Quantum Key Distribution

This chapter describes the application of lasers, specifically diode lasers, in the area of quantum key distribution (QKD). First, we motivate the distribution of cryptographic keys based on quantum physical properties of light, give a brief introduction to QKD assuming the reader has no or very little knowledge about cryptography, and briefly present the state-of-the-art of QKD. In the second half of the chapter we describe, as an example of a real-world QKD system, the system deployed between the University of Calgary and SAIT Polytechnic. We conclude the chapter with a brief discussion of quantum networks and future steps.Comment: 20 pages, 12 figure

Hypersensitivity to Cell Death under Glucose Starvation Involves Oxidative Stress and AMPK Instability

Master'sMASTER OF SCIENC

Time-cost analysis of a quantum key distribution system clocked at 100 MHz

We describe the realization of a quantum key distribution (QKD) system clocked at 100 MHz. The system includes classical postprocessing implemented via software, and is operated over a 12 km standard telecommunication dark fiber in a real-world environment. A time-cost analysis of the sifted, error-corrected, and secret key rates relative to the raw key rate is presented, and the scalability of our implementation with respect to higher secret key rates is discussed.Comment: 8 pages, 3 figure

Robust estimation of bacterial cell count from optical density

Optical density (OD) is widely used to estimate the density of cells in liquid culture, but cannot be compared between instruments without a standardized calibration protocol and is challenging to relate to actual cell count. We address this with an interlaboratory study comparing three simple, low-cost, and highly accessible OD calibration protocols across 244 laboratories, applied to eight strains of constitutive GFP-expressing E. coli. Based on our results, we recommend calibrating OD to estimated cell count using serial dilution of silica microspheres, which produces highly precise calibration (95.5% of residuals <1.2-fold), is easily assessed for quality control, also assesses instrument effective linear range, and can be combined with fluorescence calibration to obtain units of Molecules of Equivalent Fluorescein (MEFL) per cell, allowing direct comparison and data fusion with flow cytometry measurements: in our study, fluorescence per cell measurements showed only a 1.07-fold mean difference between plate reader and flow cytometry data

Simultaneous energy harvesting and tribological property improvement

AbstractIn this study, piezoelectric elements were added to a reciprocating friction test bench to harvest friction-induced vibration energy. Parameters such as vibration acceleration, noise, and voltage signals of the system were measured and analyzed. The results show that the piezoelectric elements can not only collect vibration energy but also suppress friction-induced vibration noise (FIVN). Additionally, the wear of the friction interface was examined via optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and white-light interferometry (WLI). The results show that the surface wear state improved because of the reduction of FIVN. In order to analyze the experimental results in detail and explain them reasonably, the experimental phenomena were simulated numerically. Moreover, a simplified two-degree-of-freedom numerical model including the original system and the piezoelectric system was established to qualitatively describe the effects, dynamics, and tribological behaviors of the added piezoelectric elements to the original system.</jats:p

Reliability and validity of a questionnaire measuring knowledge, attitude and practice regarding “oil, salt and sugar” among canteen staff

Abstract Excessive intake of oil, salt and sugar is closely associated with the prevalence of non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs). Canteen staff’s knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) about oil, salt and sugar directly affect the content in dishes and the consumers’ intake. However, no valid questionnaire is used to assess KAP among canteen staff about the “oil, salt and sugar”. Therefore, the present study aimed to establish and validate a questionnaire to evaluate the KAP of canteen staff about the “oil, salt and sugar”. This cross-sectional study was conducted among canteen staff randomly selected from three college canteens. Participants completed the questionnaire and retested it two weeks later. Internal and test–retest reliability were assessed using Cronbach’s α and Pearson correlation coefficients, respectively. Validity was assessed using the exploratory factor analysis. 100 participants finished the questionnaire, of which 66% were females with a mean age of 40.3 ± 10.5 years. The Cronbach’s α coefficients of the total questionnaire and Knowledge, Attitude and Practice dimensions were 0.822, 0.830, 0.752 and 0.700, respectively. The test–retest reliability coefficient was 0.968. In exploratory factor analysis, nine common factors were extracted, with 26 items, and the cumulative contribution rate was 70.9%. The questionnaire had a satisfactory property for measuring the KAP of the “oil, salt and sugar” among canteen staff in China