1,783 research outputs found
QuSecNets: Quantization-based Defense Mechanism for Securing Deep Neural Network against Adversarial Attacks
Adversarial examples have emerged as a significant threat to machine learning
algorithms, especially to the convolutional neural networks (CNNs). In this
paper, we propose two quantization-based defense mechanisms, Constant
Quantization (CQ) and Trainable Quantization (TQ), to increase the robustness
of CNNs against adversarial examples. CQ quantizes input pixel intensities
based on a "fixed" number of quantization levels, while in TQ, the quantization
levels are "iteratively learned during the training phase", thereby providing a
stronger defense mechanism. We apply the proposed techniques on undefended CNNs
against different state-of-the-art adversarial attacks from the open-source
\textit{Cleverhans} library. The experimental results demonstrate 50%-96% and
10%-50% increase in the classification accuracy of the perturbed images
generated from the MNIST and the CIFAR-10 datasets, respectively, on commonly
used CNN (Conv2D(64, 8x8) - Conv2D(128, 6x6) - Conv2D(128, 5x5) - Dense(10) -
Softmax()) available in \textit{Cleverhans} library
Procyclical Monetary Policy and Governance
Weak governance adversely affects firm’s net worth and consequently the value of its collateral. This negative impact on the collateral reduces the external credit available for importing inputs constraining potential output. As a result, a stronger procyclical monetary policy stance is adopted for protecting the exchange rate and hence arresting the degradation in the collateral constraint.Collateral Constraints; Governance; Monetary Policy
Management of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis by Laminectomy Experience with 80 Patients
Objectives: To study the clinical results and complications of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis managed surgically by single or two level laminectomy.
Study design: Retrospective study.
Materials and methods: This study was conducted in Neurosurgery Department of Lady Reading Hospital and Hayatabad Medical Complex Hospital, Peshawar from Jan, 2005 to December, 2007 with 06 months follow up. Total number of patients were 80. Data was collected with the help of performa containing name, age, sex of patients along-with signs symptoms, investigations, complications and follow up findings. Patients of both gender operated for the first time for lumbar spinal stenosis were included in the study Patients below 50 years, patients with spinal stenosis of more then 2 level, patients with spondylolisthesis and patients above 75 years were excluded from the study.
Results: Out of 80 patients 46 (57.5%) were male and 34 (42.5%) were female. 49 patients had single level laminectomy and 31 patients with two level laminectomies. 85% patients showed clinical improvement in pain and claudication, 6 patients had dural tear during surgery, one patient had CSF leak, 3 patients had superficial wound infection and 4 patients had urinary retention.
Conclusion: Laminectomy for lumbar spinal stenosis appears to be effective procedure in which better overall outcome and improvement in claudication, lower limbs pain and low backache can be achieved, improving health related quality of life
Pakistan-India Relations: Peace through Bilateral Trade
The idea behind this study is to identify the importance of trade in Pak-India peace process. This study emphases that trade is instrumental in achieving and maintaining peace and stability in the Indian subcontinent. Economic interdependence promotes peace and mutual economic benefits preclude war between nations and this concept has been argued in the paper. Furthermore, considering Pakistan-India trade relations; barriers to bilateral trade; current trade volume; measures needed to be adopted for improving bilateral trade and its role in Indo-Pak peace negotiations, territorial and border disputes and peace settlement have been analyzed. It is, therefore, concluded that trade can play a soft and positive role in conflict resolution between the two long standing adversaries. Key Words: Trade Relations, Peace Process, Economic Factors, Most Favored Nation Status, Bilateral Ties
PAKISTAN-INDIA RELATIONS: PEACE THROUGH BILATERAL TRADE
The idea behind this study is to identify the importance of trade in Pak-India peace process. This study emphases that trade is instrumental in achieving and maintaining peace and stability in the Indian subcontinent. Economic interdependence promotes peace and mutual economic benefits preclude war between nations and this concept has been argued in the paper. Furthermore, considering Pakistan-India trade relations; barriers to bilateral trade; current trade volume; measures needed to be adopted for improving bilateral trade and its role in Indo-Pak peace negotiations, territorial and border disputes and peace settlement have been analyzed. It is, therefore, concluded that trade can play a soft and positive role in conflict resolution between the two long standing adversaries
Female presence in corporate governance, firm performance, and the moderating role of family ownership
Assessing the role of diversity in corporate governance has
attracted growing interest. In addition, significant relationships
are expected between diversity dimensions and firm performance.
This research aims to analyze the relationships between female
presence in corporate board-firm financial performance and the
extent to which such influence is moderated by family ownership.
The study’s sample, based on the listed firms on the Pakistan
Stock Exchange (PSX), represents the nonfinancial sector from
2008 to 2019 with 2087 firm-year observations. Fixed-effect
regression analysis was applied to examine the proposed hypothesis. The study’s findings indicate that the presence of women in
corporate governance is positively associated with firm financial
performance. Simultaneously, the mentioned relationship is less
pronounced when family ownership is a moderator. The empirical
findings of the study support the argument that the presence of
women in corporate boards is positively associated with financial
performance and supports the reforms made by codes of corporate governance (CCG) that make the presence of female directors’
mandatory on the corporate boards. Additionally, the study findings partially confirm that a higher proportion of women on the
board increases firm performance. This study offers insights for
policymakers to implement legislation for a diverse gender placement in the board of directors and exploit the potential benefits
of the gender-balanced board, which generally improves firm
performance
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