Dimension Reduction Using Quantum Wavelet Transform on a High-Performance Reconfigurable Computer

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.The high resolution of multidimensional space-time measurements and enormity of data readout counts in applications such as particle tracking in high-energy physics (HEP) is becoming nowadays a major challenge. In this work, we propose combining dimension reduction techniques with quantum information processing for application in domains that generate large volumes of data such as HEP. More specifically, we propose using quantum wavelet transform (QWT) to reduce the dimensionality of high spatial resolution data. The quantum wavelet transform takes advantage of the principles of quantum mechanics to achieve reductions in computation time while processing exponentially larger amount of information. We develop simpler and optimized emulation architectures than what has been previously reported, to perform quantum wavelet transform on high-resolution data. We also implement the inverse quantum wavelet transform (IQWT) to accurately reconstruct the data without any losses. The algorithms are prototyped on an FPGA-based quantum emulator that supports double-precision floating-point computations. Experimental work has been performed using high-resolution image data on a state-of-the-art multinode high-performance reconfigurable computer. The experimental results show that the proposed concepts represent a feasible approach to reducing dimensionality of high spatial resolution data generated by applications such as particle tracking in high-energy physics

Towards Complete Emulation of Quantum Algorithms using High-Performance Reconfigurable Computing

Quantum computing is a promising technology that can potentially demonstrate supremacy over classical computing in solving specific classically-intractable problems. However, in its current nascent stage, quantum computing faces major challenges. Two of the main challenges are quantum state decoherence and low scalability of current quantum devices. Decoherence is a process in which the state of the quantum computer is destroyed by interaction with the environment. Decoherence places constraints on the realistic applicability of quantum algorithms as real-life applications usually require complex equivalent quantum circuits to be realized. For example, encoding classical data on quantum computers for solving I/O and data-intensive applications generally requires complex quantum circuits that violate decoherence constraints. In addition, current quantum devices are of intermediate scale, having low quantum bit (qubit) counts and often producing inaccurate or noisy measurements. Consequently, benchmarking of existing quantum algorithms and the investigation of new applications are heavily dependent on classical simulations that use costly, resource-intensive computing platforms. Hardware-based emulation has been alternatively proposed as a more cost-effective and power-efficient approach. Hardware-based emulation methods can take advantage of hardware parallelism and acceleration to produce results at a higher throughput and lower power requirements.This work proposes a hardware-based emulation methodology for quantum algorithms, using cost-effective Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technology. The proposed methodology consists of three components that are required for complete emulation of quantum algorithms; the first component models classical-to-quantum (C2Q) data encoding, the second emulates the behavior of quantum algorithms, and the third models the process of measuring the quantum state and extracting classical information, i.e., quantum-to-classical (Q2C) data decoding. The proposed emulation methodology is used to investigate and optimize methods for C2Q/Q2C data encoding/decoding, as well as several important quantum algorithms such as Quantum Fourier Transform (QFT), Quantum Haar Transform (QHT), and Quantum Grover’s Search (QGS). This work delivers contributions in terms of reducing complexities of quantum circuits, extending and optimizing quantum algorithms, and developing new quantum applications. For example, decoherence-optimized circuits for C2Q/Q2C data encoding/decoding are proposed and evaluated using the proposed emulation methodology. Multi-level decomposable forms of optimized QHT circuits are presented and used to demonstrate dimension reduction of high-resolution data. Additionally, a novel extension to the QGS algorithm is proposed to enable search for dynamically changing multi-patterns of unordered data. Finally, a novel quantum application is presented that combines QHT and dynamic multi-pattern QGS to perform pattern recognition using dimension reduction on high-resolution spatio-spectral data. For higher emulation performance and scalability of the framework, hardware design techniques and hardware architectural optimizations are investigated and proposed. The emulation architectures are designed and implemented on a high-performance reconfigurable computer (HPRC). For reference and comparison, implementations of the proposed quantum circuits are also performed on a state-of-the-art quantum computer. Experimental results show that the proposed hardware architectures enable emulation of quantum algorithms with higher scalability, higher accuracy, and higher throughput, compared to existing hardware-based emulators. As a case study, quantum image processing using multi-spectral images is considered for the experimental evaluations. The analysis and results of this work demonstrate that quantum computers and methodologies based on quantum algorithms will be highly useful in realistic data-intensive domains such as remote-sensing hyperspectral imagery and high-energy physics (HEP)

Securing and Auto-Synchronizing Communication over Free-Space Optics Using Quantum Key Distribution and Chaotic Systems

Free-Space Optical (FSO) communication provides very large bandwidth, relatively low cost, low power, low mass of implementation, and improved security when compared to conventional Free-Space Radio-Frequency (FSRF) systems. In this paper, we demonstrate a communication protocol that demonstrates improved security and longer-range FSO communication, compared to existing FSO security techniques, such as N-slit interferometers. The protocol integrates chaotic communications with Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) techniques. A Lorenz chaotic system, which is inherently secure and auto-synchronized, is utilized for secure data communications over a classical channel, while QKD is used to exchange crucial chaotic system parameters over a secure quantum channel. We also provide a concept of operations for a NASA mission combining chaotic communications and QKD operating synergistically in an end-to-end space communications link. The experimental simulation results and analysis are favorable towards our approach

Education in Emergencies, Mental Wellbeing and E-Learning

The world has been going through an unprecedented situation due to the world-wide health crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic. It affected all sectors across the globe, including education. This chapter highlights the importance of education in emergencies and how a situation like the COVID-19 pandemic creates challenges alongside opportunities to learn for personal and professional development as well as to ensure mental wellbeing of individuals through e-learning. The chapter explores literature to draw on different perspectives regarding the issues related to effectiveness in handling education and learning in an emergency in addition to preparedness for post and future emergencies. However, it focuses mainly on the role of the education sector in supporting individuals, especially learners and educators during and after emergencies. It also reflects on educational professionals’ work with students during this pandemic i.e. how educational professionals report on their adaptation journey and how the pandemic impacted the ability to serve and engage learners. From the professionals’ best practices to assist students in being successful through online education or hybrid teaching and learning formats, many opportunities arose to shape and reform education for a better future and transform the process of lifelong learning. This chapter outlines strategies, in general, for the education sector, and in particular, institutions and individuals to be better prepared for future emergencies through the opportunities e-learning offers

A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Trial of Atorvastatin for the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with increased cardiovascular event (CVE) risk. The impact of statins in RA is not established. We assessed whether atorvastatin is superior to placebo for the primary prevention of CVEs in RA patients. Methods: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was designed to detect a 32% CVE risk reduction based on an estimated 1.6% per annum event rate with 80% power at P 50 years or with a disease duration of >10 years who did not have clinical atherosclerosis, diabetes, or myopathy received atorvastatin 40 mg daily or matching placebo. The primary end point was a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, transient ischemic attack, or any arterial revascularization. Secondary and tertiary end points included plasma lipids and safety. Results: A total of 3,002 patients (mean age 61 years; 74% female) were followed up for a median of 2.51 years (interquartile range [IQR] 1.90, 3.49 years) (7,827 patient‐years). The study was terminated early due to a lower than expected event rate (0.70% per annum). Of the 1,504 patients receiving atorvastatin, 24 (1.6%) experienced a primary end point, compared with 36 (2.4%) of the 1,498 receiving placebo (hazard ratio [HR] 0.66 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.39, 1.11]; P = 0.115 and adjusted HR 0.60 [95% CI 0.32, 1.15]; P = 0.127). At trial end, patients receiving atorvastatin had a mean ± SD low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level 0.77 ± 0.04 mmoles/liter lower than those receiving placebo (P < 0.0001). C‐reactive protein level was also significantly lower in the atorvastatin group than the placebo group (median 2.59 mg/liter [IQR 0.94, 6.08] versus 3.60 mg/liter [IQR 1.47, 7.49]; P < 0.0001). CVE risk reduction per mmole/liter reduction in LDL cholesterol was 42% (95% CI −14%, 70%). The rates of adverse events in the atorvastatin group (n = 298 [19.8%]) and placebo group (n = 292 [19.5%]) were similar. Conclusion: Atorvastatin 40 mg daily is safe and results in a significantly greater reduction of LDL cholesterol level than placebo in patients with RA. The 34% CVE risk reduction is consistent with the Cholesterol Treatment Trialists’ Collaboration meta‐analysis of statin effects in other populations

Mortality from gastrointestinal congenital anomalies at 264 hospitals in 74 low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries: a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study

Summary Background Congenital anomalies are the fifth leading cause of mortality in children younger than 5 years globally. Many gastrointestinal congenital anomalies are fatal without timely access to neonatal surgical care, but few studies have been done on these conditions in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared outcomes of the seven most common gastrointestinal congenital anomalies in low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries globally, and identified factors associated with mortality. Methods We did a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of patients younger than 16 years, presenting to hospital for the first time with oesophageal atresia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, intestinal atresia, gastroschisis, exomphalos, anorectal malformation, and Hirschsprung’s disease. Recruitment was of consecutive patients for a minimum of 1 month between October, 2018, and April, 2019. We collected data on patient demographics, clinical status, interventions, and outcomes using the REDCap platform. Patients were followed up for 30 days after primary intervention, or 30 days after admission if they did not receive an intervention. The primary outcome was all-cause, in-hospital mortality for all conditions combined and each condition individually, stratified by country income status. We did a complete case analysis. Findings We included 3849 patients with 3975 study conditions (560 with oesophageal atresia, 448 with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 681 with intestinal atresia, 453 with gastroschisis, 325 with exomphalos, 991 with anorectal malformation, and 517 with Hirschsprung’s disease) from 264 hospitals (89 in high-income countries, 166 in middleincome countries, and nine in low-income countries) in 74 countries. Of the 3849 patients, 2231 (58·0%) were male. Median gestational age at birth was 38 weeks (IQR 36–39) and median bodyweight at presentation was 2·8 kg (2·3–3·3). Mortality among all patients was 37 (39·8%) of 93 in low-income countries, 583 (20·4%) of 2860 in middle-income countries, and 50 (5·6%) of 896 in high-income countries (p<0·0001 between all country income groups). Gastroschisis had the greatest difference in mortality between country income strata (nine [90·0%] of ten in lowincome countries, 97 [31·9%] of 304 in middle-income countries, and two [1·4%] of 139 in high-income countries; p≤0·0001 between all country income groups). Factors significantly associated with higher mortality for all patients combined included country income status (low-income vs high-income countries, risk ratio 2·78 [95% CI 1·88–4·11], p<0·0001; middle-income vs high-income countries, 2·11 [1·59–2·79], p<0·0001), sepsis at presentation (1·20 [1·04–1·40], p=0·016), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score at primary intervention (ASA 4–5 vs ASA 1–2, 1·82 [1·40–2·35], p<0·0001; ASA 3 vs ASA 1–2, 1·58, [1·30–1·92], p<0·0001]), surgical safety checklist not used (1·39 [1·02–1·90], p=0·035), and ventilation or parenteral nutrition unavailable when needed (ventilation 1·96, [1·41–2·71], p=0·0001; parenteral nutrition 1·35, [1·05–1·74], p=0·018). Administration of parenteral nutrition (0·61, [0·47–0·79], p=0·0002) and use of a peripherally inserted central catheter (0·65 [0·50–0·86], p=0·0024) or percutaneous central line (0·69 [0·48–1·00], p=0·049) were associated with lower mortality. Interpretation Unacceptable differences in mortality exist for gastrointestinal congenital anomalies between lowincome, middle-income, and high-income countries. Improving access to quality neonatal surgical care in LMICs will be vital to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 of ending preventable deaths in neonates and children younger than 5 years by 2030

Behavioral problems among children living in orphanage facilities of Karachi, Pakistan: comparison of children in an SOS Village with those in conventional orphanages

Purpose: This study compared the behavioral problems of children living in an SOS Village, which attempts to provide a family setup for its children, with those living in conventional orphanages. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 330 children, aged 4-16 years, living either in an SOS or other conventional orphanages of Karachi, and assessed their behavioral problems using strengths and difficulty questionnaire (SDQ). Behavioral problems on composite SDQ and subscales, rated by foster mothers, were compared between children in the two groups using chi(2) test of independence. Multivariable models were built, using generalized estimating equations (GEE) regression approach, to identify factors independently associated with behavioral problems. Results: The overall prevalence of behavioral problems was 33%. On univariate comparison, we found that groups did not differ in their overall behavioral problems, while they were significantly different on the peer problem scale (P = 0.026). The model for composite SDQ behavioral problems identified five factors: wasting, \u3c 5 years length of stay in the facility and foster mother\u27s depression, while facility type and sex of the child were part of a significant interaction. Foster mother depression, child\u27s malnourishment and fewer years of stay at the facility were associated with conduct problems, while the child\u27s sex, facility type and child\u27s parental living status were part of two interactions. Conclusion: We found a high burden of behavioral problems among children living in orphanages of Karachi, Pakistan. Foster mothers\u27 depression and child\u27s nutritional status, which are associated with behavioral problems, can be target of interventions to reduce behavioral problems of children living in orphanages

A greedy approach to improve pesticide application for precision agriculture using model predictive control

Pests may lead to low crop productivity and profitability. Pesticides are commonly used to protect crops from pests. However, too much pesticide is not only associated with harmful effects to the environment but may also lead to sub-optimal pest management. The existing works focus on the vehicle routing problem for pesticide management without giving due consideration to finding the optimal time, amount, and area for pesticide application. To solve this issue, this paper takes an active stance and introduces demand management for pesticide using an active mass-spring suspension system. Moreover, using a controller based on model predictive control that uses the active demand management model, this paper efficiently solves the problem of finding the right time, amount and place for pesticide application in an agricultural field. A greedy algorithm is then proposed to solve the vehicle routing problem after identifying the optimal time, and place for pesticide application. The proposed solution minimizes the risk of pest infestation by considering pest risk prediction models. The simulation results show that the proposed technique can maximize the protection for crops against pests. Moreover, a performance analysis of the proposed technique shows that it has significantly lower computational complexity and can converge to the optimal solution at least 78% faster than existing techniques