Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Deciding to migrate : the role of social preferences, biased beliefs and superstition in a risky choice

This dissertation explores how individuals understand and evaluate risks when making migration decisions. Migration entails serious financial risks, including upfront payments to labour brokers or human smugglers whose promises of abundant job opportunities, decent wages and safe working conditions may not materialize. In order to understand why some individuals decide that these risks are worth taking, I examine how migrants evaluate these risks when making their decisions. I draw upon multiple empirical strategies including (1) original ethnographic fieldwork amongst Thai migrants in Los Angeles, USA, (2) a survey and a lab-in-the-field experiment with prospective migrants in northern Thailand, and (3) a natural experiment leveraging individual-level census records documenting migration experiences within Vietnam. Most scholarship on the micro-level determinants of migration choices sets out from a standard expected-utility model according to which migrants assess the potential benefits against the costs of migration, weighted by the probability that such outcomes will occur. While this basic economic model of migration decision-making has helped to shed light on some migration patterns, I propose to extend the model by incorporating sociological insights in order to gain a better understanding on an old puzzle, namely why some people move while others decide to stay given that they face the same socio-economic conditions. In particular, this dissertation is composed of five stand-alone, but related empirical chapters, in which I examine the role of social preferences, biased beliefs and superstition in migration decisionmaking. My findings show how relative deprivation (i.e. the perception of being economically “left behind”) and beliefs about luck a↵ect evaluations of risk, and consequently, migration decisions. Overall, my results assert that there are many yet under-explored but important factors influencing how individuals assess risks during the migration decision-making process.
Modeling, simulation, and design criteria for photoelectrochemical water-splitting systems

A validated multi-physics numerical model that accounts for charge and species conservation, fluid flow, and electrochemical processes has been used to analyze the performance of solar-driven photoelectrochemical water-splitting systems. The modeling has provided an in-depth analysis of conceptual designs, proof-of-concepts, feasibility investigations, and quantification of performance. The modeling has led to the formulation of design guidelines at the system and component levels, and has identified quantifiable gaps that warrant further research effort at the component level. The two characteristic generic types of photoelectrochemical systems that were analyzed utilized: (i) side-by-side photoelectrodes and (ii) back-to-back photoelectrodes. In these designs, small electrode dimensions (mm to cm range) and large electrolyte heights were required to produce small overall resistive losses in the system. Additionally, thick, non-permeable separators were required to achieve acceptably low rates of product crossover.
A Conservative Modification to the Ghost Fluid Method for Compressible Multiphase Flows

Abstract. A conservative modification to the ghost fluid method (GFM) is developed for compressible multiphase flows. The motivation is to eliminate or reduce the conservation error of the GFM without affecting its performance. We track the conservative variables near the material interface and use this information to modify the numerical solution for an interfacing cell when the interface has passed the cell. The modification procedure can be used on the GFM with any base schemes. In this paper we use the fifth order finite difference WENO scheme for the spatial discretization and the third order TVD Runge-Kutta method for the time discretization. The level set method is used to capture the interface. Numerical experiments show that the method is at least mass and momentum conservative and is in general comparable in numerical resolution with the original GFM.
Stochastic Efficiency Measurement: The Curse of Theoretical Consistency

The availability of efficiency estimation software — freely distributed via the internet and relatively easy to use — recently inflated the number of corresponding applications. The resulting efficiency estimates are used without a critical assessment with respect to the literature on theoretical consistency, flexibility and the choice of the appropriate functional form. The robustness of policy suggestions based on inferences from efficiency measures nevertheless crucially depends on theoretically well-founded estimates. This paper adresses stochastic efficiency measurement by critically reviewing the theoretical consistency of recently published technical efficiency estimates. The results confirm the need for a posteriori checking the regularity of the estimated frontier by the researcher and, if necessary, the a priori imposition of the theoretical requirements.
A Process-Algebraic Semantics for Generalised Nonblocking

Generalised nonblocking is a weak liveness property to express the ability of a system to terminate under given preconditions. This paper studies the notions of equivalence and refinement that preserve generalised nonblocking and proposes a semantic model that characterises generalised nonblocking equivalence. The model can be constructed from the transition structure of an automaton, and has a finite representation for every finite-state automaton. It is used to construct a unique automaton representation for all generalised nonblocking equivalent automata. This gives rise to effective decision procedures to verify generalised nonblocking equivalence and refinement, and to a method to simplify automata while preserving generalised nonblocking equivalence. The results of this paper provide for better understanding of nonblocking in a compositional framework, with possible applications in compositional verification.
LARGE-SCALE POISONING OF SHIP RATS (RATTUS RATTUS) IN INDIGENOUS FORESTS OF THE NORTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND

Summary: This paper describes the impact of nine poison operations on ship rats in four areas (35 ha to 3200 ha) of North Island forest. Poisoning with 1080, brodifacoum, or pindone killed 87-100% of rats, based on trapping and tracking-tunnel indices. Rat populations took 4-5 months to recover. Operations to protect nesting birds should therefore coincide with the onset of nesting and be repeated each year, although not necessarily with the same methods. Population reduction declined each year at Mapara, King Country, during three annual 1080 operations which used the same lures and baits, but remained high at Kaharoa, Bay of Plenty, where poison toxicity was higher, non-toxic bait was pre-fed, and poisoning methods varied each year. Mouse tracking rates increased in poisoned forests 3-6 months after poisoning if the initial kill of rats exceeded 90%, peaked 7-9 months after poisoning, then declined to pre-poison levels. Future research should focus on how prey and non-prey species within a forest community respond to a temporary reduction in rat numbers, and on methods to maintain low rat densities after initial knock-down.
Human Papillomavirus Genotype Distribution in Low-Grade Cervical Lesions: Comparison by Geographic Region and with Cervical Cancer

Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) associated with certain human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes may preferentially progress to cervical cancer. HPV genotyping may thus have the potential to improve the effectiveness of screening programs and to reduce overtreatment. LSIL cases (n = 8,308) from 55 published studies were included in a meta-analysis. HPV genotype distribution was assessed by geographic region and in comparison with published data on cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). HPV detection in LSIL was 80% in North America but less than 70% in other regions, most likely reflecting regional differences in LSIL diagnosis. Among 5,910 HPV-positive LSILs, HPV16 was the most common genotype (26.3%) followed by HPV31 (11.5%), HPV51 (10.6%), and HPV53 (10.2%). HPV-positive LSILs from Africa were 2-fold less likely to be infected with HPV16 than those in Europe, and HPV-positive LSILs from North America were more likely to be infected with HPV18 than those from Europe or South/Central America. Interpretation for rarer genotypes was hampered by variation in HPV testing methodology. SCC/LSIL prevalence ratios indicated that HPV16 was 2-fold and HPV18 was 1.5-fold more common in SCC than in HPV-positive LSIL, thus appearing more likely to progress than other high-risk genotypes (SCC/LSIL prevalence ratios between 0.05 and 0.85). HPV53 and HPV66 showed SCC/LSIL ratios of 0.02 and 0.01, respectively. HPV genotype distribution in LSIL differs from that in cervical cancer, highlighting the importance of HPV genotype in the risk of progression from LSIL to malignancy. Some regional differences in the relative importance of HPV genotypes in LSIL were noted.
A Silicon Synapse

The term 'neuromorphic engineering' was coined by Carver Mead almost 20 years ago (Mead, 1990) but neuromorphic engineering has been in the making since integrated circuits first came into existence. Once engineers were able to implement mathematical models in silicon, silicon neurons based on a variety of mathematical models for neuron behavior became a research focus. The Hodgkin-Huxley (HH) model of a squid giant axon is arguably the most well known mathematical model of neuron firing; however, design and fabrication of a bank of HH neurons, each with 6 parameters, consumes valuable space on a chip, and is not straightforward to implement. Integrate and fire (IF) silicon neurons are a less complicated alternative to HH neurons since they do not model the opening and closing of ion channels. Rather, they simply accumulate charge on the membrane and produce a spike when the membrane voltage reaches a threshold value. The objective of this project was to design and simulate a coupled neuron pair using an IF neuron model and a conductance based synapse. The synapse was designed to implement a standard conductance-based model, while the IF neuron was designed to emulate the biological signal. The simulated synapse to neuron connection successfully produced biologically realistic spikes in the postsynaptic neuron. A cascade of two synapses interposed with two neurons also produced spikes at each neuron. However, the spike width decreased as the spike propagated along the synapses, an issue that would need to be addressed in implementations of longer chains of synaptically-coupled neurons.
The importance of moral reflection and self-reported data in a dictator game with production

This article studies how individual behavior is affected by moral reflection in a dictator game with production. We make individuals reflect on fairness, in a structured way, before they play the dictator game. Our results suggest that moral reflection not only increases the weight people attach to fairness in distributive choices, but also has a strong effect on what people consider fair. Furthermore, we study the informational value of self-reported data. We find that self-reported data have substantial informational value, but do not add explanatory power to a random utility model estimated on purely behavioral data. Finally, we study whether there is a self-serving bias in the participants’ fairness perceptions, but do not find much evidence of this phenomenon in the data.
Motor, emotional and cognitive empathic abilities in children with autism and conduct disorder

This paper gives an overview of the studies that investigated motor, emotional and cognitive empathy in juveniles with autism or conduct disorder. Studies that measured response to emotional faces with use of facial EMG, ECG, skin conductance, eye-tracking or emotion recognition are discussed. In autism facial mimicry and emotion recognition, as well as attention to the eyes, seem to be reduced. In conduct disorder facial mimicry seems to be impaired as well as recognition of fear and sad facial expressions, and possibly associated with lack of attention to the eyes. Further research is needed to investigate autonomic emotional empathic response to emotional faces in both patient groups. Major differences between ASD and CD are hypothesized.
A Causal Relationship Model of Teachers’ Work Engagement

The purpose of this study was to examine the antecedents and consequences of work engagement model for Thai teachers. The model posits that personal resources, job resources, and job demand influence work engagement, which in turn predict work behavior (i.e., teacher role behavior and organizational citizenship behavior). The sample consisted of 417 elementary teachers in Bangkok Metropolis administration. Self- report inventories, with 5 point rating scales ranging from absolutely true to absolutely not true, were designed to measure the antecedents and consequences of work engagement, and were administered to collect data. The self-report inventories were acceptable in terms of discrimination power, validity, and reliability. The structural equation modeling (SEM) technique was employed to test the causal relationship model of work engagement. Results using SEM confirmed that the alternative model fitted the data. Specifically, personal resources (i.e., psychological immunity and intrinsic motivation) and job resources (i.e., justice climate, teacher-student relationships, support from coworkers, and supports from supervisors) positively affected work engagement. Work engagement had an impact on teacher role behavior and organizational citizenship behavior. In other words, work engagement mediated the relationship between personal – job resources and work behavior. In addition, job demands negatively affected teacher’s role behavior and organizational citizenship behavior. The model could account for 70.9 percent of variance in teacher’s role behavior and 67.2 percent of variance in organizational citizenship behavior. Implications for theory and practices are discussed. Keywords: work engagement, personal resources, job resources, job demands, work behavior
Metaphors of Transformation: Change in Male Batterers

Background: People use language to construct, frame, and give meaning to life experiences. Metaphors are a common means of representing and expressing experiences. They create a space for the interpretation and extension of their meaning, thus serving both a revelatory function and as a force for change. This article analyzes how male batterers use metaphors after having received intervention to understand their experiences and changes. Method: We use a pooled sample combining 4 qualitative studies based on in-depth semistructured interviews with 62 male batterers, aged 26 to 66 years, who underwent therapy for intimate partner violence in Israel. Results: Two pivotal thematic axes emerge from the interviews. The first is the axis of metaphors portraying the construction of a self-reflexive process that enables abusive men to understand stressful emotions and behaviors, thus attaining self-control. Aligned along the second axis are metaphors that reflect changes in the experience and understanding of the gendered-self and the gendered power relationship that manifest in the dynamics of abusive men’s violence. Discussion and implications: Male batterers use metaphors to describe the changes in their worldview, attitudes, and relationships and in their emotional and gendered-selves. Metaphors are powerful indicators of how male batterers construct their reality and can be useful as a heuristic instrument for understanding and evaluating batterers’ changes as a result of professional intervention.
C-terminus Methionene Specifically Involved in Binding Corn Odorants to Odorant Binding Protein4 in Macrocentrus cingulum

The soluble carrier proteins, OBPs carry odor components through sensilium lymph to specific receptors within the antennal sensilla to trigger behavioral responses. Herein, McinOBP4 was characterized from the Macrocentrus cingulum, which is the specialist parasitic insect of Ostrinia furnacalis for better understanding of olfactory recognition mechanism of this wasp. The classical odorant binding protein McinOBP4 showed good binding affinity to corn green leaf volatiles. RT-qPCR results showed that the McinOBP4 was primarily expressed in male and female wasp antennae, with transcripts levels differing by sex. Fluorescence assays indicate that, McinOBP4 binds corn green leaf volatiles including terpenoides and aliphatic alcohols as well as aldehydes with good affinity. We have also conducted series of binding assay with first mutant (M1), which lacked the last 8 residues and a second mutant (M2), with Met119 replaced by Leucine (Leu119). In the acidic conditions, affinity N-phenylnaphthylamine (1-NPN) to McinOBP4 and M1 were substantially decreased, but increase in basic condition with no significant differences. The lack of C-terminus showed reduced affinity to terpenoides and aliphatic alcohols as well as aldehydes compounds of corn odorants. The mutant M2 with Met119 showed significant reduction in binding affinity to tested odorants, it indicating that Met119 forming hydrophobic chain with the odorants functional group to binding. This finding provides detailed insight of chemosensory function of McinOBP4 in M. cingulum and help to develop low release agents that attract of this wasp to improve ecologically-friendly pest management strategy.
Circulating Cell-Free DNA Levels Could Predict Oncological Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Esophagectomy for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is a potential biomarker for cancer progression but its role is unclear in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after esophagectomy. We investigated relationships between plasma cfDNA levels and clinicopathological parameters in ESCC patients. Eighty-one ESCC patients who received esophagectomy were enrolled. Plasma samples from these patients and 95 normal controls were collected. DNA copy numbers were measured by real-time quantitative PCR. Subjects were divided into two groups by cfDNA level. Clinicopathological data were collected retrospectively and relationships between cfDNA levels and clinical parameters were evaluated. The cfDNA level in normal controls ranged from 0–4157 copies/mL. The cfDNA level of 96.3% ESCC patients was higher than the cutoff value (2447.26 copies/mL) with a specificity of 94.1%. The mean cfDNA concentration was 5918 copies/mL in lower and 53,311 copies/mL in higher cfDNA groups. No correlations were found between clinicopathological factors and cfDNA levels except for lymphovascular invasion. Higher cfDNA levels were associated with tumor relapse (p = 0.018). Five-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 34.7% and 33.8%, respectively. Patients with higher cfDNA levels had poorer DFS (p = 0.013). Patients with higher cfDNA levels had poorer OS, but not significantly (p = 0.164). Circulating cfDNA could be a biomarker for tumor relapse of ESCC with high sensitivity and specificity. Higher cfDNA levels were associated with tumor relapse and shorter DFS after esophagectomy in ESCC patients.
Variable-length tree-structured subvector quantization

It is demonstrated in this paper that the encoding complexity advantage of a variable-length tree-structured vector quantizer (VLTSVQ) can be enhanced by encoding low dimensional subvectors of a source vector instead of the source vector itself at the nodes of the tree structure without significantly sacrificing coding performance. The greedy tree growing algorithm for the design of such a vector quantizer codebook is outlined. Different ways of partitioning the source vector into its subvectors and several criteria of interest for selecting the appropriate subvector for making the encoding decision at each node are discussed. Techniques of tree pruning and resolution reduction are applied to obtain improved coding performance at the same low encoding complexity. Application of an orthonormal transformation such as KLT or subband transformation to the source and the implication of defining the subvectors from orthogonal subspaces are also discussed. Finally simulation results on still images and AR(1) source are presented to confirm our propositions.
Recovering Longevity Expectations from Subjective Survival Probabilities: Uncertainty Matters

According to economic theory, subjective longevity expectations should shape individual decision making regarding consumption and savings. A common way of eliciting longevity expectations is to ask for the subjective probability of survival to a certain age. However, there has been some dissent among economists about how to interpret the responses, given that subjects might not have a unique probability estimate in mind when answering such questions but rather a distribution of acceptable probability estimates. We enrich the discussion by providing new evidence for the idea that subjects tend to give responses reflecting the mode instead of the mean of their subjective probability distributions. This evidence includes a self-administered questionnaire as well as data from the Health and Retirement Study. We use this data to link related questions and make novel out-of-sample predictions. We also show that the elicited survival distributions are decent predictors of actual mortality and propose a new method to make longevity predictions based on relative instead of absolute subjective survival probabilities.
Electromechanical Resonators from Graphene Sheets

Nanoelectromechanical systems were fabricated from single- and multilayer graphene sheets by mechanically exfoliating thin sheets from graphite over trenches in silicon oxide. Vibrations with fundamental resonant frequencies in the megahertz range are actuated either optically or electrically and detected optically by interferometry. We demonstrate room-temperature charge sensitivities down to 8 × 10–4 electrons per root hertz. The thinnest resonator consists of a single suspended layer of atoms and represents the ultimate limit of two-dimensional nanoelectromechanical systems.
Differential selection on pollen and pistil traits in relation to pollen competition in the context of a sexual conflict over timing of stigma receptivity

Sexual conflict and its evolutionary consequences are understudied in plants, but the theory of sexual conflict may help explain how selection generates and maintains variability in both plants and animals. Here, we show that pollen and pistil traits involved in a sexual conflict over timing of stigma receptivity are differentially advantageous during pollen competition depending on stage of floral development and varying pollen deposition schedules. Variation in success of these traits over floral development time may result from sexually antagonistic selection.
Neuroscience, mental health and the immune system: overcoming the brain-mind-body trichotomy

Psychiatry is having a great time. Over the last few years, we have seen an exceptional explosion in neuroscience knowledge, and especially in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms through which environmental and genetic factors affect the brain and regulate behaviour, while at the same interacting with peripheral (‘body’) functions. While this explosion, and its translational implications, can be seen across a variety of fields, this editorial will focus on one particular area where these developments have been more noticeable: the interaction between neuroscience, mental health and the immune system. This editorial will focus on the broader impact of this discipline as an example of successful translational neuroscience overcoming the brain-mind-body trichotomy.