FL-Incentivizer: FL-NFT and FL-Tokens for Federated Learning Model Trading and Training

Abstract

Federated learning (FL) is an on-device distributed learning scheme that does not require training devices to transfer their data to a centralized facility. The goal of federated learning is to learn a global model over several iterations. It is challenging to claim ownership rights and commercialize the global model efficiently and transparently. Additionally, incentives need to be provided to ensure that devices participate in the FL process. In this paper, we propose a smart contract-based framework called FL-Incentivizer, which relies on custom smart contracts to maintain flow governance of the FL process in a transparent and immutable manner. FL-Incentivizer commercializes and tokenizes the global model using FL-NFT (FL Non-Fungible Token) based on the ERC-721 standard. FL-Incentivizer uses ERC-20 compliant FL-Tokens to incentivize devices participating in FL. We present the system design and operational sequence of the FL-Incentivizer. We provide implementation and deployment details, complete smart contract codes, and qualitative evaluation of the FL-Incentivizer. After implementing FL-Incentivizer for a global iteration of a Federated learning task, we showed the FL-NFT on OpenSea and an FL-Token for a learner on MetaMask. FL-NFTs can be traded on markets such as OpenSea like other NFTs. While FL-Tokens can be transferred in the same manner as other ERC-20-based tokens.

Necrotizing Fasciitis Secondary to Mycotic Femoral Aneurysm: A Narrative Review of Diagnosis and Management Strategies

“…While histopathology can determine the presence of transmural inflammation which increases the likelihood of aneurysm rupture and spread of infection, it is not necessary for a diagnosis to be made. Cellulitis is an important differential diagnosis that should be considered if a mycotic aneurysm is expected [2].…”

“…Mycotic in this case simply describes the morphological structure of the aneurysm itself, because of its mushroom shape. These types of infected vessels can be bacterial, viral, or fungal in origin with Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus being the most commonly implicated pathogens [2].…”

“…Contrast CT is the most effective imaging modality for detecting aneurysms. The treatment of mycotic aneurysms involves surgical intervention followed by antibiotic treatment [2]. Necrotizing fasciitis is as common as 1 in every 100,000 people worldwide, however, in the United States, this number drops to 0.4 instead of 1 [1].…”

“…Risk factors for necrotizing fasciitis secondary to mycotic femoral aneurysm include infective endocarditis most commonly with intravenous drug abusers (IVDA), surgery, especially stenting procedures and transplants, and other nonspecific diseases such as diabetes mellitus, immunosuppression, liver cirrhosis, end-stage renal disease, pulmonary diseases, and malignancies, with isolated femoral aneurysms commonly occurring in men compared to women attributed to an increased incidence of atherosclerosis in the male sex. Other causes specific to isolated femoral aneurysm formation includes IV drug use, smoking, and percutaneous arterial access [2,4]. The pathophysiology of this disease is complex and multifactorial but ultimately comes down to several different cellular and molecular processes with bacterial infection being the most common precipitator [5,6].…”

“…A definitive diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis is exploratory surgery; however, imaging and lab work can be used to differentiate necrotizing fasciitis from other infections [7]. The management of necrotizing fasciitis can be tailored to each individual case and can involve surgical debridement, aggressive antibiotic therapy, and maximal oxygenation of tissue, with or without amputation [2,8].…”