Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Plant Disease Detection and Classification by Deep Learning

Plant diseases affect the growth of their respective species, therefore their early identification is very important. Many Machine Learning (ML) models have been employed for the detection and classification of plant diseases but, after the advancements in a subset of ML, that is, Deep Learning (DL), this area of research appears to have great potential in terms of increased accuracy. Many developed/modified DL architectures are implemented along with several visualization techniques to detect and classify the symptoms of plant diseases. Moreover, several performance metrics are used for the evaluation of these architectures/techniques. This review provides a comprehensive explanation of DL models used to visualize various plant diseases. In addition, some research gaps are identified from which to obtain greater transparency for detecting diseases in plants, even before their symptoms appear clearly.
Matching Skills of Individuals and Firms Along the Career Path

This paper presents an analytical setup that makes predictions for the relationships between firm and occupation specific human capital and job switches. The predictions are then tested using the task based approach. The results, based on data for Germany, show that the degree to which firm knowledge is portable depends on skill similarities between the firms. In case of job switches, less experienced workers travel longer skill distances between firms than more experienced workers. Firm and occupational skill distances, that is firm and occupation specific knowledge, both are negatively related to wages in a new job, although the relative importance differs by qualification level. The share of workers in the same occupational group within the firm, occupational intensity, can reflect switching motivations of workers. Occupational intensity decreases with experience and is negatively associated with wages.
Combined Buckwheat d-Fagomine and Fish Omega-3 PUFAs Stabilize the Populations of Gut Prevotella and Bacteroides While Reducing Weight Gain in Rats

Some functional food components may help maintain homeostasis by promoting balanced gut microbiota. Here, we explore the possible complementary effects of d-fagomine and ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) eicosapentaenoic acid/docosahexaenoic acid (EPA/DHA 1:1) on putatively beneficial gut bacterial strains. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were supplemented with d-fagomine, ω-3 PUFAs, or both, for 23 weeks. Bacterial subgroups were evaluated in fecal DNA by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and short-chain fatty acids were determined by gas chromatography. We found that the populations of the genus Prevotella remained stable over time in animals supplemented with d-fagomine, independently of ω-3 PUFA supplementation. Animals in these groups gained less weight than controls and rats given only ω-3 PUFAs. d-Fagomine supplementation together with ω-3 PUFAs maintained the relative populations of Bacteroides. ω-3 PUFAs alone or combined with d-fagomine reduced the amount of acetic acid and total short-chain fatty acids in feces. The plasma levels of pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid derived metabolites, triglycerides and cholesterol were lower in both groups supplemented with ω-3 PUFAs. The d-fagomine and ω-3 PUFAs combination provided the functional benefits of each supplement. Notably, it helped stabilize populations of Prevotella in the rat intestinal tract while reducing weight gain and providing the anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits of ω-3 PUFAs.
Tibial acceleration profiles and musculotendinous stiffness of the lower extremity during the female menstrual cycle. Implications for the prevention of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in the female athlete

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between estrogen hormone levels, tibial acceleration profiles and viscoelastic properties of the lower extremity. Eleven adolescent female netball players were included in the study and matched to active male subjects. Test sessions in the female athletes were conducted at onset of menses, mid follicular phase, ovulation and mid luteal phase. Musculotendinous stiffness was assessed using the oscillation method. Tibial acceleration profiles (peak tibial acceleration, time to peak tibial acceleration and, time to zero tibial acceleration) were assessed with a uniaxial accelerometer placed on the tibial tuberosity during a standardised netball landing task. The results strongly suggest that hormonal fluctuations have a significant effect on viscoelastic properties and tibial acceleration profiles in young females during the menstrual cycle. The female musculoskeletal system needs to constantly adjust to the changing hormonal environment and adapt neuromuscular strategies to minimize injury risk to the lower extremity.
Overexpression of the Arabidopsis and winter squash superoxide dismutase genes enhances chilling tolerance via ABA-sensitive transcriptional regulation in transgenic Arabidopsis

ABSTRACT The winter squash (Cucurbita moschata, Cm) superoxide dismutase (SOD) CmSOD gene and Arabidopsis thaliana (At)SOD gene were transferred under a ubiquitin promoter into Arabidopsis via Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The expression and amount of SOD and the SOD activities in the AtSOD and CmSOD transgenic lines were significantly higher than those of non-transgenic (NT) plants exposed to 23 or 4°C treatment for 6 ~ 192-h periods. Furthermore, expressions of the cold-inducible gene (AtCBF2) and desiccation-responsible transcription factors (AtRD29A/B) were also activated in all transgenic lines compared to NT plants after chilling treatments. Compared to NT plants under chilling stress, superoxide (•O2−) accumulation was significantly lower, and chlorophyll (Chl) contents were significantly higher in all transgenic lines with higher SOD activity. Moreover, Arabidopsis seedlings overexpressing AtSOD and CmSOD also displayed greater resistance to chilling and less oxidative injury than NT plants under chilled conditions, indicating that the overexpression of AtSOD and CmSOD in Arabidopsis enhanced chilling tolerance by eliminating •O2−. The expression of AtRD29A was strongly up-regulated only in AtSOD transgenic plants treated with abscisic acid (ABA), while it was repressed in other transgenic plants, indicating ABA-sensitive AtCBF2 and AtRD29A/B transcriptional regulation signaling pathways in transgenic Arabidopsis under chilling conditions.
Sex differences in clinical presentation and prognosis in patients with primary biliary cholangitis

Abstract Objectives: Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the small intrahepatic bile ducts disproportionally affecting women. Timely diagnosis and treatment can often prevent progression to liver cirrhosis. We hypothesized PBC diagnosis in male patients is delayed and prognosis impaired. We, therefore, conducted a case–control study and compared clinical and prognostic features among male and female patients with PBC. Materials and methods: 49 male patients with PBC treated at a German tertiary care center between 2006 and 2017 were identified and compared to 98 age-matched female controls. Prospectively collected clinical/biochemical data were analyzed retrospectively. Liver biopsies were scored in a blinded fashion. Prognostic parameters were calculated using established prognostic scores (GLOBE, PBC-UKE). Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney test and Fisher´s exact test. Results: At PBC diagnosis, male patients reported significantly less PBC-associated symptoms as compared to female controls (34 versus 71%, p < .01). Compared to female patients, median time from onset of PBC-related symptoms and/or first reported elevated cholestatic biochemical parameters to PBC diagnosis was significantly increased in men (36 versus 12 months, p = .02). In addition, male patients underwent liver biopsy to establish PBC diagnosis more frequently, tended to show more advanced fibrosis and showed significantly poorer prognostic PBC score results. Hepatocellular carcinoma was only observed in male patients (n = 3). Conclusions: When compared to women, men with PBC suffer from less PBC-related symptoms, receive PBC diagnosis delayed and have a worse prognosis. Despite its rarity, the diagnosis of PBC should be considered in men with elevated cholestatic parameters.
Corporate Boards and Incentives: Empirical Evidence from the UK in 1935

We investigate boardroom governance using UK historical data for 1935. We demonstrate that there is a negative relationship between risk and incentives in this year. Prior research has produced anomalous results (Prendergast, 2002). Second, we show that average (median) board ownership of ordinary shares is about 7.95% (2.88%). Heuristically this figure is less than previously reported estimates for the US also using 1935 data. Finally, we show the phenomenon of multiple board membership. UK directors in 1935 hold many directorships – sometimes exceeding 10 concurrent memberships.
The silica-scaled chrysophytes of the Elbe Sandstone Region, Czech Republic

We investigated the silica-scaled chrysophyte flora (classes Chrysophyceae and Synurophyceae) in the Czech part of the unique Elbe sandstone region. We focused on such types of habitats that had not been studied in the region before - small ponds, forest pools and headwater streams. In 10 localities we found altogether 20 chrysophyte species. Chrysodydimus synuroideus, Mallomonas multisetigera and M. striata var. serrata were recorded from the Czech Republic for the first time. Moreover, another 4 species were first records for the Elbe sandstone region. Living chrysophytes were also observed in sediment samples, though they are generally believed to be planktonic.
Regime Shifts in a Phage-Bacterium Ecosystem and Strategies for Its Control

Phage-microbe communities play an important role in human health as well as natural and industrial environments. Here we show that these communities can assume several alternative species compositions separated by abrupt regime shifts. Our model predicts these regime shifts in the competition between bacterial strains protected by two different phage defense mechanisms: abortive infection/CRISPR and partial resistance. The history dependence caused by regime shifts greatly complicates the task of manipulation and control of a community. We propose and study a successful control strategy via short population pulses aimed at inducing the desired regime shifts. In particular, we predict that a fast-growing pathogen could be eliminated by a combination of its phage and a slower-growing susceptible host. ABSTRACT The competition between bacteria often involves both nutrients and phage predators and may give rise to abrupt regime shifts between the alternative stable states characterized by different species compositions. While such transitions have been previously studied in the context of competition for nutrients, the case of phage-induced bistability between competing bacterial species has not been considered yet. Here we demonstrate a possibility of regime shifts in well-mixed phage-bacterium ecosystems. In one of the bistable states, the fast-growing bacteria competitively exclude the slow-growing ones by depleting their common nutrient. Conversely, in the second state, the slow-growing bacteria with a large burst size generate such a large phage population that the other species cannot survive. This type of bistability can be realized as the competition between a strain of bacteria protected from phage by abortive infection and another strain with partial resistance to phage. It is often desirable to reliably control the state of microbial ecosystems, yet bistability significantly complicates this task. We discuss successes and limitations of one control strategy in which one adds short pulses to populations of individual species. Our study proposes a new type of phage therapy, where introduction of the phage is supplemented by the addition of a partially resistant host bacteria. IMPORTANCE Phage-microbe communities play an important role in human health as well as natural and industrial environments. Here we show that these communities can assume several alternative species compositions separated by abrupt regime shifts. Our model predicts these regime shifts in the competition between bacterial strains protected by two different phage defense mechanisms: abortive infection/CRISPR and partial resistance. The history dependence caused by regime shifts greatly complicates the task of manipulation and control of a community. We propose and study a successful control strategy via short population pulses aimed at inducing the desired regime shifts. In particular, we predict that a fast-growing pathogen could be eliminated by a combination of its phage and a slower-growing susceptible host.
The Blood–Brain Barrier and Its Intercellular Junctions in Age-Related Brain Disorders

With age, our cognitive skills and abilities decline. Maybe starting as an annoyance, this decline can become a major impediment to normal daily life. Recent research shows that the neurodegenerative disorders responsible for age associated cognitive dysfunction are mechanistically linked to the state of the microvasculature in the brain. When the microvasculature does not function properly, ischemia, hypoxia, oxidative stress and related pathologic processes ensue, further damaging vascular and neural function. One of the most important and specialized functions of the brain microvasculature is the blood–brain barrier (BBB), which controls the movement of molecules between blood circulation and the brain parenchyma. In this review, we are focusing on tight junctions (TJs), the multiprotein complexes that play an important role in establishing and maintaining barrier function. After a short introduction of the cell types that modulate barrier function via intercellular communication, we examine how age, age related pathologies and the aging of the immune system affects TJs. Then, we review how the TJs are affected in age associated neurodegenerative disorders: Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Lastly, we summarize the TJ aspects of Huntington’s disease and schizophrenia. Barrier dysfunction appears to be a common denominator in neurological disorders, warranting detailed research into the molecular mechanisms behind it. Learning the commonalities and differences in the pathomechanism of the BBB injury in different neurological disorders will predictably lead to development of new therapeutics that improve our life as we age.
JEL-Classification : C 18 , C 58 , G 15 Keywords : volatility , spillovers , semi-variance , asymmetric effects , financial markets

Asymmetries in volatility spillovers are highly relevant to risk valuation and portfolio diversification strategies in financial markets. Yet, the large literature studying information transmission mechanisms ignores the fact that bad and good volatility may spill over at different magnitudes. This paper fills this gap with two contributions. One, we suggest how to quantify asymmetries in volatility spillovers due to bad and good volatility. Two, using high frequency data covering most liquid U.S. stocks in seven sectors, we provide ample evidence of the asymmetric connectedness of stocks. We universally reject the hypothesis of symmetric connectedness at the disaggregate level but in contrast, we document the symmetric transmission of information in an aggregated portfolio. We show that bad and good volatility is transmitted at different magnitudes in different sectors, and the asymmetries sizably change over time. While negative spillovers are often of substantial magnitudes, they do not strictly dominate positive spillovers. We find that the overall intra-market connectedness of U.S. stocks increased substantially with the increased uncertainty of stock market participants during the financial crisis. ∗An earlier version of this paper was circulated and cited under the title “Asymmetric volatility spillovers: Revisiting the Diebold-Yilmaz (2009) spillover index with realized semivariance”. We are indebted for many useful comments, suggestions, and discussions to Ionut Florescu, seminar participants at Modeling High Frequency Data in Finance 5 (New York, 2013) and Computational and Financial Econometrics (London, 2013). Support from the Czech Science Foundation under the 14-24129S grant is gratefully acknowledged. The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under grant agreement No. FP7-SSH612955 (FinMaP). †Institute of Economic Studies, Charles University, Opletalova 21, 110 00, Prague, Czech Republic and the Institute of Information Theory and Automation, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Pod Vodarenskou Vezi 4, 182 00, Prague, Czech Republic. Phone: +420 776 259 273. Email: barunik@utia.cas. cz. ‡Corresponding author: CERGE-EI, Charles University and the Czech Academy of Sciences, Politickych veznu 7, 11121 Prague, Czech Republic; CESifo, Munich; IOS, Regensburg; The William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan Business School; CEPR, London; and the Euro Area Business Cycle Network. Email: evzen.kocenda@cerge-ei.cz. §Institute of Economic Studies, Charles University, Opletalova 21, 110 00, Prague, Czech Republic and Institute of Information Theory and Automation, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Pod Vodarenskou Vezi 4, 182 00, Prague, Czech Republic. Email: vachal@utia.cas. cz.
Effect of the biostimulant Kelpak SL on the content of some microelements in two grass species

Seaweed extracts have been recently introduced to crop growing, particularly to sustainable agriculture, in many countries worldwide. However, our knowledge of the action produced by Kelpak is only fragmentary as it is influenced by a number of factors, for example crop plant species and extract application schedule. Our objective was to determine the effect of Kelpak SL on the content of selected microelements in two grass species. A field experiment was arranged in a randomized sub-block design (split-split-plot) with three replicates. It was conducted at the Experimental Unit of the University of Natural Sciences and Humanities in Siedlce (Poland) and started in late April each year. The following factors were examined: pure stands of two grass species Dactylis glomerata L. (cv. Amila) and Festulolium braunii (K.Richt.) A. Camus (cv. Felopa) grown in a monoculture, a biostimulant distributed under the trade name Kelpak SL, applied at 2 dm3 ha-1 (no biostimulant in the control treatment), and nitrogen applied at 50, 100, 150 kg ha-1 (no nitrogen in the control). During the experiment, grass was cut three times a year. The plant material was subjected to chemical analyses to assess dry matter (by determining the moisture content), zinc, copper, iron and manganese. The application of Kelpak significantly increased the Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn content in the grass species tested, regardless of the remaining factors. The grass species did not differ significantly in their content of Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn. The concentrations of the microelements in both species were significantly affected by a dose of nitrogen. At higher nitrogen doses, the concentrations of Zn, Cu and Fe were lower, unlike the content of Mn, which increased. The Fe:Mn ratio in the dry matter of both grasses was 2.79, which indicates some manganese deficiency.
The VIMOS Public Extragalactic Redshift Survey (VIPERS). Gravity test from the combination of redshift-space distortions and galaxy-galaxy lensing at $0.5 < z < 1.2$

We carry out a joint analysis of redshift-space distortions and galaxy-galaxy lensing, with the aim of measuring the growth rate of structure; this is a key quantity for understanding the nature of gravity on cosmological scales and late-time cosmic acceleration. We make use of the final VIPERS redshift survey dataset, which maps a portion of the Universe at a redshift of z ≃ 0.8, and the lensing data from the CFHTLenS survey over the same area of the sky. We build a consistent theoretical model that combines non-linear galaxy biasing and redshift-space distortion models, and confront it with observations. The two probes are combined in a Bayesian maximum likelihood analysis to determine the growth rate of structure at two redshifts z = 0.6 and z = 0.86. We obtain measurements of fσ8(0.6) = 0.48 ± 0.12 and fσ8(0.86) = 0.48 ± 0.10. The additional galaxy-galaxy lensing constraint alleviates galaxy bias and σ8 degeneracies, providing direct measurements of f and σ8: [f(0.6),σ8(0.6)] = [0.93 ± 0.22,0.52 ± 0.06] and [f(0.86),σ8(0.86)] = [0.99 ± 0.19,0.48 ± 0.04]. These measurements are statistically consistent with a Universe where the gravitational interactions can be described by General Relativity, although they are not yet accurate enough to rule out some commonly considered alternatives. Finally, as a complementary test we measure the gravitational slip parameter, EG, for the first time at z > 0.6. We find values of EG(0.6) = 0.16±0.09 and EG(0.86) = 0.09±0.07, when EG is averaged over scales above 3 h-1 Mpc. We find that our EG measurements exhibit slightly lower values than expected for standard relativistic gravity in a ΛCDM background, although the results are consistent within 1−2σ. Key words: large-scale structure of Universe / cosmology: observations / cosmological parameters / dark energy / galaxies: high-redshift⋆ Based on observations collected at the European Southern Observatory, Cerro Paranal, Chile, using the Very Large Telescope under programmes 182.A-0886 and partly 070.A-9007. Also based on observations obtained with MegaPrime/MegaCam, a joint project of CFHT and CEA/DAPNIA, at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT), which is operated by the National Research Council (NRC) of Canada, the Institut National des Sciences de l’Univers of the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) of France, and the University of Hawaii. This work is based in part on data products produced at TERAPIX and the Canadian Astronomy Data Centre as part of the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope Legacy Survey, a collaborative project of NRC and CNRS. The VIPERS web site is http://www.vipers. inaf.it/
Were Insiders More Informed than the Market During IPO Bubble? Evidence from the Crossing of Legal Thresholds on the Nouveau Marche in France

This paper examines the effect of a change in the ownership of IPO's insiders on the value of firms during four years following the IPO. The changes in the ownership are deducted from the crossing of legal threshold. From a sample of 120 IPOs that took place during Internet bubble, 463 crossings of threshold were identified as events on the observation period. The market reaction to the announcement of these crossings has been studied and a buy-and-hold abnormal return has been calculated for 100 days to 500 days after the announcement. Similarly, a buy-and-hold abnormal return has been calculated for 100 days to 500 days after the IPO date according initial and subsequent sales by insiders. We find no evidence suggesting that insiders knowingly issue overvalued equity at IPO date. However, there is a weak evidence, but statistically significant, that suggests that insiders acquire private information during the first years of flotation and have the ability to take advantage of it by selling overvalued equity. The entrepreneurs seems to be the most informed on the future value of the firm. However, the changes in the ownership of banks and venture capitalists are not followed by significant change of firm's long term value.