On the Effectiveness of Adversarial Samples against Ensemble Learning-based Windows PE Malware Detectors

Recently, there has been a growing focus and interest in applying machine learning (ML) to the field of cybersecurity, particularly in malware detection and prevention. Several research works on malware analysis have been proposed, offering promising results for both academic and practical applications. In these works, the use of Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) or Reinforcement Learning (RL) can aid malware creators in crafting metamorphic malware that evades antivirus software. In this study, we propose a mutation system to counteract ensemble learning-based detectors by combining GANs and an RL model, overcoming the limitations of the MalGAN model. Our proposed FeaGAN model is built based on MalGAN by incorporating an RL model called the Deep Q-network anti-malware Engines Attacking Framework (DQEAF). The RL model addresses three key challenges in performing adversarial attacks on Windows Portable Executable malware, including format preservation, executability preservation, and maliciousness preservation. In the FeaGAN model, ensemble learning is utilized to enhance the malware detector's evasion ability, with the generated adversarial patterns. The experimental results demonstrate that 100\% of the selected mutant samples preserve the format of executable files, while certain successes in both executability preservation and maliciousness preservation are achieved, reaching a stable success rate

TextANIMAR: Text-based 3D Animal Fine-Grained Retrieval

3D object retrieval is an important yet challenging task, which has drawn more and more attention in recent years. While existing approaches have made strides in addressing this issue, they are often limited to restricted settings such as image and sketch queries, which are often unfriendly interactions for common users. In order to overcome these limitations, this paper presents a novel SHREC challenge track focusing on text-based fine-grained retrieval of 3D animal models. Unlike previous SHREC challenge tracks, the proposed task is considerably more challenging, requiring participants to develop innovative approaches to tackle the problem of text-based retrieval. Despite the increased difficulty, we believe that this task has the potential to drive useful applications in practice and facilitate more intuitive interactions with 3D objects. Five groups participated in our competition, submitting a total of 114 runs. While the results obtained in our competition are satisfactory, we note that the challenges presented by this task are far from being fully solved. As such, we provide insights into potential areas for future research and improvements. We believe that we can help push the boundaries of 3D object retrieval and facilitate more user-friendly interactions via vision-language technologies.Comment: arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:2304.0573

A Preliminary Anti-Glare System for Traffic Vehicles Using Polarizing Filters and a Polarizing Flip Plate

In the past, polarizing filters were attached to cars’ halogen headlights to reduce glare for other vehicles. However, the filters absorbed a significant amount of light and made it difficult for drivers to see properly. Coupled with overheating issues and numerous technical and logistical limitations, polarized automotive lighting systems have not become widespread. In this research, we propose using a polarized LED lighting system to improve drivers’ visibility. Our results demonstrated an illuminance reduction of up to 97.5% when simultaneously using a polarized headlight filter and flip plate. Additionally, our system’s lower operating temperatures resulted in a lifespan increase of approximately 120 times compared to a conventional halogen lighting system

Preliminary fabrication and analysis of a novel porous Cu-CNT composite for photothermal applications

Employing Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), we created and then investigated properties of a novel carbon-nanotube porous-copper composite (porous Cu-CNT composite). Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Energy-Dispersive x-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) clearly revealed successful coating of CNTs, with its density increasing proportionally with the deposition time. In addition, Raman spectroscopy confirmed the constitution of the composite, which included oxygen, copper, and a high level of carbon. We also found out that the higher density of CNTs led to a significant improvement in light absorption in the visible spectrum, compared with the uncoated porous copper. This special property, combined with the porosity of the copper sample, as well as the exceptional thermal and optical properties of CNTs, makes the composite a highly promising candidate for photothermal applications

High biocompatible FITC-conjugated silica nanoparticles for cell labeling in both in vitro and in vivo models

Abstract Fluorescence nanosilica-based cell tracker has been explored and applied in cell biological research. However, the aggregation of these nanoparticles at physiological pH is still the main limitation. In this research, we introduced a novel fluorescence nano-based cell tracker suitable for application in live cells. The silica-coated fluorescein isothiocyanate isomer (FITC-SiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) were modified with carboxymethylsilanetriol disodium salt (FITC-SiO2-COOH), integrating the dianion form of FITC molecules. This nanosystem exhibited superior dispersion in aqueous solutions and effectively mitigated dye leakage. These labeled NPs displayed notable biocompatibility and minimal cytotoxicity in both in vitro and in vivo conditions. Significantly, the NPs did not have negative implications on cell migration or angiogenesis. They successfully penetrated primary fibroblasts, human umbilical vein endothelial cells and HeLa cells in both 2D and 3D cultures, with the fluorescence signal enduring for over 72 h. Furthermore, the NP signals were consistently observed in the developing gastrointestinal tract of live medaka fish larvae for extended periods during phases of subdued digestive activity, without manifesting any apparent acute toxicity. These results underscore the promising utility of FITC-SiO2-COOH NPs as advanced live cell trackers in biological research