Computer Science and Electrical Engineering
Quantum Computing Seminar

Four Quantum Algorithms

Samuel Lomonaco, CSEE, UMBC

2:30-3:00 Tuesday, 19 November 2013, ITE 325b

In this lecture, we discuss four quantum algorithms, i.e., Deutsch’s algorithm, Simon’s algorithm, Shor’s algorithm, and Grover’s algorithm. No prior knowledge of quantum mechanics will be assumed. These talks are based on four invited lectures (slides) given at Oxford University for the UMBC audience.

Samuel J. Lomonaco is a professor at the Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering of the University of Maryland Baltimore County. He is internationally known for his many contributions in mathematics and in computer science. His research interests span a wide range of subjects from knot theory, algebraic and differential topology to algebraic coding theory, quantum computation, and symbolic computation. In quantum cryptography, he has shown how quantum information theory can be used to gain a better understanding of eavesdropping with quantum entanglement. In quantum computation, he has shown how Lie groups can be used to solve problems arising in the study of quantum entanglement. In 2000 Professor Lomonoco organized the first American Mathematical Society short course on quantum computation.

Organizer: Prof. Samuel Lomonaco, Sorry, you need javascript to view this email address.

Homelessness.

It’s something we tend to look past. Naturally we want to see less of it, but it’s an issue with no easy fix. It’s fair to say it makes us uncomfortable.

Baltimore is trying to come to terms with the problem. But, perhaps, not in the right way.

The city is considering stricter limits on panhandling, following a national trend that has emerged over the past few years. Some say it would make Baltimore more attractive and safe. Others are outraged.

The ban originally planned to prohibit begging in all of downtown. It has been scaled back to ban begging within ten feet of businesses and five feet of parking meters. 

“There ought to be a distance, a safe distance before they can approach,” said Councilmember Rikki Spector, proposer of the bill.

The New York Times ran an article about the nationwide reaction from the homeless and advocacy groups. Steve Ray Evans, a homeless man from Salt Lake City, said:

“I do it for survival purposes. I feel as though a lot of other individuals depend on it, too.”

Heather Maria Johnson, a lawyer for the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, expressed her opinion on such laws: 

“Rather than addressing the issue of homelessness, they are adapting measures that move homeless people out of downtowns, tourist areas or even out of a city.”

Is this a necessary step for Baltimore and other cities? Or just a way to criminalize homelessness? 

A researcher envisions the ultimate cure for “range anxiety”: roadway-powered vehicles with modified on-board power receivers.

One way to extend the range of electric vehicles may be to provide power wirelessly through coils placed under the surface of a road. But charging moving vehicles with high-power wireless chargers below them is complex.

Unfortunately we were mistaken… 

Remember our post about the Panera CEO who couldn’t afford a sandwich? He was protesting a bill that would cut around $40 billion dollars in benefits from food stamps? Remember how we said it probably wouldn’t pass?

Well… the first round of cuts from that bill went into effect on Nov 1st. (But hey, to be fair it’s not the EXACT same bill, there’s probably be some fresh pork barrel spending that’s been tacked on since we last took a look.)  

With 5 billion dollars in cuts affecting almost 48 million Americans, a family of four will be taking about a $36 dollar a month reduction in benefits. 

If you have a chance, hop over and take a look as Statelines’ interactive map detailing the effects of the cut on a state-by-state basis.

Here’s the data on Maryland:

Projected SNAP recipients in the Fiscal Year 2014:            774,000 

Percent of the Population:                                                            13%

Average Benefit per Household in Fiscal Year 2012:          $255

Total SNAP Benefit Cut to State:                                                $82,000,000

Children Affected:                                                                           301,000

Elderly or People With Disabilities Affected:                           147,000