An improved formalism for quantum computation based on geometric algebra—case study: Grover’s search algorithm

The Grover search algorithm is one of the two key algorithms in the field of quantum computing, and hence it is desirable to represent it in the simplest and most intuitive formalism possible. We show firstly, that Clifford’s geometric algebra, provides a significantly simpler representation than the conventional bra-ket notation, and secondly, that the basis defined by the states of maximum and minimum weight in the Grover search space, allows a simple visualization of the Grover search analogous to the precession of a spin- ${\frac{1}{2}}$ particle. Using this formalism we efficiently solve the exact search problem, as well as easily representing more general search situations. We do not claim the development of an improved algorithm, but show in a tutorial paper that geometric algebra provides extremely compact and elegant expressions with improved clarity for the Grover search algorithm. Being a key algorithm in quantum computing and one of the most studied, it forms an ideal basis for a tutorial on how to elucidate quantum operations in terms of geometric algebra—this is then of interest in extending the applicability of geometric algebra to more complicated problems in fields of quantum computing, quantum decision theory, and quantum information.     

A robust and secure perceptual hashing system based on a quantization step analysis

Perceptual hashing is conventionally used for content identification and authentication. It has applications in database content search, watermarking and image retrieval. Most countermeasures proposed in the literature generally focus on the feature extraction stage to get robust features to authenticate the image, but few studies address the perceptual hashing security achieved by a cryptographic module. When a cryptographic module is employed [1], additional information must be sent to adjust the quantization step. In the perceptual hashing field, we believe that a perceptual hashing system must be robust, secure and generate a final perceptual hash of fixed length. This kind of system should send only the final perceptual hash to the receiver via a secure channel without sending any additional information that would increase the storage space cost and decrease the security. For all of these reasons, in this paper, we propose a theoretical analysis of full perceptual hashing systems that use a quantization module followed by a crypto-compression module. The proposed theoretical analysis is based on a study of the behavior of the extracted features in response to content-preserving/content-changing manipulations that are modeled by Gaussian noise. We then introduce a proposed perceptual hashing scheme based on this theoretical analysis. Finally, several experiments are conducted to validate our approach, by applying Gaussian noise, JPEG compression and low-pass filtering.     

A comparison of the trap properties and locations within GaAs fieldeffect transistors measured under different bias conditions

The activation energy and capture cross section of traps found in GaAs field effect transistors (GaAs FETs) have been measured with both ohmic channel and current saturation bias using a variety of transient, frequency dispersion, and noise spectroscopy techniques. With current saturation bias these effects have been seen in both the transconductance and the output conductance. The results for all methods and bias conditions are compared with those found by others. The relative sensitivity of the techniques and the location of the traps are discussed     

A Jitter Injection Signal Generation and Extraction System for Embedded Test of High-Speed Data I/O

An instrument for on-chip measurement of transceiver transmission capability is described that is fully realizable in CMOS technology and embeddable within an SoC. The instrument can be used to inject and extract the timing and voltage information associated with signals in high-speed transceiver circuits that are commonly found in data communication applications. At the core of this work is the use of ΣΔ amplitude- and phase-encoding techniques to generate both the voltage and timing (phase) references, or strobes used for high-speed sampling. The same technique is also used for generating the test stimulant for the device-under-test.     

Exploiting the Plackett–Burman design to examine the formulation effect on curing characteristics of oil palm ash-filled acrylonitrile butadiene rubber compounds

The present paper is focused on exploiting Plackett–Burman design to examine the formulation effect of various chemical components content on the curing characteristics of oil palm ash (OPA)-filled acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) compound. The filled-NBR compound was prepared by conventional laboratory-sized two roll mill and cured using sulfuric system. Six independent variables such as content of zinc oxide, stearic acid, N-isopropyl-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine, N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazole sulfenamide (CBS), sulfur, and even OPA filler were carried out to screen their significant effect on the curing characteristics of NBR compound. The scorch time, optimal cure time, minimum torque, and maximum torque were selected as a response. Results showed that the scorch time and the optimal cure time were significantly affected by CBS, whereas the minimum torque and maximum torque were significantly affected by OPA and sulfur, respectively, within the studied range. Among the chemical components under study, zinc oxide and stearic acid had the least effect on the curing properties of NBR compound. Analysis of variances for all factorial models demonstrated that the model was significant with P value <0.05 while the regularity (R ²) of all models was greater than 0.9. Lastly, the optimal chemical concentrations were predicted to acquire the optimal condition of the curing system for filled-NBR compound.     

A Novel Sprague-Dawley Rat Model Presents Improved NASH/NAFLD Symptoms with PEG Coated Vitexin Liposomes

Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a global threat to the human population, with manifestations resulting from alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) and non-alcohol fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD, if not treated, may progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Furthermore, inflammation leads to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Vitexin, a natural flavonoid, has been recently reported for inhibiting NAFLD. It is a lipogenesis inhibitor and activates lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation. In addition, owing to its antioxidant properties, it appeared as a hepatoprotective candidate. However, it exhibits low bioavailability and low efficacy due to its hydrophobic nature. A novel rat model for liver cirrhosis was developed by CCL4/Urethane co-administration. Vitexin encapsulated liposomes were synthesized by the ‘thin-film hydration’ method. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was coated on liposomes to enhance stability and stealth effect. The diseased rats were then treated with vitexin and PEGylated vitexin liposomes, administered intravenously and orally. Results ascertained the liposomal encapsulation of vitexin and subsequent PEG coating to be a substantial strategy for treating liver cirrhosis through oral drug delivery.     

Copper substituted nickel ferrite nanoparticles anchored onto the graphene sheets as electrode materials for supercapacitors fabrication

Nickel ferrites with high theoretical capacitance value as compared to the other metal oxides have been applied as electrode material for energy storage devices i.e. batteries and supercapacitors. High tendency towards aggregation and less specific surface area make the metal oxides poor candidate for electrochemical applications. Therefore, the improvements in the electrochemical properties of nickel ferrites (NiFe₂O₄) are required. Here, we report the synthesis of graphene nano-sheets decorated with spherical copper substituted nickel ferrite nanoparticles for supercapacitors electrode fabrication. The copper substituted and unsubstituted NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles were prepared via wet chemical co-precipitation route. Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was prepared via well-known Hummer's method. After structural characterization of both ferrite (Ni_1-xCu_xFe₂O₄) nanoparticles and rGO, the ferrite particles were decorated onto the graphene sheets to obtain Ni_1-xCu_xFe₂O₄@rGO nanocomposites. The confirmation of preparation of these nanocomposites was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The electrochemical measurements of nanoparticles and their nanocomposites (Ni_0.9Cu_0.1Fe₂O₄@rGO) confirmed that the nanocomposites due to highly conductive nature and relatively high surface area showed better capacitive behavior as compared to bare nanoparticles. This enhanced electrochemical energy storage properties of nanocomposites were attributed to the graphene and also supported by electrical (I-V) measurements. The cyclic stability experiments results showed ~65% capacitance retention after 1000 cycles. However this retention was enhanced from 65% to 75% for the copper substituted nanoparticles (Ni_0.9Cu_0.1Fe₂O₄) and 65–85% for graphene based composites. All this data suggest that these nanoparticles and their composites can be utilized for supercapacitors electrodes fabrication.     

Preparation and characterization of starch-based composite films reinforced by apricot and walnut shells

Starch-based biodegradable films were prepared by using solution-casting method and reinforced by agricultural residues [apricot and walnut shell (APS and WNS) powder]. The powder of both shells was added in different ratios (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10%) to investigate the microstructures and performances (mechanical and thermal properties) of the starch-based film. Different techniques such as impact, tensile testing, scanning electron microscope, optical microscope (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), and dynamic mechanical analysis were applied to study the thermomechanical and barrier properties of the composite films. Results showed that the incorporation of both shells significantly improved the WVTR and mechanical properties of starch-based films. The shells powder was significantly increased the Young's modulus and tensile strength of the starch-based films. Both OM and SEM results showed reasonably good compatibility between starch and reinforced shells. OM and XRD indicated that the APS and WNS not only retained their crystalline structure in the film but they also strengthened the peak intensity of the film. This phenomenon can be used to explain the mechanism of mechanical reinforcement. Since all the components used in the preparation of the films are food grade ingredients, it is expected that the films developed in this work will be used for food packaging applications. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 47978.     

Effect of operating factors on liquid–liquid mass transfer and dispersion pattern of sedimentary liquid in a mechanically stirred vessel

Liquid–liquid dispersion and mass transfer were investigated in mechanically stirred vessels without baffles by changing operation factors such as an impeller rotation speed, off-bottom clearance, volumetric liquid ratio, etc. The dispersion regime was categorized into five groups: the sedimentary liquid was kept at the vessel bottom (I), partially elevated without any collision (II), partially dispersed by colliding with the impeller bottom (III), both liquids were partially dispersed by collisions with impeller blades (III’), and the sedimentary liquid was completely dispersed (IV). The dispersion switched to I → II → III → IV with the increasing rotation speed and decreasing off-bottom clearance. The liquid–liquid mass transfer rate was significantly enhanced with the collision of the sedimentary liquid with the impeller bottom, and subsequently increased with the increasing rotation speed, volumetric liquid ratio, and vessel diameter and with the decreasing off-bottom clearance. A multiple regression analysis method was applied to determine the mass transfer rates of III and III’.     

Temperature variation in high slump drilled shaft concrete and its effect on slump loss

Drilled shaft refers to a deep foundation system where a single large diameter pier is used to replace a whole group of piles. High slump self-compacting concrete is used in drilled shafts due to its high fluidity and less proneness to segregation. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) specifications require that such concrete should have a slump between 7 and 9 in. when placed and should maintain a slump of 4 in. or more throughout the concrete placement time. Furthermore, the mix for the slump loss test should be prepared at a temperature consistent with the highest ambient or initial concrete temperature (whichever is greater) expected during actual concrete placement. It is possible that the temperature of concrete inside the drilled shaft is lower than the ambient or initial concrete temperature due to the presence of ground water. If that is the case, slump loss would be less than the loss determined at the highest ambient or the initial concrete temperature, making the FDOT requirement unrealistic. However, it should be experimentally verified. This experimental study was conducted with the objective to establish profiles of concrete temperature in time from placement to hardening along depth as well as across width of the drilled shaft. Based on the gathered data, it was found that no significant temperature differential existed along the depth and across the width of the drilled shaft during the initial setting of concrete. The temperature of concrete inside the drilled shaft was same as initial concrete temperature before placement at all locations. This finding leads to the conclusion that concrete temperature inside drilled shaft is not affected by ambient temperature and/or the underground temperature conditions.