Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Rearing Program'

This study evaluates the efficacy of the AIDS Walk as a vehicle for reasons for volunteering. The efficacy of child rearing practices on volunteerism is measured by the following: parent’s volunteerism when volunteers were children, participating because of family experience with volunteerism, participating to honor a loved one, and age at which volunteers starts volunteering. In this study, a sample of 100 AIDS Walk Atlanta participants is assessed on their volunteerism. The SPSS software program was used to interpret the outcomes. The findings and results of the study are presented using descriptive and inferential data. Finally, this evaluation provides implications for social work practice that improve the implementation and planning around reasons volunteerism.

The effects of an Adlerian-based parent education program on parents' attitudes toward their children's behavior and techniques used in child rearing were examined in this study. Parents in one primary elementary school were invited by letter to participate in a parent education program.

Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 2000.<br>Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains x, 80 p. : ill. Vita. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 54-59).

En biologie de la conservation, les pratiques de réintroduction consistent à élever des animaux en captivité et à les relâcher dans l’aire de répartition où l’espèce en question a décliné ou disparu, ceci dans le but de soutenir la population naturelle. Pour les poissons, l’élevage en pisciculture implique une sélection des individus au moment de la reproduction et un développement des jeunes stades dans un environnement contrôlé qui peuvent influencer fortement les attributs comportementaux,génétiques, morphologiques et physiologiques nécessaires pour répondre de manière adéquate aux conditions du milieu naturel. L’exposition de ces individus naïfs, particulièrement les jeunes stades, àla variabilité (environnements enrichis) pourrait limiter ces carences et améliorer la survie post lâcher.Dans ce cadre, des expérimentations sont nécessaires pour comprendre comment l’environnement d’élevage affecte les performances individuelles qui impacteront directement la fitness en milieu naturel et par conséquent l’efficacité des programmes de réintroduction avec un objectif de conservation. La dernière population d’esturgeon sauvage d’Europe de l’ouest est issue de la Gironde (Sud-Ouest France), il s’agit de l’esturgeon européen (Acipenser sturio). Cette espèce est classée en danger critique d’extinction et fait l’objet d’un programme de restauration européen décliné en plans d’actions nationaux en France et en Allemagne. Dans ce travail, cette espèce est utilisée comme modèle afin d’évaluer les effets des pratiques d’élevage sur la survie, la croissance et le comportement des jeunes de l’année en captivité puis leur comportement et leur survie post lâcher en milieu naturel. Des esturgeons nés en captivité, issus de 2 croisements, ont été élevés selon deux méthodes, l’élevage « traditionnel » (faible variabilité spatiale et temporelle) et l’élevage« enrichi » (augmentation de la variabilité spatiale et temporelle), jusqu’à ce qu’ils atteignent trois mois puis leurs performances ont été évaluées en conditions contrôlées. Les individus ont ensuite étaient relâchés en rivière et leurs déplacements individuels ont été suivis pendant 20 jours à l’aide d’une technologie de télémétrie acoustique après avoir évalué les effets du marquage sur les performances individuelles. Les résultats en conditions contrôlées mettent en évidence que dans un élevage enrichi les individus atteignent un poids et une taille supérieurs dès le premier mois de vie.L’analyse de la croissance révèle que les individus issus des deux croisements ont une croissance similaire en conditions enrichies mais celle-ci diffère dans un environnement traditionnel. L’analyse du comportement en milieu contrôlé indique que les individus élevés en conditions enrichies seraient plus lents à explorer un environnement inconnu mais plus nombreux que parmi les individus élevés de manière traditionnelle. Le suivi post-lâcher des jeunes stades de cette espèce et plus largement des espèces d’esturgeon a été réalisé pour la première fois dans le cadre de ce travail. La survie globale des poissons était de 69,3% (52.2−90.9%), la survie la plus faible concernant un croisement élevé de manière traditionnelle. [...] Ce travail milite pour que les pratiques de repeuplement et la recherche sur l’écologie des espèces travaillent en synergie afin de favoriser la mise en place d’une aquaculture adaptative qui soutienne la conservation des espèces<br>Stocking for conservation purposes is the practice of raising animals in captivity and releasing the min to an area from which the species have either declined or disappeared, in an attempt to enhance the natural population. Fish reared in hatcheries are exposed to selective reproduction, and early life experiences in a safe setting can strongly influence the behavioral, genetic, morphological and physiological attributes necessary to respond adequately to natural conditions after stocking.Exposing naive individuals to variability during early stages −enriched environment− could reduce such deficiencies and improve fish survival after release. This approach needs to be studied tounderstand how it affects performance traits that will directly impact fish fitness in the wild and consequently, its effects on stocking programs efficiency for conservation. The last remaining wild sturgeon population in Western Europe, the European sturgeon (Acipenser sturio), is located in theGironde (Southwest France). This species is critically endangered and subject of a recovery plan with specific action plans in France and Germany. In this study, this species was used as a model to assess effects of rearing practices on survival, growth and behavioral performance of young-of-the-yearsturgeons before stocking and their behavior and survival in the wild after release. Captive-born sturgeons belonging to two crossings were reared under traditional (i.e. low spatial and temporal variability) and enriched (i.e. higher spatial and temporal variability) practices for 3 months and their performance was evaluated in laboratory. Then, the fish were released in the Dordogne River and their individual movements were tracked for 20 days using a acoustic telemetry system; after evaluating the tagging effects on fish performance. Results in the laboratory demonstrated that enriched environment resulted in bigger fish from the first month. Growth curve analysis revealed that enriched environment made both fish crossings grow in a similar manner. In contrast, crossings’growth differed in traditional rearing. Behaviorally, enriched-reared fish were slower to explore a new environment but more individuals engaged on doing so than traditional-reared fish. Post-release assessment on such small individuals was carried out for the first time for a sturgeon species. Fish over all survival was 69.3% (52.2−90.2%) where the lowest survival was found for one crossing reared under traditional conditions. After release, most movements (85.7%) occurred during the first three days after stocking and downstream direction. During the study, 82% of the fish were detected within 13.5km from the release site and no fish reached the saline estuary. Fish were mainly active during night hours, but traditional-reared fish were significantly more active during the day than enriched-reared fish during the first three days. Our findings advocate for the integration of enriched rearing practices within the juvenile production for release in order to boost the performances linked fitness. Stocking practices and life history research should work together to favor adaptive aquaculture approaches, which support species conservation<br>En conservación, la repoblación de especies es la práctica de criar animales en cautiverio y suposterior liberación en zonas donde la especie ha disminuido o desaparecido con la finalidad deaumentar la población natural. Los peces cultivados en piscifactorías están expuestos a la reproducción selectiva, y la experiencia temprana en ambientes seguros puede tener una fuerte influencia en los atributos genéticos, morfológicos, fisiológicos y de comportamiento, necesarios para responder adecuadamente en la naturaleza después de la liberación. La exposición de individuos sin experiencia previa a la variabilidad en el ambiente (ambientes enriquecidos) durante los estadios tempranos de su desarrollo puede reducir estas deficiencias y mejorar la sobrevivencia después de la liberación. Este tema necesita ser estudiado más a fondo para entender cómo el ambiente de cría afecta los atributos de rendimiento que influirán directamente en el “fitness” de los individuos una vez en la naturaleza y por consecuencia, en la eficiencia de los programas de repoblación para la conservación. El último relicto de esturión salvaje en el sudoeste de Europa, el esturión europeo (Acipenser sturio), está en peligro crítico de extinción, sujeto a un plan de recuperación y planes específicos de conservación en Francia y Alemania. En este estudio, esta especie fue usada como modelo para evaluar los efectos de las prácticas de cría en la sobrevivencia,crecimiento, y comportamiento en juveniles de menos de un año de edad antes de la liberación y, su comportamiento y sobrevivencia en la naturaleza después de la liberación. Para esto, esturiones de dos cruces diferentes fueron criados durante tres meses en cautiverio en ambientes tradicionales(baja variabilidad espacial y temporal) y ambientes enriquecidos (alta variabilidad espacial ytemporal) y evaluados en laboratorio. Posteriormente los peces fueron liberados en el río Dordoña y se rastrearon sus movimientos individualmente durante 20 días usando un sistema de telemetría; los efectos de este marcado se evaluaron previamente. Los resultados de laboratorio demuestran que la cría enriquecida produce peces de mayor tamaño desde el primer mes de crianza. Los análisis en las curvas de crecimiento revelaron que la cría enriquecida hizo que los peces de ambos cruces crecieran de manera similar. Por el contrario, el crecimiento fue diferente bajo la cría tradicional. Con respecto al comportamiento, los peces de cría enriquecida tardaron más en empezar a explorar un ambiente nuevo pero más individuos se involucraron en esta actividad que los peces de cría tradicional. En la naturaleza, es la primera vez que se monitorea esturiones de tan poca edad. La sobrevivencia global fue del 69.3% (52.2−90.9%) donde uno de los cruces criado tradicionalmente tuvo la tasa más baja.(...) Las prácticas de repoblación y la investigación de historia de vida deben trabajar en conjunto para favorecer los enfoques adaptativos de acuacultura que apoyen la conservación de especies

From 2008-2011, we analyzed brood habitat selection and survival of Chinese ringnecked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) from hatch until approximately 30 days post-hatch. We monitored 98 broods at two sites in Adams County, ND. These sites were previously enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program and were being managed under a multiple land use system including hayed, idled and season-long grazed land as well as no-till corn (Zea mays) and no-till barley (Hordeum vulgare) crop treatments. Measurements pertaining to the insect and vegetation community and structure were recorded at utilized brood locations and available locations within the study sites. Variability in brood survival was best explained by precipitation events, temperature, brood age a linear and quadratic time trend. Comparisons among models were made using Akaike's Information Criterion (AICc). Within our study area, no habitat selection was found in the season-long, hay, and idle treatments with respect to the habitat variables we measured.

This study examined the effects of a condensed parent training program on parent-child interactions in the home. Two parents participated in a positive parenting workshop that included explicit training of four skills and indirect training of two additional skills. To determine skill acquisition, both parents performed role plays and completed written exams pre- and post-training. Role play assessment results showed improvements in all skill areas for both participants. Written assessment results showed improvements for all skills directly taught except one. Multiple measures were examined in the home prior to and following the workshop to assess generalization. Results showed an increase in positive interactions and decrease in coercive interactions and undesirable child behavior for both participants.

Thesis (Ph. D.) -- University of Maryland, College Park, 2005.<br>Thesis research directed by: Human Development. Title from t.p. of PDF. Includes bibliographical references. Published by UMI Dissertation Services, Ann Arbor, Mich. Also available in paper.

Thesis (M.S.)--Montana State University--Bozeman, 2004.<br>Title from PDF t.p. (viewed on Aug. 26, 2005). Typescript. Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Martin Frick. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 41-42).

Reintroduction of native fish stocks is an important management tool used to mitigate the effects of invasive species and loss of habitat. A common reintroduction tool is the use of hatchery fish to create or supplement native populations in areas of their historic range. However, the low survival and poor performance of some hatchery outplants is an issue for hatchery reintroductions, as broodstocks may be limited. As a result, there has been a recent effort to develop 'conservation hatcheries' that employ hatchery rearing strategies that might improve the effectiveness of hatchery reintroduction efforts. This study developed and evaluated the effectiveness of enriched hatchery rearing strategies on increasing effectiveness of hatchery reintroductions for inland salmonids. Three hatchery rearing treatments of varying complexity were developed for rearing trials using westslope cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. Fish were reared in the hatchery for 60 days and various performance assessments were compared to evaluate behavioral, morphological, and physiological differences among the rearing treatments. A second 60 day rearing period using westslope cutthroat trout was followed by an outplant assessment. Fish were reared in the same three hatchery treatments and at the end of the hatchery-rearing period fish were placed into rearing ponds. Outplanted fish were left in the ponds with no artificial feed or predation relief. After 2 months in the ponds, fish were removed and their survival and growth were analyzed. Growth and survival in the hatchery were similar among the rearing treatments for both species. The most complex treatment was associated with increased cover seeking behavior, reduced aggression, higher fin condition, and improved coloration. Survival results from the outplanted fish were compromised because of fish movement; however, there was evidence that the most complex treatment may have performed better as suggested by growth data and proximate analysis of lipid content. Our results suggest that alterations to the hatchery environment may improve the effectiveness of native species reintroduction efforts using hatchery-reared fish. Further research is needed to assess additional hatchery-rearing environment alterations as well as the long-term effects such alterations might have on hatchery outplanted fish.

Thesis (PhD (Conservation Ecology and Entomology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2011.<br>ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Codling moth, Cydia pomonella, is a worldwide pest and of major economic importance to the South African pome fruit industry. Sterile insect release is applied as a component of area-wide integrated pest management and includes the mass-rearing, sterilization and the release of the sterile insects. For sterile insect release, the improvements of rearing methods in terms of the quality of the diet ingredients and the economical aspect of the rearing method are examined. The effect of genetically modified maize meal, containing the Bacillus thuringiensis gene, in an artificial medium for codling moth rearing, is determined. The use of even a small amount of Bacillus thuringiensis resulted in larval mortality and prolonged development. These results are detrimental to a mass-rearing facility and must be considered by any rearing facility that uses genetically modified maize meal if the insect is sensitive to the gene. An alternative to maize meal in the artificial medium was tested and whole wheat flour was considered to be a suitable replacement. Agar agar is an expensive gelling agent used in the artificial medium. An alternative for agar agar (Kelcogel, Elastigel and carrageenen) is tested and the biological effect on codling moth is determined. Factors such as mortality, pupal and moth weight, longevity, fecundity and development time were used as quality parameters. Results showed that Elastigel was a suitable replacement for agar agar, with bigger pupae and moths, higher fecundity and increased longevity. The economical advantage of the replacement is a 40.91% reduction of the diet cost. The other gelling agents tested also gave acceptable results and can be considered if shortages of agar agar or Elastigel occur. A new method of mass-rearing codling moth larvae in a closed rearing system using large trays placed in a ventilated box is designed. This method is more cost and space effective as a smaller area is needed to rear a large number of moths. The risk of diet contamination is less because of the closed environment and more economical and effective air handling. This is the first report of its kind to describe the mass-rearing of codling moth in a closed environment and the risks involved in using genetically modified maize meal in an artificial diet for the codling moth. These results should be incorporated into existing mass-rearing facilities or taking into consideration when designing new mass-rearing facilities.<br>AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die kodlingmot, Cydia pomonella, is van ekonomiese belang vir die Suid-Afrikaanse kernvrugte bedryf. Die steriele insek tegniek word gebruik as ‘n komponent in area-wye geïntegreerde plaagbeheer en sluit in die massa-aanteel, sterilisering en vrylaat van steriele insekte. Vir die steriele insek tegniek is die verbetering van die massa-aanteel van die kodlingmot in terme van kwaliteit van die dieet en die ekonomiese aspek van die aanteel metode ondersoek. Die effek van genetiese gemanipuleerde mieliemeel wat die Bacillus thuringiensis geen bevat, in ‘n kunsmatige voedselmedium vir die aanteel van kodlingmot, is bepaal. Daar is gevind dat die gebruik van selfs ‘n klein persentasie Bacillus thuringiensis in die mieliemeel, mortaliteit en ‘n verlengde lewenssiklus in kodlingmot veroorsaak. Die gevolge is nadelig vir ‘n massa-aanteel fasiliteit en behoort in ag geneem te word vir enige insek wat op ‘n kunsmatige medium, wat mieliemeel bevat, geteel word, mits die insek sensitief is vir Bacillus thuringiensis. ‘n Alternatiewe bestanddeel vir mieliemeel, volkoringmeel, word aanbeveel. Agar agar is ‘n duur verdikkingsagent wat in kunsmatige mediums gebruik word. ‘n Alternatief vir agar agar (Kelcogel, Elastigel en carrageenen) is getoets en die biologiese effek op die kodlingmot is bepaal. Faktore soos mortaliteit, papie en mot gewig, langlewendheid, vrugbaarheid en lengte van lewenssiklus was gebruik as kwaliteit parameters. Resultate het getoon dat Elastigel ‘n geskikte plaasvevanger is van agar agar, met groter papies en motte, groter vrugbaarheid en langlewendheid. Die ekonomiese gevolg van die plaasvervanger, is ‘n vermindering van 40.91% van die dieetkoste. Die ander verdikkingagente wat is getoets is, het aanvaarbare resultate gelewer wat noodsaaklik is indien daar ‘n tekort van Elastigel of agar agar ontwikkel. ‘n Nuwe metode van massa-aanteel van kodlingmot larwes is bepaal. Die metode behels ‘n geslote sisteem, waar groter aanteel bakke in ‘n geslote, geventileerde boks geplaas word. Die metode is koste en spasie effektief en ‘n kleiner area word benodig om ‘n groter aantal motte te lewer. Die risiko van kontaminasie van die dieet word verminder as gevolg van die geslote sisteem wat gebruik word en meer ekonomiese en effektiewe lugversorging word gebruik. Hierdie is die eerste verslag van sy soort wat die massa-aanteel van kodlingmot in ‘n geslote sisteem beskryf en wat die risiko aandui van geneties gemanipuleerde mieliemeel in ‘n kunsmatige medium vir die kodlingmot. Hierdie resultate behoort in ag geneem te word vir reeds bestaande massa-aanteel fasiliteite of met die ontwerp van nuwe massa-aanteel fasiliteite.

Etudier l’aptitude d’insectes parasitoïdes à se reproduire dans de nouveaux hôtes est important pour comprendre les mécanismes d’adaptation dans un contexte de lutte biologique. Cotesia typhae est un parasitoïde africain spécialisé sur le lépidoptère Sesamia nonagrioides et est un agent de lutte biologique potentiel contre ce ravageur du maïs. C. typhae appartient à un groupe d’espèces possédant un virus endosymbiotique injecté dans l’hôte lors de la ponte et contribuant à la virulence du parasitoïde. J’ai pu montrer que deux souches de C. typhae diffèrent par leur nombre de descendants et par leur virulence envers une population française de S. nonagrioides, représentant un nouvel hôte. Afin d’identifier les gènes responsables de ces variations une recherche de QTL a été entreprise (Quantitative Trait Loci). Nous avons établi une carte génétique de C. typhae, identifié quatre QTL et dressé une liste de gènes candidats. Pour expliquer la différence de virulence et du nombre de descendants, les quantités d’œufs et de virus injectés au cours de pontes successives ont été estimées. Ces expériences ont montré 1/ que les deux souches ne répartissent pas leurs œufs de la même manière entre les hôtes, 2/ que la quantité de virus injectés n’est pas corrélée à la virulence. Pour comprendre l’origine évolutive de la différence de virulence, ce trait a été estimé sur les populations hôtes naturelles. Les résultats suggèrent que l’adaptation locale pourrait être à l’origine de la pré-adaptation d’une des souches à l’hôte français. Ce travail a permis également de bien caractériser le succès reproducteur de C. typhae, essentiel pour son utilisation en lutte biologique<br>Studying the ability of insect parasitoids to reproduce in novel hosts is important to understand adaptive mechanisms at play when they are used for biological control. Cotesia typhae is an African parasitoid specialized on the Lepidoptera Sesamia nonagrioides and it is a potential biological control agent against this maize pest. C. typhae belongs to a group of species harboring a symbiotic virus which is injected in the host during oviposition and which contributes to the parasitoid virulence. I have found out that two strains of C. typhae differed in their offspring number and in their virulence against a French population of S. nonagrioides, which represents a new host. A QTL analysis (Quantitative Trait Loci) has been done to identify genes involved in these variations. We have built a genetic map of C. typhae, identified four QTL and listed candidate genes. To explain the difference of virulence and offspring number, numbers of eggs and viral particles injected during successive ovipositions have been estimated. These experiments have shown that 1/ the two strains have different patterns of egg allocation among the successive hosts parasitized, 2/ the quantity of injected viral particles is not correlated to virulence. To understand to evolutionary origin of the virulence variation, this trait has been estimated for the natural host populations. The results suggest that local adaptation could explain the better pre-adaptation of one C. typhae strain to the French host population. This work also allowed an in-depth characterization of the parasitoid reproductive success, essential for its use in biological control

Canada is a nation known for being highly multiethnic due to its rich history of immigration. But many immigrant parents struggle with acculturation and, at the same time, they are faced with the challenge of raising their children in a new country. This study explored the process of transition among newcomer mothers living in Winnipeg. Using a qualitative approach, ten in-depth interviews were conducted to gain a greater understanding of the process that parents go through as they learn about a particular disciplinary approach - Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting (PDEP). Four main themes emerged: 1) the meaning of parenting; 2) a new vision of parenting; 3) conflicting notions of discipline; and 4) navigating the acculturation gap. Each primary theme had several sub-themes that expressed the process of transition to a new parenting context. Many mothers had experienced corporal punishment as children but none approved of it. They explained that PDEP had provided them with a new non-violent vision of parenting. Mothers described the parenting changes they had made and how their confidence had increased since learning about PDEP. They also described the impact that the loss of extended family support had on parenting dynamics. Although some of the mothers observed that the PDEP program had not decreased the acculturation gap between them and their children, it had helped them to better understand their children’s perspectives. The implications of the findings for professionals who support newcomer parents are discussed.<br>February 2016

This study investigated 15 child care centres to find out their responsiveness to the needs of families from non-Anglo backgrounds. Results of this study showed a need to improve service quality in child care to best serve the needs of children from non-Anglo backgrounds. Forty Filipino, 15 Cambodian and 30 Sudanese families were involved in this study.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Michigan State University. Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife, 2008.<br>Title from PDF t.p. (viewed on July 23, 2009) Includes bibliographical references (p. 160-179). Also issued in print.

Tese no âmbito do Doutoramento em Psicologia, especialidade em Psicologia Forense e apresentada à Faculdade de Psicologia e de Ciências da Educação da Universidade de Coimbra.<br>Introdução: Os traços psicopáticos (Grandiosidade/Manipulação–GM; Frieza/Insensibilidade emocional–FI; Impulsividade/Irresponsabilidade-II) estão ligados às formas mais precoces, estáveis e severas de comportamento antissocial, sobretudo quando associados à Perturbação do Comportamento (PC). Contudo, ainda não existe consenso relativamente à conceptualização dos traços psicopáticos em crianças/jovens, não sendo claro se o modelo multifacetado da psicopatia é mais benéfico do que considerar apenas os traços de FI. Embora alguns autores sugiram que os traços psicopáticos possam ser uma estratégia adaptativa em ambientes psicossociais hostis, a investigação sobre as raízes evolucionárias da psicopatia é escassa. Aumentar a investigação nesta área é crucial de modo a clarificar estas trajectórias etiológicas. Finalmente, a investigação no tratamento dos traços psicopáticos é limitada, sobretudo em amostras forenses, não existindo intervenções especificamente desenhadas para o seu tratamento. A Terapia Focada na Compaixão (TFC) tem sido proposta como uma abordagem evolucionária promissora no tratamento dos traços psicopáticos. De forma a colmatar estas lacunas, esta tese procurou responder a três questões de investigação: (1) Qual a melhor forma de conceptualizar os traços psicopáticos em crianças/jovens?; (2) Poderão os traços psicopáticos ser uma estratégia adaptativa perante determinadas circunstâncias de vida?; e (3) Será que intervenções específicas poderão alterar os traços psicopáticos? Método: Esta tese incluiu seis estudos e o PSYCHOPATHY.COMP, um programa individual baseado na TFC que foi especialmente desenhado para reduzir os traços psicopáticos e o comportamento antissocial. Os estudos foram conduzidos em diferentes amostras; i.e., amostras comunitárias de rapazes e raparigas e amostras forenses de rapazes. Diversas medidas de autorrelato foram utilizadas para avaliar os traços psicopáticos e outros construtos em estudo. Os participantes da amostra forense foram ainda avaliados com uma entrevista clínica estruturada e os dados relativos ao risco de reincidência e ao comportamento disruptivo foram recolhidos dos seus processos na justiça. Resultados: Recorrendo a um desenho transversal, o Estudo I procurou responder à primeira questão de investigação. Uma Análise de Perfis Latentes baseada nos traços GM, FI e II foi realizada numa amostra forense e numa amostra comunitária. Os resultados mostraram a existência de perfis de baixos, médios e altos traços psicopáticos em ambas as amostras. Os perfis psicopáticos da amostra forense diferenciaram-se em variáveis relevantes: psicopatologia, risco de reincidência e agressividade. O Estudo II (uma revisão compreensiva sobre as raízes evolucionárias da psicopatia) e os estudos transversais III/IV tiveram como objetivo responder à segunda questão de investigação. Usando diferentes amostras (comunitárias de rapazes/raparigas e forense de rapazes) e um conjunto de medidas de autorrelato, os Estudos III/IV testaram um modelo evolucionário que incluiu a relação entre o impacto de experiências precoces traumáticas e os traços psicopáticos e ainda os efeitos indirectos da vergonha e do coping disfuncional com a vergonha nessa mesma associação. Foi ainda testada a invariância do modelo entre sexos na amostra comunitária e entre rapazes da comunidade e da amostra forense. Os resultados sugeriram que o impacto de experiências precoces traumáticas se associava direta e indirectamente aos traços psicopáticos. Com algumas diferenças, este modelo explicou parcialmente os traços psicopáticos nas diversas amostras. Os estudos longitudinais V/VI procuraram responder à última questão de investigação, testando a eficácia preliminar do programa PSYCHOPATHY.COMP. O Estudo V mostrou que o programa foi eficaz na redução dos traços psicopáticos e do comportamento disruptivo num jovem detido com elevados traços psicopáticos (avaliação pré/pós/follow-up). Através de um ensaio clínico (avaliação pré/pós-tratamento com grupo de controlo), o Estudo VI mostrou a eficácia do programa na promoção da adesão terapêutica e na redução dos traços psicopáticos em jovens detidos, considerando quer a mudança grupal quer a mudança individual.<br>Introduction: Psychopathic traits (Grandiose/Manipulative–GM; Callous/Unemotional–CU; and Impulsive/Irresponsible-II) are linked to the most early, stable, and severe forms of antisocial behavior, especially when associated with Conduct Disorder (CD). Still, there is a lack of consensus about the conceptualization of psychopathic traits in children/youth. It is still not clear whether a multifaceted model of psychopathy is more beneficial and accurate than CU traits alone. Although some authors proposed that psychopathy can be seen as an adaptive strategy to deal with harsh rearing scenarios, there is a lack of research on the evolutionary roots of psychopathic traits. Increasing research on this topic is necessary to clarify these etiological pathways. Finally, research on the treatment of psychopathic traits is scarce and limited, mostly in young offender samples. There are no psychotherapeutic interventions specifically developed and tested for the treatment of psychopathic traits. Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), an evolutionary-based therapy, seems to be suitable to treat psychopathic traits. In an attempt to fill these gaps, this thesis aimed to answer three research questions: (1) What is the best way to conceptualize psychopathic traits in children and youth?; (2) Can psychopathic traits be seen as an adaptive strategy towards certain life circumstances?; and (3) Can specific and tailored intervention efforts change psychopathic traits? Method: This thesis comprises six studies and the PSYCHOPATHY.COMP program, an individual CFT-based intervention specifically designed to target psychopathic traits and antisocial behavior among young offenders. The studies were conducted in distinct samples of youth; i.e., community samples of boys and girls and forensic samples of male youth. Several self-report measures were used across studies, assessing psychopathic traits and other key variables. Forensic participants were also assessed through a structured clinical interview and the recidivism risk and disruptive behavior data were collected from their record files. Results: Study I presents a cross-sectional design aimed to answer the first research question. A Latent Profile Analysis based on GM, CU and II traits was performed with forensic and community samples of male youth. In both samples, results showed the existence of low, average, and high psychopathic traits profiles. The psychopathic profiles within the forensic sample differed on key variables including psychopathology, recidivism risk, and aggression. Study II (a comprehensive review on the evolutionary roots of psychopathic traits) and cross-sectional Studies III/IV aimed to answer the second research question. Using a set of self-report measures and community samples of boys and girls and a forensic sample of male youth, Studies III/IV tested an evolutionary model involving pathways linking the impact of harsh rearing experiences to psychopathic traits as well as the indirect effects of external shame and maladaptive shame coping strategies in that association. The invariance of the model across boys and girls from community settings and across boys from forensic and community samples was also tested. Results suggested that the impact of harsh rearing experiences was directly and indirectly linked to psychopathic traits. This model partially explained psychopathic traits in community and forensic samples, although differences were found across groups. Longitudinal Studies V/VI aimed to answer the last research question, testing the preliminary efficacy of the PSYCHOPATHY.COMP program. The clinical case study reported in Study V showed that the program was effective in reducing psychopathic traits and disruptive behavior over time (pre/post/follow-up assessment) in a detained youth with a high psychopathic profile. Using a controlled trial design (pre/post-test with a control group), Study VI supported the efficacy of this intervention in promoting therapeutic engagement and in reducing psychopathic traits among detained youth, considering both change at a group level as well as change at an individual level. Conclusions: Concerning the first research question, findings indicated that the multifaceted model of psychopathy may be more valuable for research and clinical practice than considering CU traits alone. Regarding the second question, findings suggested that psychopathic traits can be conceptualized as evolutionary rooted responses to deal with harsh rearing scenarios. Finally, answering the last question, findings indicated that the PSYCHOPATHY.COMP program was able to reduce psychopathic traits, disruptive behavior, and to promote therapeutic engagement among detained youth. Although early conceptualizations emphasized the appearance of sanity and the lack of emotional experience as core features of psychopathy, findings suggested that psychopathic traits can be seen as an adaptive strategy that disguises central emotional dysfunctions, acting as a mask of invulnerability that hides deep suffering. Overcoming this mask by building a compassionate motivation seems both an adequate therapeutic strategy and a fundamental therapeutic goal in the rehabilitation of young offenders. The promising treatment outcomes of the PSYCHOPATHY.COMP program supported its use as part of the rehabilitation policies of the juvenile justice system, potentially reducing the costs that psychopathic traits have on young offenders and on the society.

Arabic text<br>One of the most important objectives of the Islamic Code is the reformation of character so that Divine justice may be achieved in human society. Two things are of paramount importance: -Teaching upcoming generations for being receptive to Islamic teachings so as to live a healthy future; and -Developing a healthy society that provides scope for successful survival of its members. Among numerous scholars that have undertaken this noble task is Shaikh Sa'di, the Persian mystical poet. A reading of his Gulistan confirms the didactic nature of his poetry. The history of human culture attests to the eminent position he occupies in refining morality of people regardless of their race or creed, and regardless of the era in which they live. The primary objective of this dissertation is to probe this literature which offers avenues for acquiring a firm sense of justice and felicity.<br>Religious Studies & Arabic<br>M.A. (Arabic)