National Institute Of Standards And Technology Research Articles

Validation of daily 0.35 T diffusion-weighted MRI for MRI-guided glioblastoma radiotherapy.

MRI-Linac systems enable daily diffusion-weighed imaging (DWI) MRI scans for assessing glioblastoma tumor changes with radiotherapy treatment. Our study assessed the image quality of echoplanar imaging (EPI)-DWI scans compared with turbo spin echo (TSE)-DWI scans at 0.35 Tesla (T) and compared the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and distortion of EPI-DWI on 0.35 T MRI-Linac compared to high-field diagnostic MRI scanners. The calibrated National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)/Quantitative Imaging Biomarkers Alliance (QIBA) Diffusion Phantom was scanned on a 0.35 T MRI-Linac, and 1.5 T and 3 T MRI with EPI-DWI. Five patients were scanned on a 0.35 T MRI-Linac with a TSE-DWI sequence, and five other patients were scanned with EPI-DWI on a 0.35 T MRI-Linac and a 3 T MRI. The quality of images was compared between the TSE-DWI and EPI-DWI on the 0.35 T MRI-Linac assessing signal-to-noise ratios and presence of artifacts. EPI-DWI ADC values and distortion magnitude were measured and compared between 0.35 T MRI-Linac and high-field MRI for both phantom and patient studies. The average ADC differences between EPI-DWI acquired on the 0.35 T MRI-Linac, 1.5 T and 3 T MRI scanners and published references in the phantom study were 1.7%, 0.4% and 1.0%, respectively. Comparing the ADC values based on EPI-DWI in glioblastoma tumors, there was a 3.36% difference between 0.35 and 3 T measurements. Susceptibility-induced distortions in the EPI-DWI phantoms were 0.46±1.51mm for 0.35 MRI-Linac, 0.98±0.51mm for 1.5 T MRI and 1.14±1.88mm for 3 T MRI; for patients -0.47±0.78mm for 0.35 T and 1.73±2.11mm for 3 T MRIs. The mean deformable registration distortion for a phantom was 1.1±0.22mm, 3.5±0.39mm and 4.7±0.37mm for the 0.35 T MRI-Linac, 1.5 T MRI, and 3 T MRI scanners, respectively; for patients this distortion was -0.46±0.57mm for 0.35 T and 4.2±0.41mm for 3 T. EPI-DWI 0.35 T MRI-Linac images showed higher SNR and lack of artifacts compared with TSE-DWI, especially at higher b-values up to 1000 s/mm2. EPI-DWI on a 0.35 T MRI-Linac showed superior image quality compared with TSE-DWI, minor and less distortions than high-field diagnostic scanners, and comparable ADC values in phantoms and glioblastoma tumors. EPI-DWI should be investigated on the 0.35 T MRI-Linac for prediction of early response in patients with glioblastoma.

Theoretical prediction of molar entropy of modified shifted Morse potential for gaseous molecules

The modified shifted Morse potential is a molecular potential that describes the molecular vibration and atomic interaction. This potential has not received much report as one of the useful potential function. In this study, the molar entropy of a modified shifted Morse is obtained via the vibrational partition function, rotational partition function and translational partition function. Numerical results are obtained for iodine molecule (I2), silicon carbide (SiC), carbon phosphide (CP) and fluorine molecule (F2) for temperatures of 200 K to 6000 K. The predicted results are compared with the experimental results obtained from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) data base. The predicted values aligned with the experimental results for the four molecules. The average absolute percentage deviation obtained for each molecule is less than one, which shows a good representation of the modified shifted Morse potential for thermodynamic functions.

Phytochemical Composition and Antimicrobial Efficacy of Salvadora persica Root Extracts Against Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.

Background Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) are difficult to eradicate from the environment and are virtually immune to all antibiotics. Consequently, CRABmay culminate in severe outbreaks and fatal infections among people attending hospitals and nursing homes. Salvadora persicahas been used as an herbal remedy and chewing sticks for dental cleansing.Evaluating S.persica's efficacy against CRABmay provide an alternative approach to treating CRAB infections in healthcare environments, considering its traditional application in dental hygiene. Employing S. persica as an herbal remedy could be a part of a more sustainableapproach to control CRAB infections. Aim To investigate the phytochemical composition of S. persica and evaluate its antimicrobial properties. Materials and methods The roots were extracted by Soxhlet apparatus using n-hexane, chloroform, and methanol. Each extract was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) and characterized using WN908.Land National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) libraries.The antimicrobial activity of each extract against CRAB was evaluated using a broth microdilution assay to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Results The GCMS analysis of different solvent extracts of S. persica roots showed the presence of various phytochemical compounds such as steroids, phenolic compounds, fatty acids, alcohols, terpenoids, and vitamin E. Both chloroform and hexane extracts showed the most effective antimicrobial activity with a MIC valueof 3.13 mg/mL and an MBC value of 12.50 mg/mL, respectively. Benzoic acid was the major phytochemical compound identified from S. persica extract. N-hexane, chloroform, and methanol extracts exhibited maximum antimicrobial activity due to the presence of active compounds in them. Conclusion Chloroform and hexane extracts showed the most potent antibacterial activities against CRAB.

Improved differential fault analysis of Grain128-AEAD

The number of smart devices connected to the Internet has been constantly increasing, and as a result, lightweight cryptography (LWC) has become more important in the past decade. The Lightweight Cryptography (LWC) Project is an initiative taken by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to standardize such LWC algorithms. Grain128-AEAD, which was submitted to the NIST LWC project, is an encryption algorithm that provides both confidentiality and integrity assurance. Third-party security analysis of the submitted ciphers is an important aspect of the evaluation of the submission to the NIST LWC project. Although several pieces of existing research, such as the bit-flipping attack, random fault attack, and deterministic random fault attack, have examined the security of Grain128-AEAD, there is still room for improvement in the fault attack models of these studies. This work aims to fill this research gap by analyzing the security margin of Grain128-AEAD against a series of improved differential fault attacks. In this study, we developed a probabilistic random fault attack and applied it to Grain128-AEAD. As an improvement of the existing research, a probabilistic approach can be applied to a more relaxed moderate control attack model. The existing moderate control model assumes the fault to be injected within any bit of a given byte, whereas the faults in our improved approach can be injected within any bits of a two-byte/four-byte segment, thereby relaxing the fault precision. The results indicate that the improved moderate control requires 388 keystreams for the two-byte model and 279 for the four-byte model to identify the target fault locations for implementing a state recovery attack. The relaxed fault attack models presented in this work are more practical to implement; hence, the findings of this research have improved the existing studies and narrowed the current research gap on the fault attack models of Grain128-AEAD. % To maintain consistency in terminology, "Grain-128AEAD" has been revised to "Grain128-AEAD" in both the abstract and the main text. Please confirm this revision.

Password authenticated key exchange-based on Kyber for mobile devices.

In this article, a password-authenticated key exchange (PAKE) version of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) post-quantum cryptography (PQC) public-key encryption and key-establishment standard is constructed. We mainly focused on how the PAKE version of PQC standard Kyber with mobile compatibility can be obtained by using simple structured password components. In the design process, the conventional password-based authenticated key exchange (PAK) approach is updated under the module learning with errors (MLWE) assumptions to add password-based authentication. Thanks to the following PAK model, the proposed Kyber.PAKE provides explicit authentication and perfect forward secrecy (PFS). The resistance analysis against the password dictionary attack of Kyber.PAKE is examined by using random oracle model (ROM) assumptions. In the security analysis, the cumulative distribution function (CDF) Zipf (CDF-Zipf) model is also followed to provide realistic security examinations. According to the implementation results, Kyber.PAKE presents better run-time than lattice-based PAKE schemes with similar features, even if it contains complex key encapsulation mechanism (KEM) components. The comparison results show that the proposed PAKE scheme will come to the fore for the future security of mobile environments and other areas.

Development of a novel seized drug screening method utilizing DART-MS and used weigh paper

The conventional analytical scheme for seized drug analysis utilizes quick and cost-effective presumptive testing, such as color tests, followed by more discriminatory techniques, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Before the seized drug evidence is analyzed, the evidence is weighed using an appropriate weighing matrix and balance. Typically, the weighing matrix is discarded as chemical waste; however, the process of weighing the evidence leads to the deposition of drug residue onto the weighing matrix, which is then amenable to rapid analysis using ambient ionization approaches, such as direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry (DART-MS). This study demonstrates a DART-MS method for the rapid screening of seized drug evidence using filter paper and glassine paper weighing matrices commonly found in forensic laboratories. Validation experiments were performed using filter paper and glassine paper and compared to the results obtained using glass capillaries to assess the effectiveness of each weighing matrix. A total of 40 authentic samples, 20 filter papers and 20 glassine papers, were analyzed and the resulting spectra were searched using the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) DART-MS Forensics Database and Data Interpretation Tool (DIT). When compared to the ground truth GC–MS results, the developed approach had a 90% correct identification rate, with all misidentifications being due to the presence of tablets rather than powder. The developed DART-MS screening method provides the seized drug community with a method to rapidly screen seized drug residue remaining from the weighing process and to improve the overall laboratory efficiency.

Enhancing cryptographic robustness with dual key chaining

In this paper, we introduce an advanced mode of operation for block ciphers, named Dual Key Chaining Mode (DKC), aimed at bolstering cryptographic security for safeguarding sensitive information. Building upon the foundations laid by established modes while adhering to guidelines set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), DKC innovates through a dual-key mechanism and the generation of highly unpredictable values. This novel approach markedly enhances security, particularly against chosen plaintext attacks, a common vulnerability in traditional modes. Through rigorous mathematical analysis, we demonstrate DKC’s superiority, proving its indistinguishability under chosen plaintext attacks (IND-CPA) and showing that an adversary cannot practically distinguish DKC-encrypted ciphertexts from those produced by a random permutation. Our security proof employs a structured approach, contrasting DKC with conventional modes to highlight its robust defense mechanisms and its capacity to mitigate error propagation, reduce chain dependency, and resist pattern recognition attacks. The DKC mode not only surpasses existing standards in cryptographic security but also offers significant improvements in efficiency and security complexity, making it particularly suited for environments demanding stringent data protection. This study’s findings underscore DKC’s potential as a leading candidate for securing communication channels, financial transactions, and cloud storage services against an array of cryptographic attacks.

An innovative image encryption algorithm enhanced with the Pan-Tompkins Algorithm for optimal security

This study introduces a cutting-edge image encryption algorithm aimed at elevating security standards. The Pan-Tompkins Algorithm (PTA) for key generation is proposed for the first time in this study. Additionally, employing steganography through the Least Significant Bit (LSB) method for embedding keys within the encrypted image enhances secure key distribution, thereby fortifying the encryption process. On the other hand, the integration of advanced algorithms, such as Zigzag scanning, the Affine Image Encryption Algorithm (AA), and the Vigenere Image Encryption Algorithm (VA), constitutes the fundamental innovation of the proposed image encryption algorithm. The proposed algorithm is named PanAAVA:Affine Algorithm and Vigenere Algorithm Encryption with PTA-Based Key Generation. The PanAAVA algorithm ensures unparalleled security by encrypting the positions and values of pixels using AA and VA. Notably, using PTA for key generation marks a distinctive and new key generation method feature of the algorithm. To assess the effectiveness of the PanAAVA, a comprehensive comparative analysis is conducted against well-established encryption methodologies, including Lena, Baboon, Airplane, and Pepper.The PanAAVA demonstrates exceptional proficiency in histogram analysis. The PanAAVA demonstrates a Unified Average Changing Intensity (UACI) of 33.4044%. Additionally, the Number of Pixels Change Rate (NPCR) is measured at 99.7442%, showcasing the algorithm’s effectiveness in inducing significant pixel changes. The proposed algorithm’s Mean Square Error (MSE) is calculated at 3.20679E5%. The proposed algorithm’s Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) is recorded at 9.512475. The Key Space Size of the proposed algorithm is measured at 2209. Regarding correlation analysis, the PanAAVA achieves a high correlation score of 7.9996. The proposed algorithm successfully passes the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) analysis, demonstrating a remarkably strong correlation close to 0 and a Structural Similarity Index Measure (SSIM) of 0.9977. Furthermore, regarding quantum communication, the proposed algorithm maintains stable key rates of 47.5 ± 0.8 kHz during the day and 50.9 ± 0.7 kHz at night. Additionally, PanAAVA achieves low Quantum Bit Error Rate (QBER) values of 4.77 ± 0.02, ensuring reliable and secure communication. The PanAAVA also demonstrates robust asymmetries at 49.81 ± 0.02 and 50.14 ± 0.03 for a crystal length of 20 mm. highlighting PanAAVA’s adaptability and effectiveness in different scenarios. PanAAVA outperforms other encryption algorithms concerning performance measurements and comparisons. In conclusion, the PanAAVA emerges as a beacon of superior security capabilities and innovation in image encryption, showcasing the potential to redefine standards in the field.

Cyber Security; Etiology and Importance

Background: Cyber Security is to protect online data and software from cyber threats. These cyberattacks are typically intended to gain access to, change, or delete sensitive information; extort money from users; or disrupt regular corporate activities. It is difficult to keep up a regular follow up with new technologies, so it is necessary to keep the important data safe from cyber threats. There are many types of cyber threats, malware, ransomware, social engineering, phishing etc. To prevent cyber-attacks one can, use password manager tools like LastPass and others. People also use two factor authentication for double security on their accounts. Methods: Boards such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) are developing frameworks to assist firms in understanding their security risks, improving cybersecurity procedures, and preventing cyber assaults. The fight against cybercrimes and attack, organizations needed a strong base there are 5 types of cyber securities: Critical Infrastructure Security, application security, network security, cloud security and (IoT) Security. In the modern time the US is highly based on computers and on different software, so it is really important for the US to be more conscious about the security as they get many threats almost every day for hacking their data and accounts. Results and Conclusion: Nowadays, even small businesses rarely recover their loss from the cyber-attacks and many back-off from continuing their businesses after being target of hackers. The first cybercrime attack was recorded in 1988 by a graduate student. Now that large companies and even small businesses are aware of cyber-attacks, they try their best to take every precaution to prevent hacking with double security and password manager tools.

A lightweight hardware implementation of CRYSTALS-Kyber

The security of cryptographic algorithms based on integer factorization and discrete logarithm will be threatened by quantum computers in future. Since December 2016, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has begun to solicit post-quantum cryptographic (PQC) algorithms worldwide. CRYSTALS-Kyber was selected as the standard of PQC algorithm after 3 rounds of evaluation. Meanwhile considering the large resource consumption of current implementation, this paper presents a lightweight architecture for ASICs and its implementation on FPGAs for prototyping. In this implementation, a novel compact modular multiplication unit (MMU) and compression/decompression module is proposed to save hardware resources. We put forward a specially optimized schoolbook polynomial multiplication (SPM) instead of number theoretic transform (NTT) core for polynomial multiplication, which can reduce about 74% SLICE cost. We also use signed number representation to save memory resources. In addition, we optimize the hardware implementation of the Hash module, which cuts off about 48% of FF consumption by register reuse technology. Our design can be implemented on Kintex-7 (XC7K325T-2FFG900I) FPGA for prototyping, which occupations of 4777/4993 LUTs, 2661/2765 FFs, 1395/1452 SLICEs, 2.5/2.5 BRAMs, and 0/0 DSP respective of client/server side. The maximum clock frequency can reach at 244 ​MHz. As far as we know, our design consumes the least resources compared with other existing designs, which is very friendly to resource-constrained devices.

Using Passive Microrheology to Measure the Evolution of the Rheological Properties of NIST mAb Formulations during Adsorption to the Air-Water Interface.

The development of novel protein-based therapeutics, such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), is often limited due to challenges associated with maintaining the stability of these formulations during manufacturing, storage, and clinical administration. An undesirable consequence of the instability of protein therapeutics is the formation of protein particles. MAbs can adsorb to interfaces and have the potential to undergo partial unfolding as well as to form viscoelastic gels. Further, the viscoelastic properties may be correlated with their aggregation potential. In this work, a passive microrheology technique was used to correlate the evolution of surface adsorption with the evolution of surface rheology of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) mAb reference material (NIST mAb) and interface-induced subvisible protein particle formation. The evolution of the surface adsorption and interfacial shear rheological properties of the NIST mAb was recorded in four formulation conditions: two different buffers (histidine vs phosphate-buffered saline) and two different pHs (6.0 and 7.6). Our results together demonstrate the existence of multiple stages for both surface adsorption and surface rheology, characterized by an induction period that appears to be purely viscous, followed by a sharp increase in protein molecules at the interface when the film rheology is viscoelastic and ultimately a slowdown in the surface adsorption that corresponds to the formation of solid-like or glassy films at the interface. When the transitions between the different stages occurred, they were dependent on the buffer/pH of the formulations. The onset of these transitions can also be correlated to the number of protein particles formed at the interface. Finally, the addition of polysorbate 80, an FDA-approved surfactant used to mitigate protein particle formation, led to the interface being surfactant-dominated, and the resulting interface remained purely viscous.

The Image Classification Algorithm Was Implemented on The MNIST Data Set

In the current era of rapid development of science and technology, the recognition and classification of digital images is the key to solving many problems, such as the application of license plate recognition, document digitization, and remote sensing image surface classification. Based on the MNIST handwritten numerical data set collected by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), this report uses Python language and PyTorch programming framework to construct a convolutional neural network (CNN) structure and practice and experience the image classification of handwritten digits in the MNIST data set.

A COMPARATIVE REVIEW OF DATA ENCRYPTION METHODS IN THE USA AND EUROPE

Data encryption is a critical aspect of modern information security, and understanding the approaches taken by different regions is vital for a comprehensive analysis. In the United States and Europe, data encryption methods vary in implementation, legal frameworks, and overall priorities. In the United States, encryption methods are primarily governed by a combination of federal laws and industry standards. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) plays a central role in recommending cryptographic standards, while the Department of Commerce oversees export controls on encryption technology. The focus in the U.S. is on balancing national security needs with individual privacy rights. The tension between law enforcement's desire for access to encrypted data for criminal investigations and the right to privacy has sparked debates and legal battles. On the other hand, Europe has taken a more privacy-centric approach to data protection. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a cornerstone in the European Union's efforts to safeguard individual privacy rights. GDPR mandates the use of encryption to protect personal data, and failure to implement adequate measures can result in hefty fines. European countries also emphasize the importance of end-to-end encryption in communication services to ensure confidentiality. Both regions prioritize encryption, but their approaches reflect different values and legal philosophies. The U.S. tends to navigate a delicate balance between national security and individual rights, while Europe places a stronger emphasis on the protection of personal data as a fundamental right. In terms of technological implementation, the encryption algorithms adopted in both regions are often aligned with global standards. Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is widely accepted and implemented in various sectors. However, the choice of key management and the level of regulatory oversight differ, contributing to the nuanced landscape of data protection. In conclusion, a comparative review of data encryption methods in the USA and Europe reveals the complex interplay between security, privacy, and legal frameworks. Understanding these differences is crucial for multinational organizations and individuals navigating the intricate landscape of global data protection.
 Keywords: Data, Encryption, USA, Europe, Review.

Advancing Hardware Security: A Review and Novel Design of Configurable Arbiter PUF with DCM-Induced Metastability for Enhanced Resource Efficiency and Unpredictability

As the Internet of Things (IoT) and Blockchain technologies continue to assert their dominance in the technical landscape, the demand to enhance security measures becomes foremost. In this context, Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs) are widely used hardware security primitives that can be used to solve a wide range of security issues. To support hardware security solutions, this paper presents an extensive overview and analysis of the existing Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs) used as True Random Number Generators (TRNGs). Recognizing the shortcomings of current PUF designs, we propose a configurable Arbiter PUF design employing Digital Clock Manager (DCM)-induced metastability as an entropy source, presenting a robust solution for evolving hardware security. To mitigate the adverse consequences of metastability, the proposed Arbiter PUF includes a Carry Chain primitive with four Flip-Flop clones. Acknowledging the constantly evolving IoT and Blockchain environment, the suggested configurable Arbiter PUF is made to satisfy the highest security standards. By exploiting the inherent variations in FPGA technology, we aim to reduce system resource and area consumption, aligning with the efficiency criteria of modern applications. The system's performance is additionally enhanced by an on-chip post-processing based on DSP. Simulation results demonstrate successful implementation on a Xilinx Basys-3 FPGA board, offering a scalable and efficient solution. The generated sequences of the proposed PUF undergo rigorous testing, including National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) statistical tests for uniqueness, reliability, and randomness. This holistic approach aims to improve the PUF's performance and security.

Multi-kilowatt cw laser power measurement comparison between national standards

We present here the first comparison between National Metrology Institutes of high accuracy continuous wave optical power measurements in the kilowatt regime. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) performed measurements with a power meter relying on photon momentum. The Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) performed measurements with a modified off-the-shelf thermal power meter. The non-absorbing photon momentum measurement approach permits the two power meters to measure the same laser beam optical path simultaneously, resulting in a direct comparison of the meters supported by an optical system to accommodate differences in instrument settling times. The results show agreement within the expanded uncertainties for each instrument. NIST and PTB illustrate a degree of equivalence of 0.49% with an expanded uncertainty of 1.37% (k = 2) for an average result across all power levels.

A Survey about Post Quantum Cryptography Methods

Cryptography is an art of hiding the significant data or information with some other codes. It is a practice and study of securing information and communication. Thus, cryptography prevents third party intervention over the data communication. The cryptography technology transforms the data into some other form to enhance security and robustness against the attacks. The thrust of enhancing the security among data transfer has been emerged ever since the need of Artificial Intelligence field came into a market. Therefore, modern way of computing cryptographic algorithm came into practice such as AES, 3DES, RSA, Diffie-Hellman and ECC. These public-key encryption techniques now in use are based on challenging discrete logarithms for elliptic curves and complex factorization. However, those two difficult problems can be effectively solved with the help of sufficient large-scale quantum computer. The Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC) aims to deal with an attacker who has a large-scale quantum computer. Therefore, it is essential to build a robust and secure cryptography algorithm against most vulnerable pre-quantum cryptography methods. That is called ‘Post Quantum Cryptography’. Therefore, the present crypto system needs to propose encryption key and signature size is very large.in addition to careful prediction of encryption/decryption time and amount of traffic over the communication wire is required. The post-quantum cryptography (PQC) article discusses different families of post-quantum cryptosystems, analyses the current status of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) post-quantum cryptography standardisation process, and looks at the difficulties faced by the PQC community.

In vitro bioaccessibility round robin testing for arsenic and lead in standard reference materials and soil samples.

In this study, we assessed the suitability of using a standard reference material (SRM) other than National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 2710a or NIST 2711a in USEPA Method 1340 to determine arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) in vitro bioaccessibility (IVBA) and the capabilities of Canadian-based laboratories to perform the method. Five laboratories participated in an initial round robin study and analyzed NIST 2710a, NIST 2711a, BGS119, and Enviromat SS-2. Intra- and inter-laboratory variability were generally acceptable with percentage relative standard deviations (RSD) of less than 20%. The mean total As and Pb concentrations obtained for BGS119 (332 and 936 mg/kg, respectively) and the mean IVBA values (As = 14.3% and Pb = 78.1%) suggested it may be a suitable and acceptable SRM, whereas the concentration of As in Enviromat SS-2 as received (3.2 mg/kg) was deemed too low. Ten soil samples from sites with varying land use were analyzed in a follow-up round robin study using the modified IVBA method that included BGS119 as SRM. The concentrations of As and Pb in the IVBA extracts reported by the participating laboratories were comparable. The mean As IVBA values for the field-collected samples ranged from 0.1% to 56.4%; for Pb, they ranged from 7.0% to 121%. The lowest IVBA values were measured in mine site samples; the highest values were associated with smelter-affected soils. The low IVBA values correlated with high iron content. Intra- and interlaboratory reproducibility were acceptable (RSD < 30%). Based on the findings of the study, laboratories can use the modified method to provide reproducible and comparable As and Pb IVBA data. The use of BGS119 as an alternative SRM to assess contaminated sites in the province of British Columbia for regulatory purposes is recommended, as it is representative of As and Pb concentrations in contaminated soils in British Columbia. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1486-1495. © 2024 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Comparing programming languages for data analytics: Accuracy of estimation in Python and R

AbstractSeveral open‐source programming languages, particularly R and Python, are utilized in industry and academia for statistical data analysis, data mining, and machine learning. While most commercial software programs and programming languages provide a single way to deliver a statistical procedure, open‐source programming languages have multiple libraries and packages offering many ways to complete the same analysis, often with varying results. Applying the same statistical method across these different libraries and packages can lead to entirely different solutions due to the differences in their implementations. Therefore, reliability and accuracy should be essential considerations when making library and package usage decisions while conducting statistical analysis using open source programming languages. Instead, most users take this for granted, assuming that their chosen libraries and packages produce accurate results for their statistical analysis. To this extent, this study assesses the estimation accuracy and reliability of Python and R's various libraries and packages by evaluating the univariate summary statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and linear regression procedures using benchmarking data from the National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST). Further, experimental results are presented comparing machine learning methods for classification and regression. The libraries and packages assessed in this study include the stats package in R and Pandas, Statistics, NumPy, statsmodels, SciPy, statsmodels, scikit‐learn, and pingouin in Python. The results show that the stats package in R and statsmodels library in Python are reliable for univariate summary statistics. In contrast, Python's scikit‐learn library produces the most accurate results and is recommended for ANOVA. Among the libraries and packages assessed for linear regression, the results demonstrated that the stats package in R is more reliable, accurate, and flexible; thus, it is recommended for linear regression analysis. Further, we present results and recommendations for machine learning using R and Python.This article is categorized under: Algorithmic Development &gt; Statistics Application Areas &gt; Data Mining Software Tools

Efficient number theoretic transform accelerator for CRYSTALS-Kyber

&lt;p&gt;The national institute of standards and technology (NIST) has presented its draft of the module-lattice-based key-encapsulation mechanism standard (MLBKEMS), choosing cryptographic suite for algebraic lattices (CRYSTALS)- Kyber as the base encryption. Existing hardware implementations of modern cryptography will need to process the new standard efficiently. The primary process in CRYSTALS-Kyber key-encapsulation mechanism (KEM) is the number theoretic transform (NTT), which requires heavy computing power. This paper contributes an efficient hardware accelerator for NTT and inverse NTT (INTT) by CRYSTAL-Kyber parameters. The proposed design utilizes the K-RED algorithm for reducing polynomial multiplication. It also incorporates the BrentKung method for efficient modular addition and subtraction operation with an address generator to control the sequences of computation. On the Xilinx Artix 7 field programmable gate array (FPGA), our design achieves 262 MHz clock speed, utilizing only 1405 LUTs.&lt;/p&gt;

Statistical Fault Analysis of TinyJambu

The resource-constrained IoT devices have limited resources such as processing power, memory, and battery capacity. Therefore it is challenging to adopt traditional cryptographic algorithms on them. In order to find a solution, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) initiated the Lightweight Cryptography (LWC) competition to standardize cryptographic algorithms for resource-constrained devices. The primary aim of our work is to implement and analyse selected finalist algorithms from the NIST competition using modern cryptanalysis techniques, with a focus on statistical fault attacks. Traditional analysis methods, such as linear and differential analysis, were not prioritized as most finalist algorithms have established defences against these methods. We implemented six of the selected finalist algorithms from the competition: Ascon, Elephant, GIFT-COFB, ISAP, TinyJambu, and Xoodyak. We chose TinyJumbu for statistical fault analysis because of its attractiveness, compact block size, and provision of a more lightweight keyed permutation.