Changes of China’s Status in the Global System and Its Influencing Factors:A Multiple Contact Networks Perspective

Clarifying China’s position in the global system is an important logical basis for developing national diplomacy.Although much research has been done on China’s development status,most studies have been based on country comparisons or institutional en-vironment.In today’s networked era in which the global economy,trade,personnel,and information are closely connected,studies on China’s global position and its status changes and influencing factors in multiple contact networks are still insufficient.In this study,from the perspective of diverse global contact networks,we constructed economic,cultural,and political influence indices to explore the changes and influencing factors on China’s status in the global system from 2005 to 2018.The results show that during the study period,China’s global influence in the fields of economic ties,cultural exchanges,and political contacts increased significantly,but its influ-ence in the fields of cultural exchanges and political contacts lagged far economic ties.The pattern of China’s economic influence on various economies around the world has shown a transformation from an‘upright pyramid’to an‘inverted pyramid’structure.The proportion of these economies in low-influence zones has decreased from more than 60%in 2005 to less than 20%in 2018.China’s cultural and political influence on various economies around the world has increased significantly;however,for the former,the percentage of high-influence areas is still less than 20%,whereas for the latter the percentage of these economies in medium-and high-influence areas is still less than 50%.Analyses such as a scatter plot matrix show that geographical proximity,economic globalization,close cooperation with developing countries,and a proactive and peaceful foreign policy are important factors in improving China’s status in the diverse global network system.

Understanding the Global Identification with China’s Stories: A Cross-Cultural Perspective

Cross-cultural storytelling is a primary way for humankind to seek mutual recognition of value orientations between cultures,which facilitates the ability to jointly address the problems of human existence in the context of globalization.In this study,we conducted an interview survey of 6,130 respondents who were college students or graduates from 107 countries.The results show that there were a number of cross-cultural values embodied in China’s stories seen by the respondents as part of a common vision for the future of humankind and widely identified guidance on collaborative responses to global challenges.These cross-cultural values are common prosperity,ecological harmony,individual-collective integration,the urgency of global peace,as well as respect for multicultural and indigenous development paths.

Spatio-temporal Variation Characteristics of Extreme Climate Events and Their Teleconnections to Large-scale Ocean-atmospheric Circulation Patterns in Huaihe River Basin,China During 1959–2019

Huaihe River Basin(HRB) is located in China’s north-south climatic transition zone,which is very sensitive to global climate change.Based on the daily maximum temperature,minimum temperature,and precipitation data of 40 meteorological stations and nine monthly large-scale ocean-atmospheric circulation indices data during 1959–2019,we present an assessment of the spatial and temporal variations of extreme temperature and precipitation events in the HRB using nine extreme climate indices,and analyze the teleconnection relationship between extreme climate indices and large-scale ocean-atmospheric circulation indices.The results show that warm extreme indices show a significant(P < 0.05) increasing trend,while cold extreme indices(except for cold spell duration) and diurnal temperature range(DTR) show a significant decreasing trend.Furthermore,all extreme temperature indices show significant mutations during 1959-2019.Spatially,a stronger warming trend occurs in eastern HRB than western HRB,while maximum 5-d precipitation(Rx5day) and rainstorm days(R25) show an increasing trend in the southern,central,and northwestern regions of HRB.Arctic oscillation(AO),Atlantic multidecadal oscillation(AMO),and East Atlantic/Western Russia(EA/WR) have a stronger correlation with extreme climate indices compared to other circulation indices.AO and AMO(EA/WR) exhibit a significant(P < 0.05) negative(positive)correlation with frost days and diurnal temperature range.Extreme warm events are strongly correlated with the variability of AMO and EA/WR in most parts of HRB,while extreme cold events are closely related to the variability of AO and AMO in eastern HRB.In contrast,AMO,AO,and EA/WR show limited impacts on extreme precipitation events in most parts of HRB.

Historical review and reflections on the participation of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of epidemics in the People’s Republic of China (from 1950 until now)

Since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, both the Communist Party and the government have placed great emphasis on the advancement of traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncture and moxibustion have been actively involved in combating major epidemics such as malaria, schistosomiasis, and COVID-19. This article conducts a historical review of these three significant cases to elucidate how the acupuncture community has effectively utilized its unique advantages and characteristics through theoretical discussions, clinical practices, experimental research, as well as receiving administrative leadership and political support from the Communist Party of China and government. We provide an objective evaluation of their effectiveness while summarizing historical experiences to serve as a reference for future utilization of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy in epidemic relief efforts. Additionally, propose four suggestions: strengthening Party leadership and enhancing political support;timely summarization of experiences to establish programs and systems;deepening scientific research by integrating experimental findings with clinical practice;focusing on public awareness campaigns and education to solidify grassroots foundations.

Pioneering a New Realm of Human Rights Civilization in the Chinese Path to Modernization——An Overview of the Symposium on“The Chinese Path to Modernization and the Promotion of Free and Comprehensive Human Development”

On October 14,2023,a symposium themed“The Chinese Path to Modernization and the Promotion of Free and Comprehensive Human Development”was held in Changchun,Jilin Province,China.More than fifty experts,scholars,and researchers from national institutions and universities engaged in discussions and exchanges on human rights on the Chinese path to modernization,including the path,practice,knowledge systems,and civilization forms of human rights.This symposium played a significant role in advancing the construction of the disciplinary system,academic system,and discourse system of human rights in China.

Geochronological and geochemical constraints on the granitic gneiss in the Huozhou Complex: implications for the tectonic evolution of the Trans-North China Orogen

The Trans-North China Orogen is a major Neoarchean Paleoproterozoic collisional orogenic belt above the North China Craton, formed due to prolonged and complex processes. Even though many NeoarcheanPaleoproterozoic magmatic and metamorphic activities have been reported, due to the Huozhou Complex’s small outcropping range, little attention has been paid to the origin of various igneous rocks of the Huozhou Complex in the center of the Trans-North China Orogen. The Huozhou Complex, located south of the Luè liang, Wutai, and Hengshan complexes, is an important window into the Early Precambrian structure and evolution of the North China Craton. Its magma and metamorphism are crucial to understanding the development of the structural evolution of the Trans-North China Orogen. The Huozhou metamorphic complex area exposes a range of Precambrian metamorphic rocks, among which the most extensively dispersed is felsic biotite plagioclase gneiss. In this study comprehensive geological field survey, micropetrology,chronology, geochemistry, and Hf isotope analysis were carried out for the Qinggangping and Anziping gneiss in the north of the Huozhou Complex. The results show that the magmatic zircon age of the Qinggangping gneiss is2196 ± 14 Ma, and its protolith is I-type granite, formed by partial melting of igneous rocks in the absence of weathering. Its source is mainly the juvenile crust from depleted mantle dating 2431–2719 Ma, with a small amount of mantle-derived material. The Anziping gneiss has a metamorphic zircon age of 1931 ± 13 Ma with an S-type granite protolith belonging to peraluminous granite.The Anziping gneiss is formed by recycling pre-existing crustal components at 2613–2848 Ma. A minor quantity of mantle-derived magma is also introduced to the crust simultaneously. The samples of Qinggangping gneiss and Anziping gneiss show the characteristics of obvious negative Nb, Ti, and P elements in the spider diagram of primitive mantle standardization. This implies that the rocks have the characteristics of magmatic rocks in an island arc or subduction environment, which could have formed in the tectonic environment of the continental margin arc.

Will China-U.S.Relations Stabilize After the San Francisco Summit?--Mutually beneficial cooperation or antagonism and confrontation?That is the question

At 1:35 p.m.local time on November 15,a four-hour summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S.President Joe Biden concluded at Filoli Estate in San Francisco.At a press briefing after the meeting,Wang Yi,member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs,said that“the two presidents had a very good,comprehensive,and in-depth meeting.”

Mg/Ca,Ba/Ca,and S/Ca ratios as environmental and growth proxies for bivalve shells from the Haima cold seep,South China Sea

Bivalve shell fossils,cemented by authigenic carbonates,are widely spread in the Haima cold seep,Qiongdongnan Basin of the South China Sea(SCS).In this study,we examined an element profile of Gigantidas platifrons in the Haima cold seeps at a water depth of 1381 m.Based on the scanning electron microscope(SEM)analyses,the prismatic layer and nacreous layer were identified,which are characterized by prismatic structure and stratified structure,respectively.In addition,the profile can be subdivided into two parts:altered and unaltered zones.Laser inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(LA-ICP-MS)mapping shows that the element concentrations of the altered zones were influenced by the authigenic carbonate rocks,whereas the element concentrations of unaltered zones remain stable.In-situ X-ray diffraction(XRD)analyses show that the mineral constituent of the prismatic layer is mainly composed of aragonite.Along with the growth profile,Mg/Ca ratios of unaltered zones have minor variations,ranging 0.72-0.97 mmol/mol(mean=0.87 mmol/mol),with estimated temperatures of 3.8-4.1℃,indicating that the temperature of the surrounding seawater remains constant and agree with the measured data of 3.9℃which was conducted by a conductivity-temperature-depth system(CTD).The minor variations of Ba/Ca ratios(0.01-0.06 mmol/mol;mean=0.04 mmol/mol)indicate a relatively stabilized salinity of the surrounding seawater.S/Ca ratios show large variations of 0.04-4.15 mmol/mol(mean=1.37 mmol/mol).S/Ca ratios have regular variations which generally correspond to the variations of the Mg/Ca ratios,highlighting that the S/Ca ratios of bivalve shells show the potential to reflect the growth rate of the Gigantides.However,further studies should be carried out on the understanding of the links between the S/Ca ratios and seepage intensity of cold-seep fluids.

Resolving the“Matteo Ricci Puzzle”:Top-Level Design of the Grand Canal of China Based on the Ternary Leadership Theory

Guided by the ternary leadership theory from the perspective of social psychology,this paper explores the impacts of authoritarian,benevolent,and moral leadership on the top design of the Grand Canal of China in terms of its water management practice,while providing reference for resolving the“Matteo Ricci Puzzle”.The research findings are threefold:first,authoritarian as it is,the central government of China formulates relevant laws and regulations to provide legal system insurance for the construction of the Grand Canal Cultural Belt,thus providing the blueprint for constructing the“bright cultural belt,green ecological belt and colorful tourism belt of the Grand Canal”.Second,led by the Central Government,sticking to benevolent and moral leadership,China advocates scientific water management concepts and methods,and gives long-term and comprehensive care to the well-being of the people along the banks of the Grand Canal.Finally,the top-level design of the Grand Canal of China is based on the ternary leadership theory rooted in social psychology and has formulated a set of properly-scheduled,reasonably-coordinated,and flexibly-operated management system for the fundamental interests of the people and long-term goals of the country.

The Dilemma and Way Out of China’s Participation in the Development of Marine Genetic Resources in ABNJ from the Perspective of BBNJ

The fifth intergovernmental negotiations on marine BBNJ(Biodiversity beyond Areas of National Jurisdiction)concluded in August 2022,in which there are still major differences regarding access to marine genetic resources,management,and technology transfer.China’s participation in the development of marine genetic resources in ABNJ(areas beyond national jurisdiction)has many dilemmas,which are linked to the difficulties faced in advancing the BBNJ negotiations.The following countermeasures are proposed at the institutional and practical levels respectively:clarifying the legal attributes and applicability of the principles of marine genetic resources;establishing mechanisms for access,management,environmental impact assessment and benefit sharing of marine genetic resources;and using the“Blue Partnership”to build a governance mechanism for marine genetic resources to achieve mutual benefits.

Commentary on "Association of daily sitting time and leisure-time physical activity with body fat among U.S.adults"

In their study,association of daily sitting time and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) with body fat among U.S.Adults,Liao et al.^(1) analyzed data from the 2011-2018 National Health and Examination Survey to examine associations between h/day sitting,meeting (or not meeting) the U.S.Physical Activity Guidelines of≥150 min/week of moderate-and vigorous-intensity LTPA,and combinations of sitting time and LTPA on totaland trunk percent body fat (BF%).

FREE SPEECH OR SINOPHOBIA? THE U.S. SENATE MUST DECIDE

The 100 men and women who make up the U.S.Senate will soon have an important choice.They will either affirm that the First Amendment matters or they will surrender to fear.The senators must decide whether to go along with their colleagues in the House of Representatives and require the popular social media app TikTok to be sold to an American company.If they do endorse the House vote,then ByteDance must divest itself of TikTok or see the app will be banned on U.S.-based social media platforms.

Cross-Cultural Adjustment and Coping:U.S.Students in Taiwan Residents Higher Education

The aim of this study was to investigate the adjustment problems of students from the United States enrolled in universities in the East,specifically in Taiwan,their problems related to cultural adaptation,and the process of adjustment to student life in Taiwan.Under investigation were cultural adjustment and coping skills as these students transitioned from West to East.Qualitative data were collected from interviews with participants and faculty members as well as participant observations.Results indicated that U.S.students found their own ways to acclimate to their new academic setting as well as to social relations,cross-cultural issues,and the linguistic environment in Taiwan to achieve effective adaptation.They made changes in themselves to cope with all situations they encountered.This study provides suggestions for international students abroad in Taiwan,for the Taiwan Residents government,and for universities or colleges in terms of what they should offer to current and future international students.

Impact of Different Rates of Nitrogen Supplementation on Soil PhysicochemicalProperties and Microbial Diversity in Goji Berry

Goji berry(Lycium barbarum L.)is substantially dependent on nitrogen fertilizer application,which can signifi-cantly enhance fruit yield and Goji berry industrial development in Ningxia,China.This study aimed to analyze the functions of differential nitrogen application rates including low(N1),medium(N2),and high(N3)levels in soil microbial community structure(bacterial and fungal)at 2 diverse soil depths(0-20,20-40 cm)through high-throughput sequencing technology by targeting 16S RNA gene and ITS1&ITS2 regions.All the observed physicochemical parameters exhibited significant improvement(p<0.05)with increased levels of nitrogen and the highest values for most parameters were observed at N2.However,pH decreased(p<0.05)gradually.The alpha and beta diversity analyses for bacterial and fungal communities’metagenome displayed more similarities than differences among all groups.The top bacterial and fungal phyla and genera suggested no obvious(p>0.05)differences among three group treatments(N1,N2,and N3).Furthermore,the functional enrichment analysis demonstrated significant(p<0.05)enrichment of quorum sensing,cysteine and methionine metabolism,and transcriptional machinery for bacterial communities,while various saprotrophic functional roles for fungal communities.Conclusively,moderately reducing the use of N-supplemented fertilizers is conducive to increasing soil nitrogen utilization rate,which can contribute to sustainable agriculture practices through improved soil quality,and microbial community structure and functions.

Transitivity Analysis of the Energy in China’s New Era

At present,with the steady development of the global economy,more and more countries begin to pay attention to the impact of ecological environment on economic development and human society,so the ecological environment has become a global issue that cannot be ignored in today’s era.Therefore,from the perspective of the ecological philosophy of Diversity&Harmony as well as Interaction&Co-existence,this paper will conduct ecological discourse analysis on the Energy in China’s New Era based on the transitivity system of systemic-functional grammar,and use the Corpus analysis software UAM Corpus Tool 3.3x to label and make statistics on the transitivity system,aiming to explore the distribution characteristics of the transitivity system in this white paper.Through the transitivity analysis of the white paper,this study helps readers to have a deeper understanding of the positive significance contained in the white paper.To a certain extent,it enables readers at home and abroad to understand China’s stance on energy issues and the positive image of China in energy ecology.It also awaken readers’awareness of environmental protection and acquire good habits of resource conservation to be in harmony between human and nature for sustainable development.

Digital Disparities:How Artificial Intelligence Can Facilitate Anti-Black Racism in the U.S.Healthcare Sector

This paper delves into the intricate interplay between artificial intelligence(AI)systems and the perpetuation of Anti-Black racism within the United States medical industry.Despite the promising potential of AI to enhance healthcare outcomes and reduce disparities,there is a growing concern that these technologies may inadvertently/advertently exacerbate existing racial inequalities.Focusing specifically on the experiences of Black patients,this research investigates how the following AI components:medical algorithms,machine learning,and natural learning processes are contributing to the unequal distribution of medical resources,diagnosis,and health care treatment of those classified as Black.Furthermore,this review employs a multidisciplinary approach,combining insights from computer science,medical ethics,and social justice theory to analyze the mechanisms through which AI systems may encode and reinforce racial biases.By dissecting the three primary components of AI,this paper aims to present a clear understanding of how these technologies work,how they intersect,and how they may inherently perpetuate harmful stereotypes resulting in negligent outcomes for Black patients.Furthermore,this paper explores the ethical implications of deploying AI in healthcare settings and calls for increased transparency,accountability,and diversity in the development and implementation of these technologies.Finally,it is important that I prefer the following paper with a clear and concise definition of what I refer to as Anti-Black racism throughout the text.Therefore,I assert the following:Anti-Black racism refers to prejudice,discrimination,or antagonism directed against individuals or communities of African descent based on their race.It involves the belief in the inherent superiority of one race over another and the systemic and institutional practices that perpetuate inequality and disadvantage for Black people.Furthermore,I proclaim that this form of racism can be manifested in various ways,such as unequal access to opportunities,resources,education,employment,and fair treatment within social,economic,and political systems.It is also pertinent to acknowledge that Anti-Black racism is deeply rooted in historical and societal structures throughout the U.S.borders and beyond,leading to systemic disadvantages and disparities that impact the well-being and life chances of Black individuals and communities.Addressing Anti-Black racism involves recognizing and challenging both individual attitudes and systemic structures that contribute to discrimination and inequality.Efforts to combat Anti-Black racism include promoting awareness,education,advocacy for policy changes,and fostering a culture of inclusivity and equality.

Analysis of New Senior English for China Student’s Book 1

This article will firstly discuss the context overview of English teaching and learning in China. Under thiscircumstance, a problematic element will be examined of the New Senior English for China Student’s Book 1 and critical appraisal ofhow this element relates to other elements of curriculum development will be analyzed. The recommended changes and demonstrationmechanisms for evaluating the changes are put forward in the last two parts.

Geological environment in the South China Sea

The South China Sea(SCS),situated in southern China,at the junction of the Pacific Plate,the Eurasian Plate,and the Indian Ocean Plate,is a northeast-southwest trending semi-enclosed sea.It spans an area of approximately 3.5 million square kilometers and has an average water depth of about 1200 m,its deepest point reaching 5559 m.In 2021,a scientific expedition(called as U1 voyage)in the South China Sea was organized by the Innovation Research Team of Guangdong Special Key Program from March to April,this marks the first comprehensive scientific research voyage to the southern Uboundary corridor.Consisting of a total of 30 papers,this special issue is to share a portion of the research findings from this scientific expedition U1 voyage,covering six aspects:1)characteristics of the marine ecosystem in the SCS and its response to marine dynamic processes;2)multi-scale marine dynamic processes,sea-air interactions,and forecasting techniques in the SCS;3)geomorphology and geological structure;4)sedimentary processes and resource potential in the SCS;5)geostrategy,rights and interests maintenance and strategic countermeasures in the SCS;6)marine scientific instruments.By integrating the scientific research with the study of history,jurisprudence and international strategies,this issue presents new insights into the formation history and scope evolution of the SCS,and it also seeks to establish a new scientific framework based on the marine governance and development of the SCS.

Counteraction to China?Impact of the U.S.International Development Finance Corporation on China’s Development Finance

The United States passed the Better Utilization of Investment Leading to Development(BUILD Act),as a counterweight to China’s overseas development activities.Under the Act,the US established a new federal agency,the U.S.International Development Finance Corporation(DFC),to enhance U.S.development financing capabilities.To better understand the impact of the DFC on China’s development finance,this article analyzes the DFC’s purpose,functions,structure,and funding.Then it focuses on the purpose of establishing the DFC,providing a preliminary analysis of the potential motivation for its establishment.It also compares the China Development Bank(CDB)and the DFC based on their focused sectors.Finally,through an in-depth analysis of financial frictions in China-U.S.relations,this article argues that the DFC competes with China’s overseas development financing activities in the context of broader strategic competition between China and the U.S.

Opportunities and Challenges for China-U.S.LNG Trade

Since the 1960s,the global natural gas industry has developed rapidly,and natural gas has become a fossil fuel that can balance supply stability,economic efficiency of consumption,clean and low-carbon features at the current stage.However,there is a regional imbalance in the global demand for natural gas,and the continuous rise in geopolitical risks negatively affects the stability of the natural gas market.In recent years,LNG export capacity in the U.S.has continued to grow,and the potential for China-U.S.LNG trade in the future is enormous.From the perspective of development opportunities,strengthening LNG trade cooperation with the U.S.is conducive to the diversification of natural gas import sources for China.From the perspective of challenges,China-U.S.LNG trade cooperation also involves potential risks in terms of economy and channels.