US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 2016 AND NEW TENDENCIES IN CHANGING WORLD POLITICS

US Presidential Election Reflects Major Changes in US PoliticsAt present,there have been quite a few assessments on the historical significance of US Presidential Election2016 for political change in the United States,all of which be it high or low point to a new departure point or turning point in US politics.First,the Election reflects major changes in the power pattern

President＇s Message

Happy New Year!As we step into a new year,we take a look back at the key feature topics covered in China Communications over the past 12 months and set out our expecta-

Exploring the Vast Universe Hand in Hand,Working Together toward a Better Future for Humankind Speech by Chinese Vice President XI Jinping at the Opening Ceremeny of the IAU XXVIII General Assembly on August 21,2012 in Beijing

Today, more than 2,000 astronomers from all over the world gather together in Beijing to attend the 28^th General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union （IAU）. This is a grand event for astronomy. It is the first time for China to host an IAU General Assembly since China joined the IAU in 1935. On behalf of President HU Jintao, the Chinese Government, and the Chinese people, I am here to express our warm congratulations to this General Assembly, and express our sincere gratitude and cordial welcome to all attendants.

Greetings from the President of the Federal Republic of Germany

At all times and in all countries of the world, people have been fascinated by obtaining deeper insights into life and have eagerly absorbed new knowledge from around the globe. Thus in addition to trade, the sciences early on became one of the most fruitful areas of worldwide exchange and international communication. Today, it is still often the sciences that bridge national and cultural differences between countries. The Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Max Planck Society can proudly look back

Greetings from the President of the People's Republic of China

For centuries, the continuous development of science and technology has greatly promoted the process of mankind's understanding and utilization of nature, and at the same time strongly enhanced exchanges and cooperation between various nationalities and different civilizations. In the modern era, science and technology are developing vigorously and changing with each passing day. Strengthening international scientific cooperation is invaluable in

Address at the Opening Ceremony of the TWAS 12^(th) General Conference & 23^(rd) General Meeting by Chinese President HU Jintao in Tianjin on Sept.18,2012

The 14^th General Meeting of TWAS was held in Beijing nine years ago. Today, we are celebrating the 23^rd General Meeting of TWAS here in Tianjin, which is indeed a grand gathering of the international scientific community. First of all, on behalf of the Chinese people and government, I would like to extend our hearty congratulations on the convening of this meeting and our warm welcome to all TWAS Fellows, scientists and delegates from around the world.

PCIM, A Bridge Connecting China and World Power Electronics Industry ——Interview with Mr·Udo Weller,president of Mesago PCIM and Dr·Lorenz, General Chair of PCIM China [Honorary advisor of power Electronics]

PCIM China, international conference and exhibition for power electronics, was held in Shanghai on March 21, 2006. PCIM is one of the most authoritative organizations and has won good reputation overseas for a long time.

Learning From Up and Out of Poverty A minister and advisor to the Senegalese president contributes his enlightening comments on Chinese President Xi Jinping’s book

It is with great interest that I read the book Up and Out of Poverty,written by Chinese President Xi Jinping.The book was originally published in 2016,but remains highly topical today.Besides the struggle against poverty,which,in itself,is an essential issue of governance in modern times,President Xi addresses various other important issues in the book,including the relations and links between cadres and local people,pursuit of excellence in work,quality of state administration,industrial policies,education,cul tural construction,ethical rules in governance,etc.

Swiss Textile Machinery:Many of the innovations will integrate digitalisation and sustainability Interview with Mr. Ernesto Maurer, President of Swissmem, Swiss Textile Machinery Association

24 China Textile Top Interview Swiss Textile Machinery: Many of the innovations will integrate digitalisation and sustainability Interview with Mr. Ernesto Maurer, President of Swissmem, Swiss Textile Machinery Association ITMA 2019 will demonstrate the “inventive DNA” of Switzerland’s machinery producers. Swissmem is keen to emphasise the spirit of inventiveness which has brought history-making breakthroughs as diverse as the chocolate bar, fizzy drinks and the computer mouse – as well as a continuing stream of textile-related innovations for which ITMA will provide the latest evidence.

President＇s Address

2004 was a year of continuous progression and development along the reform of Chinese electric industry, and a year of facing great challenge and opportunity of development, in this unordinary year, guided by the concept of scientific development, the electric power sectors grasped the nettle, made progress volitionally, held together on teamwork, and pushed forward all-round, coordinated and sustainable development of the power industry.

Ecological problems and ecological restoration zoning of the Aral Sea

The Aral Sea was the fourth largest lake in the world but it has shrunk dramatically as a result of irrational human activities, triggering the "Aral Sea ecological crisis". The ecological problems of the Aral Sea have attracted widespread attention, and the alleviation of the Aral Sea ecological crisis has reached a consensus among the five Central Asian countries(Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan). In the past decades, many ecological management measures have been implemented for the ecological restoration of the Aral Sea. However, due to the lack of regional planning and zoning, the results are not ideal. In this study, we mapped the ecological zoning of the Aral Sea from the perspective of ecological restoration based on soil type, soil salinity, surface water, groundwater table, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index(NDVI), land cover, and aerosol optical depth(AOD) data. Soil salinization and salt dust are the most prominent ecological problems in the Aral Sea. We divided the Aral Sea into 7 first-level ecological restoration subregions(North Aral Sea catchment area in the downstream of the Syr Darya River(Subregion Ⅰ);artificial flood overflow area in the downstream of the Aral Sea(Subregion Ⅱ);physical/chemical remediation area of the salt dust source area in the eastern part of the South Aral Sea(Subregion Ⅲ);physical/chemical remediation area of severe salinization in the central part of the South Aral Sea(Subregion Ⅳ);existing water surface and potential restoration area of the South Aral Sea(Subregion Ⅴ);Aral Sea vegetation natural recovery area(Subregion Ⅵ);and vegetation planting area with slight salinization in the South Aral Sea(Subregion Ⅶ)) and 14 second-level ecological restoration subregions according to the ecological zoning principles. Implementable measures are proposed for each ecological restoration subregion. For Subregion Ⅰ and Subregion Ⅱ with lower elevations, artificial flooding should be carried out to restore the surface of the Aral Sea. Subregion Ⅲ and Subregion Ⅳ have severe salinization, making it difficult for vegetation to grow. In these subregions, it is recommended to cover and pave the areas with green biomatrix coverings and environmentally sustainable bonding materials. In Subregion Ⅴ located in the central and western parts of the South Aral Sea, surface water recharge should be increased to ensure that this subregion can maintain normal water levels. In Subregion Ⅵ and Subregion Ⅶ where natural conditions are suitable for vegetation growth, measures such as afforestation and buffer zones should be implemented to protect vegetation. This study could provide a reference basis for future comprehensive ecological management and restoration of the Aral Sea.

There is more to the knee joint than just the quadriceps:A systematic review with meta-analysis and evidence gap map of hamstring strength,flexibility,and morphology in individuals with gradual-onset knee disorders

Background:Impairments in hamstring strength,flexibility,and morphology have been associated with altered knee biomechanics,pain,and function.Determining the presence of these impairments in individuals with gradual-onset knee disorders is important and may indicate targets for assessment and rehabilitation.This systematic review aimed to synthesize the literature to determine the presence of impairments in hamstring strength,flexibility,and morphology in individuals with gradual-onset knee disorders.Methods:Five databases(MEDLINE,Embase,CINAHL,SPORTDiscus,and Web of Science)were searched from inception to September 2022.Only studies comparing hamstring outcomes(e.g.,strength,flexibility,and/or morphology)between individuals with gradual-onset knee disorders and their unaffected limbs or pain-free controls were included.Meta-analyses for each knee disorder were performed.Outcome-level certainty was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment,Development,and Evaluation,and evidence gap maps were created.Results:Seventy-nine studies across 4 different gradual-onset knee disorders(i.e.,knee osteoarthritis(OA),patellofemoral pain(PFP),chondromalacia patellae,and patellar tendinopathy)were included.Individuals with knee OA presented with reduced hamstring strength compared to pain-free controls during isometric(standard mean difference(SMD)=-0.76,95%confidence interval(95%CI):-1.32 to-0.21)and concentric contractions(SMD=-0.97,95%CI:-1.49 to-0.45).Individuals with PFP presented with reduced hamstring strength compared to painfree controls during isometric(SMD=-0.48,95%CI:-0.82 to-0.14),concentric(SMD=-1.07,95%CI:-2.08 to-0.06),and eccentric contractions(SMD=-0.59,95%CI:-0.97 to-0.21).No differences were observed in individuals with patellar tendinopathy.Individuals with PFP presented with reduced hamstring flexibility when compared to pain-free controls(SMD=-0.76,95%CI:-1.15 to-0.36).Evidence gap maps identified insufficient evidence for chondromalacia patellae and hamstring morphology across all gradual-onset knee disorders.Conclusion:Our findings suggest that assessing and targeting impairments in hamstring strength and flexibility during rehabilitation may be recommended for individuals with knee OA or PFP.

Effects of Yerba Mate Consumption (Ilex paraguariensis) on Cardiac Remodeling in Rats

This study investigated the effects of yerba mate consumption, a South American beverage, on cardiac remodeling in rats. For this purpose, 24 male Wistar rats were divided into Control Group (CG) which received filtered water and a standard diet, and Yerba Mate Group (YM), 6 g of Ilex paraguariensis in 100 ml water and the same diet, for 30 days. The YM group showed a reduction in final body weight and food consumption without altering weight gain. Regarding cardiac remodeling, the YM group exhibited a decrease in the right ventricle weight/final body weight ratio, suggesting cardiac atrophy, without affecting the atria and left ventricle. There was no change in cardiomyocyte area or nuclear fractal dimension in both groups. However, animals that consumed yerba mate showed increased collagen deposition and a smaller fractal dimension in the left ventricle. The consumption of yerba mate at room temperature for 30 days induced changes in cardiac remodeling, as evidenced by increased collagen deposition and alterations in fractal dimension in the left ventricle.

Cerebral and muscle tissue oxygenation during exercise in healthy adults: A systematic review

Background:Near-infrared spectroscopy(NIRS)technology has allowed for the measurement of cerebral and skeletal muscle oxygenation simultaneously during exercise.Since this technology has been growing and is now successfully used in laboratory and sports settings,this systematic review aimed to synthesize the evidence and enhance an integrative understanding of bloodflow adjustments and oxygen(O_(2))changes(i.e.,the balance between O_(2) delivery and O_(2) consumption)within the cerebral and muscle systems during exercise.Methods:A systematic review was conducted using PubMed,Embase,Scopus,and Web of Science databases to search for relevant studies that simultaneously investigated cerebral and muscle hemodynamic changes using the near-infrared spectroscopy system during exercise.This review considered manuscripts written in English and available before February 9,2023.Each step of screening involved evaluation by 2 inde-pendent authors,with disagreements resolved by a third author.The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist was used to assess the methodological quality of the studies.Results:Twenty studies were included,of which 80%had good methodological quality,and involved 290 young or middle-aged adults.Different types of exercises were used to assess cerebral and muscle hemodynamic changes,such as cycling(n=11),treadmill(n=1),knee extension(n=5),isometric contraction of biceps brachii(n=3),and duet swim routines(n=1).The cerebral hemodynamics anal-ysis was focused on the frontal cortex(n=20),while in the muscle,the analysis involved vastus lateralis(n=18),gastrocnemius(n=3),biceps brachii(n=5),deltoid(n=1),and intercostal muscle(n=1).Overall,muscle deoxygenation increases during exercise,reaching a plateau in voluntary exhaustion,while in the brain,oxyhemoglobin concentration increases with exercise intensity,reaching a plateau or declining at the exhaustion point.Conclusion:Muscle and cerebral oxygenation respond differently to exercise,with muscle increasing O_(2) utilization and cerebral tissue increasing O_(2) delivery during exercise.However,at the exhaustion point,both muscle and cerebral oxygenation become compromised.This is characterized by a reduction in bloodflow and a decrease in O_(2) extraction in the muscle,while in the brain,oxygenation reaches a plateau or decline,potentially resulting in motor failure during exercise.

Geomorphic signatures and active tectonics in western Saurashtra,Gujarat,India

Active tectonics in an area includes ongoing or recent geologic events.This paper investigates the tectonic influence on the subsidence,uplift and tilt of western Saurashtra through morphotectonic analysis of ten watersheds along with characteristics of relief and drainage orientation.Watersheds 7-9 to the north(N)are tectonically active,which can be linked with the North Kathiawar Fault System(NKFS)and followed by watersheds 6,10,1,4 and 5.Stream-length gradient index and sinuosity index indicate the effect of tectonic events along the master streams in watersheds 6-9.Higher R^(2)values of the linear curve fit for watershed 7 indicate its master stream is much more tectonically active than the others.The R^(2)curve fitting model and earthquake magnitude/depth analysis confirm the region to be active.The reactivation of the NKFS most likely led to the vertical movement of western Saurashtra.

Climate change vulnerability assessment in the new urban planning process in Tanzania

Climate change vulnerability assessment is an essential tool for identifying regions that are most susceptible to the impacts of climate change and designing effective adaptation actions that can reduce vulnerability and enhance long-term resilience of these regions.This study explored a framework for climate change vulnerability assessment in the new urban planning process in Jangwani Ward,Tanzania.Specifically,taking flood as an example,this study highlighted the steps and methods for climate change vulnerability assessment in the new urban planning process.In the study area,95 households were selected and interviewed through purposeful sampling.Additionally,10 respondents(4 females and 6 males)were interviewed for Focus Group Discussion(FGD),and 3 respondents(1 female and 2 males)were selected for Key Informant Interviews(KII)at the Ministry of Lands,Housing and Human Settlements Development.This study indicated that climate change vulnerability assessment framework involves the assessment of climatic hazards,risk elements,and adaptive capacity,and the determination of vulnerability levels.The average hazard risk rating of flood was 2.3.Socioeconomic and livelihood activities and physical infrastructures both had the average risk element rating of 3.0,and ecosystems had the average risk element rating of 2.9.Adaptive capacity ratings of knowledge,technology,economy or finance,and institution were 1.6,1.9,1.4,and 2.2,respectively.The vulnerability levels of socioeconomic and livelihood activities and physical infrastructure were very high(4.0).Ecosystems had a high vulnerability level(3.8)to flood.The very high vulnerability level of socioeconomic and livelihood activities was driven by high exposure and sensitivity to risk elements and low adaptive capacity.The study recommends adoption of the new urban planning process including preparation,planning,implementation,and monitoring-evaluation-review phases that integrates climate change vulnerability assessment in all phases.

The Relationship between Parental Stress and Child Conformity:The Mediating Role of Resilience

Background:In today’s society,parental stress has become a prevalent and significant issue,impacting not only parents’mental health but also potentially profoundly affecting children’s growth and education.This topic has garnered continuous attention from scholars.The present study aims to delve into the relationship between parental stress and children’s behavior,particularly focusing on children’s conformity and discipline development during crucial stages.This study aims to explore the relationship between parental stress,child conformity,and resilience,and further examines the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between parental stress and child conformity.Methods:We used three scales:the Parental Stress Scale,the Child Conformity Scale,and the Resilience Scale,to survey 890 elementary school students(aged 6–12)and their parents in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region of China.We employed SPSS 26.0 software for data analysis,conducting descriptive statistics,correlation analysis,and mediation effect tests sequentially.In the mediation effect tests,we utilized structural equation modeling(SEM)and regression analysis to examine the mediation effects,ensuring the accuracy and scientific nature of our analysis.Results:Through descriptive statistics,correlation analysis,regression models,and mediation effect tests,we found that parental stress significantly negatively predicts child conformity,while resilience shows a significant positive prediction.Further mediation analysis indicates that resilience plays a partial mediating role between parental stress and child conformity,with the mediation effect accounting for 36.67%.Conclusion:These findings highlight the importance of the family environment on child behavior and provide valuable insights and recommendations for family education practices in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.Therefore,we suggest future research should further explore the complex relationships among parental stress,child conformity,and resilience,and examine regional differences to better promote children’s overall development.

ENSO impacts on litter stocks and water holding capacity in secondary forests in eastern Amazonia

Among the impacts of climate change,there is the intensification of phenomena such as the El Niño South-ern Oscillation(ENSO)responsible for El Niño and La Niña.However,understanding their effects on the functional pro-cesses of forests is limited.Therefore,this study evaluated the effects of ENSO on litter stock and water holding capac-ity(WHC)in a successional forest in eastern Amazonia.Evaluations occurred in periods with the most rainfall in El Niño(2019)and least in La Niña(2021)years.Twelve permanent plots were used to sample litter.ENSO effects were evident for WHC,higher during El Niño.However,this influence was not clear for litter,as only in the rainy season effects were found.There was a positive correlation of WHC with precipitation and humidity,while litter stocks were negatively correlated with temperature and wind speed.Although the subject of this study requires long-term assessments,preliminary results suggests that,depending on the intensity of ENSO,forest functional processes can be strongly impacted and altered.The conclusion reinforces warnings by the scientific community about the impacts of climate change on the maintenance of litter stocks,decomposition and,consequently,the biogeochemical cycle and essential ecosystem services for the maintenance of Amazonia biodiversity.The need to develop long-term research to understand the effects of climatic change on litter stocks and water holding capacity is highlighted,especially in Amazonia.

Developing three-dimensional groundwater flow modeling for the Erbil Basin using Groundwater Modeling System (GMS)

This study presents the development of a comprehensive three-dimensional groundwater flow model for the Erbil Basin utilizing the Groundwater Modeling System(GMS).The Erbil Basin,situated in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq,is a vital water resource area facing increasing water demands and environ-mental challenges.The three-dimensional nature of the groundwater flow system is crucial for accurately understanding and managing water resources in the basin.The modeling process involved data collection,geological and hydrogeological characterization,conceptual model development,and numerical simulation using GMS software MODFLOW 2000 package.Various parameters such as hydraulic conductivity,recharge rates,and boundary conditions were integrated into the model to represent the complex hydrogeo-logical conditions of the basin.Model calibration was performed by comparing simulated groundwater levels with observed data from monitoring wells across the basin,using the automatic calibration method of automated Parameter Estimation(PEST).Pilot points were applied to adjust the hydraulic conductivity in the model area spatially.Sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the influence of key parameters on model predictions and to identify areas of uncertainty.The developed three-dimensional groundwater flow model provides valuable insights into the dynamics of groundwater flow,recharge-discharge mechanisms,and potential impacts of future scenarios such as climate change and water resource management strategies.It serves as a useful tool for decision-makers,water resource managers,and researchers to evaluate differ-ent management scenarios and formulate sustainable groundwater management policies for the Erbil Basin.In conclusion,this study demonstrates the effectiveness of using GMS for developing three-dimensional groundwater flow models in complex hydrogeological settings like the Erbil Basin,contributing to improved understanding and management of groundwater resources in the region.

意大利语版护理管理者胜任力测评工具的信效度检验

目的旨在翻译Chase护理管理者胜任力测评工具(the Chase Nurse Manager Competency Instrument,CNMCI)为意大利语,并对其进行信度和效度检验。方法对英文版CNMCI进行翻译,并通过横断面研究验证其信效度。采用预翻译(建立等效)、初始翻译、预测试、审查和管理5个步骤的问卷翻译方法,将英文版工具翻译为意大利语版。于2022年8月到2023年6月,选取意大利3个地区31所医疗机构349名护理管理者进行调查。采用内容效度、结构效度评估工具的效度;采用Cronbach'sα系数、重测信度评估工具的信度。结果意大利语版CNMCI,包括“知识理解”和“实施和/或使用能力”两个分量表,每个分量表包括53个条目。工具的条目内容效度指数(I-CVI)为0.83~1.00,两个分量表的内容效度指数(S-CVI)均为0.97。经验证性因子分析显示该工具各项拟合指数表现良好。工具中“知识理解”分量表的Cronbach'sα系数为0.978,“实施和/或使用能力”分量表的Cronbach'sα系数为0.976。各个维度之间的相关系数为0.494~0.908重测信度为0.820,表明工具的一致性较好。结论意大利语版CNMCI在测量护理管理者胜任力方面显示出良好的信度和效度,并支持该工具的多维度结构。此外,研究结果支持了这些因素的层次性质,进一步支持了该工具的有效性。