A Study on the Chess Culture of Ethnic Minority Groups in Gansu Province

As a region inhabited by large populations of ethnic minority groups, Gansu province boasts rich ethnic cultural resources which reflect traditional culture and intangible cultural heritage that had taken shape thousands of years ago. Among these are various ethnic folk chess games. They are time-honored with many types such as the “Fang” chess of the Hui ethnic group, the “Jiu” chess of the Tibetans, the “King and Ministers” chess, the Mongolian chess, the Mongolian military chess, etc. These games embody distinctive ethnic and regional characteristics, as well as the cultural elements of a particular ethnic minority group. It is of great significance, therefore, to study the ethnic chess by collecting, documenting and comparing different types of related chess. The paper explores ways to standardize, protect and promote them scientifically in joint efforts, and draws a conclusion that examining their significance in the present era and the ethnic characteristics is the key to understanding the profound culture behind the chess.

THE STUDY OF POPULATION GENETIC RELATION AMONG TEN ETHNIC GROUPS IN NORTHWEST CH INA

Objective To investigate the genetic relation am on g ten ethnic groups in northwest China. Methods Allele frequ encies of six STR(short tandem repeat ) loci in D13S1358, VWA, FGA, D5S818, D13S 317, and D7S820 were collected from Lasa Tibetan, Changdu Tibetan, Xi'an Han, G ansu Dongxiang, Gansu Yugu, Xinjiang Uygur, Ozbak, Kirgiz, Sibe, Ningxia Hui by the results of State Key laboratory, Forensic Science Department, school of medi cal, Xi'an Jiaotong University and internet biological information data bank, a nd compared with that of the Mongolian, Zhuang in China, and White and Negro in USA. The polymorphism index (H, DP, PPE, PIC) and genetic distance, then the phy logenetic tree of all population were reported. Results The res ulting tree topology exhibited strong geographic and racial partitioning consist ent with that obtained with HLA and classical genetic polymorphisms. Conclusion The results suggest that forensic STR loci may be particular ly powerful tools and provide the necessary fine resolution for the reconstructi on of recent human evolutionary history.

Endogamous marriage and the prevalence of hemoglobin E in ethnic groups of northern Thailand

Objective:To investigate the impact of the endogamous marriage culture on the prevalence of the hemoglobin E(HbE) recessive variant.Methods:The prevalence of the hemoglobin E(HbE)recessive variant was determined by dot-blot hybridization in 4 endogamous villages(1 Mlabri and 3 Htin ethnic groups) in comparison with 9 other nearby non-endogamous populations.Results:Although the overall HbE prevalence in the population studied(8.44%,33/391)was not significantly different from that of the general southeast Asian population,a high prevalence and individuals with homozygous HbE were observed in two villages,the Mlabri from Wiang Sa district and the Htin from Thung Chang district of Nan province(26.3%and26.9%,respectively).The low HbE allelic frequency noticed in some endogamous populations suggests that not only endogamy but also other evolutionary forces,such as founder effect and HbE/β-thalassemia negative selection may have an effect on the distribution of the HbE trait.Conclusion:Our study strongly documents that cultural impact has to be considered in the extensive prevalence studies for genetic disorders in the ethnic groups of northern Thailand.

Indigenous Knowledge on Soil Classification of Ethnic Groups in Luang Prabang Province of the Lao PDR

The objectives of this study were to demonstrate ethno-scientific elicitation techniques in retrieving indigenous knowledge at village-level, and to document the indigenous soil classification systems of different ethnic groups in Luang Prabang province in the Lao PDR. The study area comprised three villages – Nambo, Huaymaha and Thapo, in the Phonxay district of Luang Prabang province. Three ethnic groups were covered by the study – Hmong, Khmu and Lao Loum. All three ethnic groups used soil color as main criteria for soil classification. However, even within the same ethnic group, sometimes different villages have differences in the way they classify soils; this was apparent for the Hmong ethnic group in the villages of Huaymaha and Nambo. A significant difference of the Lao Loum ethnic group from the other two, was the emphasis used in classifying soil types according to their water holding capabilities. In contrast, the Khmu and Hmong classified many soil types in relation to their rock content (‘with rock’ or ‘pure rock’ sometimesbeing used). The results of the study suggest that the ethnic groups classify the soils in relation to their potential for different types of agricultural production.

3D Morphological Study of the Indian Arthritic Knee: Comparison with Other Ethnic Groups and Conformity of Current TKA Implant

Background: Studies have shown that there are striking variations in knee morphology between Asian and Western population. However, most of the existing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) implants are designed to suit the anatomy of Western population. Our study investigated anthropometry of Indian arthritic knees and compared them to international ethnic groups. Methods: Computed tomography was used to create 3D knee models and obtain anthropometric data of distal femur and proximal tibia of Indian arthritic knees. Femoral measurements included mediolateral length, medial and lateral anteroposterior length, medial and lateral condylar width and aspect ratio. Tibial measurements included mediolateral length, medial, lateral and central anteroposterior length and aspect ratio. A preoperative virtual implantation using Western TKAimplants was carried out to visualize anatomical conformity. Results: Statistical analysis results showed that Indian males had significantly larger femoral and tibial mediolateral and anteroposterior width than Indian females;however, femoral and tibial aspect ratio was similar for both. In case of females, significant difference was observed between medial and lateral condylar widths. When compared to knee anthropometry of other ethnic groups, femoral and tibial aspect ratio of Indian knees was found to be similar to the Asian population and different from the Western population. The virtual implantation showed overhang of the femoral component in both lateral and medial regions. Conclusion: Morphological mismatch between Western and Indian knees established the fact that Western implants have drawbacks when implanted in Indian patients. The study also provided a basis for designing gender-specific TKA implants for the Indian population.

Familly planning for Ethnic groups of sichuan

Sichuan a province inhabited by many nationalities.had an eth-nic population of 4.9 million by 1990.making up 40o of the province's total,according to the 1990 census In addition to the Han nationality:it is also inbabited by 14 ethnic groups.such as the Yi.Tibetan Qiang.Tujia.Miao,Hui.Mongolian,Lisu,Naxi,Nanchu,Buyi,Dai,Zhuang and Bai nationa lities.

Breast Density: Does It Vary among the Main Ethnic Groups in Malaysia?

Breast cancer is one of the common cancers among Malaysians and there are associated risk factors which include breast density. Therefore, this study was done to determine the association of breast cancer risks among ethnic groups in relation to breast density. Mammography was done on 300 women with equal numbers of Malays, Chinese and Indians with a mean age of 53.35 ± 7.4 years. Mammograms were evaluated using BI-RADS (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System) protocol by two independent radiologists for breast density categorization. Chi-square analysis showed an association between breast density and age factor (p 0.05) whereas body mass index (BMI) was inversely associated with breast density (p > 0.05). There was significant difference in number of children and menopausal status (p 0.05). Results showed that 65% of Chinese subjects had denser breast density composition as to 50% in Malays and 35% in Indians. There was significant difference between breast density of three ethnic groups (p 0.05) with Chinese having 2.4 times denser breast (OR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.466 - 3.948) followed by Malays (OR = 1.020, 95% CI: 0.681 - 1.689) and lowest in Indians (OR = 0.406, 95% CI: 0.247 - 0.668). Based on breast density, the Chinese are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer followed by Malays and lastly Indians.

A Living Encyclopedia of Chinese Ethnic Groups

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The Polymorphism of the HLA-DRB1 Locus of the Guangxi Zhuang People and Its Comparison with the Main Surrounding Ethnic Groups

To explore genetically the origin, migration and relationship of the Zhuang people in Guangxi province with the main surrounding Chinese and the ethnic groups in Southeast Asia, the distributions of the HLA-DRB1 locus among the populations in these regions were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction—sequence specific primer (PCR-SSP) technique among 265, healthy, randomly selected and unrelated Zhuang adults, aged 17-32, whose families had lived in Guangxi province for more than 3 generations. Every allelic frequency was comparatively analyzed with that of some main Chinese and Southeast Asia populations. It was found that 13 HLA-DRB1 alleles were detected among these 265 selected individuals, but other 13 alleles failed to be discovered by using the 23 pairs of primers designed in the present study. The most common alleles were HLA-DRB1*1501, HLA-DRB1*1601/2 and HLA-DRB1*1401/4 with the allele frequencies of 0.291, 0.198 and 0.106 respectively. Although alleles of HLA-DR1*0701/2, HLA-DRB1*08 and HLA-DRB1*1306/1406 could be detected also, but their frequencies were rather very low. The overall allele distribution profile on HLA-DRB1 of Zhuangs was much closed dramatically to those of Buyis, Northeast Thais, Dai Lues, Southern Hans and Singapore Chinese, but was more far away from that of northern Hans and Hanai Kinhs, as compared to the representative ethnic groups in Southeast Asia. In addition, the blank of HLA-DRB1*1502 was a characteristic allele for Zhuangs was commonly detected in Southeast Asia, especially in Thais. It is concluded that a very close genetic relationship exists between Zhuangs and Buyis on the basis of their extremely similar background on HLA-DRB1 locus.

The Study of the Language Functions in the Benzhu Worship of the Bai Ethnic Groups in Dali,Yunnan

The Benzhu worship is a traditional folk activity of the Bai ethnic group in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Prov?ince, which has long history with colourful culture. When the sacred ceremonies are held, Bai villagers always get together to celebrate. In the Benzhu worship, language plays significant functions, including the performative function, recreational function, emotive function and interpersonal function.

Common Development of All Ethnic Groups

China’s ethnic minorities not only enjoy the equal rights with the majority Hans as endowed by the Constitution and other laws, but also enjoy the right to regional autonomy in areas where minorities live in compact communities. In February 2001, the NPC Standing Committee revised the law on ethnic regional autonomy for minorities, adding new provisions on increasing investment in the areas of ethnic minorities to accelerate local development.

China is home to 56 ethnic groups.ChinAfrica presents a regular introduction to these colorful cultural groups.

Mongolian AN ethnic group known for ＂growing up on horsebacks,＂ the Mongolians live mostly in the In- ner Mongolia Autonomous Region in the northern part of China, which includes vast tracts of excel- lent natural pastureland with numerous herds of cattle, sheep, horses and camels. The rest are also distributed in Liaoning Jilin. Heilongjiang. Qinghai and Gansu provinces. Living on grasslands and relying on raising stock as their economic mainstay, the Mongolians have kept their nomadic living style for hundreds of years. Mongolian herdsmen used to live in yurts,which were usually seven to eight feet high and 10 feet in diameter, with an opening in the top of the umbrella-shaped roof. The structure can offer ideal ventilation and good protection against wind and cold. After the mid-20th century, as more and more herdsmen ended their nomadic life and settled down, they began to build yurt-like houses made of mud and wood.

China is home to 56 ethnic groups. ChinAfrica presents a regular introduction to these colorful cultural groups.

Korean THE Korean people mainly reside in northeast China, Their largest concentration is in the Yanbian Ko- rean Autonomous Prefecture in Jilin Province. They can also be found in Heilongjiang and Liaoning provinces and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, They have their own spoken and written language, Korean. which is also the official language of South and North Korea. The ancestors of the Korean ethnic group - mostly peasants fleeing their oppressive feudal landlords - migrated from the Korean Peninsula around the late 17th century. When they settled down in China they gradually formed unique customs, Today.

China is home to 56 ethnic groups. ChinAfrica presents a regular introduction to these colorful cultural groups.

Tibetan THE Tibetan ethnic minority mostly lives in the Tibet Autonomous Region,but there are also Tibetan communities in Qinghai,Gansu,Sichuan and Yunnan provinces.The places they live are mostly highlands and mountainous areas studded with snow-capped peaks.

China is home to 56 ethnic groups.ChinAfrica presents a regular introduction to these colorful cultural groups.

MAINLY distributed over Yunnan. Sichuan. Guizhou provinces and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the Yi is an ethnic minority with a long history and splendid culture within southwest China.

Upholding Equality and Unity Among Ethnic Groups, and Freedom of Religious Belief

Since the founding of the People＇s Republic of China, the Chinese government, to ensure equality and unity among ethnic groups and achieve their common development, has formulated a series of ethnic and religious policies on the basis of the actual situations of the various ethnic groups and religions, and these policies have been continuously enriched and improved in practice.

China is home to 56 ethnic groups. ChinAfrica presents a regular introduction to these colorful cultural groups.

KazakTHE Kazak people, mainly living in the Xin- jiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China, can also be found in Gansu and Qinghai provinces, where they live in small groups. The Kazak language is a fnember of the Turkic branch of the Altaic language family. The written language originally used the Arabic al- phabet. It is still in use but a new Latinized form was developed in 1954.

China:A United Country of 56 Ethnic Groups

OUR"COVER GIRL"for this issue is a young woman of the Lisu minority who lives in the Nu River valley of China's southwestern Yunnan Province.A number of color pictures,together with two articles in the issue,outline changes that have taken place in Yunnan,the province with the largest diversity of China's ethnic minorities.