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.

Pseudo-dynamic tests on masonry residential buildings seismically retrofitted by precast steel reinforced concrete walls

A retrofitting technology using precast steel reinforced concrete（PSRC） panels is developed to improve the seismic performance of old masonry buildings. The PSRC panels are built up as an external PSRC wall system surrounding the existing masonry building. The PSRC walls are well connected to the existing masonry building, which provides enough confinement to effectively improve the ductility, strength, and stiffenss of old masonry structures. The PSRC panels are prefabricated in a factory, significantly reducing the situ work and associated construction time. To demonstrate the feasibility and mechanical effectivenss of the proposed retrofitting system, a full-scale five-story specimen was constructed. The retrofitting process was completed within five weeks with very limited indoor operation. The specimen was then tested in the lateral direction, which could potentially suffer sigifnicant damage in a large earthquake. The technical feasibility, construction workability, and seismic performance were thoroughly demonstrated by a full-scale specimen construction and pseudo-dynamic tests.

Networked collaborative pseudo-dynamic testing of a multi-span bridge based on NetSLab

Modem dynamic tests such as networked collaborative pseudo-dynamic testing （PDT） provide new tools to study the dynamic performance of large and complex structures. In this paper, several networked collaborative PDT systems established in China and abroad are introduced, including a detailed description of the first networked collaborative platform that involved the construction of a standardized demonstration procedure for networked collaborative PDT. The example is a multi-span bridge with RC piers retrofitted by FRP, and a networked structural laboratory （NetSLab） platform is used to link distributed laboratories located at several universities together. Substructure technology is also used in the testing. The characteristics, resource sharing and collaborative work of NetSLab are described, and the results illustrate that use of the NetSLab is feasible for studying the dynamic performance of multi-span bridge structures.

Impact of early refined nursing program on prognosis of middleaged and elderly patients with cognitive dysfunction combined with cerebral infarction

BACKGROUND Cerebral infarction is a local or extensive necrosis of brain tissue.Subsequently,the corresponding neurological deficits appear.The incidence of cerebrovascular diseases in China is increasing gradually.After the onset of cerebrovascular disease,the most common sequelae include movement disorders,language disorders,and cognitive dysfunction.AIM To investigate the effect of early refined nursing program on the prognosis of middle-aged and elderly patients with cerebral infarction combined with cognitive dysfunction.METHODS A retrospective study was conducted to divide 60 patients with cerebral infarction and cognitive impairment into an experimental group(n=32)and a control group(n=28).The experimental group received early intensive care every day,and the control group received daily routine care.The scores of the Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE)and the Trail Making Test(TMT),as well as the latency and amplitude of the event-related potential P300,were used as main indicators to evaluate changes in cognitive function,and changes in BDNF,TGF-β,and GDNF expression were used as secondary indicators.RESULTS Both groups experienced notable enhancements in MMSE scores,with the experi-mental group demonstrating higher scores than the control group(experimental:28.75±2.31;control:25.84±2.87).Moreover,reductions in TMT-A and TMT-B scores were observed in both groups(experimental:TMT-A 52.36±6.18,TMT-B 98.47±10.23;control:TMT-A 61.48±7.92,TMT-B 112.63±12.55),with the experimental group displaying lower scores.P300 Latency decreased(experimental:270.63 ms±14.28 ms;control:285.72 ms±16.45 ms),while amplitude increased(experimental:7.82μV±1.05μV;control:6.35μV±0.98μV)significantly in both groups,with superior outcomes in the experimental cohort.Additionally,the levels of the growth factors BDNF,TGF-β1,and GDNF surged(experimental:BDNF 48.37 ng/mL±5.62 ng/mL,TGF-β152.14 pg/mL±4.28 pg/mL,GDNF 34.76 ng/mL±3.89 ng/mL;control:BDNF 42.58 ng/mL±4.73 ng/mL,TGF-β146.23 pg/mL±3.94 pg/mL,GDNF 30.25 ng/mL±2.98 ng/mL)in both groups,with higher levels in the experimental group.CONCLUSION For middle-aged and elderly patients with cerebral infarction and cognitive dysfunction,early refined nursing can significantly improve their cognitive function and prognosis.

Mixed programming with LabVIEW & Matlab and its application in explosion field test

Several methods of mixed programming with LabVIEW and Matlab are introduced.Taking explosin test as application background,the design method and implementation process using MathScript node and COM technology are mainly discussed.Based on this,the advantages of LabVIEW＇s interface development and Matlab＇s rich data operation functions are combined to achieve the fitting of explosion pressure field and dynamic compensation of temperature measured.

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.

TEST COVERAGE ANALYSIS BASED ON PROGRAM SLICING

Coverage analysis is a structural testing technique that helps to eliminate gaps in atest suite and determines when to stop testing. To compute test coverage, this letter proposes anew concept coverage about variables, based on program slicing. By adding powers accordingto their importance, the users can focus on the important variables to obtain higher test coverage.The letter presents methods to compute basic coverage based on program structure graphs. Inmost cases, the coverage obtained in the letter is bigger than that obtained by a traditionalmeasure, because the coverage about a variable takes only the related codes into account.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

基于数据流的K-S变化检测的动态多目标规划算法

为了更加准确地判断环境是否发生变化并快速追踪动态多目标规划问题(dynamicmulti-objectiveoptimization problem,DMOP)当前时刻的Pareto前沿,提出了一种基于数据流的Kolmogorov-Smirnov(K-S)变化检测的动态多目标规划(DSK-SDMOP)算法。该算法以NSGA-Ⅱ为基础,通过数据流建立2个时刻的检验窗口,再利用K-S检验基于数据流的Pareto最优前沿是否发生变化,检测2个窗口的数据是否服从同一分布来判断环境是否发生变化,并就环境变化的剧烈程度实行相应的应答机制,以提高对环境的适应程度。利用基于数据流的K-S检测方法,对环境变化不会过于敏感,而且不用提前假设对应目标值的分布,易于操作。通过5个动态多目标规划标准测试函数对该算法进行测试,并和现有的2种算法进行对比分析,结果表明该算法处理动态多目标规划问题具有良好的性能。

可调倾角编程式多功能取苗试验台设计与试验

针对现有取苗试验台不能满足多种型号钵盘和取苗机构进行取苗试验的需求,设计了一种由多个步进电机驱动、可调取苗机构倾角、可编程控制系统的多功能取苗试验台。该试验台通过调节取苗机构安装支架的位姿、改变钵盘驱动鼠笼钢丝间距以及所在圆周直径,可以适应不同型号钵盘和满足多种取苗机构的试验要求;通过编写控制器程序可控制3个步进电机联动并实现送苗装置的横、纵向送苗与取苗机构取苗进程相匹配。在三维软件中对试验台进行了建模、装配和虚拟仿真,在加工制造的物理样机上进行了2种型号钵盘和3种取苗机构的取苗试验。3次试验结果表明:在此试验台上能够顺利完成取苗试验,证明该试验台满足多种型号钵盘和多种类型取苗机构的试验需求。

应用型本科《汽车试验学》课程教学改革的探究

针对应用型本科的人才培养目标及汽车试验学课程教学特点,分析汽车试验学在目前教学和考核过程中所存在的问题,探讨了相应理论教学、实践教学及课程考核的改革措施,为提高汽车试验学的教学效果提供思路与借鉴。

梯级水库优化调度的改进ODDDP算法研究

“维数灾”问题和易陷入局部最优问题是梯级水库优化调度模型求解中的热点和难点。正交离散微分动态规划算法依据正交试验原理,解决了离散微分动态规划算法在求解水库群联合优化调度问题中的维数灾问题,但并未克服其依赖初始解质量和易陷入局部最优的缺陷。对此,借鉴入侵杂草算法空间扩散机制,引入高斯随机变量,并基于三角余弦函数的周期性质,设计提出了M-IWO-ODDDP算法,从算法全局搜索能力和搜索深度两方面,提高算法全局收敛能力。采用Schaffer、Shubert两种测试函数,分析测试了M-IWOODDDP算法的收敛性和鲁棒性。并以乌江流域11级梯级水库为例开展实例应用研究,结果表明,M-IWOODDDP寻优效果显著且对初始解质量无明显依赖性,算法收敛能力强、鲁棒性好。