Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Understanding Security Threats In Cloud

As cloud computing has become a trend in the computing world, understanding its security concerns becomes essential for improving service quality and expanding business scale. This dissertation studies the security issues in a public cloud from three aspects. First, we investigate a new threat called power attack in the cloud. Second, we perform a systematical measurement on the public cloud to understand how cloud vendors react to existing security threats. Finally, we propose a novel technique to perform data reduction on audit data to improve system capacity, and hence helping to enhance security in cloud. In the power attack, we exploit various attack vectors in platform as a service (PaaS), infrastructure as a service (IaaS), and software as a service (SaaS) cloud environments. To demonstrate the feasibility of launching a power attack, we conduct series of testbed based experiments and data-center-level simulations. Moreover, we give a detailed analysis on how different power management methods could affect a power attack and how to mitigate such an attack. Our experimental results and analysis show that power attacks will pose a serious threat to modern data centers and should be taken into account while deploying new high-density servers and power management techniques. In the measurement study, we mainly investigate how cloud vendors have reacted to the co-residence threat inside the cloud, in terms of Virtual Machine (VM) placement, network management, and Virtual Private Cloud (VPC). Specifically, through intensive measurement probing, we first profile the dynamic environment of cloud instances inside the cloud. Then using real experiments, we quantify the impacts of VM placement and network management upon co-residence, respectively. Moreover, we explore VPC, which is a defensive service of Amazon EC2 for security enhancement, from the routing perspective. Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) is a serious cyber-threat, cloud vendors are seeking solutions to “connect the suspicious dots” across multiple activities. This requires ubiquitous system auditing for long period of time, which in turn causes overwhelmingly large amount of system audit logs. We propose a new approach that exploits the dependency among system events to reduce the number of log entries while still supporting high quality forensics analysis. In particular, we first propose an aggregation algorithm that preserves the event dependency in data reduction to ensure high quality of forensic analysis. Then we propose an aggressive reduction algorithm and exploit domain knowledge for further data reduction. We conduct a comprehensive evaluation on real world auditing systems using more than one-month log traces to validate the efficacy of our approach.
Comprehensive evaluation of polar weather research and forecasting model performance in the Antarctic

Recent versions of the Polar Weather Research and Forecasting model are evaluated over the Antarctic to assess the impact of model improvements, resolution, large‐scale circulation variability, and uncertainty in initial and lateral boundary conditions. The model skill differs more between forecasts using different sources of lateral boundary data than between forecasts from different model versions or simulated years. Using the ERA‐Interim reanalysis for initial and lateral boundary conditions produces the best skill. The forecasts have a cold summer and a warm winter bias in 2 m air temperatures, with similar but smaller bias in dew point temperatures. Upper air temperature biases are small and remain less than 1 °C except at the tropopause in summer. Geopotential height biases increase with height in both seasons. Deficient downward longwave radiation in all seasons and an under representation of clouds enhance radiative loss, leading to the cold summer bias. Excess summer surface incident shortwave radiation plays a secondary role, because 80% of it is reflected, leading to greater skill for clear compared with cloudy skies. The positive wind speed bias produces a warm surface bias in winter resulting from anomalously large downward flux of sensible heat toward the surface. Low temperatures on the continent limit sublimation and hence the precipitable water amounts over the ice sheet. ERA‐Interim experiments with higher precipitable water showed reduced biases in downwelling shortwave and longwave radiation. Increasing horizontal resolution from 60 to 15 km improves the skill of surface wind forecasts.
Increased Urinary 8-Hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)/Creatinine Level is Associated with the Progression of Normal-Tension Glaucoma

Abstract Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the association between systemic oxidative stress and visual field defect progression in normal-tension glaucoma (NTG). Patients and methods: The subjects were 40 consecutive patients with NTG who were admitted to Keio University Hospital for 24-h intraocular pressure (IOP) evaluation; all subjects underwent six or more visual field tests in either eye and were followed up for >5 years. Spot samples of morning urine were collected during admission from all participants to determine the levels of urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) by ELISA kit. A linear regression line was calculated with the least squares method. Those subjects whose regression lines were negative and the p value <0.05 were classified as progressive, while all others were defined as non-progressive. Urinary 8-OHdG/creatinine level was compared between the two groups. Adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals for the progression were estimated with logistic regression models. Results: Seventeen subjects showed visual field defect progression (age: 59.9 ± 9.5 years, untreated IOP in the right eye: 15.8 ± 2.1 mmHg), and 23 subjects showed no progression (age: 57.4 ± 10.4 years, untreated IOP in the right eye: 16.0 ± 2.6 mmHg). Urinary 8-OHdG/creatinine level was significantly higher in the progressive group than in the non-progressive group (progressive group: 9.0 ± 2.4 ng/mg creatinine, non-progressive group: 7.3 ± 1.8 ng/mg creatinine, p = 0.02). Multivariable analysis revealed that higher urinary 8-OHdG/creatinine level was a significant risk factor for the progression (odds ratio 1.54, 95% confidence interval 1.03–2.29). Conclusions: Increased urinary 8-OHdG/creatinine was associated with glaucomatous visual field progression in subjects with NTG.
Disruption of the association of 73 kDa heat shock cognate protein with transporters associated with antigen processing (TAP) decreases TAP‐dependent translocation of antigenic peptides into the endoplasmic reticulum

Major histocompatibility complex class I‐bound antigenic peptides generated in the cytosol are translocated into the ER by TAP. In the present study, the physical association of HSC73 with TAP in human lymphoblastoid T1 cells was demonstrated. The dissociation was induced in the presence of 10 mM ATP, indicating that the ADP‐binding form of HSC73 might be associated with TAP. We found that HSC73‐binding immunosuppressant, MeDSG disrupted the HSC73‐TAP association, whereas it did not affect the binding of HSC73 to a substrate protein. MHC class I expression on the cell surface was also downregulated. Then, the effect of MeDSG on the TAP‐mediated ER translocation was examined using two homologous model peptides, NGT‐Bw4 and NGT‐Bw6, which had distinct binding affinity to HSC73. Although high‐affinity peptide NGT‐Bw4 was translocated by TAP, low‐affinity peptide NGT‐Bw6 was not. The TAP‐dependent translocation of NGT‐Bw4 was abolished in the presence of MeDSG. Decreased presentation on the cell surface was shown for the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐A31‐restricted natural antigenic peptide F4.2, which had high affinity to HSC73, in the presence of MeDSG. It was indicated that disruption of the HSC73‐TAP association resulted in inhibition of TAP‐dependent translocation of HSC73‐bound peptides. Our findings highlighted an important role of HSC73 for feeding antigenic peptides to TAP, and suggested a possibility that a synthetic polyamine might inhibit the function of HSC73, thereby suppressing MHC class I‐restricted presentation of HSC73‐bound antigenic peptides.
Efficacy and Tolerability of Glucosamine - Chondroitin Sulphate - Methyl Sulfonyl Methane (MSM) in Osteoarthritis of Knee in Indian Patients

Background & Objective. Osteoarthritis is progressive degenerative disease resulting in significant affection of joints. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are widely used in this condition but are associated with significant side effects; hence the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of nutritional supplements such as Glucosamine, Chondroitin sulphate and methyl sulfonyl methane in osteoarthritis as an alternative approach for this condition. Patients & Methods. Thirty-seven patients from medicine and orthopedic out patient departments were assessed for severity of osteoarthritis based on visual analog scale, Lequesne’s index, goniometry, and radiography and enrolled into the open label study. All patients received cartivit (Glucosamine, Chondroitin sulphate and MSM) two tablets thrice a day for twelve weeks and were reassessed for changes in above parameters every four weeks. The tolerability was also assessed during the monthly visits. Results. Out of 32 patients who completed study, there was significant improvement in pain and Lequesne’s index at four, eight and twelve weeks (p < 0.05). There was gradual improvement in joint mobility over twelve weeks. There was no improvement in radiological changes in twelve weeks study period. Patients tolerated the study medication well and there was no abnormality observed in the various biochemical markers during the study. Conclusions. Glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate and methyl sulfonyl methane combination was useful in decreasing pain, improving functional ability and improving joint mobility and was well tolerated in patients with osteoarthritis.
Distribution of Genes Encoding Resistance to Macrolides Among Staphylococci Isolated From the Nasal Cavity of Hospital Employees in Khorramabad, Iran

Background Epidemiological data on antibiotic susceptibility of Staphylococcus strains isolated from nasal carriers in each region can be helpful to select appropriate drugs to eradicate carriage states, control nosocomial infections and also treat patients. Objectives The current study aimed to investigate the antibiotic resistance profile and the molecular prevalence of the ermA, ermB, ermC and msrA genes among Staphylococcus strains isolated from the anterior nares of hospital employees. Patients and Methods In this cross-sectional study, a total of 100 Staphylococcus isolates, 51 Staphylococcus aureus, 49 coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) were isolated from the anterior nares of hospital employees in Khorramabad, Iran. Susceptibility pattern to macrolide antibiotics were determined using the disk diffusion method. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was applied to determine the major erythromycin-resistant genes (ermA, ermB, ermC and msrA). Results Fifty-three (53%) isolates were simultaneously resistant to erythromycin, azithromycin and clarithromycin (cross-resistance); while 8 (8%) isolates had variable macrolide susceptibility pattern. Among the S. aureus isolates, the difference in prevalence of resistance to erythromycin between males and females was significant (P = 0.011). The frequency of ermA, ermB, ermC, and msrA genes were 3%, 5%, 33% and 20%, respectively. It was also found that out of 53 isolates resistant to erythromycin, 44 (83%) isolates (eight S. aureus and thirty-six CoNS strains) carried at least one of the four tested genes. Eight (8%) isolates had intermediate phenotype to erythromycin, in which 4 (50%) isolates carried ermB or ermC genes. In addition, out of 39 erythromycin-susceptible isolates, 3 (7.7%) isolates were positive for ermB or ermC genes. Conclusions No entire association was found between genotype and phenotype methods to detect macrolides-resistant isolates. In addition, distribution of genetically erythromycin-resistant isolates is geographically different among staphylococci. It is recommend removing S. aureus from nasal carriers by proved approaches such as local or systemic administration of effective antibiotics or bacterial interference.
EFFECT OF FORMALDEHYDE TREATMENT AND FEEDING REGIME OF DIETS FOR CROSSBRED FRIESIAN COWS ON MILK PRODUCTION AND MICROBIOLOGICAL STATUS

SUMMARY Sixteen lactating crossbred Friesian cows, in early lactation, were divided into 4 groups using 4 x 4 Latin square design throughout 30 days experimental period. Rations used consisted of berseem hay (BH) or whole corn silage (WCS) as a source of roughage and concentrate feed mixture either untreated or formaldehyde-treated. The ratio of roughage to concentrate was 40 to 60 on the basis of dry matter. Before the commencement of the experiment, the experimental rations were evaluated on sheep for their digestibility and nutritive values. Results indicated significant (P<0.05) increase in digestibility coefficients of organic matter (OM) and nitrogen-free extract (NFE) of the whole corn silage (WCS) compared to BH rations. The same effect was found for the nutritive value in terms of digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) of WCS. On the other hand, a significant effect was recorded on digestible crude protein (DCP) values for animals when received BH rations compared to those received WCS. Formaldehyde treatment of concentrate feed mixture (CFM) significantly increased the CP digestibility coefficients and DCP% as well. No significant differences were recorded for other nutrients digestibility coefficients and/or the feeding values of the tested rations. Yield of 4% fat corrected milk (FCM) was improved by 8.3% for cows fed on formaldehyde-treated concentrate feed mixture (F-CFM) than those fed untreated ones. Milk component yields were significantly higher in case of formaldehyde treated group than untreated corresponding. Residual formaldehyde levels in milk from cows fed F-CFM found to be negligible. The microbiological examination included nine pathogenic bacteria namely E. coli, Shigella spp. , Salmonella spp. , Proteus spp. , Yersinia spp. , Brucella spp. , Staphylococcus spp. and Enterococcus spp. besides fecal colifoms and total bacterial count. In addition, some mesophilic and thermophilic members of lactic acid bacteria as useful and naturally occurring microinhabitants in milk were also examined in the produced milk. The obtained milk was also used for making yoghurt to examine the effect of the residual formaldehyde on the yoghurt characters such as pH, acidity, fats, total solids and specific gravity. Results showed that Proteus spp. exhibited the highest decrease percentage (58.91) followed by Enterococcus spp. (52.43). E. coli and Shigella spp. exhibited decrease equal to (49.93) and (49.91), respectively. Streptococcus lactis showed the
Live Fingerprint Live Fingerprint Spoof Fingerprint Spoof Fingerprint Minutiae-based Local Patches Minutiae-based Local Patches ( a ) ( b )

The individuality of fingerprints is being leveraged for a plethora of day-to-day applications, ranging from unlocking a smartphone to international border security. While the primary purpose of a fingerprint recognition system is to ensure a reliable and accurate user authentication, the security of the recognition system itself can be jeopardized by spoof attacks. This study addresses the problem of developing accurate and generalizable algorithms for detecting fingerprint spoof attacks. We propose a deep convolutional neural network based approach utilizing local patches extracted around fingerprint minutiae. Experimental results on three public-domain LivDet datasets (2011, 2013, and 2015) show that the proposed approach provides state of the art accuracies in fingerprint spoof detection for intra-sensor, cross-material, cross-sensor, as well as crossdataset testing scenarios. For example, the proposed approach achieves a 69% reduction in average classification error for spoof detection under both known material and cross-material scenarios on LivDet 2015 datasets.
Studies on the Mechanism of Ventricular Activity: IV. Ventricular Excitation in Segmental and Diffuse Types of Experimental Bundle‐Branch Block

Controlled studies of ventricular excitation were performed in dogs exhibiting various Degreess of right and left bundle-branch block. Increases in the intraventricular conduction time during complete bundle-branch block are attributed to free wall as well as septal factors. Incomplete bundle-branch block may be either segmental or diffuse. In the segmental type, delayed excitation is present in only a portion of the involved ventricle. In the diffuse type, delayed excitation of the entire homolateral ventricle occurs, but some portions of the ventricle tend to be delayed to a greater extent than others. Certain segements of the ventricular myocardium appear to be supplied by fixed portions of the conducting system, without cross connections operating physiologically. The clinical implications of these observations are briefly discussed.
The Determinants and Outcomes of Forward-Looking DisclosureEvidence from Companies listed in Indonesia

The aim of the study was to examine the determinants and outcomes of forward-looking disclosure. The determinants of forward-looking disclosure were solvability, profitability, liquidity, firm size, and sector type. Meanwhile, the outcomes were firm performance and market performance. The population of this research was all companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange and published their annual report in the year of 2012-2015. The total samples were 119 companies selected using purposive sampling. The data in this study was analyzed using Multiple regression analysis with SPSS 22. The result of this study demonstrated that profitability, firm size, and sector type positively affected on forward-looking disclosure. Meanwhile, leverage and liquidity negatively affected on forward-looking disclosure. However, there were no influence between forward-looking disclosure to firm performance. The limitation in this study is only focused on financial aspect of the companies. There are non-financial aspects can be used as proxies of firm characteristics and the outcomes of forward-looking disclosure.
Correction of Intermetatarsal Angle in Hallux Valgus Using Small Suture Button Device

Background: Hallux valgus is a common foot ailment causing pain and disability, and correction of the intermetatarsal angle (IMA) deformity is often accomplished using a first metatarsal distal or proximal osteotomy. These osteotomies can be technically challenging and may lead to complications such as loss of fixation, shortening of the first metatarsal, avascular necrosis, malunion, and nonunion. Endobuttons (Mini TightRope device) provide an alternative to first metatarsal osteotomies for correction of the IMA. The purpose of this preliminary study was to determine the short-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of hallux valgus correction using the Mini TightRope. Methods: A total of 14 cases of hallux valgus correction using the Mini TightRope technique with a 1.1-mm drill and mini-buttress plate were reviewed. Clinical examinations and radiographs were performed preoperatively and postoperatively at 1-week (non-weight-bearing), 3-month (weight-bearing), and 6-month (weight-bearing) follow-up. Results: The overall 1-week postoperative decreases in IMA and hallux valgus angle (HVA) of all cases compared with preoperative status were 9 degrees and 28 degrees, respectively. Decreases in IMA and HVA continued at 3 months postoperatively but to a lesser extent, with decreases of 7 degrees and 20 degrees, respectively. Reductions in IMA and HVA were maintained through 6 months of follow-up compared with preoperatively, with IMA and HVA decreases of 6 degrees and 19 degrees, respectively. Two minor soft-tissue complications and 1 intraoperative second metatarsal fracture were treated with a buttress plate, with uneventful healing. Conclusions: Overall short-term results demonstrated notable improvements in IMA and HVA with use of the Mini TightRope, and few early complications were associated with the procedure. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.
The diversity of the top management team and the survival and success of international companies: The case of Spanish companies with foreign direct investment in China

There is an important stream of research in internationalisation studies about the influence of governing bodies on organisational expansion strategies. Using Upper Echelon Theory, this paper aims to analyse how the diversity of the top management team affects the success and survival of the company abroad. Data were collected from Spanish companies with foreign direct investment in China during the period 2012-2013. China was chosen as the host country because it is the world’s largest recipient of FDI and because of the considerable cultural and geographical differences between China and Spain, which make the investments especially risky and uncertain. Therefore, it deserves additional research. The results indicate that a top management team with members of very different ages has a negative impact on the success of the company abroad because the generational differences introduce different opinions into decision-making process. However, gender diversity increases the survival of the company. Survival is also greater if the company is smaller because it is more flexible and has a greater ability to adapt to market contingencies.
The interaction effects of working capital management on the relationship between key determinants of working capital and firm performance

The current global economy uncertainties have led to the reduction in the accessibility to trade credit facilities imposed on firms by banks and financial institutions. Critically, firms are keen to look internally to working capital management as a key source of finance. Among the main goal of this research is to evaluate the moderating role of the working capital management on the relationship between key determinants of working capital and firm performance. The population for this study covers manufacturing firms listed on the main market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad. This study covers eleven sectors classification based on the criteria established by Malaysia Investment Development Authority. All data is extracted from Bloomberg database. The multivariate analysis of this study is carried out using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences in order to test the hypotheses. The findings have shown that the relationship between key determinants of working capital and firm performance are moderated by working capital management and they form a contemporary working capital management model. Likewise, days sales outstanding and net liquid balance serves as alternative measures of a firm efficiency and liquidity position. Also, it was found that working capital requirements moderate all the relationships between the key determinants of working capital and firm performance. Except for firm size, it was also found that net liquid balance moderates the relationships between the key determinants of working capital and firm performance. This study concludes that the interaction effects of working capital management in listed manufacturing firms as modifying either the strength or direction of relationships between predictors and criterion. Therefore, it provides a comprehensive research framework for listed manufacturing firms to gain competitive advantage in terms of operational analysis, resource management and profitability.