Study on Tourism Development and Community Participation in Villages of the Minorities ——With the Dong Village in Zhaoxing,Southeast Guizhou Autonomous Prefecture of Miao and Dong Nationalities,China

Based on basic theories of community participation in tourism development,questionnaires were designed for the field investigation in one of the largest Dong Villages in China,the Dong village in Zhaoxing.Community participation in tourism development of the Dong Village was analyzed from the perspectives of residents' participation in decision-making and management,reception and catering services,group performance,making and selling ethnic artworks,protection of village tourist resources and environment.And meanwhile,problems were pointed out as "still maintaining in the early stage of its tourism development,fewer opportunities for its residents participating in tourism development,resource protection being divorced from tourism benefits and so on",on the basis of which corresponding solutions were offered as "expanding the field of participation,improving the level of participation,increasing benefits of local residents;insisting on the principle of "not participating intentionally is the best way of their participation,guaranteeing economic compensation for rural residents;enhancing infrastructure construction;establishing a museum of folk-custom materials;creating a favorable atmosphere of folk cultures;enhancing cooperation with its neighboring villages in tourism development,and creating a "local industrial chain";establishing a research center of cultural tourism development of the Dong Minority.

White Paper:China’s Policies toward Ethnic Minorities Well Fit National Conditions and Win Support from All Nationalities

The State Council Information Office published on September 27, 2009, a white paper entitled China＇ s Policies toward Minorities and Common Prosperity and Development of All Nationalities. The white paper says that the policies well fit the national conditions and are correct. They are instrumental to promoting harmonious coexistence of all nationalities that work with one heart and one mind and in mutual cooperation; they have helped open up a good national situation characterized by economic development, political stability,

Tourist Products Design of National Village Based on Experience——A Case Study of Minority Villages of Southeast Guizhou,China

On the basis of resources features of minority villages in Southeast Guizhou and tourists' experience needs,the paper proposed that national villages would increasingly be the ideal destination of cultural experience tourism under the background of experience economy,and products design centering on experience need was the common problem confronted tourism development of national villages.Through analyzing four aspects of tourist resources which were natural ecology and pastoral scenery,tangible national culture,process and event national culture,and intangible culture,the paper proposed a general method for design of tourist products of national villages.The design should be conducted by following steps of "theme extraction—image shaping—scene design—atmosphere creation—program arrangement—implication design—publicity marketing".It should establish brand image of tourist products of national villages,so as to help tourists realize "image establishment—purchasing impulse—participation into interaction—profound experience—expectation achievement",and to constantly increase the attraction power of tourist products of national villages and comprehensive economic benefit of tourism.

Profile of Anemia in Cirrhotic Patients at the National Hospital of Niamey

Objective: To study the profile of anemia in cirrhotic patients diagnosed in the Hepato-Gastroenterology (HGE) department of the National Hospital of Niamey. Patients and Method: This was a prospective and descriptive study carried out from August 1, 2023 to February 29, 2024, including cirrhotic patients, with anemia on the blood count, outside of any recent blood transfusion and/or treatment. History of anemia. Results: The diagnosis of anemia was made in 91 patients out of the 100 cirrhotics recorded, 91%. Men were more common, with a sex ratio of 2.79. The average age was 50 ± 14.22 years old. Anemia was moderate in 52.75% of cases (n = 48). It was non-microcytic in 50.55% (n = 46) and iron deficient in 55.56% of cases (n = 20). There was a statistically significant correlation between the severity of anemia and upper gastrointestinal bleeding with a p-value = 0.000. Conclusion: Cirrhotic anemia is multifactorial, which makes its etiological diagnosis complex.

Overcoming Challenges in COVID-19 Vaccination among Ethnic Minority Groups in Bangladesh: A Qualitative Exploration

This study aimed to explore the barriers affecting COVID-19 vaccine uptake among ethnic minorities and to propose strategies to strengthen government initiatives for inclusive vaccination. Grounded in social constructivism, this qualitative study was conducted in the greater Sylhet Division, where many ethnic communities live. Using purposive sampling, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 49 participants, including ethnic men and women, community leaders, and healthcare providers. Two focus group discussions (FGDs) were also conducted to ensure data validation, and the results were analyzed using thematic analysis, which revealed several factors, such as free vaccinations, media, close community-knit healthcare centers, informal communication that positively influenced vaccine uptake, such as awareness campaigns, informal communication, media involvement, and free vaccine availability. However, socio-economic and technological barriers pose significant challenges, including misconceptions about vaccines, limited access to technology, long distances to vaccination centers, inconvenient service hours, and reliance on traditional medicine. To promote inclusive vaccination, the study recommends establishing localized vaccine camps, improving technological infrastructure such as the Internet and network access, enhancing communication strategies, providing special services for women, the elderly and disabled individuals, and ensuring a reliable vaccine supply. Future researchers could apply longitudinal studies, including a lager study area and broader range of participants to address the missing perspectives in the current study.

Summary Analysis of National Surveillance on Kashin-Beck Disease from 1990 to 2023

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and epidemic situation of children with Kashin-Beck disease(KBD)in China,and provide the basis for formulating prevention and control measures.Methods Fixed-point monitoring,moving-point monitoring,and full coverage of monitoring were promoted successively from 1990 to 2023.Some children(7-12 years old)underwent clinical and right-hand X-ray examinations every year.According to the KBD diagnosis criteria,clinical and X-ray assessments were used to confirm the diagnosis.Results In 1990,the national KBD detectable rate was 21.01%.X-ray detection decreased to below 10%in 2003 and below 5%in 2007.Between 2010 and 2018,the prevalence of KBD in children was less than 0.4%,which fluctuated at a low level,and has decreased to 0%since 2019.Spatial epidemiological analysis indicated a spatial clustering of adult patients prevalence rate in the KBD areas.Conclusion The evaluation results of the elimination of KBD in China over the last 5 years showed that all villages in the monitored areas have reached the elimination standard.While the adult KBD patients still need for policy consideration and care.

Terrain or climate factor dominates vegetation resilience?Evidence from three national parks across different climatic zones in China

Vegetation resilience(VR),providing an objective measure of ecosystem health,has received considerable attention,however,there is still limited understanding of whether the dominant factors differ across different climate zones.We took the three national parks(Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park,HTR;Wuyishan National Park,WYS;and Northeast Tiger and Leopard National Park,NTL)of China with less human interference as cases,which are distributed in different climatic zones,including tropical,subtropical and temperate monsoon climates,respectively.Then,we employed the probabilistic decay method to explore the spatio-temporal changes in the VR and their natural driving patterns using Geographically Weighted Regression(GWR)model as well.The results revealed that:(1)from 2000 to 2020,the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index(NDVI)of the three national parks fluctuated between 0.800 and 0.960,exhibiting an overall upward trend,with the mean NDVI of NTL(0.923)>HTR(0.899)>WYS(0.823);(2)the positive trend decay time of vegetation exceeded that of negative trend,indicating vegetation gradual recovery of the three national parks since 2012;(3)the VR of HTR was primarily influenced by elevation,aspect,average annual temperature change(AATC),and average annual precipitation change(AAPC);the WYS'VR was mainly affected by elevation,average annual precipitation(AAP),and AAPC;while the terrain factors(elevation and slope)were the main driving factors of VR in NTL;(4)among the main factors influencing the VR changes,the AAPC had the highest proportion in HTR(66.7%),and the AAP occupied the largest area proportion in WYS(80.4%).While in NTL,elevation served as the main driving factor for the VR,encompassing 64.2%of its area.Consequently,our findings indicated that precipitation factors were the main driving force for the VR changes in HTR and WYS national parks,while elevation was the main factors that drove the VR in NTL.Our research has promoted a deeper understanding of the driving mechanism behind the VR.

Thoroughly Study and Implement a Holistic Approach to National Security to Safeguard Chinese Modernization

2024 marks the tenth anniversary of a holistic approach to national security. As an important component of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, a holistic approach to national security provides fundamental guidance for China's national security work in the new era and is, therefore, of great theoretical and practical significance. This approach has several distinct features: it ref lects the trends of our times, is deeply rooted in China's national culture, and follows a people-centered, struggle-oriented, systematic, strategic, in novative, and practice-based approach. By upholding and developing a holistic approach to national security, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China(CPC) has comprehensively strengthened the Party's absolute leadership over national security, reshaped the systems and mechanisms for national security across the board, and made brilliant achievements in national security work in the new era. Given the context of the momentous changes unseen in a century that shape today's world, the national security situation facing China is increasingly complex and grim, characterized by many challenges and new characteristics. On the new journey toward rejuvenating the nation and building China into a strong country, we should fully implement the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress, firmly pursue a holistic approach to national security, and accelerate the modernization of China's national security system and capacity to ensure steady and sustained progress in Chinese modernization.

Overview of China’s national park system reform process

Having experienced a high economic growth rate,China is entering into a low one as the country needs to carry out policy reforms for better governance.In recent years,the national park system reform has been one of the pilot policies that has attracted great attention from local governments and the public.The central government established corresponding management systems during the institutional restructuring in 2018,and five out of ten pilots were selected due to their good performance on policy reform in 2021.This paper provides an overview of the policy background,a general introduction to the system,and a discussion of policy implementations.Our research suggests that China’s national parks need to improve their laws and regulations and establish an eco-compensation mechanism to encourage residents to participate in conservation and receive increasing benefits through green development.

Cardiovascular diseases in European ethnic minorities: Beyond the traditional cardiovascular risk factors

This editorial is intended to be a reflection on cardiovascular disease(CVD)burden in European ethnic minorities.In some European countries,ethnic minority realities,due to their recent appearance,are still to be studied in depth.The experience of several European countries,where the migration processes started earlier,even more than a century ago,can help by being an example.Many studies have shown that major differences in CVD burden exist not only between countries,but also within the same country when considering different social strata and ethnic groups.The CV risk factors underlying heart disease have been well established.Important epidemiological studies have helped us understand that the underlying causes of heart disease as well as the behaviors that can help prevent them are the same.We are now well aware that CVD should be treated by considering a holistic approach.This is why the social determinants(SDs)of health that may worsen the disease burden or that,vice versa,may improve the treatment,and even more significantly,the prognosis of a patient’s illness should be taken into consideration.For ethnic minority patients,this holistic,hermeneutic approach is of importance.Several SDs of health that influence CVDs have been identified but their relevance for the health of ethnic minorities has not yet been clearly defined.In some European countries,most ethnic minorities are largely also religious minorities.Only a few studies have evaluated the role of religion,which is an important SD that affects the probability of having CV risk factors and diseases.Adolescents,particularly those belonging to the second generation,seem to be the weak link.If we believe that these young people are really citizens of their country of birth,then a way of recognizing their belonging to the community starts from a will to better understand their condition,in order to assist them while they grow physically and mentally.Thinking about safeguarding the health of this population should be more than a health task,rather a goal of social justice.

Characterisation of Human-Wildlife Conflicts around the Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

The history of mankind contains so many illustrations of well-classified and violent struggles against various animals over crop production in agricultural fields, attacks on human life or competition in order to have access to certain natural resources. The aim of this study is to characterise the human-wildlife conflicts that occur around the KBNP, especially with regard to primates. Surveys were carried out in 260 households selected using the snowball method. The results showed that human-wildlife conflicts around the KBNP are characterised by the destruction of crops in riparian fields by monkeys, chimpanzees and gorillas, the destruction of houses, physical attacks and zoonoses. Despite the conservation and protection measures for wildlife and local populations put in place by the Park’s managers, conflicts between local populations and the Park’s wild animals are still visible. These conflicts lead to the detention of wild animals by local people roaming in the villages and to poaching on the Park’s boundaries. The weakness of the community management policy on the part of the park managers and the resentment of the indigenous peoples towards the restriction of their access to natural resources are the major constraints on the sustainable management of conflicts between the local populations and the wild animals in the KBNP. The strategies for the sustainable resolution of human-wildlife conflicts around the KBNP must be geared towards and integrated into a community conservation approach.

Exploring impacts of COVID-19 on spatial and temporal patterns of visitors to Canadian Rocky Mountain National Parks from social media big data

COVID-19 posed challenges for global tourism management.Changes in visitor temporal and spatial patterns and their associated determinants pre-and peri-pandemic in Canadian Rocky Mountain National Parks are analyzed.Data was collected through social media programming and analyzed using spatiotemporal analysis and a geographically weighted regression(GWR)model.Results highlight that COVID-19 significantly changed park visitation patterns.Visitors tended to explore more remote areas peri-pandemic.The GWR model also indicated distance to nearby trails was a significant influence on visitor density.Our results indicate that the pandemic influenced tourism temporal and spatial imbalance.This research presents a novel approach using combined social media big data which can be extended to the field of tourism management,and has important implications to manage visitor patterns and to allocate resources efficiently to satisfy multiple objectives of park management.

Influence of Human Activity Intensity on Habitat Quality in Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park,China

Due to long-term human activity interference,the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park(HTRNP)of China has experienced ecological problems such as habitat fragmentation and biodiversity loss,and with the expanding scope and intensity of human activity impact,the regional ecological security is facing serious challenges.A scientific assessment of the interrelationship between human activity intensity and habitat quality in the HTRNP is a prerequisite for achieving effective management of ecological disturbances caused by human activities and can also provide scientific strategies for the sustainable development of the region.Based on the land use change data in 2000,2010,and 2020,the spatial and temporal variations and the relationship between habitat quality(HQ)and human activity intensity(HAI)in the HTRNP were explored using the integrated valuation of ecosystem services and trade-offs(InVEST)model.System dynamics and land use simulation models were also combined to conduct multi-scenario simulations of their relationships.The results showed that during 2000–2020,the habitat quality of the HTRNP improved,the intensity of human activities decreased each year,and there was a negative correlation between the two.Second,the system dynamic model could be well coupled with the land use simulation model by combining socio-economic and natural factors.The simulation scenarios of the coupling model showed that the harmonious development(HD)scenario is effective in curbing the increasing trend of human activity intensity and decreasing trend of habitat quality,with a weaker trade-off between the two compared with the baseline development(BD)and investment priority oriented(IPO)scenarios.To maintain the authenticity and integrity of the HTRNP,effective measures such as ecological corridor construction,ecological restoration,and the implementation of ecological compensation policies need to be strengthened.

An Empirical Study of the Socratic Method in Nongraded English Teaching in Senior High School Under the Background of the New National College Entrance Examination

With the reform of the New National College Entrance Examination(Gaokao),the nongraded education will become an inevitable trend.In senior high school,the traditional test-oriented education is popular.The knowledge is mainly taught by the teachers,and the students passively absorb it.This study examines a problem-oriented Socratic experiment in nongraded English teaching in senior high school.The teachers seek output from students,who respond by interpreting questions,fostering critical thinking,and enhancing problem-solving skills.This teaching experiment indicates that the Socratic method has a significant positive effect on cultivating nongraded senior high English students’critical thinking under the New National College Entrance Examination.

Evaluating the Impacts of Human Activities on Diversity, Abundance, and Distribution of Large Mammals in Nimule National Park, South Sudan

Globally, human activities have a significant impact on the diversity, abundance, and distribution of large mammals in Protected Areas (PAs). These disturbances increase human pressure on biodiversity and species habitats, highlighting the need for conservation. This study aimed to assess the abundance and distribution of large mammals in different habitat types within Nimule National Park (NNP) and understand the impacts of human activities on them. Data on the abundance and distribution of large mammals and their respective habitat types were collected through line transect surveys. Human activity signs were observed and recorded along the transect lines. To estimate the impacts of human activities on the diversity, abundance, and distribution of large mammal species, as well as to identify any significant differences between them and their habitat types, the study utilized the Kruskal Wallis test, Polynomial multiple regressions, and diversity indices. The findings from the Shannon-Weiner and Simpson indices indicated that large mammal species were more diverse inside the park (H’ = 1.136;D = 0.570) compared to the buffer zone (H’ = 0.413;D = 0.171), with 85% (443 out of 510 samples) recorded within Nimule National Park. The species abundance showed a semi-balanced status (0.58). The diversity results among different habitat types revealed that large mammals were more diverse and highly distributed in both open woodlands (244) and dense woodlands (192), while riverine vegetation had the lowest diversity (8). Statistical tests demonstrated a highly significant difference at a 99% confidence interval (p-value = 0.01) between habitat types and identified species of large mammals. Additionally, the results highlighted the high abundance of Uganda kob (274), baboons (141), and warthog (57) across most habitat types, accounting for at least 75% of their distribution. The most prevalent human activities observed were cattle footprints (27%) and cattle dung (14%). Human footprints and tree cutting combined accounted for 9%, indicating the practice of livestock grazing, poaching, encroachment, and fuelwood collection by local communities. However, these activities did not appear to significantly impact the diversity, abundance, and distribution of large mammals in Nimule National Park. Therefore, it is crucial to foster shared responsibilities and engage relevant stakeholders in the management and conservation of large wildlife species. Regular community awareness programs should be implemented to cultivate a sense of ownership. Moreover, it is recommended that a comprehensive survey be conducted on the population status of all mammal species in Nimule National Park, including its surrounding Buffer Zone. Monitoring the impact of human activities on their behavior and habitats using satellite images should also be carried out at least every five to ten years.

Impact of US Financial Sanctions on the Dollar's International Status

In 2022,the United States stepped up its sanctions on Russia.Most notably,it restricted the flow of the Russian Central Bank's foreign exchange(forex)assets,using financial administrative power as a source of strategic leverage.This move should have reduced the appeal of US dollar assets but in reality has not accelerated as expected the decline of the greenback as a store of value.The US dollar's share of global forex reserves increased instead of decreased during 2022 and 2023.Despite the rise of economic costs caused by tightened US financial sanctions,countries that recognize the geopolitical role of the United States have further accepted the dollar's international status;their continued willingness to live with the dollar's“security premium”has given a fillip to the US dollar in the short term,boosting its appeal as a reserve currency.Meanwhile,de-dollarization of forex reserves has yet to reach a sufficient scale,thus falling short of significantly challenging the dollar's reign.From a longer-term perspective,as economic and security conditions shift,countries that accept the dollar's international role or seek de-dollarization may change their choices.As a result,four possible scenarios may arise:(i)the preeminence of the US dollar remains unthreatened;(ii)the international monetary system splits into blocs;(iii)the international monetary system fragments;and(iv)the dollar loses its throne.The author believes that the last scenario is the most likely outcome.

Post-operative morbidity after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and resection for gallbladder cancer: A national surgical quality improvement program analysis

BACKGROUND Gallbladder cancer is the most common malignancy of the biliary tract.Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy(NACT)has improved overall survival by enabling R0 resection.Currently,there is no consensus of guidelines for neoadjuvant therapy in gallbladder cancer.As investigations continue to analyze the regimen and benefit of NACT for ongoing care of gallbladder cancer patients,we examined American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program(NSQIP)database to determine if there was higher morbidity among the neo-adjuvant group within the 30-day post-operative period.We hypothesized patients who underwent NACT were more likely to have higher post-operative morbidity.AIM To investigate the 30-day post-operative morbidity outcomes between patients who received NACT and underwent surgery and patients who only had surgery.METHODS A retrospective analysis of the targeted hepatectomy NSQIP data between 2015 and 2019 was performed to determine if NACT in gallbladder cancer increased the risk for post-operative morbidity(bile leak,infection rate,rate of converting to open surgery,etc.)compared to the group who only had surgery.To calculate the odds ratio for the primary and secondary outcomes,a crude logistic regression was performed.RESULTS Of the 452 patients,52 patients received NACT prior to surgery.There were no statistically significant differences in the odds of morbidity between the two groups,including bile leak[odds ratio(OR),0.69;95%confidence interval(95%CI):0.16-2.10;P=0.55],superficial wound infection(OR,0.58;95%CI:0.03-3.02;P=0.61),and organ space wound infection(OR,0.63;95%CI:0.18-1.63;P=0.61).CONCLUSION There was no significant difference in the risk of 30-day post-operative morbidity between the NACT and surgery group and the surgery only group.

Scientific Advances and Weather Services of the China Meteorological Administration’s National Forecasting Systems during the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics

Since the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics was the first Winter Olympics in history held in continental winter monsoon climate conditions across complex terrain areas,there is a deficiency of relevant research,operational techniques,and experience.This made providing meteorological services for this event particularly challenging.The China Meteorological Administration(CMA)Earth System Modeling and Prediction Centre,achieved breakthroughs in research on short-and medium-term deterministic and ensemble numerical predictions.Several key technologies crucial for precise winter weather services during the Winter Olympics were developed.A comprehensive framework,known as the Operational System for High-Precision Weather Forecasting for the Winter Olympics,was established.Some of these advancements represent the highest level of capabilities currently available in China.The meteorological service provided to the Beijing 2022 Games also exceeded previous Winter Olympic Games in both variety and quality.This included achievements such as the“100-meter level,minute level”downscaled spatiotemporal resolution and forecasts spanning 1 to 15 days.Around 30 new technologies and over 60 kinds of products that align with the requirements of the Winter Olympics Organizing Committee were developed,and many of these techniques have since been integrated into the CMA’s operational national forecasting systems.These accomplishments were facilitated by a dedicated weather forecasting and research initiative,in conjunction with the preexisting real-time operational forecasting systems of the CMA.This program represents one of the five subprograms of the WMO’s high-impact weather forecasting demonstration project(SMART2022),and continues to play an important role in their Regional Association(RA)II Research Development Project(Hangzhou RDP).Therefore,the research accomplishments and meteorological service experiences from this program will be carried forward into forthcoming highimpact weather forecasting activities.This article provides an overview and assessment of this program and the operational national forecasting systems.

Analysis of the Influence of Woodcut Works of Anti-Japanese War on the National Spiritual Identity of Young People

As one of the important art forms during the Anti-Japanese War in China, woodcut is not only a tool for literary and artistic workers to express the spirit of Anti-Japanese War, but also a medium to inspire the people and arouse patriotic feelings. Through a systematic analysis of the historical background and artistic characteristics of woodcuts of the Anti-Japanese War and their impact on the national spiritual identity of young people, this paper aims to explore how woodcuts enlightens and inspires young people’s national consciousness through visual language and spiritual connotation, and enhances their sense of belonging to the country and the nation.

Nationalist Trends in the Transformation of New Zealand’s Maori Language Policy

Language is an important carrier of human culture and a specific method for communication between humans.It is one of the most important symbols of human identity and flags of dividing group identity.At present,in the modern national state,the government is paying more attention to language policy and being more and more prudent to it.In the process of making and implementing language policy,the government must take into account a range of factors such as the country’s national history,politics,culture,economy,and relations between different social groups.From the mid-nineteenth century,when New Zealand became a British colony,until the mid-twentieth century,the Maori people were inspired to defend their rights and respect for themselves by the rise of Maori nationalist ideology and Maori political radicalism in a struggle that lasted more than 100 years.Until 1994,there were more than 800 kohanga reo,early childhood institutions that established Maori language instruction independent of the school system,and the nationalism drives to revitalize the Maori national language was at its peak.The process of revolution on Maori language policies in New Zealand reflects a trend of nationalist thoughts from Maori becoming more deep.Exploring the process of change in New Zealand’s Maori language policy will help to develop the study of the social history of indigenous peoples during the colonial period and will contribute to the study of the development of colonized countries and regions in the post-colonial period.The change in New Zealand’s Maori language policy has provided an important example of the preservation and revitalization of the indigenous languages of the world’s former colonies,which is of great significance for the preservation of linguistic and cultural diversity.