Exact Quantum Query Algorithm for Error Detection Code Verification

Quantum algorithms can be analyzed in a query model to compute Boolean functions. Function input is provided in a black box, and the aim is to compute the function value using as few queries to the black box as possible. A repetition code is an error detection scheme that repeats each bit of the original message r times. After a message with redundant bits is transmitted via a communication channel, it must be verified. If the received message consists of r-size blocks of equal bits, the conclusion is that there were no errors. The verification procedure can be interpreted as an application of a query algorithm, where input is a message to be checked. Classically, for N-bit message, values of all N variables must be queried. We demonstrate an exact quantum algorithm that uses only N/2 queries

Financial dollarization in Russia: causes and consequences

We review some aspects of financial dollarization in Russia, applying the main relevant theories to analyze the dynamics of several dollarization indicators. An econometric model of the short run dynamics of deposit and loan dollarization is estimated for the last decade. We find that ruble appreciation was the main driver of the de-dollarization that occurred then and of the later episode of renewed dollarization. We estimate the overall (and sectoral) currency mismatches of the Russian economy. The results show a gradual improvement of the net foreign currency position of the public sector, where we have seen significant accumulation of international reserves by the Bank of Russia and repayment of government debt. Evidence is also presented for the significant currency risk vulnerability of the nonbanking private sector. Several existing empirical studies are examined in order to assess the growth losses of the Russian economy following the crisis of 2008, which was linked with the financial dollarization.financial dollarization; currency mismatch; balance sheet effects; Russia

Public Opinion Surveys in Spent Nuclear Fuel Management

Russia's plans to import foreign SNF for storage and reprocessing meet serious public opposition. As a start of taking into account public concerns, programs of public involvement can be designed and implemented. In the paper, approaches to decision-making on spent nuclear fuel management that differ in their commitment to public participation are discussed. The review of public opinion surveys in Russia that investigated public attitudes to spent fuel is given. Finally, the experience of several countries that have made serious progress in spent fuel management is analyzed with particular attention paid to the programs of public involvement and public opinion surveys. The aim is to understand the role of public opinion surveys in decision-making in this field and to describe how the surveys can be designed and conducted. This information might be useful for designing the programs of public involvement in Russia

Beyond “Uniqueness”: Habitual Traits in the Context of Cognitive-Communicative Continuity

Abstract. The paper discusses a longstanding and prevailing debate in thefields of comparative psychology and language evolution, namely the problem of continuity of cognitive and communicative abilities. It is suggested that although this problem has been addressed by multiple researchers, it remains a persistent topic of discussion and an important meta-theoretical theme in the field of language evolution. To support this claim, the paper first provides a brief overview of the continuity debate by discussing examples of prominent research work in comparative communication and cognition. It further suggests that the problem of continuity can be partly resolved by focusing on cognitive and behavioural trait distribution both between and within species. Specifically, it is proposed that conceptualising given traits as habitual, rather than human-unique, is informative for understanding evolutionary processes shaping human communicative abilities. Finally, the paper suggests that the debate on continuity would benefit from being placed in a broader framework of evolution of phenotypic plasticity and the role of cognition and behavior in evolutionary processes

Binding Properties of Large Antiviral Polyamides (PA1 and PA25) and Natural Product Derivatives as Inhibitors of Serine Hydrolases

Polyamides are a class of DNA minor groove binders that were developed from the natural product Distamycin A. PA25 (20-ring PA) showed better activity (3-fold) in the elimination of HPV16 episomes than PA1 (14-ring PA). Binding studies of PA1 and PA25 were performed in the long control region of HPV16 (7348-122 bp). PA1 showed similar binding affinity to perfect match and single mismatch binding sites. PA1 bound to double, triple, and quadruple mismatch sites with lower affinity. PA25 bound with similar binding affinity to perfect through triple mismatch binding sites. PA25 bound quadruple mismatch sites and nonspecifically. Therefore, it was concluded that PA25 is better at accommodating mismatches in its binding sites. The serine hydrolase family has a catalytic triad that consists of Serine, Histidine, and Glutamic/Aspartic Acid. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) belongs to the serine hydrolase family. AChE hydrolyzes acetylcholine to stop signal transmission between neurons and thus is a drug target for Alzheimer’s disease. The previously extracted natural product cyclophostin showed a low nM inhibitory effect against AChE; its phosphonate derivative irreversibly modified the AChE active site. The cyclophostin phosphate or phosphonate, bicyclic or monocyclic derivatives showed low μM potency against human AChE. Fluorination of the monocyclic phosphonate cyclophostin showed no inhibitory effect against AChE up to 100 μM. Hormone sensitive lipase (HSL) is also a serine hydrolase. It hydrolyzes diacylglycerol to monoacylglycerol and is a drug target for type II diabetes. The previously extracted natural product cyclipostin, showed low nM potency against HSL. Cyclipostin has a similar structure to cyclophostin; the only difference is that cyclipostin has a long alkyl chain off the phosphate moiety. SAR studies on the cyclipostin derivatives showed that absence of the long alkyl chain and the phosphate to phosphonate substitution in the bicyclic framework decreased the inhibitory effect against HSL while lactone ring opening did not affect inhibition. SAR studies in the monocyclic phosphonate framework showed that compounds with the alkyl chain on the phosphate moiety have a better inhibitory effect than compounds with the alkyl chain on the 5th carbon in the seven-membered ring

Properties and Application of Nondeterministic Quantum Query Algorithms

Many quantum algorithms can be analyzed in a query model to compute Boolean functions where input is given by a black box. As in the classical version of decision trees, different kinds of quantum query algorithms are possible: exact, zero-error, bounded-error and even nondeterministic. In this paper, we study the latter class of algorithms. We introduce a fresh notion in addition to already studied nondeterministic algorithms and introduce dual nondeterministic quantum query algorithms. We examine properties of such algorithms and prove relations with exact and nondeterministic quantum query algorithm complexity. As a result and as an example of the application of discovered properties, we demonstrate a gap of n vs. 2 between classical deterministic and dual nondeterministic quantum query complexity for a specific Boolean function.Comment: 12 pages, 9 figure

PROBLEMS OF IMPLEMENTING THE SOVEREIGNTY OF SMALL BALKAN COUNTRIES ON THE EXAMPLE OF NORTH MACEDONIA

The article deals with issues related to the difficulties in implementing the sovereignty of North Macedonia in the context of the international relations system transformation and the formation of a new world order structure. The processes of disintegration that led to the breakup of Yugoslavia and the emergence of newly independent states on the world map set them a number of tasks that had to be resolved. They had to build their own domestic and foreign policy without any proper experience. For North Macedonia, the process of establishing a working State was extremely difficult. It was accompanied by problems in the economic and socio-political sphere, the fight against separatist tendencies, and the need to find solutions to ethnic conflicts. Under these circumstances, the government had to find a balance in the legal and educational fields, which can be considered a success on the way to forming a multi-ethnic society that can become a stable basis for creating a civil nation. Obviously, the country expected assistance from European structures as it attempted to solve difficulties and problems that it was not possible for a small State to overcome on its own. It showed a willingness to join NATO and the EU, primarily to ensure security, as well as the economic and social well-being of its citizens. Despite the numerous difficulties and obstacles, it is clear that North Macedonia is following the designated course, and some success may indicate the right choice