Perturbing Inputs to Prevent Model Stealing

We show how perturbing inputs to machine learning services (ML-service) deployed in the cloud can protect against model stealing attacks. In our formulation, there is an ML-service that receives inputs from users and returns the output of the model. There is an attacker that is interested in learning the parameters of the ML-service. We use the linear and logistic regression models to illustrate how strategically adding noise to the inputs fundamentally alters the attacker's estimation problem. We show that even with infinite samples, the attacker would not be able to recover the true model parameters. We focus on characterizing the trade-off between the error in the attacker's estimate of the parameters with the error in the ML-service's output

Vector bundles on G(1,4) without intermediate cohomology

We characterize the vector bundles on G(1,4) that have no intermediate cohomology. We obtain them from extensions of the universal bundles and others related with them. In particular, we get a characterization of the universal vector bundles from their cohomology.Comment: 12 page

On rack cohomology

We prove that the lower bounds for Betti numbers of the rack, quandle and degeneracy cohomology given by Carter, Jelsovsky, Kamada, and Saito, are in fact equalities. We compute as well the Betti numbers of the twisted cohomology introduced by Carter, Elhamdadi, and Saito. We also give a group-theoretical interpretation of the second cohomology group for racks.Comment: Boundary formula corrected. 9 page

On the supergravity formulation of mirror symmetry in generalized Calabi-Yau manifolds

We derive the complete supergravity description of the N=2 scalar potential which realizes a generic flux-compactification on a Calabi-Yau manifold (generalized geometry). The effective potential V_{eff}=V_{(\partial_Z V=0)}, obtained by integrating out the massive axionic fields of the special quaternionic manifold, is manifestly mirror symmetric, i.e. invariant with respect to {\rm Sp}(2 h_2+2)\times {\rm Sp}(2 h_1+2) and their exchange, being h_1, h_2 the complex dimensions of the underlying special geometries. {\Scr V}_{eff} has a manifestly N=1 form in terms of a mirror symmetric superpotential W$ proposed, some time ago, by Berglund and Mayr.Comment: 14 pages, LaTeX sourc

Apparatus and process for microbial detection and enumeration

An apparatus and process for detecting and enumerating specific microorganisms from large volume samples containing small numbers of the microorganisms is presented. The large volume samples are filtered through a membrane filter to concentrate the microorganisms. The filter is positioned between two absorbent pads and previously moistened with a growth medium for the microorganisms. A pair of electrodes are disposed against the filter and the pad electrode filter assembly is retained within a petri dish by retainer ring. The cover is positioned on base of petri dish and sealed at the edges by a parafilm seal prior to being electrically connected via connectors to a strip chart recorder for detecting and enumerating the microorganisms collected on filter

Flux Vacua Attractors in Type II on SU(3)xSU(3) Structure

We summarize and extend our work on flux vacua attractors in generalized compactifications. After reviewing the attractor equations for the heterotic string on SU(3) structure manifolds, we study attractors for N=1 vacua in type IIA/B on SU(3)xSU(3) structure spaces. In the case of vanishing RR flux, we find attractor equations that encode Minkowski vacua only (and which correct a previous normalization error). In addition to our previous considerations, here we also discuss the case of nonzero RR flux and the possibility of attractors for AdS vacua.Comment: 10 pages, contribution to the proceedings of the 4th RTN workshop "Forces Universe", Varna, September 200

Remote water monitoring system

A remote water monitoring system is described that integrates the functions of sampling, sample preservation, sample analysis, data transmission and remote operation. The system employs a floating buoy carrying an antenna connected by lines to one or more sampling units containing several sample chambers. Receipt of a command signal actuates a solenoid to open an intake valve outward from the sampling unit and communicates the water sample to an identifiable sample chamber. Such response to each signal receipt is repeated until all sample chambers are filled in a sample unit. Each sample taken is analyzed by an electrochemical sensor for a specific property and the data obtained is transmitted to a remote sending and receiving station. Thereafter, the samples remain isolated in the sample chambers until the sampling unit is recovered and the samples removed for further laboratory analysis

Hitchin Functionals in N=2 Supergravity

We consider type II string theory in space-time backgrounds which admit eight supercharges and can be characterized by the existence of an SU(3) x SU(3) structure. We show that the couplings of such backgrounds strongly resemble the couplings of four-dimensional N=2 supergravities and precisely coincide with the N=2 couplings after an appropriate Kaluza-Klein reduction. Specifically we show that the moduli space of metrics admits a special Kahler geometry with Kahler potentials given by the Hitchin functionals. Furthermore we explicitly compute the N=2 version of the superpotential from the transformation law of the gravitinos, and find its N=1 counterpart.Comment: 62 pages, improved version, to appear in JHE