Towards Black-box Adversarial Example Detection: A Data Reconstruction-based Method

Adversarial example detection is known to be an effective adversarial defense method. Black-box attack, which is a more realistic threat and has led to various black-box adversarial training-based defense methods, however, does not attract considerable attention in adversarial example detection. In this paper, we fill this gap by positioning the problem of black-box adversarial example detection (BAD). Data analysis under the introduced BAD settings demonstrates (1) the incapability of existing detectors in addressing the black-box scenario and (2) the potential of exploring BAD solutions from a data perspective. To tackle the BAD problem, we propose a data reconstruction-based adversarial example detection method. Specifically, we use variational auto-encoder (VAE) to capture both pixel and frequency representations of normal examples. Then we use reconstruction error to detect adversarial examples. Compared with existing detection methods, the proposed method achieves substantially better detection performance in BAD, which helps promote the deployment of adversarial example detection-based defense solutions in real-world models.Comment: 14 pages, 8 figures, 13 table

Elliptical-Core Highly Nonlinear Few-Mode Fiber Based OXC for WDM-MDM Networks

In order to realize an optical cross-connect (OXC) converting wavelengths and spatial modes into one-dimensional switching ports, we propose an active mode selective conversion without parasitic wavelength conversion, based on the intermodal four-wave mixing (FWM) arising in a few-mode fiber (FMF). First, we design a dispersion-engineered elliptical-core highly nonlinear FMF (e-HNL-FMF) with a graded refractive index (RI) profile, which can independently guide 3 linearly polarized (LP) spatial modes. Meanwhile, a high doping concentration of germanium in the core leads to relatively high intermodal nonlinear coefficients of 3.23 (W\ub7km)-1 between LP01 and LP11a modes and 3.14 (W\ub7km)-1 between LP01 and LP11b modes. Next, we propose an e-HNL-FMF based OXC scheme for wavelength division multiplexing-mode division multiplexing (WDM-MDM) networks. After optimizing both the e-HNL-FMF length and pump power, we can realize either active mode selective conversion over the designated wavelength-band or three-wavelength to three-mode superchannel conversion for 100 Gbaud 16-quadratic-amplitude modulation (16-QAM) signals over the C-band. Due to excellent characteristics of the e-HNL-FMF, both cost and configuration complexity of the OXC can be reduced, showing great potentials for all-optical signal processing in the future WDM-MDM networks

Vector mode inter-modal wavelength conversion in a dispersion tailored highly nonlinear few-mode fibre

We present the design and fabrication of a dispersion tailored highly nonlinear few-mode fibre with an inter-modal nonlinear coefficient of 2.81 (W \ub7 km)-1, the highest reported to date. Inter-modal wavelength conversion between the HE21 and TE01 vector modes is demonstrated in the fibre

Wettability and Bactericidal Properties of Bioinspired ZnO Nanopillar Surfaces

Nanomaterials of zinc oxide (ZnO) exhibit antibacterial activities under ambient illumination that result in cell membrane permeability and disorganization, representing an important opportunity for health-related applications. However, the development of antibiofouling surfaces incorporating ZnO nanomaterials has remained limited. In this work, we fabricate superhydrophobic surfaces based on ZnO nanopillars. Water droplets on these superhydrophobic surfaces exhibit small contact angle hysteresis (within 2-3°) and a minimal tilting angle of 1°. Further, falling droplets bounce off when impacting the superhydrophobic ZnO surfaces with a range of Weber numbers (8-46), demonstrating that the surface facilitates a robust Cassie-Baxter wetting state. In addition, the antibiofouling efficacy of the surfaces has been established against model pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli). No viable colonies of E. coli were recoverable on the superhydrophobic surfaces of ZnO nanopillars incubated with cultured bacterial solutions for 18 h. Further, our tests demonstrate a substantial reduction in the quantity of S. aureus that attached to the superhydrophobic ZnO nanopillars. Thus, the superhydrophobic ZnO surfaces offer a viable design of antibiofouling materials that do not require additional UV illumination or antimicrobial agents.</p

Soil’s Hidden Power : The Stable Soil Organic Carbon Pool Controls the Burden of Persistent Organic Pollutants in Background Soils

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) tend to accumulate in cold regions by cold condensation and global distillation. Soil organic matter is the main storage compartment for POPs in terrestrial ecosystems due to deposition and repeated air–surface exchange processes. Here, physicochemical properties and environmental factors were investigated for their role in influencing POPs accumulation in soils of the Tibetan Plateau and Antarctic and Arctic regions. The results showed that the soil burden of most POPs was closely coupled to stable mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC). Combining the proportion of MAOC and physicochemical properties can explain much of the soil distribution characteristics of the POPs. The background levels of POPs were estimated in conjunction with the global soil database. It led to the proposition that the stable soil carbon pools are key controlling factors affecting the ultimate global distribution of POPs, so that the dynamic cycling of soil carbon acts to counteract the cold-trapping effects. In the future, soil carbon pool composition should be fully considered in a multimedia environmental model of POPs, and the risk of secondary release of POPs in soils under conditions such as climate change can be further assessed with soil organic carbon models

Effects of high-intensity interval training, moderate-intensity continuous training, and guideline-based physical activity on cardiovascular metabolic markers, cognitive and motor function in elderly sedentary patients with type 2 diabetes (HIIT-DM): a protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background and objectiveSedentary behavior is of increasing concern in older patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) due to its potential adverse effects on cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and motor function. While regular exercise has been shown to improve the health of individuals with T2DM, the most effective exercise program for elderly sedentary patients with T2DM remains unclear. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the impact of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), and guideline-based physical activity programs on the cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and motor function of this specific population.MethodsThis study will be a randomized, assessor-blind, three-arm controlled trial. A total of 330 (1:1:1) elderly sedentary patients diagnosed with T2DM will be randomly assigned the HIIT group (10 × 1-min at 85–95% peak HR, intersperse with 1-min active recovery at 60–70% peak HR), MICT (35 min at 65–75% peak HR), and guideline-based group (guideline group) for 12 weeks training. Participants in the guideline group will receive 1-time advice and weekly remote supervision through smartphones. The primary outcomes will be the change in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) after 12-weeks. Secondary outcomes will includes physical activity levels, anthropometric parameters (weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, and body mass index), physical measurements (fat percentage, muscle percentage, and fitness rate), cardiorespiratory fitness indicators (blood pressure, heart rate, vital capacity, and maximum oxygen), biochemical markers (high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and HbA1c), inflammation level (C-reactive protein), cognitive function (reaction time and dual-task gait test performance), and motor function (static balance, dynamic balance, single-task gait test performance, and grip strength) after 12 weeks.DiscussionThe objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of 12 weeks of HIIT, MICT, and a guideline-based physical activity program on elderly sedentary patients diagnosed with T2DM. Our hypothesis is that both HIIT and MICT will yield improvements in glucose control, cognitive function, cardiopulmonary function, metabolite levels, motor function, and physical fitness compared to the guideline group. Additionally, we anticipate that HIIT will lead to greater benefits in these areas. The findings from this study will provide valuable insights into the selection of appropriate exercise regimens for elderly sedentary individuals with T2DM.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the Ethics Review Committee of the Reproductive Hospital Affiliated with China Medical University (approval number: 202203). Informed consent will be obtained from all participants or their guardians. Upon completion, the authors will submit their findings to a peer-reviewed journal or academic conference for publication.Clinical trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry, identifier ChiCTR2200061573

Approximate Calculation Method for Noncentral t-Distribution Quantile

In the process of structural design and structural performance evaluation, the inference of the reliable life of the structure and the representative value of the material strength is a necessary work. The determination of material strength is the presumption of the quantile of the normal distribution, and the determination of the confidence level of the quantile of the normal distribution involves the noncentral t-distribution function. However, the calculation of the quantile is very complicated and is often provided in the form of a numerical table, which often involves multiparameter interpolation calculation, so it is not convenient to apply. The existing approximate calculation methods for noncentral t-distribution quantiles have strict application conditions, and the calculation process is relatively cumbersome. It is still difficult to meet actual needs in terms of fitting accuracy, application range, and convenience. In this paper, a new calculation method for noncentral t-distribution quantiles is proposed by introducing new probability expressions and related approximate distributions, based on theoretical derivation and numerical fitting. The comparative analysis results show that the method not only is convenient for calculation but also has the advantages of higher accuracy and wider application range, and it is more in line with the actual needs of engineering

Method for Inferring the Design Value of the Resistance Based on Probabilistic Model

Methods for inferring the design value of the resistance based on test have long been studied extensively, but the existing methods have several limitations on unified guarantee rate ensurance and reliability control. Firstly, the rationales and deficiencies of the present methods in ISO 2394 : 2015 and EN 1990 : 2002 were generalized. Secondly, in view of the disadvantages, a new inferring method combining the probability model of resistance with statistical approach was put forward. The proposed method established a relationship among design resistance, probability characteristics of known factors, and statistical results of unknown factors and possessed a rigorous and sound theoretical basis on both conditions that the coefficient of variation of model uncertainty was unknown and full known. Lastly, a contrast work was carried out between the Eurocode method and the proposed method; the results showed that the latter method had a higher inferring value, which means a better inferring result