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Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Opinion - Let's take ‘Sesame Street' out of the equation for PBS funding
As Congress threatens to defund public broadcasting, the defenders of PBS and NPR keep defending themselves by pointing to the importance of their longstanding signature program: 'Sesame Street.' At a recent fiery House Oversight hearing, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green denounced public media as 'radical left-wing echo chambers.' The response by Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) was to urge his colleagues to 'fire Elon Musk, save Elmo,' while displaying a full-sized image of the iconic puppet. But making 'Sesame Street' the foundation of their defense is a dated and suspect tactic for the defenders of public broadcasting — and not only because Bert and Ernie's home has long since migrated to HBO, nor even because newer, commercially produced children's programming such as the 'Octonauts' (ecology and sea life) and 'Bluey' (creative solutions to problems) clearly have educational dimensions once confined to 'Sesame Street.' The limits of using 'Sesame Street' as the justification for public broadcasting goes back further. It can be found in the single best (and under-appreciated) evaluation of the program's impact on young children, a 2015 National Economics Journal paper by economist Melissa Kearney and Philip Levine, 'Early Childhood Education by Television: Lessons from Sesame Street.' In a clever analysis reminiscent of Freakonomics, Kearney and Levine examined the effect of this show in its early days by using a long-forgotten aspect of television technology. Since many households were unable to receive PBS if they lacked Ultra High Frequency (UHF) televisions in the pre-cable era, it was possible to compare education effects in areas where 'Sesame Street' was available and where it was not. It was what the economists call a natural experiment. On one level, the impact of the program was strikingly positive. It did a good job of preparing young children to be ready for school and to start their education at 'grade-level.' According to Kearney and Levine, exposure to 'Sesame Street' in the early 1970s 'led to positive impacts on the educational performance of the generation of children who experienced their preschool years when Sesame Street was introduced in areas with greater broadcast coverage.' That's exactly the sort of finding PBS likes to promote. But the Kearney-Levine paper also reached a less positive conclusion: that the positive impact of 'Sesame Street' was not sustained. Indeed, the data can be interpreted, they say, to conclude that 'any effect of the show on either academic achievement or socio-emotional development had completely faded by the time a child reached the latter stages of his or her high school career.' No one who has followed the decline of student proficiency in recent years should be surprised by that result. Nor can we even be certain that 'Sesame Street' caused the positive results in the analysis. Numerous studies have found that parental involvement with children, whether through shared activities, reading aloud or homework help, is the secret sauce in promoting success in school. A Journal of Educational Psychology study concludes that 'family involvement in school should be a central aim of practice and policy solutions to the achievement gap between lower and higher income children.' A study in the journal Family Issues found that parental involvement led to 'positive growth in children's attention, persistence, motivation to learn, and receptive vocabulary; and decreased problem behaviors.' Even a more recent study done for PBS made clear that the goal of a math education through 'family engagement' was key to any positive impact. 'Sesame Street' was a bona fide phenomenon when it was introduced in 1969. There is every reason to believe that parents were inspired to watch it with their kids — in other words, it sparked parental involvement. Indeed, it may be that watching almost any age-appropriate program with an 'involved adult' would be a boost. For example, my wife and I found that explaining the cultural references in 'The Simpsons' was a great way to teach American history at home. In that context, it's worth noting that Kearney, the MIT-trained economist who co-authored the 'Sesame Street' study, has attracted far more attention of late for her new book. In it she writes that 'the decline in marriage and the corresponding rise in one-parent homes has widened the gap in opportunities and outcomes for children of different backgrounds and today poses economic and social challenges we cannot afford to ignore.' Parental involvement is inevitably less likely when there is only one parent at home. This is not a 'Sesame Street' message, it is worth noting. A segment titled, 'It Takes a Street' features a video montage of various types of families, with a background song proclaiming that 'people living together, loving each other, that's what makes a family.' There may be reasons not to defund PBS and NPR. But 'Sesame Street' is not one of them. Howard Husock is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


The Hill
14-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Let's take ‘Sesame Street' out of the equation for PBS funding
As Congress threatens to defund public broadcasting, the defenders of PBS and NPR keep defending themselves by pointing to the importance of their longstanding signature program: 'Sesame Street.' At a recent fiery House Oversight hearing, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green denounced public media as 'radical left-wing echo chambers.' The response by Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) was to urge his colleagues to 'fire Elon Musk, save Elmo,' while displaying a full-sized image of the iconic puppet. But making 'Sesame Street' the foundation of their defense is a dated and suspect tactic for the defenders of public broadcasting — and not only because Bert and Ernie's home has long since migrated to HBO, nor even because newer, commercially produced children's programming such as the 'Octonauts' (ecology and sea life) and ' Bluey' (creative solutions to problems) clearly have educational dimensions once confined to 'Sesame Street.' The limits of using 'Sesame Street' as the justification for public broadcasting goes back further. It can be found in the single best (and under-appreciated) evaluation of the program's impact on young children, a 2015 National Economics Journal paper by economist Melissa Kearney and Philip Levine, 'Early Childhood Education by Television: Lessons from Sesame Street.' In a clever analysis reminiscent of Freakonomics, Kearney and Levine examined the effect of this show in its early days by using a long-forgotten aspect of television technology. Since many households were unable to receive PBS if they lacked Ultra High Frequency (UHF) televisions in the pre-cable era, it was possible to compare education effects in areas where 'Sesame Street' was available and where it was not. It was what the economists call a natural experiment. On one level, the impact of the program was strikingly positive. It did a good job of preparing young children to be ready for school and to start their education at 'grade-level.' According to Kearney and Levine, exposure to 'Sesame Street' in the early 1970s 'led to positive impacts on the educational performance of the generation of children who experienced their preschool years when Sesame Street was introduced in areas with greater broadcast coverage.' That's exactly the sort of finding PBS likes to promote. But the Kearney-Levine paper also reached a less positive conclusion: that the positive impact of 'Sesame Street' was not sustained. Indeed, the data can be interpreted, they say, to conclude that 'any effect of the show on either academic achievement or socio-emotional development had completely faded by the time a child reached the latter stages of his or her high school career.' No one who has followed the decline of student proficiency in recent years should be surprised by that result. Nor can we even be certain that 'Sesame Street' caused the positive results in the analysis. Numerous studies have found that parental involvement with children, whether through shared activities, reading aloud or homework help, is the secret sauce in promoting success in school. A Journal of Educational Psychology study concludes that 'family involvement in school should be a central aim of practice and policy solutions to the achievement gap between lower and higher income children.' A study in the journal Family Issues found that parental involvement led to 'positive growth in children's attention, persistence, motivation to learn, and receptive vocabulary; and decreased problem behaviors.' Even a more recent study done for PBS made clear that the goal of a math education through 'family engagement' was key to any positive impact. 'Sesame Street' was a bona fide phenomenon when it was introduced in 1969. There is every reason to believe that parents were inspired to watch it with their kids — in other words, it sparked parental involvement. Indeed, it may be that watching almost any age-appropriate program with an 'involved adult' would be a boost. For example, my wife and I found that explaining the cultural references in 'The Simpsons' was a great way to teach American history at home. In that context, it's worth noting that Kearney, the MIT-trained economist who co-authored the 'Sesame Street' study, has attracted far more attention of late for her new book. In it she writes that 'the decline in marriage and the corresponding rise in one-parent homes has widened the gap in opportunities and outcomes for children of different backgrounds and today poses economic and social challenges we cannot afford to ignore.' Parental involvement is inevitably less likely when there is only one parent at home. This is not a 'Sesame Street' message, it is worth noting. A segment titled, 'It Takes a Street' features a video montage of various types of families, with a background song proclaiming that 'people living together, loving each other, that's what makes a family.' There may be reasons not to defund PBS and NPR. But 'Sesame Street' is not one of them.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SEALSQ Strengthens its Leadership in Post-Quantum Security by Expanding Its Patent Portfolio
Geneva, Switzerland, Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Patents cover innovations in semiconductor security, cryptographic key management, and anti-tampering mechanisms; see full portfolio here. SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ: LAES) ("SEALSQ" or "Company"), a company specializing in Semiconductors, PKI, and Post-Quantum technology hardware and software products, today announced that it has strategically expanded its patent pool, aiming to strengthen its leadership in securing the digital landscape against emerging quantum threats, a significant milestone in its commitment to post-quantum cryptography. As quantum computing rapidly advances, traditional encryption methods face increasing risks of obsolescence. Recognizing this paradigm shift, SEALSQ has proactively developed and patented innovative technologies designed to counteract the vulnerabilities posed by quantum adversaries. The company's expanded patent portfolio underlines its commitment to pioneering robust security solutions for the post-quantum era. SEALSQ is collaborating with NCCoE in the Migration to Post-Quantum Cryptography Building Block Consortium which aims to bring awareness to the issues involved in migrating to post-quantum algorithms and to develop practices to ease migration from current public-key algorithms to replacement algorithms.* SEALSQ has built an extensive and strategically important patent portfolio, primarily focused on secure microcontroller technologies and related applications that enhance cybersecurity in IoT, identity management, and digital transactions. The patents cover innovations in semiconductor security, cryptographic key management, and anti-tampering mechanisms. Below is an expanded summary of key areas covered in SEALSQ's patent portfolio: 1. Secure Microcontrollers & Cryptographic Processing SEALSQ's patents include advancements in secure microcontroller architecture, ensuring data protection in devices ranging from smart cards to IoT sensors. Cryptographic processing methods and secure storage of encryption keys are critical components of their patented technologies. These innovations help safeguard financial transactions, digital identity verification, and secure access control systems. 2. RFID & NFC Security Technologies Several patents relate to RFID-UHF (Ultra High Frequency) integrated circuits, which are widely used in logistics, supply chain tracking, and secure authentication. Innovations also include NFC (Near Field Communication) security protocols to prevent unauthorized access to mobile payments, transportation systems, and identity verification mechanisms. The patents also address security enhancements for GSM radiocommunication devices with integrated UHF tag readers, allowing more efficient and secure wireless communications. 3. Semiconductor Chip Protection Against Physical Attacks SEALSQ has developed patented solutions for protecting semiconductor chips from physical tampering, side-channel attacks, and power analysis techniques used by hackers to extract sensitive information. These security mechanisms ensure that devices such as smartcards, passports, and IoT sensors maintain integrity even under extreme conditions. Methods for preventing fault injection attacks (such as laser or electromagnetic manipulation) are also covered, making SEALSQ's chips highly resistant to advanced cyber threats. 4. Post-Quantum Cryptography & Next-Generation Security With the emergence of quantum computing threats, SEALSQ is pioneering post-quantum cryptographic solutions. Their patented technologies focus on designing hardware solutions that support quantum-resistant encryption algorithms, ensuring long-term security for sensitive data and communications. This is particularly important for industries such as defense, government cybersecurity, and financial institutions that need future-proof encryption methods. 5. Secure Clock Frequency Adjustment in Integrated Circuits Some of SEALSQ's patents focus on methods for adjusting clock frequencies in microcontrollers and integrated circuits, optimizing both power efficiency and security. These patents contribute to tamper resistance by making it harder for attackers to manipulate processing speeds in order to exploit vulnerabilities. 6. Geographic Coverage of Patents SEALSQ's patents are granted in multiple jurisdictions, including: United States France Germany United Kingdom This extensive patent coverage ensures that SEALSQ's innovations remain protected in key technology markets. 7. Application Areas & Market Impact The patented technologies are applied in various industries, including: Cybersecurity & IoT: Secure authentication for connected devices. Finance & Banking: Protection of payment systems and contactless transactions. Government & Defense: Secure identity verification and encryption technologies. Healthcare: Protection of medical devices and patient data. Automotive: Secure communication between connected cars and IoT infrastructure. ConclusionSEALSQ's patents represent a robust foundation for the future of secure semiconductors, cryptographic processing, and post-quantum security solutions. These innovations help protect critical infrastructure, enable secure IoT ecosystems, and provide resilience against evolving cyber threats. Their work in hardware-based security solutions positions SEALSQ as a key player in the semiconductor security industry. A Critical Step Towards Quantum-Resistant SecuritySEALSQ's research and innovation initiatives ( focus on integrating post-quantum cryptographic (PQC) algorithms into its semiconductor and cybersecurity product lines. The company's patent portfolio covers key advancements, including: Quantum-Resistant Cryptographic Implementations: Enhancing the security of IoT devices, secure elements, and digital identity solutions to withstand quantum-based attacks. Secure Key Management Solutions: Developing novel key exchange and storage mechanisms that leverage post-quantum algorithms. High-Performance Post-Quantum Authentication Chips: Enabling governments, enterprises, and critical infrastructures to adopt future-proof security solutions. Optimization of CRYSTALS-Kyber & Other NIST-Standardized Algorithms: Implementing efficient cryptographic techniques tailored for constrained environments, such as smart cards and embedded systems. Global Recognition and Industry ImpactWith the world increasingly focusing on post-quantum security, SEALSQ's technological advancements have gained recognition from global institutions and regulatory bodies. The company actively collaborates with leading academic and industry partners to accelerate the standardization and deployment of PQC solutions. 'The expansion of our patent portfolio in post-quantum cryptography underscores SEALSQ's dedication to staying at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation,' said Carlos Moreira, Founder and CEO of SEALSDQ. 'As quantum computing evolves, we are ensuring that enterprises, governments, and individuals can transition seamlessly to a quantum-secure future.' Future-Proofing Digital SecuritySEALSQ's commitment to post-quantum cryptography aligns with its broader mission to deliver end-to-end, sovereign cybersecurity solutions. The company continues to integrate PQC capabilities across its semiconductor chips, secure microcontrollers, and trusted hardware devices, providing clients with long-term protection against emerging threats. As governments and enterprises prepare for the quantum transition, SEALSQ remains a trusted partner in navigating the complexities of cryptographic migration. The company's expanding patent portfolio not only strengthens its market leadership but also contributes to the global advancement of quantum-resistant security solutions. For more information about SEALSQ's post-quantum cryptography initiatives, visit * NIST does not evaluate commercial products under this Consortium and does not endorse any product or service used. Additional information on this Consortium can be found About SEALSQ:SEALSQ focuses on selling integrated solutions based on Semiconductors, PKI and Provisioning services, while developing Post-Quantum technology hardware and software products. Our solutions can be used in a variety of applications, from Multi-Factor Authentication tokens, Smart Energy, Smart Home Appliances, Medical and Healthcare and IT Network Infrastructure, to Automotive, Industrial Automation and Control Systems. Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) refers to cryptographic methods that are secure against an attack by a quantum computer. As quantum computers become more powerful, they may be able to break many of the cryptographic methods that are currently used to protect sensitive information, such as RSA and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC). PQC aims to develop new cryptographic methods that are secure against quantum attacks. For more information, please visit Forward-Looking StatementsThis communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning SEALSQ Corp and its businesses. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our business strategy, financial performance, results of operations, market data, events or developments that we expect or anticipates will occur in the future, as well as any other statements which are not historical facts. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct. These statements involve known and unknown risks and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates which are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include the expected success of our technology strategy and solutions for IoMT Security for Medical and Healthcare sectors, SEALSQ's ability to implement its growth strategies, SEALSQ's ability to continue beneficial transactions with material parties, including a limited number of significant customers; market demand and semiconductor industry conditions; and the risks discussed in SEALSQ's filings with the SEC. Risks and uncertainties are further described in reports filed by SEALSQ with the SEC. SEALSQ Corp is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. SEALSQ MoreiraChairman & CEOTel: +41 22 594 3000info@ SEALSQ Investor Relations (US)The Equity Group CatiTel: +1 212 836-9611 lcati@ in to access your portfolio