2007–2008 and 2012–2013 seasons, and retrospectively for the 2006–2007 season. As the result of the investigation, eight-hundred fifty-eight cases were reported and among of them 95.7% were positive by the influenza rapid diagnosis test. The epidemic curve of severe abnormal behavior showed a pattern similar to influenza-like illness. The same pattern was observed regardless of age group, gender, or timing of the incidents after waking. Consequently, specific association between the types of medications used or the types of antiviral and abnormal behavior was not observed clearly. The reported abnormal behaviors include fatal cases that would have died if nobody had stopped. This suggested that patients with influenza should be observed with caution for possible abnormal behavior whether taking oseltamivir or other neuraminidase inhibitor anti-influenza drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) of the central nervous system and malignant rhabdoid tumor of the kidney (MRTK) may present with different responses to chemotherapy and outcomes. We describe the case of an infant with multifocal rhabdoid tumor with different behavior and response to treatment, depending on the anatomic site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Approximately 50% of individuals seeking treatment for cannabis use disorders (CUD) also smoke tobacco, and tobacco smoking is a predictor of poor outcomes for those in treatment for CUD. Quitting tobacco is associated with long-term abstinence from alcohol and illicit drugs, yet there are no established treatments for CUD that also target tobacco smoking. This report highlights issues related to cannabis and tobacco co-use and discusses potential treatment approaches targeting both substances. Data is shared from the first six participants enrolled in an intervention designed to simultaneously target tobacco use in individuals seeking treatment for CUD. The twelve-week program comprised computer-assisted delivery of Motivational Enhancement Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Contingency Management, i.e., abstinence-based incentives for CUD. In addition, participants were encouraged to complete an optional tobacco intervention consisting of nicotine-replacement therapy and computer-assisted delivery of a behavioral treatment tailored for tobacco and cannabis users. All participants completed the cannabis intervention and at least a portion of the tobacco intervention: all completed at least one tobacco computer module (mean=2.5 modules) and 50% initiated nicotine replacement therapy. Five of six participants achieved abstinence from cannabis. The number of tobacco quit attempts was lower than expected, however all participants attempted to reduce tobacco use during treatment. Simultaneously targeting tobacco during treatment for CUD did not negatively impact cannabis outcomes. Participation in the tobacco intervention was high, but cessation outcomes were poor suggesting that alternative strategies might be needed to more effectively prompt quit attempts and enhance quit rates. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at higher risk to use substances than their nonclinical peers. Increased levels of impulsivity are generally thought to contribute to their increased levels of risk. Impulsivity is a multifaceted construct, however, and little research to date has attempted to identify which facets of impulsivity contribute to the increased rates of substance abuse among individuals with ADHD. The current study examined the relation among ADHD symptom clusters (i.e., hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattention), substance use rates (i.e., alcohol use, nicotine use, and marijuana use), and personality processes associated with impulsive behavior in a group of young adults. Participants were 361 undergraduate students. Both symptom clusters were positively associated with rates of substance use. Specifically, hyperactive/impulsive symptoms were associated with alcohol and nicotine use, and inattentive symptoms were associated with alcohol use. Several pathways from hyperactive/impulsive symptoms to alcohol, nicotine, and marijuana use via specific facets of impulsivity were identified. These findings have implications for understanding the relation between ADHD symptoms and substance use, as well as clinical implications for preventing and treating substance use problems in individuals with symptoms of ADHD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study explored the association between six “micro indicators” of concern about smoking (1. stubbing out cigarettes before finishing; 2. forgoing cigarettes due to packet warning labels; thinking about… 3. the harms to oneself of smoking; 4. the harms to others of one's smoking; 5. the bad conduct of tobacco companies; and 6. money spent on cigarettes) and cessation outcomes (making quit attempts, and achieving at least six months of sustained abstinence) among adult smokers from Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Participants were 12,049 individuals from five survey waves of the International Tobacco Control Four Country Survey (interviewed between 2002 and 2006, and followed-up approximately one year later). Generalized estimating equation logistic regression analysis was used, enabling us to control for within-participant correlations due to possible multiple responses by the same individual over different survey waves. The frequency of micro indicators predicted making quit attempts, with premature stubbing out, forgoing, and thinking about the harms to oneself of smoking being particularly strong predictors. An interaction effect with expressed intention to quit was observed, such that stubbing out and thinking about the harms on oneself predicted quit attempts more strongly among smokers with no expressed plans to quit. In contrast, there was a negative association between some micro indicators and sustained abstinence, with more frequent stubbing out, forgoing, and thinking about money spent on cigarettes associated with a reduced likelihood of subsequently achieving sustained abstinence. In countries with long-established tobacco control programs, micro indicators index both high motivation by smokers to do something about their smoking at least partly independent of espoused intention and, especially those indicators not part of a direct pathway to quitting, reduced capacity to quit successfully. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Desire thinking is a voluntary cognitive process involving verbal and imaginal elaboration of a desired target. A desired target can relate to an object, an internal state or an activity, such as gambling. This study investigated the role of desire thinking in gambling in a cohort of participants recruited from community and clinical settings. Ninety five individuals completed a battery of self-report measures consisting of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Gambling Craving Scale (GCS), the Desire Thinking Questionnaire (DTQ) and the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS). Correlation analyses revealed that gender, educational level, recruitment source, anxiety and depression, craving and desire thinking were correlated with gambling. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that both recruitment source and desire thinking were the only independent predictors of gambling when controlling for all other study variables, including craving. These findings are discussed in the light of metacognitive therapy (MCT). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: For the first time in history, it is possible to study human behavior on great scale and in fine detail simultaneously. Online services and ubiquitous computational devices, such as smartphones and modern cars, record our everyday activity. The resulting Big Data offers unprecedented opportunities for tracking and analyzing behavior. This paper hypothesizes the applicability and impact of Big Data technologies in the context of psychometrics both for research and clinical applications. It first outlines the state of the art, including the severe shortcomings with respect to quality and quantity of the resulting data. It then presents a technological vision, comprised of (i) numerous data sources such as mobile devices and sensors, (ii) a central data store, and (iii) an analytical platform, employing techniques from data mining and machine learning. To further illustrate the dramatic benefits of the proposed methodologies, the paper then outlines two current projects, logging and analyzing smartphone usage. One such study attempts to thereby quantify severity of major depression dynamically; the other investigates (mobile) Internet Addiction. Finally, the paper addresses some of the ethical issues inherent to Big Data technologies. In summary, the proposed approach is about to induce the single biggest methodological shift since the beginning of psychology or psychiatry. The resulting range of applications will dramatically shape the daily routines of researches and medical practitioners alike. Indeed, transferring techniques from computer science to psychiatry and psychology is about to establish Psycho-Informatics, an entire research direction of its own. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] We explored the relationship between antecedents and behavioral function using the QABF and the CAI. [•] Data from the validation of these instruments for the Spanish population were used. [•] The study involved 300 participants with intellectual disabilities and 328 challenging behavior. [•] Results identify social/cultural variables as the best predictors of challenging behavior. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] We examined the effects of 4-min practice on reaching in late preterm infants. [•] The infants were assessed at reaching onset. [•] Reaching practice was based on blocked or serial schedule, or no practice. [•] The amount of reaching increased immediately after serial practice. [•] Few minutes of serial practice induced temporary changes on reaching in the infants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] The overall quality of research addressing this use of beta blockers is poor. [•] Research suggests that a symptom based approach is used by clinicians in prescribing of beta blockers. [•] There is some evidence for positive outcomes for a range of problem behaviours. [•] Beta blockers appear to be well tolerated in the populations studied. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] We explore the factor structure and validity of a measure of online group identity. [•] Participants from a general sample identify with online groups. [•] Many relationships of online group identity are discovered. [•] Online group identity is shown to be stable. [•] The effects of The US President’s actions on an online group are examined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Gender moderating effect is examined. [•] Perceived usefulness, ease of use, social influence, and enjoyment are associated with intention to use. [•] No significant moderating effects of gender. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] We looked at people’s use of Facebook to seek health-related social support. [•] Overall, about 40% had sought health-related support from others on Facebook. [•] People with health concerns had sought support from others on Facebook more often. [•] Emotional support was perceived more often than other supports on Facebook. [•] Emotional support was positively related to health self-efficacy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Empirical field study comparing pre-service teachers and in-service teachers. [•] Computer-supported learning environment for analysing digital video cases. [•] Knowledge convergence of learners measured by means of video annotations. [•] Teaching experience affected both processes and outcomes of case-based learning. [•] Additional instructional support should be provided for case-based learners. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] The cognitive dissonance theory serves as an efficient theoretical framework. [•] Our sample is representative of all strata of society. [•] Differences among relevant types of downloaders are identified. [•] Results can help improve the effectiveness of anti-piracy campaigns. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] An anti-smoking educational game was created and evaluated. [•] An avatar in the game could show future self affected by long years of smoking. [•] An avatar with future face made significant changes in smoking related attitudes. [•] Seeing one’s own face made insignificant changes in smoking related attitudes. [•] In future condition, viewing one’s own face increased perceived risk. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Problematic, non-problematic and non-gamers were given an online questionnaire. [•] They were compared on empathy, extraversion, social capital and prosocial tendencies. [•] None of the groups differed in empathy, extraversion or prosocial tendencies. [•] Online social capital was higher in problematic and non-problematic gamers than non-gamers. [•] Offline social capital was, however, only lower in problematic players. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Factors of Facebook Groups members’ knowledge sharing are examined. [•] Reputation would affect knowledge sharing attitude of Groups members. [•] Sense of self-worth directly and indirectly (through subjective norm) affect the attitude. [•] Fairness, identification, and openness affect knowledge sharing intention. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] The different speeds in a simple reaction task are due to executional differences. [•] In a lexical decision task is necessary to compensate S–R mapping for vocal responses. [•] In a semantic categorization task (SCT), frequency can bias the results in vocal mode. [•] In a SCT, it is important to counterbalance, when comparing different modes. [•] Differences between modes should be taken into consideration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Building on self-perception theory, we develop a research model. [•] Data collected from 232 users of Web 2.0 applications were used to test the model. [•] Both knowledge seeking and knowledge contributing can lead to creativity at work. [•] Flow plays a lubricating role in the formation of employee creativity. [•] Our causal direction analysis supports the research model we developed in this study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Human multitasking is often the result of self-initiated interruptions in the performance of an ongoing task. These self-interruptions occur in the absence of external triggers such as electronic alerts or email notifications. Compared to externally induced interruptions, self-interruptions have not received enough research attention. To address this gap, this paper develops a typology of self-interruptions based on the integration of Flow Theory and Self-regulation Theory. In this new typology, the two major categories stem from positive and negative feelings of task progress and prospects of goal attainment. The proposed classification is validated in an experimental multitasking environment with pre-defined tasks. Empirical findings indicate that negative feelings trigger more self-interruptions than positive feelings. In general, more self-interruptions result in lower accuracy in all tasks. The results suggest that negative internal triggers of self-interruptions unleash a downward spiral that may degrade performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The influence of negative online word-of-mouth on the behavior of those receiving it has been addressed extensively in the academic literature. Remarkably, the question whether negative online word-of-mouth should also be seen as a behavioral indicator of its sender remains unaddressed. Answering this question is relevant as it provides companies with insight into the need to engage in interaction with those who negatively express themselves online or whether these expressions should be seen as temporary emotional releases without any intended conduct. To fill the existing research gap, this research paper proposes and empirically tests a sender-oriented model, investigating the influence of emotions, negative online word-of-mouth on repatronage and switching intentions. As disclosing negative feedback online may also reflect the sender’s motivation to inform the consumer community or to provide constructive feedback to the company responsible for the dissatisfying consumption, community usefulness and company usefulness are included as behavioral moderators. The results of an empirical survey conducted amongst real senders of negative information confirm that negative online word-of-mouth is directly driven by positive and negative emotions and is strongly predictive for the sender’s intended conduct. The motivation to help other consumers was demonstrated to function as behavioral moderator. The paper concludes with theoretical and managerial implications, and suggests avenues for further research. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Problematic playing behaviour in terms of addiction is well known to be associated with specific traits (e.g., self-esteem) and weak social settings (e.g., negative relationships). What remains unclear is the impact of playing motives on addictive tendencies. We investigated how playing motives were related to problematic playing behaviour. Using ratings indicating explicit motives and response latencies indicating the activation of implicit motives, we investigated Yee’s (2006) three main playing motives: social interaction, achievement, and immersion. All three implicit motives were found to be highly activated among problematic players while only explicit immersion was judged as less important by non-problematic and excessive players. In addition, implicit immersion together with explicit immersion and playing hours were found to be strong predictors for problematic playing behaviour. We discuss motives, especially immersion, as possible risk factors for addictive tendencies when motives become internalised and therefore automatically activated by thoughts about digital games. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The purpose of the current study was to identify potential factors leading to preference for social interaction in online support groups (OSGs) over offline interaction. By identifying such factors, the current study advances understanding of the way patients use the Internet as a supportive resource and integrate support from offline and online relationships. An online survey was conducted with current users of health-related OSGs (N =158). Findings show that those who were dissatisfied with the support they received from their current offline contacts were more likely to prefer social interaction in OSGs. Such a preference was prominent among those who built deeper social relationships in OSGs. Results suggest that some people develop a preference for social interaction in OSGs over offline interaction and use computer-mediated relationships as a possible alternative to offline support networks. Healthcare professionals and users as well as designers of OSGs must acknowledge the limits of online support and caution against the possibility of developing excessive reliance on online support resources. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Blogs have turned into a key part of the world’s online culture these years. Many world-famous websites are providing blog services in an attempt to make their own blog service at least comparable to others at minimum. The main purpose of the paper is to answer the questions, “What determinants matter when bloggers choose staying a particular blog site?” Are there the determinants existing any relationship among them? This study proposes a combined Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Partial Least Squares (PLSs) path analysis to advance our understanding of the processes involved in blog site evaluation from the perspectives of student-bloggers in Taiwan, during 2009/09∼2010/03. The results provide insight for those who are concerned with this topic. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The current study investigated the effect of video game training on older adult’s useful field of view performance (the UFOV® test). Fifty-eight older adult participants were randomized to receive practice with the target action game (Medal of Honor), a placebo control arcade game (Tetris), a clinically validated UFOV training program, or into a no contact control group. Examining pretest–posttest change in selective visual attention, the UFOV improved significantly more than the game groups; all three intervention groups improved significantly more than no-contact controls. There was a lack of difference between the two game conditions, differing from findings with younger adults. Discussion considers whether games posing less challenge might still be effective interventions for elders, and whether optimal training dosages should be higher. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The dimensions of telecare services are analyzed and contrasted to theories of behavioral intentions. Factors influencing the adoption of innovations are derived from target group specific factors and telecare features. We present results from an empirical study which interlinks users’ characteristics, technology and the intention to adopt technology based services. We examine customers above 55years of age in terms of their physical, psychological and cognitive limitations. The central objective is to assess how these differences influence the potential usage of telecare services. A mail survey was conducted in a medium-sized city to collect data. The target population was slightly over 9000 persons of which a randomized sample (N =1000) was gathered. A total of 506 usable responses were obtained for analysis. The results indicate that the adoption behavior of individuals differs amongst potential telecare users. Indeed, the behavioral patterns do not remain constant over time. Therefore, understanding the context of use has particular importance in the design phase of telecare services. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The purpose of this investigation was to examine differences in psychological functioning (e.g., well-being, affect, depression, and social functioning) between older adults who play digital games compared to those older adults that do not play digital games. Analysis was conducted on a sample of 140 independently living older adults with an average age of 77.47years (SD =7.31). Participants were divided into three groups (Regular, Occasional Gamers, and Non-gamers) – 60% of the sample was either a Regular or Occasional Gamer. Differences among the groups were found for well-being, negative affect, social functioning, and depression with Regular and Occasional Gamers performing better, on average, than Non-gaming older adults. Findings suggest that playing may serve as a positive activity associated with successful aging. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Research on internet-based studies has generally supported their benefits. However, that research sometimes did not directly compare internet-based to traditional delivery, often used non-experimental methods and small samples, and has not used an entirely unknown effect for the comparison to completely rule out demand characteristics. Our lab experiment (N =180), in which participants were supervised by an experimenter, demonstrated previously unexamined effects. Both the frighteningness and disgustingness of insects made people want to kill them, and females wanted to kill the insects more than males did. There were also some interesting patterns of interaction with gender, but they were not statistically significant. However, an unsupervised, but larger, web-based experiment (N =1301) produced the same significant main effects as the lab study, and the same patterns of interaction that had occurred at a non-significant level in the lab study occurred at a statistically significant level in the web-based study. These results add support to the finding that although web-based studies may incur risks by being unsupervised, such as some participants not being genuinely motivated to follow the instructions correctly, the risks are compensated for by the much larger sample size afforded by the web-based approach. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study addresses the influences of Spanish teenagers’ usage intensity of the Spanish online social networking site Tuenti on their psychological wellbeing. Tuenti is the social networking site that is most preferred and used by Spanish adolescents. Hypothesized relationships are analyzed by structural equation analysis in a sample of 344 Spanish adolescents aged 12–17 with an online Tuenti profile. Teenagers’ usage intensity of Tuenti was positively related to the degree of socializing on the social networking site. Furthermore, socializing on Tuenti had a significantly positive influence on teenagers’ perception of wellbeing. This relationship was not direct, however, but mediated by the intervening variables of self-esteem and loneliness. Results confirmed that Tuenti has become a suitable platform for the development, consolidation and growth of Spanish teenagers’ social relations. Contrary to some previous research pointing to a detrimental effect of SNS use on mental health and psychological wellbeing, the findings of this study are in line with those of a number of authors who suggest that SNS use may on the whole be positive for users, including most teenagers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Group coordination is a crucial component for successful collaborative learning, but is hard to achieve in an online learning environment. A web-based group coordination tool was developed based on metacognitive scaffolding principles for the study. The tool was implemented in an online course for a group project and its effects were investigated. A total of 59 students formed into 20 groups participated in and completed a project while being guided with the tool. Based on response rate to metacognitive prompts of the tool, groups were categorized as Active Metacognitive Team (AMT, n =30) or Passive Metacognitive Team (PMT, n =29). AMT showed higher positive interdependence than PMT at the end of the project. AMT perceived reciprocal help among group members while PMT did not. AMT also evaluated its group process higher than PMT did. These results show that groups who more actively used the coordination support tool established positive interdependence, engaged in positive interactions, and had enhanced group productivity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: This article tested whether hockey fans'' selfdetermined and non self-determined motivation for engaging in derogatory behaviors against an outgroup team predicted the frequency of these behaviors, fans'' psychological well-being, and the quality of their social identity as a fan of their team. The two psychological theories we employ in the current research (i.e., self-determination theory and social identity theory) have different assumptions concerning the motivation behind derogatory fan behavior. Design: Three correlational studies were conducted among hockey fans. Methods: Fans of rival hockey fans (Study 1; N = 45), fans of the Montreal Canadiens (Study 2; N = 181), and fans of NHL teams (Study 3; N = 105) completed measures of selfdetermination to engage in derogatory behaviors, frequency of these behaviors, psychological well-being, and quality of social identity. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to test if the frequency, well-being, and quality of social identity variables were predicted by the self-determined and non self-determined motivations to engage in derogatory behaviors. Results: As expected based on self-determination theory (SDT), the more hockey fans engage in derogatory behaviors for non self-determined reasons, the lower their well-being and the less frequently they report engaging in the derogatory behaviors. Moreover, as expected based on social identity theory (SIT), the more hockey fans engage in the derogatory behaviors for self-determined reasons, the higher their well-being, the frequency of these behaviors, and the more positive their social identity. Conclusions: Theses results are interpreted in light of SDT and SIT''s theoretical propositions. Comparisons are made with prior studies conducted on this topic. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, we present an original and formal framework, the D2SNet model designed to combine both the social network evolution and the diffusion dynamics among individuals. We have conducted experiments on three social networks that show identical characteristics as real social networks. A formal definition of the model is provided and we describe its implementation in a simulation tool. We represent human behaviors and information dissemination strategies by standard and synthetic scheme. In a first step, we study the impact of network growing strategies only and we highlight important parameters such as the evolution speed and mainly the kind of strategies that favour or not the spread. Then we study a more complete evolution strategy that involves link creation and deletion. We provide a deep analysis on the impact of each parameter such as evolution speed, creation and deletion probabilities and dynamic human behaviors on the diffusion amplitude and coverage. Our study gives a novel and useful insight in the diffusion process in a dynamic context. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Four experiments investigated the classic issue in semantic memory of whether people organize categorical information in hierarchies and use inference to retrieve information from them, as proposed by Collins and Quillian (1969). Past evidence has focused on RT to confirm sentences such as “All birds are animals” or “Canaries breathe.” However, confounding variables such as familiarity and associations between the terms have led to contradictory results. Our experiments avoided such problems by teaching subjects novel materials. Experiment 1 tested an implicit hierarchical structure in the features of a set of studied objects (e.g., all brown objects were large). Experiment 2 taught subjects nested categories of artificial bugs. In Experiment 3, subjects learned a tree structure of novel category hierarchies. In all three, the results differed from the predictions of the hierarchical inference model. In Experiment 4, subjects learned a hierarchy by means of paired associates of novel category names. Here we finally found the RT signature of hierarchical inference. We conclude that it is possible to store information in a hierarchy and retrieve it via inference, but it is difficult and avoided whenever possible. The results are more consistent with feature comparison models than hierarchical models of semantic memory. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]