Efficient Termination of Spatially-Coupled Codes

Spatially-coupled low-density parity-check codes attract much attention due to their capacity-achieving performance and a memory-efficient sliding-window decoding algorithm. On the other hand, the encoder needs to solve large linear equations to terminate the encoding process. In this paper, we propose modified spatially-coupled codes. The modified (\dl,\dr,L) codes have less rate-loss, i.e., higher coding rate, and have the same threshold as (\dl,\dr,L) codes and are efficiently terminable by using an accumulator

Non-Binary LDPC Codes with Large Alphabet Size

We study LDPC codes for the channel with input ${x}\in \mathbb{F}_q^m$ and output ${y}={x}+{z}\in \mathbb{F}_q^m$. The aim of this paper is to evaluate decoding performance of $q^m$-ary non-binary LDPC codes for large $m$. We give density evolution and decoding performance evaluation for regular non-binary LDPC codes and spatially-coupled (SC) codes. We show the regular codes do not achieve the capacity of the channel while SC codes do

Subcortical control of precision grip after human spinal cord injury.

The motor cortex and the corticospinal system contribute to the control of a precision grip between the thumb and index finger. The involvement of subcortical pathways during human precision grip remains unclear. Using noninvasive cortical and cervicomedullary stimulation, we examined motor evoked potentials (MEPs) and the activity in intracortical and subcortical pathways targeting an intrinsic hand muscle when grasping a small (6 mm) cylinder between the thumb and index finger and during index finger abduction in uninjured humans and in patients with subcortical damage due to incomplete cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). We demonstrate that cortical and cervicomedullary MEP size was reduced during precision grip compared with index finger abduction in uninjured humans, but was unchanged in SCI patients. Regardless of whether cortical and cervicomedullary stimulation was used, suppression of the MEP was only evident 1-3 ms after its onset. Long-term (∼5 years) use of the GABAb receptor agonist baclofen by SCI patients reduced MEP size during precision grip to similar levels as uninjured humans. Index finger sensory function correlated with MEP size during precision grip in SCI patients. Intracortical inhibition decreased during precision grip and spinal motoneuron excitability remained unchanged in all groups. Our results demonstrate that the control of precision grip in humans involves premotoneuronal subcortical mechanisms, likely disynaptic or polysynaptic spinal pathways that are lacking after SCI and restored by long-term use of baclofen. We propose that spinal GABAb-ergic interneuronal circuits, which are sensitive to baclofen, are part of the subcortical premotoneuronal network shaping corticospinal output during human precision grip

PARAMETER ESTIMATION FOR THE MARXIAN OPTIMAL GROWTH MODEL

In this article, we conduct an empirical analysis of a model called the Marxian Optimal Growth Model proposed by Yamashita and Onishi (2002). Mathematically, the Yamashita-Onishi model is the same as the neoclassical optimal growth model. Therefore, if analysis is limited to the steady state in the Yamashita-Onishi model, it is possible to use the techniques of macroeconometrics based on the dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model developed in the field of mainstream macro-econometrics. Examination of the analysis results showed that most of the discrepancies between the model and data are explained by error terms. To a certain extent, this could have been foreseen from the unrealistic assumptions of the basic Yamashita-Onishi model, and the fact that it was confirmed through actual analysis is significant. In this article, we must also note the fact that, although a Bayesian estimation approach was used in the analysis, the posterior distribution of the parameters derived as a result of the analysis is strongly affected by the prior distribution. This trend is particularly striking due to the small number of data items in the macroeconomic field

An analysis of half elliptical surface crack propagation phenomenon with smoothed particle hydrodynamics method

The smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method was applied to the problem of fatigue crack propagation. The stress singularity characteristics at the crack tip and the stress intensity factor were compared between the SPH results and the reference values. The result of half elliptical surface crack propagation analysis showed smooth crack propagation history and the shape of the analyzed fracture surface was close to that achieved by test. Accordingly, it is concluded that the SPH is a useful tool to analyze the linear elastic fracture mechanics and the fatigue crack propagation

An analysis of three-dimensional non-planar crack propagation phenomenon with smoothed particle hydrodynamics method

In the present study, the non-planar crackpropagation problems in the 3D body are solved, extending our previous study on the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method applied to the fatigue crack propagation of the planar cracks in the 3D body. To solve the propagation of the non-planar crack, the crack front particles are given the information of the slope and the position of the crack surface in addition to the crack length. To confirm the validity of the proposed method, a fatigue test of the CT specimen with an additional horizontal hole is carried out and the result is compared with the computed one successfully

ヒキコモリ トウジシャ ケイケンシャ ノ ツナガリ ニ カンスル ケンキュウ コジン ト シャカイ ノ アイダ ニオケル チュウカンテキ キョウドウタイ ニ チャクモク シテ

This research focused on intermediate community between society and individuals who experienced hikikomori. I conducted group interview with members of a group issues the information magazines of school refusal and hikikomori. As a result, it was suggested that sense of security obtained through sharing of experiences of school refusal or hikikomori is factor and motivation in their relationship. Also, it was suggested that their sensitivities to hurting others and other’s pain mediate their relationship. As regards the function of this community, it was suggested that members of the community can share their experiential knowledge through the information magazines. Also, it was suggested that the activities of editing and selling the magazines moderates their internal confl icts

Association between sleep habits and behavioral problems in early adolescence: a descriptive study

[Background] Sleep habits are related to children's behavior, emotions, and cognitive functioning. A strong relationship exists between sleep habits and behavioral problems. However, precisely which sleep habits are associated with behavioral problems remains unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to clarify the relationship between sleep habits and behavioral problems in early adolescence. [Methods] This study used data from a larger longitudinal research, specifically, data from the year 2021. First-year junior high school students (12–14 years) in Japan were surveyed; their parents (N = 1288) completed a parent-report questionnaire. The main survey items were subject attributes, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). [Results] Of the 652 valid responses received, 604 individuals who met the eligibility criteria (no developmental disability in the child and completion of all survey items) were included in the analysis. To examine the relationship between sleep habits and behavioral problems, logistic regression analysis using the inverse weighted method with propensity score was conducted with sleep habits (sleep quality, time to fall asleep, sleep duration, sleep efficiency, sleep difficulty, use of sleeping pills, difficulty waking during the day, and sleep disturbances) as explanatory variables and behavioral problems (overall difficulty in SDQ) as objective variables. The propensity score was calculated by employing the logistic regression using the inverse weighted method based on propensity scores. Propensity scores were calculated based on gender, family structure, household income, and parental educational background. The results showed that behavioral problems tended to be significantly higher in the group at risk for sleep quality, sleep difficulties, daytime arousal difficulties, and sleep disturbances than in the group with no risk. [Conclusion] The results suggest that deterioration in sleep quality, sleep difficulties, daytime arousal difficulties, and sleep disturbances may increase the risk of behavioral problems in adolescents

ヒキコモリ トウジシャ ケイケンシャ ノ セルフ ヘルプ グループ ニオケル ケイケン ト カイフク ニ ツイテ

本研究では、ひきこもりの問題にも12 のステップを用いているセルフヘルプグループの参加者2 名へのインタビューを行うことを通じて、グループの性質、参加者の経験、回復がどのように捉えられているのかを調査した。その結果、集団の中で、共感的にお互いの経験を伝え合う点、大勢の仲間に支えられるという実感を持てる点において、専門家の支援との間に相違点があることが示唆された。また、依存症などの問題と同じく、痛みを伴う底つき体験によって、それまでの自分の力に頼った生き方を手放すと同時に、そうした価値観に関する変容が生じていることが示唆されたこと、回復について、「無力」の受容といった観点から語られたことは、12 ステップグループ独自の性質によるものであるように考えられた。そして、グループ内において、社会における支配的な価値観とは異なる価値観が共有されていることが示唆されたことにより、多様な価値観を持つコミュニティや社会資源が存在することが重要であることが示唆された。　This research focused on participants’ experiences and recoveries in a self-help group for hikikomori (social withdrawal) in Japan. This group applies a 12-steps strategy deriving from Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). to address hikikomori. I conducted semi-structured interviews with two participants belonging to this group. As a result, it is suggested that sympathetically telling each other one’s own experiences and feeling oneself being supported by another are different kinds of support than those offered by professionals such as clinical psychologists. Also, it is suggested that accepting one’s own helplessness with regard to pain allows the participants to be released from a lifestyle in which they always rely on their own efforts, and change their sense of values, as with an addiction such as alcoholism. This experience seems to be unique to self-help groups using a 12-step program. And it is suggested that the sense of values shared in each self-help group differs from the socially dominant sense of values. Therefore, it may be important to have communities and supporting organizations with diverse values systems in our society

Growth of the C4 dicot Flaveria bidentis: photosynthetic acclimation to low light through shifts in leaf anatomy and biochemistry

In C4 plants, acclimation to growth at low irradiance by means of anatomical and biochemical changes to leaf tissue is considered to be limited by the need for a close interaction and coordination between bundle sheath and mesophyll cells. Here differences in relative growth rate (RGR), gas exchange, carbon isotope discrimination, photosynthetic enzyme activity, and leaf anatomy in the C4 dicot Flaveria bidentis grown at a low (LI; 150 μmol quanta m2 s−1) and medium (MI; 500 μmol quanta m2 s−1) irradiance and with a 12 h photoperiod over 36 d were examined. RGRs measured using a 3D non-destructive imaging technique were consistently higher in MI plants. Rates of CO2 assimilation per leaf area measured at 1500 μmmol quanta m2 s−1 were higher for MI than LI plants but did not differ on a mass basis. LI plants had lower Rubisco and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase activities and chlorophyll content on a leaf area basis. Bundle sheath leakiness of CO2 (ϕ) calculated from real-time carbon isotope discrimination was similar for MI and LI plants at high irradiance. ϕ increased at lower irradiances, but more so in MI plants, reflecting acclimation to low growth irradiance. Leaf thickness and vein density were greater in MI plants, and mesophyll surface area exposed to intercellular airspace (Sm) and bundle sheath surface area per unit leaf area (Sb) measured from leaf cross-sections were also both significantly greater in MI compared with LI leaves. Both mesophyll and bundle sheath conductance to CO2 diffusion were greater in MI compared with LI plants. Despite being a C4 species, F. bidentis is very plastic with respect to growth irradiance