Extending Differential Fault Analysis to Dynamic S-Box Advanced Encryption Standard Implementations

Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is a worldwide cryptographic standard for symmetric key cryptography. Many attacks try to exploit inherent weaknesses in the algorithm or use side channels to reduce entropy. At the same time, researchers strive to enhance AES and mitigate these growing threats. This paper researches the extension of existing Differential Fault Analysis (DFA) attacks, a family of side channel attacks, on standard AES to Dynamic S-box AES research implementations. Theoretical analysis reveals an expected average keyspace reduction of 2-88:9323 after one faulty ciphertext using DFA on the State of Rotational S-box AES-128 implementations. Experimental results revealed an average 2-88:8307 keyspace reduction and confirmed full key recovery is possible

Changes in access to public transportation for cycle–transit users in response to service reductions

North American transit agencies have made large investments since the late 1990s in the coordination of bicycling and public transit services. A key goal in doing so has been to increase transit ridership by extending the geographic area from which riders can easily and quickly reach transit stops and stations. While it is widely hypothesized that being able to travel on transit vehicles with bicycles allows riders to access transit stops and stations from a larger geographic area, the empirical evidence of this is scanty. Information available for Northeast Ohio, where the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) operates rail, bus and demand response transit, presents an opportunity to address an important aspect of this issue. The availability of detailed long-term bicycle-on-bus boardings (BoBBs) data and the implementation of a series of service reductions in 2008, 2009 and 2010 offer an opportunity to ask the question: Do significant changes in geographic access to transit services result in significant changes to the numbers of cycle–transit users accessing transit buses? The evidence from GCRTA׳s service area provides some support for this conclusion, with the rates of utilization of bus bicycle racks increasing significantly over time and in slightly higher numbers for routes that saw the largest reductions in bus transit service

Old In Vitro Antimicrobial Breakpoints Are Misleading Stewardship Efforts, Delaying Adoption of Innovative Therapies, and Harming Patients

The current antimicrobial market and old (pre-2000) in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility test interpretative criteria (STIC) are not working properly. Malfunctioning susceptibility breakpoints and antimicrobial markets have serious implications for both patients (ie, from a safety and efficacy perspective) and antibiotic-focused pharmaceutical and biotechnology company economic viability. Poorly functioning STIC fail both patients and clinicians since they do not discriminate between likely effective and ineffective antimicrobial regimens. Poor economic viability fails patients and clinicians as it decreases the industry's ability to develop antimicrobial agents that clinicians and patients urgently require now and in the future. Herein, we review how STIC for older antimicrobial agents were determined and how their correction can impact the perceived utility of old relative to new antimicrobial agents. Moreover, we describe the data and analysis needs to systematically reevaluate older STIC values. We call for professional infectious diseases societies, government agencies, and other consensus bodies interested in the appropriate use of antimicrobial agents to join an effort to systematically evaluate and, where warranted, correct STIC for all relevant antimicrobial agents. This effort will amplify the effects of other measures designed to increase appropriate antimicrobial use (ie, good antimicrobial stewardship), development, and regulation

Implementing electronic substance use disorder and depression and anxiety screening and behavioral interventions in primary care clinics serving people with HIV: Protocol for the Promoting Access to Care Engagement (PACE) trial.

BackgroundSubstance use disorders (SUDs) and psychiatric disorders are common among people with HIV (PWH) and lead to poor outcomes. Yet these conditions often go unrecognized and untreated in primary care.MethodsThe Promoting Access to Care Engagement (PACE) trial currently in process examines the impact of self-administered electronic screening for SUD risk, depression and anxiety in three large Kaiser Permanente Northern California primary care clinics serving over 5000 PWH. Screening uses validated measures (Tobacco, Alcohol, Prescription medication, and other Substance use [TAPS]; and the Adult Outcomes Questionnaire [AOQ], which includes the Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-9] and Generalized Anxiety Disorder [GAD-2]) delivered via three modalities (secure messaging, tablets in waiting rooms, and desktop computers in exam rooms). Results are integrated automatically into the electronic health record. Based on screening results and physician referrals, behavioral health specialists embedded in primary care initiate motivational interviewing- and cognitive behavioral therapy-based brief treatment and link patients to addiction and psychiatry clinics as needed. Analyses examine implementation (screening and treatment rates) and effectiveness (SUD, depression and anxiety symptoms; HIV viral control) outcomes using a stepped-wedge design, with a 12-month intervention phase implemented sequentially in the clinics, and a 24-month usual care period prior to implementation in each clinic functioning as sequential observational phases for comparison. We also evaluate screening and treatment costs and implementation barriers and facilitators.DiscussionThe study examines innovative, technology-facilitated strategies for improving assessment and treatment in primary care. Results may help to inform substance use, mental health, and HIV services.Trial registrationNCT03217058