CRDec 5, 2022
From Malware Samples to Fractal Images: A New Paradigm for Classification. (Version 2.0, Previous version paper name: Have you ever seen malware?)Ivan Zelinka, Miloslav Szczypka, Jan Plucar et al.
To date, a large number of research papers have been written on the classification of malware, its identification, classification into different families and the distinction between malware and goodware. These works have been based on captured malware samples and have attempted to analyse malware and goodware using various techniques, including techniques from the field of artificial intelligence. For example, neural networks have played a significant role in these classification methods. Some of this work also deals with analysing malware using its visualisation. These works usually convert malware samples capturing the structure of malware into image structures, which are then the object of image processing. In this paper, we propose a very unconventional and novel approach to malware visualisation based on dynamic behaviour analysis, with the idea that the images, which are visually very interesting, are then used to classify malware concerning goodware. Our approach opens an extensive topic for future discussion and provides many new directions for research in malware analysis and classification, as discussed in conclusion. The results of the presented experiments are based on a database of 6 589 997 goodware, 827 853 potentially unwanted applications and 4 174 203 malware samples provided by ESET and selected experimental data (images, generating polynomial formulas and software generating images) are available on GitHub for interested readers. Thus, this paper is not a comprehensive compact study that reports the results obtained from comparative experiments but rather attempts to show a new direction in the field of visualisation with possible applications in malware analysis.
QUANT-PHNov 11, 2025
From Classical to Hybrid: A Practical Framework for Quantum-Enhanced LearningSilvie Illésová, Tomáš Bezděk, Vojtěch Novák et al.
This work addresses the challenge of enabling practitioners without quantum expertise to transition from classical to hybrid quantum-classical machine learning workflows. We propose a three-stage framework: starting with a classical self-training model, then introducing a minimal hybrid quantum variant, and finally applying diagnostic feedback via QMetric to refine the hybrid architecture. In experiments on the Iris dataset, the refined hybrid model improved accuracy from 0.31 in the classical approach to 0.87 in the quantum approach. These results suggest that even modest quantum components, when guided by proper diagnostics, can enhance class separation and representation capacity in hybrid learning, offering a practical pathway for classical machine learning practitioners to leverage quantum-enhanced methods.
9.8LGApr 15
Quantum Machine Learning for Colorectal Cancer Data: Anastomotic Leak Classification and Risk FactorsVojtěch Novák, Ivan Zelinka, Lenka Přibylová et al.
This study evaluates colorectal risk factors and compares classical models against Quantum Neural Networks (QNNs) for anastomotic leak prediction. Analyzing clinical data with 14\% leak prevalence, we tested ZZFeatureMap encodings with RealAmplitudes and EfficientSU2 ansatze under simulated noise. $F_β$-optimized quantum configurations yielded significantly higher sensitivity (83.3\%) than classical baselines (66.7\%). This demonstrates that quantum feature spaces better prioritize minority class identification, which is critical for low-prevalence clinical risk prediction. Our work explores various optimizers under noisy conditions, highlighting key trade-offs and future directions for hardware deployment.
17.1QUANT-PHMar 25
A Longitudinal Analysis of the CEC Single-Objective Competitions (2010-2024) and Implications for Variational Quantum OptimizationVojtěch Novák, Tomáš Bezděk, Ivan Zelinka et al.
This paper provides a historical analysis of the IEEE CEC Single Objective Optimization competition results (2010-2024). We analyze how benchmark functions shaped winning algorithms, identifying the 2014 introduction of dense rotation matrices as a key performance filter. This design choice introduced parameter non-separability, reduced effectiveness of coordinate-dependent methods (PSO, GA), and established the dominance of Differential Evolution variants capable of preserving the rotational invariance of their difference vectors, specifically L-SHADE. Post-2020 analysis reveals a shift towards high complexity hybrid optimizers that combine different mechanisms (e.g., Eigenvector Crossover, Societal Sharing, Reinforcement Learning) to maximize ranking stability. We conclude by identifying structural similarities between these modern benchmarks and Variational Quantum Algorithm landscapes, suggesting that evolved CEC solvers possess the specific adaptive capabilities required for quantum control.
QUANT-PHJun 24, 2025
Quantum Neural Networks for Propensity Score Estimation and Survival Analysis in Observational Biomedical StudiesVojtěch Novák, Ivan Zelinka, Lenka Přibylová et al.
This study investigates the application of quantum neural networks (QNNs) for propensity score estimation to address selection bias in comparing survival outcomes between laparoscopic and open surgical techniques in a cohort of 1177 colorectal carcinoma patients treated at University Hospital Ostrava (2001-2009). Using a dataset with 77 variables, including patient demographics and tumor characteristics, we developed QNN-based propensity score models focusing on four key covariates (Age, Sex, Stage, BMI). The QNN architecture employed a linear ZFeatureMap for data encoding, a SummedPaulis operator for predictions, and the Covariance Matrix Adaptation Evolution Strategy (CMA-ES) for robust, gradient-free optimization in noisy quantum environments. Variance regularization was integrated to mitigate quantum measurement noise, with simulations conducted under exact, sampling (1024 shots), and noisy hardware (FakeManhattanV2) conditions. QNNs, particularly with simulated hardware noise, outperformed classical logistic regression and gradient boosted machines in small samples (AUC up to 0.750 for n=100), with noise modeling enhancing predictive stability. Propensity score matching and weighting, optimized via genetic matching and matching weights, achieved covariate balance with standardized mean differences of 0.0849 and 0.0869, respectively. Survival analyses using Kaplan-Meier estimation, Cox proportional hazards, and Aalen additive regression revealed no significant survival differences post-adjustment (p-values 0.287-0.851), indicating confounding bias in unadjusted outcomes. These results highlight QNNs' potential, enhanced by CMA-ES and noise-aware strategies, to improve causal inference in biomedical research, particularly for small-sample, high-dimensional datasets.
ROFeb 15, 2022
Computing with Modular RobotsGenaro J. Martinez, Andrew Adamatzky, Ricardo Q. Figueroa et al.
Propagating patterns are used to transfer and process information in chemical and physical prototypes of unconventional computing devices. Logical values are represented by fronts of traveling diffusive, trigger or phase waves. We apply this concept of pattern based computation to develop experimental prototypes of computing circuits implemented in small modular robots. In the experimental prototypes the modular robots Cubelets are concatenated into channels and junction. The structures developed by Cubelets propagate signals in parallel and asynchronously. The approach is illustrated with a working circuit of a one-bit full adder. Complementarily a formalization of these constructions are developed across Sleptsov nets. Finally, a perspective to swarm dynamics is discussed.