Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A scalable open-source framework for machine learning based image collection, annotation and classification: a case study for automatic fish species identification

Citizen science platforms, social media and multiple smart phone applications enable collection of large amounts of georeferenced images. This provides a huge opportunity in biodiversity and ecological research, but also creates challenges for efficient data handling and processing. Recreational and small-scale fisheries is one of the fields that could be revolutionised by efficient, widely accessible and machine learning based processing of georeferenced images. The majority of non-commercial inland and coastal fisheries are considered data poor and are rarely assessed, yet they provide multiple societal benefits and can have large ecological impacts. Given that large quantities of fish observations and images are being collected by fishers every day, artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision applications offer a great opportunity to improve data collection, automate analyses and inform management. Yet, to date, many AI image analysis applications in fisheries are focused on the commercial sector and are not publicly available for community use. In this study we present an open-source modular framework for large scale image storage, handling, annotation and automatic classification, using cost- and labour-efficient methodologies. The tool is based on TensorFlow Lite Model Maker library and includes data augmentation and transfer learning techniques, applied to different convolutional neural network models. We demonstrate the implementation of this framework in an example case study for automatic fish species identification from images taken through a recreational fishing smartphone application. The framework presented here is highly customisable for further advancement and community based image collection and annotation.
Male rodent perirhinal cortex, but not ventral hippocampus, inhibition induces approach bias under object-based approach-avoidance conflict

Neural models of approach-avoidance (AA) conflict behavior and its dysfunction have focused traditionally on the hippocampus, with the assumption that this medial temporal lobe (MTL) structure plays a ubiquitous role in arbitrating AA conflict. We challenge this perspective by using three different AA behavioural tasks in conjunction with optogenetics, to demonstrate that a neighbouring region in rats, perirhinal cortex, is also critically involved but only when conflicting motivational values are associated with objects and not contextual information. The ventral hippocampus, in contrast, was found not to be essential for object-associated AA conflict, suggesting its preferential involvement in context-associated conflict. We propose that stimulus type can impact MTL involvement during AA conflict and that a more nuanced understanding of MTL contributions to impaired AA behaviour (e.g., anxiety) is required. These findings serve to expand upon the established functions of the perirhinal cortex while concurrently presenting innovative behavioural paradigms that permit the assessment of different facets of AA conflict behaviour.
Evidence of selection in UCP1 gene region suggests local adaptation to irradiance rather than cold temperatures in savanna monkeys (Chlorocebus spp.)

The genus Chlorocebus is widely distributed throughout sub-Saharan Africa, and in the last 300 thousand years expanded from equatorial Africa into the southernmost latitudes of the continent. In these new environments, colder climate was a likely driver of natural selection. We investigated population-level genetic variation in the mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) gene region – implicated in non-shivering thermogenesis within brown/beige adipocytes – in 73 wild savanna monkeys from three taxa representing this southern expansion (C. pygerythrus hilgerti, C. cynosuros, C. p. pygerythrus) ranging from Kenya to South Africa. We found 17 SNPs with extended haplotype homozygosity consistent with positive selective sweeps, 10 of which show no significant LD with each other. Phylogenetic generalized least squares modeling with ecological covariates suggest that most derived allele frequencies are significantly associated with solar irradiance and winter precipitation, rather than overall low temperatures. This selection and association with irradiance appears to be driven by a population isolate in the southern coastal belt of South Africa. We suggest that sunbathing behaviors common to savanna monkeys, in combination with strength of solar irradiance, may mediate adaptations to thermal stress via non-shivering thermogenesis among savanna monkeys. The variants we discovered all lie in non-coding regions, some with previously documented regulatory functions, calling for further validation and research.
Novel cell- and stage-specific transcriptional signatures defining Drosophila neurons, glia and hemocytes

Cell types can be now defined at unprecedented resolution using high throughput assays. We analyzed the transcriptional signatures of Drosophila neurons, glia and hemocytes, as examples of cell types that are related by position (glia/neurons) or function (glia/hemocytes) or that are unrelated (neurons/hemocytes). The most related cells display the highest similarity level (neurons and glia), the least related ones, the lowest (neurons and hemocytes), however, cells can show plastic features. Glia are much more similar to neurons than to hemocytes in the embryo, but are equally similar to the two cell types in the larva, when hemocytes acquire more immune functions. Larval glia and hemocytes display common as well as specific immune features, such as the glia-specific NimA receptor, in agreement with the different environment faced by each cell types. Surprisingly, time represents a key identity parameter, as neurons, hemocytes and glia group more significantly by the stage than by the cell type and larval cells show upregulation of genes involved in chromatin organization and in DNA repair. This latter group of genes is linked to changes in gene expression levels and chromatin organization, revealing a function of these genes beyond DNA repair. Finally, the metabolic profiles reveal cell type-specific signatures and an overall shift from an embryonic, anabolic state to a larval, catabolic state.
Cell type- and state- resolved immune transcriptomic profiling identifies glucocorticoid-responsive molecular defects in multiple sclerosis T cells

The polygenic and multi-cellular nature of multiple sclerosis (MS) immunopathology necessitates cell-type-specific molecular studies in order to improve our understanding of the diverse mechanisms underlying immune cell dysfunction in MS. Here, by generating a dataset of 1,075 transcriptomes from 209 participants (167 MS and 42 healthy), we assessed MS-associated transcriptional changes in six implicated cell-type-states: naïve and memory helper T cells and classical monocytes purified from peripheral blood, each in their primary (ex vivo, unstimulated) and in vitro stimulated states. Our data suggest that primary profiles show larger MS-associated differences than the post-stimulation contexts. We further identified shared and distinct changes in individual genes, biological pathways, and co-expressed gene modules in MS T cells and monocytes, and prioritized genes such as ZBTB16 as MS-associated regulators in both cell types. Of six identified MS-associated co-expressed gene modules, three (two lymphoid and one myeloid) were replicated in independent data from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and monocyte-derived macrophages. A subsequent in silico drug screen prioritized small-molecule compounds for reversing the perturbation of the MS-associated modules. The effects of glucocorticoid receptor agonists as the top-identified therapeutic class for the replicated T cell modules were validated using targeted in silico analyses and in vitro experiments, suggesting the coordinated dysregulation of glucocorticoid-responsive genes in MS T cells. In summary, our study identifies and validates individual genes and co-expressed gene modules from T and myeloid cells that are perturbed in MS, offering new targets for therapeutic discovery and biomarker development to guide the management of MS.
Statistical Estimation and Online Inference via Local SGD

We analyze the novel Local SGD in federated Learning, a multi-round estimation procedure that uses intermittent communication to improve communication efficiency. Under a 2+ δ moment condition on stochastic gradients, we first establish a functional central limit theorem that shows the averaged iterates of Local SGD converge weakly to a rescaled Brownian motion. We next provide two iterative inference methods: the plug-in and the random scaling . Random scaling constructs an asymptotically pivotal statistic for inference by using the information along the whole Local SGD path. Both the methods are communication efficient and applicable to online data. Our results show that Local SGD simultaneously achieves both statistical efficiency and communication efficiency.
A Short Note on the Theme of Too Many Instruments

The “difference” and “system” generalized method of moments (GMM) estimators for dynamic panel models are growing steadily in popularity. The estimators are designed for panels with short time dimensions ( T ), and by default they generate instruments sets whose number grows quadratically in T . The dangers associated with having many instruments relative to observations are documented in the applied literature. The instruments can overfit endogenous variables, failing to expunge their endogenous components and biasing coefficient estimates. Meanwhile they can vitiate the Hansen J test for joint validity of those instruments, as well as the difference-in-Sargan/Hansen test for subsets of instruments. The weakness of these specification tests is a particular concern for system GMM, whose distinctive instruments are only valid under a non-trivial assumption. Judging by current practice, many researchers do not fully appreciate that popular implementations of these estimators can by default generate results that simultaneously are invalid yet appear valid. The potential for type I errors—false positives—is therefore substantial, especially after amplification by publication bias. This paper explains the risks and illustrates them with reference to two early applications of the estimators to economic growth, Forbes (2000) on income inequality and Levine, Loayza, and Beck (LLB, 2000) on financial sector development. Endogenous causation proves hard to rule out in both papers. Going forward, for results from these GMM estimators to be credible, researchers must report the instrument count and aggressively test estimates and specification test results for robustness to reductions in that count. The Center for Global Development is an independent think tank that works to reduce global poverty and inequality through rigorous research and active engagement with the policy community. Use and dissemination of this working paper is encouraged, however, reproduced copies may not be used for commercial purposes. Further usage is permitted under the terms of the Creative Commons License. The views expressed in this paper are those of the author and should not be attributed to the directors or funders of the Center for Global Development. JEL codes: C23, G0, O40.
IMPACT OF IRON CITRATE ON YIELD AND Fe UPTAKE BY MAIZE CROP

Chelated iron formulations prepared using synthetic chelating agents are widely used and they are harmful to the environment. New chelated iron formulation using citric acid with Fe content of 10.9% Fe was developed and evaluated in comparison with Ferrous sulphate and commercial Ferric citrate. Nine treatments replicated thrice in Randomised Block Design (RBD). The results revealed that foliar spray of 1 % TNAU Fe citrate thrice on 30,40 and 50 days after sowing registered significantly highest grain yield (7065 kg ha -1 ) and stover yield (12583 kg ha -1 ) which was on par with foliar spray of 1 % commercial Ferric citrate (T 9 ). At late vegetative stage, significantly highest Fe content (268 mg kg -1 ) and Fe uptake (2.13 kg ha -1 ) were observed in foliar spray of 1 % TNAU Fe citrate (T 8 ). Significantly highest grain and stover Fe content (192 and 219 mg kg -1 respectively), grain and stover Fe uptake (1.28 and 2.58 kg ha -1 respectively) were observed with foliar spray of 1 % TNAU Fe citrate (T 8 ).
Demystifying Rising Income Inequality Influence on Shadow Economy: Empirical Evidence from Nigeria

We investigate whether rising income disparity contributes to the proliferation of shadow economic activities in Nigeria. The study uses data from 1991 to 2018 and adopts the Auto-regressive Distributed Lags (ARDL) cointegration approach to study the effects of income inequality on the shadow economy in both the short- and the long-run. Our results show that the Nigerian shadow economy responds positively to increases in income inequality, especially in the short run. We also find that the large income disparity in Nigeria drives the poor into informal economic activity, primarily for survival, and that unemployment partly contributes to informality. Our findings suggest that unemployment may be both a result and a cause of rising income disparity in Nigeria, leading to an expansion of the shadow economy. These findings indicate that regulating the proliferation of shadow economic activities in Nigeria will necessitate, among other things, the implementation of measures to reduce income gaps, such as stronger institutional frameworks and the expansion of financial intermediation services such as credit supply to the informal sectors. empirical on the relationship between income inequality and the shadow economy.
Organizational Creativity as a Mediating Factor for Organizational Performance and Excellence among Nurses: Developing a Model

: The world of healthcare is changing, today’s health care organizations need creative and innovative solutions to improve the organizational performance. Creativity and excellence concepts in nursing profession have a significant effect on health and well-being. Research purpose : This research examined the relationship between organizational creativity as a mediating factor for organizational performance and excellence among nurses: developing a model. Methods: A model testing-descriptive correlational design was used in conducting this study. The study was done in all In-patient medical, surgical and intensive care units and its specialties in a General Governmental Hospital. Organizational creativity Scale was utilized to measure nurses’ perception of their organizational creativity. While, organizational performance scale was used to explore nurses' opinion about their organizational performance and, organizational excellence scale that was used to measure organizational excellence within the organization. Results: the study results found that the mean percent score of nurses regarding overall organizational creativity was 79.81 ± 5.34, while the mean percent score of nurses concerning total organizational performance was 73.83 ± 3.41. In addition, the mean percent score of nurses regarding overall organizational excellence was 71.50 ± 2.71. Conclusions: There was highly statistical significant positive correlation between organizational creativity, and organizational performance and excellence. By using, Confirmatory Factor Analysis proven that organizational creativity had high effect on organizational performance and organizational excellence. Also, there was a positive significant correlation between organizational performance and organizational excellence. Recommendations : For a creative of an organization, the hospital management should focus on the significant factors such as: management support, providing the required resources and maintaining positive work environment. Also, the organizational excellence must be concerned by the hospital management through supervisors' effectiveness, staff training and development programs, readiness for change for continuous quality improvement and information transparency among employers and staff empowerment.
Analysis of Upper Cervical Spine Measurements in the Uninjured Pediatric Spine

Background Only a small number of studies have offered normative data for the upper cervical spine in children and with some variation in findings. Objective The aim of this study was to determine normal values for upper cervical spine measurements used in the assessment of upper cervical spine trauma in the pediatric population. Methods One-hundred computed tomographic images of the cervical spine of children aged ≤16 years were included for analysis. All children were cleared of spinal injury. Anterior atlanto-dens interval (ADI), posterior atlanto-dens interval (PADI), basion-dens interval (BDI), Powers ratio, condylar-C1 interval (CCI), and lateral mass interval (LMI) were measured on the relevant sagittal or coronal images. Measurements for CCI and LMI were taken on each side. Results Mean age was 111 months (range 11–196 months). Sixty-two were male. Mean values (and ranges) of the measurements were as follows: BDI: 7.1 mm (3.6–12.2); ADI 2.8 mm (0.8–4.8); PADI 18.7 mm (14.1–23.2); Powers ratio 0.72 (0.59–1.0); CCI 2.0 and 2.0 (0.5–4.2); and LMI 3.2 and 3.3 mm (1.7–4.8). BDI (r = −0.488), ADI (r = −0.201), PADI (r = 0.264), and CCI (r = −0.468 and −0.454) all showed significant correlation with age. The Powers ratio was the most stable measurement across all age groups. Conclusions Normal values were reported from a local pediatric population with a wide age range. Most values correlate with age to a degree, and so normal values may vary throughout childhood. A multicenter study is desirable to advance knowledge in this field. Clinical Relevance Current radiographic measures used to assess for possible ligamentous injury in the pediatric upper cervical spine correlate with age. Caution must be held when analyzing the upper cervical spine across a range of age groups in children. Level of Evidence 4.
The Relationship between Social Networks and Spatial Mobility: A Mobile-Phone-Based Study in Estonia

ABSTRACT Relationships between individuals and their social networks have a significant influence on spatial mobility and transportation needs. This article focuses on networks of calling partners using mobile phones and spatial mobility in Estonia. Mobile phone call graphs and call detail record (CDR) data have been used for this study. Our investigation indicates that the larger one’s network of calling partners using mobile phones and the larger the geographic area within which the calling partners live, the more an individual moves around. The connection between the network of mobile calling partners and spatial mobility is most influenced by gender. Used in this way, mobile phone data can be seen to allow studies to be undertaken of the connection between mobile communication networks and spatial mobility.
Releasing Constraints to Growth or Pushing on a String? The Impact of Credit, Training, Business Associations and Taxes on the Performance of Mexican Micro-Firms

: We employ propensity score matching and a traditional control function approach to examine the impact of participation in various societal institutions on micro-firm performance in Mexico. We find that firms that participate in credit markets, receive training, pay taxes and belong to business associations exhibit significantly higher profits, even after controlling for the various factors that drive participation in those institutions. We also find that firms that borrow from formal or informal sources and those that pay taxes are significantly more likely to stay in business, but firms that received credit exhibit lower rates of income growth. Overall, our results suggest that even if the best performing micro-firms are more likely to be selected into participating in societal institutions, causality also runs in the opposite direction. In particular, increases in strictly or broadly defined formality have the potential for increasing profits and survival rates, and appear to bring micro-firms closer to their optimal sizes. The Policy Research Working Paper Series disseminates the findings of work in progress to encourage the exchange of ideas about development issues. An objective of the series is to get the findings out quickly, even if the presentations are less than fully polished. The papers carry the names of the authors and should be cited accordingly. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this paper are entirely those of the authors. They do not necessarily represent the view of the World Bank, its Executive Directors, or the countries they represent. Policy Research Working Papers are available online at http://econ.worldbank. org. recent control function semiparametric
Effects of separate and combined predation by the invasive mud crab ( Rhithropanopeus harrisii ) and the native fish ( Perca fluviatilis ) on the marine isopod ( Idotea balthica ) in the northern Baltic Sea

important community- and ecosystem-level implications. Although the mud crab is an efficient predator that may benefit from the possible naivete of the isopods, when both predators co-occur, they cause lower mortality on the isopods. Thus, the perch and other similar native predators may have a key role in the ecosystem of the northern Baltic Sea, as they may attenuate the adverse impact of the mud crab. To understand the ecological impacts of introduced predators in the native communities, we need more research that considers the multiple trophic levels involved in predator-prey dynamics and the key role of prey naivete in predator introductions.
Qualities of Soybean Grains Harvested on Crops Treated with Neem Seeds Extract in Field Conditions against Asian Rust

In soybean production, qualities of grains harvested are usually affected according to the development of diseases and control methods used in the field. This study aims to evaluate the impact of neem seeds extract (AENS) on soybean grains health after crops treatment in field conditions for the control against Asian rust. Experiment was conducted in Mimetala and Nkometou, located in the agroecological zone V of Cameroun. Three varieties of soybean (“Locale”, TGX 1835-10E and TGX1910-14E) were used in a completely randomized blocks design containing five treatments: T0 (control), T1, T2, T3 (25, 50, 100 g/L of extract respectively) and T4 (5.33 g/L of Plantineb 80wp). The disease was identified on the harvested grains; its incidence on those grains was evaluated and some biochemical parameters were assessed by extraction and determination of their contents. Many grains were attacked by Asian rust. The highest incidence was obtained in the seeds from untreated plots (35 %), compared to those from T1, T2, T3 (1.14; 1.07 and 0.95 % respectively). The different doses of AENS improved the content of all biochemical compounds tested in harvested grains compared with the T0 and T4 treatments. TGX1910-14E variety presented the highest content. In T3,grain contents in biochemical compounds were 415.17; 118.83; 118.33; 44.43; 36.53 and 10.83 mg/g of dry matter from total proteins, globulin, albumin, Glutelin, prolamin and glucide respectively. Meanwhile, in T4 treatments, grain contents were 403.49; 112.95; 112.78; 40.58; 33.90 and 9.91 mg/g of dry matter from the same compounds respectively. This study shows that the application of neem seeds extract on soybean crops for the control of Asian rust in field conditions at the maximum dose (e.g. 100 g/L) can improve the qualities of harvested grains. The neem extract as a natural substance should be used in integrated pest management of soybean and other crops.