The impact of demographic dynamics on food consumption and its environmental outcomes:Evidence from China

With increasing population and changing demographics,food consumption has experienced a significant transition in quantity and quality.However,a dearth of knowledge remains regarding its environmental impacts and how it responds to demographic dynamics,particularly in emerging economies like China.Using the two-stage Quadratic Almost Demand System(QUAIDS)model,this study empirically examines the impact of demographic dynamics on food consumption and its environmental outcomes based on the provincial data from 2000 to 2020 in China.Under various scenarios,according to changes in demographics,we extend our analysis to project the long-term trend of food consumption and its environmental impacts,including greenhouse gas(GHG)emissions,water footprint(WF),and land appropriation(LA).The results reveal that an increase in the proportion of senior people significantly decreases the consumption of grain and livestock meat and increases the consumption of poultry,egg,and aquatic products,particularly for urban residents.Moreover,an increase in the proportion of males in the population leads to higher consumption of poultry and aquatic products.Correspondingly,in the current scenario of an increased aging population and sex ratio,it is anticipated that GHG emissions,WF,and LA are likely to decrease by 1.37,2.52,and 3.56%,respectively.More importantly,in the scenario adhering to the standards of nutritional intake according to the Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents in 2022,GHG emissions,WF,and LA in urban areas would increase by 12.78,20.94,and 18.32%,respectively.Our findings suggest that changing demographics should be considered when designing policies to mitigate the diet-environment-health trilemma and achieve sustainable food consumption.

Conservation genomic investigation of an endangered conifer,Thuja sutchuenensis,reveals low genetic diversity but also low genetic load

Endangered species generally have small populations with low genetic diversity and a high genetic load.Thuja sutchuenensis is an endangered conifer endemic to southwestern China.It was once considered extinct in the wild,but in 1999 was rediscovered.However,little is known about its genetic load.We collected 67 individuals from five wild,isolated T.sutchuenensis populations,and used 636,151 SNPs to analyze the level of genetic diversity and genetic load in T.sutchuenensis to delineate the conservation units of T.sutchuenensis,based on whole transcriptome sequencing data,as well as target capture sequencing data.We found that populations of T.sutchuenensis could be divided into three groups.These groups had low levels genetic diversity and were moderately genetically differentiated.Our findings also indicate that T.sutchuenensis suffered two severe bottlenecks around the Last Glaciation Period and Last Glacial Maximum.Among Thuja species,T.sutchuenensis presented the lowest genetic load and hence might have purged deleterious mutations efficiently through purifying selection.However,distribution of fitness effects analysis indicated a high extinction risk for T.sutchuenensis.Multiple lines of evidence identified three management units for T.sutchuenensis.Although T.sutchuenensis possesses a low genetic load,low genetic diversity,suboptimal fitness,and anthropogenic pressures all present an extinction risk for this rare conifer.This might also hold true for many endangered plant species in the mountains all over the world.

Genomic divergence and mutation load in the Begonia masoniana complex from limestone karsts

Understanding genome-wide diversity,inbreeding,and the burden of accumulated deleterious mutations in small and isolated populations is essential for predicting and enhancing population persistence and resilience.However,these effects are rarely studied in limestone karst plants.Here,we re-sequenced the nuclear genomes of 62 individuals of the Begonia masoniana complex(B.liuyanii,B.longgangensis,B.masoniana and B.variegata)and investigated genomic divergence and genetic load for these four species.Our analyses revealed four distinct clusters corresponding to each species within the complex.Notably,there was only limited admixture between B.liuyanii and B.longgangensis occurring in overlapping geographic regions.All species experienced historical bottlenecks during the Pleistocene,which were likely caused by glacial climate fluctuations.We detected an asymmetric historical gene flow between group pairs within this timeframe,highlighting a distinctive pattern of interspecific divergence attributable to karst geographic isolation.We found that isolated populations of B.masoniana have limited gene flow,the smallest recent population size,the highest inbreeding coefficients,and the greatest accumulation of recessive deleterious mutations.These findings underscore the urgency to prioritize conservation efforts for these isolated population.This study is among the first to disentangle the genetic differentiation and specific demographic history of karst Begonia plants at the whole-genome level,shedding light on the potential risks associated with the accumulation of deleterious mutations over generations of inbreeding.Moreover,our findings may facilitate conservation planning by providing critical baseline genetic data and a better understanding of the historical events that have shaped current population structure of rare and endangered karst plants.

Conservation genomics provides insights into genetic resilience and adaptation of the endangered Chinese hazelnut, Corylus chinensis

Global climate change has increased concerns regarding biodiversity loss.However,many key conservation issues still required further research,including demographic history,deleterious mutation load,adaptive evolution,and putative introgression.Here we generated the first chromosome-level genome of the endangered Chinese hazelnut,Corylus chinensis,and compared the genomic signatures with its sympatric widespread C.kwechowensis-C yunnanensis complex.We found large genome rearrangements across all Corylus species and identified species-specific expanded gene families that may be involved in adaptation.Population genomics revealed that both C.chinensis and the C.kwechowensis-C.yunnanensis complex had diverged into two genetic lineages,forming a consistent pattern of southwestern-northern differentiation.Population size of the narrow southwestern lineages of both species have decreased continuously since the late Miocene,whereas the widespread northern lineages have remained stable(C.chinensis) or have even recovered from population bottlenecks(C.kwechowensis-C.yunnanensis complex) during the Quaternary.Compared with C.kwechowensis-C. yunnanensis complex,C.chinensis showed significantly lower genomic diversity and higher inbreeding level.However,C.chinensis carried significantly fewer deleterious mutations than C.kwechowensis-C. yunnanensis complex,as more effective purging selection reduced the accumulation of homozygous variants.We also detected signals of positive selection and adaptive introgression in different lineages,which facilitated the accumulation of favorable variants and formation of local adaptation.Hence,both types of selection and exogenous introgression could have mitigated inbreeding and facilitated survival and persistence of C.chinensis.Overall,our study provides critical insights into lineage differentiation,local adaptation,and the potential for future recovery of endangered trees.

Characteristics and demographic factors of traditional Chinese medicine constitution types among elderly individuals in China:A national multistage cluster random study Author links open overlay panel

Objective:To reveal the distribution characteristics and demographic factors of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)constitution among elderly individuals in China.Methods: Elderly individuals from seven regions in China were selected as samples in this study using a multistage cluster random sampling method.The basic information questionnaire and Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire(Elderly Edition)were used.Descriptive statistical analysis,chi-squared tests,and binary logistic regression analysis were used.Results: The single balanced constitution(BC)accounted for 23.9%.The results of the major TCM constitution types showed that BC(43.2%)accounted for the largest proportion and unbalanced constitutions ranged from 0.9%to 15.7%.East China region(odds ratio[OR]=2.097;95%confidence interval[CI],1.912 to 2.301),married status(OR=1.341;95%CI,1.235 to 1.457),and managers(OR=1.254;95%CI,1.044 to 1.505)were significantly associated with BC.Age>70 years was associated with qi-deficiency constitution and blood stasis constitution(BSC).Female sex was significantly associated with yang-deficiency constitution(OR=1.646;95%CI,1.52 to 1.782).Southwest region was significantly associated with phlegm-dampness constitution(OR=1.809;95%CI,1.569 to 2.086).North China region was significantly associated with inherited special constitution(OR=2.521;95%CI,1.569 to 4.05).South China region(OR=2.741;95%CI,1.997 to 1.3.763),Central China region(OR=8.889;95%CI,6.676 to 11.835),senior middle school education(OR=2.442;95%CI,1.932 to 3.088),and managers(OR=1.804;95%CI,1.21 to 2.69)were significantly associated with BSC.Conclusions: This study defined the distribution characteristics and demographic factors of TCM constitution in the elderly population.Adjusting and improving unbalanced constitutions,which are correlated with diseases,can help promote healthy aging through the scientific management of these demographic factors.

Association between people’s attitudes towards human-elephant conflict and their locational,demographic,and socio-economic characteristics in Buxa Tiger Reserve and its adjoining area,India

“Human-elephant conflict(HEC)”,the alarming issue,in present day context has attracted the attention of environmentalists and policy makers.The rising conflict between human beings and wild elephants is common in Buxa Tiger Reserve(BTR)and its adjoining area in West Bengal State,India,making the area volatile.People’s attitudes towards elephant conservation activity are very crucial to get rid of HEC,because people’s proximity with wild elephants’habitat can trigger the occurrence of HEC.The aim of this study is to conduct an in-depth investigation about the association of people’s attitudes towards HEC with their locational,demographic,and socio-economic characteristics in BTR and its adjoining area by using Pearson’s bivariate chi-square test and binary logistic regression analysis.BTR is one of the constituent parts of Eastern Doors Elephant Reserve(EDER).We interviewed 500 respondents to understand their perceptions to HEC and investigated their locational,demographic,and socio-economic characteristics including location of village,gender,age,ethnicity,religion,caste,poverty level,education level,primary occupation,secondary occupation,household type,and source of firewood.The results indicate that respondents who are living in enclave forest villages(EFVs),peripheral forest villages(PFVs),corridor village(CVs),or forest and corridor villages(FCVs),mainly males,at the age of 18–48 years old,engaged with agriculture occupation,and living in kancha and mixed houses,have more likelihood to witness HEC.Besides,respondents who are illiterate or at primary education level are more likely to regard elephant as a main problematic animal around their villages and refuse to participate in elephant conservation activity.For the sake of a sustainable environment for both human beings and wildlife,people’s attitudes towards elephants must be friendly in a more prudent way,so that the two communities can live in harmony.

Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Society orthopedic surgeons in the United States:An analysis of geographical distribution,academic,leadership,and demographic characteristics

BACKGROUND The Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Society(LLRS)is a premier orthopedic specialty organization that promotes limb reconstruction for all ages.LLRS membership characteristics,however,are poorly reported.This study delineates orthopedic surgeon LLRS members’demographic traits,academic achievement,leadership attainment,and geographical distribution across the United States.AIM To inform aspiring orthopedic professionals,as well as to promote growth and diversity in both the LLRS organization and overarching field.METHODS This cross-sectional study examined United States LLRS members’academic,leadership,demographic,and geographical attributes.After reviewing the 2023 LLRS member directory,Google search results were matched to the listings and appended to the compiled data.Sex and ethnicity were evaluated visually utilizing retrieved images.The Hirsch index(H-index)of academic activity,residency and fellowship training,other graduate degrees,leadership positions,practice type(academic or non-academic),and spoken languages were categorized.LLRS members per state and capita determined geographic distribution.The Mann Whitney U test was applied to compare H-index between males and females,as well as to assess member differences pertaining to affiliation with academic vs non-academic practice facilities.RESULTS The study included 101 orthopedic surgeons,78(77.23%)Caucasian and 23(22.77%)non-Caucasian,79(78.22%)male and 22(21.78%)female.Surgeons with DO degrees comprised only 3.96%(4)of the cohort,while the vast majority held MDs[96.04%(97)].Mean H-index was 10.55,with male surgeons having a significantly higher score(P=0.002).Most orthopedic surgeons(88.12%,)practiced in academic centers.Of those professionals who occupied leadership positions,14%were women,while 86%were men.Additionally,19(37.25%)United States regions and the District of Columbia lacked an LLRS-member orthopedic surgeon.Total per capita rate across the United States was 0.30 LLRS orthopedic surgeons per 1 million people.CONCLUSION Over 21%of LLRS members are women,surpassing prior benchmarks noted in orthopedic faculty reporting.LLRS members’high research productivity scores imply field dedication that can refine expertise in the limb lengthening and reconstruction space.Gender disparities in leadership remain,however,necessitating greater equity efforts.A low rate of LLRS representation per capita must be addressed geographically as well,to affect improvements in regional care access.This study can serve to support aspiring orthopedic professionals,inform diversity,leadership,and field advancement strategies,and maintain the continued goal of enhanced patient care worldwide.

ACORDE Project:Adaptable Residential Buildings for a New Social Framework

ACORDE project seeks to maximize buildings´flexibility,conceiving a residential building made of legally independent functional units that can be connected to or disconnected from each other with easy,plug-in facilities,in a way that permits to purchase exactly what the user need,as well as allows future changes for buildings to be adapted to the needs of their occupants,the user decides how to best utilize the space by acquiring or separating functional units along the years.For this to be possible,in addition to the legally independent modules concept,a diaphanous and very well organized structure is projected as well as a very solid and efficient envelope to ensure durability and minimal maintenance.The efficient occupancy of space leads to an optimal use of energy.

Prevalence and Demographic Distributions of Pre-Eclampsia among Pregnant Women at Ho Teaching Hospital

Background: In Sub-Saharan Africa, pre-eclampsia remains a major health problem contributing to high rates of maternal mortality. Despite this condition having adverse effects on maternal and child health, its prevalence and associated risk factors are still significant, especially in developing countries including Ghana. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and demographic distributions associated with pre-eclampsia among pregnant women at the Ho Teaching Hospital. Methods: A facility-based retrospective study was conducted by reviewing available data or hospital records of pregnant mothers admitted to the labor and maternity wards from January 2018 to December 2020. All pregnant women who were diagnosed with pre-eclampsia within this period were included in the study. The data were collected using a structured checklist. Results: 5609 data on pregnant women from 2018 to 2020 were recorded. Out of the 5609 data recorded, 314 pre-eclampsia cases were recorded giving an overall prevalence of 5.6%. The yearly prevalence for 2018, 2019, and 2020 were 4.6%, 5.6%, and 6.6%, respectively. The most recorded pre-eclampsia cases were seen among women within the age group of 18 - 24 years. The data showed that 112 (35.7%) of the pregnant women who had pre-eclampsia were nulliparous. Pre-eclampsia-associated maternal and fetal complications were;preterm delivery 221 (70.4%), intrauterine fetal death 62 (19.7%), eclampsia 9 (2.9%), HELLP syndrome 5 (1.6%) and maternal death 17 (5.4%). Associated factors of pre-eclampsia were parity, level of education, and occupation (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study showed a rising trend in the incidence of pre-eclampsia over the years at the Ho Teaching Hospital. Parity, level of education, and occupation were found to be associated with developing pre-eclampsia.

The Demographic Problem in Greece:Consequences and Solutions

Globally,population dynamics are shifting towards increased life expectancy,and many countries,including Greece,face significant demographic challenges.Greece is particularly impacted by one of the lowest birth rates in the world and a rapidly aging population.This demographic shift places unprecedented pressure on the nation’s pension systems and economic stability,as more people retire than enter the workforce.This study aims to explore the historical factors contributing to Greece’s demographic situation,analyze the consequences of current trends,and propose strategic solutions.The research utilizes a literature review approach and the case study of Greece to understand the depth and breadth of the demographic crisis.Key areas of focus include the declining birth rate,the economic implications of an aging population,and the potential of migration and policy reform to rejuvenate demographic dynamics.The study evaluates various policy interventions from other countries to propose a tailored,multi-faceted strategy for Greece.These strategies emphasize economic incentives for young families,improved childcare and parental support,healthcare investment,and inclusive migration policies to enhance workforce numbers.This comprehensive approach seeks to provide actionable insights that can help Greece mitigate the effects of demographic decline and foster a more sustainable future,aligning policy interventions with socio-economic and cultural realities.

Quality of life and aging

The aging population has far-reaching implications for health,significantly influencing medical care and health policy.According to the World Health Organization(WHO),by 2030,one in six people worldwide will be aged 60 years or older.Furthermore,the population of individuals aged 60 and older is projected to increase from 1 billion in 2020 to 1.4 billion in 2030.By 2050,this population is expected to double,reaching 2.1 billion.Similarly,the number of people aged 80 years and older is anticipated to triple between 2020 and 2050,reaching 426 million[1].This demographic shift toward older adults,known as population aging,initially began in high-income countries but has now extended to low and middle-income nations.By 2050,approximately two-thirds of the world’s population aged 60 and older will reside in these countries.The effects of this aging population pose significant challenges for human health,necessitating substantial societal adjustments[2].

Be Healthy: Know Your Numbers

Among the adult population in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), there is a marked prevalence of diabetes and hypertension;diseases that pose significant public health, and socio-economic challenges, This awareness raised concerns about the prevalence of the diseases among the youth population, and motivated the SVG Retired Nurses Association (SVGRNA) to collaborate with the Mustique Charitable Trust (MCT) to conduct the “Be Healthy: Know Your Numbers” research project among college-age students. The tri-fold purpose of the project was to determine the prevalence of high blood pressure and blood sugar levels among the college-aged population in Savageries, the awareness of the youths about the causal factors of the diseases, and encourage healthy lifestyle among the demographic. For this mixed-method research project, both quantitative and qualitative data were gathered from a sample of 851 students;306 were males and 545 were females. The results revealed that a significantly high number of students were diabetic and hypertensive, or were at high risk of getting the diseases on account of their poor dietary and lifestyle practices. The highest readings for both diseases were seen among the males. At the onset of the research, the students were largely apathetic toward the diseases. However, there was noticeable attitudinal change, and demonstrable willingness to make the needed lifestyle changes. The study concluded that mitigating the risks of hypertension and diabetes within the youth community in St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be achieved through education about the causal factors and implications of the diseases, as well as through targeted interventions delivered by a wide cross-section of stakeholders.

Flora, Structure and Carbon Sequestration of Vegetation in the Southeast of the Mono Biosphere Reserve in Togo Amidst Environmental Challenges

In most Sub-Saharan African countries such as Togo, people’s heavy dependence on ecosystem services is a major factor in accelerating the degradation of natural resources, which are already suffering as a result of climatic factors. This study was initiated to contribute to the sustainable and rational management of forest resources in the south-east of the Mono Biosphere Reserve in Togo. It specifically aims to identify and characterize the flora of the residual forest ecosystems within the reserve through their specific diversity, demographic structure, and carbon sequestration potential. The study was carried out in the forest ecosystems of Avévé. The methodology used was based on the analysis of phytosociological, forestry, ecological, and regeneration inventory data. Overall, the study revealed that the RBMT still has floristically viable habitats, despite the anthropogenic pressures it is subject to revealed a floristic diversity of 160 plant species divided into 52 families and 135 genera. The most represented families are Rubiaceae (29.09%), followed by Fabaceae (27.94%). The most represented species are Mitragyna inermis (Willd.) Kuntze (24.38%), Lecaniodiscus cupanioides Planch. Ex Benth (X) and Lonchocarpus sericeus (Poir.) Kunth (10.93%). The high presence of Mitragyna inermis observed in all the ecological groups identified makes it the characteristic species of the flooded marshy areas of southeast Togo and contributes to the resilience of the ecosystems and populations in the study area. The Shannon index for the formation groups varies between (3.03 and 5.16) bits. Pielou’s equitability varies between (0.43 and 0.63) bits. The overall average density is estimated at 210 stems/ha, with an average diameter of 25.57 ± 21.77 m and an average height of 7.93 ± 3.83 m. The adjustment of the diameter classes of the plant groups to the Weibull distribution gave an “inverted J” shape with coefficient values of less than 1 overall, reflecting the existence of multispecific or uneven-aged stands. Assessment of the horizontal and vertical structure shows a predominance of the shrub layer in all the groups identified. The carbon sequestration potential is 41.89 T/Ha. Despite ongoing anthropogenic pressures, the Mono Biosphere Reserve abounds in a relatively rich diversity of flora, the preservation of which is essential for the survival of biodiversity and even for the riparian population. The data provided by this study would form the basis for sustainable management planning of the forest islands in the biosphere reserve.

The Impact of Demographics and Cultural Tourism on University Enrollments in Calabria, Italy

The decline in the birth rate,which has been uninterrupted in Italy since the mid-1960s,has had a significant impact on many aspects of society.As far as the educational system is concerned,this phenomenon has acted like a wave,first causing a decline in the population of the first school age groups,then in the other groups,until recently affecting the 19-25 age group,which includes the majority of university students.As a result,the majority of Italian universities have seen a decline over time in both enrollments(matriculations)and student numbers(enrollments),although the situation varies from one area to another.In the Mezzogiorno,this trend is even more pronounced,since an increasing number of resident students tend to favor universities in the Centre-North,creating a South-Centre-North movement,which could be compared to a particular form of cultural tourism,without a similar flow in the opposite direction.Finally,the study highlights the probable consequences of the recent demographic depopulation on the future trend of university enrollment of residents aged 19-25 in the Calabria region,using the most recent demographic projections of Istat and constructing two evolutionary scenarios.In the first scenario,we have assumed that in the near future university enrollment rates remain constant throughout the period considered;in the second scenario,these rates instead experience a gradual and continuous increase.These results could be useful if further forecasts of university enrollments were to be made at the level of individual Calabrian universities.

Unveiling Global Human Trafficking Trends: A Comprehensive Analysis

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of global human trafficking trends over a twenty-year period, leveraging a robust dataset from the Counter Trafficking Data Collaborative (CTDC). The study unfolds in a systematic manner, beginning with a detailed data collection phase, where ethical and legal standards for data usage and privacy are strictly observed. Following collection, the data undergoes a rigorous preprocessing stage, involving cleaning, integration, transformation, and normalization to ensure accuracy and consistency for analysis. The analytical phase employs time-series analysis to delineate historical trends and utilizes predictive modeling to forecast future trajectories of human trafficking using the advanced analytical capabilities of Power BI. A comparative analysis across regions—Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe—is conducted to identify and visualize the distribution of human trafficking, dissecting the data by victim demographics, types of exploitation, and duration of victimization. The findings of this study not only offer a descriptive and predictive outlook on trafficking patterns but also provide insights into the regional nuances that influence these trends. The article underscores the prevalence and persistence of human trafficking, identifies factors contributing to its evolution, and discusses the implications for policy and law enforcement. By integrating a methodological approach with quantitative analysis, this research contributes to the strategic planning and resource allocation for combating human trafficking. It highlights the necessity for continued research and international cooperation to effectively address and mitigate this global issue. The implications of this research are significant, offering actionable insights for policymakers, law enforcement, and advocates in the ongoing battle against human trafficking.

Validity and Systematic Position of Rana altaica(Rana:Ranidae):Results of a Phylogenetic Analysis

In order to evaluate the phylogenetic position and validity of Rana altaica,we investigated the phylogeny of brown frogs in Eurasia by Bayesian Inference and Maximum Parsimony analyses of a fragment from the mitochondrial DNA gene Cytochrome b.Both analyses resolved R.altaica as nesting deeply within R.arvalis.Most samples of the nominal R.altaica from the Altai region and specimens from Central Siberia shared a haplotype with R.arvalis based on the network analysis.The matrilineal relationships suggested that R.altaica should be considered as a junior synonym of R.arvalis.Furthermore,our study suggested that the species group division of Chinese brown frogs should be re-evaluated within a phylogenetic context.

Assessment of China's Qualitative Demographic Dividend for Economic Growth during 2016-2020

Given the great strides that China＇s education sector has made in recent decades, it can be expected that the overall workforce quality of exiting China＇s labor market in coming one or two decades will be relatively low, while the overall quality of workforce newly entering into China＇s labor market will be high. As the new, bettereducated generation takes over, China＇s workforce quality will be vastly improved. This in turn will promote economic growth. We refer to economic growth arising from improved workforce quality as qualitative demographic dividend. Using the computable general equilibrium （CGE） model, this paper investigates the relationship between workforce quality improvements and economic growth. According to the model＇s results, an improvement in workforce quality will raise the economic growth rate by about two percentage points per annum between 2016 and 2020 and by 10 percentage points cumulatively by 2020. In other words, GDP will be 1.1 times the level of baseline GDP by 2020 due to the improved education levels. Given different production functions across sectors, the improvement of workforce quality will affect different sectors in different ways. On the whole, the improvement of workforce quality is more favorable to the development of capital-intensive sectors and sectors with rapid technology progress. According to this paper, considering the improvement of workforce quality, we cannot conclude that China＇s potential economic growth rate has already begun to decline. Despite diminishing conventional quantitative demographic dividends, China ＂s qualitative demographic dividends will keep rising. Qualitative demographic dividends will further push forward China＇s industrial restructuring and the strategic transition of industrial competitiveness from quantitative to qualitative and from an extensive to an intensive pattern of development.

Setting China’s Growth Target Based on the Potential Growth Rate

Different from other methodologies for the forecasting of China＇s economic growth rate, this paper forecast of future potential growth rates from the end of China＇s demographic dividends, and then identified it as a growth target. Official promulgation of non-binding targets will guide social expectation, assist in government policy-making, boost confidence in consumers, and provide guidance for producers and investors. Based on our estimation results, we suggest that during the 13th Five-Year Plan period, a GDP growth target between 6. 5% and 7% would be appropriate.

"Labor Shortage" or "Difficult Employment":A Study on the Employment Problem of College Students from the Perspective of Demographic Dividend

[Objective] The aim was to analyze the phenomenon of employment diffi- culty and labor shortage, and to reveal the influencing factors of employment difli- culty and labor shortage. [Method] On the basis of the economic principle of popu- lation dividend, the use of human resources and natural resource constraints The IS-LM model describes these two states. [Results] The resource constraints have a ＂squeeze＂ effect on the demographic dividend, and employment pressure is shown in terms of the population opportunity window; the labor market segmentation, the ir- rational industrial structure, the backward curriculum and employment concept are the main factors affecting employment and labor shortage. [Conclusion] The way to solve this dilemma must be removed from the division of labor market, the adjust- ment of industrial structure, the setting of university specialty, the change of em- ployment concept of university graduates as well as the improvement of the quality of labor.

Demographic Characteristics and Environmental Risk Factors Exposure of Birth Defects in Pregnant Women: A Population-based Study

Worldwide, the incidence of birth defects in low-income countries is 6.42%, while in middle-income and high-income countries it is 5.57% and 4.72%, respectively;approximately 303, 000 newborns die from birth defects each year. In China, the incidence of birth defects is about 5.6%, and around 8.14 million people have congenital disabilities, accounting for 9.6% of total disabled people[1]. Birth defect remains a major clinical and public health challenge because of its high fatality rate and protracted and severe sequela.