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

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