LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Exact probability of erasure and a decoding algorithm for convolutional codes on the binary erasure channel

Analytic expressions for the exact probability of erasure for systematic, rate-1/2 convolutional codes used to communicate over the binary erasure channel and decoded using the soft-input, soft-output (SISO) and a posteriori probability (APP) algorithms are given. An alternative forward-backward algorithm which produces the same result as the SISO algorithm is also given. This low-complexity implementation, based upon lookup tables, is of interest for systems which use convolutional codes, such as turbo codes.
Impacts of Biochar (Black Carbon) Additions on the Sorption and Efficacy of Herbicides

The aim of this chapter is to review the effect of biochar on the fate and efficacy of herbicides. The increasing use and need of energy worldwide, together with the depletion of fossil fuels make the search and use of renewable energy sources a priority. Biomass is recognized as a potential renewable energy source, and pyrolysis is considered the most promising thermo-chemical conversion of biomass into bioenergy products (Özçimen & Karaosmanoğlu, 2004). Burning biomass in the absence of oxygen (pyrolysis) yields three products: a liquid (bio-oil), solid, and a gas (Bridgwater, 2003), with the traditional use of these products as renewable fuel and energy sources. Biochar currently lacks a universal definition, as can been seen in the range of definitions in the literature. According to Azargohar & Dalai (2006) biochar can be considered the solid product of pyrolysis and Sohi et al., (2010) define it as biomass-derived char intended specifically for application to soil. Warnock et al. (2007) defined biochar as the term reserved for the plant biomass derived materials contained within the black carbon (BC) continuum. We recommend that the term biochar be defined as the solid residual remaining after the thermo-chemical transformation of biomass whose main intended purpose is as a means of C sequestration. However, to retain the “biochar” classification there are two restrictions: 1) biochar itself cannot be used as a fuel source (although the utilization of the energy during production of the biochar is acceptable and encouraged) and 2) excludes those forms of black C derived from non-renewable (fossil fuel) resources [e.g. coal, petroleum, tires] (Lehmann et al., 2006). The origin of charcoal in the environment can be natural or synthetic. In the first case, wildfire and volcanic processes are responsible for its formation (Scott, 2010; Scott & Damblon, 2010); meanwhile in the second case, thermal processes such as combustion and pyrolysis convert biomass into a char (residual solid product). Pyrolysis is described by Bridgwater (2003; 2006) as thermal decomposition in absence of oxygen, and is always the first step in the processes of gasification and combustion. Production of charcoal is favored by low temperatures and very long residence time conditions (Bridgwater, 1992). According to Goldberg (1985) black carbon is produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and vegetation that comprises the range of products of char, charcoal, graphite, ash, and
Resilient remediation: Addressing extreme weather and climate change, creating community value

1U.S. Sustainable Remediation Forum, Piedmont, California 2University of Reading, Reading, UK 3Cranfield University, Cranfield, Cranfield, UK 4Farallon Consulting, L.L.C., Issaquah, Washington 5EcoAdapt, Bainbridge Island, Washington 6CDM Smith, Edison, New Jersey 7School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China 8EcoAdapt, Bainbridge Island, Washington 9Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 10National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tsukuba, Japan 11Wactor & Wick LLP, Oakland, California Correspondence Barbara Maco, 511 Boulevard Way, Piedmont, CA 94610. Email: BarbaraMaco@ww-envlaw.com Abstract Recent devastating hurricanes demonstrated that extreme weather and climate change can jeopardize contaminated land remediation and harm public health and the environment. Since early 2016, the Sustainable Remediation Forum (SURF) has led research and organized knowledge exchanges to examine (1) the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events on hazardous waste sites, and (2) how we can mitigate these impacts and create value for communities. The SURF team found that climate change and extreme weather events can undermine the effectiveness of the approved site remediation, and can also affect contaminant toxicity, exposure, organism sensitivity, fate and transport, long-term operations, management, and stewardship of remediation sites. Further, failure to consider social vulnerability to climate change could compromise remediation and adaptation strategies. SURF's recommendations for resilient remediation build on resources and drivers from state, national, and international sources, and marry the practices of sustainable remediation and climate change adaptation. They outline both general principles and site-specific protocols and provide global examples of mitigation and adaptation strategies. Opportunities for synergy include vulnerability assessments that benefit and build on established hazardous waste management law, policy, and practices. SURF's recommendations can guide owners and project managers in developing a site resiliency strategy. Resilient remediation can help expedite cleanup and redevelopment, decrease public health risks, and create jobs, parks, wetlands, and resilient energy sources. Resilient remediation and redevelopment can also positively contribute to achieving international goals for sustainable land management, climate action, clean energy, and sustainable cities.
Parenteral nutrition support for patients with pancreatic cancer. Results of a phase II study

Cachexia is a common problem in patients (pts) suffering from upper gastrointestinal cancer. In addition, most of these patients suffer from malabsorption and stenosis of the gastrointestinal tract due to their illness. Various methods of supplementary nutrition (enteral, parenteral) are practised. In patients with advanced pancreatic cancer (APC), phase angle, determined by bio-electrical impedance analysis (BIA), seems to be a survival predictor. The positive influence of BIA determinate predictors by additional nutrition is currently under discussion. To examine the impact of additional parenteral nutrition (APN) we assessed outpatients suffering from APC and progressive cachexia. The assessment based on the BIA method. Assessment parameters were phase angle, ECM/BCM index (ratio of extracellular mass to body cell mass), and BMI (body mass index). Patients suffering from progressive weight loss in spite of additional enteral nutritional support were eligible for the study. Median treatment duration in 32 pts was 18 [8-35] weeks. Response evaluation showed a benefit in 27 pts (84%) in at least one parameter. 14 pts (43.7%) improved or stabilised in all three parameters. The median ECM/BCM index was 1.7 [1.11-3.14] at start of APN and improved down to 1.5 [1.12-3.36] during therapy. The median BMI increased from 19.7 [14.4-25.9] to 20.5 [15.4-25.0]. The median phase angle improved by 10% from 3.6 [2.3-5.1] to 3.9 [2.2-5.1]. We demonstrated the positive impact of APN on the assessed parameters, first of all the phase angle, and we observed at least a temporary benefit or stabilisation of the nutritional status in the majority of the investigated patients. Based on these findings we are currently investigating the impact of APN on survival in a larger patient cohort. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00919659
An Examination of Digital Forensic Models

Law enforcement is in a perpetual race with criminals in the application of digital technologies, and requires the development of tools to systematically search digital devices for pertinent evidence. Another part of this race, and perhaps more crucial, is the development of a methodology in digital forensics that encompasses the forensic analysis of all genres of digital crime scene investigations. This paper explores the development of the digital forensics process, compares and contrasts four particular forensic methodologies, and finally proposes an abstract model of the digital forensic procedure. This model attempts to address some of the shortcomings of previous methodologies, and provides the following advantages: a consistent and standardized framework for digital forensic tool development; a mechanism for applying the framework to future digital technologies; a generalized methodology that judicial members can use to relate technology to non-technical observers; and, the potential for incorporating nondigital electronic technologies within the abstractionmodel of the digital forensic procedure. This model attempts to address some of the shortcomings of previous methodologies, and provides the following advantages: a consistent and standardized framework for digital forensic tool development; a mechanism for applying the framework to future digital technologies; a generalized methodology that judicial members can use to relate technology to non-technical observers; and, the potential for incorporating nondigital electronic technologies within the abstraction Introduction The digital age can be characterized as the application of computer technology as a tool that enhances traditional methodologies. The incorporation of computer systems as a tool into private, commercial, educational, governmental, and other facets of modern life has improved
Arbitrary path tracking control of articulated vehicles using nonlinear control theory

In this paper, we will design a path tracking controller for an articulated vehicle (a semitrailer-like vehicle) using time scale transformation and exact linearization. The proposed controller allows articulated vehicles to Follow arbitrary paths consisting of arcs and lines, while they are moving forward andlor backward. The experimental result of the &shaped path tracking control of the articulated vehicle moving backward is also presented.
Thermodynamics of the silver–olefin bond: the influence of chelation and the symbiotic effect

Enthalpy and entropy changes in the formation of chelated complexes in aqueous solution between Ag+ and some thio- and seleno-alkenes demonstrate the thermodynamic origin of the symbiotic effect and the importance of using the lowest possible temperatures for reactions involving the co-ordination of olefins.
The contrasting influence of short-term hypoxia on the hydraulic properties of cells and roots of wheat and lupin

Little is knownaboutwaterflowacross intact root cells and roots in response tohypoxia.Responsesmaybe rapid if regulated by aquaporin activity, but only if water crosses membranes. We measured the transport properties of roots and cortical cells of three important crop species in response to hypoxia (0.05molO2m ):wheat (TriticumaestivumL.), narrowleafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) and yellow lupin (Lupinus luteus L.). Hypoxia influenced solute transport within minutes of exposure as indicatedby increases in root pressure (Pr) anddecreases in turgor pressure (Pc), but these effectswere only significant in lupins. Re-aeration returnedPr to original levels in yellow lupin, but in narrow-leafed lupin,Pr declined to zero or lower values without recovery even when re-aerated. Hypoxia inhibited hydraulic conductivity of root cortical cells (Lpc) in all three species, but only inhibited hydraulic conductivity of roots (Lpr) in wheat, indicating different pathways for radial water flow across lupin and wheat roots. The inhibition of Lpr of wheat depended on the length of the root, and inhibition of Lpc in the endodermis could account for the changes in Lpr. During re-aeration, aquaporin activity increased in wheat roots causing an overshoot in Lpr. The results of this study demonstrate that the roots of these species not only vary in hydraulic properties but also vary in their sensitivity to the same external O2 concentration. Additional keywords: hydraulic conductivity, oxygen deficiency, pressure probe, root pressure, turgor pressure.
Fetal Growth versus Birthweight: The Role of Placenta versus Other Determinants

INTRODUCTION
Birthweight is used as an indicator of intrauterine growth, and determinants of birthweight are widely studied. Less is known about determinants of deviating patterns of growth in utero. We aimed to study the effects of maternal characteristics on both birthweight and fetal growth in third trimester and introduce placental weight as a possible determinant of both birthweight and fetal growth in third trimester.


METHODS
The STORK study is a prospective cohort study including 1031 healthy pregnant women of Scandinavian heritage with singleton pregnancies. Maternal determinants (age, parity, body mass index (BMI), gestational weight gain and fasting plasma glucose) of birthweight and fetal growth estimated by biometric ultrasound measures were explored by linear regression models. Two models were fitted, one with only maternal characteristics and one which included placental weight.


RESULTS
Placental weight was a significant determinant of birthweight. Parity, BMI, weight gain and fasting glucose remained significant when adjusted for placental weight. Introducing placental weight as a covariate reduced the effect estimate of the other variables in the model by 62% for BMI, 40% for weight gain, 33% for glucose and 22% for parity. Determinants of fetal growth were parity, BMI and weight gain, but not fasting glucose. Placental weight was significant as an independent variable. Parity, BMI and weight gain remained significant when adjusted for placental weight. Introducing placental weight reduced the effect of BMI on fetal growth by 23%, weight gain by 14% and parity by 17%.


CONCLUSION
In conclusion, we find that placental weight is an important determinant of both birthweight and fetal growth. Our findings indicate that placental weight markedly modifies the effect of maternal determinants of both birthweight and fetal growth. The differential effect of third trimester glucose on birthweight and growth parameters illustrates that birthweight and fetal growth are not identical entities.
Robotic unilateral and bilateral upper-limb movement training for stroke survivors afflicted by chronic hemiparesis

Stroke is the leading cause of long-term neurological disability and the principle reason for seeking rehabilitative services in the US. Learning based rehabilitation training enables independent mobility in the majority of patients post stroke, however, restoration of fine manipulation, motor function and task specific functions of the hemiplegic arm and hand is noted in fewer than 15% of the stroke patients. Brain plasticity is the innate mechanism enabling the recovery of motor skills through neurological reorganization of the brain as a response to limbs' manipulation. The objective of this research was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy for the upper limbs with a dual arm exoskeleton system (EXO-UL7) using three different modalities: bilateral mirror image with symmetric movements of both arms, unilateral movement of the affected arm and standard care. Five hemiparetic subjects were randomly assigned to each therapy modality. An upper limb exoskeleton was used to provide bilateral and unilateral treatments. Standard care was provided by a licensed physical therapist. Subjects were evaluated before and after the interventions using 13 different clinical measures. Following these treatments all of the subjects demonstrated significant improved of their fine motor control and gross control across all the treatment modalities. Subjects exhibited significant improvements in range of motion of the shoulder, and improved muscle strength for bilateral training and standard care, but not for unilateral training. In conclusion, a synergetic approach in which robotic treatments (unilateral and bilateral depending on the level of the motor control) are supplemented by the standard of care may maximize the outcome of the motor control recover following stroke.
Control of Integrated Powertrain With Electronic Throttle and Automatic Transmission

A process to design the control strategy for a vehicle with electronic throttle control (ETC) and automatic transmission is proposed in this paper. The driver's accelerator pedal position is interpreted as a power request, which is to be satisfied by coordinating the transmission gear shift and the throttle opening in an optimal fashion. The dynamic programming (DP) technique is used to obtain the optimal gear shift and throttle opening which maximizes fuel economy while satisfying the power demand. The optimal results at different power levels are then combined to form a gear map and a throttle map which governs the operation of the integrated powertrain. A control architecture concept is presented where the relationship between the accelerator pedal position and the power demand level can be adjusted according to the preference of the vehicle performance target. Simulation, vehicle test, and dynamometer test results show that the proposed integrated powertrain control scheme produces power consistently and improves fuel efficiency compared with conventional powertrain control schemes
Precautionary Demand for Money in a Monetary Search Business Cycle Model

the model account for relevant properties of the data, but not very significantly. The biggest quantitative potential for search frictions in this setting appears to be in the dynamic implications they generate for inventories and markups in the retail sector. Assessment of this potential is in progress.
Effects of climate change on international tourism

We present a simulation model of the flow of tourists between 207 countries. The model almost perfectly reproduces the calibration year 1995, and performs well in reproducing the observations for 1980, 1985 and 1990. The model is used to generate scenarios of international tourist departures and arrivals for the period 2000-2075, with particular emphasis on climate change. The growth rate of international tourism is projected to increase over the coming decades, but may slow down later in the century as demand for travel saturates. Emissions of carbon dioxide would increase fast as well. With climate change, preferred destinations would shift to higher latitudes and altitudes. Tourists from temperate climates would spend more holidays in their home countries. As such tourists currently dominate the international tourism market, climate change would decrease worldwide tourism. The effects of climate change, however, are small compared to the baseline projections.
The relationship between mobile phone location sensor data and depressive symptom severity

BACKGROUND
Smartphones offer the hope that depression can be detected using passively collected data from the phone sensors. The aim of this study was to replicate and extend previous work using geographic location (GPS) sensors to identify depressive symptom severity.


METHODS
We used a dataset collected from 48 college students over a 10-week period, which included GPS phone sensor data and the Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item (PHQ-9) to evaluate depressive symptom severity at baseline and end-of-study. GPS features were calculated over the entire study, for weekdays and weekends, and in 2-week blocks.


RESULTS
The results of this study replicated our previous findings that a number of GPS features, including location variance, entropy, and circadian movement, were significantly correlated with PHQ-9 scores (r's ranging from -0.43 to -0.46, p-values <  .05). We also found that these relationships were stronger when GPS features were calculated from weekend, compared to weekday, data. Although the correlation between baseline PHQ-9 scores with 2-week GPS features diminished as we moved further from baseline, correlations with the end-of-study scores remained significant regardless of the time point used to calculate the features.


DISCUSSION
Our findings were consistent with past research demonstrating that GPS features may be an important and reliable predictor of depressive symptom severity. The varying strength of these relationships on weekends and weekdays suggests the role of weekend/weekday as a moderating variable. The finding that GPS features predict depressive symptom severity up to 10 weeks prior to assessment suggests that GPS features may have the potential as early warning signals of depression.
Condom Negotiations among Female Sex Workers in the Philippines: Environmental Influences

BACKGROUND
Social and structural influences of condom negotiation among female sex workers (FSWs) remain understudied. This study assesses environmental and individual factors associated with condom negotiation among FSWs at high risk for acquiring HIV in a large urban setting of Metro Manila, Philippines.


METHODS
Female bar/spa workers (N = 498), aged 18 and over, underwent interview-led surveys examining their sexual health practices in the context of their risk environments. Data were collected from April 2009-January 2010 from 54 venues. Multiple logistic regressions were conducted to assess socio-behavioral factors (e.g., age, education, length of time employed as an entertainer, and alcohol/drug use) and socio-structural factors (e.g., venue-level peer/manager support, condom rule/availability, and sex trafficking) associated with condom negotiation, adjusting for individuals nested within venues.


RESULTS
Of 142 FSWs who traded sex in the previous 6 months (included in the analysis), 24% did not typically negotiate condom use with venue patrons. Factors in the physical environment--trafficked/coerced into work (AOR = 12.92, 95% CI = 3.34-49.90), economic environment--sex without a condom to make more money (AOR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.01-2.30), policy environment--sex without a condom because none was available (AOR = 2.58, 95% CI = 1.49-4.48), and individual risk--substance use (AOR = 2.36, 95% CI = 1.28-4.35) were independently associated with FSWs' lack of condom negotiation with venue patrons.


CONCLUSIONS
Factors in the physical, economic, and policy environments, over individual (excepting substance use) and social level factors, were significantly associated with these FSWs' condom negotiations in the Philippines. Drawing upon Rhodes' risk environment framework, these results highlight the need for policies that support safer sex negotiations among sex workers in the context of their risk environments. Interventions should reduce barriers to condom negotiation for FSWs trafficked/coerced into their work, substance using, and impacted by economic conditions and policies that do not support condom availability.
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