Minimum error discrimination of qubit states revisited

We study the problem of Minimum-Error (ME) discrimination for qubit states in detail using a geometric approach. We employ the Helstrom conditions in a constructive way and use the Bloch vector formulation. All POVM answers of the ME problem define a unique operator known as the Lagrange operator $\Gamma$, and our method starts with finding this operator. We see that in an optimal strategy there might be some non-detectable quantum states with corresponding null measurement operators. To find $\Gamma$, we introduce the notion of circumsphere for equiprobable problems. For a general problem of $N$ qubit states with arbitrary priori probabilities $\{p_i,\rho_i\}_{i=1}^N$, we introduce a structured instruction with four steps to find $\Gamma$ by using the fact that there is always a nondecomposable optimal POVM with at most four detectable states. To use this instruction, we need to know the optimal solution of two, three, and four mixed qubit states with arbitrary priori probability. Therefore, we solve the problem for these cases, including some completely new results like the ME problem of four qubit states. Moreover, we introduce some classes of POVM answers (involving the geometric of the polytope of qubit states inside the Bloch sphere), and the notion of nondecomposable POVM subsets of a given problem which provide us all we need for constructing all optimal answers

Opium addiction in patients with coronary artery disease: A grounded theory study

Background: There are widespread misconceptions about the positive effects of opium on coronary artery disease (CAD). Thus, we performed a study to explore the opium addiction process contributing factors among CAD patients using a grounded theory approach. Methods: The sample comprised 30 addicted CAD patients and their family members, physicians, nurses and friends. Purposive and theoretical sampling was employed; semi-structured interviews were conducted. Coding and constant comparative analysis techniques were as proposed by Strauss and Corbin (1998). Results: The core category was 'Fighting for Survival', comprising three main themes, namely, 'the gateway', 'blowing into the fire' and 'getting stuck in the mud'. Conclusion: Increasing knowledge about the adverse effects of opium on the cardiovascular system would reinforce prevention and rehabilitation measures. Involving patients' family-members in addiction prevention and rehabilitation programs and referring patients to specialized rehabilitation centres could help patients quit opium. Healthcare providers (HCPs) should notice to the effects of opium consumption among CAD patients; nursing care must be holistic in nature. Although opium is stigmatised in Iran, HCPs must treat addicted CAD patients similar to other patients. Nursing students' must be aware of the negative effects of illegal drugs on CAD patients and the misconceptions regarding the positive effects thereof. Any misconceptions must be probed and clarified. Rehabilitation centres must be supervised by cardiologists and HCPs

EFFECTS OF RELAXATION AND CITALOPRAM ON SEVERITY AND FREQUENCY OF THE SYMPTOMS OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME WITH DIARRHEA PREDOMINANCE

Objectives: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most prevalent functional bowel disorder which is characterized by chronic abdominal pain and altered bowel habit in the absence of any organic disease. This study examined the effects of ``relaxation and citalopram'' in comparison to ``citalopram'' alone on alleviating the symptoms of IBS patients with diarrhea predominance. Methodology: This study was a randomized clinical trial which included 64 IBS patients. The patients were selected according to Rome-III criteria, and were divided into two groups. Bowel Symptoms Severity and Frequency Scale (BSS-FS) was used for evaluation of the patients' symptoms. Data was analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Results: There were significant differences in the severity and frequency of IBS symptoms between two groups after the study period regarding BSS-FS (P 0.05). Conclusion: Relaxation in addition to citalopram in IBS patients with diarrhea predominance can decrease the severity and frequency of symptoms. However, stopping this treatment may lead to recurrence of the symptoms

Ionic Imbalances and Coupling in Synchronization of Responses in Neurons

Most neurodegenerative diseases (NDD) are a result of changes in the chemical composition of neurons. For example, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the product of A? peptide deposition which results in changes in the ion concentration. These changes in ion concentration affect the responses of the neuron to stimuli and often result in inducing excessive excitation or inhibition. This paper investigates the dynamics of a single neuron as ion changes occur. These changes are incorporated using the Nernst equation. Within the central and peripheral nervous system, signals and hence rhythms, are propagated through the coupling of the neurons. It was found that under certain conditions the coupling strength between two neurons could mitigate changes in ion concentration. By defining the state of perfect synchrony, it was shown that the effect of ion imbalance in coupled neurons was reduced while in uncoupled neurons these changes had a more significant impact on the neuronal behavior

Quantum-limited estimation of the axial separation of two incoherent point sources

Improving axial resolution is crucial for three-dimensional optical imaging systems. Here we present a scheme of axial superresolution for two incoherent point sources based on spatial mode demultiplexing. A radial mode sorter is used to losslessly decompose the optical fields into a radial mode basis set to extract the phase information associated with the axial positions of the point sources. We show theoretically and experimentally that, in the limit of a zero axial separation, our scheme allows for reaching the quantum Cram\'er-Rao lower bound and thus can be considered as one of the optimal measurement methods. Unlike other superresolution schemes, this scheme does not require neither activation of fluorophores nor sophisticated stabilization control. Moreover, it is applicable to the localization of a single point source in the axial direction. Our demonstration can be useful to a variety of applications such as far-field fluorescence microscopy.Comment: Comments are welcom

High-Throughput and Accurate 3D Scanning of Cattle Using Time-of-Flight Sensors and Deep Learning

We introduce a high throughput 3D scanning solution specifically designed to precisely measure cattle phenotypes. This scanner leverages an array of depth sensors, i.e. time-of-flight (Tof) sensors, each governed by dedicated embedded devices. The system excels at generating high-fidelity 3D point clouds, thus facilitating an accurate mesh that faithfully reconstructs the cattle geometry on the fly. In order to evaluate the performance of our system, we have implemented a two-fold validation process. Initially, we test the scanner's competency in determining volume and surface area measurements within a controlled environment featuring known objects. Secondly, we explore the impact and necessity of multi-device synchronization when operating a series of time-of-flight sensors. Based on the experimental results, the proposed system is capable of producing high-quality meshes of untamed cattle for livestock studies

Impact of consumer innovativeness on really new product adoption

Purpose – This study explores consumer innovativeness as a personality trait and addresses the hedonic, social, cognitive, and functional motivational elements that lie behind consumer innovativeness. It explores the weak relationship between consumer innovativeness and really new product (novel innovation) adoption and challenges the classic relationship between consumer learning, attitude and intention. Design/methodology/approach – This study adopts a quantitative approach, gathering survey data via an institutional online platform. 300 participants were recruited. Participants were directed to a website presenting the information of the product with the inclusion of 2D and 3D images and an avatar. For data analysis, CFA and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) were used. Findings – Results indicate a positive impact of attitude on comprehension and intention. In addition, hedonic innovativeness positively impacts customer’s attitude, whereas there is a negative relationship between social innovativeness and attitude. Motivational elements of innovation, with the exception of hedonic motivation, positively influence purchase intention. Research limitations/implications – The main limitation of the study lies in the measurement of purchase intention, as actual purchases cannot be assessed as the products are not yet available. The findings encourage marketers to target innovators first, ideally innovators motivated by hedonic needs. Originality/value – This study challenges the classic theories identifying the link between comprehension, attitude and purchase intention within the field of innovation. The findings indicate that while interacting with Really New Products, comprehension does not necessarily lead to attitude and intention, but attitude does positively influence both intention and comprehension