Will the state sit the presidential election out, like a retiree watching pickleball?
As the presidential election draws near, there is a growing concern about the state’s role in this crucial event. With the divided opinions and polarized sentiments among citizens, some wonder if the state might take a passive stance, much like a retiree watching a pickleball game unfold. However, it is crucial to approach this concern with an open mind and explore innovative solutions and ideas that can inspire the state’s active participation in shaping the future of our nation.
1. Empowering Communities Through Education
One of the most important aspects of democratic participation lies in education. By prioritizing civic education in schools and implementing comprehensive programs that educate citizens on their rights and responsibilities, we can empower communities to engage in the democratic process. This investment in education can create a well-informed electorate that actively participates in elections and fosters a sense of collective responsibility.
2. Encouraging Grassroots Movements
Another way to combat the specter of voter apathy is by encouraging grassroots movements. These movements can organize at the local level, emphasizing the importance of individual voices in national decisions. By providing platforms for dialogue, sharing resources, and mobilizing volunteers, grassroots movements can empower individuals to actively participate in the presidential election, ensuring a more inclusive and representative democracy.
3. Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Civic Engagement
In the digital age, technology offers immense potential for increased civic engagement. By developing user-friendly online platforms, governments can make it easier for citizens to register to vote, access information about candidates, and engage in meaningful discussions with fellow citizens. Embracing technology also enables remote voting possibilities and ensures that even individuals with physical limitations or geographical constraints can exercise their right to vote.
4. Promoting Collaboration and Unity
To avoid the retirement-like passivity in the presidential election, it is crucial to prioritize collaboration and unity. Political polarization often leads to disillusionment and disengagement. Therefore, promoting respectful dialogue, encouraging compromise, and focusing on shared goals can reignite the excitement and motivation for active democratic participation. By bridging divides and fostering a sense of unity, the state can inspire its citizens to engage in the electoral process.
5. Redefining the Political Narrative
Lastly, redefining the political narrative can play a significant role in fostering active democratic participation. Instead of focusing solely on the presidential election as a binary choice between two candidates, we can highlight the broader impact of citizen participation at all levels of government, including local and state elections. This broader perspective can inspire individuals to engage in politics beyond just the grand stage, bringing about meaningful change from the bottom up.
Conclusion:
It is pivotal for the state to avoid the metaphorical retirement-like passivity during the presidential election. By implementing innovative solutions and ideas that prioritize education, grassroots movements, technology, collaboration, and redefining the political narrative, the state can inspire active participation among citizens. By doing so, we can ensure a more vibrant and inclusive democracy that truly represents the collective will of the people.
Wednesday night in London saw a successful yet modest evening sale of modern and contemporary art at Sotheby’s, with a total hammer price of 4.3 million. While the sale was not a roaring success, it was still well-received and showed signs of recovery from the decline experienced in 2023. The auction showcased a combination of established artists and emerging talents, with a particular focus on women artists who generated excitement in the market.
One of the key trends observed in the sale was the increasing demand for works by emerging artists, including Takako Yamaguchi, Jadé Fadojutimi, and Emma Webster. These artists, along with established artists like George Condo, witnessed their works surpassing their high estimates. This indicates a growing interest in the contemporary art market and a willingness to invest in up-and-coming talents.
Another notable trend was the rise of women artists in the market. Three record-breaking sales were achieved by women artists, including Etel Adnan, whose painting “Untitled” reached a peak of 4,159. Furthermore, 60 percent of works by female artists surpassed their high estimates. This trend reflects the increasing recognition and value placed on women artists in the art world.
International artists also made a mark in the sale, with Romania’s Victor Man experiencing rapid growth in his market. His painting “The Chandler” sold for 5,803, five times its high estimate. Iraqi artist Mohammed Sami also had a successful night with the sale of his work “Electric Column” for 1,783. These sales highlight the growing global interest in artists from diverse backgrounds.
The auction also featured works by well-established artists such as Picasso, Monet, Signac, Bacon, and Miró. Five works from these artists sold for over million. However, there were also five works that did not sell at all, indicating a polarization in the market where certain works command high prices while others struggle to find buyers.
Looking ahead, there are several potential future trends that may shape the art market. Firstly, the demand for works by emerging artists is likely to continue to grow. Collectors are increasingly seeking out fresh and innovative talents, and investing in these artists can yield significant returns in the long term. Galleries and auction houses should focus on identifying and promoting emerging artists to tap into this demand.
Secondly, the recognition and value placed on women artists are expected to further increase. The art world is becoming more inclusive and diverse, and collectors are eager to support and invest in women artists. Institutions and collectors should make a conscious effort to promote and showcase the works of women artists to ensure their long-term success and recognition.
Thirdly, the global nature of the art market will continue to expand, with increased participation from collectors around the world. Online bidding has made it easier for collectors from different countries to participate in auctions, and this trend is expected to continue. Auction houses should adapt their strategies to cater to international buyers and create a seamless online bidding experience.
Lastly, there may be a shift towards investment in art as an asset class. With the increasing value and recognition of art in recent years, more investors are viewing art as a viable investment option. Collectors and institutions should consider the potential investment value of artworks and engage with financial advisors who specialize in art investment.
In conclusion, the art market is showing signs of recovery and growth, with increasing interest in emerging artists, women artists, and international artists. Galleries, auction houses, and collectors should pay attention to these trends and adapt their strategies accordingly. Investing in emerging artists, promoting women artists, catering to international buyers, and considering art as an investment asset can help the industry thrive in the future.
Future Trends in Quantum-Enabled Digital Contracts
As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, the possibilities of harnessing quantum properties for various applications are becoming increasingly promising. One such potential application lies in the realm of digital contracts, where light pulses with specific quantum properties can be utilized to securely transmit agreements between buyers and sellers. This article delves into the key points surrounding this concept and explores the potential future trends in this field.
The Potential of Quantum-Enabled Digital Contracts
Traditional digital contracts heavily rely on encryption techniques to ensure security and authenticity. However, advancements in quantum computing pose a threat to the conventional encryption methods used in these contracts. Quantum computers have the potential to break traditional encryption, making it imperative for researchers and technologists to explore new approaches that can withstand quantum computing power.
Quantum-enabled digital contracts provide a potential solution by leveraging the unique properties of quantum mechanics. Achieving secure communication using quantum systems is possible due to the phenomenon known as entanglement. By exploiting entangled quantum systems, parties involved in a contract can securely transmit information without the fear of interception or tampering.
Building upon this foundation, researchers have proposed using light pulses with specific quantum properties, such as the polarization of photons, to encode and transmit digital contracts. These light pulses can be manipulated to carry information and travel through optical fibers or free space. By using quantum key distribution protocols, parties can establish secure communication channels and exchange cryptographic keys necessary for encrypting and decrypting their digital contracts.
Potential Future Trends
The concept of quantum-enabled digital contracts opens up exciting possibilities for the industry. As technology continues to evolve, several future trends can be envisioned:
Increased Security: Quantum-enabled digital contracts offer enhanced security compared to traditional encryption methods. The inherent properties of quantum mechanics make it extremely difficult for unauthorized parties to intercept or tamper with transmitted information. As quantum technologies continue to mature, the security provided by quantum-enabled digital contracts is expected to become even stronger.
Adoption in High-Stakes Contracts: Initially, quantum-enabled digital contracts are likely to find adoption in high-stakes scenarios, such as financial agreements, intellectual property transfers, or government contracts. The need for utmost security and reliability in these domains makes them ideal candidates for leveraging quantum properties.
Integration with Blockchain Technology: Blockchain has gained significant traction in recent years due to its decentralized nature and ability to establish trust. Integrating quantum-enabled digital contracts with blockchain technology can further enhance security and transparency in digital transactions. Blockchain can serve as a public ledger to validate and verify the authenticity of quantum-enabled digital contracts.
Advancements in Quantum Communication: The development of efficient quantum communication protocols and platforms will be crucial for the widespread adoption of quantum-enabled digital contracts. Researchers are actively exploring techniques such as quantum repeaters and satellite-based quantum communication networks to enable reliable long-distance transmission of quantum information.
Recommendations for the Industry
Given the potential future trends in quantum-enabled digital contracts, it is essential for the industry to prepare for this transformative technology. Here are a few recommendations:
Invest in Quantum Research: Companies and governments should invest in research and development of quantum technologies, including quantum computing and quantum communication. Collaborations with academic institutions and research centers can accelerate advancements in this field.
Establish Standards and Regulations: As the adoption of quantum-enabled digital contracts increases, it is crucial to establish industry-wide standards and regulations to ensure interoperability and security. Governments and international organizations should collaborate to define guidelines and frameworks.
Encourage Collaboration: Quantum-enabled digital contracts require multidisciplinary expertise. Encouraging collaboration between quantum scientists, computer scientists, mathematicians, and legal professionals will help foster innovation and identify practical use cases for this technology.
The potential future of quantum-enabled digital contracts is promising. It holds the potential to revolutionize the way we conduct digital transactions, ensuring unprecedented security and reliability. By embracing this technology and taking proactive steps, industries can position themselves as leaders in the quantum era.
Reference: Nature (2024). Light pulses with specific quantum properties could be harnessed to send digital ‘contracts’ between buyer and seller. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-00128-2
We investigate gravitational waves in the $f(Q)$ gravity, i.e., a geometric
theory of gravity described by a non-metric compatible connection, free from
torsion and curvature, known as symmetric-teleparallel gravity. We show that
$f(Q)$ gravity exhibits only two massless and tensor modes. Their polarizations
are transverse with helicity equal to two, exactly reproducing the plus and
cross tensor modes typical of General Relativity. In order to analyze these
gravitational waves, we first obtain the deviation equation of two trajectories
followed by nearby freely falling point-like particles and we find it to
coincide with the geodesic deviation of General Relativity. This is because the
energy-momentum tensor of matter and field equations are Levi-Civita
covariantly conserved and, therefore, free structure-less particles follow,
also in $f(Q)$ gravity, the General Relativity geodesics. Equivalently, it is
possible to show that the curves are solutions of a force equation, where an
extra force term of geometric origin, due to non-metricity, modifies the
autoparallel curves with respect to the non-metric connection. In summary,
gravitational waves produced in non-metricity-based $f(Q)$ gravity behave as
those in torsion-based $f(T)$ gravity and it is not possible to distinguish
them from those of General Relativity only by wave polarization measurements.
This shows that the situation is different with respect to the curvature-based
$f(R)$ gravity where an additional scalar mode is always present for $f(R)neq
R$.
The Future Roadmap for Gravitational Waves in $f(Q)$ Gravity
Introduction
In this article, we explore the behavior of gravitational waves in $f(Q)$ gravity, a geometric theory of gravity described by a non-metric compatible connection known as symmetric-teleparallel gravity. We analyze the properties of these waves and compare them to gravitational waves in General Relativity.
Two Massless and Tensor Modes
Our findings reveal that $f(Q)$ gravity exhibits only two massless and tensor modes. These modes have transverse polarizations with helicity equal to two, which is consistent with the plus and cross tensor modes observed in General Relativity.
Geodesic Deviation and Trajectory Analysis
To further study these gravitational waves, we examine the deviation equation of two nearby freely falling point-like particles. Surprisingly, we discover that this deviation equation coincides with the geodesic deviation observed in General Relativity. This suggests that free particles without any structure follow the geodesics of General Relativity even in $f(Q)$ gravity.
Force Equation and Geometric Origin
Alternatively, we can interpret the particle trajectories as solutions of a force equation. In this equation, an extra force term of geometric origin arises due to non-metricity. This modification to the autoparallel curves introduced by the non-metric connection showcases how non-metricity affects the behavior of gravitational waves in $f(Q)$ gravity.
Comparison with Torsion and Curvature-Based Gravity Theories
We compare the behavior of gravitational waves in $f(Q)$ gravity to torsion-based $f(T)$ gravity and curvature-based $f(R)$ gravity. Our analysis reveals that gravitational waves in $f(Q)$ gravity behave similarly to those in $f(T)$ gravity, where wave polarization measurements alone cannot distinguish them from waves in General Relativity. However, this differs from gravitational waves in $f(R)$ gravity, where an additional scalar mode is always present for $f(R)neq R$.
Conclusion and Future Challenges
This research demonstrates the similarity between gravitational waves in $f(Q)$ gravity and General Relativity. The absence of additional modes and the reproduction of the plus and cross tensor modes suggest that $f(Q)$ gravity may provide a consistent framework for describing gravitational waves. However, further investigation is needed to fully understand the implications and potential differences of gravitational wave behavior in $f(Q)$ gravity compared to General Relativity. Continued research in this area may uncover new challenges and opportunities, ultimately shaping the future of gravitational wave study.
Metasurfaces have widespread applications in fifth-generation (5G) microwave communication. Among the metasurface family, free-form metasurfaces excel in achieving intricate spectral responses…
This article explores the significant role of metasurfaces, particularly free-form metasurfaces, in revolutionizing fifth-generation (5G) microwave communication. Metasurfaces are a class of advanced materials that have the ability to manipulate electromagnetic waves with unprecedented precision. Free-form metasurfaces, in particular, exhibit remarkable capabilities in achieving intricate spectral responses. The article delves into the various applications of metasurfaces in 5G technology and highlights their potential to enhance communication networks by enabling faster data transfer, improving signal quality, and overcoming limitations in traditional antenna designs. By harnessing the unique properties of metasurfaces, researchers and engineers are paving the way for a new era of wireless communication that promises to revolutionize industries and transform the way we connect with the world.
Metasurfaces have emerged as a revolutionary technology in various fields, particularly in fifth-generation (5G) microwave communication. These engineered materials have the ability to manipulate electromagnetic waves with unprecedented control and precision. Among the metasurface family, free-form metasurfaces have proven to excel in achieving intricate spectral responses, opening up new possibilities for innovation and advancement.
The Power of Free-Form Metasurfaces
Free-form metasurfaces are characterized by their ability to shape electromagnetic waves in a unique and customized manner. Unlike other metasurfaces that rely on regular arrays or periodic structures, free-form metasurfaces offer flexibility and versatility by allowing arbitrary design shapes. This design freedom enables engineers and researchers to create metasurfaces that can shape and manipulate microwaves in ways that were previously unimaginable.
By tailoring the size, shape, and arrangement of individual meta-atoms in a free-form metasurface, it is possible to achieve precise control over the propagation of electromagnetic waves. This level of control opens up a multitude of applications in 5G microwave communication.
Applications in 5G Microwave Communication
One of the key challenges in 5G communication is the efficient utilization of scarce frequency bands. Metasurfaces offer a solution to this challenge by enabling the creation of reconfigurable antennas that can dynamically adapt their radiation patterns in real-time. By using free-form metasurfaces, these antennas can be designed with enhanced capabilities to steer beams more precisely, increase coverage, and minimize interference.
Another significant application lies in beamforming, which plays a crucial role in increasing the capacity and reliability of wireless communication systems. Free-form metasurfaces can be employed to engineer beamforming lenses that focus electromagnetic waves in specific directions, improving signal strength and reducing signal degradation.
Furthermore, free-form metasurfaces can be used to create novel metadevices, such as polarization converters, wave splitters, and spatial mode converters, all of which have the potential to significantly enhance the performance and efficiency of 5G microwave communication systems.
Innovative Solutions for Future Advancements
To fully unlock the potential of free-form metasurfaces in 5G microwave communication, it is crucial to continue pushing the boundaries of design and fabrication techniques. By utilizing advanced optimization algorithms combined with state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies, it is possible to create metasurfaces with even more intricate spectral responses and improved performance.
Additionally, exploring the integration of metasurfaces with other emerging technologies could lead to groundbreaking solutions. For example, combining metasurfaces with artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms could enable intelligent adaptive beamforming systems that continuously optimize their performance based on real-time conditions.
By harnessing the power of free-form metasurfaces, we have the opportunity to revolutionize 5G microwave communication and unlock a new era of connectivity and technological advancement.
In conclusion
Metasurfaces, particularly free-form metasurfaces, have the potential to transform 5G microwave communication. By leveraging their unique capabilities, we can overcome existing challenges and introduce innovative solutions for efficient spectrum utilization, improved beamforming, and enhanced performance. With ongoing research and development, we can continue to push the boundaries of metasurface technology, paving the way for a future where seamless connectivity and advanced communication systems are the norm.
Metasurfaces have indeed emerged as a promising technology in the field of fifth-generation (5G) microwave communication. They offer a range of benefits such as enhanced signal quality, improved beam steering capabilities, and increased data transfer rates. Within the metasurface family, free-form metasurfaces stand out due to their ability to achieve intricate spectral responses.
One of the key advantages of free-form metasurfaces is their capability to manipulate the propagation of electromagnetic waves with unparalleled precision. Unlike conventional antennas or reflectors, free-form metasurfaces can be designed to exhibit arbitrary shapes and patterns, allowing for the creation of tailored spectral responses. This level of control over the wavefront enables the optimization of signal strength, directionality, and polarization, which are crucial factors for efficient 5G communication.
The intricate spectral responses achieved by free-form metasurfaces are particularly valuable in overcoming some of the challenges faced by 5G networks. For instance, the high-frequency bands used in 5G suffer from increased path loss and susceptibility to interference. By carefully designing the metasurface structures, it is possible to compensate for these effects and improve the overall performance of the network.
Moreover, free-form metasurfaces can be utilized to implement advanced beamforming techniques in 5G networks. Beamforming allows for the precise targeting of signals towards specific users or areas, resulting in better coverage and increased capacity. By incorporating free-form metasurfaces into beamforming systems, it becomes possible to achieve more complex and finely-tailored beam patterns, further optimizing the utilization of available spectrum resources.
Looking ahead, we can expect further advancements in free-form metasurface technology for 5G communication. Researchers are actively exploring novel materials, fabrication techniques, and design methodologies to enhance the performance and efficiency of these metasurfaces. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms may also play a significant role in optimizing the design and deployment of free-form metasurfaces in future 5G networks.
Furthermore, the application of free-form metasurfaces is not limited to microwave communication alone. They can also find use in other domains such as imaging, sensing, and wireless power transfer. As research progresses and more practical implementations are developed, we can anticipate the adoption of free-form metasurfaces in a wide range of applications beyond 5G, revolutionizing various aspects of wireless communication and technology. Read the original article
