Forgery Detection in Digital Images by Multi-Scale Noise Estimation

A complex processing chain is applied from the moment a raw image is acquired until the final image is obtained. This process transforms the originally Poisson-distributed noise into a complex noise model. Noise inconsistency analysis is a rich source for forgery detection, as forged regions have likely undergone a different processing pipeline or out-camera processing. We propose a multi-scale approach, which is shown to be suitable for analyzing the highly correlated noise present in JPEG-compressed images. We estimate a noise curve for each image block, in each color channel and at each scale. We then compare each noise curve to its corresponding noise curve obtained from the whole image by counting the percentage of bins of the local noise curve that are below the global one. This procedure yields crucial detection cues since many forgeries create a local noise deficit. Our method is shown to be competitive with the state of the art. It outperforms all other methods when evaluated using the MCC score, or on forged regions large enough and for colorization attacks, regardless of the evaluation metric.

Comparative efficacy of commonly used first-line chemotherapy regimens in advanced pancreatic cancer: A network meta-analysis.

403 Background: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is one of the deadliest cancers, ranking fourth in mortality and accounting for up to 7% of all cancer related deaths in the United States. For many years, Gemcitabine and its combinations have been the standard first-line treatments for patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer (aPC). Recently, FOLFIRINOX was shown to be associated with a survival advantage as well. These chemotherapy combinations have not been compared to each other. We conducted this network meta-analysis to evaluate the relative efficacy of the commonly used chemotherapy regimens in patients with aPC. Methods: A review of the medical literature was conducted using online databases. Inclusion criteria consisted of English language; diagnosis of aPC; treatment with Gemcitabine (GEM) combined with Capecitabine (CAPE), Erlotinib (ERLO), or nab-Paclitaxel (NABPAC) and treatments with FOLFIRINOX; and randomized studies reporting survival and response rates. A frequentists network meta-analysis was conducted using netmeta package and random-effects model. Results: Six studies comprising a total of 2,717 participants were included. FOLFIRINOX demonstrated a significantly better relative risk (RR) of progression and death (P&D) followed by GEM+NABPAC, GEM+ERLO, GEM+CAPE, and GEM in a decreasing order. When compared to GEM-based combination as a group, FOLFIRINOX maintained its superior RR for P&D. Moreover, FOLFIRINOX and GEM+NABPAC had significantly better response rates than GEM+CAPE and GEM+ERLO. Inconsistency analysis did not reveal any significant differences between direct and indirect estimates. Conclusions: This network meta-analysis is the first to compare and rank commonly used treatment regimens in aPC. It indicates that FOLFIRINOX combination seems to be superior to GEM-based combinations with respect to P&D as well as response rates. Nevertheless, among GEM-based combinations, GEM+NABPAC seems to have the best profile given its lower RR for P&D and higher response rates.

Multi-valued Verification of Strategic Ability

Some multi-agent scenarios call for the possibility of evaluating specifications in a richer domain of truth values. Examples include runtime monitoring of a temporal property over a growing prefix of an infinite path, inconsistency analysis in distributed databases, and verification methods that use incomplete anytime algorithms, such as bounded model checking. In this paper, we present multi-valued alternating-time temporal logic (mv-ATL*→), an expressive logic to specify strategic abilities in multi-agent systems. It is well known that, for branching-time logics, a general method for model-independent translation from multi-valued to two-valued model checking exists. We show that the method cannot be directly extended to mv-ATL*→. We also propose two ways of overcoming the problem. Firstly, we identify constraints on formulas for which the model-independent translation can be suitably adapted. Secondly, we present a model-dependent reduction that can be applied to all formulas of mv-ATL*→. We show that, in all cases, the complexity of verification increases only linearly when new truth values are added to the evaluation domain. We also consider several examples that show possible applications of mv-ATL*→ and motivate its use for model checking multi-agent systems.

Dinamika dan Proyeksi Perubahan Tutupan Lahan serta Inkonsistensi Tata Ruang di Wilayah Pegunungan Kendeng

Dynamics and Projections of Land Cover Changes and Spatial Plan Inconsistenciesin Kendeng Mountains Region Kendeng is limestone mountains that stretch across the northern part of Java Island. It is located in 7 regencies in 2 provinces (Pati, Grobogan, Blora, and Rembang Regenciy in Central Java Province; and Lamongan, Bojonegoro, and Tuban Regency in East Java Province). Kendeng Mountains is rich in natural resources and biodiversity. However, the development of mining activities and other cultivation activities has led to a dynamic land cover changes and threatens to damage the karst area of Kendeng Mountains. This research aims to: (1) identify the dynamics of land cover changes (LCC) in Kendeng Mountains (1996–2016); (2) conduct projections of the LCC in 2036; and (3) analyze spatial plan inconsistencies in the region. LCC analysis was conducted with ArcGIS 10.3 software using land cover maps of 1996, 2000, 2006, 2011, and 2016 from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. Projections of LCC in 2036 was analyzed by CA-Markov using Idrisi Selva software. Spatial plan inconsistency analysis was carried out by overlaying land cover maps with Spatial Plan (RTRW) maps. Based on CA-Markov analysis, the mining area increased from 12 ha (1996) to 1,660 ha (2016), as well as built-up area from 83,543 ha (1996) to 96,761 ha (2016). The projection of land cover change predicts that mining area and built-up area in 2036 will increase to 3,646 ha and 110,843 ha. Existing area (in 2016) which is inconsistent with the Spatial Plan is 12.3%. Based on predicted LCC in 2036, it seems that the chances of spatial plan inconsistencies in this region will increase more in the future.

A Novel Privacy Approach of Digital Aerial Images Based on Mersenne Twister Method with DNA Genetic Encoding and Chaos

Aerial photography involves capturing images from aircraft and other flying objects, including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). Aerial images are used in many fields and can contain sensitive information that requires secure processing. We proposed an innovative new cryptosystem for the processing of aerial images utilizing a chaos-based private key block cipher method so that the images are secure even on untrusted cloud servers. The proposed cryptosystem is based on a hybrid technique combining the Mersenne Twister (MT), Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA), and Chaotic Dynamical Rossler System (MT-DNA-Chaos) methods. The combination of MT with the four nucleotides and chaos sequencing creates an enhanced level of security for the proposed algorithm. The system is tested at three separate phases. The combined effects of the three levels improve the overall efficiency of the randomness of data. The proposed method is computationally agile, and offered more security than existing cryptosystems. To assess, this new system is examined against different statistical tests such as adjacent pixels correlation analysis, histogram consistency analyses and its variance, visual strength analysis, information randomness and uncertainty analysis, pixel inconsistency analysis, pixels similitude analyses, average difference, and maximum difference. These tests confirmed its validity for real-time communication purposes.

Comparative efficacy of primary treatment approaches in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC): An updated network meta-analysis.

e18566 Background: ATC is a rare tumor accounting for around 5% of all thyroid cancers. With survival measured in months, ATC is often fatal despite combined therapeutic approaches. Several studies reported on ATC treatment modalities indicating different outcomes and occasionally conflicting results. This analysis was conducted to update and expand our existing knowledge of the relative efficacy of the available therapeutic modalities in this rare disease. Methods: A review of the medical literature was conducted using online databases. Inclusion criteria consisted of (i) English language, (ii) diagnosis of ATC, (iii) treatment with complete resection (SX), radiotherapy (RT), surgery and radiotherapy (SRT), chemoradiotherapy (CRT), and combined surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy (COMB), and (iv) comparative studies reporting survival rates. A frequentists network meta-analysis was conducted using netmeta package and random-effects model. Results: Six studies comprising a total of 476 participants were included. SX, RT, CRT, SRT, and COMB approaches demonstrated significant survival advantage over no treatment and/or palliative care. Using odds ratio for analysis, COMB ranked highest followed by SRT, SX, CRT, and RT in a decreasing order. Inconsistency analysis did not reveal any significant differences between direct and indirect estimates. Conclusions: This network meta-analysis is the first to compare and rank commonly used treatment modalities in ATC. It indicates that SX and RT remain the backbone for any treatment approach that significantly impacts survival in ATC.