• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.167-170
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• 2017

Objective: The feed intake (FI) and feed efficiency are economically important traits in ducks. To obtain insight into this economically important trait, we designed an experiment based on the residual feed intake (RFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of a random population Pekin duck. Methods: Two thousand and twenty pedigreed random population Pekin ducks were established from 90 males mated to 450 females in two hatches. Traits analyzed in the study were body weight at the 42th day (BW42), 15 to 42 days average daily gain (ADG), 15 to 42 days FI, 15 to 42 days FCR, and 15 to 42 days RFI to assess their genetic interrelationships. The genetic parameters for feed efficiency traits were estimated using restricted maximum likelihood (REML) methodology applied to a sire-dam model for all traits using the ASREML software. Results: Estimates heritability of BW42, ADG, FI, FCR, and RFI were 0.39, 0.38, 0.33, 0.38, and 0.41, respectively. The genetic correlation was high between RFI and FI (0.77) and moderate between RFI and FCR (0.54). The genetic correlation was high and moderate between FCR and ADG (-0.80), and between FCR and BW42 (-0.64), and between FCR and FI (0.49), respectively. Conclusion: Thus, selection on RFI was expected to improve feed efficiency, and reduce FI. Selection on RFI thus improves the feed efficiency of animals without impairing their FI and increase growth rate.

• The Korean Journal of Community Living Science
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.5-16
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• 2017

This study was conducted to compare the nutritional status, nutrient intakes, and chronic disease risks of Chinese elderly people. MNA (Mini Nutritional Assessment) developed for elderly people was used to determine their nutritional status. In this study, participants consisted of 148 urban residents aged 65 years and over residing in three cities in Shandong Province, China. Participants were 67 (45.3%) men and 81 (54.7%) women, and average age was 72.8 years. According to MNA score, 77.7% of participants were 'well nourished', 22.3% were 'at risk of malnutrition', and 2% were 'malnourished'. Nutritional status was divided into two groups by MNA score as 'well nourished' and 'malnourished', which was formed with the combination of 'at risk of malnutrition' and 'malnourished'. Compared with the well nourished group, the malnourished group was older, and physical status indicators such as weight, BMI (Body Mass Index), and calf circumference of the malnourished group were much smaller. The malnourished group had higher prevalence rates of heart disease and stomach disorders while the well nourished group had a higher rate of hypertension. There was no significant difference between the malnourished group and well nourished group in nutritional intake below Chinese DRIs (Dietary Reference Intakes) among elder males. A higher proportion of elder females showed insufficient intakes of energy, protein, vitamin A, vitamin E, and zinc in the malnourished group compared to the well nourished group. The INQ (Index of Nutrition Quality) of calcium, magnesium, zinc, iodine, and most vitamins was less than 1 in both the malnourished and well nourished groups.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.10
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• pp.4181-4185
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• 2014

Background: The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of male spouse caregivers of breast cancer patients in China, assess their quality of life (QOL), and investigate the influencing factors. Materials and Methods: A total of 243 breast cancer patient-spouse caregiver dyads were recruited from four hospitals in Shanxi and Anhui province of China. A cross-sectional design was applied to collect data and the Chinese version of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form (SF-36) was used to measure caregivers' QOL, and the Chinese version of M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI-C) was applied to measure patient symptom severity and interference. Pearson's correlation was used to examine the correlations between caregiver burden and QOL. The multiple regression analysis was used to determine the most predictive factors influencing QOL. Results: The scores of all SF-36 scales were above 50.0, which were much lower than that of general mainland Chinese males. Mental QOL was significantly worse than physical QOL. Spouses demographic characteristics, caregiving-related variables and patient symptoms were related to spouse QOL. Caregiver burden has a negative relationship with QOL. Conclusions: A decrease in life events and patient symptoms, as well as increase in spouse sleeping time and family income, ought to improve QOL.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.15
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• pp.6059-6064
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• 2014

Background: Colorectal cancer is the second most frequent cancer in Malaysia. Nevertheless, there is little information on treatment and outcomes nationally. We aimed to determine the demographic, clinical and treatment characteristics of colorectal cancer patients treated at the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) as part of a larger project on survival and quality of life outcomes. Materials and Methods: Medical records of 1,212 patients undergoing treatment in UMMC between January 2001 and December 2010 were reviewed. A retrospective-prospective cohort study design was used. Research tools included the National Cancer Patient Registration form. Statistical analysis included means, standard deviations (SD), proportions, chi square, t-test/ANOVA. P-value significance was set at 0.05. Results: The male: female ratio was 1.2:1. The mean age was 62.1 (SD12.4) years. Patients were predominantly Chinese (67%), then Malays (18%), Indians (13%) and others (2%). Malays were younger than Chinese and Indians (mean age 57 versus 62 versus 62 years, p<0.001). More females (56%) had colon cancers compared to males (44%) (p=0.022). Malays (57%) had more rectal cancer compared to Chinese (45%) and Indians (49%) (p=0.004). Dukes' stage data weres available in 67%, with Dukes' C and D accounting for 64%. Stage was not affected by age, gender, ethnicity or tumor site. Treatment modalities included surgery alone (40%), surgery and chemo/radiotherapy 32%, chemo and radiotherapy (8%) and others (20%). Conclusions: Significant ethnic differences in age and site distribution, if verified in population-based settings, would support implementation of preventive measures targeting those with the greatest need, at the right age.

• (The)Study of the Eastern Classic
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• no.56
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• pp.267-295
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• 2014

The purpose of this paper was to introduce the material status of women's epistolary literature published in modern study materials for writing letters in Chinese in 1920~30s and analyze gender consciousness shown in them. To this end, five kinds of representative modern study materials for writing letters in Chinese in 1920~30s were selected and 55 women's letters published in them were summarized. Through this, it was pointed out that the subjects of women's epistolary literature are mainly 'males' of families and the form of 'reply.' This implies that the authors of modern study materials for writing letters in Chinese recognized women's Chinese letters as a secondary means to prepare for inevitable communication with men rather than the leading medium of communication. The first aspect of gender consciousness shown in women's epistolary in modern study materials for writing letters in Chinese is to reaffirm the traditional gender order by calling and resetting women as the position and role in the family. The second aspect of gender consciousness is that female education materials which seemed to reflect the modern gender order are actually mentioned under the very skeptical view. The third characteristic aspect of gender consciousness is that the motif of 'discipline about economic activity' is only noticeable in women's epistolary published in modern study materials for writing letters. This setting was regarded as a means that the authors of modern study materials for writing letters in Chinese transferred the responsibilities of maintaining livelihood and managing household to women. Women's epistolary in modern study materials for writing letters in Chinese is the material which is noticeable in terms of showing the possibility of female Chinese Writing in modern times but according to the analysis of this paper, it is the text showing female form and women's writing judged within thoroughly male-centered imagination. That is, women's epistle text has a significance that allows us to read conservative reentry of modern study materials for writing letters in Chinese more clearly.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.224-233
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• 2012

The limiting sequence and relative ratio of lysine (Lys), methionine (Met), and threonine (Thr) for calves about 2 mo of age fed milk replacers (MR) containing soy protein are not clearly defined. The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of supplementing MR containing 22% CP, half from soy protein concentrate (SPC, 40.56% CP, flour) and half from whey proteins, with Lys, Met, and Thr to estimate amino acid (AA) sequence and their relative ratio for calves about 2 mo of age. A method of partial deduction of AA was adopted. Twenty-four newborn calves (half males and half females, $40.7{\pm}0.9$ kg of BW) were fed 1 of 4 MR diets for 56 d (n = 6/diet). The diets were supplemented with all (positive control) or with 2 of the 3 AAs: Lys, Met and Thr, (i.e., PC (22% CP, 2.34% Lys, 0.72% Met and 1.80% Thr), PC-Lys (22% CP, 1.64% Lys, 0.72% Met and 1.80% Thr), PC-Met (22% CP, 2.34% Lys, 0.50% Met and 1.80% Thr), and PC-Thr (22% CP, 2.34% Lys, 0.72% Met and 1.26% Thr)). Calves were fed thrice daily; starter (20% CP, 1.03% Lys, 0.30% Met and 0.69% Thr), hay (3.23% CP, 0.29% Lys, 0.12% Met and 0.23% Thr) and water were offered free choice. Starter and hay were only offered beginning on d 36 (after 5 wk) and d 43 (after 6 wk), respectively. BW, body size and blood samples measures were taken every two weeks. Three-day total collection of feed refusals, feces, and urine were recorded starting at d 33 and d 54 of age, respectively. From the results, the limiting sequence and relative ratio between the 3 AAs in calves with different diet structures were calculated. The limiting sequence of the 3 AAs were ranked as Lys, Met and Thr; the proper ratio was 100:29:70 for MR-only diet and 100:30:60 for diets consisted of MR, starter and hay. Nitrogen digestion and utilization and nutrient digestibility were negatively affected by AA deletion treatments. From the evidence of this experiment, it did not appear that the AA limiting sequence was selectively altered by differences in diet structures such as would be encountered in practice. The relative ratio between the 3 AAs varied with the offer of starter and hay to calves, and the average ratio was 100:29.5:65 for calves during 2 to 10 wk of age.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.186-191
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• 2012

The Chinese Sparrowhawk($Accipiter$ $soloensis$) is the most common breeding raptor in Korea, but its spatial use in the breeding season has been poorly documented. Therefore, to estimate the territory and home range sizes of breeding sparrowhawks, six territorial males(four in 2005 and two in 2006) were observed from June to July in Gyeonggi Province, the Republic of Korea. Main perches, which were used repeatedly(more than three times) or where apparent territorial behaviors were observed, were identified and the locations were analyzed by GIS software. According to the 100% Minimum Convex Polygons which were identified from $25.2{\pm}5.3$ perches, Chinese Sparrowhawks occupied $4.62{\pm}0.90$ ha for breeding territories and used $22.57{\pm}5.12$ ha for their home ranges. These estimates showed larger spatially occupied areas than those in one previous report, but this study suggests that Chinese Sparrowhawks intensively use small areas throughout the breeding season. This result also implies that the sparrowhawks have the potential to be significantly affected by any habitat changes and resource exploitation in the small areas(particularly in small rice paddies of 0.6-2.0 ha) which they largely rely on for food. Although this study was based on observations solely for territory size estimations, this study may be worthwhile as preliminary pilot research for Chinese Sparrowhawk conservation, management, and further studies.

• Research in Mathematical Education
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.153-163
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• 2007

Utilizing the quantitative analysis methodology of questionnaire, the study explores the differences in the factors of achievement motivation, learning mathematics attitude and learning mathematics self-confidence and also the relationship between mathematics academic achievement and these factors in three areas in China. The following conclusions are drawn: 1. The subjects from different development level areas have significant differences in motivation, attitude and self-confidence in mathematics; 2. The subjects from different areas who possess the same ethnic group have significant differences. But the subjects from same area who possess different nationalities have little difference. It can be concluded that that the differences in these factors can be contributed to regional differences, rather than to ethnic differences; 3. The subjects from undeveloped areas have significant gender differences, and the levels of males are higher than those of female.

• Proceedings of the KSPS conference
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• 2005.11a
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• pp.87-90
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• 2005

The aim of this paper is to investigate the prosodic characteristics of Korean distant speech. 36 2-syllable words of 4 speakers (2 males and 2 females) produced in both distant-talking and normal environments were used. The results showed that ratios of second syllable to first syllable in vowel duration and vowel energy were significantly larger in the distant-talking environment compared to the normal environment and f0 range also bigger in the distant-talking environment. In addition, 'HL%' contour boundary tone in the second syllable and/or 'L +H' contour tone in the first syllable were used in the distant-talking environment.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.7
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• pp.4077-4082
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• 2013

The purpose of this descriptive and comparative study was to examine gender differences relevant to pain intensity, opioid prescription patterns and opioid consumption in Taiwanese oncology outpatients. The 92 participants had been prescribed opioid analgesics for cancer-related pain at least once in the past week and were asked to complete the Brief Pain Inventory - Chinese questionnaire and to recall the dosage of each opioid analgesic that they had ingested within the previous 24 hours. For opioid prescriptions and consumption, all analgesics were converted to morphine equivalents. The results revealed a significant difference between males and female minimum pain thresholds (t = 2.38, p = 0.02) and current pain thresholds (t = 2.12, p = 0.04), with males reporting a higher intensity of pain than females. In addition, this study found that males tended to use prescribed opioid analgesics more frequently than females on the bases of both around the clock (ATC) (t = 1.90, p = 0.06) and ATC plus as needed (ATC + PRN) (t = 2.33, p = 0.02). However, there was no difference between males and females in opioid prescriptions on an ATC basis (t = 0.52, p = 0.60) or at an ATC + PRN basis (t = 0.40, p = 0.69). The results suggest that there may be a gender bias in the treatment of cancer pain, supporting the proposal of routine examination of the effect of gender on cancer pain management. These findings suggest that clinicians should be particularly aware of potential gender differences during pain monitoring and the consumption of prescribed opioid analgesics.