Hardware-based Security for Virtual Trusted Platform Modules

Virtual Trusted Platform modules (TPMs) were proposed as a software-based alternative to the hardware-based TPMs to allow the use of their cryptographic functionalities in scenarios where multiple TPMs are required in a single platform, such as in virtualized environments. However, virtualizing TPMs, especially virutalizing the Platform Configuration Registers (PCRs), strikes against one of the core principles of Trusted Computing, namely the need for a hardware-based root of trust. In this paper we show how strength of hardware-based security can be gained in virtual PCRs by binding them to their corresponding hardware PCRs. We propose two approaches for such a binding. For this purpose, the first variant uses binary hash trees, whereas the other variant uses incremental hashing. In addition, we present an FPGA-based implementation of both variants and evaluate their performance

Production and state-selective detection of ultracold, ground state RbCs molecules

Using resonance-enhanced two-photon ionization, we detect ultracold, ground-state RbCs molecules formed via photoassociation in a laser-cooled mixture of 85Rb and 133Cs atoms. We obtain extensive bound-bound excitation spectra of these molecules, which provide detailed information about their vibrational distribution, as well as spectroscopic data on the RbCs ground a^3\Sigma^+ and excited (2)^3\Sigma^+, (1)^1\Pi states. Analysis of this data allows us to predict strong transitions from observed excited levels to the absolute vibronic ground state of RbCs, potentially allowing the production of stable, ultracold polar molecules at rates as large as 10^7 s^{-1}

Sponge Biodiversity in Kerala and its Biotechnological Potentials

Animals which exist today may be classified under two categories; I) Protozoa or s ingle celled animals 2) Metazoa or multicellular animals. Metazoam in tum, may be divided into two groups: a) Diploblastic, with two germ layers (ectoderm and endoderm) and b) Triploblastic, with three germ layers (eetoderm, mesoderm and endoderm). I n sponges thcre are no layers as seen in diploblastic or triobl.astic or triploblastic groups, but the 'layers', in sponges, are made of loosely arranged cells which can even change their location at will

Pathological manifestations of sponge infestation in Perna indica Kuriakose & Nair 1976

Pathological manifestations of bioeroding sponges on the brown mussel, Perna indica were studied. The major manifestation was blister formation (46.3%). Nacre erosis was observed in 7.6% of the total infested population. Bifacial porosis was noted in 19.1% of infested shells; discolouration of shell was observed in 19.8 % and melanosis in 13.1 % of the infested population

How Strategy and Governance Choices Influence Innovation Success in Software Products and Services

This research studies the effect of key strategy and governance choices on chances of success of innovation in software products, and we test our hypotheses based on data from more than 150 professionals in the United States who are responsible for new software product development. We find the right balance of onshore and offshore team members to be more salient in influencing innovation success than decisions related to insourced versus outsourced development. Our findings suggest a greater likelihood of innovation when business executives make technical decisions, particularly if firms compete by selling high price margin software products or services

Grounding perceptions: the value of otoendoscopy images in strengthening parents and children’s understanding and decision making in a paediatric ENT clinic

IntroductionIn recent years, there has been an increasing use of otoendoscopy in middle ear surgery. There is also increasing evidence of its usefulness as a diagnostic tool for clinicians. However, there is limited evidence on whether understanding their ear condition is of benefit to patients. This novel study sought to explore the perceptions, perspectives, and satisfaction of parents, children, and young people regarding the use of otoendoscope images in outpatient ENT consultations in relation to their understanding of ear symptoms, disease, and subsequent treatment. The framework for the study is child (and parent) health literacy and how visual images can play in scaffolding understanding, communication, and decision-making.MethodsThis qualitative descriptive exploratory study used semi-structured observation, a survey, short conversational interviews, and child activities.ResultsPurposive sampling of 16 children (aged 4–15 yrs, various diagnoses) and parents/carers attending an outpatient ENT clinic at a tertiary pediatric hospital. One overarching theme, “Grounding perceptions and deepening engagement,” and two sub-themes, “Strengthening understanding” and “Supporting decision-making,” were identified. The children and parents valued the opportunity to see the images and gain insight and knowledge of their child's pathology.DiscussionThe images appeared to promote child (and parent) health literacy and interaction between the child-parent-clinician and informed shared decision-making. This study suggests that the use of otoendoscopy in an out-patient setting and sharing of the images with parents, children, and young people have a largely positive impact on understanding, relationship building, and decision making in pediatric ENT consultations

Substation Communication Architecture to Realize the Future Smart Grid

Substation and its communication architecture play an important role in maintaining high reliability, and availability of the power supply. Due to the proliferation of multi-vendor IEDs (Intelligent Electronic Devices) and communication technologies in substation, there seems to be an immediate need to adopt a standard approach for meeting the critical communication demands of Substation Automation System (SAS) and also to be future ready to tackle demand growth and changing scenario due to restructuring and deregulation. This paper presents possible exploitation of the technical features of IEC 61850, the standard for Communication Networks and Systems in Substation, to make the substation communication architecture future ready to accommodate the applications and goals of smart grid. Keywords: Substation Automation, Interoperability, IEC61850, Smart Grid, Distribution Automation