LogShield: A Transformer-based APT Detection System Leveraging Self-Attention

Cyber attacks are often identified using system and network logs. There have been significant prior works that utilize provenance graphs and ML techniques to detect attacks, specifically advanced persistent threats, which are very difficult to detect. Lately, there have been studies where transformer-based language models are being used to detect various types of attacks from system logs. However, no such attempts have been made in the case of APTs. In addition, existing state-of-the-art techniques that use system provenance graphs, lack a data processing framework generalized across datasets for optimal performance. For mitigating this limitation as well as exploring the effectiveness of transformer-based language models, this paper proposes LogShield, a framework designed to detect APT attack patterns leveraging the power of self-attention in transformers. We incorporate customized embedding layers to effectively capture the context of event sequences derived from provenance graphs. While acknowledging the computational overhead associated with training transformer networks, our framework surpasses existing LSTM and Language models regarding APT detection. We integrated the model parameters and training procedure from the RoBERTa model and conducted extensive experiments on well-known APT datasets (DARPA OpTC and DARPA TC E3). Our framework achieved superior F1 scores of 98% and 95% on the two datasets respectively, surpassing the F1 scores of 96% and 94% obtained by LSTM models. Our findings suggest that LogShield's performance benefits from larger datasets and demonstrates its potential for generalization across diverse domains. These findings contribute to the advancement of APT attack detection methods and underscore the significance of transformer-based architectures in addressing security challenges in computer systems

Urdu Translation and Validation of Academic Resilience Scale in Pakistani School Students

The present study was conducted to translate and validate the Academic Resilience Scale (Martin & Marsh 2006) in Urdu on Pakistani school students. For this purpose forward and backward translation method (Brislin, 1976) was utilized to translate original English version into Urdu. Urdu version had high test-retest reliability coefficient i.e. r=.903**. For validation, a sample of 340 students was selected conveniently from different schools Multan, Pakistan. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed to measure the factor structure of scale and it was discovered to be one-dimensional. ARS – Urdu version had significantly good reliability coefficient (α = .843). The scale validity and reliability were found to be satisfactory. Therefore, its findings demonstrated that it is appropriate for measuring academic resilience of school students

Correlation between Salivary Glucose Level and Gingivitis in Patients with Diabetes

Introduction: Type 1 Diabetes has been linked with an increased risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease. Patients with periodontal disease and/or diabetes show differences in the profile of constituents in whole saliva. This profile reflects the nature and amplitude of the host response to a periodontal microbial challenge and /or response to diabetes mellitus. Objectives: Tto compare gingival health between control group and patients with type I Diabetes and to assess whether there is any association between gingivitis/periodontitis and salivary glucose level. Patients & Methods: Study was conducted on 90 subjects; 30 control and 60 diabetics. Gingival and periodontal status was assessed for both the groups clinically. Then un-stimulated whole saliva samples from diabetics and control group were collected stored and frozen at -200 C. Saliva samples were then thawed, centrifuged and its supernatant portion was analyzed by Dimension Clinical Chemistry System for Salivary glucose levels. SPSS 17.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Results showed that gingivitis was statistically significantly higher among the type I diabetic patients when compared with the control group p < 0.05. Conclusion: It was concluded that gingival health was compromised in diabetic children. It was also concluded that salivary glucose levels were higher in the patients with type I as compared to control grou

Rhizobacterial mediated antimetabolites and their significant effect on human pathogens

Background: The emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria is increasing globally. Therefore, new strategies and exploration of new metabolites are need of the day to combat various diseases.  The aim of the current study is to isolate the rhizobacterial strains from medicinal plants to examine their antibacterial activity against human pathogens.Methods: The total 239 rhizobacterial isolates were screened with agar plug and well diffusion methods, characterized biochemically and identified by Bergey’s manual scheme. In chemical screening, metabolic extracts of rhizobacterial isolates were separated in thin layer chromatography (TLC) and further identified by HPLC. The ability of rhizobacterial strains for optimum metabolite production was checked in vitro under different environmental conditions.Results: Results showed that 31% isolates had antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, E. coccus, E. coli, Salmonella, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC20737, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923 and Neisseria. Gonorrhea ATCC19424, methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus 1, methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus 6 and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus 8.  Maximum rhizobacterial strains showed best antibacterial activity at 35ᵒC and at pH7. ST5 strain showed significant results against E. coli ETCC and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus-7 (25mm zone of inhibition). The bands of ST5 and ST2 extracts on a TLC plate were detected at Rf value 4.7 and 4.8 respectively. In HPLC, different peaks at different retention times with maximum peak at 2.90 and 2.92 indicating the production of antimetabolites.Conclusion: These rhizobacterial isolates are valuable inputs in natural consortium to produce specific antibacterial metabolites. Demonstrating the structure and purification of these bioactive compounds may enhance the antimicrobial activities which further can be helpful in development of antibiotics.Keywords: Antibiotics; Rhizobacteria; Antimicrobial agents; MRSA; HPL

To determine the frequency of Group B Streptococcal colonization of vagina in women at 35-37 week pregnancy

BACKGROUND: Group B streptococci (GBS) is the usually present in vaginal canal in micro-flora, which usually do not exhibit any symptoms. Instead, in pregnancy, there are certain situations in GBS colonization in vagina, which may lead to several complications. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of Group B Streptococcal colonization of vagina in women at 35-37 week pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: Cross sectional survey SETTING: Antenatal clinic, Shalamar Hospital Lahore STUDY DURATION: 6 month i.e. From: 05-09-2014 to 06-03-2015 SUBJECTS & METHODS: 350 Booked Patients attending antenatal clinic at Shalamar hospital at 35-37 weeks of pregnancy for routine antenatal checkup were included. Lower vaginal swabs were taken without speculum using sterilized disposable cotton swab and transported to Amies Agar jell and transported to microbiology lab within 24 hours. Laboratory report was collected and reviewed by researcher regarding positive or negative culture for GBS. Patients with positive GBS culture were given intrapartum antibiotics. RESULTS: In our study, out of 350 cases, with the mean age of 26.92+4.84 years. Frequency of GBS colonization of vagina in women at 35-37 week pregnancy was recorded in 12.29% while remaining 87.71% had no findings of the morbidity. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the frequency of GBS colonization of vagina in women at 35-37 week pregnancy is not very higher and in accordance with other regions of our country, but routine screening may further decline its incidence. KEYWORDS: Pregnancy, last trimester, Group B Streptococcal colonization of vagin

To determine the frequency of Group B Streptococcal colonization of vagina in women at 35-37 week pregnancy

BACKGROUND: Group B streptococci (GBS) is the usually present in vaginal canal in micro-flora, which usually do not exhibit any symptoms. Instead, in pregnancy, there are certain situations in GBS colonization in vagina, which may lead to several complications. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of Group B Streptococcal colonization of vagina in women at 35-37 week pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: Cross sectional survey SETTING: Antenatal clinic, Shalamar Hospital Lahore STUDY DURATION: 6 month i.e. From: 05-09-2014 to 06-03-2015 SUBJECTS & METHODS: 350 Booked Patients attending antenatal clinic at Shalamar hospital at 35-37 weeks of pregnancy for routine antenatal checkup were included. Lower vaginal swabs were taken without speculum using sterilized disposable cotton swab and transported to Amies Agar jell and transported to microbiology lab within 24 hours. Laboratory report was collected and reviewed by researcher regarding positive or negative culture for GBS. Patients with positive GBS culture were given intrapartum antibiotics. RESULTS: In our study, out of 350 cases, with the mean age of 26.92+4.84 years. Frequency of GBS colonization of vagina in women at 35-37 week pregnancy was recorded in 12.29% while remaining 87.71% had no findings of the morbidity. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the frequency of GBS colonization of vagina in women at 35-37 week pregnancy is not very higher and in accordance with other regions of our country, but routine screening may further decline its incidence. KEYWORDS: Pregnancy, last trimester, Group B Streptococcal colonization of vagin

Incomplete miscarriage during the first trimester: a comparison of indoor versus outdoor procedure

Introduction: Miscarriage is defined as the natural death of a fetus inside the uterus. To remove complete conception material after a miscarriage, vacuum aspiration or dilatation & curettage are methods to remove uterine contents. Controversies exist regarding both procedures. So we conducted this study to confirm the more successful method. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of manual vacuum aspiration versus traditional evacuation and curettage (E & C) among females presenting with incomplete miscarriage during the first trimester of pregnancy Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled trial was done at the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Shalamar Hospital, Lahore for 6 months. Then the selected females were divided randomly into 2 equal groups. In group A, females had manual vacuum procedure while in group B, females had evacuation & curettage under general anesthesia. After 12 hours of the procedure, ultrasonography was done to confirm complete evacuation. Results: The mean age of the patients was 29.87 ± 6.71 years, the mean gestational age was 8.06 ± 2.82 weeks. The effectiveness was noted in 248 (91.85%) patients. Statistically, manual vacuum showed significantly more effective as compared to evacuation & curettage procedure in the management of incomplete miscarriage i.e. p-value = 0.008. Conclusion: It has been proved that manual vacuum aspiration is more effective than traditional evacuation & curettage in the management of incomplete miscarriage

Carbon nanotubes after 30 years of research, development and commercialisation.

The commentary discusses the last three decades of research, development and successful commercialisation of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) and their related composites. Whilst the number of publications are on the decline and despite of major technical challenges, CNTs continue to emerge as significant materials due to their superlative combination of properties

Ultrasound guided percutaneous biopsy of omentum: a safest technique to detect the causes of omental thickening

Background: The objective of our study was to determine the diagnostic value and safety of ultrasound guided percutaneous biopsy of omental thickening.Methods: We prospectively analyzed 60 patients who underwent USG-guided omental biopsies in our institute from January 2016 to December 2016.Results: Total 60 patients were included in our study. There were 40 (66.7%) female and 20 (33.3%) male patients. There were total 36 (60%) malignant cases, 20 (33.3%) chronic inflammation suggestive of TB while 4 (6.7%) were chronic peritoneal infection. Out of 36 malignant cases, majority 24 (66.7%) had ovarian cancer, 8 (22.2%) had endometrium cancer and 4 (11.1%) had large bowel cancer. Repeat biopsies were performed only in 4 (6.7%) cases.Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy of omentum is less expensive, safe and effective method with a high diagnostic accuracy