• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.14
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• pp.5889-5897
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• 2015

Background: The performance of combined testing visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and cervical cytology tests might differ from one setting to another. The average estimate of the testing accuracy across studies is informative, but no meta-analysis has been carried out to assess this combined method. Objective: The objective of this study was to estimate the average sensitivity and specificity of the combined VIA and cervical cytology tests for the detection of cervical precancerous lesions. Materials and Methods: We conducted a systematic review and a meta-analysis, according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Review of Diagnostic Test Accuracy. We considered two cases. In the either-positive result case, a positive result implies positivity in at least one of the tests. A negative result implies negativity in both tests. In the both-positive case, a positive result implies having both tests positive. Eligible studies were identified using Pubmed, Embase, Website of Science, CINHAL and COCRANE databases. True positive, false positive, false negative and true negative values were extracted. Estimates of sensitivity and specificity, positive and negative likelihood (LR) and diagnostic odds ratios (DOR) were pooled using a hierarchical random effect model. Hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristics (HSROC) were generated and heterogeneity was verified through covariates potentially influencing the diagnostic odds ratio. Findings: Nine studies fulfilled inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Pooled estimates of the sensitivities of the combined tests in either-positive and both-positive cases were 0.87 (95% CI: 0.83-0.90) and 0.38 (95% CI: 0.29-0.48), respectively. Corresponding specificities were 0.79 (95% CI: 0.63-0.89) and 0.98 (95% CI: 0.96-0.99) respectively. The DORs of the combined tests in either-positive or both-positive result cases were 27.7 (95% CI: 12.5-61.5) and 52 (95% CI: 22.1-122.2), respectively. When including only articles without partial verification bias and also a high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia as a threshold of the disease, DOR of combined test in both-positive result cases remained the highest. However, DORs decreased to 12.1 (95% CI: 6.05-24.1) and 13.8 (95% CI: 7.92-23.9) in studies without partial verification bias for the combined tests in the either-positive and both-positive result cases, respectively. The screener, the place of study and the size of the population significantly influenced the DOR of combined tests in the both-positive result case in restriction analyses that considered only articles with CIN2+ as disease threshold. Conclusions: The combined test in the either-positive result case has a high sensitivity, but a low specificity. These results suggest that the combined test should be considered in developing countries as a primary screening test if facilities exist to confirm, through colposcopy and biopsy, a positive result.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.10
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• pp.5867-5870
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• 2013

Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Malaysian women with an ASR of 17.9 and a mortality rate of 5.6 per 100,000 population in 2008 (GLOBOCAN, 2008). The 5 year prevalence was estimated to be 14.5 per 100,000 population. As the second most common cancer affecting productive females, cervical cancer imposes an impact to the socioeconomic aspect of the country. However, the poor uptake of cervical cancer screening is a major problem in detecting early pre-cancerous lesions and thus, delay in initiating treatment for cervical cancer. Realizing the urgency to increase the uptake of PAP smear, besides enhancing the promotion of PAP smear screening for women above 35 years old, the call-recall system for pap smear screening had been piloted in one of the suburban districts which aimed to improve regular participation of women for cervical and breast cancer screening. This is of public health importance as identifying the best feasible option to increase patient's respond to participate in the screening program effectively in our setting will be helpful in implementing an organized regular population based screening program tailored to our setting. The pilot program of cervical cancer screening in Klang was an opportunity to assess different options in recalling patients for a repeat pap smear to increase their participation and adherence to the program. Methods and Results: This was a population based randomized control trial. Women aged 20-65 years in the population that matched the inclusion and exclusion criteria were re-called for a repeat smear. There are four different intervention groups; letter, registered letters, short messages services (SMS) and phone calls where 250 subjects were recruited into each group. Samples were generated randomly from the same population in Klang into four different groups. The first group received a recall letter for a repeat smear similar to the one that has been given during the first invitation. The intervention groups were either be given a registered letter, an SMS or a phone call to re-call them. The socio-demographic data of the patients who came for uptake were collected for further analysis. All the groups were followed up after 8 weeks to assess their compliance to the recall. Conclusions: The study will provide recommendations about the most effective methods for recall in a population based pap smear screening program on two outcomes: i) patients response; ii) uptake for repeat pap smear.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.sup3
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• pp.323-335
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• 2016

Breast cancer risk assessment has developed during years and evaluation of genetic factor affecting risk of breast cancer is an important component of this risk assessment. The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the role of XRCC1 polymorphisms (Arg194Trp, Arg280His and Arg399Gln) in risk of breast cancer among different population and categories of menopausal status.PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, and PubMed Central were systematically searched to identify studies evaluating association between breast cancer and XRCC1 gene polymorphisms (Arg194Trp, Arg280His and Arg399Gln). Two authors independently extracted required information. Odds Ratios were pooled for four genetic inheritance models using both fixed and the DerSimonian and Laird random-effect models. Egger's test and contour-enhanced funnel plot was used to evaluate publication bias and small study effect. Additional subgroup analysis was performed for menopausal status, ethnicity, and source of controls. After evaluation and applying inclusion criteria on extracted studies, fifty three studies were included in this meta-analysis. For polymorphisms of Arg194Trp and Arg280His, no significant association was observed in all genetic models. Arg194Trp had a protective effect in post-menopausal status only in homozygote model (OR=0.57 [0.37-0.88]). Arg399Gln showed significant association with breast cancer in homozygote (OR=1.21 [1.10-1.34]), dominant (OR=1.09 [1.03-1.15]) and recessive (OR=1.21 [1.09- 1.35]) genetic models. Arg399Gln was associated with higher risk in post-menopausal status for homozygote and heterozygote models. Our findings suggest that XRCC1 gene polymorphisms modify breast cancer risk in different populations and different categories of menopausal status.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.21 no.10
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• pp.567-573
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• 2020

This study was done to develop indicators for cities that can be used in the long term and in a sustainable manner. Activation indicators were developed to improve the resilience in the downtown area of Seo-gu, Incheon. Preliminary indicators were derived from prior studies on similar indicators of resilience for urban regeneration, and an expert opinion survey was conducted to analyze the suitability and importance of the indicators. Activation indicators were established for improving urban resilience in six areas: population stability, social inclusion, industrial diversity, local productivity, environmental sustainability, and social-based convenience. From 60 preliminary indicators, 42 indicators were selected through the expert opinion surveys for securing an economically active population, establishing a living infrastructure, improving the settlement environment, and upgrading industry to reflect the characteristics of the West, including industrial complexes. It was found that diversification is necessary. Further study is still necessary to improve the objectivity of the indicators and calculate a resilience index. The significance of this study is that it looks at quantitative indicators, complements other studies on regional decline diagnosis, and presents realistic alternatives suitable for domestic situations based on the concept of resilience.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.247-255
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• 2017

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the quality of life (QoL) of parents/caregivers of children with cleft lip and/or palate before and after surgical repair of an orofacial cleft. Materials and Methods: Families of subjects who required either primary or secondary orofacial cleft repair who satisfied the inclusion criteria were recruited. A preoperative and postoperative health-related QoL questionnaire, the 'Impact on Family Scale' (IOFS), was applied in order to detect the subjectively perceived QoL in the affected family before and after surgical intervention. The mean pre- and postoperative total scores were compared using paired t-test. Pre- and postoperative mean scores were also compared across the 5 domains of the IOFS. Results: The proportion of families whose QoL was affected before surgery was 95.7%. The domains with the greatest impact preoperatively were the financial domain and social domains. Families having children with bilateral cleft lip showed QoL effects mostly in the social domain and 'impact on sibling' domain. Postoperatively, the mean total QoL score was significantly lower than the mean preoperative QoL score, indicating significant improvement in QoL (P<0.001). The mean postoperative QoL score was also significantly lower than the mean preoperative QoL score in all domains. Only 3.2% of the families reported affectation of their QoL after surgery. The domains of mastery (61.3%) with a mean of $7.4{\pm}1.8$ and finance (45.1%) with a mean score of $7.2{\pm}1.6$ were those showing the greatest postoperative impact. The proportion of families whose QoL was affected by orofacial cleft was markedly different after treatment (95.7% preoperative and 3.2% postoperative). Conclusion: Caring for children with orofacial clefts significantly reduces the QoL of parents/caregivers in all domains. However, surgical intervention significantly improves the QoL of the parents/caregivers of these children.

• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.105-120
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• 2012

This study aimed to develop a Korean emotion vocabulary list that functions as an important tool in understanding human feelings. In doing so, the focus was on the careful extraction of most widely used feeling words, as well as categorization into groups of emotion(s) in relation to its meaning when used in real life. A total of 12 professionals (including Korean major graduate students) partook in the study. Using the Korean 'word frequency list' developed by Yonsei University and through various sorting processes, the study condensed the original 64,666 emotion words into a finalized 504 words. In the next step, a total of 80 social work students evaluated and classified each word for its meaning and into any of the following categories that seem most appropriate for inclusion: 'happiness', 'sadness', 'fear', 'anger', 'disgust', 'surprise', 'interest', 'boredom', 'pain', 'neutral', and 'other'. Findings showed that, of the 504 feeling words, 426 words expressed a single emotion, whereas 72 words reflected two emotions (i.e., same word indicating two distinct emotions), and 6 words showing three emotions. Of the 426 words that represent a single emotion, 'sadness' was predominant, followed by 'anger' and 'happiness'. Amongst 72 words that showed two emotions were mostly a combination of 'anger' and 'disgust', followed by 'sadness' and 'fear', and 'happiness' and 'interest'. The significance of the study is on the development of a most adaptive list of Korean feeling words that can be meticulously combined with other emotion signals such as facial expression in optimizing emotion recognition research, particularly in the Human-Computer Interface (HCI) area. The identification of feeling words that connote more than one emotion is also noteworthy.

• Cross-Cultural Studies
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• v.52
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• pp.417-446
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• 2018

The culture of memory in France regarding slavery and slave trade has slowly been expanding its horizons: from limited perspective focusing on abrogation of slavery to inclusion of discussion on real experiences and suffering of African slaves. This change has been particularly noticeable since the 150th anniversary of abrogation of slavery in France in 1998. It was the year that citizens of French overseas territories that had internalized this painful and shameful history of suffering formed a visible social movement. For the last two decades, the French government has also demonstrated consistent, proactive and prompt response to discussions of issues rooted in slavery in overseas territories, wherein slavery is the root of fundamental problems. In particular, when the Taubira Law (2001) was passed in the Senate, the Committee for the Memory of Slavery was established. This committee has since contributed to better assessment and understanding of French history of slavery and slave trade. Such was the profound as well as significant change in public perception as well as in legal and social aspects that culminated in the 2015 establishment of $M{\acute{e}}morial$ ACTe, Caribbean Centre of Expression and Memory of Slavery and the Slave Trade in Guadeloupe. Reflecting on those historic moments in recent French history, this paper examines major debates in French society regarding establishment of the $M{\acute{e}}morial$ ACTe. It assesses how Aleida Assmann's "cultural memory" was created with the establishment of $M{\acute{e}}morial$ ACTe and how it has contributed to the new cultural identity of French overseas territories.

• Journal of Music and Human Behavior
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.47-72
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• 2019

This study reviewed and analyzed English-written studies using a rhythmic tapping task for motor control of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Inclusion criteria for the participants were children with ASD and typically developing (TD) children. The keywords used for the outcome variables included rhythmic tapping, timed movement, and synchronization. Ten studies were included in the final analysis. The included studies were analyzed in terms of target variables, auditory stimuli, and measurements. A meta-analysis was also conducted to examine how children with ASD performed rhythmic tapping tasks compared to children with TD. In the identified studies, five variables were used: timed movement control, timing reproduction, bimanual coordination, synchronization, and interpersonal synchronization. It was found that rhythmic tapping performance was analyzed in terms of accuracy and precision of the movement and reported as significantly correlated to social skills measures. The meta-analysis results showed that there were no significant differences between the ASD and TD groups in continuing rhythmic movements when the presented auditory stimuli ended, whereas there were significant group differences in their ability to maintain their motor performance consistently and to synchronize with auditory cue or with others. These results support the rhythmic tapping task as an effective measure for not only motor control but also social skills development in children with ASD.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.34 no.12
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• pp.1963-1973
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• 2021

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of including L-glutamine along with glutamic acid as a supplement in weaned piglets' diets with and without whey powder. Methods: Two assays were carried out. A total of 40 piglets ([Landrace×Large White]×Pietrain) weaned at 24 days of age with an initial body weight of 6.6±0.6 kg were used in the first assay, and the following parameters were evaluated: growth performance, the incidence of diarrhea, morphometry, intestinal integrity, and hepatic glycogen index. The animals were then blocked into four groups according to different diets: diet all-grain feeding (G); diet all-grain feeding with whey powder (GW); and with vs without 1% supplementation of the commercial product containing L-glutamine and glutamic acid (A or NA). Whey powder was added according to the stage of life, corresponding to 17%, 10%, and 5%, respectively, in order to meet the need for lactose. The animals were evaluated at 24 to 42 days and at 24 to 55 days of age. The nutrient digestibility for the second assay was carried out by using 24 animals with an average weight of 11.49±1.6 kg, and the same diets were tested. Results: The supplementation of L-glutamine + glutamic acid or the addition of whey powder in diets for weaned piglets provided (p<0.05) greater feed intake, greater weight gain and improved feed conversion in the initial period (24 to 42 days age). However, in the whole period (24 to 55 days age) only amino acid supplementation affected (p<0.05) growth performance. There was a positive interaction (p<0.05) between the type of diet and L-glutamine + glutamic acid supplementation on villus height, crypt depth and the villus:crypt ratio in the duodenum. In addition, L-glutamine + glutamic acid supplementation reduced (p<0.05) the crypt depth and improved the villus:crypt ratio in the jejunum. The inclusion of whey powder affected (p<0.05) positively the digestibility coefficients analyzed except mineral matter digestibility coeficients. The supplementation of 1% the commercial product composed of L-glutamine and glutamic acid improved (p<0.05) only the digestibility coefficient of crude protein. Conclusion: These results indicate that supplementation of 1% commercial product containing L-glutamine + glutamic acid in diets for piglets from 24 to 55 days of age, dispenses with the use of whey powder when evaluating growth performance. Amino acid supplementation alone or associated with whey powder affects (p<0.05) positively the indicators of the intestinal integrity.

• Korean Journal of Culture and Social Issue
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.1-18
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• 2008

The present study examined the accuracy of polygraph tests through two types of statistical methods with unknown ground truth. One method evaluated the accuracy based on the rates of agreements between polygraph test results of crime suspects and prosecutors' indictment decisions for them. Those crime suspects were tested with polygraph by the Prosecutors' Office of the Republic of Korea between 2000 and 2004. The other method estimated the accuracy by using the latent class analysis based on the frequency distributions of the polygraph results and indictments during 2006. Excluding cases that were 'inconclusive' on the polygraph test, the study showed that the accuracy of the polygraph tests is .914 (SE=.004) for the 2000-2004 data, and .885 (SE=.021) for the 2006 data. With the inclusion of 'inconclusive' cases in the 2006 data, the results from the latent class analysis showed the accuracy in the range between .707 and .734 (SE=.027~.031), with false positives between .078 and .087 (SE=.019~.023), and false negatives between .029 and .078 (SE=.010~.023). The probability that the polygraph test correctly classifies subjects appeared to be in the range between .912 and .925 (SE=.013-.016) for those who lie, and in the range between .867 to .955 (SE=.011-.040) for those who tell the truth.