Projective Measurements Research Articles

The Role of Consumer Empowerment and Its Comparison in Financial Inclusion in the Global South

This research examines the role of consumer empowerment in advancing financial inclusion across the Global South, focusing on Africa, Latin America, and Asia. The study aims to understand how empowering consumers through economic literacy, protection, and equitable access facilitates meaningful participation in formal financial systems. It employs a qualitative analysis of case studies from Kenya, Bangladesh, Brazil, South Africa, Liberia and India, combined with a review of relevant policy frameworks and innovations in digital financial services. Findings reveal that consumer empowerment significantly enhances financial inclusion by building trust, fostering financial capability, and enabling access to tailored products. Case studies highlight the transformative impact of mobile platforms like M-Pesa and bKash, Liberia linking the informal financial sector to the formal financial sector pilot project and regulatory measures such as Brazil’s consumer protection laws and India’s responsible lending guidelines. However, barriers such as limited infrastructure, regulatory gaps, and socio-cultural norms continue to impede progress. The study concludes that bridging these gaps requires collaborative efforts to strengthen consumer protection, expand literacy programs, and leverage technology for equitable financial access. By addressing these challenges, stakeholders can create inclusive and resilient financial ecosystems that drive sustainable economic growth in the Global South.

Process tomography of structured optical gates with convolutional neural networks

Abstract Efficient and accurate characterization of an experimental setup is a critical requirement in any physical setting. In the quantum realm, the characterization of an unknown operator is experimentally accomplished via Quantum Process Tomography. This technique combines the outcomes of different projective measurements to reconstruct the underlying process matrix, typically extracted from maximum-likelihood estimation. Here, we exploit the logical correspondence between optical polarization and two-level quantum systems to retrieve the complex action of structured metasurfaces within a Quantum Process Tomography-inspired context. In particular, we investigate a deep-learning approach that allows for fast and accurate reconstructions of space-dependent SU(2) operators by only processing a minimal set of measurements. We train a convolutional neural network based on a scalable U-Net architecture to process entire experimental images in parallel. Synthetic processes are reconstructed with average fidelity above 90%. The performance of our routine is experimentally validated in the case of space-dependent polarization transformations acting on a classical laser beam. Our approach further expands the toolbox of data-driven approaches to Quantum Process Tomography and shows promise in the real-time characterization of complex optical gates.

Optimizing Cost Efficiency through Cost Control in Construction Projects: A Review

This study explores various methodologies and factors influencing budget performance across different sectors, particularly in construction and public budgeting. Construction projects are inherently complex and prone to cost overruns, making cost control a critical aspect of project management. This study investigates the impact of cost control on cost efficiency in construction projects. A neural network model was utilized to identify key management factors affecting project budget performance, focusing on critical aspects such as project manager experience, team turnover, and budget updates. Several monitoring techniques for cost and performance deviations, including Activity-Based Ratios, were also analyzed, revealing their varying effectiveness. In the public sector, performance-based budgeting systems were discussed, with an emphasis on integrating planning and performance metrics for more informed decision-making. Challenges in implementing such systems were highlighted, particularly regarding political and organizational barriers. In construction, various approaches were examined, including cost estimation frameworks and performance-based budgeting tools. The research underlined the importance of accurate budgeting and cost control measures in both construction projects and public administration, suggesting that strategic adjustments, better forecasting, and active stakeholder participation could improve overall budget performance. This research paper presents a comparative analysis of various process-based cost control models utilized in construction projects. The objective is to evaluate each model’s effectiveness, advantages, and limitations to provide insights for project managers in selecting the most suitable approach for their specific project needs. Key Words: Cost Efficiency, Cost Control, Construction, Projects

Ptychographic estimation of pure multiqubit states in a quantum device

Quantum ptychography is a method for estimating an unknown pure quantum state by subjecting it to overlapping projections, each one followed by a projective measurement on a single prescribed basis. Here, we present a comprehensive study of this method applied for estimating n-qubit states in a circuit-based quantum computer, including numerical simulations and experiments carried out on an IBM superconducting quantum processor. The intermediate projections are implemented through Pauli measurements on one qubit at a time, which sets the number of ptychographic circuits to 3n (in contrast to the 3n circuits for standard Pauli tomography); the final projective measurement in the computational basis is preceded by the quantum Fourier transform (QFT). Due to the large depth and number of two-qubit gates of the QFT circuit, which is unsuitable for noisy devices, we also test the approximate QFT (AQFT) and separable unitary operations. Using the QFT and AQFT of degree 2, we obtained high estimation fidelities in all tests with separable and entangled states for up to three and four qubits, respectively; on the other hand, the separable unitaries in this scenario provided good estimations only for separable states, in general. Our results compare favorably with recent results in the literature, and we discuss further alternatives to make the ptychographic method scalable for the current noisy devices.

The Existence of Distinguishable Bases in Three-Dimensional Subspaces of Qutrit-Qudit Systems Under One-Way Local Projective Measurements and Classical Communication

The Existence of Distinguishable Bases in Three-Dimensional Subspaces of Qutrit-Qudit Systems Under One-Way Local Projective Measurements and Classical Communication

Influence of large-diameter shield tunneling on deformation of adjacent high-speed railway subgrade in soft soils and effectiveness of protective measures

The excavation of large-diameter shield tunnels in soft soils inevitably impacts adjacent high-speed railway infrastructure. This study investigates the effects of constructing a 14.02 m large-diameter shield tunnel on the deformation of a nearby high-speed railway subgrade in soft soils of Shanghai, and evaluates the effectiveness of various protective measures. A numerical model was developed to simulate the horizontal deformations of railway subgrade piles, as well as the vertical and horizontal deformations of track slab resulting from shield excavation. Comprehensive real-time monitoring of track slab displacements in both vertical and horizontal directions, along with ground surface deformation, was conducted. The accuracy of the computational model and the effectiveness of the implemented protective measures were validated through field measurements. The results demonstrate that isolation piles with coupling beams proved to be the most effective method for protecting the railway subgrade. The maximum observed ground settlement above the tunnel reached −20.3 mm, while the peak heave was recorded at 3.7 mm. Notably, the additional vertical and horizontal deformations of the high-speed railway track were successfully constrained within the 2-mm threshold. These findings provide valuable insights for safety assessments and the implementation of protective measures in similar projects.

Entropic partial orderings of quantum measurements

Abstract We investigate four partial orderings on the space of quantum measurements (i.e. on POVMs or positive operator valued measures), describing four notions of coarse/fine-ness of measurement. These are the partial orderings induced by: (1) classical post-processing, (2) measured relative entropy, (3) observational entropy, and (4) linear relation of POVMs. The orderings form a hierarchy of implication, where e.g. post-processing relation implies all the others. We show that this hierarchy is strict for general POVMs, with examples showing that all four orderings are strictly inequivalent. Restricted to projective measurements, all are equivalent. Finally we show that observational entropy equality $S_M = S_N$ (for all $\rho$) holds if and only if POVMs $M \equiv N$ are post-processing equivalent, which shows that the first three orderings induce identical equivalence classes.

Maximum Entropy Principle in Deep Thermalization and in Hilbert-Space Ergodicity

We report universal statistical properties displayed by ensembles of pure states that naturally emerge in quantum many-body systems. Specifically, two classes of state ensembles are considered: those formed by (i) the temporal trajectory of a quantum state under unitary evolution or (ii) the quantum states of small subsystems obtained by partial, local projective measurements performed on their complements. These cases, respectively, exemplify the phenomena of “Hilbert-space ergodicity” and “deep thermalization.” In both cases, the resultant ensembles are defined by a simple principle: The distributions of pure states have maximum entropy, subject to constraints such as energy conservation, and effective constraints imposed by thermalization. We present and numerically verify quantifiable signatures of this principle by deriving explicit formulas for all statistical moments of the ensembles, proving the necessary and sufficient conditions for such universality under widely accepted assumptions, and describing their measurable consequences in experiments. We further discuss information-theoretic implications of the universality: Our ensembles have maximal information content while being maximally difficult to interrogate, establishing that generic quantum state ensembles that occur in nature hide (scramble) information as strongly as possible. Our results generalize the notions of Hilbert-space ergodicity to time-independent Hamiltonian dynamics and deep thermalization from infinite to finite effective temperature. Our work presents new perspectives to characterize and understand universal behaviors of quantum dynamics using statistical and information-theoretic tools. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Optimizing neurosurgery clinic operations: a comparative study of interventions in Finland's public healthcare system.

The Finnish public healthcare system aims to ensure equal access to health services for all but faces challenges in meeting the demand for specialized care, such as neurosurgery, due to resource constraints. This study investigates interventions to increase resources at a neurosurgery outpatient clinic to improve patient care without compromising waiting times for diagnoses and treatments, leveraging Finland's unique healthcare landscape. The study was conducted at Kuopio University Hospital's Department of Neurosurgery, the sole provider of neurosurgical care in Eastern Finland. Two interventions were designed to optimize clinic operations: one focusing on dynamic resource allocation through continuous monitoring and the other on establishing a fixed additional neurosurgeon slot. Process capability and regression analysis were employed to evaluate the effects of these interventions on the number of outpatient visits and the variability in daily patient numbers. The preliminary analysis showed an average of 9.3 outpatient visits per day (SD 5.2). The introduction of an additional neurosurgeon led to an increase of 5.014 visits per day, according to the regression analysis performed before the interventions. Following the interventions, the clinic observed an increase in the average number of daily outpatient visits to 9.8 after the first intervention and 11.6 after the second, with corresponding improvements in the number of neurosurgeons present. The second intervention, which established a predictable additional resource, resulted in a more significant improvement in process efficiency and stability. After the interventions, the number of new neurosurgical first patient visits increased by 7% (97 patients). This study demonstrates the importance of structured and predictable resource allocation in enhancing the efficiency of specialized healthcare services, particularly in neurosurgery. It also underscores the potential of planned interventions to manage and improve patient care in a publicly funded healthcare system, despite the challenges posed by limited resources and the need for prioritization. Moreover, the findings highlight the necessity of ongoing measurement and analysis of development projects to ensure sustained improvement and avoid regression in process quality.

Speed excess and total acceleration: a kinematical approach to entanglement

Abstract The total variance of a spin state is defined as the average of the variances of spin projection measurements along three orthogonal axes. We show that this quantity also gives the squared rotational speed of the state in projective space, averaged over all rotation axes. We compute the addition law, under system composition, for this quantity and find that, in the case of separable states, it is of simple pythagorean form. In the presence of entanglement, we find that the composite state ‘rotates faster than its parts’, thus unveiling a kinematical origin for the correlation of total variance with entanglement. We analyze a similar definition for the acceleration of a state under rotations, for both pure and mixed states, and probe numerically its relation with a wide array of entanglement related measures.

Qualitative study on sustainability of intervention measures in the Shandong Provincial Department's Joint Salt Reduction Project

Objective: To employ qualitative research methods to evaluate the sustainability of the Shandong-Ministry of Health Action on Salt and Hypertension (SMASH) interventions and their influencing factors. Method: In September 2023, interviewees meeting the inclusion criteria were recruited through purposive sampling in Jinan, Shandong Province. A semi-structured interview guide was designed based on the CFIR and RE-AIM frameworks. Personal in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted to gather insights on the feasibility, effectiveness, and sustainability of the project interventions from various stakeholders, including representatives from the government, food manufacturers, restaurants, academia, and residents. Results: A total of 15 individuals participated in in-depth interviews, involving six representatives from food manufacturers, four from restaurants, three from the government, and two from academia. There were four focus group discussions with 30 residents. The study found that at the individual resident level, health awareness and the availability of sodium reduction tools in the market could affect their salt reduction practices. For food manufacturers and restaurants, consumers' preferences, technical challenges in reformulation, and government support were key factors determining the smooth progress of their salt reduction efforts. At the governmental level, multi-sectional coordination, chronic disease management demonstration areas, and the impact of the pandemic were the main factors influencing the implementation of sodium reduction interventions. Conclusion: Future endeavours should strengthen long-term management and optimise the complex influencing factors associated with intervention measures. This will be essential in sustaining and expanding the positive health outcomes achieved through the Shandong population sodium reduction strategy.

Cost Impact Factors and Control Measures of Road and Bridge Projects Based on Linear Regression Model

Cost Impact Factors and Control Measures of Road and Bridge Projects Based on Linear Regression Model

Entanglement – nonstabilizerness separation in hybrid quantum circuits

Nonstabilizerness describes the distance of a quantum state to its closest stabilizer state. It is—like entanglement—a necessary resource for a quantum advantage over classical computing. We study nonstabilizerness, quantified by stabilizer entropy, in a hybrid quantum circuit with projective measurements and a controlled injection of non-Clifford resources. We discover a phase transition between a power law and constant scaling of nonstabilizerness with system size controlled by the rate of measurements. The same circuit also exhibits a phase transition in entanglement that appears, however, at a different critical measurement rate. This mechanism shows how, from the viewpoint of a quantum advantage, hybrid circuits can host multiple distinct transitions where not only entanglement, but also other nonlinear properties of the density matrix come into play. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Robust projective measurements through measuring code-inspired observables

Quantum measurements are ubiquitous in quantum information processing tasks, but errors can render their outputs unreliable. Here, we present a scheme that implements a robust projective measurement through measuring code-inspired observables. Namely, given a projective POVM, a classical code, and a constraint on the number of measurement outcomes each observable can have, we construct commuting observables whose measurement is equivalent to the projective measurement in the noiseless setting. Moreover, we can correct t errors on the classical outcomes of the observables’ measurement if the classical code corrects t errors. Since our scheme does not require the encoding of quantum data onto a quantum error correction code, it can help construct robust measurements for near-term quantum algorithms that do not use quantum error correction. Moreover, our scheme works for any projective POVM, and hence can allow robust syndrome extraction procedures in non-stabilizer quantum error correction codes.

Cybersecurity Transformation: Cyber-Resilient IT Project Management Framework

In response to the escalating threats of cybersecurity attacks and breaches, ensuring the development and deployment of secure IT products has become paramount for organizations in their cybersecurity transformation. This work emphasizes the critical need for a comprehensive and secure IT project management life cycle that safeguards products from their initial development stages through decommissioning. The primary objective is to seamlessly integrate security considerations into every facet of IT project management life cycles. This work embraces a cyber-resilient IT project management framework and advocates the inclusion of cybersecurity measures in IT projects and their strategic, organized, continuous, and systematic integration throughout the entire product life cycle. It introduces a pioneering framework that harmonizes the cybersecurity risk management process with the IT project management life cycle. This framework delineates a methodical sequence of steps, each encompassing a distinct set of activities. The effectiveness and practical applicability of the proposed framework were validated through a comprehensive case study focused on the Personal Health Record (PHR) system. The PHR case study served as a real-world scenario to assess the framework’s ability to address cybersecurity challenges in a specific domain. The results of the experiment demonstrated the framework’s efficacy in enhancing the security posture of IT projects, showcasing its adaptability and scalability across diverse applications.

Unbounded Sharing of Nonlocality Using Qubit Projective Measurements.

The prevailing consensus is that the sequential sharing of nonlocality in a Bell experiment requires generalized unsharp measurements, given that a sharp measurement inevitably destroys the entanglement of the shared state. In contrast, a recent work [A. Steffinlongo and A. Tavakoli, Projective measurements are sufficient for recycling nonlocality, Phys. Rev. Lett. 129, 230402 (2022)PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.129.230402] demonstrated the sharing of nonlocality up to two sequential observers by employing projective measurement aided with local randomness. Here, we introduce a form of local randomness-assisted qubit projective measurement protocol that enables the sharing of nonlocality by an arbitrary number of sequential observers (Bobs) with a single spatially separated observer (Alice). We achieve this by inspecting the diversity involved in implementing generalized measurements that harness nonlocality by preserving a sufficient amount of entanglement of the shared two-qubit entangled state. Furthermore, we highlight the crucial interplay between the degrees of measurement incompatibility of Alice and Bob in demonstrating the unbounded sharing of nonlocality.

Robustness of a state with Ising topological order against local projective measurements

Robustness of a state with Ising topological order against local projective measurements

FOBICS: Assessing project security level through a metrics framework that evaluates DevSecOps performance

Context:In today’s software development landscape, the DevSecOps approach has gained traction due to its focus on the software development process and bolstering security measures in projects, a task in light of the ever-evolving cybersecurity threats. Objective:This study aims to address the lack of metrics for quantitatively assessing its efficacy from both security and business logic perspectives. Methods:To tackle this issue, the research introduces the Framework of Business Index Concerning Security (FOBICS), a set of metrics designed to enable transparent evaluations of project security. FOBICS considers various perspectives relevant to DevSecOps practices. It includes factors such as project duration and financial outcomes, making it appealing for implementation in business settings. Results:The effectiveness of FOBICS is validated theoretically and empirically via its application in two real-world projects: the results from these implementations show a correlation between FOBICS metrics and the security strategies employed as the development methodologies adopted by diverse teams throughout the projects. Conclusion:Hence, FOBICS emerges as a tool for assessing and continuously monitoring project security, offering insights into areas of strength and areas that may require enhancement. FOBICS is shown to be effective in assessing the level of DevSecOps implementation. The ease of calculating FOBICS metrics makes them easily interpretable and continuously verifiable. Moreover, FOBICS summarizes most of the other quantitative and qualitative metrics in the literature.

Multifractality in monitored single-particle dynamics

We study multifractal properties in time evolution of a single particle subject to repeated measurements. For quantum systems, we consider circuit models consisting of local unitary gates and local projective measurements. For classical systems, we consider models for estimating the trajectory of a particle evolved under local transition processes by partially measuring particle occupations. In both cases, multifractal behaviors appear in the ensemble of wave functions or probability distributions conditioned on measurement outcomes after a sufficiently long time. While the nature of particle transport (diffusive or ballistic) qualitatively affects the multifractal properties, they are even quantitatively robust to the measurement rate or specific protocols. On the other hand, multifractality is generically lost by generalized measurements allowing erroneous outcomes or by postselection of the outcomes with no particle detection. We demonstrate these properties by numerical simulations and also propose several simplified models, which allow us to analytically obtain multifractal properties in the monitored single-particle systems. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Long-Term Nose Evaluation After Treatment of Bilateral Cleft Lip Using the Spina Technique.

Bilateral cleft lip (BCL) repair is a challenge due to anatomic and functional distortions, worse than unilateral cleft. With regard to the nose, BCL can result in certain characteristics, such as a short columella, a flattened and widened tip, and horizontally oriented nostrils. Lip and nose treatment is advocated by some surgeons to achieve a better outcome. One of the techniques used to treat this condition is the one recommended by Victor Spina, in a complex protocol involving more than one surgical procedure and long-term follow-up. The aim of this study is to evaluate the growth of the nose in patients treated using the Spina technique. This was a retrospective and analytical study of the medical records of patients who were treated using the Spina technique at the Assistance Center for Cleft Lip and Palate (CAIF) at Hospital do Trabalhador in Curitiba, Brazil. Anthropometric measurements of interalar distance and nose tip projection were made from frontal and submental photographs taken at three moments: pre-first surgery, pre-definitive surgery, and late follow-up. Furthermore, other analyzed parameters were: sex, date of birth, age at time of surgery, and late follow-up. With these data, a comparison of nose growth was made between patients with BCL and a population without craniofacial anomalies observed in a study by FARKAS et al (1992). The comparison also took sex and age variables into account. Regarding the interalar distance measurements, both sexes showed a widening of the nose before starting treatment. This widening was maintained throughout follow-up. The growth curve, in turn, remained similar among males, with an average growth rate of only 3.2% higher in patients with BCL. Among females, the difference was one of 16.92%. In terms of nasal tip projection, there was an average increase of 1.12cm (86.15%) in males and 0.69cm (57.02%) in females. It was possible to notice a nasal growth rate in those with BCL similar to the normal pattern and a significant improvement in nasal tip projection in male patients. However, with regard to the data of both sexes, but especially females, the low number of patients jeopardized the significance of the results.