What do they know about me? Contents and Concerns of Online Behavioral Profiles

Data aggregators collect large amount of information about individual users and create detailed online behavioral profiles of individuals. Behavioral profiles benefit users by improving products and services. However, they have also raised concerns regarding user privacy, transparency of collection practices and accuracy of data in the profiles. To improve transparency, some companies are allowing users to access their behavioral profiles. In this work, we investigated behavioral profiles of users by utilizing these access mechanisms. Using in-person interviews (n=8), we analyzed the data shown in the profiles, elicited user concerns, and estimated accuracy of profiles. We confirmed our interview findings via an online survey (n=100). To assess the claim of improving transparency, we compared data shown in profiles with the data that companies have about users. More than 70% of the participants expressed concerns about collection of sensitive data such as credit and health information, level of detail and how their data may be used. We found a large gap between the data shown in profiles and the data possessed by companies. A large number of profiles were inaccurate with as much as 80% inaccuracy. We discuss implications for public policy management.Comment: in Ashwini Rao, Florian Schaub, and Norman Sadeh What do they know about me? Contents and Concerns of Online Behavioral Profiles (2014) ASE BigData/SocialInformatics/PASSAT/BioMedCom Conferenc

Detecting Cloud-Based Phishing Attacks by Combining Deep Learning Models

Web-based phishing attacks nowadays exploit popular cloud web hosting services and apps such as Google Sites and Typeform for hosting their attacks. Since these attacks originate from reputable domains and IP addresses of the cloud services, traditional phishing detection methods such as IP reputation monitoring and blacklisting are not very effective. Here we investigate the effectiveness of deep learning models in detecting this class of cloud-based phishing attacks. Specifically, we evaluate deep learning models for three phishing detection methods--LSTM model for URL analysis, YOLOv2 model for logo analysis, and triplet network model for visual similarity analysis. We train the models using well-known datasets and test their performance on phishing attacks in the wild. Our results qualitatively explain why the models succeed or fail. Furthermore, our results highlight how combining results from the individual models can improve the effectiveness of detecting cloud-based phishing attacks

Ataxic Gait in Essential Tremor: A Disease-associated Feature?

Background: While accumulating evidence suggests that balance and gait impairments are commonly seen in patients with essential tremor (ET), questions remain regarding their prevalence, their relationship with normal aging, whether they are similar to the impairments seen in spinocerebellar ataxias, their functional consequences, and whether some ET patients carry greater susceptibility. Methods: We conducted a literature search (until December 2018) on this topic. Results: We identified 23 articles on gait or balance impairments in ET. The prevalence of balance impairment (missteps on tandem walk test) was seven times higher in ET patients than controls. Gait impairments in ET included reduced speed, increased asymmetry, and impaired dynamic balance. While balance and gait problems worsened with age, ET patients were more impaired than controls, independent of age. The pattern of impairments seen in ET was qualitatively similar to that seen in spinocerebellar ataxias. Balance and gait impairments resulted in greater number of near falls in ET patients. Factors associated with balance and gait impairments in ET included age, presence of tremor in midline structures, and cognitive dysfunction. Discussion: Accumulating evidence suggests that balance and gait impairments are common in ET patients and occur to a greater extent in controls. Thus, they represent a disease-associated feature. These impairments, which are qualitatively similar to those seen in spinocerebellar ataxias, are not merely subclinical but result in difficulty performing functional tasks and increase falls risk. A subset of patients is more susceptible to balance and gait impairments. The full spectrum of impairments remains to be characterized

Functional Aspects of Gait in Essential Tremor: A Comparison with Age-Matched Parkinson’s Disease Cases, Dystonia Cases, and Controls

Background: An understanding of the functional aspects of gait and balance has wide ramifications. Individuals with balance disorders often restrict physical activity, travel, and social commitments to avoid falling, and loss of balance confidence, itself, is a source of disability. We studied the functional aspects of gait in patients with essential tremor (ET), placing their findings within the context of two other neurological disorders (Parkinson’s disease [PD] and dystonia) and comparing them with age‐matched controls. Methods: We administered the six‐item Activities of Balance Confidence (ABC‐6) Scale and collected data on number of falls and near‐falls, and use of walking aids in 422 participants (126 ET, 77 PD, 46 dystonia, 173 controls). Results: Balance confidence was lowest in PD, intermediate in ET, and relatively preserved in dystonia compared with controls. This ordering reoccurred for each of the six ABC‐6 items. The number of near‐falls and falls followed a similar ordering. Use of canes, walkers, and wheelchairs was elevated in ET and even greater in PD. Several measures of balance confidence (ABC‐6 items 1, 4, 5, and 6) were lower in torticollis cases than in those with blepharospasm, although the two groups did not differ with respect to falls or use of walking aids. Discussion: Lower balance confidence, increased falls, and greater need for walking aids are variably features of a range of movement disorder patients compared to age‐matched controls. While most marked among PD patients, these issues affected ET patients as well and, to a small degree, some patients with dystonia

Synthesis and characterization of transition metal complexes derived from some biologically active furoic acid hydrazones

Two new physiologically active ligands, N’-2-[(E)-1-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-oxo-2H-8-chromenyl) ethylidene)-2-furan carbohydrazide (HMCFCH) and N’-2-[(Z)-1-(4-hydroxy-6-methyl-2-oxo-2H-pyranyl) ethylidene]-furan carbohydrazide (HMPFCH) and their VO(II), Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes have been prepared. The ligands and the metal complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, electrical conductance, magnetic susceptibility measurements, UV-Vis, IR, and ESR spectroscopic data. Basing on the above data, Fe(II) and Co(II) complexes of HMCFCH and HMPFCH have been assigned a dimeric octahedral geometry. VO(II) complexes of HMCFCH and HMPFCH have been assigned sulfate bridged dimeric square pyramidal geometry. Mn(II) complex of HMCFCH has been assigned a dimeric octahedral geometry, where as Mn(II) complex of HMPFCH has been ascribed to monomeric octahedral geometry. Cu(II) and Ni(II) complexes of HMCFCH have been ascribed to a polymeric structure. Ni(II) complex of HMPFCH has been assigned a dimeric square planar geometry. Cu(II) complex of HMPFCH has been proposed an octahedral geometry. The ligands and their metal chelates were screened against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. The ligands and the metal complexes have been found to be active against these microorganisms. The ligands show more activity than the metal complexes.  KEY WORDS: N’-2-(E)-1-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-oxo-2H-8-chromenyl) ethylidene)-2-furan carbohydrazide (HMCFCH), N’-2-[(Z)-1-(4-hydroxy-6-methyl-2-oxo-2H-pyranyl) ethylidene]-furan carbohydrazide (HMPFCH), 3-Acetyl-6-methyl-2H-pyran-2,4(3H)-dione, 8-Acetyl-4-methyl-Umbelliferone, Furoic acid hydrazide, Anti microbial activity  Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2007, 21(1), 63-73.

NASAL COLONIZATION OF METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS AMONG CLINICAL POSTGRADUATES IN A COASTAL KARNATAKA MEDICAL COLLEGE - PREVALENCE AND ANTIBIOGRAM PATTERN

Objective: The incidence of community-acquired and hospital-acquired Staphylococcus aureus infections has been rising with increasing emergence of drug-resistant strains called methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). The prime objective of the study was to ascertain the prevalence of carriage rate of MRSA among the clinical postgraduate students of a medical college of Coastal Karnataka, India.Methods: A total of 133 clinical postgraduates have participated in the present study. Swabs from both anterior nares were collected and processed for S. aureus from the consenting participants after giving a set of questionnaires. The isolated strains of S. aureus were screened for methicillin resistance by the modified Kirby-Bauer method using cefoxitin (30 μg) disc. Antibiotic susceptibility testing for all isolates of S. aureus was also done against other antibiotics. E test was used to know vancomycin resistance for MRSA.Results: The numbers of S. aureus isolated of 133 participants were 22 (16.5%). Of 22 isolates of S. aureus, 12 were MRSA (54.5%). The MRSA carriage rate of clinical postgraduates of a medical college from Coastal Karnataka, India, was 9%. All the MRSA isolates were susceptible to vancomycin and teicoplanin. Contact with chronic patients and consumption of antibiotics in past 6 months were found to be statistically significant as the risk factor associated with the acquisition of S. aureus/MRSA carriage status among the participants. No vancomycin-resistant S. aureus was reported from the present study.Conclusion: The S. aureus and MRSA nasal carriage rates of clinical postgraduates recorded in this study were significantly high when compared with the general population. This could be due to their continuous exposure to patients in clinical settings. It is desirable that these students must receive sufficient knowledge regarding control measures to avoid the spread of MRSA infection in hospitals

IS ACQUISITION OF METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS - AN OCCUPATIONAL HAZARD FOR MEDICAL STUDENTS IN INDIA?

  Objective: The incidence of community-acquired and hospital-acquired Staphylococcus aureus infections has been rising with increasing emergence of drug-resistant strains called methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of carriage rate of MRSA among the interns of tertiary care teaching hospital in Mangalore.Methods: A total of 150 interns were participated, thereby swabs from both anterior nares were collected and processed for S. aureus. The isolated strains of S. aureus were screened for methicillin susceptibility by modified Kirby–Bauer method using cefoxitin (30 μg) disc. Further, antibiotic susceptibility testing for all isolates of S. aureus was also done against selected appropriate antibiotics. Vancomycin susceptibility testing for MRSA was done by E test.Results: The number of strains of S. aureus isolated from our 150 participants was 71 with a percentage rate of 47.3. Of the 71 isolates of S. aureus, one (1.4%) was MRSA. The overall MRSA carriage rate was 0.66%. The S. aureus and MRSA carriage rates recorded in this study were at par and significantly lower, respectively, when compared with other reported studies. It was observed that risk factors such as the use of antibiotics in the past 6 months and smoking were found to be statistically significant in nasal carriage status of S. aureus (<0.05). The only one isolate of MRSA was found to be sensitive to vancomycin, linezolid, and teicoplanin.Conclusion: It was concluded that the acquisition of S. aureus and MRSA would not be an occupational hazard for medical students of developing countries like India

Four Essential Tremor Cases with Moderately Impaired Gait: How Impaired Can Gait Be in This Disease?

Background A body of literature is emerging regarding gait/balance impairments observed in essential tremor (ET) patients. Although impairment is generally mild, the full extent of the spectrum remains undefined. We present four ET cases with more severe gait/balance impairment. Methods A battery of subjective and objective gait/balance assessments was performed: the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, the Berg Balance Scale, and the Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA). Tandem missteps during 10 steps were counted. Quantitative gait testing was performed (GAITRite) to quantify gait speed, dynamic balance, gait symmetry, and gait variability. Results Two patients were middle‐aged (38 and 52 years) and two were older (70 and 79 years). All had longstanding classic ET (duration 22-60 years). The mean POMA score was 21.5, which is indicative of moderate fall risk. On average, there were five missteps during tandem gait, which was higher than observed in substantially older ET cases (age 86.0 plus or minus 4.6 years), and four times higher than seen in ET patients of comparable age. On quantitative gait analysis, patients demonstrated significant balance impairment. Discussion We present a sample of ET patients with a level of gait difficulty that would not be characterized as mild. The existence of such cases raises a number of questions, one of which is how impaired can gait be in ET

Survey on Hinglish to English Translation and Classification Techniques

Code-mixing is the process of using many languages in one sentence and has a widespread occurrence in multilingual communities. It is particularly prevalent in texts on social media. Due to the widespread usage of social networking sites, a substantial amount of unstructured text is produced. Hinglish, i.e. code-mixed Hindi and English, is a frequent occurrence in everyday language use in India. Hence, a translation process is required to help monolingual users and to aid in the comprehension of language processing models. In this paper, we study the effective techniques for classification and translation tasks and also find gaps and challenges in the current research domain. After comparing a few existing methodologies for machine translation, a framework which showed an improvement in task of translation over the previous methods is proposed. &nbsp

An unusual age presentation of mature cystic teratoma: a case report

Mature cystic teratoma compromise 20-30% of all ovarian tumours. They are mostly seen in patients between 20 and 40 years of age and are mostly asymptomatic. Malignancy incidence is high in postmenopausal group. Here, we report a case of mature cystic teratoma presenting unusually in a 65 year old postmenopausal woman with pain abdomen. A 65 year old postmenopausal woman presented with lower abdominal pain of 15 days duration. Upon examination, a mass of size 7×8 cm felt on bimanual examination. CT showed the same cyst that has a focal enhancing mural nodule with fat density in it. Total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo oopherectomy done. Histopathological examination confirmed mature cystic teratoma. Although mature cystic teratoma is rare after 40 years age, especially in postmenopausal women and are usually malignant in that age group, it can have an unusual age presentation at 65 years with benign nature as in our case