bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reliable Early Breast Cancer Detection using Artificial Neural Network for Small Data Set
Authors: Vijayasarveswari V. , Jusoh M. , Sabapathy T. , Raof R.A.A. , Khatun S. , Iszaidy I. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This paper proposes a breast cancer detection module using Artificial Neural Network for small data set. The developed system consists of hardware and software. Hardware included UWB transceiver and a pair of home- made directional sensor/antenna. The software included a Graphical User Interface (GUI) and k-fold based feed-forward back propagation Neural Network module to detect the tumor existence, size and location along with soft interface between software and hardware. Forward scattering technique is used by placing two sensors diagonally opposite sides of a breast phantom. UWB pulses are transmitted from one side of phantom and received from other side, controlled by the software interface in PC environment. Firstly feed forward backpropagation neural network (FFBNN) is developed. Then, k-fold is combined with developed FFBNN for testing purpose. Four data sets are created where contains 125, 95, 65 and 30 data samples in 1st,2nd,3rd and 4th data set respectively. Collected received signals were then fed into the NN module for training, testing and validation. The process is done for all data sets separately. The system exhibits detection efficiency of tumor existence, location (x, y, z), and size were approximately 87.72%, 87.24%, 83.93% and 80.51% for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th data set respectively. The proposed module is very practical with low-cost and user friendly. The developed breast cancer detection module can be used for large data samples as well as for minimum data samples.
The Performance Analysis of Transfer Learning for Steel Defect Detection by Using Deep Learning
Authors: Abu M , Amir A , Lean Y H , Zahri N A H , Azemi S A 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Detecting steel surface defects is one of the challenging problems for industries worldwide that had been used in manufacturing quality management. Manual inspection of the steel surface detects is a time-consuming process. This work aims at developing deep learning models that can perform steel defect detection and evaluating the potential of transfer learning for this task. In this paper, four types of transfer learning methods: ResNet, VGG, MobileNet, and DenseNet are experimentally evaluated to develop models for steel surface defect detection. The models were developed for binary classification (defect and no-defect) using the SEVERSTAL dataset from that contains 12,568 images of the steel surface. Then, these models were also assessed for multiclass classification using NEU dataset with 1800 images. In this work, image pre-processing is included to improve the result of steel defects detection. The experimental results have shown that the model developed by using the MobileNet method have the highest detection rate with 80.41% for the SEVERSTAL dataset and 96.94% for the NEU dataset compare to ResNet, VGG, and DenseNet transfer learning.
Correlation of Surface Binary Segmentation and Object Contour Sizing Threshold in Clustering Image Processing
Authors: Hassan M.N. , Kok Wei Kong , Rahim RA , Kahar N.F. , Junita MN 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Image segmentation and contouring plays a significant role in computer vision. It aims at extracting meaningful objects contained in an image. Obtaining an appropriate threshold value yield a higher accuracy in identifying the specified object of interest. A min-max threshold value was examined for surface binary segmentation and object contour sizing. The binary segmentation threshold (T) suggested to be in the range of 155 to 250 in order to get an appropriate result and the acceptable range for frame divider is between 150 to 250. These results can assist researchers to focus on the applicable threshold value in image processing especially for video analysis.
Donut Modes in Space Wavelength Division Multiplexing: Multimode Optical Fiber Transmission based on Electrical Feedback Equalizer
Authors: Ghazi Alaan , Aljunid S. A. , Zulkarnain Syed Idrus Syed , Endut R. , Ali N. , Amphawan Angela , Fareed Alaa , Al-dawoodi Aras , Noori Awab 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This study demonstrates the implementation of multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) transmission donut modes in space wavelength division multiplexing (SWDM) over multi-mode optical fiber (MMOF) and simulating the effect of mode coupling of the transmitted signal. However, during the data transmitted over MMF by using SWDM an issue is encountered, which is the inter symbol interference (ISI) due to mode coupling. ISI has been recognized as a major obstacle to high-speed data transmission. The signal processing in SDM of donut modes over MMOF with electrical feedback equalizer is used to improve the performance for increasing the bandwidth. A data rate 80 Gbit/s up for a distance of 1600 meters is achieved. SWDM topology was designed emitted from a spatial vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) through MMOF in conjunction with the configurations of electrical feedback equalizer. The parameters and values used in Opt-Sim simulation topology were listed. The performance measurement of this study based on bit-error rates (BER) and eye diagram before and after electrical feedback equalization were analysed.
FPGA based Quantum Key Distribution Electronic System for Multipurpose Optical Setup and Protocols
Authors: Aseri N. S. M. , Ali N. , Yusof N. R. , Endut R. , Ahmad Hambali N. A. M. , Shahimin M. M. , Rashidi C. B. M. , Aljunid S. A. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The purpose of the FPGA electronic control system for Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is to improve the analog electronic system in optoelectronic conversion. In the existence of the Mezzanine FPGA board, the main conversion of optical laser signal and optical detector signal can be improved. Mezzanine board can reduce the noise errors during the transmission and receiving a signal. Commonly, the optical signal needs to interface with an analog electronic system. This process requires the conversion process and interfacing with a digital signal to control the optical device and produce a good quality optical signal. The Mezzanine board can reduce the uncertainty during signal conversion and gives the digital capability to control the optical devices. The optical modulation signal for phase modulator control can achieve a full complete phase shift in the Mezzanine board. Plus, the voltage phase has capability up to 10 V with an accuracy of 2.4 µV. The time conversion for phase modulator can be extended in the Mezzanine board based on the digital control signal from FPGA. The system is capable to extend into multiple timing control to handle all the signal and to synchronize the signal in receiving, transmission or in between of the transmission. Thus, the system can handle one way or two-way QKD system accordingly.
A Linear 0.98 mV Low-Dropout Voltage Regulator in 0.18-μm CMOS Technology
Authors: Murad S.A.Z. , Harun A. , Isa M.N.M. , Marzuki A. , Sapawi R. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This paper presents a linear low-dropout (LDO) voltage regulator in 0.18-pm CMOS technology. The proposed LDO consists of voltage reference, error amplifier, pass device, output capacitor and resistive feedback network. A symmetrical operational transconductance amplifier (OTA) is implemented as an error amplifier and a PMOS transistor is used as a pass device to produce low dropout voltage and low quiescent current. The proposed design is simulated using Spectre simulator in Cadence software to verify its performances. The simulation results indicated that the LDO regulator achieves a regulated output voltage of 1.5 V with the ranges of supply voltage from 1.7 V to 2.0 V. The LDO regulator has a dropout voltage of 19.3 mV under maximum load current of 1.1 mA. The proposed LDO regulator is suitable for power management system.
A Review of Chatbot development for Dynamic Web-based Knowledge Management System (KMS) in Small Scale Agriculture
Authors: Ong R. J. , Raof R. A. A. , Sudin S. , Choong K.Y. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Market data indicates that the average age of Malaysian farmers to be 50 years old and that the majorities are in the B40 group. Malaysia have so much of land with a small population of over 30 million compared with neighbours country and yet still need to import over 50 billion in food commodities annually to feed the nation. Small-scale farmers are having issues in communicating with each other and usually lack of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) compare to industrial farming. An information sharing platform is prominent to disseminate information and knowledge between farmers especially for most of the young farmers who having issues when they newly start to involve in agriculture field. This paper is about to design and develop a framework of dynamic web-based knowledge management system with Chatbot application in order to utilize the information sharing platform to disseminate knowledge and build networks among small-scale farmers and related experts. Thus, information sharing and working together with a related expert will effectively improve both the quality and quantity of the product and also against the diseases on the spot.
Topography characterization of sinusoidal surfaces obtained with electrochemical machining
Authors: Marteau Julie , Anselme Karine , Pieuchot Laurent , Chauvy Pierre-François , Bigerelle Maxence 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The study and understanding of functionality and its link with surface topography requires surfaces that enable us to decouple the examined effect. The sinusoidal function offers an easy solution for the decoupling of amplitude and frequency. However, the corresponding surfaces would require very good characteristics: shape regularity, low waviness and low microroughness. This study thoroughly characterized sinusoidal surface (egg-box shapes) having periods ranging from 30 μm to 300 μm and peak-to-valley amplitudes comprised between 3 and 30 μm. The microroughness of the examined surfaces was quantified with the arithmetic mean deviation Sa and was found to be around 1 nm for most examined surfaces. The waviness of the surfaces, which was also quantified with Sa, was lower than 0.15 μm for all the surfaces. The relative error computed for the period of the sinusoidal surfaces was lower than 1.3%. Finally, the shape regularity was assessed by comparing the measurements to a mathematical function and the computed average residues were smaller than 0.8 μm. These characteristics highlighted the very good noise-to-signal ratio of the produced surfaces, which can be used in very different fields (biology, mechanics, optics…) to examine topography effect on functionality (cell adhesion, brightness…).
New derivatives of urea-grafted alginate for improving the sorption of mercury ions in aqueous solutions
Authors: A Benettayeb , A Morsli , E Guibal , R Kessas 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Chemically-modified alginate (obtained by grafting urea on alginate, with different ratios; alginate-urea (1:1) and its new derivatives alginate-urea (1:2) with an exceed of the percent of amino group by 7%) was successfully tested for mercury sorption in aqueous solutions. The influence of pH on metal sorption was first investigated: optimum pH was close to 5.5. Sorption isotherms were modeled using the Langmuir and the Sips equations, and sorption capacity slightly increased with the increased of the % of–NH2 in the sorbent and the maximum sorption capacity exceeded 200 mg Hg l−1 (1.07 mmol Hg g−1; for alginate-urea (1:2)), this means two times the sorption capacity of reference material (i.e., non-modified alginate), and also has a capacity improved compared to alginate-urea (1:1). Under selected experimental conditions the equilibrium was reached with 6–8 h of contact and the kinetic profiles were modeled using the pseudo-first order equation (PFORE), the pseudo-second-order rate equation (PSORE) and the resistance to intraparticle diffusion (RIDE). Surface functional groups, notably; –NH2, –OH and –COOH, were involved in mercury sorption by alginate-urea, suggesting the ion exchange, complexation and/or electrostatic interaction of Hg(II) on the alginate-urea surface. The use of this material, environmentally friendly and simply obtained from a renewable resource, reveals promising for the treatment of low-metal concentration effluents: sorption capacities are comparable to alternative academic and commercials sorbents.
Preparation and characterization of polymeric films based on PLA, PBAT and corn starch and babassu mesocarp starch by flat extrusion
Authors: Rodrigues Samara C S , de Mesquita Fabrício Almeida Silva , de Carvalho Laura H , Alves Tatianny S , Folkersma Rudy , Araújo Regilda S dos R M , Oliveira Amanda D , Barbosa Renata 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis research aims to evaluate the application of babassu mesocarp starch in the development of polymeric films compared to corn starch widely exploited due to its abundance and worldwide availability. Thus, films based on blends of poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PLA/PBAT) containing commercial corn starch or starch extracted from the babassu mesocarp were developed by means of flat extrusion. The films were characterized and the results indicate that the color, wettability and surfaces depend on the type of starch added. Films containing babassu mesocarp starch present rougher, opaque surfaces with greater water resistance than those with corn starch. The data from this research suggest that both babassu mesocarp and corn starch are alternatives for the production of polymeric films.
Thirteen Questions About Using Machine Learning in Causal Research (You Won’t Believe the Answer to Number 10!)
Authors: Mooney Stephen J , Keil Alexander P , Westreich Daniel J 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMachine learning is gaining prominence in the health sciences, where much of its use has focused on data-driven prediction. However, machine learning can also be embedded within causal analyses, potentially reducing biases arising from model misspecification. Using a question-and-answer format, we provide an introduction and orientation for epidemiologists interested in using machine learning but concerned about potential bias or loss of rigor due to use of “black box” models. We conclude with sample software code that may lower the barrier to entry to using these techniques.
Fine-scale Spatiotemporal Mapping of Asymptomatic and Clinical Plasmodium falciparum Infections: Epidemiological Evidence for Targeted Malaria Elimination Interventions
Authors: Niang Makhtar , Sandfort Mirco , Mbodj Adja Fatou , Diouf Babacar , Talla Cheikh , Faye Joseph , Sane Rokhaya , Thiam Laty Gaye , Thiam Alassane , Badiane Abdoulaye , Vigan-Womas Ines , Diagne Nafissatou , Diene Sarr Fatoumata , Mueller Ivo , Sokhna Cheikh , White Michael , Toure-Balde Aissatou 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
A detailed understanding of the contribution of the asymptomatic Plasmodium reservoir to the occurrence of clinical malaria at individual and community levels is needed to guide effective elimination interventions. This study investigated the relationship between asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum carriage and subsequent clinical malaria episodes in the Dielmo and Ndiop villages in Senegal.

Methods
The study used a total of 2792 venous and capillary blood samples obtained from asymptomatic individuals and clinical malaria datasets collected from 2013 to 2016. Mapping, spatial clustering of infections, and risk analysis were performed using georeferenced households.

Results
High incidences of clinical malaria episodes were observed to occur predominantly in households of asymptomatic P falciparum carriers. A statistically significant association was found between asymptomatic carriage in a household and subsequent episode of clinical malaria occurring in that household for each individual year (P values were 0.0017, 6 × 10–5, 0.005, and 0.008 for the years 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 respectively) and the combined years (P = 8.5 × 10–8), which was not found at the individual level. In both villages, no significant patterns of spatial clustering of P falciparum clinical cases were found, but there was a higher risk of clinical episodes &lt;25 m from asymptomatic individuals in Ndiop attributable to clustering within households.

Conclusion
The findings provide strong epidemiological evidence linking the asymptomatic P falciparum reservoir to clinical malaria episodes at household scale in Dielmo and Ndiop villagers. This argues for a likely success of a mass testing and treatment intervention to move towards the elimination of malaria in the villages of Dielmo and Ndiop.
Inactivation of Blood-Borne Enveloped Viruses with the Nonionic Detergent 2-[4-(2,4,4-Trimethylpentan-2-yl)Phenoxy]Ethanol Does Not Bias Clinical Chemistry Results
Authors: Bailey Adam L , Farnsworth* Christopher 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Patients infected with virulent pathogens require the sophisticated diagnostic capabilities of a core laboratory for optimal care. This is especially true in outbreaks that strain healthcare system capacity. However, samples from such patients pose an infection risk for laboratory workers. We evaluated a strategy for mitigating this risk by preincubating specimens with 2-[4-(2,4,4-trimethylpentan-2-yl)phenoxy]ethanol, a non-ionic detergent commonly calledTriton X-100.

Methods
Lithium-heparinized plasma was mixed with the detergent Triton X-100 at 1%. Inactivation of Ebola virus (EBOV), yellow fever virus (YFV), and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) was assessed using a virus-outgrowth assay. The impact of 1% Triton X-100 dilution on the components of a complete metabolic panel (CMP) was assessed on a Roche Cobas analyzer with 15 specimens that spanned a large portion of the analytical measurement range.

Results
Incubation with 1% Triton X-100 for 5 min was sufficient to completely inactivate EBOV and YFV spiked into plasma but did not completely inactivate CHIKV infectivity even after 60 min of incubation. This was true only for CHIKV when spiked into plasma; CHIKV was completely inactivated in cell culture medium. A bias of −0.78 mmol/L (95% CI, −2.41 to 0.85) was observed for CO2 and 5.79 U/L (95% CI, −0.05 to 11.63) was observed for aspartate aminotransferase after addition of Triton X-100. No other components of the CMP were affected by the addition of Triton X-100.

Conclusions
Detergent-based inactivation of plasma specimens may be a viable approach to mitigating the risk that certain blood-borne pathogens pose to laboratory workers in an outbreak setting. However, the effectiveness of this method for inactivation may depend on the specimen type and pathogen in question.
Historical industrialisation, path dependence and contemporary culture: the lasting imprint of economic heritage on local communities
Authors: Huggins Robert , Stuetzer Michael , Obschonka Martin , Thompson Piers 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCulture matters for regional economic development and is one source of cognitive lock-in that influences path creation and dependency. However, little is known about the sources of regional variation in culture. This study explores the long-term imprinting effect of the Industrial Revolution on cultural practices across local communities in Great Britain. Historical data from 1891 on the employment in large-scale industries (e.g. textiles and steel) is used to estimate causal effects of industrialisation on five cultural dimensions. It is found that historical industrialisation is still reflected in contemporary local cultures marked by lower engagement with education and employment, less adherence to social rules but stronger collective action and social cohesion. It is concluded that one reason for the relatively poor effect of the public policies on local and regional economic development is that historical industrialisation has left a lasting legacy on contemporary culture in many places that impairs institutional efforts to foster change.
Suicidal behaviours among deaf adolescents in Ghana: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Quarshie E N B , Fobi D , Acheampong E K , Honu-Mensah C M , Fobi J , Appau O , Andoh-Arthur J , Oppong Asante K 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
A growing global concern is that suicide research has paid little attention to young people with disabilities, particularly, in low- and middle-income countries (LAMICs). We aimed to estimate the 12-month prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempt and describe some associations among deaf adolescents in Ghana.

Methods
This is a cross-sectional anonymous self-report survey involving a nationally representative random sample of 450 school-going deaf adolescents. Data analysis included bivariate and multivariable approaches.

Results
The overall 12-month prevalence of suicidal ideation was 19·3% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 15·8–23·3) and suicidal attempt was 15·6% (95% CI = 12·3–19·2). Although alcohol use and parental divorce were strongly associated with increased odds of both suicidal ideation and attempt, high subjective mental well-being was associated with reduced odds of both suicidal ideation and attempt. Living with no parents and being a final year student were associated with suicidal ideation, while male gender was associated with suicidal attempt.

Conclusions
The prevalence of suicidal behaviours among school-going deaf adolescents in this study compares with estimates among in-school non-deaf adolescents in Ghana and other LAMICs in Africa, and also highlights the need for prevention efforts against the onset of suicidal ideation and possible transition to attempt and suicide among deaf adolescents.
Limited sensitivity and specificity of the ACR/EULAR-2019 classification criteria for SLE in JSLE?—observations from the UK JSLE Cohort Study
Authors: Smith Eve M D , Rasul Sajida , Ciurtin Coziana , Al-Abadi Eslam , Armon Kate , Bailey Kathryn , Brennan Mary , Gardner-Medwin Janet , Haslam Kirsty , Hawley Daniel P , Lane Steven , Leahy Alice , Leone Valentina , Malik Gulshan , Mewar Devesh  , Moots Robert , Pilkington Clarissa , Ramanan Athimalaipet V , Rangaraj Satyapal  , Ratcliffe Annie , Riley Phil , Sen Ethan , Sridhar Arani , Wilkinson Nick  , Beresford Michael W , McCann Liza J , Hedrich Christian M 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to test the performance of the new ACR and EULAR criteria, that include ANA positivity as entry criterion, in JSLE.

Methods
Performance of the ACR/EULAR-2019 criteria were compared with Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC-2012), using data from children and young people (CYP) in the UK JSLE Cohort Study (n = 482), with the ACR-1997 criteria used as reference standard. An unselected cohort of CYP positive for ANA (n = 129) was used to calculate positive/negative predictive values of the criteria.

Results
At both first and last visits, the number of patients fulfilling the different classification criteria varied significantly (P &lt; 0.001). The sensitivity of the SLICC-2012 criteria was higher when compared with that of the ACR/EULAR-2019 criteria at first and last visits (98% vs 94% for first visit, and 98% vs 96% for last visit; P &lt; 0.001), when all available CYP were considered. The ACR/EULAR-2019 criteria were more specific when compared with the SLICC-2012 criteria (77% vs 67% for first visit, and 81% vs 71% for last visit; P &lt; 0.001). Significant differences between the classification criteria were mainly caused by the variation in ANA positivity across ages. In the unselected cohort of ANA-positive CYP, the ACR/EULAR-2019 criteria produced the highest false-positive classification (6/129, 5%).

Conclusion
In CYP, the ACR/EULAR-2019 criteria are not superior to those of the SLICC-2012 or ACR-1997 criteria. If classification criteria are designed to include CYP and adult populations, paediatric rheumatologists should be included in the consensus and evaluation process, as seemingly minor changes can significantly affect outcomes.