Model design and parameter optimization of CNN for side-channel cryptanalysis

Background The side-channel cryptanalysis method based on convolutional neural network (CNNSCA) can effectively carry out cryptographic attacks. The CNNSCA network models that achieve cryptanalysis mainly include CNNSCA based on the VGG variant (VGG-CNNSCA) and CNNSCA based on the Alexnet variant (Alex-CNNSCA). The learning ability and cryptanalysis performance of these CNNSCA models are not optimal, and the trained model has low accuracy, too long training time, and takes up more computing resources. In order to improve the overall performance of CNNSCA, the paper will improve CNNSCA model design and hyperparameter optimization. Methods The paper first studied the CNN architecture composition in the SCA application scenario, and derives the calculation process of the CNN core algorithm for side-channel leakage of one-dimensional data. Secondly, a new basic model of CNNSCA was designed by comprehensively using the advantages of VGG-CNNSCA model classification and fitting efficiency and Alex-CNNSCA model occupying less computing resources, in order to better reduce the gradient dispersion problem of error back propagation in deep networks, the SE (Squeeze-and-Excitation) module is newly embedded in this basic model, this module is used for the first time in the CNNSCA model, which forms a new idea for the design of the CNNSCA model. Then apply this basic model to a known first-order masked dataset from the side-channel leak public database (ASCAD). In this application scenario, according to the model design rules and actual experimental results, exclude non-essential experimental parameters. Optimize the various hyperparameters of the basic model in the most objective experimental parameter interval to improve its cryptanalysis performance, which results in a hyper-parameter optimization scheme and a final benchmark for the determination of hyper-parameters. Results Finally, a new CNNSCA model optimized architecture for attacking unprotected encryption devices is obtained—CNNSCAnew. Through comparative experiments, CNNSCAnew’s guessing entropy evaluation results converged to 61. From model training to successful recovery of the key, the total time spent was shortened to about 30 min, and we obtained better performance than other CNNSCA models.

Nurse competence in the post-anaesthesia care unit in Sweden: a qualitative study of the nurse’s perspective

Background To enable safe and successful recovery for surgery patients, nurses working in post-anaesthesia care units need competence in postoperative care. No consensus defines what this specific competence includes, and it has not been studied from the perspective of nurses working in post-anaesthesia care units. The aim of this study is twofold: 1) To explore and describe nurses’ perception of the competence needed to work in post-anaesthesia care units. 2) To explore and describe nurses’ perception of what characterizes an expert nurse in post-anaesthesia care units. Methods This qualitative inductive study uses individual interviews. Sixteen nurses were recruited from two post-anaesthesia care units located in different parts of Sweden. Inclusion criteria were nurses employed in the post-anaesthesia care units for ≥1 years. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted; data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results The interview analysis identified six subthemes and three themes. The themes being adaptable in an ever-changing environment and creating safe care represent the overarching meaning of competence required when working as a nurse in a Swedish post-anaesthesia care unit. Nurses must possess various technical and nontechnical skills, which are core competences that are described in the sub-themes. The theme seeing the bigger picture describes the nurse’s perception of an expert nurse in the post-anaesthesia care unit. Conclusions Nurse competence in post-anaesthesia care units entails specific knowledge, acknowledging the patient, and working proactively at a fast pace with the patient and team to provide safe, high-quality care. An expert nurse in post-anaesthesia care units can see the bigger picture, helping share knowledge and develop post-anaesthesia care. The expert competence to see a bigger picture can be used in supervising novices and creating a knowledge base for postgraduate education in order to promote safe, high-quality post-anaesthesia care.

Nephrectomy in a Dog infected with Dioctophyma renale - Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

Background: Dioctophymosis is caused by Dioctophyma renale, a parasite known as the giant kidney worm, that can parasitize the kidneys of domestic and wild animals. There are also reports of its occurrence in humans, thus revealing its zoonotic potential. In most cases, parasitized animals are asymptomatic. This parasite can cause atrophy or destroy the renal parenchyma, although ectopic locations may occur. The diagnosis is made through ultrasonography, based on the presence of eggs in the urine, visualization of the parasite, or during necropsy. Therefore, the aim of this work was to report the case of a young dog infected with D. renale and subjected to nephrectomy in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.Case: A 6-month-old bitch with a clinical suspicion of hydronephrosis in the right kidney was referred to the Veterinary Hospital of Anhanguera-Uniderp University in the city of Campo Grande, MS. A physical examination of the patient revealed an alteration in the urinary system. An abdominal ultrasound, urinalysis, complete blood count (CBC) tests and biochemical profile were ordered. The erythrogram indicated erythrocytosis resulting from dehydration and loss of body fluids, while enzyme levels (creatinine, urea, alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and albumin) were within normal limits. The abdominal ultrasound showed the presence of a cylindrical and rounded structure characteristic of a nematode and in the right kidney, and loss of renal parenchyma typical of D. renale infection. A urinalysis then revealed the presence of helminth eggs, confirming the diagnosis. The owner was informed about the need for nephrectomy of the affected right kidney, which showed destruction of the renal parenchyma. One adult female and one adult male parasite were removed from inside the kidney, measuring approximately 50 cm and 35 cm in length. The patient was successfully treated, kept in hospital for observation, and returned two weeks later for reassessment of her renal function and removal of stitches. Discussion: Dioctophymosis is often diagnosed based on ultrasound and urine tests. These tests proved sufficient to diagnose parasitism by D. renale. However, the infection is usually discovered during necropsy. D. renale is popularly known as the giant kidney worm, as it can reach up to 100 cm in length. In the present case, the female parasite was 50 cm long and the male was 35 cm. The patient presented parasitism very young, at just 6 months of age. The parasitic infection of the animal was attributed to the ingestion of water or food contaminated with an intermediate host, the aquatic annelid Lumbriculus variegatus. It is suggested that the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the infective stage of the parasite may have occurred at 2 months of age or younger, since the prepatent period is approximately 6 months. The parasite was found only in the patient’s right kidney. Hydronephrosis was reported in the patient and was caused by obstruction of the internal urethral ostium by the adult nematode. In this case, the recommended surgical treatment was nephrectomy, to which the patient was subjected, leading to successful recovery. This case occurred in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, where there are no records of parasitism by D. renale in domestic dogs, unlike other states in Brazil. We therefore emphasize the importance of new studies on D. renale, given the lack of clear records describing the parasite’s epidemiological data, biological cycle and diagnosis, which may hinder the prevention and control of this zoonotic disease.Keywords: canine dioctophymosis, helminth, nematoid, giant kidney worm, hydronephrosis.Descritores: dioctofimose canina, helminto, nematoide, verme gigante renal, hidronefrose.

Characteristics of the COVID-19 patients treated at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, Northern Uganda: A cross-sectional study

Background Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a severe respiratory disease that results from infection with a new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). One of the most critical issues related to the COVID-19 is the high rate of spread, millions of people have been infected around the world, and hundreds of thousands of people have died till now. However, reports from Africa paint a different picture of the SARS-CoV-2 and its effects on the population. Objectives The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of the COVID-19 patients treated at the Gulu Regional Referral Hospital and determine factors associated with COVID-19 manifestations, socio-demographic characteristics, and treatment outcomes from March 2020 to October 2021. Methods A retrospective data abstraction of all COVID-19 hospital admissions registered in the Gulu Health Management Information System (HMIS) database and other tools were conducted. The period of study was March 2020 to October 2021. Data that met the inclusion criteria were consecutively abstracted from the Gulu Hospital HMIS database. A local IRB approved the study. SPSS version 25.0 was used for data analysis, and a p-value of 0.05 was considered significant. Results Data suggests there were three waves of COVID-19 in Uganda. Those with comorbidities, e.g., Diabetes mellitus 38(5.7%), hypertension 83(12.5%), cardiovascular diseases 58(8.7%), HIV and AIDS 61(9.2%), and other comorbidities such as liver cirrhosis and hepatitis B 40(6.0%) were more susceptible and presented with severe forms of the disease. Antibiotics 662(99.7%), steroids 73(11.0%), vitamin C 564(84.9%), Ivermectin 7(1.1%), and Vitamin D 24(3.6%) were the most used medicines for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Most COVID-19 patients were unvaccinated 661(99.5%). However, the recovery rate was 632(95.2%). The commonest complications were pneumonia 60(9.0%), chronic fatigue 49(7.4%), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) 37(5.6%), depression 20(3.0%), systemic infections 19(2.9%), nightmares 15(2.3%) and septic shock 8(1.2%). The Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) on factors associated with recovery were treated with steroids AOR=138.835 at 95% CI:12.258-1572.50; p<0.000 and Vitamin D AOR=0.016 at 95% CI:1.902-520.98; p=0.016. Conclusion This study showed successful management of COVID-19 patients in low-resource settings with a recovery rate of 95.2%. The admission pattern suggests Uganda had three waves of COVID-19, contrary to the official government position of two. Treatment with steroids and Vitamin D is associated with the recovery of COVID-19 patients. There is a need to conduct more extensive studies on the role played by the two drugs in the successful recovery of COVID-19 patients.

Typhoon and Flooding Disasters’ Lived Experiences of Loboc Residents in Bohol, Philippines

This study described the meaning of lived experiences of the municipal leaders of Loboc, Bohol, Philippines, prior, during, and after typhoon “Seniang” in 2014. It investigated the initiatives and practices of the local government unit (LGU) and captured the household experiences through a qualitative research approach following the Husserlian descriptive phenomenology utilizing Colaizzi’s method of data analysis. Purposive sampling was employed through face-to-face interviews with 12 key informants after reaching saturation point. All narrative accounts were transcribed and served as the primary source of qualitative data. The extracted accounts were organized through thematic categorization yielding 77 significant statements, 28 formulated meanings, 15 clusters, and 4 emergent themes. These emergent themes include awareness of disaster, experiences during the disaster, good local governance practices, and experienced challenges. Grounded on these findings, it is concluded that effective disaster response and quick and successful recovery fundamentally depend on authentic and effective governance by Loboc local leaders concretized through collaborative, concrete observance, implementation of responsive policy processes and the harmonious team works among community members. Altogether, proactive involvement makes a community more resilient. The researchers recommend that Loboc local leaders, employees, and residents, altogether put a premium on active participation, profess a positive outlook with enduring commitment to immediately rebound from any experienced disaster.

The Subcutaneous Injection of Organophosphate: A Case Report

Organophosphate (OP) poisoning is prevalent in developing countries. Toxicity occurs by voluntary injection, inhalation, and absorption. Self-injection is rare. The current case report describes a 61-y/o male with subcutaneous self-injected one cc OP poisoning presenting with delayed drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting. He was treated and presented a good clinical response to treatment with pralidoxime and had a successful recovery. Diagnosis of OP compound toxicity by the parenteral route is a challenge. By observing patients, the dose, and the time between poisoning until the time to start treatment, we can conclude different presentations and outcomes of OP poisoning.

Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation and Behavioral Training, a Promising Tool for a Tailor-Made Post-stroke Aphasia Rehabilitation: A Review

Aphasia is an acquired language disorder resulting from damage to portions of the brain which are responsible for language comprehension and formulation. This disorder can involve different levels of language processing with impairments in both oral and written comprehension and production. Over the last years, different rehabilitation and therapeutic interventions have been developed, especially non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques. One of the most used NIBS techniques in aphasia rehabilitation is the Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation (tDCS). It has been proven to be effective in promoting a successful recovery both in the short and the long term after a brain injury. The main strength of tDCS is its feasibility associated with relatively minor side effects, if safely and properly administered. TDCS requires two electrodes, an anode and a cathode, which are generally placed on the scalp. The electrode montage can be either unipolar or bipolar. The main aim of this review is to give an overview of the state of the art of tDCS for the treatment of aphasia. The studies described included patients with different types of language impairments, especially with non-fluent aphasia and in several cases anomia. The effects of tDCS are variable and depend on several factors, such as electrode size and montage, duration of the stimulation, current density and characteristics of the brain tissue underneath the electrodes. Generally, tDCS has led to promising results in rehabilitating patients with acquired aphasia, especially if combined with different language and communication therapies. The selection of the appropriate approach depends on the patients treated and their impaired language function. When used in combination with treatments such as Speech and Language Therapy, Constraint Induced Aphasia Therapy or Intensive Action Treatment, tDCS has generally promoted a better recovery of the impaired functions. In addition to these rehabilitation protocols, Action Observation Therapy, such as IMITAF, appeared to contribute to the reduction of post-stroke anomia. The potential of combining such techniques with tDCS would would therefore be a possibility for further improvement, also providing the clinician with a new action and intervention tool. The association of a tDCS protocol with a dedicated rehabilitation training would favor a generalized long-term improvement of the different components of language.

Influence of a Post-dam Sediment Pulse and Post-fire Debris Flows on Steelhead Spawning Gravel in the Carmel River, California

Spawning gravel scarcity is a limiting factor for successful recovery of federally-threatened anadromous fish like steelhead of central California. A BACI-experimental design using bed particle counts from 2013 through 2021 shows that spawning-sized gravel (32–90 mm) diminished downstream of the former San Clemente Dam site in 2017, following dam removal in 2015. High flows in 2017 transported a pulse of sand and fine-gravel that filled pools and runs throughout the river below the dam. The bed material in the 3 km closest to the dam remained too coarse for redds in riffles and too fine in pools and runs. Time-series bathymetric data of the Los Padres Dam reservoir located in the upper Carmel watershed shows that nearly all bed material (including spawning gravel) in the upper Carmel River watershed was recruited during wet winters that immediately followed expansive wildfires. We studied that effect in detail following the Carmel Fire of August 2020, which preconditioned the slopes adjacent to the Carmel River for debris flows. Our analysis of several fire-mediated debris flows in 2021 show that they contained virtually no mud and held approximately 45% spawning-sized gravel. Although the debris flows contained abundant spawning gravel, and several flow snouts terminated in the Carmel River, the material was dispersed downstream rather than forming bars and patches that could be used for steelhead nest building. The generally small volume of material in the flows relative to the size of the river channel and impediments to debris flow runout limited the contribution of spawning-size gravel to the river.

Influential Factors in the Recovery Process of Burn Survivors in a Predominately Rural State: A Qualitative Study

Navigating the recovery journey following a burn injury can be challenging. Survivor stories can help define recovery constructs that can be incorporated into support programs. We undertook this study to determine themes of recovery in a predominately rural state. Eleven purposefully selected burn survivors were interviewed using a semi-structured format. Consensus coding of verbatim transcriptions was used to determine themes of successful recovery. Four support-specific themes were identified. These included: using active coping strategies, expressing altruism through helping others, finding meaning and acceptance, and the active seeking and use of support. These themes could be incorporated into support programming and would help guide future survivors through the recovery period.