Innovation development, production, distribution and consumption networks can be built up horizontally – with actors consisting only of innovation users (more precisely, “user/self-manufacturers”). “Free” and “open source” software projects are examples of such networks, and examples can be found in the case of physical products as well. User innovation networks can function entirely independen...

Despite the unconditionally secure theory of the Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), several attacks have been successfully implemented against commercial QKD systems. Those systems have exhibited some flaws, as the secret key rate of corresponding protocols remains unaltered, while the eavesdropper obtains the entire secret key. We propose the negative acknowledgment state quantum key distribution...

Abstract The present paper deals with the optimization of inventory networks which potentially exist in any supply chains. After introducing the theory of quick response production, we discuss the methodology to optimize the inventory levels of a production/inventory system considering multiple semifinished and finished products by a collaborative use of mathematical and simulation models. A nu...

Smart grid enhances optimization in generation, distribution and consumption of the electricity by integrating information and communication technologies into the grid. Today, utilities are moving towards smart grid applications, most common one being deployment of smart meters in advanced metering infrastructure, and the first technical challenge they face is the huge volume of data generated ...

Background: Providing safe drinking water has critical importance to human societies. The aim of this study was to investigate microbiological quality of drinking water in distribution system of urban and rural regions of Ijroud, in Zanjan province.   Materials and Methods: In present descriptive study, the microbiological examination of drinking water was conducted in 15 facilities with...

The main functional purpose of a water distribution network is to transport water from a source to several domestic and industrial units while at the same time satisfying various requirements on hydraulic response. All the water distribution networks perform two basic operations: firstly the water network needs to deliver adequate amounts of water to meet specific requirements, and secondly the...