"The Good, The Bad And The Ugly": Evaluation of Wi-Fi Steganography

In this paper we propose a new method for the evaluation of network steganography algorithms based on the new concept of "the moving observer". We considered three levels of undetectability named: "good", "bad", and "ugly". To illustrate this method we chose Wi-Fi steganography as a solid family of information hiding protocols. We present the state of the art in this area covering well-known hiding techniques for 802.11 networks. "The moving observer" approach could help not only in the evaluation of steganographic algorithms, but also might be a starting point for a new detection system of network steganography. The concept of a new detection system, called MoveSteg, is explained in detail.Comment: 6 pages, 6 figures, to appear in Proc. of: ICNIT 2015 - 6th International Conference on Networking and Information Technology, Tokyo, Japan, November 5-6, 201

Variability of sediment transport in the Scott River catchment (Svalbard) during the hydrologically active season of 2009

Investigations of fluvial transport in the glacial river catchment (Scott River, Spitsbergen) were conducted in the melt season of 2009. A special attention was given to dynamics and distribution of bedload transport − the major component of fluvial transport in a proglacial gravel-bed river. Bed-load transport rate was determined using the River Bedload Traps (RBT) constructed for the project’s need. The obtained results indicate high diversity of bedload transport, the amount of which reached up to 220 kg m–1 day–1 for twenty-four hours in particular measurement sites. The results confirmed also great variability of local intensity fluvial processes in polar zone

Mobile Agents for Detecting Network Attacks Using Timing Covert Channels

This article addresses the problem of network attacks using steganographic techniques based on the manipulation of time relationships between IP packets. In the study, an efficient method to detect such attacks is presented. The proposed algorithm is based on the Change Observation Theory, and employs two types of agents: base and flying ones. The agents observe the time parameters of the network traffic, using proposed meta-histograms and trained machine learning algorithms, in the node where they were installed. The results of experiments using various machine learning algorithm are presented and discussed. The study showed that the Random Forest and MLP classifiers achieved the best detection results, yielding an area under the ROC curve (AUC) above 0.85 for the evaluation data. We showed a proof-of-concept for an attack detection method that combined the classification algorithm, the proposed anomaly metrics and the mobile agents. We claim that due to a unique feature of self-regulation, realized by destroying unnecessary agents, the proposed method can establish a new type of multi-agent intrusion detection system that can be applied to a wider group of IT systems

The influence of varicocelectomy on semen parameters and fertility

Introduction. Varicocele is an abnormal dilation of the spermatic veins within the pampiniform plexus of the spermatic cord. This pathology is diagnosed in 25% of infertile men. There is some data that confirms varicocelectomy improves semen parameters and fertility potential in men with clinically diagnosed varicocele and impaired semen parameters. The aim of our study was to determine the influence of laparoscopic varicocelectomy on semen parameters and evaluation of spontaneous pregnancy rate. Material and methods. We retrospectively reviewed the data of 60 consecutive patients subjected to laparoscopic varicocelectomy between November 2010 and December 2016 due to clinical varicocele, impaired semen parameters and infertility. Results. The average age was 31 +/- 7. Compared with baseline semen parameters, sperm count, sperm concentration, morphology and progressive motility at 3 and 6 months. We did not observe changes in semen volume and semen pH during follow-up. A total improvement in semen parameters was observed in 64% and 70% of patients after 3 and 6 months after surgery. In 4 patients deterioration of semen parameters was noticed. Spontaneous pregnancy was achieved in 30% of couples. Two pregnancies were unsuccessful due to spontaneous abortion. A total of 16 children were born. The surgery- to- conception time was 7.7 +/- 7 months. Conclusions. Laparoscopic varicocelectomy in a patient who has suffered from infertility and confirmed semen parameters and fertility potential of men

Effect of ASA dose doubling versus switching to clopidogrel on plasma inflammatory markers concentration in patients with type 2 diabetes and high platelet reactivity: The AVOCADO study

Background: The aim of the study was to compare the effects of 2 strategies of antiplatelet treatment (i.e., 150 mg ASA vs. 75 mg clpoidogrel) on plasma level of inflammatory markers in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with high platelet reactivity (HPR).Methods: Study cohort consisted of 304 T2DM patients on chronic ASA therapy (75 mg per day) participating in the Aspirin Versus/Or Clopidogrel in Aspirin-resistant Diabetics inflammation Outcomes (AVOCADO) study. Patients with HPR defined as Platelet Function Analyzer (PFA)-100 collagene/epinephrine closure time (CEPI-CT) < 193 s (n = 80) were randomized to 150 mg of ASA or 75 mg of clopidogrel in 2:3 ratio, respectively. Concentrations of the selected inflammatory markers, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, solubleCD40 ligand (sCD40L), and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), were measured and compared in both treatment groups before and after 8 weeks of treatment in both groups.Results: Out of 234 patients included into final analysis, the total of 34.2% (n = 80) patients displayed HPR, of which 14.1% (n = 33) were randomized into 150 mg of ASA group and 20.1% (n = 47) into 75 mg of clopidogrel group. Treatment with clopidogrel was a positive predictor (stepwise multiple regression analysis) of reduction of sCD40L concentration (odds ratio [OR] 4.15; p = 0.013), while treatment with 150 mg ASA was a positive predictor of reduction of IL-6 concentration (OR 4.38; p = 0.033). There was no statistically significant differences between clopidogrel and ASA 150 mg treatment in respect to predictive value for decreased hsCRP concentrations or increased TNF-α concentrations.Conclusions: Increasing the dose of ASA from 75 mg to 150 mg daily or switching ASA 75 mg to clopidogrel 75 mg daily may reduce concentrations of some inflammatory markers (in particular hsCRP, IL-6 and CD40L) in T2DM patients with HPR treated previously with 75 mg of ASA

Association of plasma concentrations of salicylic acid and high on ASA platelet reactivity in type 2 diabetes patients

Background: The objective of this study was to investigate the association between plasmaconcentrations of salicylic acid (SA) and other minor acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) metabolitesand high on ASA platelet reactivity assessed with different methods in type 2 diabetic patients(T2DM).Methods: Study cohort consisted of 293 T2DM patients on chronic ASA therapy. Plateletfunction inhibition was analyzed using measurements of serum thromboxane B2 (S-TxB2),VerifyNow Aspirin and Platelet Function Analyzer (PFA)-100 assays. The concentration of ASAmetabolites in plasma was measured with a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).Results: In logistic regression analysis both ASA dose/kg of body weight and plasma SAconcentration were found to be predictive of S-TxB2 concentrations above 0.72 ng/mL cut-offpoint (OR 16.9, 95% CI 2.29–125.8, p = 0.006 and OR 5.34, 95% CI 2.67–10.68, p < 0.001,respectively). When using the VerifyNow Aspirin Assay, the concentrations of SA were signifi -cantly lower (p = 0.007) in the group with high on ASA platelet reactivity when compared withthe group with normal on ASA platelet reactivity. In logistic regression analysis plasma SAconcentration was found to be predictive of VerifyNow Aspirin Reaction Units (ARU) ≥ 550(OR 3.86, 95% CI 1.86–8.00, p < 0.001).Conclusions: Our study suggests that disturbances of pharmacokinetic mechanisms mightcontribute to lower plasma SA levels, and subsequently incomplete inhibition of thromboxane A2synthesis as measured with S-TxB2 concentrations and increased platelet reactivity measuredwith VerifyNow in T2DM patients

Geometry and Physical Properties of Grain Boundaries and their Effect on Strength of High Purity Aluminium

score: 0collation: 541-54