Communication Efficient Private Federated Learning Using Dithering

The task of preserving privacy while ensuring efficient communication is a fundamental challenge in federated learning. In this work, we tackle this challenge in the trusted aggregator model, and propose a solution that achieves both objectives simultaneously. We show that employing a quantization scheme based on subtractive dithering at the clients can effectively replicate the normal noise addition process at the aggregator. This implies that we can guarantee the same level of differential privacy against other clients while substantially reducing the amount of communication required, as opposed to transmitting full precision gradients and using central noise addition. We also experimentally demonstrate that the accuracy of our proposed approach matches that of the full precision gradient method

C++ Design Patterns for Low-latency Applications Including High-frequency Trading

This work aims to bridge the existing knowledge gap in the optimisation of latency-critical code, specifically focusing on high-frequency trading (HFT) systems. The research culminates in three main contributions: the creation of a Low-Latency Programming Repository, the optimisation of a market-neutral statistical arbitrage pairs trading strategy, and the implementation of the Disruptor pattern in C++. The repository serves as a practical guide and is enriched with rigorous statistical benchmarking, while the trading strategy optimisation led to substantial improvements in speed and profitability. The Disruptor pattern showcased significant performance enhancement over traditional queuing methods. Evaluation metrics include speed, cache utilisation, and statistical significance, among others. Techniques like Cache Warming and Constexpr showed the most significant gains in latency reduction. Future directions involve expanding the repository, testing the optimised trading algorithm in a live trading environment, and integrating the Disruptor pattern with the trading algorithm for comprehensive system benchmarking. The work is oriented towards academics and industry practitioners seeking to improve performance in latency-sensitive applications

Assessment of Nano-toxicity and Safety Profiles of Silver Nanoparticles

Nanotoxicology, which is related with toxic potentials of nanoparticles (NPs) and their adverse effects on living organisms and environment, is a sub-branch of toxicology discipline. Nano-toxicity of NPs depends on their doses, unique chemical, and physical properties. Nowadays, silver (Ag) NPs are used in many consumer and scientific applications such as antimicrobial and pharmaceutical applications, water purification systems, textile industry, and food packaging processes. However, the information that about their nano-toxic potentials is still not complete, and it is considered that several parameters of Ag NPs such as size, shape, surface, and stability affect the toxic potential in different ways. Nano-toxic potentials of Ag NPs were mentioned as in vivo, in vitro, and in silico the studies. In this chapter, it was evaluated the common unique properties of NPs are related with nanotoxicology such as size, surface area and modifications, shape, agglomeration status, and dose

3D Propolis-Sodium Alginate Scaffolds: Influence on Structural Parameters, Release Mechanisms, Cell Cytotoxicity and Antibacterial Activity

FEN-C-YLP-130319-0065 BAPKO Project. UID/CTM/50025/2019In this study, the main aim was to fabricate propolis (Ps)-containing wound dressing patches using 3D printing technology. Different combinations and structures of propolis (Ps)-incorporated sodium alginate (SA) scaffolds were developed. The morphological studies showed that the porosity of developed scaffolds was optimized when 20% (v/v) of Ps was added to the solution. The pore sizes decreased by increasing Ps concentration up to a certain level due to its adhesive properties. The mechanical, swelling-degradation (weight loss) behaviors, and Ps release kinetics were highlighted for the scaffold stability. An antimicrobial assay was employed to test and screen antimicrobial behavior of Ps against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus strains. The results show that the Ps-added scaffolds have an excellent antibacterial activity because of Ps compounds. An in vitro cytotoxicity test was also applied on the scaffold by using the extract method on the human dermal fibroblasts (HFFF2) cell line. The 3D-printed SA-Ps scaffolds are very useful structures for wound dressing applications.publishersversionpublishe

A strategic safety management framework through balanced scorecard and quality function deployment

The aim of this paper is to propose a safety management framework for construction companies. A literature review was carried out to identify significant factors that would improve safety performance. Two management tools-namely, the balanced scorecard and quality function deployment (QFD)-were used to construct the framework. Strategic goals were established for each of the following perspectives of the balanced scorecard: financial and cultural, employee, process, and learning. Afterwards, a questionnaire was prepared using the QFD approach. The goals in the financial and cultural perspective were defined as the safety-related needs of the organization ("customer requirements" in the original QFD approach); and the goals in the remaining perspectives included the actions that the organization could take to meet its needs. Results of the questionnaire were used to set the final strategic goals in the balanced scorecard. Safety performance measures and initiatives were used to accomplish the goals in the balanced scorecard

Molecular docking studies of YKT tripeptide and drug delivery system with poly(epsilon-caprolactone) nanoparticles

Tyrosyllysylthreonine (YKT) is a peptide structure that contains three different amino acids in its structure and has anticancer properties. The main purpose of this study is to reveal the structural interactions of the peptide and to increase the efficiency of the peptide with nanoformulation. For these purposes, YKT-loaded poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using the double-emission precipitation method and the obtained NPs were characterized with a Zeta Sizer, UV-Vis, Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflection spectrometers, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The in vitro release profile of the peptide-loaded PCL NPs was determined. In molecular modeling studies, PCL, PCL-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and PCL-PVA-YKT systems were simulated in an aqueous medium by molecular dynamics simulations, separately. The information about the interactions between the YKT tripeptide and the epidermal growth factor and androgen, estrogen, and progesterone receptors were obtained with the molecular docking study. Additionally, the ADME profile of YKT was determined as a result of each docking study. In conclusion, tripeptide-based nanodrug development studies of the YKT tripeptide are presented in this study

Effect of Ramadan on Emergency Department Attendances: A Retrospective Study

Aim: Changes in diet and lifestyle are often observed during Ramadan. These changes may affect visits to the emergency department (ED). However, it remains unclear how exactly visits to the ED are affected. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effect of Ramadan on visits to the ED. Materials and Methods: Hospital records and files of patients aged >17 years who visited a university hospital ED just before, during and immediately after Ramadan from 2014 through 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: A total of 44146 ED visits were evaluated. It was found that ED visits were lower during Ramadan than during other months (p<0.001). Further, during Ramadan, there was a significant increase in ED visits one hour after iftar and one hour before sahur (p<0.001). The number of forensic cases significantly decreased during Ramadan (p<0.001). Conclusion: During Ramadan, the number of ED visits decreased and the timing of the ED visits was altered. There was a significant increase in visits one hour after iftar and one hour before sahur