Although cigarette smoke has been implicated in a causal relationship with various types of cancers, around 62% of all cancer patients are current smokers, recent quitters, or former smokers. While most patients who are smokers are motivated to quit after cancer diagnosis, 25 -30% of these patients continue to smoke. Furthermore, most quitters relapse after 2-3 years of post-chemotherapy. This represents a major health concern since several clinical studies revealed that perpetuation of smoking in cancer populations attenuates patient's well-being and quality of life. Smoking may impair healing, attenuate the efficacy of chemotherapy, increase the disease complications and diminish survival rates. However, the factors that involved in nicotine dependence in cancer patients are poorly understood. xii According to human research, it was suggested that tumor site, impact of cancer therapy and disease prognosis could be responsible of continuation of tobacco smoking among cancer patients and survivors. Recently, chemotherapy was shown to cause emotional deficits in humans (anxiety, insomnia and depression) and animals. In this project, we focused on the chemotherapeutic agent, paclitaxel, because it is widely used to treat solid tumors such as lung, head, neck and breast cancer. We previously reported that paclitaxel induced general affective deficits in mice such as anhedonia, anxiety and depression-like behaviors. We therefore hypothesized that the chemotherapeutic agent, paclitaxel may alter the rewarding and withdrawal properties of nicotine. We investigated the impact of paclitaxel on spontaneous nicotine withdrawal and nicotine reward in C57BL/6J mice by using variety of behavioral tests. Our findings showed that paclitaxel worsened the somatic and affective signs of nicotine withdrawal in male mice as well as attenuated of nicotine reward in the CPP assay. These behavioral changes were not due to an impact of nicotine metabolism by paclitaxel. Overall, paclitaxel changed the behaviors during nicotine withdrawal and reward and that suggested changing in the smoking behavior after exposure to chemotherapy.

Many scholars contend that family relationships are nonvoluntary despite evidence that suggests family estrangement is both significant and on the rise. Typically, family estrangement is a serious life rupture often brought on by physical, emotional, or psychological abuse. In order to explore this understudied phenomenon, I began by applying a discourse dependence perspective framework to analyze 52 accounts from adult children who voluntarily and intentionally distanced themselves from a parent or parents with whom they had a negative relationship. Specifically, I engaged in thematic analysis to explore the communicative practices adult children enact to accomplish and maintain distance with a parent or parents as well as the practices they use to disclose and sustain their estrangement to members of their social network. Based on in-depth interviews, results suggest that estrangement is a complex process that requires many communicative practices. At a broad level, these practices were categorized as declarative, one-time, and/or continuously enacted. Of note, adult children reported having to spend a considerable amount of time engaging in communicative practices to maintain the distance they were able to create, which suggests that relational maintenance is more than a constellation of practices that keep relationships close. Additional results reveal that the majority of participants did not disclose their estrangement to members of their social work. In the event others knew about the distance, it was typically because they were there to witness the distancing practices or because the participant conditionally disclosed the information. Similar to the emphasis on maintenance, adult children revealed that sustaining the estrangement required extensive communicative work. In other words, adult children had to resist social network members who sought to reconcile them with their parents. Taken together, results from this study hold promising theoretical and practical implications for researchers, clinicians, social network members, and other individuals going through the estrangement process. These implications and directions for research are discussed.

The main purpose of this thesis is to understand the relationship between natural resources and conflict and cooperation. In this research, I develop a theory of resource dependence focusing on water and energy resources that are important to people’s survival and national economy and security. I theorize the relationship between resource dependence and interstate conflict in two ways. First, I argue that as a state becomes more dependent on natural resources, the state is less likely to engage in conflict with other states. Resource dependence reduces conflict risks because a state with greater resource dependence does not want to lose any benefits that they currently enjoy from natural resources and as a result the potential costs of conflict increases. Second, I argue that as two states become more extensively (salience) and equally (symmetry) reliant on natural resources together, they are less likely to fight. Since they have similar benefits associated with natural resources that neither states want to lose, they have more incentives to avoid risky conflict over natural resources. To examine my theory of resource dependence and conflict, I create an original measure of a state’s level of dependence on freshwater resources and energy resources, in particular focusing on a state’s electricity demands, areas of river basins, and values of energy resources. I also create a dyadic measure of resource dependence (salience, symmetry, and interdependence). By using river-specific conflict data from the Transboundary Freshwater Disputes Database (TFDD) and militarized interstate disputes (MIDs) data from the Correlates of War (COW) project from 1960 – 2001, I test my arguments of the relationship between a state’s resource dependence and conflict at the monadic and the dyadic levels, as well as individual level in terms of citizens’ trust in government. Empirical analyses at the monadic level show that as a state becomes more dependent on water and energy resources, the state is less likely to engage in river conflicts with other states. However, a state’s resource dependence does not influence the chances for militarized conflict in shared river basins at the monadic level. Empirical results at the dyadic level also support my theory of resource dependence and conflict: as two states in a dyad become more extensively and equally dependent on water and energy resources, they are less likely to experience diplomatic conflicts and militarized interstate disputes. While high levels of resource dependence (demand and supply) reduce conflict at the monadic and dyadic levels, I find that pairs of countries with symmetric levels of resource dependence face higher conflict risks. In terms of trust in government, I find that a state’s level of resource dependence has positive impacts on people’s perception toward the government. My dissertation makes several contributions to the field of resource conflict and international relations. This study is one of the first efforts to look at the degree of dependence on natural resources to understand the variation in conflict and cooperation over natural resources. The chances for interstate conflict varies under the same scarcity (e.g. lack of water) or abundance resource conditions (e.g. both states oil producers). By looking at a state’s level of resource dependence varying over time and space, this research can uncover more detailed understandings about the states or dyads most likely to fight over water and energy resources. This study is one of the first to use a state’s electricity needs as a measure to capture a state’s dependence on natural resources. Electricity is crucial to a state’s political economy and people’s survival. Hence, by looking at the level of electricity demands by a state regarding water and energy resources, we can understand how much a state depends on natural resources. Furthermore, this research sheds light on how a state’s dependence on natural resources affect people’s trust in government, beyond previous study’s resource curse argument. Different from the previous researchers’ pessimistic diagnosis on natural resources, a state’s high level of dependence on natural resources can contribute to people’s better perception toward the government. Theoretically, my theory of resource dependence and conflict establishes a direct connection between a relatively new field of natural resource conflict with well-developed and classic International Relations and Political Economy research. Practically, my research can help policy makers figure out where and when resource conflict is most likely between countries. Policy makers can develop policy provisions properly to avoid conflict and to encourage peaceful and cooperative resolution over natural resources between countries.

Resource dependencies have increased substantially at colleges and universities over the years due to economic declines, recessionary periods, and decreased funding from state allocations. The purpose of this study was to advance an understanding of private support for higher education as a source of supplementary funding. As the environment continues to become more competitive for outside resources, institutions of higher education can benefit from more substantive and objective research on private voluntary support to better meet their growing needs for additional resources. Effective financial management requires a greater understanding of the expected size of financial contributions to assist with strategic planning and managing expenditure demands. This is especially true during periods of broad economic downturn when many institutions' revenue sources simultaneously suffer economic shocks through reduced endowment earnings; reductions in state appropriations; and external pressures by students, parents, and other stakeholders to keep tuition rates low. The same economic pressures that affect institutional revenue sources also affect the receipt of charitable contributions. Thus, the relationship between charitable donations and the economy is central to understanding whether these contributions help to stabilize the volatility of institutional revenues. This study examined private giving data reported to the Council for Aid to Education's annual Voluntary Support of Education survey from 1987 to 2012. Only gifts contributed by alumni, foundations, corporations, other individuals, and parents to public and private baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral institutions were considered. Giving data were adjusted through the Consumer Price Index, standardized by enrollment, and correlated with three economic indicators: Average Duration of Unemployment, Employees on Nonagricultural Payrolls, and the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Price Index. The statistical analysis selected to examine each of the four research questions was multiple linear regression used to discover to what relationships exist between economic indicators and private giving to higher education by institutional type, institutional classification, and giving source. This study revealed that differences in private giving exist when correlated to economic indicators. Based on these results, it appears that charitable funding directed to support higher education institutions are based to some extent on resource providers' ability to expend support at particular times in the economic environment. As observed throughout all four research questions, the Average Duration of Unemployment indicator had a larger impact on charitable giving to higher education than did the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Price Index indicator. The results of the Fisher's r to z transformations indicated that the regression model for alumni giving to public higher education institutions was determined to be the statistically strongest prediction model, followed by the regression model for foundation giving to public institutions. While fundraising continues to be only one source of additional funding, it cannot be ignored that the generosity of private donors since the earliest days of this country has helped to create, support and sustain the vital functions of colleges and universities. While the pursuit of private support may have been left primarily to the private institutions over the years, more recent developments in state and government funding patterns to higher education make the constant search for additional support sources a reality for today's public higher education institutions as well. Academic leadership must be cognizant that fiscal flexibility in times of economic prosperity as well as in times of economic downturns can be supplemented by the philanthropic intent of those interested in not only an institution's presence or prestige but also by its impact on students, families, communities, customers, and the economy. Institutions of higher education and their institutional advancement programs can greatly benefit from research studies that provide additional substantive and objective research.

Psychostimulant dependence is a major public health issue in many parts of the world associated with a wide range of psychological, medical and social problems. Psychosocial interventions are the mainstay of treatment for psychostimulant problems, although their effectiveness is compromised by poor uptake and compliance. Despite increasing knowledge of the neurobiological consequences of psychostimulant use, no medications to date have been any more successful than placebo in reducing psychostimulant use in dependent patients. Modafinil is a non-amphetamine type psychostimulant that may have potential as an agonist pharmacotherapy for psychostimulant dependence. The aim of this thesis was to examine the safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness of modafinil 200 mg/day over ten weeks plus a four session brief CBT intervention for methamphetamine and cocaine dependence through two concurrent randomised placebo controlled trials. There were no statistically significant differences between modafinil and placebo in treatment retention, medication adherence, psychostimulant abstinence, psychostimulant craving or severity of psychostimulant dependence. Methamphetamine-dependent subjects tended to provide more illicit psychostimulant negative urine samples while in treatment than those who received placebo. There appeared to be a reduction in self-reported days of psychostimulant use among methamphetamine-dependent subjects who received modafinil compared to placebo, but the effect size was too small to be statistically significant in this sample. The reduction in self-reported psychostimulant use did reach statistical significance in methamphetamine-dependent subjects with no other substance dependence. Uptake of counselling was the most significant predictor of reduced psychostimulant use post treatment, and the addition of counselling improved the cost-effectiveness of modafinil relative to placebo. Modafinil appeared to be safe, well-tolerated, and non-reinforcing in this treatment population. Compared to placebo, there was a significant increase in weight in subjects who completed the 10-week course of treatment, and a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure in methamphetamine-dependent subjects who received modafinil. The results support further trials of modafinil in methamphetamine-dependent patients, although future trials in cocaine-dependent patients from this treatment population were not likely to be viable. Modafinil appeared to be modestly effective in reducing, but not stopping, methamphetamine use in selected patients. Multi-centre trials with larger sample sizes, and measures sensitive enough to detect quantitative changes in psychostimulant use would be needed to confirm the findings. Blood pressure and weight may be important indicators of clinical outcome, and warrant particular attention in future trials, particularly given the cardio-toxicity of both methamphetamine and cocaine. Strategies to enhance medication adherence including a higher dose and counselling adherence are recommended to improve outcomes. Given the predominance of behavioural and psychosocial factors in psychostimulant dependence, it is likely that the role of medications such as modafinil will be as an adjunct to psychosocial therapy.

Comorbidity between substance use disorders and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common. Despite evidence to suggest that people with heroin dependence are at particular risk of PTSD, there is a dearth of research focussing on the interrelationship between these disorders. The present thesis aims to identify the prevalence of PTSD among people with heroin dependence, the correlates of this comorbidity, and its impact on treatment outcomes, the utilisation of treatment services, and treatment costs. Study 1 examines the epidemiology of PTSD and heroin dependence among 10,641 Australian adults who participated in the National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing. The prevalence of PTSD was highest among people with heroin or other opioid use disorders compared with any other drug class (33.2%). Comorbid PTSD was associated with poorer occupational functioning, and poorer physical and mental health. While general population studies provide crucial population estimates they do not allow for a detailed examination of the relationship between highly disabling but low prevalence disorders. The remaining studies were undertaken using a sample of 615 treatment seeking and non-treatment seeking dependent heroin users. Study 2 examines the prevalence and correlates of this comorbidity. PTSD was common (lifetime 41%; current 31%) and was associated with a more severe clinical profile. Studies 3 and 4 were based on follow-up data on this large cohort. Study 3 is the first study to examine the impact of PTSD on 2 year treatment outcomes for heroin dependence. Across the 2 year period, those with current PTSD at baseline performed more poorly in terms of their occupational functioning, physical and mental health. Study 4 found that this did not equate to the greater use of treatment services or an increased cost to the health care system among those with PTSD. It is concluded that PTSD and heroin dependence are highly comorbid conditions, and that this comorbidity is associated with poorer functioning and poorer treatment outcomes. Individuals entering treatment for heroin dependence should be assessed for PTSD so that they may receive appropriate treatment and referral. Further research is also needed to determine how best to treat this comorbidity.

Suicide attempts and opioid dependence are important clinical issues, as both are associated with a high degree of psychiatric morbidity and elevated risk of mortality. Research has identified a number of risk factors for suicide attempts among the general population, and to a lesser extent, among heroin users. Due to a lack of case-control studies, however, it is still not known to what extent opioid dependence per se is a risk factor for suicide attempts. This thesis comprised the first study to directly examine whether opioid dependence is a unique risk factor of suicide attempts. This thesis examined suicide attempts, associated risk factors, and related comorbidity among an opioid-dependent case group and a non-opioid-dependent control group. A structured interview was used to collect data from 726 opioid-dependent cases and 399 non-opioid-dependent controls. This thesis identified a number of important findings. Firstly, although opioid-dependent individuals were more likely to report lifetime suicide attempts compared to controls, the risk factors were largely the same for both groups. It appeared that opioid-dependent individuals were characterised by a higher likelihood of the same risk factors for suicide attempts, rather than having different risks. Cases appeared to be at increased risk of suicide attempts because of increased levels of multiple risk factors. Secondly, borderline personality disorder (BPD) and impulsivity were identified as important risk markers for suicidal behaviour, especially among opioid-dependent individuals. The study concluded that the treatment of BPD should be prioritised among this group. Third, self-mutilation was identified as a clinically significant problem in its own right, however, when combined with a history of attempted suicide, the psychological dysfunction observed was found to be very high. Fourth, non-fatal opioid overdose and suicide attempts were found to be distinct behaviours. The risk factors for each were completely different. While drug-related risks were associated with non-fatal overdose, the risk markers for suicide attempts were related to the presence of psychological disorders. This thesis has highlighted important areas of concern for clinical interventions as well as for future research to explore. Considering this is the first study of its kind, future research should focus on its replication.

Long-range dependence in discrete and continuous time Markov chains over a countable state space is defined via embedded renewal processes brought about by visits to a fixed state. In the discrete time chain, solidarity properties are obtained and long-range dependence of functionals are examined. On the other hand, the study of LRD of continuous time chains is defined via the number of visits in a given time interval. Long-range dependence of Markov chains over a non-countable state space is also carried out through positive Harris chains. Embedded renewal processes in these chains exist via visits to sets of states called proper atoms. Examples of these chains are presented, with particular attention given to long-range dependent Markov chains in single-server queues, namely, the waiting times of GI/G/1 queues and queue lengths at departure epochs in M/G/1 queues. The presence of long-range dependence in these processes is dependent on the moment index of the lifetime distribution of the service times. The Hurst indexes are obtained under certain conditions on the distribution function of the service times and the structure of the correlations. These processes of waiting times and queue sizes are also examined in a range of M/P/2 queues via simulation (here, P denotes a Pareto distribution).

Traditionally, consistency is the only criterion for the quality of a theory in logic-based approaches to reasoning about actions. This work goes beyond that and contributes to the meta-theory of actions by investigating what other properties a good domain description should satisfy. Having Propositional Dynamic Logic (PDL) as background, we state some meta-theoretical postulates <br />concerning this sore spot. When all postulates are satisfied, we call the action theory modular. We point out the problems that arise when the postulates about modularity are violated, and propose algorithmic checks that can help the designer of an action theory to overcome them. Besides being easier to understand and more elaboration tolerant in McCarthy's sense, modular theories<br />have interesting computational properties. Moreover, we also propose a framework for updating domain descriptions and show the importance modularity has in action theory change.

<p>The reform of the European Commission has been on the EU agenda for more than three decades. The attempts to introduce an overhaul of the Commission’s institutional structure has been motivated predominantly by the fact that the efficiency of the functioning of the European Commission has been in decline. Despite the striking need to restore the Commission's efficiency, which has become even more urgent in the last decade, the attempts to improve its modus operandi have been marked by many obstacles, difficulties and delays.</p><p>This thesis aims to analyze and explain why the process of reforming the European Commission has been so problematic. In order to achieve this goal, the theoretical framework of historical institutionalism has been utilized. More precisely, we mainly build on the work of Paul Pierson, whose concepts help us understand the reasons behind the failure of a number of reform plans regarding the Commission and clarify why the institutional structure of the European Commission is characterized by a high degree of stability.</p>