Detection of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks using convolutional neural networks

The rapid evolution of the Internet has brought tremendous benefits to the world at large. To effectively leverage on the importance of the internet, there is the need for a secured and reliable network. But currently, there are lots of network attacks against network infrastructures. One of such attack is the Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks which is an attempt by hackers to deny authorized users access internet service availability using many attack machines. In this paper, a Convolutional Neural Network based detection model is proposed to proffer solution to the challenges of DDoS attacks. The dataset for the modelling was sourced from the KDD Cup-99 Dataset. The evaluation of the experiment conducted was based on three standard metrics of accuracy, sensitivity and specificity. The experimental results showed that the developed model had an accuracy of 99.72%, specificity of 99.69% and sensitivity of 99.71%. Furthermore, the performance of the model was compared with other existing traditional learning models, the results indicated that the model presented in this work performed significantly better.

Impact of red blood cell transfusions on intestinal barrier function in preterm infants

OBJECTIVE

To determine the relationships of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion and enteral feeding to changes in intestinal permeability (IP) measured by the relative intestinal uptake of lactulose (La) and rhamnose (Rh) in preterm infants <33 wk gestation.

DESIGN/METHODS

Infants 240-326wk gestation received La/Rh solution enterally on study days 1, 8 and 15.Urinary La/Rh ratio was measured by HPLC. Hematocrit preceding transfusion, total RBC transfusion volume, volume/kg, and feeding status during each study interval (birth-d1; d1-d8, and d8-d15) were determined.

RESULTS

Of the seventeen (40.5%) subjects who received≥1 transfusion during the study period, 12 (70.6%) infants were <28 wk gestation and 5 (29.4%) infants were≥28 wk gestation, p < 0.0001. Lower pre-transfusion hematocrit was observed in intervals preceding high IP (La/Rh > 0.05) than in intervals preceding low IP (La/Rh≤0.05) measurements (33 vs 35.8, p = 0.1051). RBC transfusions occurred more frequently in intervals preceding high IP than in intervals preceding low IP (26.8%; vs 8.3%, p = 0.0275) with 5-fold higher total RBC volume and volume/kg in intervals preceding any time point with high IP. RBC transfusion during an interval was associated with a three-fold increased risk of high IP (aOR 2.7; 95% C.I 0.564-12.814; p = 0.2143). Exclusive breast milk exposure and post-menstrual age reduced the risk for high IP following RBC transfusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Both RBC transfusion number and volume was associated with subsequent high IP measurements in preterm infants <33 weeks gestation and potentially may contribute to impairment of the preterm intestinal barrier.

An audit of the diagnosis and reporting of soft tissue sarcomas at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital

Background

: The effective management of patients with cancer is predicated on the right diagnoses and other relevant parameters included in the pathology report. This is particularly important in soft tissue pathology where arriving at the right diagnosis is often challenging. The aim of this study, therefore, was to perform an audit of sarcoma diagnosis and reporting in our institution.

Methods

Slides of soft tissue sarcomas diagnosed in our institution over a 5-year period were reviewed with specialist soft tissue pathologists. Ancillary immunohistochemistry and fluorescent in situ hybridization were performed where necessary. The contents of the reports were assessed using a diagnostic checklist developed by the Association of Directors of Anatomic and Surgical Pathology.

Results

Fifty-five of the 62 patients studied (88.7%) were correctly identified as sarcomas. However, the correct diagnoses were made in only 27 patients (43.6%). Kaposi sarcoma and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans were the most recognized sarcomas, while leiomyosarcoma, myxofibrosarcoma, and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor were the least recognized sarcomas. The most reported parameters included the histologic type (100%) and size (89.7%), while the percentage of necrosis (0%) and the stage (0%) were the least reported parameters.

Conclusion

A pattern based approach is important for the accurate diagnosis of soft tissue sarcomas. Some essential prognostic parameters and information needed for management were not included in the histopathology reports. The adoption of a structured reporting format and multidisciplinary team meetings will help to ensure the inclusion of such important information in the pathology report.

Use of robust multivariate linear mixed models for estimation of genetic parameters for carcass traits in beef cattle

Assumptions of normality of residuals for carcass evaluation may make inferences vulnerable to the presence of outliers, but heavy-tail densities are viable alternatives to normal distributions and provide robustness against unusual or outlying observations when used to model the densities of residual effects. We compare estimates of genetic parameters by fitting multivariate Normal (MN) or heavy-tail distributions (multivariate Student's t and multivariate Slash, MSt and MS) for residuals in data of hot carcass weight (HCW), longissimus muscle area (REA) and 12th to 13th rib fat (FAT) traits in beef cattle using 2475 records from 2007 to 2008 from a large commercial operation in Nebraska. Model comparisons using deviance information criteria (DIC) favoured MSt over MS and MN models, respectively. The posterior means (and 95% posterior probability intervals, PPI) of v for the MSt and MS models were 5.89 ± 0.90 (4.35, 7.86) and 2.04 ± 0.18 (1.70, 2.41), respectively. Smaller values of posterior densities of v for MSt and MS models confirm that the assumption of normally distributed residuals is not adequate for the analysis of the data set. Posterior mean (PM) and posterior median (PD) estimates of direct genetic variances were variable with MSt having the highest mean value followed by MS and MN, respectively. Posterior inferences on genetic variance were, however, comparable among the models for FAT. Posterior inference on additive heritabilities for HCW, REA and FAT using MN, MSt and MS models indicated similar and moderate heritability comparable with the literature. Posterior means of genetic correlations for carcass traits were variable but positive except for between REA and FAT, which showed an antagonistic relationship. We have demonstrated that genetic evaluation and selection strategies will be sensitive to the assumed model for residuals.

Progesterone, selected heavy metals and micronutrients in pregnant Nigerian women with a history of recurrent spontaneous abortion

BACKGROUND

Environmental and endocrine factors have been implicated in the aetiology of recurrent abortion, with poorly understood roles. Luteal phase insufficiency marked with insufficient progesterone secretion has been reported.

OBJECTIVE

To define the involvement of progesterone, trace metals, and Vitamin E in pregnant women with history of recurrent spontaneous abortion.

METHODS

Convenience sampling method was used to recruit 69 pregnant women aged 21-41 years with gestational age of 0-20 weeks in this case-control study. Thirty five (cases) and thirty four (controls) had previous and no history of recurrent spontaneous abortion respectively. Demographic characteristics and 10 mls of blood samples were obtained from each subject. Serum obtained was used for the determination of progesterone, zinc, copper, selenium, iron, magnesium, manganese, chromium, lead, cadmium, and serum vitamin E by standard methods.

RESULTS

Results showed statistically significant decreases (p<0.05) in the serum zinc, copper, and vitamin E and a significant elevation (p<0.05) in the serum selenium, lead, and cadmium in cases compared with controls. Insignificant decrease (p=0.07) was observed in the serum progesterone when cases were compared with controls.

CONCLUSION

Results suggest that elevated serum heavy metals (cadmium and lead) and reduction of essential micronutrients (zinc, copper and vitamin E) may contribute to recurrent spontaneous abortion.

Deposition, characterization, and tribological applications of near-frictionless carbon films on glass and ceramic substrates

As an element, carbon is rather unique and offers a range of rare opportunities for the design and fabrication of zero-, one-, two-, and three-dimensional nanostructured novel materials and coatings such as fullerenes, nanotubes, thin films, and free-standing nano-to-macroscale structures. Among these, carbon-based two-dimensional thin films (such as diamond and diamond-like carbon (DLC)) have attracted an overwhelming interest in recent years, mainly because of their exceptional physical, chemical, mechanical, electrical, and tribological properties. In particular, certain DLC films were found to provide extremely low friction and wear coefficients to sliding metallic and ceramic surfaces. Since the early 1990s, carbon has been used at Argonne National Laboratory to synthesize a class of novel DLC films that now provide friction and wear coefficients as low as 0.001 and 10(-11)-10(-10) mm(3) N(-1) m(-1), respectively, when tested in inert or vacuum test environments. Over the years, we have optimized these films and applied them successfully to all kinds of metallic and ceramic substrates and evaluated their friction and wear properties under a wide range of sliding conditions. In this paper, we will provide details of our recent work on the deposition, characterization, and tribological applications of near-frictionless carbon films on glass and ceramic substrates. We will also provide chemical and structural information about these films and describe the fundamental tribological mechanisms that control their unusual friction and wear behaviour.

Performance optimization of coagulant/flocculant in the treatment of wastewater from a beverage industry

This study investigated the effect of coagulation/flocculation treatment process on wastewater of Fumman Beverage Industry, Ibadan, Nigeria. The study also compared different dosages of coagulant, polyelectrolyte (non-ionic polyacrylamide) and different pH values of the coagulation processes. The effect of different dosages of polyelectrolyte in combination with coagulant was also studied. The results reveal that low pH values (3-8), enhance removal efficiency of the contaminants. Percentage removal of 78, 74 and 75 of COD, TSS and TP, respectively, were achieved by the addition of 500 mg/L Fe2(SO4)3.3H2O and 93, 94 and 96% removal of COD, TSS and TP, respectively, were achieved with the addition of 25 mg/L polyelectrolyte to the coagulation process. The volume of sludge produced, when coagulant was used solely, was higher compared to the use of polyelectrolyte combined with Fe2(SO4)3.3H2O. This may be as a result of non-ionic nature of the polyelectrolyte; hence, it does not chemically react with solids of the wastewater. Coagulation/flocculation may be useful as a pre-treatment process for beverage industrial wastewater prior to biological treatment.

Breast cancer in Nigeria

Breast cancer is now the commonest malignancy affecting women in Nigeria. It is likely to become an important public health issue in the next millennium. Recent years have witnessed an explosion in knowledge about the basic sciences of the disease, including the genetic basis and the pathology. These changes are leading to revisions in the management of the disease with a positive impact on prognosis. In this review, the recent developments in the various aspects of breast cancer are reviewed with reference to how they affect the disease in this environment.

Frequency of human toxocariasis in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Elisa) was used to examine sera of 104 children and adults in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria for anti-toxocaral antibodies, out of which 31 (29.8%) were reactive. The seropositive rates were 30.4% for adults, 29.6% for children, 34% for females and 25.9% for males. However, the differences were not significant by age and sex. A highly significant association (p < 0.001) was observed between seropositivity and geography but none between seropositivity and dog ownership (p > 0.05).

Surgery in Nigeria

Nigeria, like most other developing countries, is today experiencing an increasing incidence of noncommunicable diseases and the unsolved problem of infectious diseases. The role of surgery in the management of these diseases has continued to increase. Surgical training has traditionally been of a high standard, and this has made it possible for surgeons trained in Nigeria to cope with this change in the spectrum of diseases. A low success rate at the diploma examinations and an increasing loss of local talent to foreign countries has increased calls for a modification of the training programs. There is a need to improve the working conditions and environment of surgeons to stem the attrition. Surgery in a poor resource environment demands more, rather than less, skill from the surgeon, and the training programs must ensure that the specialist is adequately equipped to deal with conditions that may not be considered general surgery. While the unavailability of modern technology has limited the scope of research, it is still possible to conduct appropriate, "low-tech," and relevant research that is subject to excellent study design, proper controls, and scientifically valid interpretations.

Cup-and-spill gastric deformity following Hassab's procedure for oesophageal varices: case report

Hassab's operation for selected case of oesophageal varices is believed by many workers to be a very satisfactory procedure. Various complications following this procedure have been reported, but none has reported a case of Cup-and-Spill gastric deformity following this operation. We present such a complication following this procedure on a senior medical colleague with oesophageal varices resulting from a subclinical or previously undiagnosed hepatitis resulting in liver fibrosis. He responded fairly well to conservative treatment and small feed at frequent interval.

The effects of prednisolone and niacin on chloroquine-induced pruritus in malaria

Chloroquine chemotherapy of malaria fever induces severe generalised pruritus in a large proportion of black Africans. In a double blind, placebo controlled, randomised, parallel group study in 28 historically chloroquine pruritus-reactor (R+) patients, with malaria, we evaluated the prophylactic and the palliative antipruritic actions of prednisolone (5 mg) or niacin (50 mg). There was a significant prophylactic effect of both drugs on the pruritogenecity of chloroquine as well as significant reduction in the area under the pruritus intensity-time curve, AUC(0-72 h) by niacin. The salutary effect both of niacin and prednisolone on chloroquine pruritogenecity resulted neither, in the mitigation of malaria parasite clearance, nor in the clinical amelioration following antimalaria therapy.

Tamoxifen in the management of advanced breast carcinoma in Nigerian women

Twenty-nine Nigerian women with advanced breast carcinoma treated with Tamoxifen (Nolvadex ICI) at a dosage of 20 mg twice daily have been reviewed. Eight of 26 evaluable patients had objective response (31%). No statistically significant association was found between response rate and menopausal status, previous chemotherapy or disease free interval. The drug was well tolerated with a low incidence of side effects. This study suggests that Tamoxifen is a useful drug in the adjuvant management of patients with advanced breast carcinoma in Nigeria.

Abdominal wound dehiscence: a review of 60 cases at the University College Hospital, Ibadan

A total of 212 cases of abdominal wound dehiscence requiring secondary closure occurred in 8632 surgical obstetric and gynaecological laparotomies over a 7-year period ending in December 1981. The incidence of abdominal wound dehiscence at Ibadan was 2.5%. Contaminated wounds were the most susceptible with an incidence of 19%. A detailed review of 60 cases revealed a mean age of 29 years. Wound infection was the most prominent contributory factor. Tension sutures appeared to be ineffective in preventing wound dehiscence. Following secondary closure, 53% of the patients developed further wound complications, mainly wound infection, incisional hernia and repeat dehiscence. The average duration of hospitalization was 35 days and 7% of the patients died post-operatively.

Taboos and clinical research in West Africa

Moral principles or the rules of conduct are based in the society. If the purpose of ethics in research is to take into consideration the needs and the rights of the experimental subject, his social milieu must then largely determine the ethical considerations of a projected study. The inability to comprehend such rights may often be due to ignorance, disease and his societal values. Blood letting, biopsy and post-mortem examinations may so conflict with local beliefs that so called 'consent' to these is much more than a surrender of the rights of the individual. It is difficult to conform with the highest principles of ethics in research in any uniform society. It is more so when the many variables are further complicated by cultural demands and social taboos. The best custodians of ethical standards must relate intimately with the norms of the local population.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protruberans: analysis of eight cases in an African population

Eight cases of dermatofibrosarcoma protruberans seen in the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria between 1960 and 1972 are reviewed. The condition is rare in this population and affects young adults of both sexes. All were treated by wide excision and skin grafting with no recurrence at follow-up. The apparently low incidence being reported may be due in part to the inconsistent histological pattern of the lesion. Clinicians are urged to be more aware of this condition when a cutaneous, nodular or multiobulated tumor is encountered.

Non-malignant breast masses in an African population

The clinical manifestation of non-malignant breast masses in an African population is presented. The pattern of disease is affected by many factors, among which are social habits, poverty, and ignorance. The problems of diagnosis and treatment are discussed. Ulcerating benign masses simulate advanced malignancies and no hasty conclusion should be made on the latter without histological proof or evidence of distant metastases. There may be an indication for mammary amputation in some diseased pendulous breasts.

Gastro-intestinal manifestations of Burkitt tumour

Sixty-six cases of Burkitt's lymphoma were studied. Twenty-five of the cases had tumour involvement of the bowel. The commonest site of gastro-intestinal involvement was the stomach. No lesions were found in the oesophagus and rectum except in one case where the tumour was thought to have extended to the lower oesphagus from the cardia of the stomach. Attention is drawn to complications that may arise which require emergency measures and also to the infrequency of symptoms directly referable to bowel lesions. Illustrative case reports are given.