This study proposes a model of e-shopping continuance intentions that incorporate the revised technology acceptance model and expectation confirmation theory to measure continuance online shopping intentions within Saudi Arabia. Using structural equation modelling to confirm the model fit, and a 463-person sample, the author finds that perceived usefulness, enjoyment, and subjective norms determine online shopping continuance intentions, across male (30% of the sample) and female (70%) respondents. The structural weights are largely equivalent, yet the regression paths from site quality to perceived usefulness and perceived usefulness to continuation intentions are not invariant across the research sample. This research thus moves beyond consideration of online shopping intentions to include factors that may affect online shopping continuance. The research model is able to explain 61% of the variance in intentions to continue shopping online. Therefore, online strategies cannot ignore either direct or indirect differences in continuance intentions due to behaviour differences among shoppers in Saudi Arabia. With the high percentages of participants from the main populated regions in Saudi Arabia, the research model can be generalized across Saudi Arabia. Thus, the research has added to the limited literature on online repurchase intention or continuance intention by testing the proposed model in a context that has never before been tested. Furthermore, few prior studies use SEM as their methodological approach, and even fewer apply invariance analysis to verify behavioural differences based on gender, regional, education, e-shopping experience, and e-shopping spending with a sample obtained from Saudi Arabia. This study addresses these various knowledge gaps. Moreover, this thesis provides managers with useful and important information they can use to plan their Web sites and marketing strategies. The findings will help e-retailers to identify which web site attributes influence consumers’ e-shopping intentions, and thus improve the effectiveness of their e-shopping sites. A more thorough understanding of e-shopping continuance intention helps e-retailers to entice e-shoppers to shop online more, and entice non-online shoppers to shop online. Keywords: Internet shopping, e-shopping, technology acceptance, behavioural differences, continuance intentions, online shopping, Saudi Arabia.

The process industry is concerned with the processing of crude resources into other products. Such crudes consist of multiphase components that introduce major challenges to the operators; hence the need for efficient instrumentations that address such challenges is highly desirable. One major need is an early deposit detection system that detects deposit before it builds-up in a pipeline or equipment to prevent any possible hazard. Another critical requirement is the need to continuously monitor the flow and deduce the flow rate of every individual phase in order to study and analyse the produced product. Hence, in order to ensure safety, increase profits, optimize production and ensure production quality, the multiphase flow must be adequately monitored and controlled. This thesis demonstrated the efficiency of novel ECT algorithms for early deposit detection and multiphase flow measurement in order to measure the flow rate of all separate phases. This thesis focuses on developments in ECT image reconstruction specifically the inverse solutions and is divided into three main studies where they all build up to complete each other. In the first study, ECT is used for the first time with a narrowband pass filter to focus on targeted locations in a pipe where dielectric contaminants are expected to deposit in order to enhance the resolution of the produced images. The experimental results showed that different deposit regimes and accumulated fine deposits could be detected with high resolution. The second study allowed a better understanding of how conductive material could be imaged using a conventional ECT device and how state of the art algorithms such as iterative total variation regularisation method and the level set method could enhance this application. Also, absolute ECT imaging is presented for the first time where the level set algorithm uses only one set of ECT measurement data. This study gives a novel solution for detecting conductive deposits as well as paves the way to use the new level set algorithm for multiphase flow measurement. In the third study, the novel narrowband level set algorithm was modified to image multiphase media in order to correctly determine the number, location and concentration of the present phases. The innovative absolute ECT imaging using level set method is tested with high contrast and low contrast multiphase data, which adds more to the challenge.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) effectively treats depression by administration of repeated seizure-inducing electrical stimuli. Sprague-Dawley rats were administered 6 electroconvulsive shocks (ECS) over 2 weeks, and in vivo single unit extracellular electrophysiological activity was recorded after 48 hours. Overall firing activity in the locus coeruleus and ventral tegmental area was unchanged, suggesting the therapeutic efficacy of ECT may not be attributed to increased norepinephrine and dopamine release. There were more spontaneously active neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), indicating greater dopamine tone in the nigrostriatal motor pathway, which may contribute to alleviation of psychomotor retardation. In the facial motor nucleus (FMN), locally administered norepinephrine, but not serotonin, facilitated greater glutamate-induced firing, which may contribute to improved facial motricity. Current results indicate that repeated ECS enhances postsynaptic norepinephrine neurotransmission in the FMN and SNc dopamine neurotransmission, which could represent the mechanism behind the alleviation of depressive symptoms including psychomotor retardation.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) effectively treats depression by administration of repeated seizure-inducing electrical stimuli. Sprague-Dawley rats were administered 6 electroconvulsive shocks (ECS) over 2 weeks, and in vivo single unit extracellular electrophysiological activity was recorded after 48 hours. Overall firing activity in the locus coeruleus and ventral tegmental area was unchanged, suggesting the therapeutic efficacy of ECT may not be attributed to increased norepinephrine and dopamine release. There were more spontaneously active neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), indicating greater dopamine tone in the nigrostriatal motor pathway, which may contribute to alleviation of psychomotor retardation. In the facial motor nucleus (FMN), locally administered norepinephrine, but not serotonin, facilitated greater glutamate-induced firing, which may contribute to improved facial motricity. Current results indicate that repeated ECS enhances postsynaptic norepinephrine neurotransmission in the FMN and SNc dopamine neurotransmission, which could represent the mechanism behind the alleviation of depressive symptoms including psychomotor retardation.

Social network site (SNS) has been very popular with global Internet users since 2008, the amount of social network users grew very much. Based on some reasons, users enjoyed using social network site. However, whether the current users or new users will continue to use social network site or not is an issue today. To assure social network site¡¦s company could develop and run well in the future, we must realize the factors that can increase and retain the user to use. This study based on expectation confirmation theory (ECT) and through literature review to explore the factors that can influence the user¡¦s satisfaction. Successfully, we integrated perceived utilitarian benefit and perceived hedonic benefit into original ECT model. In this study, an empirical survey methodology with eight hypotheses was applied to verify this model. Covariance-based structural equation model (SEM) was used to analyze data and evaluate the model. The results pointed out that past ECT model with only one aspect can be extended from utilitarian and hedonic dimensions. It indicated that confirmation of utilitarian benefit, perceived utilitarian and hedonic benefits have significant influence on user¡¦s satisfaction. Lastly, user¡¦s satisfaction will positively influence the continuance intention. In sum, this study integrated utilitarian and hedonic dimensions into original ECT model, and proposed a more comprehensive framework to explain the continuance usage of social network site. This study also provided a reference model for future continuance intention research and some suggestions for social network site practitioners.

Since the advent of the Internet, online shopping has grown substantially across the globe. Understanding how to increase customers¡¦ loyalty through lifting up the level of satisfaction has been emphasized by both researchers and practitioners. Through integrating expectation-confirmation theory and IS success, this study attempts to examine how consumers¡¦ expectation, perception and confirmation and satisfaction on information quality, system quality, and service quality affects their continuance intention toward online shopping. Different from prior research focusing on overall satisfaction and continuance intention, this study proposed an extended model to examine consumers¡¦ satisfaction and continuance intention. The model and relationship were tested and validated by using data collected from 368 full- and part-time students in four universities in Taiwan. The results showed that confirmation and satisfaction are strongly affected by perceived quality but not expectation. However, the impact of satisfaction on continuance intention is not as strong as expected. The implication for research and practice are also discussed.

Smart phones are an important facet of the functionality of daily life. The main smart phone operating systems are Android and iOS. We cannot predict which one will be the winning smart phone operating system in the future. Hence, it is an important issue for consumers and enterprises to know which factors influence consumers to continue to use Android. We construct a dual factor model to explain consumers¡¦ Android use continuance. The dual factors include (1) dedication vs. constraint, (2) cognitive constraints vs. psychological constraints, and (3) internal lock effect vs. external lock effect. Data collected from 296 Android consumers in Taiwan were tested against the research model and confirmed our hypotheses. The results support the theoretical model in explaining the effect of ECT theory and status quo bias theory on consumers¡¦ intentions to continue to use Android. Finally, we find inertia is the most important factor influencing consumers¡¦ continued use of Android. The main contribution of this study is to provide a dual factor model for consumers¡¦ use continuance behavior. This model can also be applied to different technology products.

Transkranijinė magnetinė stimuliacija (TMS) – tai modernus neinvazinis vaistams rezistentiškų psichiatrinių sutrikimų gydymo būdas. Fiziologiniai TMS tyrimai pasižymi įvairiais, dažnai prieštaringais rezultatais, daugeliu atvejų didžiausias dėmesys skiriamas betarpiškiems poveikiams po vienos TMS procedūros, bet ne po pilno terapinio kurso. Manoma, kad rezultatų įvairovę TMS praktikoje įtakoja skirtingi stimuliacijos parametrai ir netikslumai parenkant stimuliuojamą zoną smegenyse. Nors TMS terapija dažnai traktuojama kaip švelnesnė alternatyva elektros impulsų terapijai (EIT), palyginamųjų fiziologinių šių metodikų tyrimų labai trūksta. Darbo tikslas buvo įvertinti TMS terapijos kurso poveikį bioelektriniam galvos smegenų aktyvumui ir palyginti jį su EIT terapijos poveikiu. Buvo tirta aukšto ir žemo dažnių (10 Hz ir 1 Hz) TMS terapijos įtaka EEG dažnių galios spektrui bei sukeltiniam klausos potencialui P300, naudojant standartinį ir neuronavigacinį taikinio pozicionavimą. TMS sukelti EEG pokyčiai palyginti su EIT terapijos sukeltais EEG pokyčiais, išmatuota TMS terapijos sąlygotų pokyčių dinamika kelių mėnesių bėgyje. Rezultatai parodė, kad TMS terapijos pasekoje smegenyse ryškiausiai padidėja delta dažnio galia. Naudojant standartinį pozicionavimą 10 Hz TMS sukėlė įvairesnius ir intensyvesnius EEG galios spektro pokyčius nei 1 Hz TMS. Pritaikius neuronavigacinę sistemą 10 Hz TMS atveju sumažėjo teta ir alfa dažnių galios pokyčiai. Praėjus keliems mėnesiams nuo TMS... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a modern non invasive method of drug resistant psychiatric disorder treatment. TMS physiology research is hindered by variable, often controversial results. In most studies main attention is being focused on immediate effects after single TMS procedure rather than the influence of a complete therapy course. It is considered that variability of results in TMS practice is caused by different stimulation parameters and imprecision of stimulated area placement in the brain. Although TMS therapy is often viewed as a milder alternative to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), comparative physiological studies of these two methods are very rare. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of rTMS therapy course on bioelectrical brain activity and compare it to an ECT effect. Research included the effect of high and low frequency (10 Hz and 1 Hz) TMS on EEG band power spectrum and auditory evoked potential P300, using both standard and neuronavigated target positioning. TMS evoked EEG changes were also compared to the changes of ECT. Change dynamics after several months of TMS therapy were also measured. Results showed that after TMS therapy the most notable change in the brain occurs in the form of delta power increase. When using standard positioning 10 Hz TMS evokes more diverse and intense EEG band power spectrum changes than the 1 Hz TMS. Application of neuronavigation system decreases theta and alpha band power changes in 10 Hz TMS... [to full text]

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a modern non invasive method of drug resistant psychiatric disorder treatment. TMS physiology research is hindered by variable, often controversial results. In most studies main attention is being focused on immediate effects after single TMS procedure rather than the influence of a complete therapy course. It is considered that variability of results in TMS practice is caused by different stimulation parameters and imprecision of stimulated area placement in the brain. Although TMS therapy is often viewed as a milder alternative to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), comparative physiological studies of these two methods are very rare. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of rTMS therapy course on bioelectrical brain activity and compare it to an ECT effect. Research included the effect of high and low frequency (10 Hz and 1 Hz) TMS on EEG band power spectrum and auditory evoked potential P300, using both standard and neuronavigated target positioning. TMS evoked EEG changes were also compared to the changes of ECT. Change dynamics after several months of TMS therapy were also measured. Results showed that after TMS therapy the most notable change in the brain occurs in the form of delta power increase. When using standard positioning 10 Hz TMS evokes more diverse and intense EEG band power spectrum changes than the 1 Hz TMS. Application of neuronavigation system decreases theta and alpha band power changes in 10 Hz TMS... [to full text] / Transkranijinė magnetinė stimuliacija (TMS) – tai modernus neinvazinis vaistams rezistentiškų psichiatrinių sutrikimų gydymo būdas. Fiziologiniai TMS tyrimai pasižymi įvairiais, dažnai prieštaringais rezultatais, daugeliu atvejų didžiausias dėmesys skiriamas betarpiškiems poveikiams po vienos TMS procedūros, bet ne po pilno terapinio kurso. Manoma, kad rezultatų įvairovę TMS praktikoje įtakoja skirtingi stimuliacijos parametrai ir netikslumai parenkant stimuliuojamą zoną smegenyse. Nors TMS terapija dažnai traktuojama kaip švelnesnė alternatyva elektros impulsų terapijai (EIT), palyginamųjų fiziologinių šių metodikų tyrimų labai trūksta. Darbo tikslas buvo įvertinti TMS terapijos kurso poveikį bioelektriniam galvos smegenų aktyvumui ir palyginti jį su EIT terapijos poveikiu. Buvo tirta aukšto ir žemo dažnių (10 Hz ir 1 Hz) TMS terapijos įtaka EEG dažnių galios spektrui bei sukeltiniam klausos potencialui P300, naudojant standartinį ir neuronavigacinį taikinio pozicionavimą. TMS sukelti EEG pokyčiai palyginti su EIT terapijos sukeltais EEG pokyčiais, išmatuota TMS terapijos sąlygotų pokyčių dinamika kelių mėnesių bėgyje. Rezultatai parodė, kad TMS terapijos pasekoje smegenyse ryškiausiai padidėja delta dažnio galia. Naudojant standartinį pozicionavimą 10 Hz TMS sukėlė įvairesnius ir intensyvesnius EEG galios spektro pokyčius nei 1 Hz TMS. Pritaikius neuronavigacinę sistemą 10 Hz TMS atveju sumažėjo teta ir alfa dažnių galios pokyčiai. Praėjus keliems mėnesiams nuo TMS... [toliau žr. visą tekstą]

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) effectively treats depression by administration of repeated seizure-inducing electrical stimuli. Sprague-Dawley rats were administered 6 electroconvulsive shocks (ECS) over 2 weeks, and in vivo single unit extracellular electrophysiological activity was recorded after 48 hours. Overall firing activity in the locus coeruleus and ventral tegmental area was unchanged, suggesting the therapeutic efficacy of ECT may not be attributed to increased norepinephrine and dopamine release. There were more spontaneously active neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), indicating greater dopamine tone in the nigrostriatal motor pathway, which may contribute to alleviation of psychomotor retardation. In the facial motor nucleus (FMN), locally administered norepinephrine, but not serotonin, facilitated greater glutamate-induced firing, which may contribute to improved facial motricity. Current results indicate that repeated ECS enhances postsynaptic norepinephrine neurotransmission in the FMN and SNc dopamine neurotransmission, which could represent the mechanism behind the alleviation of depressive symptoms including psychomotor retardation.