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