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

Serological and Molecular Investigation of Brucella Species in Dogs in Pakistan

Brucellosis is an important bacterial zoonosis caused by B. abortus and B. melitensis in Pakistan. The status of canine brucellosis caused by B. canis remains obscure. In total, 181 serum samples were collected from stray and working dogs in two different prefectures viz. Faisalabad (n = 87) and Bahawalpur (n = 94). Presence of antibodies against B. canis and B. abortus/B. melitensis was determined using the slow agglutination test (SAT) and ELISA, respectively. Real-time PCR was performed to detect and differentiate Brucella DNA at the species level. In Faisalabad, the serological prevalence was found to be 9.2% (8/87) and 10.3% (9/87) by SAT and ELISA, respectively. Only one of the ELISA positive samples (1.15%) yielded amplification for B. abortus DNA. In Bahawalpur, 63.8% (60/94) samples were found positive by SAT; however, none of the samples was positive by ELISA or by real-time PCR. Location, age (≥1 year) and body condition (weak) were found to be associated with B. canis infection, whereas presence of wounds was found to be associated with B. abortus infection only. These findings point towards a risk of transmission from dog to livestock and humans and vice versa. The study expects to draw the attention of concerned authorities towards infection prevention and animal welfare. This study warrants further epidemiological investigation on brucellosis in pet dogs and their owners. To the best of our knowledge, this is first ever report on B. canis and B. abortus in dogs in Pakistan

Impact of Covid-19 on the Banking Sector of Pakistan

As it is seen that Pakistani banks are working continuously during the whole duration of covid-19 without any interruption, we have conducted this study to evaluate the performance of banks. We have explored in this study the impact of covid-19 on the Banking sector of Pakistan. By analysing banks' performance indicators, we have seen the trends of performance of top Pakistani banks. Ten banks are taken understudy, and six performance indicators such as Return on Assets, Return on Equity, Net income, Total deposits of banks, and Current ratios are examined in detail. The data is taken from the last quarter of 2019 and all four quarters of 2020. The data is collected from financial reports and other published sources. Comparisons have been made among each quarter of the banks which shows that we have to use the method of comparative analysis for this study. The results conclude that Pakistani banks are performing very well during the whole scenario of covid-19, where all other sectors of the economy have collapsed worldwide. Significant performances of the banks have supported the economy of Pakistan well. So, this study is helpful to the analysts, other researchers, and the decision-makers to banks to understand the trends and make their decisions accordingly

Noise-robust preparation contextuality shared between any number of observers via unsharp measurements

Multiple observers who independently harvest nonclassical correlations from a single physical system share the system's ability to enable quantum correlations. We show that any number of independent observers can share the preparation contextual outcome statistics enabled by state ensembles in quantum theory. Furthermore, we show that even in the presence of any amount of white noise, there exists quantum ensembles that enable such shared preparation contextuality. The findings are experimentally realised by applying sequential unsharp measurements to an optical qubit ensemble which reveals three shared demonstrations of preparation contextuality.Comment: H. A. and N. W. contributed equally to this wor

Impact Assessment of SPC Tools on Quality Improvement in Pakistani Industrial Environment: A Dynamic Case Study

Whether one belongs to service or production industry, Quality is always a big issue for business persons and the customers. If we do not have any means of measuring the performance of manufacturing Unit in trouble, how can we improve it? As W. Edwards Deming said “If you cannot measure it, you cannot improve it”. Everybody in the field of TQM is familiar with control charts and statistical process improvement for Quality. A number of tools, including the Six Sigma tool box, are made up of seven simple tools: flow chart, check list, histogram, Pareto chart, cause and effect diagram, scatter diagram, control chart. The Japanese call them "seven QC (quality control) tools, which have been used for decades to support quality improvement efforts to solve the problem. Usually variation is the only main reason for varying or low quality of their product/service, increasing dissatisfaction among customers and decreasing business credibility as a result. For that purpose, we chosen a business organization “Silver Lake Foods Pvt. Ltd.” as a study object, as management of SLFL was highly willing to cooperate. SLFL is a Food Manufacturing organization which produces food items like Biscuits, toffees, candies and chocolates, drinks etc. Management of SLFL has found that the process average for critical characteristics i.e. weight, taste etc. were out of control and causing big losses. In some cases, they have some ideas about possible causes. However, in most cases, they do not want or lack of knowledge and resources restrict them to carry out experimental design to find out the reasons for the change or decline quality.We have decided to use statistical process control (SPC) procedures for quality control, quality improvement and then ultimately towards total quality management.There were some ideas about possible causes but, as in most cases, they were reluctant or lacking the knowledge and resources to perform experimental design to find out the causes of variation or the causes of decreased (/ing) quality. We decided to use statistical process control (SPC) program to make the steps towards quality control and from quality control to quality improvement and then ultimately towards TQM. The Proposed study intends to find out impact of SPC tools in Quality improvement in Pakistani Industrial environment by studying Silver Lake Foods Pvt. Ltd. This  research also identify the main  sources of variations and bottlenecks  through dynamic use of SPC tools and  suggest recommendations regarding higher quality improvement and customer satisfaction levels in future. Keywords: Six Sigma tool box, TQM, Customer satisfaction, SPC tools, SLFP (Silver Lake Foods Pvt. Limited), Food industry, Quality improvemen

Comparison of Absorbable with non Absorbable sutures in closure of Laparotomy incisions

Objective: To compare the absorbable with non absorbable sutures in wound dehiscence after closure of Laparotomy incisions. Methodology: This randomized control trial was conducted in the department of general surgery, Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur in seven months duration from June 2016 to January 2017. Data was entered in statistical software SPSS version 23 and analyzed for desired variable analysis. Mean and SD was calculated for numerical data like age and Body Mass Index,  and frequency percentages were calculated categorical data like gender, Anemia etc. Chi square test was applied for effect modification or association of outcome variables with effect modifiers. P value < 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: In this study, a total number of 100% (n=130) patients were included, divided into two equal groups, 65 in each i.e. group Prolene and group Vicryl. In our study, wound dehiscence occurred in 6.2% (n=4) cases in whom Prolene was used whereas 21.5% (n=14) had wound dehiscence with the use of Vicryl suture. Vicryl was followed by significantly higher incidence of wound dehiscence than closure by Prolene (χ2= 6.448 DF = 1, P value=0.011). Conclusion: Observation of our study concluded that non absorbable Prolene has better outcome and less wound dehiscence and other complication as compared to absorbable Vicryl suture. Keywords: Absorbable suture, non absorbable suture, wound dehiscence, laparotomy

Comparison of Functional Outcomes in Terms Of Post-Operative Mobility for Unipolar Versus Bipolar Un-Cemented Hemiarthroplasty in Elderly Patients with Displaced Intracapsular Femoral Neck Fractures

Objective: To compare of functional outcomes in terms of post-operative mobility for unipolar versus bipolar un-cemented hemiarthroplasty in elderly patients with displaced intracapsular femoral neck fractures. Methodology: Our study design is Randomized Control Trialconducted inDepartment of Orthopedics Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur. April 2015 to October 2016.Sample size is (calculated by taking n6 =138, confidence interval 95, power of study 80, P1= 33%, P2=13%) 69 in each group. Sampling technique used was non probability consecutive sampling. All patients who meet the inclusion criteria presenting to orthopedic unit of Nishtar Hospital Multan with fracture neck of femur were selected for study. Patients were divided into two groups randomly by lottery method and enrolled for unipolar or bipolar hemiarthroplasty. Chi-square test was used to compare outcome variable in both groups. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Effect modifiers like age and sex was controlled by stratification. Chi square test was applied to see significant difference. Results: Overall, there were 100% (n=138) patients in this study, both genders. The mean age of the patients was 66.35±4.29 years. (Range: 60 to 80years) Mean age and SD of group A (no walking aid) was 54.52 ± 3.10 and in group B (walking aid) 54.99 ± 3.19. Time up go score was noted as successful 33.3% (n=46) and 66.7% (n=92) as unsuccessful. Walking aid was noted in 65.2% (n=90) patients. Functional outcome was noted as good in 26.8% (n=37) patients and noted as bad in 73.2% (n=101) patients. Out of 100% (n=38) patients, good outcome was 26.3% (n=10) unipolar and 73.7% (n=28) bipolar. Out of 100% (n=100) Bad outcome was 59% unipolar and bipolar 41%. Conclusion: Functional outcome in term of mobility is better in case of bipolar prosthesis as compared to unipolar. Thus in our conclusion bipolar prosthesis is preferred procedure as compared to unipolar hemiarthroplasty in treating patients with displaced intracapsular femoral neck fracture. Keywords:Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty, Unipolar Hemiarthroplasty, Displaced intracapsular femoral neck fractures