Bures Metrics for Certain High-Dimensional Quantum Systems

Hubner's formula for the Bures (statistical distance) metric is applied to both a one-parameter and a two-parameter series (n=2,...,7) of sets of 2^n x 2^n density matrices. In the doubly-parameterized series, the sets are comprised of the n-fold tensor products --- corresponding to n independent, identical quantum systems --- of the 2 x 2 density matrices with real entries. The Gaussian curvatures of the corresponding Bures metrics are found to be constants (4/n). In the second series of 2^n x 2^n density matrices studied, the singly-parameterized sets are formed --- following a study of Krattenthaler and Slater --- by averaging with respect to a certain Gibbs distribution, the n-fold tensor products of the 2 x 2 density matrices with complex entries. For n = 100, we are also able to compute the Bures distance between two arbitrary (not necessarily neighboring) density matrices in this particular series, making use of the eigenvalue formulas of Krattenthaler and Slater, together with the knowledge that the 2^n x 2^n density matrices in this series commute.Comment: 8 pages, LaTeX, 4 postscript figures, minor changes, to appear in Physics Letters

The global implementation of the 'winner's competitive cycle'

The purpose of this paper is to revisit the winning cycle's model proposed by Abegglen and Stalk to investigate the competitive strategies being deployed by Japanese firms

ALT-C 2011 call for proposals (abstracts)

This is the detailed call and guidelines document for the submission of abstracts of Short Papers, Short Presentations (ePosters), Symposia, Workshops and Demonstrations for inclusion in the programme of the September 6-8 2011 ALT Conference. The conference "Thriving in a colder and more challenging climate" will be co-chaired by John Cook (Professor of Technology Enhanced Learning at the Learning Technology Research Institute, London Metropolitan University), and Sugata Mitra (Professor of Educational Technology at Newcastle University)

Self-advocacy and socially just pedagogy

Discussions of 'special educational needs' (SEN), 'children with SEN' and 'inclusion' continue to portray disabled learners as problematic 'others' to be tolerated and managed (Allan 2004). The neo-liberal prioritisation of entrepreneurship and autonomy create further problems for disabled learners attempting to negotiate an increasingly market-driven education system. This paper comes about as a result of eight-weeks spent as a volunteer in an organisation offering self-advocacy based projects to young people with the label of ‘learning difficulties’, and considers such projects alongside Deleuzoguatarrian Disability Studies discussions of socially just pedagogy. By drawing on Deleuze and Guattari’s metaphor of the rhizome, and considering desire as productive, it is argued that such projects have the potential to offer an alternative, more engaged and socially-just education to the one currently offered in schools

A Legal and Ethical Puzzle: Defense Counsel as Quasi Witness

The U.S. criminal justice system is built on the concept of an adversarial trial. The defense and prosecution present competing narratives to a neutral audience that judges whether the prosecution has proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt. In this context, defense counsel is expected to be a zealous advocate for the defendant, providing the most effective representation possible in light of the evidence presented by the government. However, there are occasions outside of trial where defense counsel’s traditional role changes and she is asked to disclose, not to the jury, but to the court, personal opinions and knowledge about her client and the attorney-client relationship. This Note argues that during these occasions, defense counsel becomes a “quasi witness.” Even though she is not presenting testimony at trial, she is still providing information about her client to the judge. Indeed, the duties of confidentiality and loyalty that defense counsel owes her client are pitted against those she owes the court, spawning a serious ethical dilemma. This Note examines this dilemma and the potential damage that it can cause to the attorney-client relationship. Ultimately, this Note proposes several mechanisms for limiting the disclosures needed from defense counsel but argues that now that the category of quasi witness has been identified, a more profound debate within the profession is warranted

ALT-C 2011 call for proposals (proceedings papers)

This is the call and guidelines document for the submission of full proceedings papers for inclusion in the programme of the September 6-8 2011 ALT Conference. The conference "Thriving in a colder and more challenging climate" will be co-chaired by John Cook (Professor of Technology Enhanced Learning at the Learning Technology Research Institute, London Metropolitan University), and Sugata Mitra (Professor of Educational Technology at Newcastle University)

The role and potential of community based cancer care for Māori in Aotearoa/New Zealand : A thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand

There are unacceptable ethnic differences in cancer survival in Aotearoa/New Zealand and quality of life differs between Māori and non-Māori at all stages of the cancer journey. Overseas studies have recognised that all the priorities for cancer services are affected by actions in primary care – reducing the risk of cancer, early detection and faster access to specialist treatment, improved support for patients living with cancer, and reducing inequalities. Additionally, the importance of strategic policy to direct practical and effective community-based cancer care has also been identified. Māori health provider organisations have been using a ‘Whānau Ora’ approach to provide primary health care services for over twenty years; however their contributions to cancer care have been largely invisible. This qualitative study explores the role and potential of community based cancer care for Māori as a means to addressing three study questions: What helps patients and whānau to access and receive cancer services? What is the role of primary care, which includes Māori health providers and mainstream providers, in facilitating access into and through cancer care services? Does current cancer control policy adequately address Māori needs? Using a case study approach, participants from four areas of cancer care were recruited within a Māori-centred, ethic of care framework, to explore the experiences of those who plan, manage and administer, deliver, and receive cancer care. The main source of data was in-depth semi-structured interviews. The key themes identified from this research are that: whānau hold critical and multiple roles across cancer care; there are gaps in supportive cancer care and information that is appropriate for Māori; ongoing relationships with a primary health care provider assist whānau to navigate their cancer journeys, with Māori health providers in particular, delivering wide ranging cancer care services, and linking patients with mainstream services; engaging successfully with the cancer care system currently requires an individual rather than collective approach; cultural safety education should extend across all cancer care services; communication between cancer care providers is improving and; cancer control policy in Aotearoa has a universal focus which does not adequately address Māori needs. The role of primary care is pivotal in Māori cancer care access, from prevention through to survival, and must be at the forefront of cancer policy. Acknowledgement of the different support and quality of life needs of Māori, including recognition of the interdependence of whānau as a strength, is required. Māori health providers have the potential to play a much greater role in cancer care and support, but sustainable funding models are required if Māori health providers are to continue, and expand on, the wide range of work that they undertake within their communities. The newly implemented Whānau Ora Initiatives may provide a vehicle for provision of sustainable community cancer care services