• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.7
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• pp.3281-3285
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• 2012

Objectives: To evaluate the clinicopathologic correlation and prognostic value of HPV18 DNA viral load in patients with early-stage cervical neuroendocrine carcinoma (NECA). Methods: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue of cervical NECA patients with known HPV18 infection and clinicopathologic data including follow-up results were collected. The HPV18 DNA load was assessed with quantitative PCR targeting the HPV18 E6E7 region. Results: Twenty-one patients with early-stage (IB-IIA) cervical NECA were identified. HPV18 DNA viral load ranged from 0.83 to 55,174 copies/cell (median 5.90). Disease progression, observed in 10 cases (48%), was not significantly associated with any clinicopathologic variables. However, the group of patients with progressive disease tended to have a higher rate of pelvic lymph node metastasis (50% versus 9%, p=0.063) and a lower median value of HPV18 DNA viral load (4.37 versus 8.17 copies/cell, p=0.198) compared to the non-recurrent group. When stratified by a cut-off viral load value of 5.00 copies/cell, the group of patients with viral load ${\leq}5.00$ copies/cell had a significantly shorter disease-free survival than the group with viral load >5.00 copies/cell (p=0.028). The group with a lower viral load also tended to have a higher rate of disease progression (75% versus 31%, p=0.080). No significant difference in the other clinicopathologic variables between the lower and higher viral load groups was identified. Conclusion: HPV18 DNA viral load may have a prognostic value in patients with early-stage NECA of the cervix. A low viral load may be predictive of shortened disease-free survival in these patients.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.3131-3137
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• 2013

Background: Visual inspection of cervix with acetic acid (VIA) is offered at 252 centers in 64 districts of Bangladesh. VIA+ve women are managed at colposcopy clinics of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) and 14 Medical College Hospitals (MCHs). This research work has been supported by 'UICC Cancer Prevention Campaign' programme. Objectives: This study explored the role of print materials and electronic media to improve cervical cancer screening in the present socio-cultural context of Bangladesh. Methods: This study was performed from January to August 2011 at two upazilas of Bangladesh (Singair with screening facility and Sonargaon without screening facility). Data were collected by focus group discussion (FGD) with women, husbands and community people before and after intervention. Information on cervical cancer screening and VIA camps was disseminated using advertisement through local cable line of the television, microphone announcement, service providers and leaflet throughout the week prior to a VIA camp. Three-day VIA camps were organized at the upazila health complex (UHC) of both upazilas. Quantitative data was gathered from women at the camps on source of information on VIA and the best method of awareness creation. Results: The population was aware of "cancer" and a notable number knew about cervical cancer. Baseline awareness on prevention and VIA was low and it was negligible where screening services were unavailable. Awareness was increased fourfold in both upazilas after interventions and half of the women and the majority of the community people became aware of screening and available facilities. Cable line advertisement (25.5%), microphone announcement (21.4%), and discussion sessions (20.4%) were effective for awareness creation on VIA. Television was mentioned as the best method (37.4%) of awareness creation. Conclusion: Television should be used for nation-wide awareness creation. For local awareness creation, cable line advertisement, microphone announcements and health education at Uthan Baithaks/ EPI sessions can easily be adopted by the government.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.25-31
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• 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To date, sodium intake has been evaluated based on spot urine instead of 24-hour (hr) urine collection. Nevertheless, the optimal method for assessing daily sodium intake remains unclear. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Fifteen male (age 32.7 ± 6.5 years) participants were offered 3 meals with a total of 9-10 g salt over 24 hours, and 24-hr urine was collected from the second-void urine of the first day to the first-void urine of the second day. Twenty-four-hr urinary sodium (24UNa) was estimated using Tanaka's equation and the Korean formula, and spot urine Na, potassium (K), chloride (Cl), urea nitrogen (UN), creatinine (Cr), specific gravity (SG) and osmolality (Osm) were measured. The ratios of urinary Na to other parameters were calculated, and correlations with total measured 24UNa were identified. RESULTS: Average 24-hr urine volume was 1,403 ± 475 mL, and measured 24UNa was 143.9 ± 42.1 mEq (range, 87.1-239.4 mEq). Measured 24UNa was significantly correlated with urinary Na/UN (r = 0.560, P < 0.01), urinary Na/Osm (r = 0.510, P < 0.01), urinary Na/Cr (r = 0.392, P < 0.01), urinary Na/K (r = 0.290, P < 0.01), 24UNa estimated using Tanaka's equation (r = 0.452, P < 0.01) and the Korean formula (r = 0.414, P < 0.01), age (r = 0.548, P < 0.01), weight (r = 0.497, P < 0.01), and height (r = 0.393, P < 0.01) in all spot urine samples. Estimated 24UNa based on the second-void spot urine of the first day tended to be more closely correlated with measured 24UNa than were estimates from the other spot urine samples. The significant parameters correlated with the second-void urine of the first day were urinary Na/K (r = 0.647, P < 0.01), urinary Na/Cr (r = 0.558, P < 0.05), and estimated 24UNa using Tanaka's equation (r = 0.616, P < 0.05) and the Korean formula (r = 0.588, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Second-void urine is more reliable than first-void urine for estimating 24UNa. Urinary Na/K in the second-void urine on the first day is significantly correlated with 24UNa. Further studies are needed to establish the most reliable index and the optimal time of urine sampling for predicting 24UNa.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.30 no.10
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• pp.1471-1477
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• 2017

Objective: Since athletic performance is a most importance trait in horses, most research focused on physiological and physical studies of horse athletic abilities. In contrast, the molecular analysis as well as the regulatory pathway studies remain insufficient for evaluation and prediction of horse athletic abilities. In our previous study, we identified AXL receptor tyrosine kinase (AXL) gene which was expressed as alternative spliced isoforms in skeletal muscle during exercise. In the present study, we validated two AXL alternative splicing transcripts (named as AXLa for long form and AXLb for short form) in equine skeletal muscle to gain insight(s) into the role of each alternative transcript during exercise. Methods: We validated two isoforms of AXL transcripts in horse tissues by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and then cloned the transcripts to confirm the alternative locus and its sequences. Additionally, we examined the expression patterns of AXLa and AXLb transcripts in horse tissues by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). Results: Both of AXLa and AXLb transcripts were expressed in horse skeletal muscle and the expression levels were significantly increased after exercise. The sequencing analysis showed that there was an alternative splicing event at exon 11 between AXLa and AXLb transcripts. 3-dimentional (3D) prediction of the alternative protein structures revealed that the structural distance of the connective region between fibronectin type 3 (FN3) and immunoglobin (Ig) domain was different between two alternative isoforms. Conclusion: It is assumed that the expression patterns of AXLa and AXLb transcripts would be involved in regulation of exercise-induced stress in horse muscle possibly through an $NF-{\kappa}B$ signaling pathway. Further study is necessary to uncover biological function(s) and significance of the alternative splicing isoforms in race horse skeletal muscle.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.14
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• pp.5927-5936
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• 2014

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Jordanians. Breast cancer patients suffer from several negative consequences after treatment and these include pain, fatigue, sexual problems, appearance and body image concerns, with psychological dysfunction. This could affect the patient quality of life and psychological well-being. To the best of our knowledge, there is no published quantitative data on the quality of life and psychological well-being of breast cancer patients in Jordan. The objective of this study was to obtain such data and assess predictors with calculated scores. Methods: In this cross-sectional study conducted among breast cancer patients in Jordan diagnosed in 2009 and 2010, assessment was performed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), the Breast Module (QLQ-BR23) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Clinical, demographic and psychosocial indicators that could predict patient quality of life scores were collected. Results: The number of patients interviewed was 236 (mean age=$50.7{\pm}10.7$ years). The mean Global Health score for the QLQ-C30 was $63.7{\pm}20.2$ SD. Among functional scales, "social functioning" scored the highest ($mean=78.1{\pm}28.6$ SD), whereas "emotional functioning" scored the lowest ($mean=59.0{\pm}SD\;33.5$). For the QLQ-BR23, the worst scores within the functional scales were for "body image" ($mean=52.1{\pm}36.8$ SD) and "future perspective" ($mean=52.9{\pm}38.5$ SD). The worst symptom was "upset by hair loss" ($mean=69.8{\pm}43.0$). The mean HADS scores was $18.{\pm}9.0$ SD. Out of study participants, 53% scored abnormal on the anxiety scale and 45% on the depression scale. Severe depression and severe anxiety were detected among 8% and 14% of study participants, respectively. Statistically significant predictors for individual scores were similar to those reported in published studies, such as the presence of recurrence since baseline, family history of cancer, low educational status, current social problems, extent of the disease, presence of financial difficulties, and employment status. Conclusions and Recommendations: Breast cancer survivors in Jordan have overall good quality of life scores when compared with patients from Western countries. However, their psychological wellbeing is more impaired. There is an urgent need for psychosocial support programs and psychological screening and consultation for breast cancer patients at hospitals of the Ministry of Health in Jordan.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.114-127
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• 2002

Objective : The purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanism and effect of moxibustion objectively and to be used as the quantitative data for developing the new thermal stimulating treatment by observing the combustion time and temperature of commercial moxaes. Methods : We have selected two types(large-size moxa A(LMA), large-size moxa B (LMB)) among large moxaes used widely in the clinic. We examined combustion times, temperatures in each period during a combustion of moxa. Results : 1. The combustion time in the preheating period was about 30sec in both moxaes on the non-contact heated surface. 2. The combustion time in the heating period was about 345sec in LMA and about 1391 sec in LMB, about 4 times longer in LMB on the non-contact surface. 3. The maximum temperature in the heating period was $44.5^{\circ}C$ in LMA and $45.4^{\circ}C$ in LMB respectively, higher by $0.9^{\circ}C$ in LMB. The average temperature in the heating period was $35.5{\sim}37.6^{\circ}C$ in LMA and $36.0{\sim}39.8^{\circ}C$ in LMB, a little higher in LMB. 4. The combustion time in the retaining period in LMA was 45.4sec and 13% of that in the heating period, and in LMB 594.7sec and 43% of that in the heating period on the non-contact surface. 5. On the point(PH) measured maximum temperature, the average temperature during the retaining period was $44.0^{\circ}C$, $42.9^{\circ}C$ respectively and the temperature at an end of the retaining period was $43.0^{\circ}C$, $40.2^{\circ}C$ respectively. 6. The time at a beginning of the cooling period was about 418 sec from ignition in LMA and 2021sec in LMB, and the temperature at that time was $36.9{\sim}39.1^{\circ}C$ on the non-contact surface. Conclusion : It was thought that not only the figure of moxicombustion device, but also the form and size of moxa had influence on the combustion characteristics deciding the performance of stimulus seriously.

• Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.169-181
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• 2018

Under the constantly intensifying global competition environment, many companies are exploring new business opportunities in the field of social innovation using creating shared value. In seeking social innovation, it is a key starting point of social innovation to clarify the problem to be solved and to grasp the cause of the problem. Among the many problem solving methodologies, design thinking is getting the most attention recently in various fields. Design Thinking is a creative problem solving method which is used as a business innovation tool to empathize with human needs and find out the potential desires that the public does not know, and is actively used as a tool for social innovation to solve social problems. However, one of the difficulties experienced by many of the design thinking project participants is that it is difficult to analyze the observed data efficiently. When analyzing data only offline, it takes a long time to analyze a large amount of data, and it has a limit in processing unstructured data. This makes it difficult to find fundamental problems from the data collected through observation while performing design thinking. The purpose of this study is to integrate qualitative data analysis and quantitative data analysis methods in order to make the data analysis collected at the observation stage of the design thinking project for social innovation more scientific to complement the limit of the design thinking process. The integrated methodology presented in this study is expected to contribute to innovation performance through design thinking by providing practical guidelines and implications for design thinking implementers as a valuable tool for social innovation.

• Journal of Practical Engineering Education
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.145-162
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• 2020

The dual system in Korea already plays an important role in quantitative terms in the Korean lifelong vocational competency development system. However, since most of the existing dual system performance management plans in Korea focus on qualification-linked dual system, research on the effective performance management of the four-year university-driven dual system is very insufficient. This paper presents multiple measures for developing a performance management system suitable for the university-driven dual system to achieve qualitative improvement of the contract departments of the dual colleges or universities. As an approach to the end, a performance evaluation system is established by developing the evaluation items and indicators for the dual colloeges' contract departments. Next, it analyzes the needs of various stakeholder groups such as field teachers of the involved companies, students in apprenticeship and OJT professors of KOREATECH through FGI's and polls to diagnose the current operational performance, especially the causes of high drpout rates of the contract departments. From these results, the paper presents firstly the development of measuring methods for the developed performance indicators of the evaluation system and then a systemic performance management system which is based on 'input-transformation-outcome-feedback' structure. In addition, some measures for improving the high dropout rate and performance are presented from the viewpoints of each stakeholder.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.311-316
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• 2020

The main cause of DMSMS is the rapid replacement cycle and short life cycle of parts, according to the development of science, compared to the long life cycle of weapons systems. In particular, the problem of the supply and demand of such parts becomes even more acute during the operation maintenance phase after the mass production and power generation stage. To eliminate DMSMS problems that arise continuously from development to the operation of weapon systems and select the most cost-effective countermeasures to obsolescence, this paper suggests a standard to determine the appropriate time for quantitative performance improvement by conducting total life cycle cost analysis. For such purpose, this study examined the domestic and overseas cost analysis methods and applied it to single domestic weapon system to verify the research. This study responds to the issue of discontinuing components and helps reduce the total life cycle cost of military products.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.205-212
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• 2014

BACKGROUND: This study focused on the contents of flavonoid compounds in vegetables. Generally vegetables have contributed to a healthy diet, arisen from contains a large amount of fiber and functional ingredients. And flavonoid compounds are one of major functional components in the vegetables. currently research of flavonoid contents does not enough, specially in the part of homegrown vegetable. METHODS AND RESULTS: Vegetable samples were purchased in domestic market. Sample extraction by methanol, distilled water, and formic acid based solvent. Also same solvent used for mobile phase in UPLC. Eleven types of flavonoid compounds were analyzed with same kind of external standard and one kind of internal standard (galangin) for quantification. Standard calibration curve presented linearity with the correlation coefficient $R^2$ > 0.98, analysed from 1 to 50 ppm concentration. The quantitative value and multivariate analysis results were derived from the Excel and SIMCA-P11. Overall, onion has largest amount(916.5 mg/100 g) of flavonoid and also other vegetables have has significant amount[Mugwort: 138.8, Galic stem:123.6 mg/100 g etc.] of flavonoid compounds. Edible portion of vegetables per share for simulating by SIMCA-P11, root vegetables has had difference with other vegetables according to distributions and amounts of flavonoid compounds. CONCLUSION: Optionally, the results from this experiment can use to select the material for flavonoid researches. And based on these results, if this experiment will be continuously complemented, and performed, could used in various fields.