Generalized binomial state: Nonclassical features observed through various witnesses and a measure of nonclassicality

Experimental realization of various quantum states of interest has become possible in the recent past due to the rapid developments in the field of quantum state engineering. Nonclassical properties of such states have led to various exciting applications, specifically in the area of quantum information processing. The present article aims to study lower- and higher-order nonclassical features of such an engineered quantum state (a generalized binomial state based on Abel's formula). Present study has revealed that the state studied here is highly nonclassical. Specifically, higher-order nonclassical properties of this state are reported using a set of witnesses, like higher-order antibunching, higher-order sub-Poissonian photon statistics, higher-order squeezing (both Hong Mandel type and Hillery type). A set of other witnesses for lower- and higher-order nonclassicality (e.g., Vogel's criterion and Agarwal's A parameter) have also been explored. Further, an analytic expression for the Wigner function of the generalized binomial state is reported and the same is used to witness nonclassicality and to quantify the amount of nonclassicality present in the system by computing the nonclassical volume (volume of the negative part of the Wigner function). Optical tomogram of the generalized binomial state is also computed for various conditions as Wigner function cannot be measured directly in an experiment in general, but the same can be obtained from the optical tomogram with the help of Radon transform.Comment: 18 pages, 26 figure

Development and Evaluation of the Nebraska Assessment of Computing Knowledge

One way to increase the quality of computing education research is to increase the quality of the measurement tools that are available to researchers, especially measures of students’ knowledge and skills. This paper represents a step toward increasing the number of available thoroughly-evaluated tests that can be used in computing education research by evaluating the psychometric properties of a multiple-choice test designed to differentiate undergraduate students in terms of their mastery of foundational computing concepts. Classical test theory and item response theory analyses are reported and indicate that the test is a reliable, psychometrically-sound instrument suitable for research with undergraduate students. Limitations and the importance of using standardized measures of learning in education research are discussed

Careers in the Growing Field of Information Technology Services

Computers and information technology (IT) touch nearly every aspect of modern life. Information technology can help with such diverse tasks as driving motor vehicles and diagnosing diseases. IT enables seamless integration and communication between businesses anywhere in the world. To keep IT systems running, a large workforce is needed to maintain networks, create new software, and ensure information security. In addition, the proliferation of smart phones has given rise to a new “app economy,” in which new employment opportunities are available for workers who create the programs that run on mobile devices.1 Unlike many other sectors of the economy, employment in the computer systems design and related services industry (commonly known as IT services) was not significantly affected by the recession of 2007–2009. The industry lost about 1 percent of its employment in 2009 but regained momentum in 2010, when it surpassed the employment numbers from 2008.2 The high demand for the services provided by this industry has created a large number of fast-growing and high-paying IT jobs