Narrative Empathy and Patriotism--An Analysis of the Chinese“Main-Melody”Film My People,My Country

Narrative empathy is a relatively new theory and it can guide researchers in the studies of main-melody films so as to promote the communication of the core values of the society.The rhetorical mechanism of narrative empathy can be illustrated from five rhetorical elements,including rhetor,rhetorical goal,rhetorical situation,rhetorical strategy and audience.The theory of narrative empathy can be applied to the case study of the film My People,My Country.In the production of this film,the directors are the rhetors.The rhetors uphold the tenet of closeness,choose the right rhetorical situation as the 70th birthday of the People’s Republic of China,and use appropriate rhetorical strategies in order to realize the rhetorical goals of evoking empathy and inspiring patriotic feelings in the audience’s minds.An exploration and application of narrative empathy can be conducive to the empathic communication of Chinese main-melody films in order to achieve better communication effect.

Experiencing the Abject Female Body and Writing the Female Self:Body Narrative of In the Heart of the Country

In the Heart of the Country,the second novel by J.M.Coetzee,has been traditionally read as a disembodied writing that focuses on the problem of writing per se instead of the reality.This paper contends that the work is actually a body narrative that explores the visceral pain suffered by Magda whose infertile body impedes her being a qualified subject.As the heroine in a postcolonial novel,Magda is not just a body that is restricted and constructed by the politics of the body,but also a thinking and writing body that consciously questions and resists the gendered bodily norms under whose yardstick her subjecthood is barred.Written in the metafictional manner,Magda’s narrative of the body is not just a record of her corporeal experience,but also a self-conscious negotiation with,and challenge of,the bodily norms under whose yardstick her body has been debased or,in terms of Judith Butler,abjected.Taking her female bodily experience as the starting point,Magda writes a feminine text that values passion,fluidity and non-linearity to disrupt the patriarchal discourse underpinned with logical reasoning.The feminine body narrative endeavors to achieve a new way of communication through which a reciprocal cross race/gender relationship might be established.

Impact of Plastic Waste on the Human Health in Low-Income Countries: A Systematic Review

Background: Plastic pollution is the accumulation of waste composed of plastic and its derivatives all over the environment. Whether in the form of visible garbage or microparticles, as it slowly degrades, plastic pollution poses significant threats to terrestrial and aquatic habitats and the wildlife that call them home, whether through ingestion, entanglement or exposure to the chemicals contained in the material. Unfortunately, there is a lack of documentation on the impact of plastic waste on human health in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods: We searched five electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Global Health, CINAHL and Web of Science) and gray literature, following the preferred reporting elements for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA), for the impact of plastic waste on human health in developing countries. We included quantitative and qualitative studies written in English and French. We assessed the quality of the included articles using the Mixed Methods Appraisal tool (MMAT). Results: A total of 3779 articles were initially identified by searching electronic databases. After eliminating duplicates, 3167 articles were reviewed based on title and abstract, and 26 were selected for full-text review. Only three articles were retained. The three articles dealt with practices likely to lead to oral exposure to plastic chemicals in human health, as well as the level of awareness of participants concerning the possible impact of plastic on human health, namely, the use of plastic baby bottles, the use of microwaves to cook food and reheat precooked food, the use of plastic bottles to store water in the refrigerator, water purifier containers with plastic bodies and plastic lunch boxes, the reuse of plastic bags and the inadequacy of treatment facilities. Conclusion: Plastic waste poses different risks to human health at every stage of its life cycle. Hence, strategies must be adopted to raise public awareness of the dangers of plastic waste to their health. Trial registration: The review protocol is registered in the PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews (ID = CRD42023409087).

Snapshot Survey of the Presence of Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Products, Articles, and the Environment in Ecuador

The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants(POPs)is a legally binding instrument for 186 Parties(status:April 2023).Accordingly,among other responsibilities,countries are obliged to report the production,import,or export of the POPs listed in Annexes A,B,or C;provide information to registers;maintain inventories;and monitor the presence of POPs in the environment.In the broader context of international chemicals and waste management,producer responsibilities,harmonized reporting,and compliance with national and international regulations,Ecuador has addressed the newly listed group of perfluorinated alkyl substances(PFAS)in its national implementation plan and sent selected products from its national market for PFAS analysis.The products analyzed came from the initially listed fields of specific exemptions and acceptable purposes,including:fire-fighting foams;photographic aids;greasers/degreasers;various kinds of paper/packaging;textiles;and leather,coatings,cleaners,metal plating,and pesticides.Our results showed that the three PFAS presently listed in the Stockholm Convention could be quantified in only a few samples;additional PFAS,not yet listed in the Convention also had low detection frequencies.Although the number of samples was limited,the samples covered a large spectrum of sample matrices,making it possible to conclude that—once these products become waste and are regulated under the Basel Convention—they would not constitute a disposal problem.Nevertheless,verification of the presence of PFAS in products on the market is expected to pose an analytical challenge for both,developed and developing countries.

An Analysis of Liberia’s Vulnerability to Climate Change in the Context of Least Developed Countries (LDCs): A Review

Climate change is an alarming global challenge, particularly affecting the least developed countries (LDCs) including Liberia. These countries, located in regions prone to unpredictable temperature and precipitation changes, are facing significant challenges, particularly in climate-sensitive sectors such as mining and agriculture. LDCs need more resilience to adverse climate shocks but have limited capacity for adaptation compared to other developed and developing nations. This paper examines Liberia’s susceptibility to climate change as a least developed country, focusing on its exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. It provides an overview of LDCs and outlines the global distribution of carbon dioxide emissions. The paper also evaluates specific challenges that amplify Liberia’s vulnerability and constrain sustainable adaptation, providing insight into climate change’s existing and potential effects. The paper emphasizes the urgency of addressing climate impacts on Liberia and calls for concerted local and international efforts for effective and sustainable mitigation efforts. It provides recommendations for policy decisions and calls for further research on climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The Implications of Urbanization Processes in Developed Countries for Africa

Urbanization is the inevitable path of national economic development,and the level of urbanization development in most African countries is still low.By analyzing five typical developed countries in the United States,Britain,France,Germany,and Japan,this paper discusses the promoting factors and problems of the rapid urbanization development in their specific years,as well as the experiences and lessons that Africa can learn,so as to prevent Africa from taking the detour in the urbanization process of Western developed countries and promote the balanced regional development of various African countries.

Socialization Development of ESG Business Models in Representative Asia-Pacific Countries:A State-of-the-Art Review and Recommendation

The integration of environmental,social,and governance(ESG)principles has become a pivotal factor in shaping sustainable and responsible corporate practices.The present study investigates the integration of ESG principles within corporate governance models in Asia-Pacific countries,focusing on socialization.By examining the governance culture,legal frameworks,and corporate practices in these representative countries,the paper delineates a strategic framework for embedding social governance into corporate strategies.The study introduces a Cultural,Economic,Legal,and Political(CELP)framework to assess corporate social governance,investigating the correlation between business practices and social changes.Through a systematic literature review and detailed thematic analysis,this paper aims to offer actionable insights and recommendations,guiding corporations in their transition towards more sustainable and socially responsible business practices.

Burnout and mental distress among community health workers in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review of studies during the COVID-19 pandemic

Community health workers(CHWs)represent the backbone of primary health systems,especially in many low-and middle-income countries(LMICs).The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic stretched health sys-tems and increased the workload for CHWs.The objective of this scoping review was to identify the mental health symptoms experienced among CHWs in LMICs during the COVID-19 pandemic.We searched PubMed for published literature,from January 1,2020 to December 31,2022 that focused on documenting the experiences of burnout,distress,and mental health symptoms among CHWs in LMICs.The quality of included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool.Included studies were grouped into the follow-ing broad thematic categories:(1)symptoms experienced;(2)drivers of different mental health symptoms;and(3)strategies for coping with different symptoms.We identified 10 cross-sectional,qualitative,and observational studies from 11 LMICs in South and Southeast Asia,South America,and Eastern/Southern Africa that assessed the mental health burden CHWs faced during the pandemic.The studies identified disorders and symptoms such as depression,anxiety,fear,burnout,worsened stress,and fatigue.Contributing factors included increased work-load,financial constraints,and an understaffed and underequipped workplace.CHWs reported using different adaptive responses like humor,support from family and colleagues,denial,and substance use,and asked for recommended regular mental health checkups and counseling.More research and policies should be targeted to-wards promoting the mental wellbeing of CHWs to help ensure responsive and resilient health systems in LMICs in the face of future emerging public health threats.

Exploring the current provision of pancreatic transplantations in lowand middle-income countries:Current landscape,challenges,future prospects

This comprehensive review addresses the global health challenge of disparities in pancreas transplant access,particularly in low-and middle-income countries(LMICs)compared to high-income countries.Despite advancements in surgical techniques and immunosuppression for procedures like simultaneous pancreas-kidney,pancreas-after-kidney,and pancreas-transplant alone,LMICs face significant challenges,including limited infrastructure,financial constraints,and a shortage of skilled medical professionals.Donation after brain death remains constrained by sociocultural barriers.Region-specific analyses highlight progress in Latin America,Asia,Russia,and South Africa,showcasing the regional disparities in access and outcomes.Future prospects involve minimally invasive surgeries,telemedicine for enhanced post-operative care,international collaborations with organizations like the European Union of Medical Specialists,and robust funding networks to improve organ availability.In conclusion,the review underscores the importance of multifaceted strategies to address economic,sociocultural,and infrastructural barriers,aiming to improve accessibility,quality,and effectiveness of pancreas transplantation services in LMICs.

Post-war Sustainability-Driven School Buildings: A Review of the Literature

The Safe Schools Declaration of 2015 is an inter-governmental political agreement signed by several countries designed to protect the schooling of the school-aged population during armed conflicts.Yet,in countries where civil war erupted,schools were demolished.Several school-aged children were either forcibly recruited by governments or coerced by rebel groups to serve in armed fights.As a result,several children were deprived of their education and have remained suffering from deep psychological scars.The central question of the study is:What kind of sustainability-driven school buildings can be initiated in countries that are now enduring peace so that the learning environments are more comfortable and improve the well-being of the war-impacted children and school employees?After reviewing the literature,a strategic conceptual framework that incorporated the synergistic relationship between economic,social,and environmental aspects of sustainability was initiated to map out sustainable school buildings.In short,the conceptual framework proposed to construct school buildings in some of the war-affected developing countries includes assembling cost-efficiency and eco-effectiveness inputs,using renewable energy sources powered by natural sunlight,collecting rainwater in mud cisterns,reducing emissions of carbon oxides,and empowering the local community to be the main actors to design sustainable buildings during the preconstruction,construction,and post-construction stages to serve as learning spaces for the war-affected occupants and their neighborhoods.

Fuzzy-based approach to quantify the downtime of buildings in developing countries

Earthquake is one of the natural disasters that affects the buildings and communities in developing countries.It causes different levels of damages to the buildings,making them uninhabitable for a period of time,called downtime(DT).This paper proposes a Fuzzy Logic hierarchical method to estimate the downtime of residential buildings in developing countries after an earthquake.The use of expert-based systems allows quantifying the indicators involved in the model using descriptive knowledge instead of hard data,accounting also for the un-certainties that may affect the analysis.The applicability of the methodology is illustrated using the information gathered after the 2015 Gorkha,Nepal,earthquake as a case study.On April 25,2015,Nepal was hit by the Mw 7.8 Gorkha earthquake,which damaged and destroyed more than 500.000 residential buildings.Information obtained from a Rapid Visual Damage Assessment(RVDA)is used through a hierarchical scheme to evaluate the building damageability.Sensitivity analysis based on Sobol method is implemented to evaluate the impor-tance of parameters gathered in the RVDA for building damage estimation.The findings of this work may be used to estimate the restoration time of damaged buildings in developing countries and to plan preventive safety measures.

The microbial content of unexpired pasteurized milk from selected supermarkets in a developing country

Objective:To determine the presence and levels of microbes in unexpired pasteurized milk from randomly selected supermarkets in Kingston,Jamaica.Methods:The quantitative study used a stratified random sampling technique in the selection of the 20 representative milk samples from six(6) supermarkets.Microbiological tests such as methylene blue reduction,standard plate count(SPC),coliform plate count(CPC),purity plate culture,gram staining and biochemical tests were performed to examine the microbes in purchased unexpired pasteurized milk.Results:One sample(BCr016) had a pH of 4.0.a rancid odour and curdled appearance.It decolourized within one hour during the methylene blue reduction test and was classified as class 4 milk.Seven of the samples were sterile with no microbe growth on the plate count agar and violet red bile salt agar(VRBA).The milk samples that appeared to be safe for consumption were all 10,11,12 and 13 days before expiration.The VRBA sample BCr016,had a colony count of 13 400 CFU/ mL.There was the presence of Escherichia coli in sample LCr021 which had a standard plate count of 1 580 SPC/mL and a coliform count of 500 CFU/mL.Enterobacter sp.was present in colonies from BCr016 and all the other milk samples.Conclusions:Unacceptable levels of Entembacter spp.and Escherichia coli were found in most of the samples.Effective measures to ensure safe milk for human consumption such as the phosphatase test and methylene blue reduction test should be routinely performed on each batch of milk processed by dairy plants.

Discourse Analysis of the Belt and Road Initiative From the Perspective of Central Asian Countries: A Case Study of the Republic of Kazakhstan

This study employs Norman Fairclough’s Critical Discourse Analysis(CDA)three-dimensional model,using the Republic of Kazakhstan as a case study,to delve into the discourse construction of China’s Belt and Road Initiative(BRI)in Central Asian countries.Through detailed analysis of policy documents,media reports,and public discussions in Central Asian countries,this paper reveals how the BRI constructs specific social practices,discourse events,and textual meanings within these nations.The findings indicate that through this global development strategy,China has not only strengthened its economic ties with Central Asian countries but has also exerted profound influences on political,cultural,and social levels.

Experience and Enlightenment of the Fishery Mutual Insurance System in Asian Countries

Asia is the major producing area of aquatic products.In order to maintain the stability of fishery,some Asian countries have established a mutual insurance system,which,however,shows distinctive features in different countries as a result of their different historical,economic and social conditions.This paper introduced the development status and characteristics of the fishery mutual insurance system in some Asian countries,such as Japan,South Korea,India,etc.,and then summarized their experiences and what we can learn from their experiences from the perspectives of legislation,governmental support,mutual insurance associations,and credit.

Management of Cervical Intra Epithelial Neoplasia by Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure in a Low Resource Country: An Experience from the YaoundéGeneral Hospital, Cameroon

Background: Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, and 80% of cases occur in the developing world. A critical component of effective cervical cancer screening programs is the ability to offer women appropriate and effective treatment for cervical intra epithelial neoplasia (CIN). Objectives: This study aimed at assessing the primary experience of management of CIN by Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) in a low resource country. Methods: We carried out a descriptive cross sectional study at the Yaoundé General Hospital in Cameroon. Results: Twenty three cases of CIN were treated by LEEP. Mean age of patients was 40.5 ± 9.9 years. Six (26.1%) patients were infected by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). LEEP was indicated in 21 (91.30%) cases for CIN2 and CIN3. The mean duration of the surgical procedure was 10 ± 3 minutes. There was one (4.3%) complication (persistent cervical bleeding). Surgical margins were negative for dysplasia or invasive carcinoma in 18 (78.26%) cases and non-applicable in 5 (21.73%) cases (thermal artefacts of margins and cervicitis without CIN). One patient with micro invasive carcinoma on post-operative histology was treated by total hysterectomy. Cervical cytology was normal at 6 months post LEEP for 15 cases out of 16 (93.8%) patients who performed the test. One woman achieved pregnancy and delivered a term baby. Conclusion: Treatment of CIN by LEEP is feasible, safe and effective in our setting.

Some new country records of five species of Glenea Newman(Coleoptera:Cerambycidae:Lamiinae:Saperdini) from the Oriental Region

New country records for five species of Glenea Newman from the Oriental Region are reported. G. changchini Lin ＆ Lin, 2011 is newly recorded from Vietnam; G. rondoni Breuning, 1963 is new from Thailand; G. subregularis Pic, 1943 is new from Laos; G subviridescens Breuning, 1963 is new from China, Vietnam and Thailand; and G. viridescens Pic, 1927 is newly recorded from China and Laos. Photos of types and voucher specimens from new localities are presented.

Geochemical and Boron Isotopic Evidence that Tourmaline Records Country Rock Assimilation of Leucogranites in the Himalayan Orogen

Tourmaline geochemical and boron(B)isotopic compositions in two-mica granites(TMG),tourmaline-bearing leucogranites(Tou-LG),tourmalites and metapelites from the Gyirong-Malashan areas of the Himalayan orogen provide evidence for country rock assimilation during the intrusion of Himalayan leucogranite.The schorls in Gyirong leucogranitic plutons show low contents of MgO(0.238%-1.160%)and δ^(11)B values(-12.1‰--11.2‰),while dravites gathered in the contact zone between the leucogranitic veins and metapelites show high contents of MgO(4.815%-6.755%)and δ^(11)B values(-10.7‰--9.3‰).This geochemical and isotopic variation of tourmalines can also be identified in the Malashan gneiss dome.As a result,three types of tourmaline were identified in the Himalayan orogen:(1)Tou-Ⅰ in the TMG and Tou-LG,which is the most common tourmaline type of schorl;(2)Tou-Ⅱ(dravite and high-Mg schorl)in the Tou-LG and tourmalite at the margins of the leucogranite;and(3)Tou-Ⅲ(mainly dravite,with minor high-Mg schorl)in metapelites of the High Himalayan Crystalline Sequence.The lenses and veins of Tou-LG may have experienced metasomatism and assimilation as a result of interaction with the High Himalayan Crystalline Sequence metasedimentary country rocks,which can be traced by the geochemical and isotopic characteristics of the tourmaline therein.

Stakeholders Theory:An Analysis of Eco-Labeling of Commercial Products in A Developing Country(Kenya) Stock Exchange Listed Companies

International environmental organizations propose voluntary eco-labeling as a market incentive to promote industry to operate in an ecologically sustainable and environmentally friendly manner,for instance,with the introduction of ISO 14000.These standards assist organizations to minimize their operations negatively affecting the environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations.Support for eco-labeling has been one of the ways that

A Study of Xi Jinping Thought on Governing the Country Based on the Unity of “Party Spirit-People’s Nature”

The unity of “party spirit-people’s nature” is the basic proposition of Xi Jinping’s governance.Deng Xiaoping summarized the experience and lessons in the early days of reform and opening up,and put forward the basic line of the “leadership and unity” of the party in the early stage of socialism around “one center,two basic points”;Xi Jinping’s so-called “unification”,which is based on the the basic line of Deng Xiaoping’s initial stage of building a socialist country that is “rich,strong,democratic,civilized,harmonious and beautiful”,has further established the importance of “people as the center” and “party’s leadership”.Therefore,the “people-centered” and “the party’s overall leadership” are unified and become the basic idea of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s governance of the country.Xi Jinping has put forward the unity of “party spirit-people’s nature”,the “consistency” between governing the country and politics,and the “integration” between the people’s interests and the party’s leadership,thus forming “persistence”,“comprehensive”,“confidence”,“maintenance” and other assertions.

Challenges in the management of paediatric cataract in a developing country

AIM:To review the management of cataract in children in a tertiary hospital in a developing country,and to highlight the challenges therein.· METHODS:The hospital records of children aged 15 years or less that had cataract surgery at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital,Enugu from 2005 to 2008 were reviewed retrospectively.Information was obtained on bio-data,pre-and post-operative visual acuity(VA),biometry,and type of surgery,use of intraocular lens(IOL) and presence of co-morbidity.SPSS was used for data entry and analysis.· RESULTS:The hospital records of 21 children(26 eyes) were analyzed.There were 12 males(57.1%) and 9 females(42.9%).Pre-operative VA could not be assessed in 11 eyes(42.3%),14 eyes(53.9%) had VA <3/60 and one eye(3.8%) had VA 6/60.Biometry was done in only 5 eyes(19.2%).All eyes had standard extracapsular cataract extraction without primary posterior capsulectomy;12 eyes(46.2%) had posterior chamber intraocular lens(PC-IOL) implant while 13 eyes(50.0%) had no IOL.After 12 weeks of follow up,vision assessment was available in only 15 eyes.With best correction,VA of 6/18 or better was achieved in only 5 eyes(33.3%).· CONCLUSION:Inadequate facilities and inadequate follow up after surgery are some of the challenges in managing paediatric cataract in the developing countries.If these challenges are not addressed,cataract will remain a major cause of childhood blindness and low vision in Africa for many years.There should be collaboration between Paediatric Ophthalmology Centres in industrialized and developing countries to enhance skill transfer.Governmental and International Non-governmental Organizations can go a long way to facilitate this exchange.