Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evolving Malware and DDoS Attacks: Decadal Longitudinal Study

This study conducts analysis of cybersecurity events from 2013 to 2023, concentrating on major incidents associated with Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS), and malware attacks. Deriving data from the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) report, it examines 925 major incidents to discern evolving cyber threat trends. A key finding is the escalation in the frequency and sophistication of attacks, with a marked increase in DDoS incidents in 2022 and a steady rise in malware attacks, peaking in 2023. This trend indicates growing threat actors’ capabilities and vulnerabilities in digital infrastructures. Additionally, the aggregate of other attack methods, such as phishing and zero-day exploits, surpasses the incidence of DDoS and malware attacks, illustrating the broad spectrum of cyber threats. Employing the ARIMA model, the study projects future DDoS and malware attack trends, factoring in historical data and assumptions of minimal technological advancement and unchanged geopolitical tensions. The forecast suggests a consistent pattern of cyber attacks over the next five years. This study also correlates the nature of cyber attacks with financial motives and geopolitical dynamics, applying reliability and validity testing to affirm the robustness of these findings. Despite ARIMA providing reliable historical-based forecasts, the dynamic nature of cyber threats necessitates cautious interpretation of future trends. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the necessity for dynamic, multifaceted cybersecurity strategies. Nations and organizations must adopt adaptive approaches, bolstered by data analysis and forecasts - crucial in combating the diverse cyber threats, highlighting the need for a proactive and collaborative global cybersecurity framework.
An Adaptive Descriptor Design for Object Recognition in the Wild

Digital images nowadays show large appearance variabilities on picture styles, in terms of color tone, contrast, vignetting, and etc. These `picture styles' are directly related to the scene radiance, image pipeline of the camera, and post processing functions (e.g., photography effect filters). Due to the complexity and nonlinearity of these factors, popular gradient-based image descriptors generally are not invariant to different picture styles, which could degrade the performance for object recognition. Given that images shared online or created by individual users are taken with a wide range of devices and may be processed by various post processing functions, to find a robust object recognition system is useful and challenging. In this paper, we investigate the influence of picture styles on object recognition by making a connection between image descriptors and a pixel mapping function g, and accordingly propose an adaptive approach based on a g-incorporated kernel descriptor and multiple kernel learning, without estimating or specifying the image styles used in training and testing. We conduct experiments on the Domain Adaptation data set, the Oxford Flower data set, and several variants of the Flower data set by introducing popular photography effects through post-processing. The results demonstrate that the proposed method consistently yields recognition improvements over standard descriptors in all studied cases.
Application of Photodynamic Therapy in Cardiology

The origins of photodynamic therapy (PDT) date back to 1904. Since then, the amount of research proving PDT and, consequently, its applicability to various disease states has steadily increased. Currently, PDT is mainly used in oncology to destroy cancer cells. It is being worked on for possible use in other medical fields as well, including cardiology. It can be used in the prevention of restenosis, often occurring after vascular surgical interventions, for destroying atherosclerotic plaques and as a new ablative method of ectopic centers in the treatment of atrial fibrillation. The purpose of this review is to summarize the knowledge to date regarding the therapeutic potential of using PDT for various pathological conditions in cardiology. The review also focuses on the current limitations associated with the use of PDT and identifies areas where more research is needed to develop better drug regimens. Materials and methods: The study analyzed 189 medical articles. The articles came from PubMed, Frontiers, Google Scholar, Science Direct and Web of Science databases. Through the excitation of light, a photosensitizer (PS) introduced into the body, the destruction of pathological cells occurs. PTD is widely used in oncology of the central nervous system (CNS). This process is made possible by the production of free oxygen radicals (ROS) and singlet oxygen, which generate oxidative stress that destroys sensitive cancer cells. In recent years, photosensitizers have also been discovered to have a strong affinity for macrophages that fill atherosclerotic plaques, making these compounds suitable for treating atherosclerosis. By inducing apoptosis of smooth muscle cells, inactivating basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-β) and inhibiting endothelial cell hyperplasia, PDT can be used to prevent restenosis after surgical proceduresPDT appears to be a minimally invasive and highly effective therapeutic method, especially when combined with other therapeutic methods. Unfortunately, the small number of animal model studies and human clinical trials greatly limit the applicability of PDT on a wider scale. Current limitations, such as the depth of penetration, delivery of photosensitizer particles to the direct site of the lesion or the appropriate choice of photosensitizer in relation to the nature of the pathology, unfortunately make it impossible to replace current therapeutic approaches.
On the Interplay of Telomeres, Nevi and the Risk of Melanoma

The relationship between telomeres, nevi and melanoma is complex. Shorter telomeres have been found to be associated with many cancers and with number of nevi, a known risk factor for melanoma. However, shorter telomeres have also been found to decrease melanoma risk. We performed a systematic analysis of telomere-related genes and tagSNPs within these genes, in relation to the risk of melanoma, dysplastic nevi, and nevus count combining data from four studies conducted in Italy. In addition, we examined whether telomere length measured in peripheral blood leukocytes is related to the risk of melanoma, dysplastic nevi, number of nevi, or telomere-related SNPs. A total of 796 cases and 770 controls were genotyped for 517 SNPs in 39 telomere-related genes genotyped with a custom-made array. Replication of the top SNPs was conducted in two American populations consisting of 488 subjects from 53 melanoma-prone families and 1,086 cases and 1,024 controls from a case-control study. We estimated odds ratios for associations with SNPs and combined SNP P-values to compute gene region-specific, functional group-specific, and overall P-value using an adaptive rank-truncated product algorithm. In the Mediterranean population, we found suggestive evidence that RECQL4, a gene involved in genome stability, RTEL1, a gene regulating telomere elongation, and TERF2, a gene implicated in the protection of telomeres, were associated with melanoma, the presence of dysplastic nevi and number of nevi, respectively. However, these associations were not found in the American samples, suggesting variable melanoma susceptibility for these genes across populations or chance findings in our discovery sample. Larger studies across different populations are necessary to clarify these associations.
Genes Coding for Tumor Antigens Recognized by Cytolytic T Lymphocytes

Presuming that T lymphocytes might be able to eradicate cancer cells as effectively as they kill virus-infected celts, tumor immunologists have been trying to identify specific target antigens displayed by cancer cells that could make them recognizable to cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL). During the last few years several mouse and human tumor antigens recognized by CTL have been identified at the molecular level. This review focuses on the tumor antigens identified in our laboratory. Interestingly, none of these antigens arises from the product of known oncogenes or tumor-supressor genes. The antigens fall into three categories: antigens encoded by genes expressed in tumors but not in most normal tissues, differentiation antigens and antigens derived from mutated genes that are expressed ubiquitously.
GlyCAM-1, a physiologic ligand for L-selectin, activates beta 2 integrins on naive peripheral lymphocytes

Naive T cells are selectively recruited from the blood into peripheral lymph nodes during lymphocyte recirculation. L-selectin, a lectin-like receptor, mediates the initial attachment of lymphocytes to high endothelial venules (HEV) in lymph nodes. A subsequent step involving the activation of beta 2 integrins has been proposed to facilitate firm adhesion, but the activating signals are poorly understood. We report here that either antibody-mediated cross-linking of L-selectin on human lymphocytes or treatment of the cells with GlyCAM-1, an HEV-derived, secreted ligand for L-selectin, stimulates their binding to ICAM-1 through the beta 2 integrin pathway. Furthermore, GlyCAM-1 causes the rapid expression of a neoepitope on beta 2 integrins associated with a high-avidity state. Naive (CD45RA+), but not memory (CD45R0+) lymphocytes, respond to L-selectin cross-linking or GlyCAM-1 treatment. Thus, the complexing of L-selectin by specific ligands may provide key signals to naive lymphocytes, contributing to their selective recruitment into peripheral lymphoid organs.
Impact of positional difference on the measurement of breast density using MRI.

PURPOSE This study investigated the impact of arms/hands and body position on the measurement of breast density using MRI. METHODS Noncontrast-enhanced T1-weighted images were acquired from 32 healthy women. Each subject received four MR scans using different experimental settings, including a high resolution hands-up, a low resolution hands-up, a high resolution hands-down, and finally, another high resolution hands-up after repositioning. The breast segmentation was performed using a fully automatic chest template-based method. The breast volume (BV), fibroglandular tissue volume (FV), and percent density (PD) measured from the four MR scan settings were analyzed. RESULTS A high correlation of BV, FV, and PD between any pair of the four MR scans was noted (r > 0.98 for all). Using the generalized estimating equation method, a statistically significant difference in mean BV among four settings was noted (left breast, score test p = 0.0056; right breast, score test p = 0.0016), adjusted for age and body mass index. Despite differences in BV, there were no statistically significant differences in the mean PDs among the four settings (p > 0.10 for left and right breasts). Using Bland-Altman plots, the smallest mean difference/bias and standard deviations for BV, FV, and PD were noted when comparing hands-up high vs low resolution when the breast positions were exactly the same. CONCLUSIONS The authors' study showed that BV, FV, and PD measurements from MRI of different positions were highly correlated. BV may vary with positions but the measured PD did not differ significantly between positions. The study suggested that the percent density analyzed from MRI studies acquired using different arms/hands and body positions from multiple centers can be combined for analysis.
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology Differentiation of Adult-type Leydig Cells Occurs in Gonadotrophin-deficient Mice

During mammalian testis development distinct generations of fetal and adult Leydig cells arise. Luteinising hormone (LH) is required for normal adult Leydig cell function and for the establishment of normal adult Leydig cell number but its role in the process of adult Leydig cell differentiation has remained uncertain. In this study we have examined adult Leydig cell differentiation in gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-null mice which are deficient in circulating gonadotrophins. Adult Leydig cell differentiation was assessed by measuring expression of mRNA species encoding four specific markers of adult Leydig cell differentiation in the mouse. Each of these markers (3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type VI (3βHSD VI), 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type III (17βHSD III), prostaglandin D (PGD)-synthetase and oestrogen sulphotransferase (EST)) is expressed only in the adult Leydig cell lineage in the normal adult animal. Real-time PCR studies showed that all four markers are expressed in adult GnRH-null mice. Localisation of 3βHSD VI and PGD-synthetase expression by in situ hybridisation confirmed that these genes are expressed in the interstitial tissue of the GnRH-null mouse. Treatment of animals with human chorionic gonadotrophin increased expression of 3βHSD VI and 17βHSD III within 12 hours further indicating that differentiated, but unstimulated cells already exist in the GnRH-null mouse. Thus, while previous studies have shown that LH is required for adult Leydig cell proliferation and activity, results from the present study show that adult Leydig cell differentiation will take place in animals deficient in LH.
Regression Test Selection Techniques: A Survey

Swarnendu Biswas and Rajib MallDept. of Computer Science and EngineeringIIT Kharagpur, India - 721302E-mail: {swarnendu, rajib}@cse.iitkgp. ernet.inManoranjan Satpathy and Srihari SukumaranGM India Science Lab, Bangalore, IndiaE-mail: {manoranjan.satpathy, srihari.sukumaran}@gm.comOverview paperKeywords: softwaremaintenance,regressiontesting,regressiontestselection,model-basedtesting,UML,softwarecom-ponents, embedded programsReceived: April 12, 2010Regression testing is an important and expensive activity that is undertaken every time a program is mod-iﬁed to ensure that the modiﬁcations do not introduce new bugs into previously validated code. An im-portant research problem, in this context, is the selection of a relevant subset of test cases from the initialtest suite that would minimize both the regression testing time and effort without sacriﬁcing the thorough-ness of regression testing. Researchers have proposed a number of regression test selection techniques fordifferent programming paradigms such as procedural, object-oriented, component-based, database, aspect,and web applications. In this paper, we review the important regression test selection techniques proposedfor various categories of programs and identify the emerging trends.Povzetek: Podan je pregled tehnik izbora testov za regresijsko testiranje programov.
Posterior Cramer Rao Lower Bounds for the respiratory model parameter estimation

In this paper, we introduce a new approach for the evaluation of dual Posterior Cramer-Rao Lower Bounds (PCRLBs) where the estimation procedure involves time-invariant, stationary system parameters and system states. Dual estimation may be required in respiratory system modeling where the parameters are usually physiological model settings. Bayesian solution of the parameter estimation lets us derive the dual PCRLBs with the help of the block matrix algebra. For the state estimation bound, our results give the same expressions as in the previous studies. In addition, we have obtained the iterative PCRLB expressions for the parameter estimation in the Mead respiratory model. Dual UKF and EKF error variances that were obtained in our previous work are demonstrated with respect to these bounds. Results show that UKF performs better than the EKF for the dual estimation in the Mead model.
WS-Re2Policy: A Policy Language for Distributed SLA Monitoring and Enforcement

Web service technology and the Service-oriented Architecture (SOA) paradigm have become state of the art for the integration of systems across enterprise boundaries. Here, a strong need for policies exists, which describe the Quality of Service delivered by third parties.Current policy languages in the area of Web services and SOAs allow the specification of requirements with respect to the Quality of Service as well as the parameters, which should be monitored. They do not cover the countermeasures needed and accepted in case of requirement violations. Especially, in distributed scenarios it is helpful to provide the monitoring units with information about possible reactions to violations in order to enforce policies at the monitoring units. Therefore, we developed the Web service requirements and reactions policy language (WS-Re2Policy), which overcomes those issues by specifying requirements and reactions in a single policy to be distributed to independent monitoring units.
Ceruloplasmin, Catalase and Creatinine Concentrations Are Independently Associated with All-Cause Mortality in Patients with Advanced Heart Failure

The role of oxidative/antioxidative system imbalances in advanced heart failure (HF) has not been fully investigated. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with one-year mortality in patients with advanced HF, with particular emphasis on oxidative/antioxidative balance parameters. We analyzed 85 heart transplant candidates who were hospitalized at our institution for right heart catheterization. Ten milliliters of coronary sinus blood was collected to measure oxidative/antioxidative markers. The median age was 58 (50–62) years, and 90.6% of them were male. The one-year mortality rate was 40%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that ceruloplasmin (OR = 1.342 [1.019–1.770], p = 0.0363; per unit decrease), catalase (OR = 1.053 [1.014–1.093], p = 0.0076; per unit decrease), and creatinine (OR = 1.071 [1.002–1.144], p = 0.0422; per unit increase) were independently associated with one-year mortality. Ceruloplasmin, catalase, and creatinine had areas under the curve of 0.9296 [0.8738–0.9855], 0.9666 [0.9360–0.9971], and 0.7682 [0.6607–0.8756], respectively. Lower ceruloplasmin and catalase in the coronary sinus, as well as higher creatinine in peripheral blood, are independently associated with one-year mortality in patients with advanced HF. Catalase and ceruloplasmin have excellent prognostic power, and creatinine has acceptable prognostic power, allowing the distinction of one-year survivors from nonsurvivors.
Peripheral Cytokines as a Chemical Mediator for Postconcussion Like Sickness Behaviour in Trauma and Perioperative Patients: Literature Review

Besides brain injury and systemic infection, cognitive and concussion like sickness behaviour is associated with muscular trauma and perioperative patients, which represents a major obstacle to daily activities and rehabilitation. The neuroinflammatory response triggers glial activation and consequently the release of proinflammatory cytokines within the hippocampus. We review clinical studies that have investigated neurocognitive and psychosomatic symptoms related to muscular trauma and in perioperative conditions. These include impaired attention and executive and general cognitive functioning. The purpose of this literature review is to focus on the systemic inflammation and the role of proinflammatory cytokines IL1, IL6,and TNF and other inflammatory mediators which mediates the cognitive impairment and induces sickness behaviour. Moreover, this review will also help to determine if some patients could have long-term cognitive changes associated with musculoskeletal injuries or as a consequence of surgery and thereby will lead to efforts in reducing that risk.
Prevalence of Hepatitis D Virus Infection Among Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B Attending Birjand Hepatitis Clinic (East of Iran) in 2012

Background Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a defective RNA virus dependent on Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection for its replication and expression. All patients with HBV infection should be tested for the presence of HDV infection. It is estimated that approximately 5% of hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg) carriers in the world are HDV infected patients. HBV-HDV co-infection may lead to more severe acute disease and higher risks of fulminant hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma than those having HBV infection alone. Also, HBV infected patients with HDV super-infection have a higher rate of progression to chronic disease and serious complications. Objectives Our aim was to determine the prevalence of HDV infection among chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients attending Birjand Hepatitis Clinic, East of Iran. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 413 CHB patients in 2012. Serology test for anti-HDV was measured by ELISA in these patients. CHB patients had positive hepatitis B surface antigen for at least 6 months before the study entrance. Results The mean age of CHB patients was 38.5± 11.9 years and 55.9% of them (231 patients) were male. There were 13 cases (3.1%) with HDV infection. There was no association between positive anti-HDV serology and factors such as age, gender, carrier state, liver enzymes, and positive hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) serology. Conclusions Although HDV had a low prevalence in our area, it is important for healthcare providers and policy makers to plan preventive strategies for HDV spread as well as HBV prevention programs among high risk population.
Pneumonia and respiratory failure from swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) in Mexico.

BACKGROUND In late March 2009, an outbreak of a respiratory illness later proved to be caused by novel swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus (S-OIV) was identified in Mexico. We describe the clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of persons hospitalized for pneumonia at the national tertiary hospital for respiratory illnesses in Mexico City who had laboratory-confirmed S-OIV infection, also known as swine flu. METHODS We used retrospective medical chart reviews to collect data on the hospitalized patients. S-OIV infection was confirmed in specimens with the use of a real-time reverse-transcriptase-polymerase-chain-reaction assay. RESULTS From March 24 through April 24, 2009, a total of 18 cases of pneumonia and confirmed S-OIV infection were identified among 98 patients hospitalized for acute respiratory illness at the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases in Mexico City. More than half of the 18 case patients were between 13 and 47 years of age, and only 8 had preexisting medical conditions. For 16 of the 18 patients, this was the first hospitalization for their illness; the other 2 patients were referred from other hospitals. All patients had fever, cough, dyspnea or respiratory distress, increased serum lactate dehydrogenase levels, and bilateral patchy pneumonia. Other common findings were an increased creatine kinase level (in 62% of patients) and lymphopenia (in 61%). Twelve patients required mechanical ventilation, and seven died. Within 7 days after contact with the initial case patients, a mild or moderate influenza-like illness developed in 22 health care workers; they were treated with oseltamivir, and none were hospitalized. CONCLUSIONS S-OIV infection can cause severe illness, the acute respiratory distress syndrome, and death in previously healthy persons who are young to middle-aged. None of the secondary infections among health care workers were severe.