bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study of radiation attenuation ability of clay and cement mixture with added eggshell
Authors: Jasmine J N Z , Ramzun M R , Zahirah N A N , Azhar A R , Hana M Al-M , Zakiah Y N , Yasmin M R 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Concrete is a common material used to build physical barrier as protection against ionized radiation. However, excessive used of concrete may lead to increase volume on mining of cement and sand, thus contribute to catastrophic on nature. This project is done to find suitable material that can replace the usage of concrete in order to build physical barrier for radiation shielding. Hence, combination of Kaolin clay and eggshell powder are chosen as these materials are cheap, biodegradable and eco-friendly. Two main types of sample blocks are prepared: concrete and clay blocks. The portion of eggshell powder are varied, with increment of 1/10 cups for each sample. All samples are exposed on 60, 80 and 100 kVp of x-ray energy and absorbed dose were recorded. Results shows that blocks with adding eggshell powder contribute to greater value of radiation absorption ratio compared to blocks with non-added of eggshell powder. In addition, Sample 4 (consist of 4/10 cup of eggshell powder) were found to be the suitable portion due to optimum value were seen between these concrete and clay blocks. Hence, the clay blocks with additional of eggshell powder can be used to replace the usage of concrete for radiation shielding building.
Effects of dose calculation algorithms on the estimate NTCP for thoracic cancer
Authors: Rahman W N , R Ab Rashid , Abdullah R 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The study aims to investigate the effect of dose calculation algorithms on the estimate normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) of thoracic cancer. Dose distributions of treatment plans are calculated by using Collapsed Cone (CC) and Pencil Beam (PB) algorithms from Oncentra Masterplan treatment planning system. Four treatment plans of thoracic cancers are created and dose volume histograms (DVHs) from each planning were evaluated based on criteria of acceptance level. The DVH data of the treatment planning were exported to Biosuite Software to compute the NTCP values. The NTCP were calculated accounting for the CC and PB algorithm using the Lyman-Kutcher-Burman (LKB) and Relative Seriality (RS) model. The NTCP values of the LKB model are found to have slightly higher values compare to RS model for all treatment planning using both algorithms. This study also demonstrates that the dose calculation algorithms of CC and PB did not significantly influence the computed NTCP value in the present treatment planning of thoracic cancer.
A radiomics study of textural features using magnetic resonance imaging for classification of breast cancer subtypes
Authors: Tang Z Y , Tan L K , Ng B Y , Rahmat K , Ramli M T , Ninomiya K , Wong J H D 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Breast cancer is usually screened using mammography and biopsy is used to confirm diagnosis. Recent radiomics approaches suggest predictive associations between images and medical outcome. This study aims to classify breast cancer subtypes using textural features derived from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thirty-two lesions with histologic results that were definite were studied. A total of 174 textural features were extracted from four MRI sequences (Axial STIR, dynamic contrast enhance (DCE) Phase 2, dynamic contrast enhance (DCE) subtracted Phase 2 and T1-weighted), and analysed using t-test, Kruskal-Wallis and principal component analysis (PCA). Evaluation was done using multinomial logistic regression and leave-one-out-cross-validation (LOOCV) methods. We found 14 texture features that consistently showed significant difference between malignant and normal breast tissues across all MRI sequences. Four textural features were useful in histological status with t-test accuracy of 71.4% and PCA accuracy of 64.3%. In hormonal receptor status, only five textural features were useful. The accuracies were also found to be poorer with 46.4% accuracy based on Kruskal-Wallis method and 46.4% accuracy using PCA method. As this is a preliminary study, the analysis should be extended to a larger sample size to accurately determine the possibility of clinical diagnosis.
Dielectric spectroscopy of in-vitro human blood of diabetic and non-diabetic patients through low level laser therapy
Authors: Gemanam S J , Suardi N , Mustafa I S , Jafri M Z Mat 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The research work investigates the dielectric properties (dielectric constant, dielectric loss and conductivity) of both diabetic and non-diabetic patients’ blood in order to enhance of low level laser therapy (LLLT). Knowing the dielectric properties of blood, profile dose threshold exposure duration can improve LLLT for diabetic mellitus disease. This was achieved, using impedance analyser 4294A, frequency range 40 kHz - 30 MHz. Measurements were taken before and after blood irradiated with a portable diode-pumped solid state laser of wavelength 532 nm at power of 60 mW in standard cuvettes. Control diabetic patient’s bloods were high in dielectric parameter compared with the control non-diabetic patient’s blood. After exposure for 5 and 10 minute’s duration, the value of dielectric loss for the blood exposed for 5 minutes duration appreciated significantly. This is attributed to the energy acquired by haemoglobin and oxygen activation that increased cell membrane resistance, protecting the K+ions efflux and thus prevent perilous balance of Ca+2 ions. Laser power of 60 mW for 5 minutes exposure proved effective in LLL diabetic mellitus therapy.
Investigation of the bismuth oxide nanoparticles on bystander effect in MCF-7 and hFOB 1.19 cells
Authors: Zainudin Nur Hamizah Mohd , Razak Khairunisak Ab , Abidin Safri Zainal , Dollah Norhayati , Rahman Wan Nordiana 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
This study aims to investigate the effect of bismuth oxide nanoparticles (Bi2O3 NPs) on the radiation induced bystander effect (RIBE) in MCF-7 and hFOB 1.19 cells line. The cells were irradiated with radiation doses of 0 to 12 Gy using 6 MV photon beam in a single exposure. The irradiated cells’ culture media were transferred to non-irradiated bystander cells 1 hour post-irradiation. PrestoBlue assay was then performed in this experiment to assess the cells’ viability. Results of cell viability percentage in all bystander cell groups compared to the control showed no significant differences (P > 0.05) for both MCF-7 and hFOB 1.19 cell lines. The test also revealed no radiation dose dependencies for all bystander cells groups. The present study demonstrated that MCF-7 and hFOB 1.19 bystander cells were able to proliferate (> 80%) after 48 hours incubation with irradiated-cell conditioned medium (ICCM) treated with Bi2O3 NPs. In summary, the use of Bi2O3 NPs for radiosensitization in radiotherapy is safe and do not increase the RIBE responses in non-targeted cells. RIBE remained as one of the most crucial factors that need to be address and considered for the application of nanoparticles as radiosensitizers in radiotherapy.
Signal change in BA17, 18 and 19: A comparative study of normal, glaucoma suspects and POAG patients
Authors: Nasaruddin N H , Yusoff A N , Kaur Sharanjeet 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Magnetic resonance signal change is expected to be different between normal, glaucoma suspect (GS) and Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) subjects. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technique was employed to investigate the differences. This multiple subject studies were carried out to characterize the percentage of signal change (PSC) in Brodmann Area (BA) 17, 18 and 19 of the visual cortex. The block designed fMRI was implemented. The subjects were requested to focus on the black and white checkerboard stimulus of the visual world (A, B and CD), visual field (EF) and visual area (G). The data were analysed using Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM8) via Matlab platform. results showed that GS subjects have the highest PSC, followed by normal and POAG subjects. However, no significant difference was observed in PSC between BA17, 18 and 19 for normal, GS and POAG groups with p = 0.0869, p = 0.0688 and p = 0.2690, respectively. In conclusion, none of the BA can be suggested to be the most dominant area in responding to the visual stimuli used in this study.
Application of surface image guided radiotherapy (SIGRT) for deep inspiration breath-hold and free breathing gating technique in Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur
Authors: Abdullah Athirah Nadiah , Arwani Fikri Siti Firzada , Qian Ying Yong 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL) has integrated Surface Image Guided Radiotherapy (SIGRT), C-RAD Catalyst HD camera in radiotherapy treatment over the 12 months. It eases us in setting up patients before treatment, monitoring intrafraction treatment and allows Deep Inspiration Breath-Hold (DIBH) treatment delivery. Positioning patients using Catalyst gives correctable error in 6-dimension and the shifts were small and acceptable. However, C-RAD is not the gold standard for positioning compared to CBCT but it has the advantage in terms of monitoring patient surface motion during treatment especially DIBH treatments. Target volume coverage for DIBH plan is improved by 0.6% to 1.8% compared to FB plan. This study also compare dose to the heart using DIBH technique over the free breathing (FB) technique for left breast cases. Maximum dose to the heart in DIBH is reduced by 18% compared to FB. Treatment of left breast with DIBH results in significant reductions in doses to the heart, since the distance between the target and the heart is increase compare to FB technique.
Brain activation associated with video gaming stimuli in Internet gaming disorder (IGD) among Malaysian adolescents
Authors: Abdull Nasser N M , Mohamad M , Chan L F , Suppiah S , Yusoff A N , Abd Hamid A I , Wan Ismail W S , Sim S T 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The rapid development of Internet gaming technology in Malaysia has come with a cost of greater vulnerability in becoming addicted to video games especially for an adolescent whose mental abilities were not matured yet. This study aimed to investigate the differences in human neural activation using fMRI that being triggered by gaming video among Malaysian young adult. The 16 participants with Internet addiction were recruited. They undergo approximate 10 minutes of task-based fMRI scanning that will be presenting an ordered games-related and control short video simultaneously. Data were analyzed using MATLAB 9.3 (R2017b) and Statistical Parametric Mapping 12 (SPM 12) to evaluate brain activation. Based on the result, these the regions activated are known to be linked in visuospatial, somatosensory, semantic memory processing, emotional response, reward, integrating information process, memory retrieval, spatial navigation, and orientation. These findings may yield more in-depth in this study and provide a deeper understanding in developing appropriate guidelines and interventions to treat Internet gaming addicts community, especially in the Malaysian population.
Validation of 131I activity in thyroid phantom using SPECT/CT 3D image based dosimetry
Authors: Mohd Yahya M H , Halim F N A , Mansor S 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Quantitative imaging gives a better understanding on the distribution of radioactivity that can be used in the estimation of absorbed dose in the specific target organ. The goal of this study was to validate the accuracy of 131I activity quantification of cumulated activity in thyroid uptake phantom using 3-dimensional (3D) SPECT/CT imaging. In this study, a series of SPECT/CT acquisition of the thyroid uptake was performed. Images of different matrix sizes and iterations number were reconstructed using ordered-subsets expectation maximization (OSEM). Quantification of the activity in the phantom was determined using a Medical Image Data Examiner (AMIDE) software based on the mean value and maximum value. The cumulated activity in the phantom was determined by calculating area under the curve (AUC) in the time-activity curve. The results showed that the mean activity for 256 voxels was underestimated between 6.18% - 13%, and overestimated between 61.56% - 64.66% for maximum value metric. The cumulated activity derived from SPECT/CT showed an error margin of 10%.
Study of morphological changes and survival fraction in EMT6 cell line post-gamma ray irradiation
Authors: Ronny Sham N F , Hasan N , Hamid Hasani N Abdul , Karim M K , Ibahim M J 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Radiotherapy plays an important role in cancer treatment; however, the incidence of radio-resistance remains become major challenges in cancer treatment. The presence of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has become a clinical hallmark for cancer to relapse after radiation treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the morphological changes and cell survival of EMT6 cell line post–gamma ray irradiation. The irradiation of EMT6 cells was conducted with two approaches, first, EMT6 cells were treated with single dose of gamma-ray ranging low to high dose of gamma-ray (0-16 Gy) and second, EMT6 cells were exposed to fractionated gamma-ray irradiation (2 Gy per cycle) where cells that survive the initial irradiation were further irradiated with 2 Gy dose. Results showed that there were morphological changes in treated cell compared to sham-control cells in both irradiation approaches which include loss of glandular pattern, vacuolated cell plasma, pleomorphic nuclei and enlarged size. For survival fraction, the survival fractions were reduced with increasing dose compared to the sham-control in single dose reaction while for the fractionated irradiation, survival fractions were reduced until 3rd cycles and increased in 4th cycles and maintained until 6 cycles which showed resistance of EMT6. In conclusion, radiation therapy causes cell morphological changes and fractionation of gamma-ray irradiation lead to resistance EMT6 after 4 cycles.
Elimination of Garlic common latent virus from garlic through meristem culture and thermotherapy
Authors: Yulianingsih R , Hidayat S H , Dinarti D 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Virus infection on garlic (Allium sativum) can be accumulated through vegetative propagation and may cause yield losses. It was evidenced in this study that infection of GCLV on garlic seed cv ‘Tawangmangu Baru’ reached 100% based on detection using DIBA (Dotimmuno binding assay). This research was initiated to obtain an elimination method of GCLV from garlic seed bulbs of cv ‘Tawangmangu Baru’. Tissue culture-based method was used in this research involving isolation of 1.0 mm meristem from micro shoots followed by thermotherapy at 25 °C, 28 °C, 31 °C, and heterogeneous temperatures for 4 wk. Virus indexing was conducted using RT-PCR on micro shoots that grown after treatment. The results showed that meristem culture and thermotherapy did not affect the growth of micro shoots based on assessment on the percentage of surviving explants, plant height, and the number of leaves. Infection of GCLV was still detected on micro shoots after thermotherapy, i.e. 64% to 91%. Virus infection on garlic cv ‘Tawangmangu Baru’ was not totally eliminated by meristem culture and thermotherapy. Factors affecting this result will be discussed in this paper as well as methodology improvement to produce virus-free garlic with high multiplication rate of explants.
Spring discharge variation in the karst region of Mount Sewu based on elevation and rock transmissivity
Authors: Darmawan W , Damayanti A 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Identification of springs that as sources of clean water based on the spatial pattern of spring discharge in the karst region of Mount Sewu, Gunung Kidul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta was performed. This karst region is prone to drought. In June 2018, a drought occurred in at least 11 sub-districts of the Regency. It means that new sources of clean water are urgently needed. Variations in discharge were obtained using data on spring elevation, rock transmissivity and water balance. The result shows that springs located at lower elevations have relatively lower water discharge compared to springs at higher elevations, while the transmissivity of aquifer rocks is directly proportional to the amount of spring discharge.
Ageing condition of tensile specimens: fracture behavior of notched Al2024 sheet under tensile loading
Authors: Pakravan K , Hosseini Monazzah A , Farahmand S 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The effect of different (T6 and T8) heat treatments on tensile properties and fracture behavior of Al2024 in presence and absence of notch by means of microhardness, tensile tests and scanning electron microscopy were investigated. Tensile and hardness specimens were subjected to two different artificial ageing (T6 and T8 heat treatment) for various times. These included under ageing (UA), peak ageing (PA) and over ageing (OA). T8 heat treatment, which has a cold rolling between solutionizing and ageing in its steps, showed a higher value of hardness and yield strength in comparison with common artificial ageing of T6 heat treatment. In notched-tensile specimens, yield stress was found to increase up to the peak ageing condition with a simultaneously decrease in elongation at fracture. This behavior was converse at OA condition. Although introducing of notch increase the yield stress of samples under T6 and T8 conditions in comparison with un-notched samples, the notch strengthening phenomenon was observed only under T8 treatment. Despite of an enhancement in strengthening by applying notch on tensile samples, the elongation to failure was notably lessen in both notched-heat treated samples in comparison with un-notches ones. Also, it was confirmed that the toughness of notched samples of both heat treatments at PA condition were significantly lower than un-notched ones. Consequently, toughness decrement was considerably dominated by the role of deformability compared to strengthening factor, however, the presence of cold rolling in the process of heat treatment (T8) could reduce the harmful effects of notch by increasing the stress bearing capacity in contrary with T6 heat treatment. Moreover, inserting the mechanical properties of peak aged samples from the un-notched tensile test in Abaqus finite element software; the V-shaped notch tensile test was simulated and confirmed the experimental results. It was shown in SEM results that the presence of notch enhanced the contribution of cracked particles, compared to particle/matrix deboning and matrix deformation, therefore, the non-homogeneous distribution of fracture features confirmed the harmful effect of notch. In the following, the distribution of three fracture micro-mechanisms were homogeneous in un-notched samples, which demonstrated the superior values of toughness in smooth samples. The present finding sheds light on development of processing techniques to optimize the mechanical properties of Al 2024 alloy.
Accuracy of satellite-derived estimates of flaring volume for offshore oil and gas operations in nine countries
Authors: Brandt Adam R 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Flaring of natural gas contributes to climate change and wastes a potentially valuable energy resource. Various groups have estimated flaring volumes via remote sensing by nighttime detection of flares using multi-spectral imaging. However, only limited efforts have been made to independently assess the accuracy of these estimation methods. I analyze the accuracy of the VIIRS Nightfire published flare detection results, comparing yearly estimated flaring rates to reported flaring data from governments in 9 countries (Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Mexico, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, USA, UK) and 7 years (2012–2018 inclusive). We analyze only flares occurring at offshore oil and gas production platforms and floating production units. A total of 1054 flare volume estimates were compared to volumes reported to government agencies. 80.8% of flare estimates lie within 0.5 orders of magnitude (OM) of reported volumes, which 93.7% fall within 1 OM of the reported volume. Little systematic bias is found except in the smallest size classes (<106 m3 y−1). Relative error ratios are larger for smaller flares. No significant trend was observed across years, and variation by country is in line with that expected by size distribution of flares by country. Wide aggregate estimates for groups of flares will exhibit little bias and dispersion, with the sum of 1000 flares having an expected interquartile range of −6% to +3% of actual reported volumes. Social media blurb: Test of remote sensing for flare detection shows accuracy across 9 countries and 8 years.
Allergic and Respiratory Symptoms in Employees of Indoor Cannabis Grow Facilities
Authors: Sack Coralynn , Ghodsian Niloufar , Jansen Karen , Silvey Brynne , Simpson Christopher D 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background
While little is known about the occupational hazards associated with Cannabis cultivation, both historical research in the hemp industry and preliminary data from modern grow houses, suggest that Cannabis workers may be at increased risk of respiratory and allergic diseases.

Objectives
We sought to investigate the association between workplace exposures and health symptoms in an indoor Cannabis grow facility in Washington State, USA.

Methods
We performed a cross-sectional study with all consenting employees in an indoor Cannabis grow facility in Seattle, WA using a questionnaire. The questionnaire gathered data on respiratory, ocular, nasal, and dermal symptoms. A subset of employees with work-related symptoms underwent repeated cross-shift and cross-week measurement of spirometry, fractional exhaled nitrogen oxide (FeNO), and skin prick testing for Cannabis sensitization. Exposure to Cannabis dust was classified based on self-described tasks, expert opinion, and exposure monitoring of particulate matter. Multivariable logistic regression was undertaken to examine associations between exposure to Cannabis dust (classified as low, medium, and high) and health symptoms. Linear mixed effects models examined the relationship between cross-shift and cross-week changes in spirometry and FeNO.

Results
Ninety-seven percent (97%) of the employees (n = 31) surveyed were recreational cannabis users, with 81% (n = 25) smoking cannabis multiple times per day. Twenty-two (71%) employees reported one or more work-related symptoms: 65% respiratory, 39% ocular, 32% nasal, and 26% dermal symptoms. There was a trend toward increased likelihood of work-related symptoms with increasing exposure to Cannabis dust, although none of these results were statistically significant. Of the 10 employees with work-aggravated symptoms, 5 had borderline-high or high FeNO, 7 had abnormal spirometry, and 5 had evidence of Cannabis sensitization on skin prick testing. FeNO increased by 3.78 ppb (95% confidence interval 0.68–6.88 ppb) across the work-week and there was a trend toward cross-week and cross-shift reduced airflow.

Conclusions
We found a high prevalence of work-related allergic- and particularly respiratory symptoms in the employees of one indoor Cannabis grow facility in Washington State. A high proportion of employees with work-aggravated symptoms had findings consistent with probable work-related asthma based on high FeNO, airflow obstruction on spirometry, and Cannabis sensitization on skin prick testing. However, due to the high incidence of recreational cannabis use among these workers, the relative influence of occupational versus recreational exposure to Cannabis dust on the respiratory health and sensitization status of these workers could not be resolved in this study.