An Integrated Machine Learning Approach to Optimize the Estimation of Preterm Birth

This thesis describes a new methodology used in conjunction with artificial intelligence tools to create multiple models for prediction of preterm birth in obstetrical environments. The data mining approach integrates: Decision Trees (DTs), Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) - specifically a Feed Forward Back Propagation ANN, and Case Based Reasoning System (CBRS).This work also introduces a 5by2 cross validation method, assesses two methods of attribute selection, and considers data prevalence (15% and 8.1%) in training and testing networks. Two databases were assessed from two countries: BORN (Canada) and PRAMS (USA).Best BORN results used selection method 2, had sensitivities of 50.53%, 53.96%, specificities of 91.61%, 95.40%, and area under curves (AUC) of 0.7721, 0.7970 for Parous and Nulliparous cases respectively. Best PRAMS results used selection method 1, had sensitivities of 68.15%, 40.35%, specificities of 64.71%, 94.57%, and area under curves (AUC) of 0.8452, 0.7064 for Parous and Nulliparous cases respectively.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Master's

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Engineering, Biomedical

Grantor dc:publisher

Carleton University

Year dc:date.issued

2015

Author dc:creator

• Ong, Daphne Eu-Jhia

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright © 2015 the author(s). Theses may be used for non-commercial research, educational, or related academic purposes only. Such uses include personal study, research, scholarship, and teaching. Theses may only be shared by linking to Carleton University Institutional Repository and no part may be used without proper attribution to the author. No part may be used for commercial purposes directly or indirectly via a for-profit platform; no adaptation or derivative works are permitted without consent from the copyright owner.

Language dc:language.iso

en

DOI

10.22215/etd/2015-11021

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:carleton.scholaris.ca:20.500.14718/39210