Effectiveness of Co-Testing in Cervical Cancer Screening Program in Macao SAR

Background: Cervical cancer remains a significant public health concern in Macao SAR despite the implementation of a cervical cancer screening program and HPV vaccination. To improve early detection, Macao SAR introduced HPV DNA testing alongside cytology (co-testing) as the primary screening method in 2019. This study evaluates the effectiveness of co-testing in identifying cervical precancerous lesions (CIN2+) compared to cytology alone. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of women aged 30 - 65 years who participated in the routine cervical cancer screening program in Macao SAR Primary Healthcare Centers from 2019 to 2022. Data from over 70,000 women were analyzed, comparing the detection rates of CIN2+ through co-testing and cytology alone. Women with abnormal cytology or positive HPV results were referred for colposcopy. Results: The introduction of co-testing led to a significant increase in the detection of CIN2+, particularly in women with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) or negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM) cytology results. Between 2019 and 2022, the percentage of women with ASCUS/NILM and any high-risk HPV (hrHPV) positive who were diagnosed with CIN2+ after colposcopy were 24%, 13%, 10% and 7.5% respectively. This highlights the ability of co-testing to identify high-risk individuals who would have been missed by cytology alone. Discussion: Our findings demonstrate the effectiveness of co-testing in improving the sensitivity of cervical cancer screening in Macao SAR. The inclusion of HPV DNA testing allows for better risk stratification of women with ASCUS/NILM cytology, leading to more targeted referrals for colposcopy and timely detection of precancerous lesions. The initial high positive rate in 2019 (24%) might be attributed to the small sample size and potentially reflects a backlog of undiagnosed cases prior to co-testing implementation. Conclusion: The implementation of co-testing in Macao SAR’s cervical cancer screening program significantly improves the early detection of precancerous lesions, particularly in women with ambiguous cytology results. This proactive approach contributes to reducing cervical cancer morbidity and mortality and improving women’s health outcomes in Macao SAR.

Using Virtual ATE Model to Migrate Test Programs

Because of high development costs of IC (Integrated Circuit) test programs,recycling ekisting test programs from one kind of ATE (Automatic Test Equip-ment) to another or generating directly from CAD simulation modules to ATEis more and more vauable. In this papert a new approach to migrating test pro-grams is presented. A virtual ATE model based on object-oriellted paradigm isdeveloped; it runs Test C++ (an intermediate test control language) programsand TeIF (Test Intermediate Format - an intermediate pattern), migrates testprograms among three kinds of ATE (Ando DIC8032, Schlumberger S15 andGenRad 1732) and gellerates test patterns from two kinds of CAD (Daisy andPanda) automatically.

historical review of pig testing programs in Denmark

The first swine testing station and program in the world was started in Denmark.Denmark has tested breeding and genetics traits of pigs for more than 100 years and have developed an efficient structure and system to select pigs which produce quality pork for the consumer. The Danish pork is exported to many countries around the world.The testing programs described in the article have proven to be very successful over the last 100 years.The history of swine testing for superior pigs is not finished yet.The selection criteria for quality swine breeding animals will also need to be updated on a regular time table because the production systems are changing yearly and new environmental codes and animal welfare regulations are added each year so the testing programs on pig farms also need to change to meet the new production standards.It is not uncommon to obtain some unusual traits when selecting for extreme traits in pigs when they are on testing programs.When these traits are obtained, it requires additional testing to remove these traits.An example would be the Porcine Stress Syndrome.Osteochondrosis is another example.The gene mapping research will also open up new directions for swine testing programs.Therefore, as long as we produce pigs for quality pork and efficient production we will need outstanding swine testing programs.

A SEQUENTIAL TESTING PROGRAM FOR PREDICTING AND IDENTIFICATING CARCINOGENS AND ITS APPLICATION

In this paper our studies about the sequential testing program for predicting and identificating carcinogens, sequential discriminant method and cost- effectiveness analysis are summarized. The analysis of our database of carcinogeniclty and genotoxicity of chemicals demonstrates the uncertainty . of short- term tests ( STTs ) to predict carcinogens and the results of most routine STTs are statistically dependent. We recommend the sequential testing program combining STTs and carclnogenicity assay, the optimal STT batteries, the rules of the sequential discrimination and the preferal choices of STTs tor specific chemical class. For illustrative pmposes the carclnogenicity prediction of several sample chamicals is presented. The results of cost-effectiveness analysis suggest that this program has vast social-economic effectiveness.

Evaluation of a Voluntary Control Program for the Detection of Bovine Leukemia Virus Antibodies Based on Agar Gel Immunodiffusion Test in Dairy Farms in Costa Rica

Cattle from 20 dairy farms were serologically tested over a five-year period using agar gel immunodiffusion test (AGIDT) as part of a voluntary Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV) control program. After five years of removing infected animals from the herds based on BLV-AGIDT serological status, blood samples from 332 cattle in these farms were collected and analyzed side by side by AGIDT and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect antibodies against BLV. AGIDT detected 29.2% (97) and 16.0% (53) of the animals as positive and weak positive respectively, whereas ELISA detected 58.2% (193) cattle as positive. The prevalence of BLV-antibodies determined with AGIDT in the dairy farms oscillated between 0% and 86%, whereas prevalence determined by ELISA ranged between 28% and 100% in the same farms. Although both techniques showed similarly results in farms with high BLV-prevalence, ELISA detected a larger proportion of BLV-positive, especially in farms with low or no BLV-prevalence based on AGIDT, leading to wrong assumptions in terms of farm level control efforts. Our results strongly suggest that AGIDT alone is inadequate to implement BLV control programs and ELISA is a more adequate test for BLV surveillance and control programs.

Using Genetic Algorithm as Test Data Generator for Stored PL/SQL Program Units

PL/SQL is the most common language for ORACLE database application. It allows the developer to create stored program units (Procedures, Functions, and Packages) to improve software reusability and hide the complexity of the execution of a specific operation behind a name. Also, it acts as an interface between SQL database and DEVELOPER. Therefore, it is important to test these modules that consist of procedures and functions. In this paper, a new genetic algorithm (GA), as search technique, is used in order to find the required test data according to branch criteria to test stored PL/SQL program units. The experimental results show that this was not fully achieved, such that the test target in some branches is not reached and the coverage percentage is 98%. A problem rises when target branch is depending on data retrieved from tables;in this case, GA is not able to generate test cases for this branch.

Towards Semantic Mutation Testing of Aspect-Oriented Programs

Aspect-oriented programs have received much attention from software testing researchers. Various testing techniques and approaches have been proposed to tackle issues and challenges when testing aspect-oriented programs including traditional mutation testing. In traditional mutation testing of aspect-oriented programs, mutants are generated by making small changes to the syntax of the aspect-oriented language. Recently, a new approach known as semantic mutation testing has been proposed. This approach mutates the semantics of the language in which the program is written. The mutants generated misunderstandings of the language which are different classes of faults. Aspect-oriented programming presents itself with different properties that can be further explored with respect to semantic mutation testing. This paper describes various possible scenarios that semantic mutation testing strategy might have particular value in testing aspect-oriented programs.

Approach of Separately Applying Unit Testing to AspectJ Program

A unit testing approach for AspectJ programs is proposed to separately test aspect units which have their own states. In the approach, aspects under test are converted to classes before execution of unit testing. In the conversion process, the context information passed through pointcut is transformed into advices, then the advices are converted to class member methods, and conflicts in the conversion result, if any, are resolved finally. The unit testing process consists of generating test cases, executing test cases and checking results.

Feasibility of Using Two versus Three Rapid Tests for HIV Diagnosis in India: Analysis of Public Health Program Data

Under India’s National AIDS Control Program (NACP), WHO recommended strategy of using three rapid tests is adopted for diagnosis of HIV in an asymptomatic individual. Since the NACP has a stringent kit evaluation procedure and due to the availability of newer third generation Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) it may be possible to adapt two test strategy for HIV diagnosis instead of the recommended three test strategy. The authors reviewed programmatic data on HIV testing to explore whether use of two rapid tests for HIV diagnosis as against three tests could be a feasible approach without compromising the quality and readability of testing. Data on the HIV diagnosis performed on serum specimens collected for the period of one year (2011-12) from 82 Integrated Testing and Counselling Centers (ICTCs) or Prevention of Parent to Child Transmission Centers (PPTCTs) associated with State reference Laboratories (SRLs) was analysed. Out of 654258 results that were analysed 25168 (3.84%) specimens were positives. It was observed that both two and three test algorithms provided similar results for majority (>99%) of the HIV positive specimens. Discordance was observed in labelling of specimen with inconclusive status (N = 21), however the true status of these samples could not be obtained. The analysis indicated that the use of two test algorithm will have programmatic benefits in terms of reduced financial burden to the programme and ease of procurement, shipment and storage before and after distribution without comprising the quality of the testing. The prospective study would confirm this observation.

Genetic programming for predictions of effectiveness of rolling dynamic compaction with dynamic cone penetrometer test results

Rolling dynamic compaction (RDC),which employs non-circular module towed behind a tractor,is an innovative soil compaction method that has proven to be successful in many ground improvement applications.RDC involves repeatedly delivering high-energy impact blows onto the ground surface,which improves soil density and thus soil strength and stiffness.However,there exists a lack of methods to predict the effectiveness of RDC in different ground conditions,which has become a major obstacle to its adoption.For this,in this context,a prediction model is developed based on linear genetic programming (LGP),which is one of the common approaches in application of artificial intelligence for nonlinear forecasting.The model is based on in situ density-related data in terms of dynamic cone penetrometer (DCP) results obtained from several projects that have employed the 4-sided,8-t impact roller (BH-1300).It is shown that the model is accurate and reliable over a range of soil types.Furthermore,a series of parametric studies confirms its robustness in generalizing data.In addition,the results of the comparative study indicate that the optimal LGP model has a better predictive performance than the existing artificial neural network (ANN) model developed earlier by the authors.

STATISTICAL TESTS FOR THE COMPARISON OF THE INCIDENCE OR MORTALITY RATES IN CANCER REGISTRY AND DESCRIPTIVE EPIDEMIOLOGY──A MICROCOMPUTER PROGRAM IN BASIC

This paper describes the statistical methods of the comparison of the incidence or mortality rates in cancer registry and descriptive epidemiology, and the features of microcomputer program (CANTEST) which was designed to perform the methods. The program was written in IBM BASIC language. Using the program CANTEST we presented here the user can do several statistical tests or estimations as follow: 1. the comparison of the adjusted rates which were calculated by directly or indirectly standardized methods, 2. the calculation of the slope of regression line for testing the linear trends of the adjusted rates, 3. the estimation of the 95% or 99%conndence intervals of the directly adjusted rates, of the cumulative rates (0-64 and 0-74), and of the cumulative risk. Several examples are presented for testing the performances of the program.

可视化测试软件平台GTEST

针对现有自动测试软件开发平台大多以文本形式通用程序语言为基础的现状,描述了一种以面向对象方法和组件技术设计实现的、基于数据库的通用可视化测试软件平台 GTEST。该平台采用开发平台和运行平台分离的形式,实现了测试策略树及测试流程的可视化编辑,以及测试程序集的运行和测试报告的自动生成。该软件平台使测试人员和操作人员摆脱了繁琐的编程工作,提高了自动测试系统的开发效率。

基于TestStand的TPS开发设计

阐述了自动测试系统(ATS)在电子设备测试维修领域的重要性和发展趋势,介绍了测试程序集(TPS)在ATS中的重要性。描述了TPS和通用检测平台的组成及功能。以视频输出设备为例,在分析其测试需求的基础上设计了被测单元接口适配器(TUA),并采用TestStand与VC++相结合的方式设计了测试程序(TP)。最后在实际使用中验证了TPS具有对视频输出设备功能测试和故障诊断隔离的能力。

Evaluation of Breeding Programs Combining Genomic Information in Chinese Holstein

Current study adopted gene flow theory and selection index method to compare the breeding efficiency of three breeding plans in the Chinese Holstein cattle using ZPLAN software. Simulated conventional progeny-testing program （PT） and young sire program （YS） were compared with breeding program using genomic selection （GS） taking parameters derived from Chinese Holstein breeding system. The results showed that, GS shortened generation interval by 1.5-2.2 years, and increased the genetic progress by 30-50%, comparing to PT and YS, respectively. Economic analysis showed that GS could obtain a higher breeding efficiency, being 119 and 97% higher than that of PT and YS, respectively; and GS was also powerful in improving functional traits with a low heritability. Main factors affecting breeding efficiency in GS were further discussed, including selection intensity, accuracy and the cost of SNP genotyping. Our finding provided references for future designing and implementing GS in Chinese dairy population.

基于TestPlatform的通用测试平台设计

为提高大型系统设备的测试、维护效率,一般采用通用测试平台进行测试和维护。TestPlatform开发软件是一款性能优良的测试平台开发软件,基于TestPlatform的通用测试平台设计是目前比较优选的通用测试平台设计方案。首先介绍平台硬件和TestPlatform开发软件,然后介绍测试程序的开发,最终多个项目的使用表明,基于TestPlatform的通用测试平台设计极大地提高了设备测试、维护的效率。

基于TestStand的自动测试程序开发及应用

随着芯片集成度和PCB电路板布线密度的不断提高,电路板的功能和结构日益复杂,当前公司的电路板测试系统不能满足公司生产电路板的测试需求。为解决本公司生产部门关于电路板测试环节对操作人员知识和技能要求高、测试时间长、人工成本高、测试不全面不准确等常见问题,研发了基于TestStand的自动测试程序,完成了硬件平台的搭建以及程序的试验验证。实际应用表明,本测试程序能够可靠稳定地完成电路板测试任务,而且操作系统简单、兼容性高、灵活性好,对操作人员的技术水平要求低,有效提升了电路板产品的测试精度与测试效率,同时也对本公司产品开拓市场起到了至关重要的作用。

浅谈如何写出整洁的Python代码

很多人在编写Python代码时,只注重相关功能的实现,并不关心代码的整洁性。当软件的代码量达到一定规模后,不少开发者感到代码越来越混乱、越来越难以维护。学习Python语言,不能只关注语法规则的掌握。通过代码示例,文章阐述了与提高软件代码整洁性相关的几个方面内容:写代码时,要注意可读性;要撰写功能单一且功能清晰的函数;应充分利用装饰器、生成器和迭代器等Python独有的特性,写出高效的代码;应了解并经常使用Python软件质量保证工具Unittest、Pytest、Pylint和Flake8等测试和扫描代码。

Comparison between Neuman(1975) and Jacob(1946) application for analysing pumping test data of unconfined aquifer

Pumping test of a water table aquifer is carried out to estimate the aquifer parameters, the obtained data were analysed through the solution of both Neuman(1975) and Jacob(1946) methods through AQTESOLV and Spreadsheet programs, the results of each methods are compared to evaluate the applicability and accuracy of the solution theoretically and practically. In the paper an example is presented, which is conducted for a constant rate pumping test from Ohio, in Fairborn(near Dayton), and it supplied by S.E. Norris(U.S. Geological Survey, Columbus, Ohio). The main objective of this study is to introduce both program and the way of the applications, and compare the results and the hand on of both programs in the field.

网络协议软件漏洞挖掘技术综述

网络协议软件部署和应用非常广泛,在网络空间提供了诸如通信、传输、控制、管理等多样化的功能.近年来,其安全性逐渐受到学术界和工业界的重视,及时发现和修补网络协议软件漏洞,成为一项重要的课题.网络协议软件由于部署形态多样、协议交互过程复杂、相同协议规范的多个协议实现存在功能差异等特点,使得其漏洞挖掘技术面临诸多挑战.首先对网络协议软件漏洞挖掘技术进行分类,对已有关键技术的内涵进行界定.其次,进一步综述网络协议软件漏洞挖掘4个方面的技术进展,包括网络协议描述方法、挖掘对象适配技术、模糊测试技术和基于程序分析的漏洞挖掘方法,通过对比分析归纳不同方法的技术优势及评价维度.最后,总结网络协议软件漏洞挖掘的技术现状和挑战,并提炼5个潜在研究方向.

Results of National Colorectal Cancer Screening Program in Croatia(2007-2011)

AIM:To study the epidemiologic indicators of uptake and characteristic colonoscopic findings in the Croatian National Colorectal Cancer Screening Program.METHODS:Colorectal cancer(CRC) was the second leading cause of cancer mortality in men(n = 1063,49.77/100 000),as well as women(n = 803,34.89/100 000) in Croatia in 2009.The Croatian National CRC Screening Program was established by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare,and its implementation started in September,2007.The coordinators were recruited in each county institute of public health with an obligation to provide fecal occult blood testing(FOBT) to the participants,followed by colonoscopy in all positive cases.The FOBT was performed by hypersensitive guaiac-based Hemognost card test(Biognost,Zagreb).The test and short questionnaire were delivered to the home addresses of all citizens aged 50-74 years consecutively during a 3-year period.Each participant was required to complete the questionnaire and send it together with the stool specimen on three test cards back to the institute for further analysis.About 4% FOBT positive cases are expected in normal risk populations.A descriptive analysis was performed.RESULTS:A total of 1 056 694 individuals(born between 1933-1945 and 1952-1957) were invited to screening by the end of September 2011.In total,210 239(19.9%) persons returned the envelope with a completed questionnaire,and 181 102 of them returned it with a correctly placed stool specimen on FOBT cards.Until now,12 477(6.9%),FOBT-positive patients have been found,which is at the upper limit of the expected values in European Guidelines for Quality Assurance in CRC Screening and Diagnosis [European Union(EU) Guidelines].Colonoscopy was performed in 8541 cases(uptake 66%).Screening has identified CRC in 472 patients(5.5% of colonoscopied,3.8% of FOBT-positive,and 0.26% of all screened individuals).This is also in the expected range according to EU Guidelines.Polyps were found and removed in 3329(39% of colonoscopied) patients.The largest number of polyps were found in the left half of the colon:64%(19%,37% and 8% in the rectum,sigma,and descendens,respectively).The other 36% were detected in the proximal part(17% in the transverse colon and 19% in ceco-ascending colon).Small polyps in the rectum(5-10 mm in diameter),sigmoid and descending colon were histologically found to be tubular adenomas in 60% of cases,with a low degree of dysplasia,and 40% were classified as hyperplastic.Polyps of this size in the transverse or ceco-ascending colon in almost 20% had a histologically villous component,but still had a low degree of dysplasia.Polyps sized 10-20 mm in diameter were in 43% cases tubulovillous,and among them,32% had areas with a high degree of dysplasia,especially those polyps in the cecoascending or transverse part.The characteristics of the Croatian CRC Screening National Program in the first 3 years were as follows:relatively low percentage of returned FOBT,higher number of FOBT-positive persons but still in the range for population-based programs,and higher number of pathologic findings(polyps and cancers).CONCLUSION:These results suggest a need for intervention strategies that include organizational changes and educational activities to improve awareness of CRC screening usefulness and increase participation rates.