Custom ASIC design for SHA-256 using open-source tools

The growth of digital communications has driven the development of numerous cryptographic methods for secure data transfer and storage. The SHA-256 algorithm is a cryptographic hash function widely used for validating data authenticity, identity, and integrity. The inherent SHA-256 computational overhead has motivated the search for more efficient hardware solutions, such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). This work presents a custom ASIC hardware accelerator for the SHA-256 algorithm entirely created using open-source electronic design automation tools. The integrated circuit was synthesized using SkyWater SKY130 130 nm process technology through the OpenLANE automated workflow. The proposed final design is compatible with 32-bit microcontrollers, has a total area of 104,585 µm2, and operates at a maximum clock frequency of 97.9 MHz. Several optimization configurations were tested and analyzed during the synthesis phase to enhance the performance of the final design.This research was funded by Brazil’s National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) grant number 120527/2022-7

Mindfulness-based interventions for young offenders: a scoping review

Youth offending is a problem worldwide. Young people in the criminal justice system have frequently experienced adverse childhood circumstances, mental health problems, difficulties regulating emotions and poor quality of life. Mindfulness-based interventions can help people manage problems resulting from these experiences, but their usefulness for youth offending populations is not clear. This review evaluated existing evidence for mindfulness-based interventions among such populations. To be included, each study used an intervention with at least one of the three core components of mindfulness-based stress reduction (breath awareness, body awareness, mindful movement) that was delivered to young people in prison or community rehabilitation programs. No restrictions were placed on methods used. Thirteen studies were included: three randomized controlled trials, one controlled trial, three pre-post study designs, three mixed-methods approaches and three qualitative studies. Pooled numbers (n = 842) comprised 99% males aged between 14 and 23. Interventions varied so it was not possible to identify an optimal approach in terms of content, dose or intensity. Studies found some improvement in various measures of mental health, self-regulation, problematic behaviour, substance use, quality of life and criminal propensity. In those studies measuring mindfulness, changes did not reach statistical significance. Qualitative studies reported participants feeling less stressed, better able to concentrate, manage emotions and behaviour, improved social skills and that the interventions were acceptable. Generally low study quality limits the generalizability of these findings. Greater clarity on intervention components and robust mixed-methods evaluation would improve clarity of reporting and better guide future youth offending prevention programs

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Primary Immunodeficiencies in Brazil-a Survey of the Working Group on Paediatric Transplantation of the Brazilian Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation

Inst Crianca HCFMUSP, Sao Paulo, BrazilHosp Israelita Albert Einstein, Sao Paulo, BrazilInst Oncol Pediat, Sao Paulo, BrazilHosp Clin Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, BrazilUniv Fed Parana, Bone Marrow Transplantat Unit, BR-80060000 Curitiba, Parana, BrazilCtr Oncol & Hematol, Jau, BrazilUSP Ribeirao Preto, Hosp Clin, Ribeirao Preto, BrazilUniv Fed Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, BrazilUniv Fed Rio de Janeiro, Rio De Janeiro, BrazilCtr Nacl Transplate Medula Ossea CEMO, Inst Nacl Canc, Rio De Janeiro, BrazilUniv Fed Parana, Paediat Intens Care Unit, BR-80060000 Curitiba, Parana, BrazilNatl Inst Canc INCA, Rio De Janeiro, BrazilHosp Israelita Albert Einstein, Hematol & Bone Marrow Transplantat Dept, Sao Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Environmental Geophysics at Kings Creek Disposal Site and 30th Street Landfill, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland

Geophysical studies on the Bush River Peninsula in the Edgewood Area of Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, delineate landfill areas and provide diagnostic signatures of the hydrogeologic framework and possible contaminant pathways. These studies indicate that, during the Pleistocene Epoch, alternating stands of high and low seal levels resulted in a complex pattern of shallow channel-fill deposits in the Kings Creek area. Ground-penetrating radar studies reveal a paleochannel greater than 50 ft deep, with a thalweg trending offshore in a southwest direction into Kings Creek. Onshore, the ground-penetrating radar data indicate a 35-ft-deep branch to the main channel, trending to the north-northwest directly beneath the 30th Street Landfill. Other branches are suspected to meet the offshore paleochannel in the wetlands south and east of the 30th Street Landfill. This paleochannel depositional system is environmentally significant because it may control the shallow groundwater flow regime beneath the site. Electromagnetic surveys have delineated the pre-fill lowland area currently occupied by the 30th Street Landfill. Magnetic and conductive anomalies outline surficial and buried debris throughout the study area. On the basis of geophysical data, large-scale dumping has not occurred north of the Kings Creek Disposal Site or east of the 30th Street Landfill

Molecular identification of papillomavirus in ducks

Papillomaviruses infect many vertebrates, including birds. Persistent infections by some strains can cause malignant proliferation of cells (i.e. cancer), though more typically infections cause benign tumours, or may be completely subclinical. Sometimes extensive, persistent tumours are recorded– notably in chaffinches and humans. In 2016, a novel papillomavirus genotype was characterized from a duck faecal microbiome, in Bhopal, India; the sixth papillomavirus genotype from birds. Prompted by this finding, we screened 160 cloacal swabs and 968 faecal samples collected from 299 ducks sampled at Ottenby Bird Observatory, Sweden in 2015, using a newly designed real-time PCR. Twenty one samples (1.9%) from six individuals (2%) were positive. Eighteen sequences were identical to the published genotype, duck papillomavirus 1. One additional novel genotype was recovered from three samples. Both genotypes were recovered from a wild strain domestic mallard that was infected for more than 60 days with each genotype. All positive individuals were adult (P = 0.004). Significantly more positive samples were detected from swabs than faecal samples (P < 0.0001). Sample type data suggests transmission may be via direct contact, and only infrequently, via the oral-faecal route. Infection in only adult birds supports the hypothesis that this virus is sexually transmitted, though more work is required to verify this.Thanks to duck trappers at Ottenby Bird Observatory for support and sample collection, and to Abbtesaim Jawad for DNA extraction. This work was supported by the Crafoord Foundation Sweden (grants number 20160971 and 20170671). This is contribution no. 306 from Ottenby Bird Observatory