Speed-up via Quantum Sampling

The Markov Chain Monte Carlo method is at the heart of efficient approximation schemes for a wide range of problems in combinatorial enumeration and statistical physics. It is therefore very natural and important to determine whether quantum computers can speed-up classical mixing processes based on Markov chains. To this end, we present a new quantum algorithm, making it possible to prepare a quantum sample, i.e., a coherent version of the stationary distribution of a reversible Markov chain. Our algorithm has a significantly better running time than that of a previous algorithm based on adiabatic state generation. We also show that our methods provide a speed-up over a recently proposed method for obtaining ground states of (classical) Hamiltonians.Comment: 8 pages, fixed some minor typo

An integrated 3D approach for effective mine risk education in post war-zone areas

International Mine Action Standards define Mine Risk Education (MRE) as activities that seek to reduce the risk of death and injury from mines and explosive remnants of war, by raising awareness and promoting safe behaviour. MRE systems and practices in post clearance areas in conflict affected regions worldwide promote two main types of activities, identification of explosive remnants of war and making the correct response ensuring individual safety as well as the safety of the community. This can be viewed as a two dimensional approach spanned by Identification and Response dimensions. This paper based on the findings from a recent empirical study conducted specifically in the northern Sri Lanka introducing Reconciliation as a third dimension to further improve the present two dimensional approach of mine risk education. The authors acknowledge that MRE has had a positive impact on war affected communities in global context. However, it needs considerable integration of a learning module which should reflect the different causes of life catastrophe risks are similar to mine risks in extreme scenarios- they constitute non-diversifiable risks, so that MRE helps maintain a significant effect and long- lasting impact on attitudes towards landmines and other explosive remnants of war at the community level.Les normes internationales d'action contre les mines définissent l'éducation au risque des mines (MRE) comme une activité visant à réduire les risques de mort et de blessures dues aux mines et aux restes explosifs de guerre, en sensibilisant l'opinion publique et en encourageant les comportements sans danger. Les systèmes et les pratiques d’EDM dans les zones de dépollution dans les régions touchées par les conflits dans le monde encouragent deux types d’activités: l’identification des restes explosifs de guerre et la réaction appropriée assurant la sécurité individuelle ainsi que la sécurité de la communauté. Cela peut être considéré comme une approche bidimensionnelle englobée par les dimensions Identification et Réponse. Ce document s'appuie sur les conclusions d'une étude empirique récente menée spécifiquement dans le nord de Sri Lanka, introduisant la réconciliation en tant que troisième dimension pour améliorer encore l'approche en deux dimensions actuelle de l'éducation au risque des mines. Les auteurs reconnaissent que l'ERM a eu un impact positif sur les communautés touchées par la guerre dans le contexte mondial. Cependant, il faut intégrer un module d’apprentissage qui devrait refléter les différentes causes des risques de catastrophe dans la vie. Ces derniers sont similaires aux risques des mines dans les scénarios extrêmes. Ils constituent des risques non diversifiables, de sorte que les MRE aident à maintenir un effet significatif et durable sur les projets

Long term in vitro expansion of epithelial stem cells enabled by pharmacological inhibition of PAK1-ROCK-Myosin II and TGF-β signaling

Summary: Despite substantial self-renewal capability in vivo, epithelial stem and progenitor cells located in various tissues expand for a few passages in vitro in feeder-free condition before they succumb to growth arrest. Here, we describe the EpiX method, which utilizes small molecules that inhibit PAK1-ROCK-Myosin II and TGF-β signaling to achieve over one trillion-fold expansion of human epithelial stem and progenitor cells from skin, airway, mammary, and prostate glands in the absence of feeder cells. Transcriptomic and epigenomic studies show that this condition helps epithelial cells to overcome stresses for continuous proliferation. EpiX-expanded basal epithelial cells differentiate into mature epithelial cells consistent with their tissue origins. Whole-genome sequencing reveals that the cells retain remarkable genome integrity after extensive in vitro expansion without acquiring tumorigenicity. EpiX technology provides a solution to exploit the potential of tissue-resident epithelial stem and progenitor cells for regenerative medicine. : Zhang et al. screen a small-molecule collection and find that pharmacologic inhibition of TGF-β and PAK1-ROCK-Myosin II, in low calcium conditions, supports extended expansion of epithelial stem cells in 2D format. This approach enhances the potential of tissue-resident epithelial stem cells for cell therapy. Keywords: epithelial stem and progenitor cells, cell culture method, TGF-β, PAK1/ROCK/Myosin II, feeder-free, regenerative medicine, cell therap

The role of achievement goal orientation in the development of self efficacy during computer training

Computer self-efficacy (CSE) is a key factor that is related to performance in computer training. A study was conducted to understand the effects of achievement goal orientation on computer self efficacy development with 166 trainees using a database application. Results show that trainees with different achievement motivation dispositions have affects on CSE development through different paths. Individuals with high mastery approach and performance approach dispositions have positive effects on pre training CSE. Mastery avoidance disposition increases Computer Anxiety (CA), this is not seen with performance avoidance. Performance approach affects CSE development by increasing effort. The study provides initial evidence for the need for targeted interventions on CSE and CA, based on trainees’ goal orientation as a personality trait

Indirect Regulatory Capture, Regulator and the Utility in Electricity Sector

This paper discussed the two cases of the regulatory decisions of the electricity sector regulator of Sri Lanka on renewable energy tariff calculation and approval of long term generation Expansion plan. The objectives of the analysis of the case studies are to examine how does utility can react on the regulatory decisions in the monopolistic market and whether it leads to a situation of Indirect Regulatory Capture. The regulatory process is examined from the perspective of various interest groups over the time, using Public Interest theory and Interest Group theory. The two cases are shown to have been strongly influenced by the interests of the different stakeholders of the electricity sector themselves, indicating a degree of 'regulatory capture'. The relationship of the utility and the regulator has been increasingly challenged by external pressures, interests of the stakeholders, and by, the level of resistance of the monopolistic utility. The paper concludes that in the monopolistic electricity market regulators decision can be reversed if the Utility is strong enough to resist the regulators decision if not favorable for the public or the utilities’ interest

WHY DOES TRANSMISSION LICENSEE SHOULD HAVE BULK SUPPLY TRANSACTION ACCOUNT IN VERTICALLY INTEGRATED UTILITY IN MONOPOLISTIC ELECTRICITY MARKET OF SRI LANKA

Sri Lanka has monopolistic electricity market dominated by Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) in all three aspects of electricity i.e. Generation, transmission and distribution. The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) is the regulatory authority for the electricity sector. PUCSL has informed CEB for establishment of an effective and transparent mechanism to carry out Bulk Supply Transaction Account (BSTA) for implementation of a transparent Tariff Regime. However still CEB has not agreed to establish the BSTA. Since this is an issue where both parties are arguing advantages and disadvantages it was studied qualitatively to figure out the reasons and solution. Hence the objective of the study is to reason out the importance of BSTA and to identify the obstacles of establishing BSTA. We interviewed Director General PUCSL, Transmission Licensee and Distribution licensees of CEB, Lanka electricity Company officials, Donor Agencies and independent experts. It was revealed that the reasons highlighted by the advantages of having BSTA are improvement of efficiency, monitoring by the management on functions and sound financial situation of utility and the counter arguments made by Senior officials of CEB are at present CEB has separate accounting system for transactions, threat of unbundling, no legal provision to do it. However, under the existing legal framework there is no requirement to establish separate physical bank accounts for each licensee of CEB, considering the reasons explained by both parties it can be concluded that implementation of BSTA is important to improve the effective and transparent financial system in the CEB. But it is necessary to have clear legal provisions. However, BSTA is an integral part of tariff methodology. Hence it is necessary to have good tariff methodology for the sector to ensure the financial viability of the utilities

Generalized remote state preparation: Trading cbits, qubits and ebits in quantum communication

We consider the problem of communicating quantum states by simultaneously making use of a noiseless classical channel, a noiseless quantum channel and shared entanglement. We specifically study the version of the problem in which the sender is given knowledge of the state to be communicated. In this setting, a trade-off arises between the three resources, some portions of which have been investigated previously in the contexts of the quantum-classical trade-off in data compression, remote state preparation and superdense coding of quantum states, each of which amounts to allowing just two out of these three resources. We present a formula for the triple resource trade-off that reduces its calculation to evaluating the data compression trade-off formula. In the process, we also construct protocols achieving all the optimal points. These turn out to be achievable by trade-off coding and suitable time-sharing between optimal protocols for cases involving two resources out of the three mentioned above.Comment: 15 pages, 2 figures, 1 tabl

Indirect Regulatory Capture, Regulator and the Utility in Electricity Sector

This paper discussed the two cases of the regulatory decisions of the electricity sector regulator of Sri Lanka on renewable energy tariff calculation and approval of long term generation Expansion plan. The objectives of the analysis of the case studies are to examine how does utility can react on the regulatory decisions in the monopolistic market and whether it leads to a situation of Indirect Regulatory Capture. The regulatory process is examined from the perspective of various interest groups over the time, using Public Interest theory and Interest Group theory. The two cases are shown to have been strongly influenced by the interests of the different stakeholders of the electricity sector themselves, indicating a degree of 'regulatory capture'. The relationship of the utility and the regulator has been increasingly challenged by external pressures, interests of the stakeholders, and by, the level of resistance of the monopolistic utility. The paper concludes that in the monopolistic electricity market regulators decision can be reversed if the Utility is strong enough to resist the regulators decision if not favorable for the public or the utilities’ interest