2P3FL:A Novel Approach for Privacy Preserving in Financial Sectors Using Flower Federated Learning

The increasing data pool in finance sectors forces machine learning(ML)to step into new complications.Banking data has significant financial implications and is confidential.Combining users data from several organizations for various banking services may result in various intrusions and privacy leakages.As a result,this study employs federated learning(FL)using a flower paradigm to preserve each organization’s privacy while collaborating to build a robust shared global model.However,diverse data distributions in the collaborative training process might result in inadequate model learning and a lack of privacy.To address this issue,the present paper proposes the imple-mentation of Federated Averaging(FedAvg)and Federated Proximal(FedProx)methods in the flower framework,which take advantage of the data locality while training and guaranteeing global convergence.Resultantly improves the privacy of the local models.This analysis used the credit card and Canadian Institute for Cybersecurity Intrusion Detection Evaluation(CICIDS)datasets.Precision,recall,and accuracy as performance indicators to show the efficacy of the proposed strategy using FedAvg and FedProx.The experimental findings suggest that the proposed approach helps to safely use banking data from diverse sources to enhance customer banking services by obtaining accuracy of 99.55%and 83.72%for FedAvg and 99.57%,and 84.63%for FedProx.

An Investigation into Green Total Factor Productivity in China's Carbon-Intensive Sectors and Its Influencing Factors

This paper uses an SBM-GML index model to assess Green Total Factor Productivity(GTFP)in China's carbon-intensive sectors and conducts an empirical investigation into which factors influence GTFP in these sectors.The GTFP in the carbon-intensive sectors experienced a decline between 2006 and 2011,followed by an upward trend beginning in 2012.Technological progress was the primary driver of GTFP growth,while business size was also a notable contributor.Irrational energy structures negatively influenced the high-quality development of the carbon-intensive sectors,and environmental regulation and foreign direct investment(FDI)have not yet significantly impacted GTFP.Based on these findings,this paper suggests that the carbon-intensive sectors should expedite their green transitions by focusing on system improvement,technological innovations,energy revolutions,and high-level opening up.

Bangladeshi textile and garment sectors defied the global disasters and continued growth

Bangladeshi textile and garment sectors defied the global challenges over the last five years and continued to grow although the growth momentum was not so strong before the COVID-19 pandemic.Before the start of the pandemic,both the textile and garment sectors were growing at a higher rate because of rising demand from the international clothing retailers and brands because of two main reasons including the trade war between USA and China and competitive prices of locally made garment.

Artificial Intelligence Based on Resilient Leadership in the Health Sector-A Secondary Publication

At present,it is impossible to deny the existence of artificial intelligence in various areas of social life,understood as the simulation of expert human intelligence from computer processes that involve learning,reasoning,and self-correction,its benefits to the medical field,in particular,are innumerable,but their incorporation into health systems has been gradual for many reasons.According to the above,this research analyzed artificial intelligence based on resilient leadership in the health sector,for which qualitative research was carried out with a documentary-bibliographic design with printed and electronic documentary sources with theoretical contributions fromÁvila,Mayer,and Quesada[1],Morgan[2],Villa[3],and Finol[4],among others.It is highlighted that resilient leadership has become a strategic factor in all organizations,since times of uncertainty and changes lead institutions to properly manage the incorporation of technologies specifically AI,achieving in this way that the centers and professionals in the field of health assume the needs of the contexts and the innovations of the same.It is concluded that resilient leadership will allow artificial intelligence in the health sector to generate higher levels of learning and adaptability to the transformations that are necessary,whose resistance would make its application difficult and in the long run it will leave behind professionals who refuse to assume the contributions of these innovative techniques in medical practice.

Spatial Disparity in Availability of Tuberculosis Diagnostic Services Based on Sector and Level of Care in Nigeria

Background: Delay in Tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis can contribute to late presentation, severe disease, and continued transmission. KNCV TB Foundation Nigeria through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded the TB Local Organization Network (LON) 1 and 2 projects that explored the availability of Tuberculosis services based on sector and levels of care. Methods: TB Patient Pathway Analysis was carried out in 14 states comprising 92 facilities. It involved primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of health care in both the public and private sectors. This was a cross-sectional study under program implementation. Proforma was used to collect data on the available TB diagnostic services. Results: In public health facilities, GeneXpert was available at 100% in tertiary facilities in 8 (57%) states;up to 82% in 4 (33%) states, 50% available at secondary facilities in 2 states, and There is none at the primary facilities. Smear microscopy was available at 100% in tertiary facilities in 9 (64%) states and 3 (25%) states have 50% to 82%;secondary -10 (71%) states have > 70% at facilities;primary 1 (7%) state has it in 61% of facilities. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (TB-LAMP) in tertiary 2 (17%) states have 20% and 100% respectively;secondary 4 (<30%) states have in 1 or 2 facilities;none for primary facilities. In private health facilities, 79% of states have Smear microscopy at both primary and secondary facilities, and only 2 states (14%) at tertiary facilities. Only 1 (7%) state has GeneXpert in all tertiary facilities, 2 (14%) states have secondary facilities, and 4 states in about 1% of facilities. TB LAMP was not available in any tertiary facility, one (7%) state at secondary with coverage of 1%, and 2 (14%) states at primary both with 4% overall facility coverage. Conclusions: There is an inequitable distribution of TB diagnostic services in both sectors and levels of care in Nigeria. TB care and control will improve with enhanced equitable distribution of TB diagnostic services across the health system.

Cameroon’s Rice Sector Faced with Import Dependency

Rice is a staple food for the Cameroonian population and is the most consumed cereal after maize. The SNDR (National Rice Development Strategy) document shows that despite the scale of investment to absorb domestic demand for rice, Cameroonian production has only been able to satisfy domestic demand to the tune of 20%. The question is therefore to understand the constraints that prevent the development of local rice production to the level of national need. To obtain results, quantitative and qualitative data from secondary sources were used. The rice sector in Cameroon is managed by the state through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MINADER). MINADER designs development policies and strategies and coordinates the development of activities in the field. The state implements its policies and strategies through the projects and supervisory structures under its supervision. The sector is organized from the supervisory authority to the consumer. Each actor who intervenes has very specific missions that are transformed into effective activities in the field. The tracing of the evolution of rice production in Cameroon, from the year 2000 to 2018, shows three phases of evolution. The first phase, from 2000 to 2008, can be described as a recovery phase, with a growth rate of 44.84%, at the rate of 5.6% growth per year. The second phase can be described as the take-off phase, which runs from 2008 to 2016 when production peaked. The growth rate during this period was 79.96% at a rate of 10% growth per year. After the take-off phase, there is a decline between 2016 and 2018 at a rate of &#8722;12.7%, at a rate of &#8722;6.35% per year. It can be seen that the increase in production is evolving at the same rate as the increase in cultivated areas. However, the level of rice production in Cameroon does not essentially depend on the cultivated areas. This suggests that the increase in rice production in Cameroon also depends on the level of local farm yields. The State should, therefore, in addition to the increase in cultivated areas, accentuate its actions in the direction of increasing the yields of local producers.

Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, and Perceptions for Salt/Sodium Reduction in the Gastronomic Sector of Costa Rica

Excess sodium intake is associated with high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases. This study examined food services in Costa Rica as a major source of sodium. The research included six cafeterias, six fast food establishments, 13 restaurants, and 15 diners using non-probabilistic convenience sampling. Interviews were conducted with workers to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding salt reduction. The findings were analyzed to determine effective intervention strategies. Participants showed regular knowledge about salt/sodium. While they recognized the link with high blood pressure, understanding of other health problems was limited. Positive attitudes were observed toward healthy cooking and reducing sodium in pre-prepared food, especially in restaurants. Over 70% expressed a desire to reduce salt in food services, with more than 80% indicating a need for staff training, particularly in cafeterias lacking knowledge of low-salt preparations. High-sodium ingredients were prevalent, with saltshakers and sauces readily available. However, some individuals were reluctant to reduce salt/sodium intake, citing concerns about taste, food variety, and customer complaints. Obstacles to reducing salt/sodium levels included limited accessibility and the cost of low-sodium ingredients. The data collection tools and methodologies used in this study can serve as a foundation for future investigations and strategies to reduce salt consumption in food services. The study recommends government support for transforming the gastronomic sector and implementing regulations and knowledge enhancement. Collaboration with the productive sector is crucial for creating healthy environments. This research presents valuable evidence regarding the utilization of salt and sodium in the gastronomic sector, thereby assisting in the decision-making process for public health initiatives and the prevention of non-communicable chronic diseases. It highlights the significance of tackling sodium reduction in food services to encourage the adoption of healthy culinary practices and enhance the overall health of the population.

Helical particle manipulation based on power-exponent-phase acoustic vortices generated by a sector transducer array

The characteristics of traditional acoustic vortices(AVs) were verified by the cross-sectional axisymmetric pressure distributions with perfect phase spirals around the center pressure null. In order to generate a non-axisymmetric pressure distribution, the concept of power-exponent-phase was first introduced into the formation of AV beams, named “powerexponent-phase acoustic vortices(PAVs)” in this paper. Based on a ring-array of sector transducers, the helical distribution of the low-pressure valley in cross-sections of PAVs, which enables particles to move from a distant position to the center low-potential well along a certain spiral passageway, was proved theoretically. The particle manipulation behavior for PAVs with a power order of 2 is numerically modeled and experimentally confirmed. The results show that PAVs with a nonaxisymmetric spiral pressure distribution can be used to realize the directional transport of particles in an enlarged scope,suggesting prospective application potential in biomedical engineering.

Volatility spillovers,structural breaks and uncertainty in technology sector markets

This study uses the dynamic conditional correlation to investigate how technology subsector stocks interact with financial assets in the face of economic and financial uncertainty.Our results suggest that structural breaks have diverse effects on financial asset connectedness and that the level of bond linkage increases when the trend breaks.We see a growing co-movement between the technology sector and major financial assets when uncertainty is considered.Overall,our findings indicate that the connectedness response varies depending on the type of uncertainty shock.

Study on the Formation Mechanism and Microphysical Characteristics of WarmSector Convective System with Multiple-Rain-Bands Organizational Mode

Based on ERA5 reanalysis data and multi-source observations,including polarimetric radar and automatic weather stations,this study analyzes the formation mechanism and microphysical characteristics of a warm-sector heavy rainfall event caused by a convective system with multiple-rain-bands organizational mode over the western coast of south China.In the early stage,under the influence of coastal convergence and topography,convection was triggered in the coastal mountainous areas and moved north-eastwards.Nocturnal cooling induced the north winds in the inland mountainous area.A mesoscale convergence line was formed in the middle of Yangjiang city between the inland north and coastal south winds,which facilitated the developing and merging of convective storms into a linear convective band along the convergence line.This relatively long convective band presented a quasi-stationary state in the south of Mt.Ehuangzhang and Mt.Tianlu,which results in the first precipitation peak.At this stage,the convection developed to a higher level,with relatively larger raindrops,producing larger amounts of rainfall,which was probably related to the active merging of convection.In the later phase,as the environmental winds shifted,convective bands tended to move southeastwards,accompanied with the cold pools.At the same time,the multiple short convective bands were formed,which were almost parallel to the shear line,and a multiple-rain-bands organizational mode occurred.The mesoscale convergence line maintained due to the outflows of cold pools caused by precipitation in the preceding period,and then gradually moved southwards.Under the influence of the mesoscale convergence and topography,convection was continuously triggered at the southern end of the short convective bands.This back-building characteristic favored the development of the convective system.The multiple rain bands passed through the same place in a“rainband-training”form,resulting in the second peak of precipitation.The collision process was active in the low levels during this event.

Does country risk impact the banking sectors’non‑performing loans?Evidence from BRICS emerging economies

This study aims to fill the gap in the literature by specifically investigating the impact of country risk on the credit risk of the banking sectors operating in Brazil,Russia,India,China,and South Africa(BRICS),emerging countries.More specifically,we explore whether the country-specific risks,namely financial,economic,and political risks significantly impact the BRICS banking sectors’non-performing loans and also probe which risk has the most outstanding effect on credit risk.To do so,we perform panel data analysis using the quantile estimation approach covering the period 2004–2020.The empirical results reveal that the country risk significantly leads to increasing the banking sector’s credit risk and this effect is prominent in the banking sector of countries with a higher degree of non-performing loans(Q.25=−0.105,Q.50=−0.131,Q.75=−0.153,Q.95=−0.175).Furthermore,the results underscore that an emerging country’s political,economic,and financial instabilities are strongly associated with increasing the banking sector’s credit risk and a rise in political risk in particular has the most positive prominent impact on the banking sector of countries with a higher degree of non-performing loans(Q.25=−0.122,Q.50=−0.141,Q.75=−0.163,Q.95=−0.172).Moreover,the results suggest that,in addition to the banking sectorspecific determinants,credit risk is significantly impacted by the financial market development,lending interest rate,and global risk.The results are robust and have significant policy suggestions for many policymakers,bank executives,researchers,and analysts.

The aggregate and sectoral time‑varying market efficiency during crisis periods in Turkey:a comparative analysis with COVID‑19 outbreak and the global financial crisis

This study aims to examine the time-varying efficiency of the Turkish stock market’s major stock index and eight sectoral indices,including the industrial,financial,service,information technology,basic metals,tourism,real estate investment,and chemical petrol plastic,during the COVID-19 outbreak and the global financial crisis(GFC)within the framework of the adaptive market hypothesis.This study employs multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis to illustrate these sectors’multifractality and short-and long-term dependence.The results show that all sectoral returns have greater persis-tence during the COVID-19 outbreak than during the GFC.Second,the real estate and information technology industries had the lowest levels of efficiency during the GFC and the COVID-19 outbreak.Lastly,the fat-tailed distribution has a greater effect on multifractality in these industries.Our results validate the conclusions of the adaptive market hypothesis,according to which arbitrage opportunities vary over time,and contribute to policy formulation for future outbreak-induced economic crises.

The predictive power of Bitcoin prices for the realized volatility of US stock sector returns

This paper is motivated by Bitcoin’s rapid ascension into mainstream finance and recent evidence of a strong relationship between Bitcoin and US stock markets.It is also motivated by a lack of empirical studies on whether Bitcoin prices contain useful information for the volatility of US stock returns,particularly at the sectoral level of data.We specifically assess Bitcoin prices’ability to predict the volatility of US composite and sectoral stock indices using both in-sample and out-of-sample analyses over multiple forecast horizons,based on daily data from November 22,2017,to December,30,2021.The findings show that Bitcoin prices have significant predictive power for US stock volatility,with an inverse relationship between Bitcoin prices and stock sector volatility.Regardless of the stock sectors or number of forecast horizons,the model that includes Bitcoin prices consistently outperforms the benchmark historical average model.These findings are independent of the volatility measure used.Using Bitcoin prices as a predictor yields higher economic gains.These findings emphasize the importance and utility of tracking Bitcoin prices when forecasting the volatility of US stock sectors,which is important for practitioners and policymakers.

Risk behaviours associated with HIV and AIDS among couples in Rwamiko Sector, Gicumbi District, Rwanda

Background:Risk behaviours have been linked to the spread of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus(HIV)epidemic in both urban and rural areas.Despite the progress made in the fight against HIV,it remains a public health concern worldwide.Risk behaviours such as not using condoms,having multiple sexual partners,and engaging in early sexual activity increase the risk of HIV infection.Therefore,it is important to assess these risk behaviours and understand the relationship between different factors and HIV,specifically among couples,in order to better understand the dynamics of the epidemic.The main objective of this study was to assess risk behaviours for HIV and AIDS among couples in Rwamiko sector,Gicumbi District,and suggest appropriate interventions for this group.Methods:This cross-sectional survey aimed to assess associated HIV and AIDS risk behaviours among couples in Rwamiko Sector,Gicumbi District,in order to determine the dynamics of the epidemic in this group and suggest appropriate interventions.Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire and a multistage cluster random sampling technique.The collected data was then computed,analyzed,and presented in the form of tables and figures.Descriptive statistics were used to analyze all variables.Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios and 95%confidence intervals(CI)to investigate the relationship between the assessed factors,such as independent and dependent variables.The association between the studied factors was described using odds ratios with 95%CIs.Results:The majority of respondents were in the age group of 30-39 years.All respondents were married,and approximately 45%had completed primary education.The majority of respondents were unemployed.Respondents reported receiving HIV information from multiple sources,including radio,TV,films,school,church,health workers,parents,and friends.The findings of this study showed that some participants had knowledge about HIV transmission and prevention,while others did not.The proportion of respondents with a high level of HIV and AIDS knowledge was 30.61%(n=60),while moderate knowledge accounted for 53.57%(n=105).Furthermore,the proportion of respondents with a low level of knowledge on HIV and AIDS was 15.81%(n=31).The attitude towards HIV and AIDS was positive for 58.16%(n=114)of respondents,while 41.83%(n=82)had a negative attitude.None of the respondents reported using injection drugs.Significant associations were found between age(P-value=0.002,odds ratio(OR)=3.4,95%CI=1.59-7.67),gender(p=0.001,OR=2.6,95%CI=1.44-4.68),and alcohol consumption.There was also an association between age(P=0.001,OR=5.13,95%CI=2.04-12.91)and having multiple sexual partners.Conclusion:The majority of couples in Rwamiko Sector,Gicumbi District have a moderate level of knowledge and a positive attitude towards HIV and AIDS.However,the proportions of respondents with a low level of knowledge and a negative attitude should not be overlooked.The results of this study suggest the need to improve communication messages related to HIV,its transmission risks,and safer sexual behavior,particularly among couples in Rwamiko Sector,Gicumbi District.

Entrepreneurial Orientation and Innovation Ecosystems in the Industrial Sector, Central Region, Kampala, Uganda: A Review

This review explores entrepreneurial orientation and innovation ecosystems in the industrial sector of the Central Region, Kampala, Uganda, through an analysis of ten scholarly articles. The study contextualizes the research within the regional landscape and establishes a theoretical framework through a focused literature review. Key findings highlight the intersection of entrepreneurial activities and innovation dynamics, emphasizing the region’s unique contributions to the broader field. Discussions on discrepancies and unexplored territories within the articles offer insights into limitations and research gaps. The manuscript concludes by identifying future research avenues, providing a roadmap for ongoing inquiry into the entrepreneurial and innovative dimensions of the Central Region’s industrial sector. This synthesis underscores the importance of cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset and collaborative innovation strategies for sustainable industrial development in the region.

AI and data analytics are in full swing in the textile sector

The implementation of artificial intelligence and data analytics varies from management automation to product inspection.These technologies detect visual defects and measure wrinkles in the fabric.Also,machine learning algorithms identify previously hidden operating patterns to optimize business processes.Moreover,AI tracks consumer behavior to provide better recommendations and get insights into market fluctuations.This way,data-driven solutions improve workflows,control the labor pool,and enhance end-product quality.

Women on Boards of Directors

This research aims to measure the current gender representation in membership of boards of directors,and to study the factors affecting the presence of women on boards.The results of the study will support the decision makers and policy makers at all levels by providing knowledge that contributes to bridging the current gap in participation of women boards.The methodology used in this research is the descriptive analytical approach,which relies on quantitative methods in the process of collecting and analyzing data.This study represents the boards of directors in the three sectors(public,private,and non-profit)in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,The study sample contained 350 targets,where a random sample of 150 people in the public sector,100 people in the private sector,and 100 people in the non-profit sector were selected.The research result found that the majority of the responses believe that the lack of experience and training,and social factors,are the most impact areas of explaining the reasons for the existence of a gap in women’s membership in boards of directors in the three sectors.And the most important reasons for the existence of a gender gap in board membership are:there is no statutory minimum percentage for women’s representation on boards of directors,and scarcity of female competencies in general,and the lack of women occupying leadership positions.

基于四叉树扇形层值聚类的无人船障碍物检测

为了实现无人船自主导航过程中对障碍物的精确检测,提出了一种基于四叉树扇形层值聚类的无人船障碍物检测方法。首先基于四叉树扇形划分进行障碍物点云数据的检索,并剔除扇形象限内不可信数据;然后利用所获得的四叉树层值来求取全局密度距离,进而获得层值阈值,以此来对不规则多线形障碍物特征进行检测;最后通过建立数据点之间的空间拓扑关系来求取参考距离,并以参考距离为基准对障碍物点云数据进行聚类判定,提高聚类分割准确性。多线形障碍物特征识别性能测试及水面无人船障碍物检测实验结果表明,相较于其他密度聚类算法,在正检率、误检率和漏检率性能指标方面,多线形障碍物特征识别性能测试中,所提算法分别平均下降了9.86%、5.04%、3.10%,水面无人船障碍物检测中,所提算法分别平均下降了10.50%、6.97%、2.95%。

中国雪都阿尔泰山暖区暴雪水汽特征分析

为进一步做好中国雪都阿勒泰山冬季冰雪旅游暴雪预报预警服务,利用阿尔泰山固态降水数据、NCEP/NCAR再分析和GDAS数据,应用天气学诊断和不同水汽分析方法对2021年阿尔泰山区3次暴雪过程环流背景和水汽特征进行分析。结果表明:①3次暴雪过程均为新疆北部典型的暖区暴雪过程。②欧拉方法分析表明,该区水汽主要源于大西洋及其沿岸,阿尔泰山西边界为水汽输入,东边界和南边界为水汽输出,中、低层的水汽输入量与暴雪量关系密切,水汽通量散度辐合区位于对流层低层。③HYSPLIT(拉格朗日)方法分析表明,水汽源地主要来自北冰洋、欧洲,其次是中亚和加拿大,与上述结论明显不同;对暴雪区综合贡献较大的是对流层低层的水汽。④构建了阿尔泰山区暴雪过程水汽贡献模型,700 hPa及以上水汽自源地到达关键区后主要从偏西(西南)路径输入暴雪区,700 hPa以下水汽到达关键区后,在环流合适时主要从东南路径输入暴雪区,但从偏西(西南)和西北路径输入暴雪区的水汽也不容忽视;水汽主要在对流层低层聚集,并辐合抬升。

一种测量液膜厚度的超声相控阵实验装置

气液两相流存在于核反应堆蒸发、飞行器冷却、化工生产降膜蒸发等过程,界面波的动态测量对工业过程监控和生产优化具有重要意义。界面波的准确识别与特性参数测量是开展科学研究与工程实践的重要前提。基于超声相控阵测量系统,设计了扇扫的测量方式,可以用于气液界面清晰的流型中液膜厚度和界面波形态三维测量。通过静态标定和圆管验证,确定了像素点和液膜厚度之间的关系,在气相表观流速为0.0719~0.4316 m/s,液相表观流速为0.0567~1.4161 m/s的工况下进行实时动态实验,获得了实时流动过程中较高精度的截面气液相界面信息,并构建了管道内部界面波三维分布形态,为界面波特性研究提供了一种实验参考方法。