Payment channel hubs (PCHs) serve as a promising solution to achieving quick off-chain payments between pairs of users. They work by using an untrusted tumbler to relay the payments between the payer and payee and enjoy the advantages of low cost and high scalability. However, the most recent privacy-preserving payment channel hub solution that supports variable payment amounts suffers from limited unlinkability, e.g., being vulnerable to the abort attack. Moreover, this solution utilizes zero-knowledge proofs, which bring huge costs on both computation time and communication overhead. Therefore, how to design PCHs that support variable amount payments and unlinkability, but reduce the use of huge-cost cryptographic tools as much as possible, is significant for the large-scale practical applications of off-chain payments.
Open access
Blockchain Technology Applications and Security
Internet Traffic Analysis and Secure E-voting
Advanced Steganography and Watermarking Techniques
Samuel Dittmer, Karim Eldefrawy, Stéphane Graham-Lengrand, Steve Lu · 6 authors
Despite the notable advances in the development of high-assurance, verified implementations of cryptographic protocols, such implementations typically face significant performance overheads, particularly due to the penalties induced by formal verification and automated extraction of executable code. In this paper, we address some core performance challenges facing computer-aided cryptography by presenting a formal treatment for accelerating such verified implementations based on multiple generic optimizations covering parallelism and memory access. We illustrate our techniques for addressing such performance bottlenecks using the Line-Point Zero-Knowledge (LPZK) protocol as a case study. Our starting point is a new verified implementation of LPZK that we formalize and synthesize using EasyCrypt; our first implementation is developed to reduce the proof effort and without considering the performance of the extracted executable code. We then show how such (automatically) extracted code can be optimized in three different ways to obtain a 3000x speedup and thus matching the performance of the manual implementation of LPZK of lpzkv2.[13] We obtain such performance gains by first modifying the algorithmic specifications, then by adopting a provably secure parallel execution model, and finally by optimizing the memory access structures. All optimizations are first formally verified inside EasyCrypt, and then executable code is automatically synthesized from each step of the formalization. For each optimization, we analyze performance gains resulting from it and also address challenges facing the computer-aided security proofs thereof, and challenges facing automated synthesis of executable code with such an optimization.
Yuyang Sang, Ning Luo, Samuel Judson, Ben Chaimberg · 8 authors
A zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) is a powerful cryptographic primitive used in many decentralized or privacy-focused applications. However, the high overhead of ZKPs can restrict their practical applicability. We design a programming language, Ou, aimed at easing the programmer's burden when writing efficient ZKPs, and a compiler framework, Lian, that automates the analysis and distribution of statements to a computing cluster. Ou uses programming language semantics, formal methods, and combinatorial optimization to automatically partition an Ou program into efficiently sized chunks for parallel ZK-proving and/or verification. We contribute: (1) A front-end language where users can write proof statements as imperative programs in a familiar syntax; (2) A compiler architecture and implementation that automatically analyzes the program and compiles it into an optimized IR that can be lifted to a variety of ZKP constructions; and (3) A cutting algorithm, based on Pseudo-Boolean optimization and Integer Linear Programming, that reorders instructions and then partitions the program into efficiently sized chunks for parallel evaluation and efficient state reconciliation.
How can a model owner prove they trained their model according to the correct specification? More importantly, how can they do so while preserving the privacy of the underlying dataset and the final model? We study this problem and formulate the notion of zero-knowledge proof of training (zkPoT), which formalizes rigorous security guarantees that should be achieved by a privacy-preserving proof of training. While it is theoretically possible to design zkPoT for any model using generic zero-knowledge proof systems, this approach results in extremely unpractical proof generation times. Towards designing a practical solution, we propose the idea of combining techniques from MPC-in-the-head and zkSNARKs literature to strike an appropriate trade-off between proof size and proof computation time. We instantiate this idea and propose a concretely efficient, novel zkPoT protocol for logistic regression.
Privacy is one of the essential pillars for the widespread adoption of blockchains, but public blockchains are transparent by nature. Modern analytics techniques can easily subdue the pseudonymity feature of a blockchain user. Some applications have been able to provide practical privacy protections using privacy-preserving cryptography techniques. However, malicious actors have abused them illicitly, discouraging honest actors from using privacy-preserving applications as "mixing" user interactions and funds with anonymous bad actors, causing compliance and regulatory concerns. In this paper, we propose a framework that balances privacy-preserving features by establishing a regulatory and compliant framework called Selective De-Anonymization (SeDe). The adoption of this framework allows privacy-preserving applications on blockchains to de-anonymize illicit transactions by recursive traversal of subgraphs of linked transactions. Our technique achieves this without leaving de-anonymization decisions or control in the hands of a single entity but distributing it among multiple entities while holding them accountable for their respective actions. To instantiate, our framework uses threshold encryption schemes and Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs).
Zero-knowledge circuits are sets of equality constraints over arithmetic expressions interpreted in a prime field; they are used to encode computations in cryptographic zero-knowledge proofs. We make the following contributions to the problem of ensuring that a circuit correctly encodes a computation: a formal framework for circuit correctness; an ACL2 library for prime fields; an ACL2 model of the existing R1CS (Rank-1 Constraint Systems) formalism to represent circuits, along with ACL2 and Axe tools to verify circuits of this form; a novel PFCS (Prime Field Constraint Systems) formalism to represent hierarchically structured circuits, along with an ACL2 model of it and ACL2 tools to verify circuits of this form in a compositional and scalable way; verification of circuits, ranging from simple to complex; and discovery of bugs and optimizations in existing zero-knowledge systems.
Open access
2 source records
Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs) and Hardware Security
The paper proposes a cryptographic protocol two-factor authentication with the zero-knowledge over the extended field GF(2m) on elliptic curves using biometric data and private key of the user. The implementation of a cryptographic protocol with zero-knowledge proof based on elliptic curves allows significantly reducing the size of protocol parameters and increasing the cryptographic strength (computational complexity of the breaking). The cryptographic protocol was modeled in the High-Level Protocol Specification Language, the model validation and protocol verification was performed using the Security Protocol Animator tool for Automated Validation of Internet Security Protocols and Applications. The software verification of the cryptographic protocol was performed using the software modules On the Fly Model Checker and Constraint Logic based Attack Searcher.
Decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) is an emerging research topic in Web3 and blockchain. By combining blockchain, IoT and tokenomics, DePINs are expected to disrupt existing IoT business models and enable Web3 communities to build innovative, machine-driven and decentralized IoT networks and applications. Due to the characteristics of DePINs such as the large number of smart devices and network scale as well as the interactions with blockchain, scalability remains to be one of the key challenges. In this position paper, we outline the core ideas and components for building a rollup-centric scalable architecture for DePINs. The proposed architecture takes a modular design approach and leverages off-chain computing and zero-knowledge proofs to address the scalability challenge. This work is expected to highlight the importance of this new research direction and shed some light on potential solutions.
This paper proposes a novel recursive polynomial commitment scheme (PCS) and a new polynomial interactive oracle proof (PIOP) protocol, which compile into efficient and transparent zk-SNARKs (zero-knowledge succinct non-interactive arguments of knowledge). The Ethereum blockchain utilizes zero-knowledge Rollups (ZKR) to improve its scalability (the ability to handle a large number of transactions), and ZKR uses zk-SNARKs to validate transactions. The currently used zk-SNARKs rely on a trusted setup ceremony, where a group of participants uses secret information about transactions to generate the public parameters necessary to verify the zk-SNARKs. This introduces a security risk into Ethereum's system. Thus, researchers have been developing transparent zk-SNARKs (which do not require a trusted setup), but those are not as efficient as non-transparent zk-SNARKs, so ZKRs do not use them. In this research, I developed LUMEN, a set of novel algorithms that generate transparent zk-SNARKs that improve Ethereum's security without sacrificing its efficiency. Various techniques were creatively incorporated into LUMEN, including groups with hidden orders, Lagrange basis polynomials, and an amortization strategy. I wrote mathematical proofs for LUMEN that convey its completeness, soundness and zero-knowledgeness, and implemented LUMEN by writing around $8000$ lines of Rust and Python code, which conveyed the practicality of LUMEN. Moreover, my implementation revealed the efficiency of LUMEN (measured in proof size, proof computation time, and verification time), which surpasses the efficiency of existing transparent zk-SNARKs and is on par with that of non-transparent zk-SNARKs. Therefore, LUMEN is a promising solution to improve Ethereum's security while maintaining its efficiency.
Driven by the wide adoption of distributed renewable energy sources (RES), peer-to-peer (P2P) regional energy trading models have emerged as a major service offering, where prosumers can participate directly in local transactions. However, this distributed approach may result in privacy risks since the malicious users might manipulate the user data to compromise the integrity of the entire trading market. In this study, we introduce a verifiable secure multi-party computation scheme for P2P regional energy trading. This scheme facilitates the market pricing and clearing process in a distributed computing context without a third-party authority. Furthermore, we develop a multi-party zero-knowledge proof algorithm by leveraging the multi-party computation paradigm. This algorithm ensures the integrity of trading computations by guaranteeing the correctness of both data and computational process. We conduct experiments to evaluate the performance of our scheme in terms of proof generation and validation time by varying the number of participants. The results highlight the feasibility of our scheme for real-world applications, while preserving the privacy and integrity of energy trading computations.
KYC is vital for financial institutions worldwide to prevent illicit activities. The current process is slow, ineffective, and reliant on centralized databases. This study explores decentralized identification (DID) as a solution. DID enables efficient access to verified user credentials while enhancing user privacy. Thus, enhancing the speed and efficiency of the overall KYC process. The study employs the Design Science Research approach to systematically design the decentralized identity solution for KYC. Our solution employs blockchain and cryptographic technologies to enhance the DID process. Credentials submitted in the DID system are verified by a DID resolver, then stored and managed by an identity hub through the employment of a blockchain-based KYC contract. Ethereum JSON-RPC is employed to facilitate the DID authentication process. We also implemented zero-knowledge proofs to enhance users’ privacy. The result of this study contributes to the advancement of KYC by offering practical insights, design guidelines, and evaluation measures for the implementation of decentralized identification.
Abstract Providing trust in machine learning (ML) systems and their fairness is a socio-technical challenge, and while the use of ML continues to rise, there is lack of adequate processes and governance practices to assure their fairness. In this paper, we propose FaaS, a novel privacy-preserving, end-to-end verifiable solution, that audits the algorithmic fairness of ML systems. FaaS offers several features, which are absent from previous designs. The FAAS protocol is model-agnostic and independent of specific fairness metrics and can be utilised as a service by multiple stakeholders. FAAS uses zero knowledge proofs to assure the well-formedness of the cryptograms and provenance in the steps of the protocol. We implement a proof of concept of the FaaS architecture and protocol using off-the-shelf hardware, software, and datasets and run experiments to demonstrate its practical feasibility and to analyse its performance and scalability. Our experiments confirm that our proposed protocol is scalable to large-scale auditing scenarios (e.g. over 1000 participants) and secure against various attack vectors.
The rapid development of Industrial IoT (IIoT) opens up promising possibilities for data analysis and machine learning in IIoT networks. As a distributed paradigm, federated learning (FL) allows numerous IIoT devices to collaboratively train a global model without collecting their local data together in central servers. Unfortunately, a centralized server used to aggregate local gradients can be compromised and forge the result, which incurs the need for aggregation verification. Several approaches focusing on verifying the correctness of aggregation have been proposed. However, it is still an open problem since devices have to devote more computation resources for verification, which are especially not friendly to resource-constrained IIoT devices. Furthermore, verifying weighted aggregation has not been supported in existing approaches. In this paper, we propose an efficient verifiable federated learning approach for IIoT networks, which verifies the aggregation of gradients and requires lowest burden on IIoT devices by introducing zero-knowledge proof techniques. Moreover, our design supports weighted aggregation verification to validate the aggregation of weighted gradients in the cloud server. By comparing the proposed approach with the state-of-the-art schemes including VerifyNet and VeriFL, we demonstrate the superior performance of our approach for resource-constrained devices, which minimizes the computational overheads of the IIoT devices.
Blockchain-based data storage has become an emerging paradigm, providing a fair and transparent data platform for decentralized applications. However, how to achieve secure on-chain verification for arbitrary SQL queries in such a decentralized storage remains under-explored. Due to the limitations of authenticated data structure (ADS), existing works either do not consider arbitrary query verification issue or fail to achieve practical gas consumption efficiency. In this paper, we present a novel arbitrary query verification scheme for decentralized storage. The proposed scheme, named$\mathsf {zkQuery}$, enables efficient public verification for arbitrary queries with zero-knowledge confidentiality.$\mathsf {zkQuery}$is built from the ingenious synergy of techniques from both zero-knowledge proof and smart contract technology. The core idea is to delegate smart contracts to fairly execute results verification and utilize our tailored zero-knowledge proof protocol to facilitate arbitrary computation in a privacy-preserving manner. The verification protocols of$\mathsf {zkQuery}$are highly customized for decentralized storage, where the complexity of on-chain verification can be completed in logarithmic time, significantly decreasing gas consumption. We rigorously provide security analysis and complete the prototype implementation. The extensive experiments over the NEAR blockchain show that$\mathsf {zkQuery}$can gain at least$2\times $better performance than the baseline approach on all metrics.
Md Jahangir Alam, Ismail Hossain, Sai Puppala, Sajedul Talukder
Identity attacks, such as impersonation, identity theft, and fraudulent account creation, pose significant threats to the security and trustworthiness of Online Social Networks (OSNs). In this paper, we propose a robust and secure framework to verify user identities without compromising their privacy by developing a multi-layered framework leveraging zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) and Hyperledger Fabric private blockchain. We introduce a blockchain-based government identity provider system, coupled with a zero-knowledge proof-based signup process for social networks. Our prototype authenticates user identities in multiple layers, effectively mitigating fraudulent, cloned, and multiple account creations. Our experiments with n (n = 50) users showed a 100% success rate for our system, highlighting its effectiveness compared to other OSNs.
Blockchain based E-voting system can be revolution- ary in terms of security and tamper proof, transparent elections and hence empower the democracy. Blockchain E-voting is already implemented at organisational level. But at state/national level it faces challenges such as privacy, stability, latency etc. To counter them we require advanced implementation techniques from multiple disciplines. These techniques are 2-layer-solution, sharding for scalability issue, optimizing consensus algorithm and off-chain transaction for reducing latency, zero knowledge proof, using multiple protocols for user privacy etc. General architecture of blockchain is explained in details which combines election creation, voter registration, voter transaction, tallying the results and vote verification. We have discussed how integrating E-voting with blockchain document verification system can be benificial. It is complicated to implement at state, national level and need additional research and implementation to make blockchain E- voting acceptable in elections across the world. Through research and innovation we can make blockchain voting mainstream.
Open access
Internet Traffic Analysis and Secure E-voting
Network Traffic and Congestion Control
Advanced Steganography and Watermarking Techniques
For a lower-limb exoskeleton, accurate and timely extraction of gait features, such as the timing of important gait events and walking state transitions, is a fundamental requirement to provide appropriate assistive action, and this becomes much more challenging for stroke patients due to the existence of hemiplegic gait. In view of this, this study develops an adaptive oscillator-based gait feature extraction method only using thigh-worn inertial measurement units (IMUs) for assisting stroke patients with portable hip exoskeletons. The algorithm is capable of 1) estimating the zero position of the thigh during locomotion, 2) estimating the timing of heel strike, and 3) detecting the walking state transition timely. To validate the proposed method, an experimental study with both healthy subjects and stroke patients has been performed, suggesting accurate estimations of the zero position of the thigh and the timing of heel strike, and a lower detection delay of walking state transitions compared to state-of-the-art studies. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study represents the first proof of feasibility to extract these gait features of stroke patients with hemiplegic gait only using thigh-worn IMUs, paving the way for future clinical applications of portable hip exoskeletons.
Shulei Zeng, Bin Cao, Yao Sun, Chen Sun · 6 authors
In the context of the burgeoning Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), the proliferation of interconnected devices has created a reservoir of data resources distributed across diverse domains. However, due to the conflict between proprietary data and the use of data, it is a challenge to fully obtain data value in an efficient and legal way. To release the data value in an efficient and legal way, blockchain is considered a promising technology for data security and privacy, which has been widely introduced to cross-domain data governance. In this paper, we propose a blockchain-assisted cross-domain data sharing (BCDS) in IIoT. Specifically, by deploying the permissioned blockchain, we design a zero-knowledge proof scheme to verify data ownership under the criterion of confidence and anonymity. Besides, to prevent the thrid-party from decrypting data, we design a key agreement protocol to ensure that only recipient is authorized to decrypt data based on private key. Furthermore, we theoretically analyze the security performance of schemes. Extensive experiments in simulation computer systems and testbed deployment are conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed scheme.
Pamela Morris‐Perez, Rachel M. Abenavoli, Adam Benzekri, Sarah Rosenbach‐Jordan · 5 authors
For much of the past decade, suicide has been the second leading cause of death for adolescents in the United States, and suicide rates among adolescents have been rising for the last 15 years. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors among adolescents were common before COVID-19 and have become an increasing public health priority in the pandemic′s wake. In this Social Policy Report, we review evidence for suicide prevention strategies designed to address these rising trends. We make recommendations for federal, state, and local policymakers and practitioners; program developers in organizations that design and implement programming for youth; and academic and nonacademic researchers. Where research evidence is strong, we suggest legislation, funding, and implementation. In areas where gaps in evidence exist, we recommend program development and research. Our recommendations follow the order in a taxonomy adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, beginning with strategies that change the structural conditions in which adolescents live and concluding with strategies that support adolescents following a suicide (i.e., postvention). We find strong evidence for, and recommend policy implementation of: restricting access to lethal means; LGBTQ+ affirming policies; screening for suicide risk in medical settings; and community-wide investments via the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act. In schools, we find benefits of, and recommend funding and implementation of, youth-focused programs. Even so, gaps exist: (a) research on economic policies for adolescents is nonexistent; (b) while mental health care access is a barrier, we do not know how to reduce youth suicide rates via changing care access; (c) data on crisis lines are encouraging but descriptive; and (d) school personnel training increases knowledge and confidence but not adolescent help-seeking. Finally, guidelines for response following a suicide loss focus on immediate support and are based on limited research; this is an area for program development and research. We recommend state-level policymakers restrict access to firearms via regulations and safe storage; public health officials implement firearm safe storage programs and build barriers on buildings/bridges; public health officials and health care providers distribute lockboxes for medications; and the Consumer Product Safety commission enact regulations that restrict the size of bottles for lethal over-the-counter medications. We recommend that state-level policymakers protect and implement strategies that treat LGBTQ+ youth equally and affirm LGBTQ+ identities (e.g., maintain same-sex marriage laws, protect affirming school environments/safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth); state policymakers and school district/school leaders fight anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, policy, and practices that limit access to medical care, sports, representation in classroom conversations; and school leaders support LGBTQ+ affirming spaces (e.g., GSAs). We recommend that The Joint Commission1 update its recommendations to include universal suicide risk screening for adolescents; the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services at the Department of Health and Human Services require screening for suicide risk in pediatrics and emergency departments as part of routine care; and health care providers implement such screening practices. We recommend that the federal government increase funding for the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Grants that provide funding to communities for suicide prevention activities in youth-serving organizations and for the Suicide Training and Awareness Nationally Delivered for Universal Prevention (STANDUP) Act of 2021 that offers suicide prevention funding to schools to implement effective programs. We also recommend that public health and school district leaders apply for such funding and implement evidence-based practices. We recommend that state and local policymakers fund and monitor school district- and school-level implementation of state-wide suicide prevention laws and that school district/school leaders ensure implementation of such laws. We recommend that the state and federal Departments of Education fund and encourage implementation of evidence-based school youth-focused programs,2 in tandem with school staff training programs, and that school district/school leaders implement such programs. We recommend that the National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics create national standards for suicide death classifications and require workforce training to reduce variation across place and persons that can lead to underreporting for minoritized racial/ethnic and LGBTQ+ groups. We also recommend that public health officials ensure that coroners and medical examiners receive such training. Engage peer leaders to spread messages of help-seeking as normative in schools, in youth-serving organizations, and on social media. Develop programs that address unique needs of groups at high risk (e.g., Indigenous, multi-racial, LGBTQ+, and rural adolescents). Also develop programs for racial/ethnic minority youth for whom there is limited Develop programs that support adolescent needs for and for the youth in the design of programs, youth and youth to Develop strategies that support the of adolescents have the loss of a peer to and research on the of economic policies to reduce on adolescent suicide death and research on policies and practices (i.e., and for minoritized racial/ethnic groups Indigenous, and adolescents). and on the of increasing mental health care on adolescent suicide on the of crisis across in implementation across and to recommendations for practices and gaps in program design and the of effective peer programs on minoritized racial/ethnic and LGBTQ+ adolescents and in a of school and to data for of suicide and thoughts and and that of and policy in Our on the following youth the of and thoughts suicide and thoughts of to and suicide do not include is an in which with an to but not is the for suicide research. The suicide is with in part of its as a and We the following for of thoughts and behaviors among which to the of suicide as a suicide that as a of the suicide social that an for of risk among in social groups. 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We strategies in the order in the beginning with strategies at changing the structural conditions in which adolescents live and concluding with strategies at suicide and adolescents following a suicide (i.e., postvention). We the taxonomy with a on data suicide but this has not been for for is and and research on the of economic policies to reduce on adolescent suicide death and access to lethal access to lethal is effective in suicide with benefits of firearm regulations and of barriers and in for suicide the Act of to in suicide rates in the research in the the of the size of and access to firearms via regulations and safe health firearm safe storage programs and build barriers on health officials and health care lockboxes for medications. Consumer Product Safety regulations that restrict size of bottles for lethal over-the-counter medications. policies and of same-sex marriage laws suicide among high school for and practices affirming LGBTQ+ youth on policies for minoritized racial/ethnic groups is and and implement strategies that treat LGBTQ+ youth equally and affirm LGBTQ+ identities (e.g., maintain same-sex marriage laws, protect affirming school for LGBTQ+ policymakers and school district/school anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, policy, and practices that limit access to medical care, sports, representation in classroom LGBTQ+ affirming spaces (e.g., GSAs). research on (i.e., for minoritized racial/ethnic groups. mental health and increase access to mental health care and access to health laws increase mental health care and for access is of there is limited research on the of access on suicide rates of crisis lines to are but lines in are following but there is evidence of the of crisis lines on suicide training and to for is for adolescents). and on the of increasing mental health care on adolescent suicide on the of crisis across national implementation of crisis in implementation across and to recommendations for practices and gaps in program design and adolescents at risk in suicide prevention in schools and youth-serving organizations peer and change universal screening is in medical adolescents that not lead to and The Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act of for a of youth suicide prevention across in communities and has been to The Act of 2021 offers suicide prevention funding to schools to implement effective programs. in school laws and there is variation in implementation at the district Training school personnel to and adolescents in schools increases knowledge and confidence but not adolescent help-seeking. Training in schools is at and programs peer programs have not been for on minoritized LGBTQ+ racial/ethnic groups. focus on the and youth to care, with to adolescent needs for and a programs youth to in the design of program and The Joint recommendations to include universal suicide risk screening for Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services at the Department of Health and Human screening for suicide risk in pediatrics and emergency departments as part of routine such screening practices. and funding for the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Grants and the Suicide Training and Awareness Nationally Delivered for Universal Prevention (STANDUP) Act of health and school district for such funding and implement evidence-based practices. and and local and monitor school district- and school-level implementation of state-wide suicide prevention laws. district/school implementation of such laws. and and federal departments of and encourage implementation of evidence-based school youth-focused programs, in tandem with school staff training programs. district/school such programs. Engage peer leaders to spread messages of help-seeking as normative in schools, in youth-serving organizations, and on social media. Develop programs that address unique needs of groups at high risk (e.g., Indigenous, multi-racial, LGBTQ+, and rural adolescents). Also develop programs for racial/ethnic minority youth for whom there is limited Develop programs that support adolescent needs for and youth in the design of programs, youth and youth to the of effective peer programs on minoritized racial/ethnic and LGBTQ+ adolescents and in a of school and and suicide and for prevention a suicide to a suicide death is with and national guidelines reduce such research to the benefits of guidelines a suicide guidelines are on crisis response support and are based on limited research. Develop strategies that support the of adolescents have suicide to data is the of universal of and standards that in research on youth suicide has on with to the in which youth and National Committee on Vital and Health national standards for suicide death classifications and require workforce training to reduce variation across place and health that coroners and medical examiners receive such training. data for of suicide and and that of and in Our review a of strategies to address adolescent suicide and the in which the has the last We find strong evidence for, and recommend policy implementation of: restricting access to lethal (e.g., and LGBTQ+ affirming policies; screening for suicide risk in medical settings; and community-wide investments via the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act. In schools, we find benefits of, and recommend funding and implementation of, youth-focused programs, at and changing social Even so, gaps exist: (a) research on economic policies for adolescents is nonexistent; (b) while mental health care access is a barrier, we do not know how to reduce youth suicide rates via changing care access; (c) data on crisis lines are encouraging but descriptive; and (d) school personnel training increases knowledge and confidence but not adolescent help-seeking. Finally, guidelines following a suicide loss (i.e., focus on immediate support and are based on limited research; this is an area for program development and research. have in effective strategies for adolescent a of youth-focused strategies have been effective that with and high school programs programs do not address adolescent needs for and a where we recommend program Finally, programs have to with minoritized youth (i.e., racial/ethnic minority and LGBTQ+ youth; is and (e.g., and and research and public have the suicide risk of and to & we recommend program development and research. funding for youth suicide has in the last of the in funding for youth mental health research the National of Health is to youth funding for youth suicide these We suggest to ensure to adolescents strategies in medical and We are in rates of suicide and from the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Grants that access to with and is to the in adolescent but a of with rates of adolescent this public health In the we in the evidence prevention strategies that provide the for Social suicide risk and of economic The of in this area has policies to address (i.e., of research have across from to & with evidence for increases in and for policies to reduce suicide risk is not such as and and that are with suicide risk are to have been to reduce suicide rates in but have not been for adolescents & For that for state-level that the implementation of state-level policies that the suicide rates for with a (e.g., increasing for state social increasing state on medical and is with state-level suicide rates & For and are with and but not suicide evidence on the of in adolescent suicide is also policies there is evidence that such policies adolescent suicide and research is suicide prevention is access to the (i.e., which can access to a for suicide can reduce and for but not include with for lethal & and with firearm on safe practices We focus on but to research on in and to the size of for in the to lethal is access to that suicide via firearms in death of the rates suicide rates are in with for suicide rates but data on the of firearm programs (e.g., safe storage is of the implementation of laws in in in suicide before the to with in and firearm laws in and in in firearm suicide rates to in in following the but the & have such as to reduce the size of its firearms from and in in suicide among a design a is in which For & find that suicide in not are find that of the in firearm were Even so, have been to in a in and we recommend for implementation. the of public health that that the Act with in and adolescent suicide from the to the the Act the of in the there were suicide via in barriers and the of in for suicide has effective for a review of such an in at in which a is a increase in suicide at but not to the benefits there is a in a in to and with risk of suicide for minoritized groups policies and practices that support and (e.g., and these research is on the of such policies on the thoughts and behaviors of racial/ethnic minoritized research on policies and practices for LGBTQ+ adolescents has been of policies and practices to school for LGBTQ+ youth are with of youth and & include policies that based on and development for school staff that address LGBTQ+ LGBTQ+ safe spaces (e.g., and and LGBTQ+ in the at the state also evidence state-level for state-level that laws to same-sex marriage federal there a in the of high school suicide the past and a for youth anti-LGBTQ+ from with a but increase in adolescent LGBTQ+ youth to suicide support lines in the such there is research on the of such on suicide rates the of the of anti-LGBTQ+ In policies at the school state, and federal that and of minoritized LGBTQ+ adolescents suicide risk for LGBTQ+ for & and we recommend as part of an adolescent suicide prevention to access is health for mental that state-level variation in the and in the of mental health laws that require health mental health benefits at with health benefits in suicide rates in to the of the Health and Act in the of in a increase in mental health care and a increase in of for adolescents adolescents in such laws to with in with such laws in & to mental health care are and include the of the high of the of to and the of research on the of care access on adolescent suicide rates is in mental health have been to with increases in suicide rates for state-level but are not In a of data from youth suicide rates were with mental health for and this in with of youth and youth in the The of increasing mental health care, such care increasing the of providers on adolescent suicide has not been in and is among research Even so, suicide prevention and medical support increasing the and of mental health care providers in the of adolescent suicide lines are designed to reduce and provide to mental health lines are an of a suicide prevention and are on a and In the United States, the National Suicide Act of as a for the National Suicide Prevention in as the Suicide & The is via and a of crisis across the and are to a local crisis with knowledge of mental health in the to a local is not crisis lines national support via from via The and for LGBTQ+ youth); and support via for and of lines are also a strong for crisis a review that research on the of crisis lines for youth in of suicide prevention lines for and youth and crisis lines for youth but not limited to suicide prevention are the of to and a of crisis to (e.g., from the were before and the national implementation of crisis we recommend research to practices and gaps in design and of of lines are but rates to are The of adolescents of crisis lines can (e.g., from of high school in to of adolescents in a in rates in the but there is evidence that can increase and crisis as and rates among rural and to to adolescents & of that of were were as a and as a minority rates of minority of the are high adolescents a have were to a the not were and with as Indigenous, the of and were national while the of were national lines are an for this of were not from a to and this among racial/ethnic minority that an barriers to include and of knowledge the of crisis lines change in from the beginning to the of the as research staff a following the of adolescents in that of risk to from to from the to the of the of crisis and in adolescent have in and the of a with of that were for but not minority of and this is among not to have the of and for of crisis with the of Suicide Training a training that on and a with in and to with were not have that with in a and that with are to and to in (i.e., where the from the to prevention is at risk for Suicide risk screening health care a as part of the National for Suicide of the & National for Suicide Prevention, and in of The Joint that to for suicide Safety In a National Safety to for suicide but for for health conditions Joint a of adolescents suicide were in the a medical based on of data in across were for health care providers for mental health (e.g., for to adolescents with thoughts and adolescents do not to thoughts and behaviors the for screening in from where are and are with and health care of adolescents of adolescents suicide with care of adolescents were a mental health in the to suicide for suicide risk and suicide not in (i.e., suicide not the in a have via an design that adolescents not make with in a across of adolescents and & the youth with of and with suicide a in as a of for suicide risk have a of suicide risk screening for adolescents The at the National of is a with past and and has been to adolescents The and and has been to youth a screening has been from the at The for Suicidal an to screening while In and emergency have the and of suicide risk of organizations recommend suicide risk screening at and the for that the Services the we recommend universal screening and on The Joint and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to require universal screening and health care providers to implement We are not of of screening on adolescent to a across schools, screening with a with a suicide in of and for youth at risk of suicide the of for suicide screening with of risk and with suicide in a of in emergency departments the federal the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act in which The federal funding to and for youth and suicide prevention activities across the on the to For the implementation of suicide prevention and strategies in schools, mental health programs, care and youth-serving organizations Lee Smith Memorial The funding for development and implementation of suicide prevention in access to and mental health of of of suicide as a public health and development and implementation of strategies for with for mental health and suicide for Health & of the The also data to monitor at and policy and a to programs have that and suicide in the where programs were and benefits to we recommend funding and implementation. the Suicide Training and Awareness Nationally Delivered for Universal Prevention (STANDUP) Act of 2021 Act of federal funding and the Department of Health and Human Services to to state, and local that to implement evidence-based suicide and prevention training policies and to with the Department of Education and the Department of the to provide with practices for these research on prevention programs with to implementation the of programs we recommend funding for the state there is variation in suicide laws and recommendations for school include training recommendations for school suicide on suicide prevention in mental health training for and and recommendations The Even suicide prevention of also policies and and school of & & and are at the state and district to ensure suicide prevention practices are programs in schools to the of adolescents thoughts and and adolescents to care school personnel are not mental health providers and are not to provide mental health and school staff are to and encourage adolescents to care with and a of adolescents are not in mental health care programs are of the common programs the as of have The which suicide and prevention training common of training on rates of risk and for how to a a to and a for offers a in which of to and how to adolescents to mental health Suicide Training is a training for in with suicide (i.e., (i.e., for for and (i.e., a programs have been to build of and to with but have not to in behaviors thoughts and behaviors For a of in and high schools to on knowledge and but on of but among were with adolescents suicide to the training of with school staff that the program knowledge suicide and as as and confidence to adolescents at risk of suicide the not on thoughts and of the training in and of with but on limited evidence that programs increase and reduce thoughts and these programs effective with programs adolescents program that has been to reduce thoughts and of Suicide training with screening and youth-focused training & evidence from in suicide rates in programs, which as has not programs across and the for groups (e.g., suicide prevention build from research on peer in and as and as of & are the to of a and are lines of in adolescents to care and suicide and programs in schools that adolescents how to to a peer mental health and and a & offers training for staff and mental health and health program with screening for suicide and and to for a & increases and suicide at but has on help-seeking for a there is of on of Health with and how to address and and and thoughts to reduce suicide and at but not across The program has and in the United and in changing help-seeking mental health mental health and in a in and programs knowledge and with also and in with a peer programs on and suicide are and on on racial/ethnic and LGBTQ+ youth is the peer in health there has been an in that peer to change help-seeking behaviors & Social on have in and health for and adolescents and is an area in which we recommend program The programs that social to change are of and & & has evidence of to and peer leaders to and via has been to (a) peer suicide that and support for and (b) for and help-seeking In create on mental is a for as as a program where create and a screening for the school In a the knowledge and and and behaviors to mental health and suicide & to the program is & and on and LGBTQ+ youth for whom is youth-focused the of the we recommend funding and implementation of youth-focused programs, in tandem with school staff training programs. We also recommend program development and research of such programs on minoritized racial/ethnic and LGBTQ+ research has of with a of such a increase in suicide rates following the of are among with identities to the and is not are is also data on increasing following (e.g., to guidelines for suicide to the The a for Suicide Prevention, and the Health & for Suicide Prevention make recommendations suicide (a) not the (b) not suicide (c) not and (d) not suicide data is these guidelines have to of in have in & In with youth social guidelines how to with and develop and has been to the benefits of with messages of that to messages and can reduce and increase of and across have been to reduce for at but not increase help-seeking of youth are but in a classroom design in schools of peer leaders of and the school has to are with recommendations to include in for Suicide Prevention, also recommend the of crisis For suicide are address the needs of these loss national guidelines for were the of Suicide and the National in were of leaders and provide for to a suicide the with to suicide & For there has been a of
Nov 1, 2023·2023 International Conference on Research Methodologies in Knowledge Management, Artificial Intelligence and Telecommunication Engineering (RMKMATE)
S. Gnanapriya, M Ram Eshwar, C G Shrikhiran, J Vijay Chandar · 5 authors
Electronic voting has become an increasingly popular topic of discussion in recent years but it has some security issues. Ethereum's smart contract capabilities make it possible to develop tamper-proof and transparent e-voting systems. Smart contracts are self-executing programs that are stored on the Ethereum blockchain, and can be used to automate the process of voting and ensure that the results are accurate and verifiable. This paper explores the use of Ethereum for e-voting, including the advantages and challenges of using this platform for voting. The paper discusses the use of smart contracts for implementing e-voting systems, the security and privacy considerations that must be taken into account, and the potential benefits of using Ethereum for e-voting. The paper also discusses the challenges that must be overcome to ensure the widespread adoption of Ethereum-based e-voting systems, including issues related to scalability, interoperability, and regulatory compliance. In conclusion, this paper argues that Ethereum has the potential to revolutionize the field of e-voting, offering a secure, transparent, and efficient solution for conducting political elections. While there are still many challenges to overcome, the use of Ethereum for e-voting represents an exciting opportunity for governments, businesses, and individuals around the world to participate in democratic processes in a more secure and efficient way.
2 source records
Blockchain Technology Applications and Security
Internet Traffic Analysis and Secure E-voting
Advanced Steganography and Watermarking Techniques
S. Priya, P. Sheela Rani, S. P. Chokkalingam, A Prathik · 8 authors
Traditional testimony and electronic endorsements are extremely challenging to uphold and defend, and there is a problem with challenging authentication. The identity of the student is typically not recognized when it comes to requirements for access to a student’s academic credentials that are sca ttered over numerous sites. This is an issue with cross-domain authentication methods. On the one hand, whenever the volume of cross-domain authentication requests increases dramatically, the response time can become intolerable because of the slow throughput associated with blockchain mechanisms. These systems still do not give enough thought to the cross-domain scenario’s anonymity problem. This research proposes an effective cross-domain authentication mechanism called XAutn that protects anonymity and integrates seamlessly through the present Certificate Transparency (CT) schemes. XAutn protects privacy and develops a fast response correctness evaluation method that is based on the RSA (Rivest, Shamir, and Adleman) cryptographic accumulator, Zero Knowledge Proof Algorithm, and Proof of Continuous work consensus Algorithm (POCW). We also provide a privacy-aware computation authentication approach to strengthen the integrity of the authentication messages more securely and counteract the discriminatory analysis of malevolent requests. This research is primarily used to validate identities in a blockchain network, which makes it possible to guarantee their authenticity and integrity while also increasing security and privacy. The proposed technique greatly outperformed the current methods in terms of authentication time, period required for storage, space for storage, and overall processing cost. The proposed method exhibits a speed gain of authentication of roughly 9% when compared to traditional blockchain systems. The security investigation and results from experiments demonstrate how the proposed approach is more reliable and trustworthy.