Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Generic, efficient, and effective deobfuscation and semantic-aware attack detection for PowerShell scripts

In recent years, PowerShell has increasingly been reported as appearing in a variety of cyber attacks. However, because the PowerShell language is dynamic by design and can construct script fragments at different levels, state-of-the-art static analysis based PowerShell attack detection approaches are inherently vulnerable to obfuscations. In this paper, we design the first generic, effective, and lightweight deobfuscation approach for PowerShell scripts. To precisely identify the obfuscated script fragments, we define obfuscation based on the differences in the impacts on the abstract syntax trees of PowerShell scripts and propose a novel emulation-based recovery technology. Furthermore, we design the first semantic-aware PowerShell attack detection system that leverages the classic objective-oriented association mining algorithm and newly identifies 31 semantic signatures. The experimental results on 2342 benign samples and 4141 malicious samples show that our deobfuscation method takes less than 0.5 s on average and increases the similarity between the obfuscated and original scripts from 0.5% to 93.2%. By deploying our deobfuscation method, the attack detection rates for Windows Defender and VirusTotal increase substantially from 0.33% and 2.65% to 78.9% and 94.0%, respectively. Moreover, our detection system outperforms both existing tools with a 96.7% true positive rate and a 0% false positive rate on average.
Increasing trends in dietary total fat and fatty acid intake among Korean children: using the 2007–2017 national data

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES The prevalence of obesity has been increasing in Korean children. As an unhealthy diet is known as one of the major determinants of childhood obesity, assessing and monitoring dietary fat intake of children is needed. SUBJECTS/METHODS This analysis included 9,998 children aged 3–11 yrs from the 2007–2017 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Dietary data were obtained from a single 24-h dietary recall. Intakes of total fat and fatty acids, including saturated fatty acid (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), n-3 fatty acid (n-3 FA), and n-6 fatty acid (n-6 FA) were evaluated as the absolute amount (g) and proportion of energy from each fatty acid (% of energy). The total fat and SFA intake were also assessed according to compliance with dietary guidelines. Linear trends in the dietary fats intake across the survey period were tested using multiple regression models. RESULTS Total fat intake significantly increased from 38.5 g (20.3% of energy) to 43.4 g (23.3% of energy) from 2007 to 2017. This increase was mainly accounted for the increases in intakes of SFA (7.2% to 8.4% of energy) and MUFA (6.2% to 7.5% of energy). PUFA intake increased from 4.4 to 4.7% of energy during the 11-yrs period: from 0.57 to 0.63% of energy for n-3 FA and from 3.8 to 4.1% of energy for n-6 FA. The proportions of children who consumed amounts exceeding the dietary guidelines for total fat and SFA significantly increased from 2007 to 2017, with increases from 9.8% to 17.4% for total fat and from 36.9% to 50.9% for SFA. CONCLUSIONS Prominent increasing trends in the consumption of total fat and SFA but tiny change in n-3 FA intake were observed in Korean children. The healthy intake of dietary fats should be emphasized in this population.
Anesthetic Approach in Ambulatory Vitrectomy: Peribulbar Block vs. Balanced General Anesthesia

Background Vitrectomy is one of the most common outpatient ophthalmic surgeries. The anesthetic technique used in outpatient surgery should contribute to a faster functional recovery, better pain control, and fewer complications. The aim of this study was to compare peribulbar block and balanced general anesthesia, in patients undergoing outpatient vitrectomy. Methods A prospective cohort study was carried out, including adult patients undergoing ambulatory vitrectomy, between January and February 2018. Peribulbar block or balanced general anesthesia was the independent variable analyzed. Clinical and perioperative variables were evaluated, namely, postoperative pain, nausea, and vomiting in the postoperative period, intraoperative hypotension, patient satisfaction with the anesthetic technique, time to oral diet introduction and to hospital discharge, operating room occupancy time, and pharmacological costs. SPSS® 27 was used for statistical analyses. Results Twenty-one patients were evaluated, 11 of whom underwent peribulbar block and 10 underwent balanced general anesthesia. Patients undergoing peribulbar block did not experience postoperative pain when compared to patients undergoing balanced general anesthesia (p=0.001). Intraoperative hypotension occurred in 18.2% of patients undergoing peribulbar block and in 70% of those undergoing balanced general anesthesia (p=0.03). Time to oral diet introduction (<1 hour vs. > 2 hours; p < 0.05), operating room occupancy time (70 vs. 90 minutes; p=0.027), time to hospital discharge (17 vs. 22.5 hours; p=0.004), and pharmacological costs (4.65 vs. 12.09 euros; p < 0.05) were lower in patients undergoing peribulbar block versus balanced general. Conclusions Peribulbar block seems to meet the criteria of an ideal anesthetic technique in outpatient vitrectomy surgery.
Can long-term regular physical activity improve health outcomes among adults with asthma—evidence from a systematic review and Bayesian meta-analysis

Background Evidence on the effects of regular physical activity (PA) on asthmatic adults is rather weak and inconsistent since previous studies were conducted based on the limited studies, various populations groups and single outcome. A systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis have a high level of evidence to comprehensively evaluate the effects of PA for adults with asthma based on the available data. Our study aims to provide an SR of available evidence regarding the effect of regular PA on asthma in adults. Methods A comprehensive search strategy was conducted using the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases from their inception to October 2021. We identifying the eligible studies based on the PIOS principles, namely, populations (adults with asthma), interventions (regular PA), outcomes (quality of life or relapse-related outcomes), study design [randomized controlled trials (RCTs)]. A Bayesian-based meta-analysis was performed to pool available evidence. Quality assessment for individual studies was performed with the Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Results A total of 22 publications (18 RCTs and 4 longitudinal studies) were identified, comprised of 85,392 individuals aged between 18 and 75 years old. Overall quality of the included studies was rated as low-to-moderated quality. We found that PA was effective in improving quality of life (QOL) [health related quality of life, (HRQoL) & Asthma Control Questionnaire, (ACQ): standard mean difference (SMD) =−0.80, 95% credible interval (CrI): −1.30 to −0.31; I2=86.9%, Pheterogeneity<0.001], pulmonary function (FEV1/pred) [weighted mean difference (MD) =0.47, 95% CrI: 0.03 to 0.90; I2=74.9%, Pheterogeneity<0.001], and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) (MD =1.18, 95% CrI: 0.87 to 1.48; I2=17.0%, Pheterogeneity=0.31). Based on the longitudinal studies, the long-term high-level PA group had a lower risk of developing asthma compared with the low-level PA group [odds ratio (OR) =0.87, 95% CrI: 0.78 to 0.95; I2=27.4%, Pheterogeneity=0.22)]. Discussion Adults with asthma need to carried out regular PA in accordance with the recommendations, which will improve their QOL and pulmonary function, and moreover, long-term PA appears to be more beneficial for asthmatic patients. The quality and quantity of included studies might affect the interpretation.
A Bridgeless Isolated Half-Bridge Converter Based EV Charger With Power Factor Preregulation

Conventional full-bridge and half-bridge (HB) converters are quite popular for front-end power factor preregulation (PFP) in electric vehicle (EV) battery chargers. Discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) operation at high power causes increased oscillation in the circuit. These oscillations increase with parasitic components of circuit. During deep DCM operation, these oscillations are seen to be significant and contribute to harmonic content in the input current. Therefore, a PFP bridgeless isolated HB converter based EV charger with reduced LC oscillation in DCM is presented in this article. To reduce LC oscillation, two diodes are used in series with minimum number of magnetic components. The design of proposed charger in DCM is illustrated to facilitate uniform battery current during constant current/constant voltage charging. The inherent advantage of reduced conduction loss with bridgeless topology is achieved. The performance of this isolated HB converter based charger is shown for improved oscillation characteristics and power quality operation at steady state and over a range of varying input voltages.
Possible Interactions between Malaria, Helminthiases and the Gut Microbiota: A Short Review

Malaria, caused by the Plasmodium species, is an infectious disease responsible for more than 600 thousand deaths and more than 200 million morbidity cases annually. With above 90% of those deaths and cases, sub-Saharan Africa is affected disproportionately. Malaria clinical manifestations range from asymptomatic to simple, mild, and severe disease. External factors such as the gut microbiota and helminthiases have been shown to affect malaria clinical manifestations. However, little is known about whether the gut microbiota has the potential to influence malaria clinical manifestations in humans. Similarly, many previous studies have shown divergent results on the effects of helminths on malaria clinical manifestations. To date, a few studies, mainly murine, have shown the gut microbiota’s capacity to modulate malaria’s prospective risk of infection, transmission, and severity. This short review seeks to summarize recent literature about possible interactions between malaria, helminthiases, and the gut microbiota. The knowledge from this exercise will inform innovation possibilities for future tools, technologies, approaches, and policies around the prevention and management of malaria in endemic countries.
Disinformation at a Local Level: An Emerging Discussion

Fake news and disinformation are not a new phenomenon. However, in recent years, they have acquired great prominence on the public agenda, conditioning electoral results and generating episodes of political destabilization. Academic interest runs in parallel with the consideration of disinformation as a growing priority for governments and international organizations, due to its geostrategic relevance and its importance for national sovereignty and security. The interference of countries such as Russia or China in other nations’ electoral processes, using new tools and methods to manipulate public opinion and proliferate cyberattacks have led to the creation of agencies or regulations aimed at curbing disinformation in some states. The UN, the EU and other countries’ governments have tried to develop strategies to respond to this growing threat. The pandemic has accelerated the decline of local media, which leaves communities in a state of serious vulnerability. Reliable resources and sources around local information are scarce assets, information is increasingly consumed through social media, and in them disinformation easily proliferates. With this proposal, we intend to start a discussion around disinformation at a local level, something that has been absent in disinformation studies.
Supporting and Retaining Early Career Mathematics Teachers Using an Online Community of Practice

This study reports on efforts over several years to design and implement a yearlong intervention intended to support secondary mathematics teachers in their early years of teaching. The intervention is designed to retain early career mathematics teachers in the professions by engaging them in the development of meaningful professional relationships with a school-based mentors, and by creating an online community of practice for support with other professionals. The intervention itself consists of early career teachers and their mentors participating in monthly professional learning activities such as online meetings, videoconferencing panels with experts, and collaborative reading and discussing timely, purposeful, and relevant content. The intervention is designed to not over burden the participants and to be feasible for national implementation with little to no funding. This article presents the purpose, design, and implementations of the intervention, as well as a discussion of challenges faced and potential next steps and future directions for similar work.
The levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, calcitonin and lipid profiles in patients with calcaneal spur

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and calcitonin levels and lipid profiles in patients with calcaneal spurs. Patients and methods Between March 2018 and June 2019, a total of 50 patients (30 males, 20 females; mean age: 39.8±8.1 years; range, 24 to 54 years) admitted to our clinic with heel pain and diagnosed with heel spurs based on radiographic images were included. The control group consisted of 50 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers (32 males, 18 females; mean age: 35.7±9.6 years; range, 20 to 56 years). Blood samples were collected from all participants. Total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride, phosphate, and calcium levels were measured using the colorimetric method. The PTH and 25(OH)D levels were measured using the chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Calcitonin levels were detected using the chemiluminescent immunometric assay. Results In the patients with calcaneal spurs, 25(OH)D and HDL-C levels were significantly lower (p<0.001), while LDL-C, triglyceride, and PTH levels were significantly higher (p<0.05, p<0.002 and p<0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in the calcium, phosphate, body mass index, and calcitonin levels between the groups. Conclusion Our study results suggest that calcaneal spur formation is associated not only with weight-related pressure, but also with lipid levels and hormonal alterations involved in calcium metabolism. Based on these findings, hormonal alterations and lipids should be considered in patients with calcaneal spurs.
Interactive Radio Response (IRR) Effectiveness in Small-class Size Chemistry Students Achievement

The study examined the effectiveness of Interactive Radio Response (IRR) in teaching of small class size chemistry on student achievement in secondary school in Obiaruku, Ukwuani L.G. A. , Delta State. One hundred and twenty (120) students randomly selected from five schools were enrolled for the study. Lessons relevant for the study prepared using prescribed textbooks in chemistry for students within SSII with and without IRR approach. Performance using students outcome were subjected to analysis using students’ t-test from the raw score sheet. The results showed that a significant effect of IRR approach exist in small class-size chemistry teaching on students’ academic achievement. Also, significant difference existed between mean scores for male and female students achievement using IRR approach in chemistry teaching of small class-size across secondary schools in the study area. The study concluded that IRR teaching approach on small class-size chemistry teaching has effect on students’ achievement with male students’ recording higher performance compared to their female counterparts. The study recommended that teachers should include IRR approach in small class-size chemistry teaching with no gender disparity to enhance students’ academic performance.
Effect of Face Milling Parameters of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics Composites on Surface Properties

This paper analyses the infl uence of face milling process parameters on the surface properties of carbon fi bre reinforced polymer. The infl uence of milling speed and feed per tooth on the surface properties was determined. The infl uence of cutting speed and feed per tooth on surface energy properties was determined. The object of research was a carbon fi ber reinforced plastics (CFRP) composites plate made of carbon fi bre in epoxy matrix. The too l used in the study was a double-edged end mill. The machining parameters used were variable: cutting speeds of 100 m·min-1, 120 m·min-1, 140 m·min-1 and 160 m·min-1, and feeds per tooth of 0.015 mm/tooth, 0.020 mm/tooth, 0.025 mm/tooth and 0.03 mm/tooth. The axial depth of cut and radial depth of cut was a constant parameter. After milling, tests were carried out on the surface contact angle, which was used to determine the surface free energy. Based on the contact angle measurements carried out with the sitting-drop method and the calculation of the surface free energy with the Owens-Wendt model, it was observed, that the increase in the value of the surface free energy is signifi cantly infl uenced by the increase in the cutting speed.
Effect of Teriparatide on Bone Mineral Density and Trabecular Bone Score in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Osteoporosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract: Background and Objectives: To investigate the effect of weekly teriparatide on bone mineral density (BMD) and trabecular bone score (TBS) in osteoporosis patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, compared to bisphosphonates and no medication. Materials and Methods The BMDs of the lumbar spine, whole femur, and femoral neck and TBS were measured. Change in BMD or TBS was defined as the BMD or TBS at follow-up, performed 1 year after baseline, minus baseline BMD or TBS. Results: This retrospective cohort study included 93 patients, of whom 52 received no medication, 26 received bisphosphonates, and 15 received weekly teriparatide. BMD of the lumbar spine increased in all three groups. There was no change in BMD of the whole femur and femoral neck in the no medication and bisphosphonates groups, whereas the BMD of the whole femur (from 0.73 (0.15) to 0.74 (0.15) g/cm2, p = 0.011) and femoral neck (from 0.59 (0.16) to 0.60 (0.16) g/cm2, p = 0.011) in the teriparatide group increased. The change in BMD of the femoral neck (no medication; −0.002 (0.034) g/cm2, bisphosphonates; −0.0001 (0.024) g/cm2, and teriparatide; 0.017 (0.022) g/cm2, p = 0.091) or TBS (no medication; −0.007 (0.051), bisphosphonates; −0.058 (0.258), and teriparatide; 0.021 (0.044), p = 0.191) in the teriparatide group tended to be higher than that in the other groups, although there was no statistically significant difference. Conclusions: Teriparatide increased the BMD of the femoral neck and TBS in osteoporosis patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, compared to bisphosphonates and no medication.
Underweight, Stunted, and Wasted among Children with Congenital Heart Disease: Acyanotic versus Cyanotic

BACKGROUND Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common of all congenital lesions and is the most common type of heart diseases among children. Children with congenital heart disease are at increased risk of underweight, stunted and wasted. Wasted is a reflection of acute malnutrition, stunted is a reflection of chronic malnutrition while underweight is a reflection of both. OBJECTIVE To describe the prevalence of underweight, stunted and wasted among children with acyanotic and cyanotic CHD, in tertiary center in Bali, Indonesia. METHODS An observational study with cross sectional approach was conducted in children under 5 years old with newly diagnosed CHD in Sanglah Hospital, Bali. Data were collected from medical records. Anthropometric z-scores based on WHO 2006 reference ranges were generated for each child including weight-for-age, height-for-age and weight-for-height z-scores. Diagnosis of CHD was retrieved based on echocardiography examination. The significance of the anthropometric status differences between acyanotic and cyanotic group were assessed using Pearson’s Chi Square. RESULTS From January 2017-December 2020, we found total 200 cases of CHD which 160 (80%) cases were acyanotic CHD with predominantly ventricle septal defect (38%) and 40 (20%) cases were cyanotic CHD with predominantly Tetralogy of Fallot with all variant (40%). The prevalence of underweight, stunted and wasted in acyanotic vs cyanotic CHD were: underweight (57.5% vs 40.0%, p=0.047), stunted (47.5% vs 65%, p=0.048) and wasted (67.5% vs 50%, p=0.039). CONCLUSION The prevalence of underweight, stunted and wasted among children with acyanotic and cyanotic CHD were high. Proportion of underweight and wasted were significantly higher in acyanotic CHD, while stunted was significantly higher in cyanotic CHD.
Isolation, Characterization and in vitro Evaluation of Specific Bacteriophages Targeting Extensive Drug Resistance Strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Septic Burn Wounds

Background Antibiotic resistant bacteria and various infections caused by them especially extensive drug resistance (XDR) strains and worrying statistics of mortality due to these strains and also the lack of a clear vision for development and production of new effective antibiotics have made the necessity of using alternative therapies more apparent. Materials and Methods In this study, specific phages affecting the Pseudomonas aeruginosa XDR strain were extracted from hospital wastewater and their laboratory characteristics along with lysis effect on 40 XDR strains of P. aeruginosa were investigated. Results The results indicated that three isolated phages (PaB1, PaBa2 and PaBa3) belonged to the Myoviridae and Pododoviridae families and were specific to Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. More than 98% of phages absorbed their host in less than 10 minutes (Adsorption time <10 min) and completed their lytic cycle after 40 minutes (latent time = 40 min). Burst size of PaBa1, PaBa2 and PaBa3 was 240, 250 and 220 pfu/cell, respectively. PaBa1 lysed 62.5% of the XDR strains with the highest efficiency. The three Phage cocktail was effective against 67.5% of the studied strains. Conclusion The results of this study indicate the significant potential of these phages for therapeutic use and prophylaxis of infections caused by this bacterium.
Racial resentment, crime concerns, and public attitudes toward defunding the police

Abstract In the wake of highly publicized killings of unarmed citizens by police in the United States, calls to defund police departments have been particularly salient. This study seeks to determine the factors associated with attitudes toward defunding the police. Data from a national survey of American adults and generalized ordered logistic regression were used to examine two factors that may shape attitudes toward defunding police: racial prejudice and utilitarian concerns about crime. Racial resentment is the most consistent factor, being associated with adverse attitudes toward defunding police. Implications for research and policy are discussed.