Quantum finite automata using ancilla qubits

We introduce a new model of quantum finite automata. By using ancilla qubits, it becomes possible to recognize any regular language with certainty. Some nonregular languages can be recognized with one-sided unbounded error. We analyze a class of languages that can be recognized in this model in terms of a cascade composition of automata. This also allows to treat the case of an automaton with both classical and quantum states

Shareholder Value vs. Nachhaltigkeit?

Die Bedeutung der Börse als weltweiter Vermittler von Eigenkapital hat in den letzten Jahren zugenommen. Daher hat für die börsennotierten Unternehmen auch die Ausrichtung der unternehmerischen Leistung auf eine Steigerung ihres Geldwertes, des Shareholder Value, an Bedeutung gewonnen. Wer sich heute mit Zielkonflikten und Synergien zwischen Marktwirtschaft und nachhaltiger Entwicklung auseinandersetzen will, tut gut daran, die Rolle der Finanzmärkte zu analysieren und transparent zu machen

The comorbidity and co-medication profile of patients with progressive supranuclear palsy

BackgroundProgressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is usually diagnosed in elderly. Currently, little is known about comorbidities and the co-medication in these patients.ObjectivesTo explore the pattern of comorbidities and co-medication in PSP patients according to the known different phenotypes and in comparison with patients without neurodegenerative disease.MethodsCross-sectional data of PSP and patients without neurodegenerative diseases (non-ND) were collected from three German multicenter observational studies (DescribePSP, ProPSP and DANCER). The prevalence of comorbidities according to WHO ICD-10 classification and the prevalence of drugs administered according to WHO ATC system were analyzed. Potential drug-drug interactions were evaluated using AiDKlinik (R).ResultsIn total, 335 PSP and 275 non-ND patients were included in this analysis. The prevalence of diseases of the circulatory and the nervous system was higher in PSP at first level of ICD-10. Dorsopathies, diabetes mellitus, other nutritional deficiencies and polyneuropathies were more frequent in PSP at second level of ICD-10. In particular, the summed prevalence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases was higher in PSP patients. More drugs were administered in the PSP group leading to a greater percentage of patients with polypharmacy. Accordingly, the prevalence of potential drug-drug interactions was higher in PSP patients, especially severe and moderate interactions.ConclusionsPSP patients possess a characteristic profile of comorbidities, particularly diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The eminent burden of comorbidities and resulting polypharmacy should be carefully considered when treating PSP patients

What is meaningful research and how should we measure it?

We discuss the trend towards using quantitative metrics for evaluating research. We claim that, rather than promoting meaningful research, purely metric-based research evaluation schemes potentially lead to a dystopian academic reality, leaving no space for creativity and intellectual initiative. After sketching what the future could look like if quantitative metrics are allowed to proliferate, we provide a more detailed discussion on why research is so difficult to evaluate and outline approaches for avoiding such a situation. In particular, we characterize meaningful research as an essentially contested concept and argue that quantitative metrics should always be accompanied by operationalized instructions for their proper use and continuously evaluated via feedback loops. Additionally, we analyze a dataset containing information about computer science publications and their citation history and indicate how quantitative metrics could potentially be calibrated via alternative evaluation methods such as test of time awards. Finally, we argue that, instead of over-relying on indicators, research environments should primarily be based on trust and personal responsibility