QKD Based on Symmetric Entangled Bernstein-Vazirani.

This paper introduces a novel entanglement-based QKD protocol, that makes use of a modified symmetric version of the Bernstein-Vazirani algorithm, in order to achieve secure and efficient key distribution. Two variants of the protocol, one fully symmetric and one semi-symmetric, are presented. In both cases, the spatially separated Alice and Bob share multiple EPR pairs, each one qubit of the pair. The fully symmetric version allows both parties to input their tentative secret key from their respective location and acquire in the end a totally new and original key, an idea which was inspired by the Diffie-Hellman key exchange protocol. In the semi-symmetric version, Alice sends her chosen secret key to Bob (or vice versa). The performance of both protocols against an eavesdroppers attack is analyzed. Finally, in order to illustrate the operation of the protocols in practice, two small scale but detailed examples are given.

Nature and Quantum-Inspired Procedures - A Short Literature Review.

Even before quantum computers were known to the public, quantum-inspired algorithms were already introduced and acquired a well-deserved reputation. Their strength lies on their ability to combine innovative characteristics and superior results. In the almost 20 years that the field has existed, a huge number of results have been obtained. This chapter is an attempt to give a succinct but comprehensive review of the current state of affairs in the field of quantum-inspired-based metaheuristics, particularly geared towards those that can be used in existing quantum computers.

Microbes and the Games They Play.

Game theory is a fundamental field with applications in numerous other areas, including biology. A relatively recent, but already boasting extensive and increasing influence and important results, branch of classical Game Theory is Evolutionary Game Theory. Evolutionary Game Theory focuses on populations and microorganisms, like bacteria, and studies their interactions when these are viewed as games. This work aims to be a comprehensive presentation of the games microbes, and specifically bacteria, play during their lifetime. It is hoped that this perspective can enhance one's understanding of the biology of the microcosm and open new avenues for relative research.

Particular Biomolecular Processes as Computing Paradigms.

The research on alternative computation paradigms has been initiated mainly because of the apparent limits induced by the nature of the materials and the methods used in current computing technologies. Due to the above observation, various bio-inspired computing methods have already been proposed and studied, both in practice and theory. In this paper, a review of such models is outlined with emphasis on biomolecular forms of computing. In addition, a novel biomolecular model of computation based on P systems is proposed inspired by the structure of mitochondria, namely, the mitochondria P systems and automata.

A Survey of Evolutionary Games in Biology.

The applications of game theory in biology are numerous and include the comparison and modeling situations between bacteria, viruses, etc. This work provides insights about the connection between biology and evolving populations with classical and quantum evolutionary game theory and explains the benefits of unconventional computing methods in the study of such phenomena. In particular, the introduction of automata brings new possibilities into the decision-making process.

A Brief Survey of the Prisoners' Dilemma Game and Its Potential Use in Biology.

Prisoners' Dilemma is a well-known game in game theory with many variations and applications in a number of fields. The addition of quantum strategies in this game opens up new possibilities and changes the equilibria of the game significantly.

QM Automata: A New Class of Restricted Quantum Membrane Automata.

The term "Unconventional Computing" describes the use of non-standard methods and models in computing. It is a recently established field, with many interesting and promising results. In this work we combine notions from quantum computing with aspects of membrane computing to define what we call QM automata. Specifically, we introduce a variant of quantum membrane automata that operate in accordance with the principles of quantum computing. We explore the functionality and capabilities of the QM automata through indicative examples. Finally we suggest future directions for research on QM automata.

Mitochondrial fusion through membrane automata.

Studies have shown that malfunctions in mitochondrial processes can be blamed for diseases. However, the mechanism behind these operations is yet not sufficiently clear. In this work we present a novel approach to describe a biomolecular model for mitochondrial fusion using notions from the membrane computing. We use a case study defined in BioAmbient calculus and we show how to translate it in terms of a P automata variant. We combine brane calculi with (mem)brane automata to produce a new scheme capable of describing simple, realistic models. We propose the further use of similar methods and the test of other biomolecular models with the same behaviour.