bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing automated machine learning approach for fast and robust crop yield prediction using a fusion of remote sensing, soil, and weather dataset
Authors: Kheir Ahmed M S , Govind Ajit , Nangia Vinay , Devkota Mina , Elnashar Abdelrazek , Omar Mohie El Din , Feike Til 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Estimating smallholder crop yields robustly and timely is crucial for improving agronomic practices, determining yield gaps, guiding investment, and policymaking to ensure food security. However, there is poor estimation of yield for most smallholders due to lack of technology, and field scale data, particularly in Egypt. Automated machine learning (AutoML) can be used to automate the machine learning workflow, including automatic training and optimization of multiple models within a user-specified time frame, but it has less attention so far. Here, we combined extensive field survey yield across wheat cultivated area in Egypt with diverse dataset of remote sensing, soil, and weather to predict field-level wheat yield using 22 Ml models in AutoML. The models showed robust accuracies for yield predictions, recording Willmott degree of agreement, (d > 0.80) with higher accuracy when super learner (stacked ensemble) was used (R2 = 0.51, d = 0.82). The trained AutoML was deployed to predict yield using remote sensing (RS) vegetative indices (VIs), demonstrating a good correlation with actual yield (R2 = 0.7). This is very important since it is considered a low-cost tool and could be used to explore early yield predictions. Since climate change has negative impacts on agricultural production and food security with some uncertainties, AutoML was deployed to predict wheat yield under recent climate scenarios from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6). These scenarios included single downscaled General Circulation Model (GCM) as CanESM5 and two shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs) as SSP2-4.5and SSP5-8.5during the mid-term period (2050). The stacked ensemble model displayed declines in yield of 21% and 5% under SSP5-8.5 and SSP2-4.5 respectively during mid-century, with higher uncertainty under the highest emission scenario (SSP5-8.5). The developed approach could be used as a rapid, accurate and low-cost method to predict yield for stakeholder farms all over the world where ground data is scarce.
Experimental study on wire electric discharge machining of nimonic 90 using coated electrode
Authors: Khan Midthur A Salman , C Senthilkumar 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
WEDM machine is an unconventional machine that got accepted in the industries because of its skill to machine any material precisely in the required shape and size. Wire electric discharge machine uses electrical energy to cut hard conductive materials. In the present study, Nimonic 90 a nickel-based superalloy is machined in WEDM using a zinc-coated brass wire electrode to study its surface characteristics and its machinability. Experiments were carried out with a central composite design with controllable WEDM factors such as Pulse duration, Servo-voltage, and wire-tension were used to investigate machining performance such as material transfer rate (MRR) and average surface roughness (Ra). The second-order quadratic models are developed between WEDM parameters and responses by regression analysis. Analysis of Variance was employed to validate the accuracy of the established statistical models and the impact of the process variables. The RSM-based optimization was used to find the optimal process parameter of Wire Tension 11.962 N, Pulse on Time 79.785 μs and Servo Voltage 100 V to achieve a maximum MRR of 5.3574 (mm3 min−1) and minimal Ra of 2.6513 (μm). The validity of the response surface model is further verified by conducting confirmation experiments and found that errors are within the permissible limit. Further, the surface morphology of the WEDMed specimen was carried out through SEM to ascertain the mechanisms of material removal under the different settings of WEDM.
Selfing in epiphytic bromeliads compensates for the limited pollination services provided by nectarivorous bats in a neotropical montane forest
Authors: Núñez-Hidalgo Stephanie , Cascante-Marín Alfredo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Abstract. Plants with specialized pollination systems frequently exhibit adaptations for self-pollination, and this contradictory situation has been explained in terms of the reproductive assurance function of selfing. In the neotropics, several plant lineages rely on specialized vertebrate pollinators for sexual reproduction, including the highly diverse Bromeliaceae family, which also displays a propensity for selfing. Thus far, the scarce evidence on the role of selfing in bromeliads and in other neotropical plant groups is inconclusive. To provide insights into the evolution and persistence of self-fertilization in the breeding systems of Bromeliaceae, we studied four sympatric epiphytic species from the genus Werauhia (Tillandsioideae) in Costa Rica. We documented their floral biology, pollination ecology and breeding systems. We estimated the contribution of selfing by comparing the reproductive success between emasculated flowers requiring pollinator visits and un-manipulated flowers capable of selfing and exposed to open pollination across two flowering seasons. The studied species displayed specialized pollination by nectar-feeding bats as well as a high selfing ability (auto-fertility index values &gt; 0.53), which was attained by a delayed selfing mechanism. Fruit set from natural cross-pollination was low (&lt;26% in both years) and suggested limited pollinator visitation. In line with this, we found a very low bat visitation to flowers using video-camera recording, from 0 to 0.24 visits per plant per night. On the contrary, the contribution of selfing was comparatively significant since 54–80% of the fruit set from un-manipulated flowers can be attributed to autonomous self-pollination. We concluded that inadequate cross-pollination services diminished the reproductive success of the studied Werauhia, which was compensated for by a delayed selfing mechanism. The low negative effects of inbreeding on seed set and germination likely reinforce the persistence of selfing in this bromeliad group. These results suggest that selfing in bat-pollinated bromeliads may have evolved as a response to pollinator limitation.
Inference for partial correlations of a multivariate Gaussian time series
Authors: Dilernia A S , Fiecas M , Zhang L 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
We derive an asymptotic joint distribution and novel covariance estimator for the partial correlations of a multivariate Gaussian time series under mild regularity conditions. Using our derived asymptotic distribution, we develop a Wald confidence interval and testing procedure for inference of individual partial correlations for time series data. Through simulation we demonstrate that our proposed confidence interval attains higher coverage rates and our testing procedure achieves false positive rates closer to the nominal levels than approaches that assume independent observations when autocorrelation is present.
Geometric distortion caused by metallic femoral head prosthesis in prostate cancer imaging on an MR Linac: in-vivo measurements of spatial deformation
Authors: McDaid Lisa , Clough Abigael , Benson Rebecca K , Nelder Claire , McMahon John , Jackson Steven , Aznar Marianne , Choudhury Ananya C , van Herk Marcel , Eccles Cynthia L 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Metallic implants cause artefacts and distortion on MRI. To ensure accurate dose delivery and plan adaptation on an MR Linac, there is a need to evaluate distortion caused.

Methods
Participants were imaged on an MR Linac (Elekta Unity, Elekta AB Stockholm). Three sequences were evaluated. Two vendor supplied (T2W TSE 3D), and one T2W TSE 3D optimized to reduce metal artefact distortions. Images were rigidly registered to CT images by a single observer, using bony anatomy. Three coronal and three axial images were selected, and six paired, adjacent, bony landmarks were identified on each slice. Images bisecting treatment isocentre were included. Difference between landmark coordinates was taken to be measure of distortion.

Results
Five observers participated. Thirty six pairs of bony landmarks were identified. Median difference in position of landmarks was ≤3 mm (range 0.3-4.4 mm). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) between observer means showed no significant variation between sequences or patients (P = 1.26 in plane, P = 0.11 through plane). Interobserver intra class correlation (ICC) was 0.70 in-plane and 0.78 through-plane. Intra-observer ICC for three observers was 0.76, 0.81, 0.83, showing moderate to good reliability on this small cohort.

Conclusions
This in-vivo feasibility study suggests distortion due to metallic hip prosthesis is not an obstacle for pelvic radiotherapy on an MR Linac. Research on the impact on plan quality is warranted.

Advances in knowledge
This work supports feasibility of treating patients with metallic hip prosthesis on an MR Linac.
Management of malignant ureteric obstruction with ureteric stenting or percutaneous nephrostomy
Authors: Blackmur James ,   Scottish Malignant Ureteric Obstruction Study Group, Blackmur J P , Llewellyn O , Laird A , Teahan S , McLennan R , McNeill S A , Mariappan P , Kerr L , Aning J J , Young N J , Marzoug A , Hamilton D , Ng A , Fernando D , Drummond L , Holt P , Boyle C , Shin J S , Carrera A , Lee X W , Anderson J , Dreyer B , Krishnan J , Rodger F , Singh J , McCollum C , Boyle C , Zycinski C , Nandwani G M , Nabi G , Brush J , Taylor J , Keanie J , Granitsiotis P , Hayward L , McLaren D , Law A , Kata S G , Thomas B G , Al Jaafari F 
Published: February 2024

Lay summary
Malignant ureteric obstruction (MUO) is frequently encountered in patients with advanced cancers. In the largest study to date, assessing 852 patients from across Scotland, the authors demonstrated the presence of MUO as a marker of advanced disease across cancer types, with poor survival for many patients, even with intervention. There is uncertainty in optimal management of this condition, with marked differences in management between hospitals. Treatment to relieve the obstruction does not guarantee either improvement in kidney function or progression to further oncological treatment. The authors have developed a prognostic tool to estimate outcomes after intervention for MUO, and advocate its use for clinicians along with other data presented for patient counselling.
One-dimensional Fe7S8 nanorods encapsulated in N, S co-doped carbon shells accelerate lithium storage kinetics for lithium-ion capacitors
Authors: Liu Xinyu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The slow kinetics of battery-type anode materials for lithium-ion capacitors (LICs) hinder their matching with capacitive-type cathodes. Designing anode materials with greater capacity and improved rate performance is a key to solving this challenge. Here, we fabricated one-dimensional N, S co-doped carbon encapsulated Fe7S8 nanorods to realize fast lithium storage kinetics and stable cycling performance. The matched Fe7S8@C//AC LICs achieved an extraordinary energy density of 101 Wh kg−1 and a power density of 3927 W kg−1.
Causal Association Analysis of Periodontitis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Qing Xiangli , Zhang Chenhui , Zhong Zhuotai , Zhang Tao , Wang Lin , Fang Shuangshuang , Jiang Tianyuan , Luo Xiaoying , Yang Yang , Song Gengqing , Wei Wei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Periodontitis has been reported to be associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC), and Crohn’s disease (CD). However, the causality of these 2 diseases remains unclear. We conducted bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the causal relationship between periodontitis and IBD.

Methods
We obtained the genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data of European populations from FinnGen database (for IBD) and a published article (for periodontitis), from which independent single nucleotide polymorphisms were selected as instrumental variables. Inverse variance–weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, and weighted median (WM) methods were utilized for MR analysis. Heterogeneity or pleiotropy was detected through Cochran’s Q test and MR-Egger intercept, respectively. Outlier was identified with MR-PRESSO (Mendelian Randomization Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier) and leave-one-out analysis. All statistical analyses were performed with R 4.2.1 and the packages of TwoSampleMR version 0.5.6.

Results
Genetic prediction showed that periodontitis was the risk factor of UC (odds ratio [OR], 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.26; P = .027), rather than of CD (OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.74-1.15; P = .456) and IBD (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.81-1.13; P = .619). To the contrary, CD, not UC or IBD, resulted in exacerbating periodontitis in terms of the results of the IVW (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.01-1.17; P = .021) and WM (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.01-1.20; P = .030) methods. Heterogeneity or pleiotropy was acceptable.

Conclusions
Our results indicated that CD was the risk factor for periodontitis; conversely, periodontitis was responsible for the exacerbation of UC, enhancing the existence of mouth-gut axis. Patients with UC should pay more attention to periodontal health, while patients with periodontitis should actively pay close heed to intestinal health.
Judicial self-empowerment and unconstitutional constitutional amendments
Authors: Tommasini Nicola 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In the context of global judicial aggrandizement, many courts have developed and accepted the unconstitutional constitutional amendments doctrine. However, with the exception of some case studies, there is little comparative scholarship on the causes of judicial expansion in this area. This article addresses this gap by examining the development of the power to review amendments in three constitutional systems: Colombia, India, and Malaysia. The article argues that in all three cases, one of the important elements that contributed to the consolidation of this power is the strategic behavior of courts. To understand the importance of strategy, the article suggests a rational choice theory of judicial empowerment, according to which judges estimate the costs of potential backlashes and act in certain moments and in certain ways so as to make political reaction unlikely. It further suggests three different types of strategies utilized by these courts that helped curb political backlash. First, courts engaged in timing strategies: they decided the scope of their own power when political competition was high and the likelihood of backlash was low. Second, courts engaged in outcome strategies: they expanded their own power while simultaneously giving the dominant political coalition a “win.” Third, courts employed case selection strategies: they picked mundane and low-stake cases in order to decrease the incentives for political reaction. The article concludes with some considerations on the limits of judicial strategy.
Dosage optimization for reducing tumor burden using a phenotype-structured population model with a drug-resistance continuum
Authors: Han Lifeng , Yogurtcu Osman N , Rodriguez Messan Marisabel , Valega-Mackenzie Wencel , Nukala Ujwani , Yang Hong 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Drug resistance is a significant obstacle to effective cancer treatment. To gain insights into how drug resistance develops, we adopted a concept called fitness landscape and employed a phenotype-structured population model by fitting to a set of experimental data on a drug used for ovarian cancer, olaparib. Our modeling approach allowed us to understand how a drug affects the fitness landscape and track the evolution of a population of cancer cells structured with a spectrum of drug resistance. We also incorporated pharmacokinetic (PK) modeling to identify the optimal dosages of the drug that could lead to long-term tumor reduction. We derived a formula that indicates that maximizing variation in plasma drug concentration over a dosing interval could be important in reducing drug resistance. Our findings suggest that it may be possible to achieve better treatment outcomes with a drug dose lower than the levels recommended by the drug label. Acknowledging the current limitations of our work, we believe that our approach, which combines modeling of both PK and drug resistance evolution, could contribute to a new direction for better designing drug treatment regimens to improve cancer treatment.
Simple Unbalanced Optimal Transport
Authors: Khesin Boris , Modin Klas , Volk Luke 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
We introduce and study a simple model capturing the main features of unbalanced optimal transport. It is based on equipping the conical extension of the group of all diffeomorphisms with a natural metric, which allows a Riemannian submersion to the space of volume forms of arbitrary total mass. We describe its finite-dimensional version and present a concise comparison study of the geometry, Hamiltonian features, and geodesics for this and other extensions. One of the corollaries of this approach is that along any geodesic the total mass evolves with constant acceleration, as an object’s height in a constant buoyancy field.
Will the United States pass on telemedicine progress?
Authors: Cummins Mollie R , Ivanova Julia , Ong Triton , Soni Hiral , Barrera Janelle F , Wilczewski Hattie , Welch Brandon M , Bunnell Brian E 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
During the COVID-19 pandemic, federal and state health policies allowed temporary flexibilities for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, leading to a sharp increase in telemedicine use. However, many of the flexibilities that enabled innovation and growth in telemedicine continue temporarily since the federal emergency declaration ended in May 2023, and the United States has not made permanent decisions about telemedicine policy. Analysts have raised concerns about increased spending, program integrity, safety, and equity, and recommend strengthening oversight.

Methods
Here, we argue that we must continue the flexibilities to better understand telemedicine’s quality, safety, and outcomes, and until the United States can develop an evidence-based digital health strategy. A premature regression to pre-pandemic telemedicine policies risks unintended consequences.

Conclusion
We must continue the current policy flexibilities, safeguard against fraud and abuse, and immediately prioritize research and evaluation of telemedicine’s quality, safety, and outcomes, to avoid unintended consequences and support more permanent policy decision-making.
Cutting-edge skin ageing research on tissue stem cell
Authors: Ichijo Ryo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In developed economies, the growing number of older individuals is a pressing issue. As a result, research progress into ageing has emphasized the significance of staying healthy in one’s later years. Stem cells have a fundamental role to play in fostering diverse cell types and necessary processes for tissue repair and regeneration. Stem cells experience the effects of ageing over time, which is caused by their functional deterioration. Changes to stem cells, their niches and signals from other tissues they interact with are crucial factors in the ageing of stem cells. Progress in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology has greatly advanced stem cell research. This review examines the mechanisms of stem cell ageing, its impact on health and investigates the potential of stem cell therapy, with a special emphasis on the skin.
Psychiatric Risk Factors and Burn Severity in Self-immolation
Authors: Mannekote Thippaiah Srinagesh , Ayub Ibraheim , Challita Youssef P , Ramos Gilbert , Richey Karen J , Foster Kevin N 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Self-immolation, a form of self-harm involving setting oneself on fire, is associated with high mortality, morbidity, and healthcare burden. This study aimed to characterize potential clinical correlates and predisposing factors for self-immolation based on burn severity using TBSA percentage scoring. Additional objectives included identifying motivational elements, associated risk factors, and clinical characteristics to optimize patient care and reduce future self-immolation incidents. A retrospective review of admissions to the Arizona Burn Center from July 2015 to August 2022 identified 103 self-immolation patients for the study. Burn severity was categorized as mild to moderate (TBSA &lt; 20%) or severe (TBSA ≥ 20%) based on TBSA. This study population had a mortality rate of 21%. Positive urine drug screens were found in 44% of subjects, and 63% having chronic substance use, with methamphetamine (37%) and alcohol (30%), being the most prevalent. Underlying psychiatric illnesses were present in 83% of patients. Suicidal intent strongly predicted severe burns (P &lt; .001) among the 68 severe burn cases identified. In conclusion, this study emphasizes that the presence of suicidal intent among self-immolation patients significantly correlates with burn severity. These findings highlight the importance of involving psychiatric services early in patient care to improve outcomes and reduce the recurrence of self-immolation acts.
Biology and management of Coleophora deauratella (Lepidoptera: Coleophoridae) in red clover seed-growing regions in North America and New Zealand
Authors: Kaur Navneet , Anderson Nicole P , Dorman Seth J , Walenta Darrin L , Donovan Brain C , Tanner Christy , Mori Boyd A , Otani Jennifer , Sim Richard E , Rolston Phil , Faulkner Joel 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), a perennial forage legume belonging to the Fabaceae family, is grown for seed in many temperate regions of the world. Coleophora deauratella Leinig and Zeller (Lepidoptera: Coleophoridae) is a significant insect pest occurring globally in several primary red clover seed-producing regions. Coleophora deauratella inflicts crop damage by larval feeding on developing seed within individual florets, thus reducing seed yield. The first detection of C. deauratella and seed yield losses up to 90% were reported in the Peace River region of Alberta, in western Canada, in 2006, signifying its damage and potential threat to other red clover seed-producing areas of the world as an invasive insect pest species. As a result, crop stand age was reduced to 1 yr to mitigate seed yield loss caused by this pest in second-year fields in Alberta. Coleophora deauratella was first discovered in western Oregon in 2011, but the resulting economic damage remains unknown after more than a decade of its discovery. The first confirmed case of C. deauratella and tremendous seed yield devastation in red clover seed crops in the mid-Cantebury region of New Zealand occurred in 2016. Continued monitoring efforts in Oregon and New Zealand revealed that pest populations started receding after 2018, and the presence of unknown biocontrol agents, climatic, or genetic factors was speculated for its lower establishment rate. In this article, we discuss C. deauratella biology, ecology, and pest status in North America and New Zealand, along with the key research highlights to control C. deauratella.