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Money, so the Beatles famously informed us in the spring of 1964, wont buy you love. But can it buy you a reasonable level of happiness? And if it can, how much will it cost?

These are two of the questions answered in a new piece of research that tries to gauge the price of a satisfied life and how it varies according to where you live. While some of the findings unearthed by financial advice site Expensivity are unlikely to raise too many eyebrows particularly the theme that the more developed the country, the more it takes to have a comfortable existence within it the study does serve up some intriguing points.

The survey combines data on the varying strength of national currencies using purchasing power parity (PPP) figures from the World Bank (PPP reaches its conclusions by comparing the cost of widely available items, such as a can of a specific soft drink or an international fast-food chains best-selling burger in different territories) with the local cost of living to produce a ranking of countries by the price of happiness.

Of course, that phrase needs further explanation. The figures revealed are not the annual income needed to be happy in a country per se, but the point of satiation the amount at which you have achieved maximum quality of life, and money has no further capacity to make you happier. In the case of Bermuda which, perhaps unsurprisingly, tops the table the pertinent statistic is US$143,933 (103,765) per annum. In Australia, which is ranked second, the figure is $135,321 (97,556). In Israel (third), it is $130,457 (94,049). Switzerland, in fourth, is Europes top-ranked country, at $128,969 (92,977).

If these sound like the sort of high numbers, unattainable for many of us, which make you think it is impossible to buy happiness, the figures for the lower end of the scale are also instructive. The country where happiness is cheapest is Suriname the former Dutch colony on the north-east shoulder of South America, and the smallest state on the continent in question. Here, $6,799 (4,901) is the financial satiation point for happiness. However, the survey also says, the average Surinamese yearly income is $5,500 (3,965).

Read more:Discovering South Americas forgotten corner, a land of walking trees and evil spirits

The survey is perhaps most interesting where it throws up some regional inconsistencies.

The highest ranked country in Africa is Libya, where the cost of security in a country that has been strafed by conflict for the last decade equates to a personal-happiness figure of $58,191 (41,951) compared to $36,916 (26,613) in the desert states westerly neighbour Tunisia, and $31,634 (22,806) in Egypt, directly to the east. The lowest-ranked country on the continent is Angola where $8,921 (6,431) buys you happiness (although figures arent given for Morocco, Sudan, South Sudan, Zimbabwe or Somalia).

Perhaps the biggest discrepancy is in South America, where another pair of neighbours have starkly contrasting results. Remarkably, Argentina is ranked as the nation with the second lowest price of happiness on the continent (after Suriname), at $8,778 (6,328) where Uruguay, its colleague across the River Plate, is the highest, at $20,927 (15,086). Again, the jigsaw is incomplete with troubled Venezuela also missing from the picture.

In Europe, the UK ($91,940/66,281) is out-ranked by Norway ($114,147/82,291), as well as Switzerland, Iceland, Holland, Belgium, Ireland, Luxembourg, Austria, Denmark, Sweden and Finland. The European nation with the lowest price of happiness is easterly Ukraine ($11,301/8,147) while the lowest in Asia is Kyrgyzstan, at $8,997 (6,486).

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From Suriname to Ukraine, these are the countries where happiness costs the least - Telegraph.co.uk

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The use of an internet server without a good connectivity option may not provide satisfactory results in the business field. You can reverse the above consequence by selecting a high-speed internet service with maximum positive feedback from customers. Travel bloggers who need internet connections to publish their works are generally suggested to check the availability of data service in the concerned location before their journey. You can make use of comparison sites to check the availability of internet connections in rural areas and hilly areas. It can minimize the occurrence of troubles like loss of internet connectivity.

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How to select the best internet server to enhance businesses? - - VENTS Magazine

Ongoing Development in Partnership with Industry and AcademiaThe challenges in developing functioning quantum computing systems are manifold and daunting. For example, qubits themselves are extremely fragile, with any disturbance including measurement causing them to revert from their quantum state to a classical (binary) one, resulting in data loss. Tangle Lake also must operate at profoundly cold temperatures, within a small fraction of one kelvin from absolute zero.

Moreover, there are significant issues of scale, with real-world implementations at commercial scale likely requiring at least one million qubits. Given that reality, the relatively large size of quantum processors is a significant limitation in its own right; for example, Tangle Lake is about three inches square. To address these challenges, Intel is actively developing design, modeling, packaging, and fabrication techniques to enable the creation of more complex quantum processors.

Intel began collaborating with QuTech, a quantum computing organization in the Netherlands, in 2015; that involvement includes a US$50M investment by Intel in QuTech to provide ongoing engineering resources that will help accelerate developments in the field. QuTech was created as an advanced research and education center for quantum computing by the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Research and the Delft University of Technology. Combined with Intels expertise in fabrication, control electronics, and architecture, this partnership is uniquely suited to the challenges of developing the first viable quantum computing systems.

Currently, Tangle Lake chips produced in Oregon are being shipped to QuTech in the Netherlands for analysis. QuTech has developed robust techniques for simulating quantum workloads as a means to address issues such as connecting, controlling, and measuring multiple, entangled qubits. In addition to helping drive system-level design of quantum computers, the insights uncovered through this work contribute to faster transition from design and fabrication to testing of future generations of the technology.

In addition to its collaboration with QuTech, Intel Labs is also working with other ecosystem members both on fundamental and system-level challenges on the entire quantum computing stack. Joint research being conducted with QuTech, the University of Toronto, the University of Chicago, and others builds upward from quantum devices to include mechanisms such as error correction, hardware- and software-based control mechanisms, and approaches and tools for developing quantum applications.

Beyond Superconduction: The Promise of Spin QubitsOne approach to addressing some of the challenges that are inherent to quantum processors such as Tangle Lake that are based on superconducting qubits is the investigation of spin qubits by Intel Labs and QuTech. Spin qubits function on the basis of the spin of a single electron in silicon, controlled by microwave pulses. Compared to superconducting qubits, spin qubits far more closely resemble existing semiconductor components operating in silicon, potentially taking advantage of existing fabrication techniques. In addition, this promising area of research holds the potential for advantages in the following areas:

Operating temperature:Spin qubits require extremely cold operating conditions, but to a lesser degree than superconducting qubits (approximately one degree kelvin compared to 20 millikelvins); because the difficulty of achieving lower temperatures increases exponentially as one gets closer to absolute zero, this difference potentially offers significant reductions in system complexity.

Stability and duration:Spin qubits are expected to remain coherent for far longer than superconducting qubits, making it far simpler at the processor level to implement them for algorithms.

Physical size:Far smaller than superconducting qubits, a billion spin qubits could theoretically fit in one square millimeter of space. In combination with their structural similarity to conventional transistors, this property of spin qubits could be instrumental in scaling quantum computing systems upward to the estimated millions of qubits that will eventually be needed in production systems.

To date, researchers have developed a spin qubit fabrication flow using Intels 300-millimeter process technology that is enabling the production of small spin-qubit arrays in silicon. In fact, QuTech has already begun testing small-scale spin-qubit-based quantum computer systems. As a publicly shared software foundation, QuTech has also developed the Quantum Technology Toolbox, a Python package for performing measurements and calibration of spin-qubits.

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Quantum Computing - Intel

Technology giants like Google, IBM, Amazon, and Microsoft are pouring resources into quantum computing. The goal of quantum computing is to create the next generation of computers and overcome classic computing limits.

Despite the progress, there are still unknown areas in this emerging field.

This article is an introduction to the basic concepts of quantum computing. You will learn what quantum computing is and how it works, as well as what sets a quantum device apart from a standard machine.

Quantum computing is a new generation of computers based on quantum mechanics, a physics branch that studies atomic and subatomic particles. These supercomputers perform computations at speeds and levels an ordinary computer cannot handle.

These are the main differences between a quantum device and a regular desktop:

Unlike a standard computer, its quantum counterpart can perform multiple operations simultaneously. These machines also store more states per unit of data and operate on more efficient algorithms.

Incredible processing power makes quantum computers capable of solving complex tasks and searching through unsorted data.

The adoption of more powerful computers benefits every industry. However, some areas already stand out as excellent opportunities for quantum computers to make a mark:

The key behind a quantum computers power is its ability to create and manipulate quantum bits, or qubits.

Here is the state of a qubit q0:

The likelihood of q0 being 0 when measured is a2. The probability of it being 1 when measured is b2. Due to the probabilistic nature, a qubit can be both 0 and 1 at the same time.

For a qubit q0 where a = 1 and b = 0, q0 is equivalent to a classical bit of 0. There is a 100% chance to get to a value of 0 when measured. If a = 0 and b = 1, then q0 is equivalent to a classical bit of 1. Thus, the classical binary bits of 0 and 1 are a subset of qubits.

Now, lets look at an empty circuit in the IBM Circuit Composer with a single qubit q0 (Figure 1).The Measurement probabilities graph shows that the q0 has 100% of being measured as 0. The Statevector graph shows the values of a and b, which correspond to the 0 and 1 computational basis states column, respectively.

In the case of Figure 1, a is equal to 1 and b to 0. So, q0 has a probability of 12 = 1 to be measured as 0.

A connected group of qubits provides more processing power than the same number of binary bits. The difference in processing is due to two quantum properties: superposition and entanglement.

When 0 < a and b < 1, the qubit is in a so-called superposition state. In this state, it is possible to jump to either 0 or 1 when measured. The probability of getting to 0 or 1 is defined by a2 and b2.

The Hadamard Gate is the basic gate inquantum computing. The Hadamard Gate moves the qubit from a non-superposition state of 0 or 1 into a superposition state. While in a superposition state, there is a 0.5 probability of it being measured as 0. There is also a 0.5 chance of the qubit ending up as 1.

Lets look at the effect of adding the Hadamard Gate (shown as a red H) on q0 where q0 is currently in a non-superposition state of 0 (Figure 2). After passing the Hadamard gate, the Measurement Probabilities graph shows that there is a 50% chance of getting a 0 or 1 when q0 is measured.

The Statevector graph shows the value of a and b, which are both square roots of 0.5 = 0.707. The probability for the qubit to be measured to 0 and 1 is 0.7072 = 0.5, so q0 is now in a superposition state.

When we measure a qubit in a superposition state, the qubit jumps to a non-superposition state. A measurement changes the qubit and forces it out of superposition to the state of either 0 or 1.

If a qubit is in a non-superposition state of 0 or 1, measuring it will not change anything. In that case, the qubit is already in a state of 100% being 0 or 1 when measured.

Let us add a measurement operation into the circuit (Figure 3). We measure q0 after the Hadamard gate and output the value of the measurement to bit 0 (a classical bit) in c1:

To see the results of the q0 measurement after the Hadamard Gate, we send the circuit to run on an actual quantum computer called ibmq_armonk. By default, there are 1024 runs of the quantum circuit. The result (Figure 4) shows that about 47.4% of the time, the q0 measurement is 0. The other 52.6% of times, it is measured as 1:

The second run (Figure 5) yields a different distribution of 0 and 1, but still close to the expected 50/50 split:

If two qubits are in an entanglement state, the measurement of one qubit instantly collapses the value of the other. The same effect happens even if the two entangled qubits are far apart.

Let us look at an example. A quantum operation that puts two untangled qubits into an entangled state is the CNOT gate. To demonstrate this, we first add another qubit q1, which is initialized to 0 by default. Before the CNOT gate, the two qubits are untangled, so q0 has a 0.5 chance of being 0 or 1 due to the Hadamard gate, while q1 is going to be 0. The Measurement Probabilities graph (Figure 6) shows that the probability of (q1, q0) being (0, 0) or (0, 1) is 50%:

Then we add the CNOT gate (shown as a blue dot and the plus sign) that takes the output of q0 from the Hadamard gate and q1 as inputs. The Measurement Probabilities graph now shows that there is a 50% chance of (q1, q0) being (0, 0) and 50% of being (1, 1) when measured (Figure 7):

There is zero chance of getting (0, 1) or (1, 0). Once we determine the value of one qubit, we know the others value because the two must be equal. In such a state, q0 and q1 are entangled.

Let us run this on an actual quantum computer and see what happens (Figure 8):

We are close to a 50/50 distribution between the 00 and 11 states. We also see unexpected occurrences of 01 and 10 due to the quantum computers high error rates. While error rates for classical computers are almost non-existent, high error rates are the main challenge of quantum computing.

The circuit shown in the Entanglement section is called the Bell Circuit. Even though it is basic, that circuit shows a few fundamental concepts and properties of quantum computing, namely qubits, superposition, entanglement, and measurements. The Bell Circuit is often cited as the Hello World program for quantum computing.

By now, you probably have many questions, such as:

There are no shortcuts to learning quantum computing. The field touches on complex topics spanning physics, mathematics, and computer science.

There is an abundance of good books and video tutorials that introduce the technology. These resources typically cover pre-requisite concepts like linear algebra, quantum mechanics, and binary computing.

In addition to books and tutorials, you can also learn a lot from code examples. Solutions to financial portfolio optimization and vehicle routing, for example, are great starting points for learning about quantum computing.

Quantum computers have the potential to exceed even the most advanced supercomputers. Quantum computing can lead to breakthroughs in science, medicine, machine learning, construction, transport, finances, and emergency services.

The promise is apparent, but the technology is still far from being applicable to real-life scenarios. New advances emerge every day, though, so expect quantum computing to cause significant disruptions in years to come.

Original post:
What is Quantum Computing? Learn How it Works

Published: 3/25/2021 1:31:57 PM

Modified: 3/25/2021 1:31:55 PM

MASSACHUSETTS A pair of North Quabbin voices joined a chorus of nearly 40 fellow Libertarians statewide, who gathered Saturday for the third-partys annual state convention.

The Libertarian Association of Massachusetts (LAMA) State Convention 2021 convened remotely on March 20 to nominate and elect officers, vote on resolutions and discuss increased political progress. According to a press release, the five-hour convention was visited by prominent national figures as well, including the partys 2020 Presidential running mate, Jeremy Spike Cohen, and National Libertarian Committee Chair Joe Bishop-Henchman.

Charles Larkin of Athol and Ann Reed of Orange served on the days ad hoc Resolution Committee, and Larkin was also re-elected as LAMA Archivist. Both Reed and Larkin also serve on a local LAMA affiliate, the Libertarian Party of Worcester County (LPWC), which formed last year and meets monthly by remote.

Worcester County residents interested in possibly joining LPWC may contact affiliate chair and LAMA Communications Director, Janel Holmes at communications@lpmass.org or Larkin at 978-248-9899.

Franklin County residents interested in possibly forming their own affiliate may contact LAMA Political Director Michael Burns at political@lpmass.org.

Detailed information on the Libertarian party, which espouses self-ownership and non-aggression, is accessible at https://www.lpmass.org.

LAMA is the Massachusetts affiliate of the National Libertarian Party. As noted at Saturdays state convention, 2021 marks the partys 50th anniversary.

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N. Quabbin represented at political state convention, as growing third-party marks 50th anniversary - Athol Daily News