965 research outputs found
Requirement of optical coherence for continuous-variable quantum teleportation
We show that the sender (Alice) and the receiver (Bob) each require coherent
devices in order to achieve unconditional continuous variable quantum
teleportation (CVQT), and this requirement cannot be achieved with conventional
laser sources, even in principle. The appearance of successful CVQT in recent
experiments is due to interpreting the measurement record fallaciously in terms
of one preferred ensemble (or decomposition) of the correct density matrix
describing the state. Our analysis is unrelated to technical problems such as
laser phase drift or finite squeezing bandwidth.Comment: One figure in eps forma
A multi-INT semantic reasoning framework for intelligence analysis support
Lockheed Martin Corp. has funded research to generate a framework
and methodology for developing semantic reasoning applications to support the
discipline oflntelligence Analysis. This chapter outlines that framework, discusses
how it may be used to advance the information sharing and integrated analytic
needs of the Intelligence Community, and suggests a system I software
architecture for such applications
tmRNA - a novel high-copy-number RNA diagnostic target - its application for Staphylococcus aureus detection using real-time NASBA
A real-time nucleic acid sequence-based amplification assay, targeting tmRNA, was designed for the rapid identification of Staphylococcus aureus. The selectivity of the assay was confirmed against a panel of 76 Staphylococcus strains and species and 22 other bacterial species. A detection limit of 1 cell equivalent was determined for the assay. A chimeric in vitro transcribed internal amplification control was developed and included in the assay. Application of the assay in natural and artificially contaminated unpasteurized (raw) milk enabled detection of 1-10 CFUS. aureus mL(-1) in 3-4 h, without the need for culture enrichment. Staphylococcus aureus was detected in all artificially contaminated milk samples (n=20) and none of the natural milk samples (n=20). Microbiological analysis of the natural milk samples was performed in parallel according to ISO 6888-3 and confirmed the absence of S. aureus. The method developed in this study has the potential to enable the specific detection of S. aureus in raw milk in a significantly shorter time frame than current standard methods. The assay further demonstrates the usefulness of tmRNA/ssrA as a nucleic acid diagnostic target
Myers-Briggs for teachers
For a number of years, the University of Essex has run Myers-Briggs sessions for general staff as part of its varied programme of Professional Development. However, owing to recent growth in the number of courses aimed specifically at academic staff, the Learning and Teaching Unit has started to ru
Rapid detection of Listeria monocytogenes in food using culture enrichment combined with real-time PCR.
A rapid method for the detection of Listeria monocytogenes in foods combining culture enrichment and real-time PCR was compared to the ISO 11290-1 standard method. The culture enrichment component of the rapid method is based on the ISO standard and includes 24h incubation in half-Fraser broth, 4h incubation in Fraser broth followed by DNA extraction and real-time PCR detection of the ssrA gene of L. monocytogenes. An internal amplification control, which is co-amplified with the same primers as the L. monocytogenes DNA, was also included in the assay. The method has a limit of detection of 1-5CFU/25g food sample and can be performed in 2 working days compared to up to 7days for the ISO standard. A variety of food samples from retail outlets and food processing plants (n=175) and controls (n=31) were tested using rapid and conventional methods. The rapid method was 99.44% specific, 96.15% sensitive and 99.03% accurate when compared to the standard method. This method has the potential to be used as an alternative to the standard method for food quality assurance providing rapid detection of L. monocytogenes in food
The Role Of Due Diligence In The Business Valuation Process
The due diligence process enables investors to do a better job of determining the appropriate price to pay for a privately held firm. This article delineates some factors that a prospective buyer should investigate thoroughly to determine the value of a small, privately held business under consideration for purchase
Pedagogical Strategies For Incorporating Behavioral Finance Concepts In Investment Courses
The traditional approach to teaching a course in investments is predicated upon the efficient market hypothesis, modern portfolio theory, and the assumption that decision-makers are rational, wealth optimizing entities.  Recent developments in the arena of behavioral finance (BF) have raised questions about this approach. Although the idea of efficient markets is widely accepted in academic circles, financial markets often fail to behave as predicted by the theory. For the teacher of undergraduate investments, these divergent views create significant pedagogical challenges and opportunities. BF has particular implications for investing in financial markets, where the faith in rational behavior is perhaps the greatest.  This paper identifies alternative strategies for dealing with these issues in the classroom
Maximizing The Value Of Your Small Business
This paper offers business owners a step-by-step valuation process for establishing the fair market value of their firms and stresses the importance of preparing for the due diligence process
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Adapting the International System of Units to the twenty-first century
We review the proposal of the International Committee for Weights and Measures
(Comité International des Poids et Mesures, CIPM), currently being considered by
the General Conference on Weights and Measures (Conférences Générales des Poids et
Mesures, CGPM), to revise the International System of Units (Le Système International
d’Unitès, SI). The proposal includes new definitions for four of the seven base units of
the SI, and a new form of words to present the definitions of all the units. The objective
of the proposed changes is to adopt definitions referenced to constants of nature, taken
in the widest sense, so that the definitions may be based on what are believed to be
true invariants. In particular, whereas in the current SI the kilogram, ampere, kelvin and
mole are linked to exact numerical values of the mass of the international prototype of the
kilogram, the magnetic constant (permeability of vacuum), the triple-point temperature
of water and the molar mass of carbon-12, respectively, in the new SI these units are linked
to exact numerical values of the Planck constant, the elementary charge, the Boltzmann
constant and the Avogadro constant, respectively. The new wording used expresses the
definitions in a simple and unambiguous manner without the need for the distinction
between base and derived units. The importance of relations among the fundamental
constants to the definitions, and the importance of establishing a mise en pratique for
the realization of each definition, are also discussed
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