Adiabatic and Hamiltonian computing on a 2D lattice with simple 2-qubit interactions

We show how to perform universal Hamiltonian and adiabatic computing using a time-independent Hamiltonian on a 2D grid describing a system of hopping particles which string together and interact to perform the computation. In this construction, the movement of one particle is controlled by the presence or absence of other particles, an effective quantum field effect transistor that allows the construction of controlled-NOT and controlled-rotation gates. The construction translates into a model for universal quantum computation with time-independent 2-qubit ZZ and XX+YY interactions on an (almost) planar grid. The effective Hamiltonian is arrived at by a single use of first-order perturbation theory avoiding the use of perturbation gadgets. The dynamics and spectral properties of the effective Hamiltonian can be fully determined as it corresponds to a particular realization of a mapping between a quantum circuit and a Hamiltonian called the space-time circuit-to-Hamiltonian construction. Because of the simple interactions required, and because no higher-order perturbation gadgets are employed, our construction is potentially realizable using superconducting or other solid-state qubits.Comment: 33 pages, 5 figure

Gender differences in the schooling experiences of adolescents in low-income countries: The case of Kenya

Little research on education in developing countries has focused on adolescent issues at the same time, despite the fact that a growing proportion of young people are spending some time in school during the phase of their lives between puberty and marriage, there is little research on schooling as a key dimension of the adolescent experience. This paper examines the school environment in Kenya and the potential ways it can help or hinder adolescents. We focus on gender differences with a view toward illuminating some of the factors that may present particular obstacles or opportunities for girls. The paper begins with a review of what is known about schooling and adolescence focusing on what the literature can tell us about the relationship between adolescent schooling experiences and “successful” transitions to adulthood, including not only the development of cognitive competencies, but the fulfillment of personal educational goals, the avoidance of pregnancy and the development of self-esteem and empowerment of young women. While the demographic literature views education as uniformly positive leading women to delay marriage and childbearing, the education literature views schools as conservative institutions that act to reinforce gender inequality in the society. Using both qualitative and quantitative data, the paper then continues with an analysis of 36 primary schools in three districts of Kenya chosen to reflect the spectrum of school quality in the country. The focus is on primary schools because the majority of adolescents in school attend primary school. In schools that encompass the range in terms of performance and parental status, disorganization coexists with strict punishment, minimal comforts are lacking, learning materials are scarce, learning is by rote, and sex is practiced but not taught. We find that girls do worse than boys in the primary school leaving exam and that better performing schools are not necessarily more gender equitable. Teachers’ attitudes and behavior reveal lower expectations for adolescent girls, traditional assumptions about gender roles and a double standard about sex

A compreensão do género pelas crianças pequenas

Inexistent

Marketing Communications

With the proliferation of digital and social media, there has never been a more dynamic time to engage with marketing communications - and never has the integration of marketing communications (marcoms) principles into a strategic marketing plan been more challenging. Even the best product in the world won't sell without the right reach to your potential customers and the right message to engage them. This textbook applies a uniquely practical approach to the topic so that, whilst a structured overview of planning, development, implementation and evaluation of marketing communications is in place, the detailed cases made available by the Institute for Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) show how actual challenges faced by professionals in the field were addressed. This book will help you to develop the skills you need to turn theory into the right integrated communication plan, in order to succeed in an increasingly competitive environment. Aided by a veritable wealth of pedagogical features, Marketing Communications will be essential reading for both students and professionals in marketing, communications and public relations. This textbook also benefits from a companion website which includes a comprehensive instructor's guide with PowerPoint slides, testbank questions and answer checklists

Premarital sex and school dropout in Kenya: Can schools make a difference?

Although an overall decline has occurred in adolescent fertility in Kenya, the proportion of births to teenagers that takes place prior to marriage is rising. At the same time that premarital sex and childbearing have increased, educational participation has expanded considerably, especially for girls. Using data from nearly 600 adolescents aged 12-19 in combination with data collected from 33 primary schools that the adolescents attended, this paper explores whether certain aspects of the school environment affect the likelihood of early and unprotected sex among adolescent girls and boys in three districts of Kenya. Because of the concern with “schoolgirl pregnancy” in Kenya, the paper also explores the temporal relationship between premarital sex and pregnancy, and school dropout. The results suggest that, although neither the school nor the home influences whether boys engage in premarital sex, for girls, a school characterized by girl-friendly teachers and a gender-neutral atmosphere, and a home containing female role models and the extra support that two parents can provide, reduce the risk of premarital sex. On the other hand, girls are more likely to engage in premarital sex if they attend schools where considerable pressure to have sex is reported. The school environment also appears to have an impact on whether or not sexually active boys choose to use contraceptives. A gender-neutral environment leads to greater contraceptive use among boys, as do schools where students have greater knowledge of reproduction. Finally, even if certain school characteristics significantly affect the risk of premarital sex for girls, the data indicate that pregnancy is not the primary reason that girls leave school early

Tales of Trickery, Tales of Endurance: Gender, Performance, and Politics in the Islamic World and Beyond

Professor Margaret Mills, retiring in June 2012 from the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures, has made major contributions to the study of women in contemporary Afghanistan, the folklore of the Persian-speaking world and South Asia, women’s oral traditions, and traditional pedagogies. She has helped us to think about the rhetorical dimension of oral traditions; the gendering of religious experience; the partitioning of the traditional public sphere into gendered and performative situations; how literacies and pedagogies are mobilized to form political identities; how individual and collective expressive repertoires respond to war and displacement. This conference assembles some of her former students and longterm colleagues to discuss new developments in these lines of research.Ohio State University. Division of the Arts and HumanitiesOhio State University. Deparment of Near Eastern Languages and CulturesOhio State University. Mershon Center for International Security StudiesEvent Web page, event photo

Fatigue states after cancer treatment occur both in association with, and independent of, mood disorder: a longitudinal study

BACKGROUND: Persistent fatigue is recognised as one of the most common, ongoing symptoms reported by patients following cancer treatment and may have profound effects on the quality of life. However, recent cross-sectional studies also highlight the close relationship between cancer related fatigue (CRF) and diagnoses of depression or anxiety disorder. There is currently limited information about the relationships between these conditions over time. We sought to examine the longitudinal relationships between fatigue and mood disorder in women treated with adjuvant therapy for early stage breast cancer. METHODS: Women who had recently completed adjuvant therapy for Stage I or II breast cancer (n = 212) were sent a questionnaire with established case thresholds for clinically-significant fatigue and psychological disorder, as well as a questionnaire assessing disability. Potentially relevant variables linked to fatigue states, including age, treatment modality, menopausal status, and hematological indices were recorded. The illness outcomes were assessed over 48 months of follow-up. RESULTS: The 176 women who responded to the questionnaire (84%) had a mean age of 55 (range 24–83) years and had completed adjuvant treatment on average 10 (range 4.7 – 16.3) months previously. Radiotherapy had been administered, either alone (50% of women) or in combination with chemotherapy (36%). Responses from 87 women (48%) indicated a significant fatigue state (termed here post-cancer fatigue; PCF), and from 59 women (33%) responses indicated significant psychological distress. Thirty-four women (19%) were cases of fatigue alone (i.e. unaccompanied by psychological disorder), whereas 52 (30%) were cases of both disorders. Multivariate analysis did not reveal any association between demographic, clinical or laboratory variables, and caseness for PCF. Self-reported functional disability was significantly associated with fatigue. Follow-up at 24, 36 and 48 months revealed high rates of ongoing PCF in conjunction with psychological distress, despite falling rates of psychological distress alone and fatigue alone. CONCLUSION: Post-cancer fatigue was prevalent and sustained on follow-up. Concurrent psychological disorder was evident in the majority, but not all, cases of PCF and tended to be sustained over time. Further prospective cohort studies to define the longitudinal co-morbid relationships between fatigue, mood disorder, and ongoing disability after cancer treatment are indicated

Factors influencing adult carer support planning for unpaid caregiving at the end of life in Scotland:Qualitative insights from triangulated interviews and focus groups

Caring for a relative or friend at the end of life can be rewarding but all‐encompassing. These caregivers are often not identified, meaning their diverse needs remain unmet, and the lack of assessment, support and planning increases the likelihood of crisis and burnout. The Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 places responsibility on local authorities to implement such a plan, which will be fast‐tracked for carers supporting someone at the end of life. Our research described the factors which might influence this planning, triangulating primary focus groups with 15 carers and secondary qualitative data from transcripts with 30 carers, all of whom who had looked after someone with a terminal illness. Analysis was iterative, and constant comparative analysis of the secondary data informed the primary focus groups. Three main themes were identified; 1. The importance of early identification as a carer to enable timely assessment and support. 2. Carers experience isolation and loneliness which limits opportunities for support. 3. Responding in a timely fashion to carer assessment and support is vital to avoid crises. This research confirms that identifying carers early in the illness trajectory, ideally at diagnosis, is vital to avoid carer burnout. Health and social care providers have a key role in identification and should ensure, where possible, that carer needs are dynamically assessed, supported and documented. Finally, caring does not end after death, it extends into bereavement. Thus, we need to consider system and cultural change to ensure the experiences and needs of carers are addressed and valued

Marriage and childbirth as factors in school exit: An analysis of DHS data from sub-Saharan Africa

This paper explores the potential importance of marriage and childbirth as determinants of school-leaving in sub-Saharan Africa and identifies some of the common underlying factors that contribute to premature school-leaving and early marriage and childbearing. Results suggests that the reproductive health community should see early marriage as a central area of concern for adolescent reproductive health. Policies that inform parents about the value of starting their children in school on time are likely to have beneficial effects both for grade attainment and for adolescent reproductive health regardless of school quality