bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SECO-RCR: A Tool to Manage Requirements Change in Software Ecosystems
Authors: Gonçalves Eduardo dos Santos , Malcher Paulo , Moraes Laura O. , Viana Davi , Santos Rodrigo Pereira dos
Published: October 2024

Software ecosystems (SECO) are becoming a predominant mode of modern software development and can be defined from different perspectives. From a project perspective, SECO are groups of projects that are developed and co-evolved in the same environment. SECO introduced complexity into requirements management, which is a key process of requirements engineering (RE) and an effective way to ensure software quality. There is difficulty in managing requirements change in open and dynamic environments such as SECO due to the existence of multiple stakeholders that can form distinct crowds in the ecosystem. In SECO, a crowd is a large and heterogeneous user base that provides requirements through multiple communication channels. Hence, meeting the expectations of distinct crowds in SECO requires new RE approaches. This paper presents a tool called Software Ecosystems - Requirements Change Request (SECO-RCR) that applies software repository mining, natural language processing techniques, and machine learning to support requirements change management in SECO. SECO-RCR allows requirements managers to define different RCR and consult different crowds to assist them in their decision making. Apresentação (Youtube): https://youtu.be/2OgCRvrA1Ec
Detangling Knots in the Narratives: A Response to Theunis Roux
Authors: Chandra Aparna
Published: October 2024

In his insightful paper, Theunis Roux argues that there are two dominant narratives about the constitutional transitions in India and South Africa. The Liberal Progressivist Narrative (“LPN”), understands these constitutions as the application of Western liberal ideas to the context of the global South. The repurposing of universally valid (but of Western origin) liberal constitutionalism to serve the interests of the global south does involve some development and innovation, but these departures represent differences of degree not of kind. Reliance on liberal constitutional ideals and devices in framing post-colonial non-Western constitutions is legitimate because – to borrow from Alexander Hamilton - Indians and South Africans adopted variations of liberal constitutionalism by ‘reflection and choice … not accident and force.’ They exercised political/intellectual agency and sovereign will in making these ideas, values and institutions work for their circumstances. Thus, these constitutions are legitimate both because of their adherence to ‘universal’ reason, as well as their authorization by popular will. Where these constitutions do not work as intended, they can be changed through incremental means routed through constitutionally approved institutional channels such as constitutional amendments and judicial (re-) interpretations.
Some Reflections on Theunis Roux’s Grand Narratives of Transition and the Quest for Democratic Constitutionalism in India and South Africa
Authors: O’Regan Catherine
Published: October 2024

Theunis Roux’s “Grand Narratives of Transition and the Quest for Democratic Constitutionalism in India and South Africa” is an important piece of comparative constitutional scholarship that will be of interest not only to scholars of the Indian and South African constitutional experience, but to all who are interested in the global practice of constitutionalism. It displays Roux’s rare ability to traverse history, politics, social and political theory, and legal doctrine and to produce a thought-provoking argument that calls for engagement.
Narrating Constitutional Dis/Order in Post-1994 South Africa: A Critical Response to Theunis Roux
Authors: Modiri Joel
Published: October 2024

This comment takes up the invitation to critically engage Theunis Roux’s paper “Grand Narratives of Transition and the Quest for Democratic Constitutionalism in India and South Africa”, focusing only on the latter of his two subject countries. Like Roux, I am interested in examining the impending collapse or fading of liberal constitutionalism as an emancipatory horizon for postcolonial futurity and regard this predicament as one of the major questions for legal, political and social theory today. As both the promises and premises of the South African constitution sustain deep fractures under the pressure of the intractable afterlife of colonial-apartheid and growing dissent against the founding myths of the post-apartheid legal order, we enter a problem-space that demands reckoning. Roux’s approach to this question is to stage an interlocution between what he regards as the two prominent competing grand narratives of postcolonial transition and democratic constitutionalism, which he respectively names the “liberal progressive” (mainstream) narrative (“LPN”) and the “culturalist” or “decolonial” (critical) narrative (“CGN”).
Spectres of Decoloniality: Comparing constitutional histories of India and South Africa
Authors: Bhuwania Anuj
Published: October 2024

Constitutionalism has been in crisis in India and in South Africa in recent times. Theunis Roux, a South African comparative constitutional scholar who has also written extensively on the Indian constitutional experience, is particularly well-placed to diagnose and address this crisis. But Roux here primarily chooses to address one aspect of this crisis which has attracted a lot of public attention lately, the decolonial spectre. That is, the challenge to the legitimacy of the constitutions of these two countries on the grounds that these constitutions are insufficiently derived from indigenous traditions. Roux is not unaware of other aspects of the crisis that plague these two constitutions, as becomes apparent at various points in his piece. But his choice here to focus on the decolonial question, which in theory poses an existential challenge to arguably the two most celebrated constitutions of the global south, conceals as much as it reveals about these other equally fundamental challenges.
The Soft Skills Perception Gap between Employers and Young People: Findings from Turkey
Authors: Atilla-Bal Esra , Okay-Somerville Belgin
Published: October 2024

Building on research highlighting the importance of soft skills in school to work transitions and employers’ hiring decisions, this article examines the perception gap between young people’s and employers’ ascriptions of soft skills (operationalised in transferable skills, personal attributes and work-related values). Theoretically the study builds on social construction of soft skills and considers employers’ and young people’s judgment of soft skills. The study uses secondary data from young people (aged 15-18) and employers in Turkey. Findings show that, employers’ and young people’s (particularly young women’s) ascription diverge on all three categories of soft skills. The study contributes to the evidence base on social construction of soft skills, contextualised in the Turkish youth employment system.
Organisational Capacity for Change and Its Relationship with Adaptability and Organisational Performance: Evidence from Bulgaria
Authors: Mladenova Irena
Published: October 2024

This study aims to respond to calls for more empirical evidence concerning the factors and outcomes of organisational capacity for change (OCC). Quantitative data analyses on a sample of 200 employees and managers in organisations in Bulgaria were performed. Exploratory factor analysis extracted six OCC factors: transformational leadership, valence, organisational flexibility, previous experience with change, climate, and goals for improvement. Two hypotheses on the relationship of OCC factors and control variables with adaptability and organisational performance were tested through hierarchical regression analyses and were partially confirmed. Findings highlight the need for organisations to focus on transformational leadership, change process factors (previous experience with change, valence), organisational context factors (organisational flexibility, goals for improvement), and climate (for cohesion) to help build a capacity for implementing and sustaining multiple changes. Two of the OCC factors – climate and goals for improvement – do not have a statistically significant relationship to either of the outcomes in this sample.
Achieving Organisational Effectiveness: A Leadership Framework Based on the Complexity Perspective
Authors: Kićanović Ana , Jevtić Miloš , Maričić Milica
Published: October 2024

This paper aims to provide insights into the daunting task leaders face towards achieving organisational effectiveness in the changing and demanding business environment. We propose a leadership framework to explore the effects of different leadership roles on the organisations’ outcomes. In the proposed framework, organisations were observed as complex adaptive systems (CAS). A survey was conducted among private sector employees from companies operating in Serbia to verify the proposed framework. Answers from 277 respondents were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The applied framework provides valuable insights into the influences of different leadership roles - operational, entrepreneurial, and enabling - on organisational effectiveness. Organisational effectiveness was observed through the lens of business-related performance outcomes, organisational units’ outcomes, and individual outcomes, all together reflecting innovation, adaptability, quality, cooperation, employees’ motivation, job satisfaction, work stress level, and job insecurity. Research analysis provides evidence on the influence of complexity leadership on companies' outcomes. Additional insights are provided, having in mind that differences in the impact have been detected based on the managerial and non-managerial positions held.
Beteiligungstransparenz bei Instrumenten mit vergleichbarer wirtschaftlicher Wirkung
Authors: Parhofer Nicolas
Published: October 2024

In the context of notification requirements for shareholdings under capital markets law, this dissertation focuses on notification requirements for positions in financial instruments. It treats these issues in three steps. On the one hand, it draws a legal comparison to US securities law and analyses the economic motives behind the notification requirements for shareholdings. In addition, this work systematizes the legislative intentions and compares them with the economic findings. In the main section, the author builds on this by examining the scope of notification requirements for instruments with a comparable economic effect pursuant to Section 38 (1) sentence 1 no. 2 WpHG and Art. 13 (1) lit. b) Transparency Directive.
Giant Facial Tumor in Rosacea: A Case Report
Authors: B Chikhalkar Siddhi , Joshi Vijay Deepak , Kharkar Vidya
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Rosacea is a centrofacial dermatosis with numerous triggers, leading to neurovascular dysregulation. Phymatous rosacea results from sebaceous hyperplasia and fibrosis, clinically presenting as irregular hypertrophy of the affected area. Medical therapies, such as photoprotection, anti-inflammatory antibiotics, and retinoids, provide suboptimal benefits in cases of phymatous rosacea. This limitation necessitates the use of surgical modalities like ablative lasers, electrosurgery, or plastic reconstruction for effective treatment. Here, we report a case of phymatous rosacea with multiple phymas over the nose, eyelids, forehead, chin, ears, and cheeks, creating a lion-like facial appearance (leonine facies) due to diffuse facial nodularity. The condition was clinically confounded with leprosy, leishmaniasis, lymphoma, and scleromyxedema. Additionally, the zygophyma (cheek) presented as a giant pedunculated tumor, which is rarely reported. It was mistaken for a soft tissue tumor, posing a diagnostic challenge. Plastic surgical excision and reconstruction proved therapeutic, and microscopic examination played a pivotal role in solving the diagnostic enigma. Case Presentation: A young male farmer with recurrent photo-exacerbated centrofacial lesions, clinically diagnosed as rosacea, later developed diffuse facial nodularity resembling leonine facies. The appearance of a progressively enlarging, globose, pedunculated tumor on his right cheek further complicated the diagnosis. Although phymatous rosacea was the leading clinical suspicion, histological analysis was deemed necessary to distinguish the combination of leonine facies and the pendulous mass from other serious conditions. Leprosy, leishmaniasis, lymphoma, and scleromyxedema are among the many causes of leonine facies, while soft tissue tumors like lipoma, fibroma, and neurofibroma can present with pedunculated morphology. The pendulous mass was surgically excised and sent for microscopic analysis, which confirmed the diagnosis of granulomatous rosacea. Cold knife excision was preferred over lasers and radiosurgery to preserve tissue architecture for histological analysis. Continued medical therapy and photoprotection contributed to further clinical regression. Conclusions: Pedunculated phymatous rosacea, mimicking a soft tissue tumor, requires histopathological distinction from more serious conditions. Cold knife plastic surgery, which preserves tissue architecture for histopathological studies, should be the recommended surgical treatment in such cases. Additionally, avoiding triggers and adhering to medical therapy are essential for better aesthetic outcomes.
Urgency of Implementing Indonesian Halal Certification in International Trade (Case Study of Chicken Meat Imports from Brazil)
Authors: Sukma Hidayatun  , Annisa Romadhonia  , Miftakhul Janah
Published: October 2024

Discussions regarding the halal industry have been very prominent in recent years. Therefore, many issues related to the halal industry are written about and used as research objects. Halal products must have certain specifications so they can play in the halal market. These specifications require certain qualifications that are closely related to halal standards. This research aims to explain the urgency of implementing halal certification in Indonesia in international trade (case study of chicken meat imports from Brazil). The first research result is that as a global food organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has the idea of halal products. Nevertheless, FAO's main focus is currently limited to food products. FAO has not fully protected regulations relating to the guarantee of halal products for countries around the world. FAO provides ratification to each country regarding halal product regulatory policies. The only FAO requirement is that the exporting country must receive halal certification to demonstrate that the product is halal, although this can still be requested by the importing country. The second is that Indonesia has stipulated that although not all products in circulation must have halal certification, some must. Article 135 PP No. 39 of 2021 and Article 125 PP No. 39 of 2021.
Protection of Civilians in War: The Role of International Humanitarian Law
Authors: Khan Gawhar Ahmad
Published: October 2024

International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is a compilation of laws aimed at limiting the consequences of armed conflict for humanitarian purposes. It safeguards those that are not or are no longer involved in fighting and limits the arms and tactics of warfare. It also protects people’s lives, welfare, and dignity, prohibits torture and inhuman treatment, prescribes fundamental protections for those facing criminal charges, prohibits prejudices, establishes guidelines for women's and children's safety, and regulates facets of the right to food and health. This study, essentially, theoretical and academic, would focus onto bring about the role and importance of International Humanitarian Law in protection and establishing the rights of civilians during the strife and hostilities.
An annotated type catalogue of praying mantises (Mantodea) in the Zoological Museum Hamburg (ZMH)
Authors: Nguyen Eileen , Husemann Martin , Ehrmann Reinhard
Published: October 2024

With this publication we provide an updated catalogue of the type material of mantises (Mantodea) deposited in the Zoological Museum Hamburg (ZMH). We report 84 type specimens (51 holotypes, 25 paratypes and 8 syntypes) belonging to 64 species (45 valid names and 19 synonyms). Furthermore, we present high resolution illustrations for these type specimens.
2014- 2023 Spotify Top 10 Listelerinin Bağımlılık Sosyolojisi Bağlamında İncelenmesi
Authors: Çakmak Muhammet N.
Published: October 2024

Amaç: Teknolojinin getirdiği dijitalleşmeyle müzik gündelik hayatımızın önemli bir parçası olmuştur. Günün hemen her anında ve her mekânda ulaşılabilen müzik, insan davranış ve tutumlarında önemli bir etkiye sahiptir. Gençlerin daha yoğun dinlediği, çocuklarınsa kolayca ulaşabildiği popüler müzik içerikleri, yüz milyonları aşan izlenme sayılarıyla bağımlılık açısından incelenmeyi hak etmektedir. Bu doğrultuda en yaygın şarkılar tespit edilmesi ve içeriklerinin bağımlılık sosyolojisi perspektifinden incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır.
Yöntem: Bu çalışmada son on yılın top 10 şarkı listesi bağımlılık sosyolojisi bağlamında incelenmiştir. Şarkılar Spotify’n yayımlamış olduğu listelerden alınmıştır. 2014-23 arası 10 yılın top 10 listesi, toplamda 100 şarkı örnekleme dahil edilmiştir. Araştırmada nitel doküman analizi yöntemi kullanılmıştır.
Bulgular: Elde edilen bulgulara göre madde kullanımı, şiddet, argo-küfür ve depresyon olarak 4 ana tema bulunmuştur. Söz konusu temaların 2017 yılından sonra oluştuğu görülmüştür. Bu tarih rap müziğin listelere girmeye başladığı dönemdir. Müzik türüne göre analiz yapıldığında olumsuz ifadelerin tamamına yakınının rap müzik türünde toplandığı bulunmuştur. Bu yıldan itibaren bağımlılık içeriklerinin artarak devam ettiği görülmüştür.
Sonuç: Yıllar içinde şarkılarda bağımlılık ifadelerinin hızlı bir şekilde arttığı görülmektedir. Söz konusu ifadeler rap müzik özelinde toplanmıştır. İlgili literatür incelendiğinde dünyada bu yönde bir artış olduğu saptanmıştır. Söz konusu bulgular ilgili literatürle örtüşmektedir.
Cuidado popular, autocuidado y adaptación en diadas rurales con ostomías de eliminación intestinal
Authors: Quemba Mesa Mónica Paola , Vargas Rodríguez Leidy Yemile , Pulido Barragán Sandra Patricia , Bautista Plazas Leyla , Díaz Fernández Jenny Katherine
Published: October 2024

Objetivo principal: Analizar el cuidado popular, el autocuidado y la adaptación en diadas de cuidado rurales con ostomías de eliminación intestinal. Método: Estudió cualitativo etnográfico, con muestreo en bola de nieve, entrevistas en profundidad y notas de campo; codificación realizada mediante software cualitativo. Resultados principales: Participaron 8 diadas; se identificaron 198 citas, 54 códigos y 8 categorías: adaptación cultural y cuidados populares, significados, corporalidad, adaptación emocional, en las actividades de la vida diaria, en la alimentación, conocimiento instrumental y proyecto de vida. Conclusión principal: Las diadas transitan por procesos de adaptación en los que implementan cuidados populares desde sus propios recursos, para mitigar barreras de acceso y dificultades socioeconómicas. Desde la atención en salud se requiere identificar las necesidades de cada diada y los cuidados populares aplicados, para validar las prácticas seguras y negociar respecto a las que sean riesgosas.
El decálogo del buen maestro, o cómo apoyar a jóvenes investigadores sin aprovecharse de su talento
Authors: Amezcua Manuel
Published: October 2024

El estatus entre investigador senior y junior es tan desigual que cuando median relaciones jerarquizadas pueden ocasionarse efectos de abuso de poder. Esto se hace plausible en los procesos doctorales, cuando algunos directores insaciables presionan a sus doctorandos para publicar con su propio peculio trabajos en revistas de alto impacto con los que alimentan sus voracidades curriculares. Pero la mentoría académica y de investigación es otra cosa, de manera que cuando se realiza honestamente resulta un componente esencial para el crecimiento y la sostenibilidad de las comunidades científicas [Fragmento de texto].
Futbolun Görsel Dili: Logolar ve Markalaşma Stratejileri
Authors: Aydın Gökhan , Aydın Gökçer
Published: October 2024

Sporda markalaşma stratejileri, logo tasarımının merkezinde yer alır ve kulüplerin tanınabilirliğini artırmanın yanı sıra taraftar bağlılığını güçlendirir. Etkili bir logo, kulübün kimliğini ve tarihini yansıtarak duygusal bir bağ oluşturur. Renk paleti ve tasarım unsurları, taraftarların kulüple olan aidiyetini pekiştirir. Örneğin, Barcelona'nın mavi ve kırmızı renkleri, kulübün tarihine ve değerlerine atıfta bulunur. Yeniden tasarım süreçleri, geçmişe saygı göstererek modern unsurların entegrasyonunu sağlar; bu da kulübün güncelliğini korumasına yardımcı olur. Sponsorluklar ve iş birlikleri, logonun daha geniş kitlelere ulaşmasına katkı sağlar. Ayrıca, dijital platformlarda logo kullanımı, sosyal medya etkileşimini artırarak markanın görünürlüğünü artırır. Logo tasarımı ayrıca, kulübün hikayesini ve değerlerini görsel bir anlatım ile ifade etme işlevi görür. Örneğin, Liverpool’un ikonik Liver kuşu, kulübün köklü tarihine ve yerel kültüre bağlılığını simgeler. Modern logo tasarımları genellikle minimalizme yönelirken, geçmişteki sembollerin korunması, geleneksel unsurların ve taraftarların hissettiği nostaljinin önemli bir parçasıdır. Bu bağlamda, kulüpler bazen eski logolarını özel günlerde veya etkinliklerde kullanarak taraftarlarının duygusal bağını pekiştirmektedir. Sonuç olarak logo, bir spor kulübünün markalaşma stratejisinin temel taşını oluşturur ve başarılı bir spor markasının imajını şekillendirir.
Guessing Number: A Game-Based Mobile Application for Children Learning Numbers
Authors: Mustapha Muhammad Firdaus , Ab Hamid Siti Haslini , Zulkipeli Alis Farhana
Published: October 2024

The brains of young kids grow in spurts known as crucial periods. The first happens at the age of two, and the second throughout puberty. Mathematics is one of the most important subjects to study and practice in daily life. Nonetheless, it must be admitted that learning numbers for young kids is difficult, particularly for today’s generation. Since it is more interesting and effective than traditional learning, game-based mobile learning applications have recently been used as a learning tool for young kids. Therefore, this paper proposes a learning application for young kids to empower them in learning numbers named “Guessing Number”. The objective of this project is to build an application that will help young kids to learn numbers and play games at the same time to stimulate their brains to remember numbers faster. The features focused on this application is to help them recognize numbers, remember numbers by playing games, and stimulate their brain to think fast. This mobile based application is developed using MIT App Inventor along with Canva to design the interface. The proposed educational application has been successfully built, tested, and uploaded into Google Play Store.
Self-Invertible Key on Cipher Polygraphic Polyfunction with Eigen Matrix based IMIE
Authors: FARIDAH BINTI YUNOS  , Nur Aqilah Fakhira Binti Ayub  , Nurul Fatin Atiqa Binti Mohammad Rasyidi  , Muhammad Asyraf Bin Asbullah
Published: October 2024

Hill Cipher’s System and its modifications are still practiced mainly in sending a secret message involving images. One drawback that the recipient of the message is trying to overcome is to get the decryption key from the cipher text to plain text during the decryption process. Previous studies have proven that using self-invertible keys can reduce the computation cost to obtain this key. This paper generates a self-invertible matrix based on Integer-Entry Matrix with all Integer Eigenvalues (IMIE). Subsequently, we executed it into Cipher Polygraphic Polyfunction Cryptosystem and observed the effect.
Survival Analysis on Lung Cancer Patients in Damaturu-Nigeria
Authors: Madaki Umar Yusuf
Published: October 2024

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death by lung cancer in particular, is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women, accounting for 23% of all cancer deaths in 2019 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One particular problem with lung cancer is that it usually has a poor prognosis. With such a deadly disease, it is crucial to predict the survival likelihood of cancer patients. However, this is not an easy task due to the many factors affecting the disease progression. Survival time has become an essential outcome of clinical trial, which began to emerge among the latter half of the 20th century. A present study was carried out on the survival analysis for patients with lung cancer. The data was obtained from Yobe State Specialist Hospital, Damaturu where each sample was collected from the recipients of the treatment of radical prostatectomy. The Kaplan Meier method was used to obtain and estimate the survival function and median. The log-rank test was used to test the differences in the survival curves. The cox proportional hazard (PH) model provided an effective covariate on the hazard function. As a result of cox PH model, the influence of standard clinical prognostic factors is based on the hazard rate of lung cancer patients. We performed rigorous cross-examination on each feature's relationship and the model for each feature type using data analysis information and survival analysis models. For each feature type, we used one representative survival analysis model from semi-parametric methods (Cox proportional hazards model), one from non-parametric methods (Kaplan-Meier estimator), and one from machine learning approaches (random survival forests). Using the results obtained from these different methods, we identified the best feature types and model combinations to get the top performance for various follow-up periods. The best model is Cox proportional hazards model based on the AIC and log-likelihood functions respectively.
A Dynamic Selection Method for Touch-Based Continuous Authentication On Mobile Devices
Authors: Zaidi Ahmad Zairi , Chong Chun Yong
Published: October 2024

Touch biometric is one of the promising modalities to realise continuous authentication (CA) on mobile devices by distinguishing between touch strokes performed by the legitimate and illegitimate users. While the benefit of the scheme is promising, the effectiveness of different classification methods is not thoroughly understood. Little consideration has been given to dynamic selection of classifiers. In this paper, we proposed a dynamic selection method to deal with the security and usability needs of touch-based CA. Instead of classifying all touch samples using the same classifier, the method classifies each touch sample using the most promising classifier(s) from a pool of classifiers based on a certain measure of competence. The classifiers that achieve the highest level of competence will be selected to perform the classification task. We compared the proposed method with other dynamic selection methods, well-known single classifiers, as well as static ensemble methods. The experimental results show the potential and feasibility of the proposed method to improve the authentication performance of touch-based CA against the benchmark methods. We found that the proposed method can produce promising results with relatively low equal error rate in many scenarios of the datasets, with relatively high consistency.
Experiment on Lung Disease Classification using YOLOv8
Authors: Harun Nor Hazlyna , Fared Naqif
Published: October 2024

Lung diseases are a leading cause of illness and mortality worldwide. Accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial for improving patient outcomes, but manual interpretation of chest X-rays by radiologists may consume a significant amount of time and is susceptible to errors. This study leverages the state-of-the-art YOLOv8 deep learning model to develop an automated system for classifying lung diseases from chest X-ray images. The proposed approach utilizes a large, diverse dataset of 21,165 chest X-ray images categorized into four classes: COVID-19, viral pneumonia, lung opacity, and normal. The YOLOv8-cls model is fine-tuned using transfer learning and advanced data augmentation techniques. The system achieves a high accuracy of approximately 95% across all disease classes while maintaining real-time performance. Confusion matrix analysis demonstrates strong performance in correctly identifying each condition, with COVID-19, normal, viral pneumonia and lung opacity cases correctly identified 97%, 97%, 99% and 93% of the time respectively. The outcomes validate the adaptability and reliability of deep learning, specifically YOLOv8, for automated lung disease detection, offering the potential to improve clinical workflows and patient care by providing efficient screening tools for practitioners. The study addresses limitations of previous works by utilizing a large consolidated dataset, reporting comprehensive computational efficiency metrics, and extending classification complexity without substantially impacting accuracy or speed. Future research should focus on further optimizations and extending the curated image repositories to include under-represented patient groups to enhance the model's inclusiveness and robustness.
Batik Pattern Classification Using Machine Learning Approaches
Authors: Toyib Hosen Ida I'aza , Ahmad Kamaruddin Saadi
Published: October 2024

Batik is one of Malaysia traditional textile art form that is well known. By using Artificial Neural Network (ANN), k-Nearest Neighbors (k-NN) and Decision Tree methods, this study aims to classify Kelantan batik designs according to flora, fauna and geometry motifs. 133 images of the three categories were collected from social media and underwent pre-processing techniques. Image augmentation was done to enhance the diversity and quality of available training data for machine learning models. Digital transformation on the images based on colour features was developed to classify the three types of batik motifs. Image embedding was employed which returned a vector representation of each image in a data table in Orange software. The data divided into training and testing dataset, with a ratio of 8:2. The performance of each machine learning techniques were compared. The findings showed that ANN produced an excellent performance as indicated by classification accuracy (CA) of 87.9% for original images and 82.2% using Luminance Gradient image transformation technique. ANN also returns the highest AUC score indicating it is the best in distinguishing the images motif. Results from confusion matrix showed that ANN have the least misclassification for batik classification. Based on the result, it signifies that ANN performs the best classification among the three approaches.
An Ensemble Learning Algorithm with Hyperparameter Optimization (ELAHO) Model for Early Detection of Maternal Health Risk (MHR) Level Using Machine Learning
Authors: Sathasivam Saratha , Abdullahi Samaila
Published: October 2024

Despite the advancement in the healthcare system, maternal health risk remains high, which is the most challenging aspect nowadays. There is a need to develop an effective model for early detection, monitoring, and prediction of maternal health risk levels during pregnancy. The machine learning intelligence model has proven its effectiveness and robustness in providing accurate and reliable prediction, analysis, and interpretation of medical data, reducing several risk factors for early diagnosis in healthcare. In this research work, we proposed an ensemble learning algorithm with a hyperparameter optimization (ELAHO) model using machine learning algorithms to improve its robustness, effectiveness, and model performance. The proposed method uses a hybrid model of logistic regression and support vector machines (LG-SVM) to predict maternal health risk levels during pregnancy. The method utilized Python software for training, testing, and validation. We evaluated the performance of our proposed model using accuracy, precision, sensitivity, f1-score, and ROC-AUC score. The proposed models outperformed the conventional models and achieved 100% predictive accuracy. The proposed approach has the potential to be adapted as an intelligence-monitoring system for early medical diagnosis during pregnancy. The proposed techniques will help medical professionals make quick decisions accurately and enhance monitoring to improve the level of care offered to pregnant mothers and their unborn children.
Bioeconomy Sustainability: Integrating Circular Economy Principles with Big Data and IoT for Sustainable Farming in Agriculture 4.0
Authors: Baharin Ahmad Tajudin , Ishak Noormaizatul Akmar , Ismail Nurulisma , Osman Mohd Fisol , Md Isa Evawaynie Valquis , Ariffin Wan Nor Munirah
Published: October 2024

This concept paper explores the synergy between Bioeconomy sustainability and advanced technologies, specifically the integration of circular economy principles with big data and the Internet of Things (IoT), in the context of sustainable farming within Agriculture 4.0 in Malaysia. Despite limited understanding, the study aims to unveil the potential benefits of this integration and assess the current state of technology adoption, bioeconomic practices, and sustainable farming in Malaysia. Challenges faced by Malaysian farmers, such as awareness gaps and resistance to change, are identified, and strategies, including targeted education and financial incentives, are proposed to overcome these barriers. While acknowledging potential limitations in universality due to data access constraints and the dynamic nature of technology and agriculture, the study emphasizes the importance of integrating these innovative approaches to propel Malaysian agriculture toward sustainability within the Agriculture 4.0 framework.
Properties of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)/thermoplastic starch filled with treated and untreated sugarcane bagasse fiber
Authors: Mat Akhir Maisara Azad , Ahmad Zubir Syazana , Jaafar Mariatti
Published: October 2024

Sugarcane bagasse, comprising fibrous rind and spongy pith, is frequently employed as a reinforcing agent in both concrete and plastic composites. In thin plastic films, sugarcane bagasse is typically utilized as finely ground particles within the composite film. The integration of this agricultural byproduct into biodegradable plastic films could potentially lower production expenses and promote the film's biodegradability. This study presents the development of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT)/thermoplastic starch (TPS) (90/10) formulations incorporating varying loadings of sugarcane bagasse fibers. The impact of alkaline and silane surface treatments on tensile strength, thermal properties, and water barrier properties was investigated. Upon the inclusion of sugarcane bagasse (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%), a decrease in tensile strength from 23.47 to 8.41 MPa and elongation at break from 1135% to 55.83% was observed. Conversely, the Young's modulus increased from 47.12 to 188.50 MPa following the addition of 20% sugarcane bagasse in the PBAT/TPS matrix. Modest enhancements in tensile properties, thermal characteristics, and water barrier properties were noted after treating the bagasse fibers with alkaline and silane. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis revealed that silane-treated sugarcane bagasse exhibited increased surface roughness due to the removal of lignin and hemicellulose, facilitating better adhesion between the fibers and the PBAT/TPS matrix.
Fabrication and Characterization of Dome-Shaped Actuator Membrane for Peristaltic Valveless Electromagnetic Micropump
Authors: Ayub Subandi  , Jumril Yunas  , Azrul Azlan Hamzah  , Muhamad Ramdzan Buyong  , Gandi Sugandi  , Nanang Sudrajat
Published: October 2024

This paper discusses the method of fabrication and characterization of a peristaltic micropump with a dome-shaped electromagnetic (EM) actuator membrane by pouring Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) on top of the glass master mould. The peristaltic micropumps have three membranes separated by a spacer of 2 mm. The structure of the mould consists of three pillar-shaped glasses that have a dome-like structure at the top. The border on the edge of the mould functions as a barrier to prevent the spill of the PDMS. When the PDMS is poured on top of the glass mould, a thin membrane will be formed and it will automatically overflow to form a chamber and spacer. The fabricated membrane structures were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), while the mechanical and electrica properties were analysed by observing the deformation of the membrane. The SEM images show that a hanging PDMS membrane with a thickness of 77.5 µm was established. The permanent magnet connected to the lever and attached to the membrane will interact with the magnetic field generated by the EM coil. The measurement results show that a coil of 275 turns carrying a current of 600 mA produces a magnetic field of 11 mT causing a membrane deflection of 1.5 mm. The resulting dome-shaped membrane will have its potential application for the use as the actuator for the EM peristaltic micropumps.
Physical Properties of Nanostructured Zinc Sulfide Thin Films Deposited by the PLD Method for Gas Sensing
Authors: Suad M. Kadhim  , Yasmeen Z. Dawood  , Esraa K. Hamed
Published: October 2024

The pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique created nanostructured semiconducting zinc sulfide (ZnS) thin films onto a quartz substrate. A gas sensing static unit, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to analyze the structural, surface morphology, and gas sensing properties of the as-deposited thin films. After the ZnS thin films were formed, they were heated to evaluate the effects of annealing on the characteristics of the ZnS film. XRD analysis reveals that the ZnS thin films exhibit a structure similar to zinc blend cubes, with a preference for the (111) orientation. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns that emerge during annealing show that ZnS thin films become more crystalline. Grain size increases as the annealing temperature rises. Images captured by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) revealed a grain-like sphere for each of the annealed thin films, confirming the growth of grains. The UV-Vis spectra showed that the ZnS samples' transmittance boosts after annealing because their crystalline quality is improved. The transmittance is measured within the 400 ̶ 900 nm band, and the optical band gap is direct at 3.72 eV, decreasing to 3.51 eV at 350 °C during annealing. Annealing significantly improves the physical properties of ZnS thin films, according to all presented data. NO2 and CO2 gas were used to obtain the I-V values ​​of the samples. The ability of ZnS thin films formed at different annealing temperatures was tested using NO2 gas. The sensors were fabricated and tested at different operating temperatures and NO2 gas concentrations of 100, 300, 400, 500, and 700 ppm.
Silicon Nanowire Biosensors for Diabetes Mellitus Monitoring
Authors: M. Shaifullah A. S  , J. Jumat  , M. N. M. Nuzaihan  , M. F. M. Fathil  , J. N. Ismail  , N. H. A. Halim  , Z. Zailan  , M. K. Md Arshad  , M. Syamsul  , Rozaimah A. T
Published: October 2024

The main goal of this research is the development of a label-free biosensor for the detection of diabetes mellitus (DM) using the target molecule retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4). The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) approach, currently used to detect DM, is time-consuming and difficult. As a result, label-free biosensors are being considered as an alternative. In this research, silicon nanowires (SiNWs) were selected as the transducer for this biosensor due to their low cost, real-time analysis capability, high sensitivity, and low detection limit. The SiNWs were created using conventional lithography, reactive ion etching (RIE), and physical vapor deposition (PVD), and then dripped with a gold nanoparticle solution to create gold-decorated SiNWs. The surface of the gold-decorated SiNWs was functionalized using 3-aminothiophenol and glutaraldehyde solutions before being immobilized with DM RBP4 antibodies and targets. The electrical characterization of the gold nanoparticle decorated SiNWs biosensor revealed good performance in DM detection. The pH tests confirmed that the SiNWs acted as a transducer, with current proportional to the DM RBP4 concentration. The estimated limit of detection (LOD) and sensitivity for detecting DM RBP4 binding were 0.076 fg/mL and 8.92 nA(g/mL)-1, respectively. This gold nanoparticle decorated SiNWs biosensor performed better than other methods and enabled efficient, accurate, and direct detection of DM. The SiNWs could be used as a distinctive electrical protein biosensor for biological diagnostic purposes. In conclusion, gold nanoparticle deposition offers effective label-free, direct, and high-accuracy DM detection, outperforming previous approaches. Thus, these SiNWs serve as novel electrical protein biosensors for future biological diagnostic applications.
Sustainable production of graphene oxide with ascorbic acid reduction: characterization and insights
Authors: Thaddeus Lee  , Chun Hui Tan  , Chai Yan N  , Hing Wah Lee  , Chun Hong Voon  , Foo Wah Low
Published: October 2024

In this study, graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized from graphite powder using KMnO4 and a concentrated mixture of H2SO4/H3PO4. The obtained GO was subsequently reduced using ascorbic acid. The ratios of H2SO4 to H3PO4 and KMnO4 to graphite powder were kept constant. The synthesized GO and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) were evaluated using UV-visible spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, and EDX. The findings showed that processing graphite powder with KMnO4 at 60 °C for 12 hours resulted in a high degree of oxidation and minimal defects. Furthermore, ascorbic acid, an alternative to highly toxic hydrazine, aided in eliminating oxygen-containing functional groups in the rGO. This study focuses on the properties of GO produced using the improved Hummer's method, and the changes observed after chemical reduction.
A Comparative Study of Microwave Welding Using Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes and Silicon Carbide Nanowhiskers as Microwave Susceptors
Authors: Phey Yee Foong  , Chun Hong Voon  , Bee Ying Lim  , Pei Leng Teh  , Cheow Keat Yeoh  , Mohd Afendi Rojan  , Nor Azizah Parmin  , Subash C. B. Gopinath  , Foo Wah Low  , Muhammad Kashif  , Nor Azura Abdul Rahman  , Sun Ting Sam  , Veeradasan Perumal
Published: October 2024

Recently, microwave welding has arisen as an advanced joining method due to its versatility and rapid heating capabilities. Among others, microwave susceptors play a crucial role in microwave welding, as different classes of microwave susceptors have distinct microwave heating mechanisms. In this work, polypropylene (PP) was utilized as a thermoplastic substrate and two types of microwaves susceptors, namely multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and silicon carbide nanowhiskers (SiC NWs), were studied for microwave welding. The susceptor was first dispersed in acetone to form susceptor suspension. Next, the susceptor suspension was deposited onto the targeted area on substrate and paired with another bare PP substrate. The paired sample was then exposed to 800 W microwave radiation in a microwave oven. Afterward, the welded joint was evaluated using a tensile test and scanning electron microscopy to determine its joint strength and cross-section microstructure. The results showed that the joint strength increased as the heating duration increased. The welded joint formed using MWCNTs achieved a maximum strength of 2.26 MPa when 10 s was used, while the SiC NWs-formed welded joint achieved a maximum strength of 2.25 MPa at 15 s. This difference in duration in forming a complete welded joint can be attributed to the higher microwave heating rates and thermal conductivity of MWCNTs. However, increasing the heating duration to 20 s caused severe deformation at the welded joint and resulted in low joint strength. Overall, this study highlights the significance of understanding the microwave heating mechanism of different susceptors and provides essential insight into the selection of a microwave susceptor for microwave welding.
Smart self-assembled polymeric-MMT/Moringa Oleifera L. particles by solvent replacement method
Authors: Rahimah Othman  , Koh Qi Sheng  , Mohd Irfan Hatim Mohd Dzahir  , Monisha Devi  , Siti Pauliena Mohd Bohari
Published: October 2024

Obesity, stemming from metabolic syndrome and energy imbalance, is a common health concern characterized by excess energy consumption and fat buildup. Moringa Oleifera L. (MO), known for its anti-obesity properties, is extracted via Soxhlet extraction. MO is extracted using the Soxhlet extraction method. To evaluate the antioxidant properties of MO powder, several analyses were conducted, including the assessment of total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) activity, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) activity. The TPC and TFC, DPPH activity, and ABTS activity values were determined to be 386.7 mg GAE/g and 82.33 mg QE/g, 32.86 %, and 49.4 % respectively. To improve drug delivery, the freeze-dried MO powder was encapsulated within a polymeric carrier, poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL). Moreover, the incorporation of montmorillonite (MMT) into the MO-loaded PCL nanoparticles enhanced the encapsulation efficiency and drug loading of MO. Nanoprecipitation was employed as a method to produce the nanoparticles, and the effects of four key parameters were studied: the ratio of aqueous phase volume to organic volume (1.5 – 10), stirring speed (400 rpm – 1200 rpm), mass weightage of MO (1 % -5 %), and mass weightage of MMT (2 % - 5 %). Design Expert was utilized for full factorial analysis to assess the impact of these parameters on encapsulation efficiency and drug loading. The optimal formulation was achieved at the ratio of aqueous phase volume to the organic volume of 1.5, stirring speed of 400 rpm, mass weightage of MO at 1 %, and mass weightage of MMT at 5% The expected encapsulation efficiency is 91.33 % and drug loading is 6.49 %.
Enhancing mechanical properties of 2024-Aluminium Alloy Matrix Composite strengthened by Y2O3 ceramic particles
Authors: Mhmood Salim Hassoon  , İsmail H. Kara  , Ahmed H. Ali  , Hamid M. Mahan
Published: October 2024

The development of high-strength, low-weight composite materials has been a high-priority demand in the structural, aerospace, automotive, renewable energy, and sports equipment sectors. Micro-particle size Yttrium oxide (Y2O3) has been utilized to enhance the microstructure and mechanical characteristics of the 2024-Al alloy. The stir-casting technique is employed to prepare 2024-Al alloy and aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) with different Y2O3 weight fractions (1 %, 2 %, and 3 %). Scanning electron microscope ESM with EDS analysis and optical microscope imaging have been used to assess the development in the microstructure of AMCs. Furthermore, optical microscope images have been analyzed by using image processing software, ImageJ to evaluate development in microstructure grain size. Vickers' micro-hardness, tensile strength, elongation, and wear-resistant tests were conducted to assess the mechanical properties of AMCs. AMC image analysis results demonstrated a significant reduction in microstructure grain size. The highest reduction in grain size was recorded when adding 2 wt. % of Y2O3, which was approximately 22.5 % smaller than that of the plain alloy. Other mechanical test results demonstrated an increase in the hardness and tensile strength of AMCs compared with the plain alloy by approximately 58 % and 116 %, respectively, upon the addition of 2 wt. % of Y2O3, also tensile test shows increasing of AMCs elongation at failure point with increasing Y2O3 content, 132 % upon adding 3 wt. %. Finally, wear tests show a decrease in the AMC wear rate with an increasing Y2O3 weight fraction compared to the plain alloy.