D-Wave — Quantum computation is based on a very compelling idea: that physics, and physics alone, ultimately determines what can be computed, and how efficiently. Changing the laws of physics relevant for a computing device can open up new possibilities for manipulating information, allowing better algorithms that could transform the way we live. Quantum computation has, up until very recently, been the province of basic research. It is clear that the extreme difficulty and complexity of converting this basic science into useful technology cannot occur within a basic research environment. Here I will describe the conceptual framework behind D-Wave’s organization and technology development model, and compare and contrast this approach to other possible models.

Our goal in physics courses is to teach students to think about and solve physics problems like a physicist. But what does that really mean? I will discuss research on identifying those unique components of how a physicist thinks that distinguish their thinking from that of mere mortals. I will also discuss how these particular components of thinking can be better measured and taught. Audio begins at minute 09:10

Nuclear theory today aims at a comprehensive understanding of properties of nuclides in the whole nuclear chart. A number of challenges are encountered by theorists along the road of accomplishing this goal. Recent progresses in many fronts lead to a renaissance of nuclear physics. Advances in effective field theory provide us with a tool to derive nuclear forces starting from the fundamental theory of Quantum-Chromo-Dynamics: two- and three-body forces among nucleons arise naturally and consistently with each other. This complex nature of the nuclear force generates a broad diversity of phenomena, especially in nuclei far from stability. A fascinating example is the arising of halo nuclear structures leading to extremely large radial extensions. Owing to their short lifetimes, most of these nuclei do not naturally exist on Earth. To be studied they must be synthesized in the laboratory, at the so-called radioactive beam facilities, like TRIUMF. Measurements provide a test of the predictive power of theoretical models. Nowadays, thanks to the advent of high performance computing, new ab-initio methods for the solution of the quantum many-body problem become available. Exotic properties of nuclei can be derived directly from the interaction among protons and neutrons. Furthermore, the investigation of astrophysical implications of nuclear processes, e.g. in the nucleosynthesis of elements is another key aspect in nuclear theory. This synergy between nuclear physics and astrophysics makes the scenario even more exciting. I will discuss some advances in the field with emphasis on future perspective. Audio begins at minute 45:38

Dark Matter and Dark Energy are accepted as legitimate constituents of our Universe. In this talk I will review the numerous observational evidences supporting the existence of the dark side of the Universe, which is why cosmologists claim shamelessly that 95% of the Universe is made of something they do not know the nature of. I will then discuss many of the hypothetical physical origins for Dark Matter and Dark Energy and outline the major research directions now undertaken in order to test the various possible ideas. Audio begins at 01:19:30.

Fractals are patterns that repeat at many magnifications. These intricate patterns are found throughout nature, ranging from clouds, rivers and lightning through to our brains, blood vessels and lungs. Due to their prevalence in nature and their growing impact on cultures around the world, fractals have assumed a rapidly expanding role across the sciences and arts. In this talk, I will explore some of the intriguing properties of fractals by taking a meandering walk through the research disciplines I have worked in. These will include nano-electronic circuits, Antarctic ice-shelves, brain structure and artworks. I hope to show a common theme - that quantification of their underlying fractal geometry provides an enhanced understanding well beyond the traditional qualitative views of these diverse systems.

The purpose of this study was to find an explanation for why Amnesty International in Sweden has seen an increasing number of members, while the number of participants at the national annual meeting has decreased. The method of the study was done with an inductive approach in which the problem has affected the choice of theory and empirical data. The empirical data has been collected through both qualitative and quantitative method in which the analysis was implemented with support by statistics and interviews. To strengthen the arguments in the paper, sociological theories on organizations are used and also theories about social movements. The conclusion of the study is that Amnesty International Sweden has undergone a transformation towards a decentralized organization because it is not longer relevant for people who are members to achieve the purpose of the organization to participate at the annual meeting. This because that these members accesses the recourses they want to achieve by working on a local level. The main conclusion of this study is that Amnesty has moved towards being an organization that to some extent are working as a social movement, where there is no longer any clear link between local work and the central board of Directors.

O tema desenvolvido na tese diz respeito à suspensão do exercício de direitos do acionista, por deliberação da assembleia geral, na hipótese de descumprimento de determinados deveres societários pelo sócio. A suspensão de direitos tem como fundamento legal os artigos 120 e 122, V, da Lei n. 6.404, de 15 de dezembro de 1976 (Lei de Sociedades Anônimas). Não há previsão legal homóloga em direito comparado. No Brasil, a temática não foi objeto de estudo monográfico específico e detalhado. A tese procura, assim, sistematizar a matéria e oferecer contribuição original para o desenvolvimento do tema investigado. Na primeira parte, apresenta-se o tratamento normativo em matéria de suspensão de direitos do acionista a partir de escorço histórico da legislação brasileira e analisam-se os fundamentos teleológico e dogmático do instituto. A segunda parte estrutura-se em torno das posições jurídicas subjetivas passivas e ativas do acionista. Identificam-se, nesse contexto, quais são os deveres do acionista que, uma vez violados, constituem-se como hipótese de aplicação do art. 120 da Lei de Sociedades Anônimas e quais direitos, poderes e faculdades podem ter o seu exercício suspenso pela assembleia. Na terceira e última parte são destacados os aspectos controvertidos em torno da assembleia geral na qual se pretende deliberar sobre a suspensão dos direitos do acionista. Em especial, os problemas vinculados à competência privativa da assembleia, ao método assemblear e aos efeitos da deliberação e o controle desta. / The subject developed in this thesis regards the suspension of shareholders rights, through deliberation in shareholders meetings, in the event of failure to comply with corporate duties by the partner. The suspension of rights has as a legal basis the articles 120 and 122, V, of Law 6,404, of December 15, 1976 (Brazilian Companies Law.). There is no analogous legal provision in comparative law. In Brazil, the subject has not been the object of specific and detailed monographic study. The thesis therefore aims at systematizing the subject and offering an original contribution to the development of the subject investigated. In the first part, the regulatory treatment of the suspension of shareholders rights is presented by means of a historic foreshortening of Brazilian legislation and the teleological and dogmatic foundations of the institution are analyzed. The second part is structured around shareholders subjective legal positions, active and passive. In this context, we identify the shareholders duties that, once violated, provide grounds to the application of Article 120 of the Brazilian Companies Law and which rights, powers and faculties might have their exercise suspended by the shareholders meeting. The third and last part highlights the controversial aspects around shareholders meetings which deliberate upon the suspension of shareholders rights. In particular, the problems related to the assembly jurisdiction, the assembly method and the effects of its deliberation and control.

L’activisme actionnarial en France est un phénomène relativement récent comparé aux pays anglo-saxons. Les actionnaires activistes sont de plus en plus présents dans les entreprises françaises. Leur introduction dans le capital d’une société constitue une menace pour certains dirigeants, insoucieux des normes de bonne gouvernance et privilégiant leurs intérêts au détriment de ceux des autres actionnaires. Les moyens dont disposent les actionnaires et particulièrement les actionnaires minoritaires pour exercer un contrôle sur la direction diffèrent selon les pays. Cette différence s’explique par le degré de protection des actionnaires minoritaires et la réglementation en vigueur. En France, le recours aux projets de résolution externes par les actionnaires, constitue un des moyens disponibles pour contrôler les dirigeants et les obliger à maximiser la valeur actionnariale et servir les intérêts des actionnaires. Notre thèse étudie l’impact des projets de résolution sur la performance boursière des entreprises françaises, entre 2002 et 2015 et présente les déterminants de réussite d’une résolution déposée en Assemblée Générale. / Shareholder activism in France is relatively a new phenomenon compared to the Anglo-Saxons countries. Activist shareholders are increasingly present in French companies. Their introduction into the capital of a company is a threat to some managers, heedless of standards of good governance and favoring their interests over those of other shareholders. The tools used by shareholders (especially minority shareholders) to exercise control over the management are different from one country to another. This difference can be explained by the degree of protection of minority shareholders and the regulatory framework. In France, submitting an external resolution by activist shareholders, allows them to control the board of directors and force them to maximize shareholder value and serve their interests. Our study investigates the impact of proposals on the market performance of French listed companies between 2002 and 2015 and presents the determinants of success of submitting resolutions at General Annual Meetings.

Die internationale Vereinigung der Schall- und audiovisuellen Archive feiert dieses Jahr in Dresden ihr zwanzigjähriges Bestehen. Ziel der rund 400 institutionellen und privaten Mitglieder ist es, das kulturelle Erbe an Tondokumenten und audiovisuellen Medien zu sichern, zu erforschen und der Öffentlichkeit zu vermitteln.

Die internationale Vereinigung der Schall- und audiovisuellen Archive feiert dieses Jahr in Dresden ihr zwanzigjähriges Bestehen. Ziel der rund 400 institutionellen und privaten Mitglieder ist es, das kulturelle Erbe an Tondokumenten und audiovisuellen Medien zu sichern, zu erforschen und der Öffentlichkeit zu vermitteln.