Validation Program Research Articles

Qualification Analysis of Experimental Data for High-Temperature Oxidation of Russian Zirconium Alloys in Steam

The paper presents the results of qualification analysis of experimental data on high-temperature oxidation of the Russian zirconium alloys in steam, which include an assessment of the consistency of measurement results in tests, and numerical modeling of experiments with SOCRAT-V1/V2 code. Conclusions are provided on the possibility of using the SSC RIAR experimental programs for validation of severe accident codes, and the applicability of the SOCRAT-V1/V2 code for prediction of the high-temperature oxidation of the Russian zirconium claddings of fuel rods.

M6O4(OH)4 of M = Sn, Pb: Single Crystal Growth and Crystal Structure Determinations Far Away from Routine

Single crystals of Sn6O4(OH)4 have been grown over a period of more than a decade in hermetically sealed flasks of various triorganotin(IV)-trihydrides in toluene/N,N-dimethylformamide and those of Pb6O4(OH)4 on a petri dish within some days from the reaction of Pb(ClO4)2 with Sr(OH)2·8H2O. High-resolution X-ray diffraction data of the tetragonally crystallizing compounds have been collected conventionally at 100 K. Crystal structure determinations have been performed in space groups P4/mnc and P4¯21c with different structure models because of a pretended specific systematic extinction condition. Its violation was routinely overseen because of the very low intensities of the respective reflections, an effect reinforced by crystal size. The non-existence of this systematic extinction was experimentally confirmed by studying the datasets in more detail, including the simulation of layer photographs. The importance of additional information obtained from dataset analysis tools and structure validation programs to assess the different structure models is demonstrated. Structures of both molecules are analyzed with respect to the molecules as a whole as well as to their constructive building units: two crystallographic different prototypes of {MO4} coordination polyhedra with a bent seesaw conformation, one μ3-OH- and one μ3-O- group, each trigonal-pyramidally coordinated.

Evaluation of SWER(Ze) Relationships by Precipitation Imaging Package (PIP) during ICE-POP 2018

Abstract Improving estimation of snow water equivalent rate (SWER) from radar reflectivity (Ze), known as a SWER(Ze) relationship, is a priority for NASA’s Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission ground validation program as it is needed to comprehensively validate spaceborne precipitation retrievals. This study investigates the performance of eight operational and four research-based SWER(Ze) relationships utilizing Precipitation Imaging Probe (PIP) observations from the International Collaborative Experiment for Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (ICE-POP 2018) field campaign. During ICE-POP 2018, there were 10 snow events that are classified by synoptic conditions as either cold low or warm low, and a SWER(Ze) relationship is derived for each event. Additionally, a SWER(Ze) relationship is derived for each synoptic classification by merging all events within each class. Two new types of SWER(Ze) relationships are derived from PIP measurements of bulk density and habit classification. These two physically based SWER(Ze) relationships provided superior estimates of SWER when compared to the operational, event-specific, and synoptic SWER(Ze) relationships. For estimates of the event snow water equivalent total, the event-specific, synoptic, and best-performing operational SWER(Ze) relationships outperformed the physically based SWER(Ze) relationship, although the physically based relationships still performed well. This study recommends using the density or habit-based SWER(Ze) relationships for microphysical studies, whereas the other SWER(Ze) relationships are better suited toward hydrologic application.

Overview of the DESI Milky Way Survey

We describe the Milky Way Survey (MWS) that will be undertaken with the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) on the Mayall 4 m telescope at the Kitt Peak National Observatory. Over the next 5 yr DESI MWS will observe approximately seven million stars at Galactic latitudes ∣b∣ > 20°, with an inclusive target selection scheme focused on the thick disk and stellar halo. MWS will also include several high-completeness samples of rare stellar types, including white dwarfs, low-mass stars within 100 pc of the Sun, and horizontal branch stars. We summarize the potential of DESI to advance understanding of the Galactic structure and stellar evolution. We introduce the final definitions of the main MWS target classes and estimate the number of stars in each class that will be observed. We describe our pipelines for deriving radial velocities, atmospheric parameters, and chemical abundances. We use ≃500,000 spectra of unique stellar targets from the DESI Survey Validation program (SV) to demonstrate that our pipelines can measure radial velocities to ≃1 km s−1 and [Fe/H] accurate to ≃0.2 dex for typical stars in our main sample. We find the stellar parameter distributions from ≈100 deg2 of SV observations with ≳90% completeness on our main sample are in good agreement with expectations from mock catalogs and previous surveys.

Validation of Aeolus wind profiles using ground-based lidar and radiosonde observations at Réunion island and the Observatoire de Haute-Provence

Abstract. The European Space Agency's (ESA) Aeolus satellite mission is the first Doppler wind lidar in space, operating in orbit for more than 4 years since August 2018 and providing global wind profiling throughout the entire troposphere and the lower stratosphere. The Observatoire de Haute-Provence (OHP) in southern France and the Observatoire de Physique de l'Atmosphère de La Réunion (OPAR) are equipped with ground-based Doppler Rayleigh–Mie lidars, which operate on similar principles to the Aeolus lidar and are among essential instruments within the ESA Aeolus calibration and validation (cal/val) program. This study presents the validation results of the L2B Rayleigh clear horizontal line-of-sight (HLOS) winds from September 2018 to January 2022. The point-by-point validation exercise relies on a series of validation campaigns at both observatories: AboVE (Aeolus Validation Experiment), held in September 2019 and June 2021 at OPAR and in January 2019 and December 2021 at OHP. The campaigns involved time-coordinated lidar acquisitions and radiosonde ascents collocated with the nearest Aeolus overpasses. During AboVE-2, Aeolus was operated in a campaign mode with an extended range bin setting allowing inter-comparisons up to 28.7 km. We show that this setting suffers from larger random error in the uppermost bins, exceeding the estimated error, due to lack of backscatter at high altitudes. To evaluate the long-term evolution in Aeolus wind product quality, twice-daily routine Météo-France radiosondes and regular lidar observations were used at both sites. This study evaluates the long-term evolution of the satellite performance along with punctual collocation analyses. On average, we find a systematic error (bias) of −0.92 and −0.79 m s−1 and a random error (scaled MAD) of 6.49 and 5.37 m s−1 for lidar and radiosondes, respectively.

Continuous Validation Across Macromolecular Structure Determination Process.

The overall quality of the experimentally determined structures contained in the PDB is exceptionally high, mainly due to the continuous improvement of model building and structural validation programs. Improving reproducibility on a large scale requires expanding the concept of validation in structural biology and all other disciplines to include a broader framework that encompasses the entire project. A successful approach to science requires diligent attention to detail and a focus on the future. An earnest commitment to data availability and reuse is essential for scientific progress, be that by human minds or artificial intelligence.

Development Of Integrated Elements Chemical Domino Card Game With Ethnochemistry Madura Jamu Ingredients

This study aims to develop an elemental chemistry domino card game integrated with the ethnochemistry of Madurese herbal ingredients. The concept raised is an educational game that connects domino card games, elemental chemistry, and natural ingredients of Madurese herbal medicine. The development of this media uses the ADDIE development model. The ADDIE model consists of Analyze, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation stages. The development of this media was carried out with two trials, namely in the form of validation questionnaires and student response questionnaires. The validation test consists of media validation (appearance and program) and material (content and presentation). The response questionnaire consists of indicators of convenience, interest, and usefulness. Media trials were conducted on 30 students of class XII IPA 2 SMAN 3 Pamekasan. The results of this study were the development of an elemental chemical domino card game that was integrated with ethnochemistry on Madurese herbal ingredients with an average percentage of very valid material category validation results (97.19) and very valid media category validation (92.70). The results of the response questionnaire to the elemental chemical domino card trial with indicators of ease, interest, and usefulness of the media obtained an average percentage in the very good category (75). Elemental chemical domino card media integrated with ethnochemistry of Madurese herbal ingredients is very valid for use in learning.

Automated cell segmentation for reproducibility in bioimage analysis.

Live-cell imaging is extremely common in synthetic biology research, but its ability to be applied reproducibly across laboratories can be hindered by a lack of standardized image analysis. Here, we introduce a novel cell segmentation method developed as part of a broader Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V) program aimed at characterizing engineered Dictyostelium cells. Standardizing image analysis was found to be highly challenging: the amount of human judgment required for parameter optimization, algorithm tweaking, training and data pre-processing steps forms serious challenges for reproducibility. To bring automation and help remove bias from live-cell image analysis, we developed a self-supervised learning (SSL) method that recursively trains itself directly from motion in live-cell microscopy images without any end-user input, thus providing objective cell segmentation. Here, we highlight this SSL method applied to characterizing the engineered Dictyostelium cells of the original IV&V program. This approach is highly generalizable, accepting images from any cell type or optical modality without the need for manual training or parameter optimization. This method represents an important step toward automated bioimage analysis software and reflects broader efforts to design accessible measurement technologies to enhance reproducibility in synthetic biology research.

Citizenship by Investment - Latest Development in the European Union

This paper covers citizenship by investment (CBI) schemes in the European Union (EU) context which allow to acquire nationality of the EU member state through targeted investments. We were verifying whether the negative attitude of the EU towards the CBI schemes of member states and the ongoing war in Ukraine threaten their very existence. In order to achieve the objective, we analysed the rules on the acquisition of citizenship by naturalization as well as the relationship between nationality of the EU member states, which is still their exclusive competence and the EU citizenship status. Subsequently, we compared CBI schemes of three EU member states (Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta). The results show that the EU has put pressure on member states to cancel their CBI programs because of the complex relationship between the national citizenship on the one hand and the EU citizenship and related rights enforceable across the whole EU on the other hand. This EU pressure has been further intensified following the war in Ukraine. The reason is that Russian nationals made up a significant number of CBI applicants and also because some Russian or Belarusian nationals who are supporting the war in Ukraine might have acquired EU citizenship under CBI schemes. Of the three countries we analysed, only Malta currently has a valid CBI program. Bulgaria and Cyprus abolished their CBI programs. This development indicates that the EU has gradually succeeded in eliminating the existence of CBI in the EU member states. However, it is not yet clear whether this practice of member states is contrary to the EU law. We assume that the Court of Justice of the EU will resolve this question in the ongoing infringement procedure initiated by the European Commission against Malta.

Initial training of teachers for the education of students from social welfare institutions in an inclusive school

Students from social care institutions are a sensitive subgroup whose inclusive needs often diverse the average student’s needs and for which specific teachers’ competencies are expected. The paper presents the special educational needs of this heterogeneous group of school children explaining the frequent occurrence of learning difficulties, behavioral, emotional, and other developmental problems conditioned by unfavorable educational, social, economic, and cultural factors. The valid available online study programs of faculties for future teachers for mandatory elementary school subjects and classroom teachers at the faculties of two universities in the Republic of Croatia were analyzed. The goal of the research was to determine the number of subjects aimed at teaching students with disabilities during the initial future teachers’ education and the occurrence of topics of students with disabilities education in the subjects that form the basis of future teacher practice, subjects for the acquisition of didactic-methodical, psychological, pedagogical, social, and practical teaching competencies. The obtained results can serve as a predictor for future research and the basis for creating programs for professional development in inclusive teaching based on the objective needs of individual teaching professions.

Performance of Hand Movements by 3–5-Year-Old Girls with Different Handedness

The purpose of the study was to determine the state of performance of motor actions by girls with different handedness, which establishes a valid program for each age period of 3–5 years.
 Materials and methods. Sixty girls took part in the study (compared with the right-, left-hand preference, and ambidexterity), each attended a preschool, and at the time of the study, the age of each was within the range of 3 years 5 months 2 days to 3 years 5 months and 29 days. To obtain the necessary data, motor actions determined by the current child development program in the preschool period were used. The quality of the girls' performance of each defined motor action was assessed, and the procedure took place in January of each new school year, that is, when the girls were first 3 years old, then 4 and 5 years old.
 Results. Each age of the period of 3–5 years is marked by handedness-related features of development and manifestation of the motor function of girls when performing motor actions with their hands. At the same time, the majority of motor actions were performed by the girls of each sample with a score lower than the maximum score. This does not contribute to the intensive development of the motor function of girls, which differs from the task defined by the current program for preschool education institutions. Comparing the results of girls with different handedness, it was found that in most motor actions, the scores obtained for performance differ by a statistically significant amount, and at each age of the studied period.
 Conclusions. Establishing features in the quality of performance of motor actions by girls with different handedness at each age period of 3–5 years is an important task. To increase the effectiveness of the educational process, the teacher needs to pay more attention to the study of those motor actions that were evaluated with low scores in girls with a certain preferred hand.

Single cell and immunity: Better understanding immune cell heterogeneities with single‐cell sequencing

AbstractSingle‐cell sequencing has scientific impacts on better understanding immunity. There is rapid development in single cell‐based databases and analytic tools to provide the potential for clinical and translational discovery. The understanding of single‐cell‐based immunity needs a strong program and solid evidence of preclinical and clinical validation and evaluation. The current special topic issue on single cell and immunity aimed to provide strong communication for the progress of single‐cell‐based studies on immune cell functional diversity in development and disease. The topic has a clear scope on the application of single‐cell sequencing to better understand immune cell heterogeneities, functions, cell‐cell interactions, responses and regulatory roles in systems immunology and diseases.

New implementation of the abstract design for non-iterative hash functions with 1024 digest length NIHF-1024

<span>The non-iterative hash function design is a domain extension that uses a novel concept to fill a gap in existing cryptographic designs. This design avoids the structural issues that plagued prior paradigms, particularly those applying the Merkel-Damgârd design, by presenting a novel approach. Non-iterative hash function design, on the other hand, is an abstract idea that necessitates the specification of the internal transformation in order to test and experiment it. To achieve this goal, this article describes the algorithm that implements the internal transformation based on the main characteristics of the new model. The avalanche effect's results are provided in the experiment section, as well as a preliminary validation stage of the national institute of standards and technology (NIST's) cryptographic algorithm validation program (CAVP), which employs a set of test vectors to verify algorithm accuracy and implementation errors.</span>

Cellular Therapy Product Viability during Long Term Cryopreserved Storage

Introduction Cryopreservation of human cellular therapy products (CTPs) is integral for modern blood and marrow transplant (BMT) programs. However, there is limited data available regarding CTP stability during long-term storage, particularly beyond ten years. Our policy assigns a 20-year expiration to cryopreserved HPC(A) and HPC(M) products. To support the 20-year expiration period, a validation program was developed and assessed. Methods Cryopreserved samples and products stored in vapor phase liquid nitrogen tanks were tested using two sample groups. HPC(A) or HPC(M) specimens from deceased patient samples stored over 15 years were the initial group tested. A second group was added from an ongoing Prospective Stability Program (PSP). Post-thaw viability testing was performed by flow cytometry per our validated procedure based on the ISHAGE gating strategy, producing a percent viability for CD34+ cells (CD34v) and CD3+ cells (CD3v). Acceptance criteria was defined as ≥ 75% viability for both cell populations. Simple linear regression was used to predict the 75% threshold. After initial analysis, data from the PSP was included for an expanded analysis. This provided an additional 14 CD34v and 13 CD3v results, ranging in age from < 1 week (e.g., soon after cryopreservation) to 8 years; all PSP results are from cryovial specimens. Results Twenty-six collections were identified for testing, collected 15 to 31 years prior. The 25 HPC(A) specimens ranged in age from 15 to 26 years. The single HPC(M) collection was 31 years old (yo). Initially, 11 cryovials, 12 sample bags and 3 product bags from 26 different patients were tested. All but two specimens <20yo were cryovials; one product and one sample bag were also <20yo. All but three specimens >20yo were sample bags; the remainder were products. A second product from the HPC(M) collection was tested four months after the initial test for an additional HPC(M) data point. All specimens < 20yo and both HPC(M) specimens met the acceptance criteria. Of the 13 HPC(A) over 20yo, nine met the 75% CD34v acceptance criteria (range = 66 - 95%) and four met the 75% CD3v acceptance criteria (range = 42 - 80%). Notably, two HPC(A) only days over 20yo failed to meet CD3v, with results of 52% and 74%; CD34v was 79% and 90%, respectively. However, several 21-22yo met both acceptance criteria. Both HPC(M) results of the 31yo product met acceptance criteria; CD34v mean ± SD = 95% ± 0.4 and CD3v mean ± SD = 86% ± 3.9. Linear regression analysis of the initial HPC(A) dataset predicts CD34v would reach 75% after more than 30 years and CD3v would reach 75% after 21 years. Similar evaluation of the expanded dataset (which includes stability program samples up to 8 years old as well as both results from the retested HPC(A) and the HPC(M)) predicts reaching 75% CD34v at almost 48 years and CD3v at about 24 years. The accompanying CD34v and CD3v graphs show the expanded dataset and include 95% confidence interval bands for the linear regression analysis. Conclusions CD34+ cells appear to maintain viability well during cryopreserved storage. CD3+ cell viability is maintained adequately but less robustly compared to CD34+ cells and may begin to decline more dramatically after 20 years of cryopreserved storage. The linear regression analysis supports our current 20-year expiration date. We plan to expand the dataset as the PSP specimens continue to age. We are evaluating viable cell recovery to ensure viability is not artificially high due to cell loss. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

Assessment validity and learning analytics as prerequisites for ensuring student‐centred learning design

To ensure the validity of an assessment programme, it is essential to align it with the intended learning outcomes (LO). We present a model for ensuring assessment validity which supports this constructive alignment and uses learning analytics (LA). The model is based on LA that include a comparison between ideal LO weights (expressing the prioritization of LOs), actual assessment weights (maximum assessment points per LO), and student assessment results (actually obtained assessment points per LO), as well as clustering and trace data analysis. These analytics are part of a continuous improvement cycle, including strategic planning and learning design (LD) supported by LO prioritization, and monitoring and evaluation supported by LA. To illustrate and test the model, we conducted a study on the example of a graduate‐level higher education course in applied mathematics, by analysing student assessment results and activity in a learning management system. The study showed that the analyses provided valuable insights with practical implications for the development of sound LD, tailored educational interventions, databases of assessment tasks, recommendation systems, and self‐regulated learning. Future research should investigate the possibilities for automation of such LA, to enable full exploitation of their potential and use in everyday teaching and learning. Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic To develop sound, student‐centred learning design (LD), it is essential to ensure that assessment is constructively aligned with the intended learning outcomes (LO). This constructive alignment is crucial for ensuring the validity of an assessment program. Learning analytics (LA) can provide insights that help develop valid assessment programs. What this paper adds As not all LOs are equally important, assessment programs should reflect the prioritization of LOs, which can be determined by using various multi‐criteria decision‐making (MCDM) methods. This article presents and illustrates, based on an empirical case, a model of continuous improvement of LD, which uses LA to compare how LOs are reflected in (actual) students' results, in an (actual) assessment program, and in the (ideal) prioritization of LOs based on MCDM. The study presents how clustering of students based on their assessment results can be used in LA to provide insights for educational interventions better targeted to students' needs. Implications for practice and/or policy The proposed LA can provide important insights for the development (or improvement) of LD in line with the intended course LOs, but also study program LOs (if course and study program LOs are properly aligned). The LA can also contribute to the development of databases of assessment tasks aligned with course LOs, with ensured validity, supporting sharing and reusing, as well as to the development of tailored educational interventions (eg, based on clustering). The proposed LA can also contribute to the development of recommendation systems, with recommendations for the improvement of LD for teachers or learning suggestions for students, as well as students' meta‐cognition and self‐regulated learning.

A review of attentional bias modification trainings for depression.

Negative attentional bias is a basic character of depression. The attentional bias modification training (ABMT), being a highly promising and easy-to-use depression intervention technique, has attracted much attention to alleviate depressive symptoms in recent years. However, the effectiveness of ABMT programs was mixed across studies, since it remained unclear the underlying mechanisms of ABMT on alleviating depressive symptoms. We systematically analyzed the main ABMT paradigms to clarify possible mechanisms of effective training and reasons of ineffective training. Valid ABMT programs might alleviate depressive symptoms through regulating self-related rumination or two subcomponents of attentional bias: facilitated attention and impaired attentional disengagement. The reasons for the invalidity of ABMT mainly included the suboptimal design of training procedures, mixed effects of participants' personal characteristics, and the unclear relationship between attentional bias and depression. The ABMT is promising for alleviating depressive symptoms, but training procedures are required to be improved to obtain stable training effects.

Tower: data structures in Quantum superposition

Emerging quantum algorithms for problems such as element distinctness, subset sum, and closest pair demonstrate computational advantages by relying on abstract data structures. Practically realizing such an algorithm as a program for a quantum computer requires an efficient implementation of the data structure whose operations correspond to unitary operators that manipulate quantum superpositions of data. To correctly operate in superposition, an implementation must satisfy three properties --- reversibility, history independence, and bounded-time execution. Standard implementations, such as the representation of an abstract set as a hash table, fail these properties, calling for tools to develop specialized implementations. In this work, we present Core Tower, the first language for quantum programming with random-access memory. Core Tower enables the developer to implement data structures as pointer-based, linked data. It features a reversible semantics enabling every valid program to be translated to a unitary quantum circuit. We present Boson, the first memory allocator that supports reversible, history-independent, and constant-time dynamic memory allocation in quantum superposition. We also present Tower, a language for quantum programming with recursively defined data structures. Tower features a type system that bounds all recursion using classical parameters as is necessary for a program to execute on a quantum computer. Using Tower, we implement Ground, the first quantum library of data structures, including lists, stacks, queues, strings, and sets. We provide the first executable implementation of sets that satisfies all three mandated properties of reversibility, history independence, and bounded-time execution.

HPRT1 Most Suitable Reference Gene for Accurate Normalization of mRNA Expression in Canine Dermal Tissues with Radiation Therapy.

Reference genes are crucial in molecular biological studies as an internal control for gene re-search as they exhibit consistent expression patterns across many tissue types. In canines, radiation therapy is the most important therapeutic tool to cure various diseases like cancer. However, when using radiation for therapeutic strategy, radiation exposure to healthy tissues leads to some possible side effects such as acute radiation-induced skin injury and alters gene expression. Therefore, the analysis of a change in reference gene expression during the skin recovery process after radiation therapy is essential in healthy canine tissue. In the present study, we analyzed eight reference genes (ACTB, GAPDH, YWHAZ, GUSB, HPRT1, RPL4, RPS5, and TBP) in canine dermal tissues at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 9 weeks of radiation exposure that affected the skin condition of canines. The stability of reference genes is determined by evaluating radiation therapy's effect on healthy canine dermal tissue. Epidermal marker, Keratin 10 expression varies each week after irradiation, and HPRT1 is found to be the most suitable for normalization of mRNA expression in radiation-exposed canine dermal tissues. Changes in the gene expression level were evaluated by using a reliable tool such as quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). In order to achieve a valid qRT-PCR result, the most stable reference genes used for normalization after the radiation exposure process are important. Therefore, the current study was designed to evaluate the most stable reference gene for the post-irradiation canine tissues. After radiation exposure, the alternation of reference gene expression was estimated by three algorithms (geNorm, Normfinder, and Bestkeeper). The RG validation programs (GeNorm and NormFinder) suggested that HPRT1, RPL4, and TBP were suitable for normalization in qRT-PCR. Furthermore, three algorithms suggested that HPRT1 was the most stable reference gene for normalization with qRT-PCR results, regardless of before and after radiation exposure. Whereas GAPDH was found to be the most unstable reference gene. In addition, the use of stable or unstable reference genes for the normalization of Keratin 10 expression showed statistical differences. Therefore, we observed that, to obtain accurate and suitable PCR results of the canine tissues with and without radiation exposure, the HPRT1 reference gene is recommended for normalization with its high stability. Additionally, the use of RGs such as HPRT1, RPL4, and TBP for normalization in qRT-PCR experiments is recommended for post-radiation canine tissues to generate more accurate and reliable data. These results will provide fundamental information regarding internal controls for gene expression studies and can be used for the analysis of gene patterns in regenerative medicine.

Modeling cryptographic algorithms validation and developing block ciphers with electronic code book for a control system at nuclear power plants

Nuclear power plants have recognized the importance of nuclear cybersecurity. Based on regulatory guidelines and security-related standards issued by regulatory agencies around the world including IAEA, NRC, and KINAC, nuclear operating organizations and related systems manufacturing organizations, design companies, and regulatory agencies are considering methods to prepare for nuclear cybersecurity. Cryptographic algorithms have to be developed and applied in order to meet nuclear cybersecurity requirements. This paper presents methodologies for validating cryptographic algorithms that should be continuously applied at the critical control system of I&C in NPPs. Through the proposed schemes, validation programs are developed in the PLC, which is a critical system of a NPP’s I&C, and the validation program is verified through simulation results. Since the development of a cryptographic algorithm validation program for critical digital systems of NPPs has not been carried out, the methodologies proposed in this paper could provide guidelines for Cryptographic Module Validation Modeling for Control Systems in NPPs. In particular, among several CMVP, specific testing techniques for ECB mode-based block ciphers are introduced with program codes and validation models.

Regulatory Considerations for the Potential Use of a Multi-Stage Validation Testing Approach to Support Human Factors Engineering Technical Reviews for Proposed Nuclear Power Plant Control Room Design Modifications

Traditionally, integrated system validation (ISV) testing for proposed nuclear power plant control room design changes has been completed prior to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approving the proposed change. This, however, can pose scheduling challenges for proposed changes to operating facilities. The NRC is therefore considering possible alternatives for licensees to provide the human factors engineering validation information necessary to demonstrate reasonable assurance of safety for proposed design changes. One such alternative could be the use of early-stage testing results from a multi-stage validation (MSV) program. If early-stage results, along with other design considerations, can provide sufficient supporting information, the NRC may be able to make a safety determination for a proposed design change prior to the completion of ISV testing. Licensees proposing such an approach should consider available industry standards discussing MSV, in conjunction with existing NRC guidance where applicable, when developing their validation program and establishing success criteria. The NRC intends to engage in future discussions with stakeholders regarding the potential development of additional NRC-endorsed guidance on the use of MSV to support proposed changes to existing facilities, as well as designs for new reactor control facilities.