The Effects of Age and Ejaculatory Abstinence on Semen Quality and Reproductive Hormones in Africa and the Middle East

The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the effects of male age and ejaculatory abstinence on semen parameters and reproductive hormones among men residing in Africa and the Middle East. A total of 70,142 semen analysis results were analysed and grouped according to the age intervals (16 - 20, 21 - 30, 31 - 40, 41 - 50, 51 - 60, >60) and ejaculatory abstinence (<2 days, 2 - 5 days and >5 days). Semen parameters i.e. volume, concentration, progressive motility, total progressively motile count, morphology, total normal sperm count, DNA fragmentation, viability, sORP, normed sORP were specifically evaluated. Additionally, for each age interval, reproductive hormones i.e. estradiol, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, testosterone and prolactin were evaluated. Semen volume, total progressively motile count, sperm morphology and total normal sperm count constantly decrease significantly after the age of 30 years. Sperm concentration started declining significantly after the age of 50 years. There was a constant age- related increase in number of spermatozoa with damaged DNA. sORP constantly increased up to 60 years. Furthermore, constantage-related decreases in FSH, serum testosterone and prolact in were observed from patients aged between 16 years and 60 years. Semen volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility and normal morphology were significantly higher in patients having > 5 days of abstinence. Patients having > 5 days of abstinence had the lowest normed sORP. Male age significantly affects sperm parameters and reproductive hormones in fertile and infertile men residing in Africa and the Middle East. Prolonged abstinence days provides better semen quality.

Risk assessment of oil and gas investment environment in countries along the Belt and Road Initiative

With the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, China is deepening its cooperation in oil and gas resources with countries along the Initiative. In order to better mitigate risks and enhance the safety of investments, it is of significant importance to research the oil and gas investment environment in these countries for China's overseas investment macro-layout. This paper proposes an indicator system including 27 indicators from 6 dimensions. On this basis, game theory models combined with global entropy method and analytic hierarchy process are applied to determine the combined weights, and the TOPSIS-GRA model is utilized to assess the risks of oil and gas investment in 76 countries along the Initiative from 2014 to 2021. Finally, the GM(1,1) model is employed to predict risk values for 2022-2025. In conclusion, oil and gas resources and political factors have the greatest impact on investment environment risk, and 12 countries with greater investment potential are selected through cluster analysis in conjunction with the predicted results. The research findings may provide scientific decisionmaking recommendations for the Chinese government and oil enterprises to strengthen oil and gas investment cooperation with countries along the Belt and Road Initiative.

Resilience assessment and optimization method of city road network in the post-earthquake emergency period

The post-earthquake emergency period,which is a sensitive time segment just after an event,mainly focuses on saving life and restoring social order.To improve the seismic resilience of city road networks,a resilience evaluation method used in the post-earthquake emergency period is proposed.The road seismic damage index of a city road network can consider the influence of roads,bridges and buildings along the roads,etc.on road capacity after an earthquake.A function index for a city road network is developed,which reflects the connectivity,redundancy,traffic demand and traffic function of the network.An optimization model for improving the road repair order in the post-earthquake emergency period is also developed according to the resilience evaluation,to enable decision support for city emergency management and achieve the best seismic resilience of the city road network.The optimization model is applied to a city road network and the results illustrate the feasibility of the resilience evaluation and optimization method for a city road network in the post-earthquake emergency period.

A Brief Discussion on the Development of the Silk-Weaving Industry Along the “Southern Silk Road” in Yunnan

Ancient Yunnan was one of the most significant regions along China’s ancient“Southern Silk Road.”During the Nanzhao period(738–902)of the late Tang Dynasty,Yunnan’s silk-weaving industry underwent a qualitative leap as skilled silk craftsmen from the Bashu area migrated to Yunnan and introduced mulberry planting,silkworm breeding,and advanced silk-weaving techniques from Sichuan to the region.Consequently,people in Yunnan gradually acquired expertise in brocade weaving and embroidery.Many even mastered complex silk-weaving techniques.The development and progress of the silk-weaving industry in the ancient Yunnan region were intricately linked to the economic function and value of silk as both a commodity and currency along the“Southern Silk Road.”The local government in ancient Yunnan was greatly motivated by the economic interests brought by the development of silk-related industries and recognized the significance of developing the local silk industry.They even initiated a campaign to capture skilled silk craftsmen from Sichuan,aiming to foster the growth of the silk-weaving industry in Yunnan.After years of dedicated efforts from the local government in ancient Yunnan,the region emerged as a significant hub for silk production along China’s ancient“Southern Silk Road.”Despite the devastation caused by the wars in other parts of the country,Yunnan’s silk industry continued to thrive and provide ample silk products to sustain trade along this renowned route.In the contemporary era,amidst the decline of the silk-weaving industry in eastern China,Yunnan has proposed an industrial development strategy known as“relocating the silk-weaving industry from east to west.”This involves introducing advanced silk production techniques from the eastern regions into Yunnan to enhance and enrich its local silk industry,thereby establishing it as a traditional national sector and securing a competitive position within the global silk market.The historical experience of Yunnan’s silk industry demonstrated that economic development opportunities can only be seized through proactive endeavors rather than passive anticipation.The modern Yunnan silk industry,which upholds its historical traditions,continues to actively engage in international high-end technical cooperation,thus ensuring the enduring vitality of the ancient“Southern Silk Road.”

Innovation Analysis of Rural Agricultural Economic Management Model in the Context of the Belt and Road Initiative

[Objectives]To explore innovative strategies for rural agricultural economic development in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative.[Methods]This research adopts the method of literature review and field research,systematically combs the research results related to the Belt and Road Initiative and rural agricultural economic management,and deeply understands the actual situation of rural agricultural economic management.[Results]The research shows that in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative,the rural agricultural economy is facing new development opportunities and challenges,but there are also some problems.In the new period,we should accelerate the innovative development of rural agricultural economy by promoting market-oriented reform,strengthening scientific and technological innovation,optimizing the industrial structure,deepening international cooperation and other measures.The Belt and Road Initiative provides an important opportunity for the innovation of rural agricultural economic management.Rural agricultural economic management should be actively integrated into the Belt and Road construction to improve the level of rural agricultural economic management.[Conclusions]This study provides useful exploration and reference for the innovation of rural agricultural economic management models,which helps to promote the healthy development of rural agricultural economy and achieve the goal of rural revitalization.

The coordinated evolution of ecological environment,public service,and tourism economy along the Silk Road Economic Belt,using the Dual-Carbon Targets

Carbon peak and carbon neutrality(dual-carbon)are important targets for the international response to climate change.The Silk Road Economic Belt is a strategic resource region and is important for future ecological environment and tourism development.Based on the“dual-carbon”targets,the Single index quantification,Multiple index synthesis,and Poly-criteria integration evaluation model were used in this study to measure the coordinated development index of the ecological environment,public service,and tourism economy along the Silk Road Economic Belt and to analyze its spatial and temporal evolution.Further,it explores the dynamic evolution and development trend of the three systems using the Kernel Density and Grey Markov Prediction Model.The results show that the coordinated development index along this region needs to be improved during the study period.Furthermore,the coordinated development index of the Southwest region is relatively higher than that of the Northwest region.From the development trend of the three systems,all of them develop in a stable manner;however,the tourism economy system is easily affected by external disturbances.The coordinated development index of the three systems changes dynamically and tends to be in a good state of coordination.There is a certain spatial and temporal heterogeneity.The gravity center of the coordinated development index has been in the Southwest region.During the forecast period,the coordinated development index along this region will improve significantly,while insufficient and unbalanced development will continue.

Age and geochemical evolution of granite magmatism in Olkhon region from Caledonian syncollisional ore-free granite to the rare metal granite and pegmatite of Middle Paleozoic intraplate setting

The detailed description of two granite complexes in the Olkhon subterrane is given.The Early Paleozoic Sharanur complex was formed by granitization of gneisses of the Olkhon series.It includes migmatites,granite-gneisses,granites and pegmatites of normal alkalinity;they belong to the type of syncollisional granites.The Middle Paleozoic Aya granite complex includes mother Aya massif of amazonite-bearing granites and several types of rare-metal pegmatites.They have elevated alkalinity,low of Ba,Sr,and high LILE and HFSE elements contents.The Aya pegmatites lie in northwest cracks of stretching and associated with the rise of the territory under the influence of the North Asian plume.These cracks and pegmatites mark the beginning of a new intraplate geodynamic setting.Two geochemical types are distinguished among the pegmatites of this complex.These are amazonite pegmatites of Li-F type with Ta mineralization and complex type pegmatite with Be-Rb-Nb-Ta and Li-F mineralization(the Ilixin vein).The Tashkiney pegmatite vein is similar to Ilixin,but lies in the gneisses of the Olkhon series.It shows high concentrations of Be,Nb,Ta,as well as W,Sn,but lacks Li and F,due to a greater depth and higher temperature of the melt crystallization of this pegmatite.

Advancing Internationalization:Actively Pursuing a Shared Vision-An Examination of CPP’s Dynamic Involvement in the Belt and Road Initiative

On September 7,2013,President Xi Jinping proposed the significant initiative of jointly building the Silk Road Economic Belt.On October 3,2013,President Xi proposed the major initiative of jointly building the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.Since its inception in the autumn of 2013,the Belt and Road initiative,envisioned as a monumental project carrying the mission of the era,has turned a new page in the global development process.Over the past 11 years,China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Co.,Ltd.(CPP)has thoroughly implemented the strategic deployment of China National Petroleum Corporation(CNPC),actively fulfilled its corporate responsibilities,and embraced high-quality participation in the Belt and Road Initiative as its mission.By fully leveraging its international advantages,CPP has continuously contributed“pipeline strength”to the high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road.

In the Middle of Global Governance Indonesia is actively participating in global governance reform through the MIKTA middle power grouping

In March 2023,Indonesia took over the chairmanship of MIKTA from Turkiye,marking the second time Indonesia has served as the rotating chair of a global governance mechanism,following the Bali G20 Summit in 2022.

Relationship between ultrasound parameters of the umbilical and middle cerebral arteries and intrauterine fetal distress

BACKGROUND By comprehensively analyzing the blood flow parameters of the umbilical and middle cerebral arteries,doctors can more accurately identify fetal intrauterine distress,as well as assess its severity,so that timely interventions can be implemented to safeguard the health and safety of the fetus.AIM To identify the relationship between ultrasound parameters of the umbilical and middle cerebral arteries and intrauterine distress.METHODS Clinical data of pregnant women admitted between January 2021 and January 2023 were collected and divided into the observation and control groups(n=50 each),according to the presence or absence of intrauterine distress.The ultrasound hemodynamic parameters of the uterine artery(UtA),fetal middle cerebral artery(MCA),and umbilical artery(UmA)were compared with neonatal outcomes and occurrence of intrauterine distress in the two groups.RESULTS Comparison of ultrasonic hemodynamic parameters,resistance index(RI),pulsatility index(PI),and systolic maximal blood flow velocity of UmA compared to diastolic blood flow velocity(S/D),revealed higher values of fetal MCA,PI,and S/D of UmA in pregnant women with UtA compared to controls(P<0.05),while there was no difference between the two groups in terms of RI(P<0.05)The incidence of a neonatal Apgar score of 8-10 points was lower in the observation group(66.7%)than in the control group(90.0%),and neonatal weight(2675.5±27.6 g)was lower than in the control group(3117.5±31.2 g).Further,cesarean section rate was higher in the observation group(70.0%)than in the control group(11.7%),and preterm labor rate was higher in the observation group(40.0%)than in the control group(10.0%).The incidence of fetal distress,neonatal growth restriction and neonatal asphyxia were also higher in the observation group(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION Fetal MCA,UmA,and maternal UtA hemodynamic abnormalities all develop in pregnant women with intrauterine distress during late pregnancy,which suggests that clinical attention should be paid to them,and monitoring should be strengthened to provide guidance for clinical intervention.

Granulometric and Mineralogical Characterization of the Sands of the Middle Course of the Kasai River (Territory of Ilebo, Province of Kasai/DR Congo)

The sand bars, in perpetual transformation, observable in the middle course of the Kasai river on the section between the city of Ilebo (pk605) to the confluence of the Loange river (pk525), pose enormous navigability problems. This may be dependent on hydrosedimentological characteristics of the Kasai River. This abundance of sand thus conditions the morphology of the middle course of the Kasai River in the section under our study. It therefore constitutes sedimentary navigation obstacles. The objective of this study is the granulometric and mineralogical characterization of the bar sands of the Kasai River in this study section. Particle size analyzes reveal these are moderately well classified to well classified unimodal sands (Classification coefficient between 1.29 to 1.742) largely presenting grain size symmetry and rarely fine asymmetry (Asymmetry coefficient—Skewness between −0.197 to 0.069) with mesorkurtic and rarely leptokurtic and platykurtic acuity (Angulosity coefficient—Kurtosis between 0.814 to 1.323). All these parameters evolve in sawtooth patterns from upstream to downstream. And then, an automated mineralogical analysis of the sands of the Kasaï River using a Qemscan FEG Quanta 650 made it possible to determine a very varied mineralogical procession with a sawtooth evolution. It is largely dominated by quartz (between 93.73% and 99.07%), followed by calcite (0.01% - 2.66%), iron oxides (0.01% - 1.88%), orthoclase (0.04% - 0.99%), plagioclase (0.01% - 0.75%) and Kaolinite (0.18% - 0.71%). Finally, this mineralogical procession is characterized by a group of minerals which do not reach the threshold of 0.55% such as: illite, apatite, ilmenite, muscovite, chlorite, biotite, montmorillonite, rutile, pyrophyllite, siderite, zircon and dolomite. The evolution of the mineralogical procession of the sands of the bars is not as clear as in the case of particle size parameters.

Study on the Protection of Sites of“Maritime Silk Road”in Haikou from the Perspective of World Cultural Heritage

The sites of Maritime Silk Road in Haikou City are composed of sites of navigation and trade,religious temples and stone monuments,urban construction and coastal defense scattered on the south bank of the Qiongzhou Strait.They played a key role in the formation and shaping of the settlements in Haikou City,recorded the process of intercommunication and integration between Chinese civilization and other regional cultures,and witnessed the germination,flourishing and inheritance of Haikou’s unique marine culture.The mixture of points,lines and planes blends with the urban area and coastline of Haikou City in spatial distribution.In this paper,from the perspective of world cultural heritage,some suggestions for the protection planning of sites of Maritime Silk Road in Haikou City were proposed based on the analysis of historical and geographical background,comparison of domestic and foreign similar sites,and evaluation of cultural heritage value.

Otorhinolaryngological (ORL) and Cervicofacial Injuries Resulting from Road Accidents within the Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) Department of the Regional Hospital of Mamou

Introduction: Otorhinolaryngological (ORL) and cervicofacial traumas encompass injuries affecting the neck, face, and ORL region, resulting from external influence. The objective of this study was to conduct an epidemiological and clinical analysis of ORL and cervicofacial injuries observed in victims of road accidents treated at the Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) department of the Regional Hospital of Mamou. Materials and Methods: This prospective and descriptive study was conducted over a period of 12 months, from January 1st to December 31st, 2021, within the Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) department of the Regional Hospital of Mamou. It included patients hospitalized for ORL and/or cervicofacial traumas resulting from road accidents during the study period. Results: A total of 348 cases were included, representing 36.22% of all traumas related to road accidents (AVP) within the Regional Hospital of Mamou. The average age of the patients was 26.44 years, with a sex ratio of 3.83, favoring males. The dominant socio-professional category was students, encompassing 32.47% of cases. Road accidents were mainly associated with motorcycle use (31.32% motorcycle-to-motorcycle, 24.43% motorcycle skidding, 13.51% motorcycle-pedestrian). Facial region injuries were the most common, accounting for 69.03% of cases, followed by rhinological injuries (17.28%) and otological injuries (13.69%). Associated injuries were predominantly closed head traumas (52.55%) and lower limb fractures (20.41%). Imaging was underutilized. Regarding surgical interventions, reconstructive surgery was the most predominant, accounting for 52.51% of cases, with a management timeframe of 30 minutes to 12 hours for 99.72% of patients. Conclusion: Road traffic accidents remain a serious public health issue, primarily affecting young males. Emphasis should be placed on road safety measures to reduce the frequency of these accidents.

Analysis of Road Bridge Repair and Strengthening Construction Technology

Highway infrastructure plays a crucial role in the healthy development of the social economy.Therefore,China has invested a lot of financial resources in the construction of road and bridge projects in recent years,resulting in the rise in scale and number of road and bridge projects.Simultaneously,the quality of road bridges has garnered widespread attention,necessitating an exploration of common hazards associated with road bridges and the significance of their reinforcement.It is essential to delve into specific technical methods to enhance the quality and service life of road bridges.This paper elaborates on the common hazards faced by road bridges and proposes maintenance and reinforcement strategies to promote the healthy development of road bridge engineering.

The Critical Role of Middle Leaders in Schools:Cultivating a Culture of Trust and Supporting Educational Reform

This research delves into the often-underappreciated role of middle leaders in educational organizations,highlighting their significance as the linchpins between senior leadership and classroom teachers.Utilizing qualitative research methods,the study investigates the multifaceted responsibilities,challenges,and contributions of middle leaders in schools.Findings indicate that middle leaders foster a culture of trust within the institution by providing mentorship and guidance to new teachers.They undertake substantial tasks,such as team coordination,grade direction,and student supervision,in addition to their teaching duties.Despite their pivotal role,middle leaders often face mounting pressures and heavy workloads.This research underscores the need to recognize and support middle leaders in educational settings,acknowledging their vital role in fostering cohesion and facilitating the implementation of educational reforms.

The Impact of Sports Games on the Psychological Health of Middle School Students

This study conducted a 16-week comparative experiment with 160 students from Jinan No.5 Middle School in Shandong Province as the experimental subjects.During the implementation of the experiment,the subjects were divided into two groups:an experimental group and a control group.The experimental group was subjected to physical exercise interventions using sports game teaching methods during physical education class,while the control group followed traditional physical education teaching methods.The results showed that the psychological health status of the students in the experimental group was significantly better than that of the control group after the experiment.The application of sports games helps to improve the psychological health of middle school students in the course of physical education,promoting a positive and forward direction in student psychology and is an effective means to enhance the psychological health level of middle school students.

Analysis of the Impact of Road Traffic Safety Facilities on Traffic Safety

The development of the national economy is closely tied to infrastructure construction.In recent years,China has seen a significant increase in the number and scale of road construction projects,aimed at facilitating the flow of goods and enabling convenient travel for the masses.However,this surge in road construction also raises concerns about road traffic safety.Road traffic safety facilities play a crucial role in warning and protecting against traffic accidents.To ensure their effective implementation,this paper analyzes the essence of road traffic facilities and their impact on traffic safety.By identifying challenges in the application of traffic safety facilities and adhering to safety facility application principles,suggestions are proposed to enhance traffic safety management.

Study on the Construction Technology of Subgrade Pavement in Road and Bridge Settlement Section

With the continuous development of China’s economy,the construction of roads and bridges work has put forward higher requirements.Due to various factors,the long-term use of roads and bridges will produce a settlement phenomenon.Therefore,it is crucial to address settlement issues during the construction of roads and bridges to ensure that the quality of subgrade and pavement construction meets national regulations.This paper introduces the harm of subgrade pavement subsidence,analyzes the causes of subgrade pavement deformation,and discusses the technical points of subgrade pavement construction,hoping to provide some reference for relevant practitioners.

The Impact of the“Belt and Road”Initiative on Industrial Structure Upgrading Along the Corridor

The“Belt and Road”initiative functions as a novel impetus for China’s external economic development within the framework of the new normal of economic growth.By leveraging panel data from 30 provinces and regions across China for the period of 2010 to 2020,this research assesses the influence of the“Belt and Road”initiative on the enhancement of the industrial structure along its trajectory.The findings indicate that:the most notable influence on the rationalization and progress of the industrial structure is observed in the eastern region,with the central region following suit,whereas the western region has yet to exhibit a significant transformation.The analysis delves into the role of technological innovation,concluding that the initiative primarily catalyzes optimization and upgrading through the effect of technological advancement.The study advances several pertinent policy recommendations to support and enhance these developments.

Integration of Mathematics History into Junior Middle School Education: A Pedagogical Approach to Enhance Mathematical Literacy

The integration of the history of mathematics into junior middle school mathematics education represents a significant focus of international research in mathematics and education.The mathematics curriculum standards for compulsory education have emphasized the importance of incorporating the history of mathematics,aiming to gradually integrate it into the mathematics classroom.However,in the practical implementation of junior middle school mathematics education,the effective combination of the history of mathematics with teaching methodologies remains largely unexplored.This article explores the integration of junior middle school mathematics education and the history of mathematics,aiming to provide classroom teaching recommendations for teachers and promote the formation of students’mathematical literacy.