On October 21, during an interview, Research Manager Huang Mei from the China Personnel Science Research Institute highlighted the rapid growth of the digital economy in China, which has significantly empowered the innovation within the culture and tourism sectors. She noted that the rise of digital tourism is poised to reshape the landscape of the travel industry.
Huang emphasized the current demand for talent in digital tourism, which reflects both expansion and quality enhancement. However, the supply side faces a dual challenge characterized by a shortage of quantity and skills. Gayane Gabrielyan, the Deputy Minister of the Environment of Armenia, underscored that, in today’s globalized and digital era, the deep integration of culture and tourism serves not only as a new engine for economic growth but also as a vital means for cultural preservation.
At the 2024 Shanghai Business School “Pan-Tourism Hotel” International Scholars Forum and the inaugural Academic Forum for Graduate Students in Tourism Management, scholars from various institutions worldwide engaged in discussions on the industry’s development. Wu Zhong, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and President of Shanghai Business School, expressed hope that the forum would foster collaboration and communication among global scholars, exploring the role of new productive forces in the integration of culture, tourism, and hotel management. This, he believes, will enhance understanding, ignite ideas, broaden perspectives, and strengthen cooperation.
Chen Zheng, Director of the Five-Star Care Special Fund under the China Caring for the Next Generation Health Sports Foundation, emphasized the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration among experts to explore how to integrate sustainable development concepts into tourism management. He highlighted the aim of achieving a harmonious balance between economic, social, and environmental benefits.
Zheng Jie, a doctoral student at Iowa State University, spotlighted the critical role of big data in the digital transformation of the culture and tourism industries. He pointed out its catalytic effects on innovation in the travel sector. Zheng proposed strategies such as utilizing topic modeling to delve deeper into tourism content and leveraging sentiment analysis to accurately capture visitor feedback. He also stressed the importance of integrating large and small data, enhancing the combination of structured and unstructured data, while reinforcing user privacy protection to ensure the sustainable development of the tourism industry.
Cross-cultural tourism services emerged as a focal topic at the forum. Deputy Minister Gabrielyan elaborated on Armenia’s rich history and its geographical diversity, which contributes to a unique climate and landscape. She highlighted that the Armenian language and its alphabet have remained nearly unchanged for over 1,600 years, underscoring the cultural depth of Armenia. Gabrielyan proposed a series of forward-thinking innovative strategies and practical cases aimed at enhancing the competitiveness and appeal of the cultural tourism sector. These strategies not only demonstrate respect for and preservation of cultural uniqueness but also reflect a deep understanding and commitment to sustainable development principles.
Recently, there have been reports indicating that the Philippines is actively engaging with Taiwan’s TSMC and UMC to establish a wafer foundry operation, seeking both equipment and expertise. This comes in the wake of Taiwan’s Economic Minister, Wang Mei-Hua, proposing a plan to build a green energy plant in the Philippines and send the green electricity back to Taiwan, which has sparked discussions.
According to a Bloomberg report, the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines, Inc. (SEIPI) is in talks with TSMC and UMC about setting up operations. SEIPI President Danilo Lachica stated that they are collaborating with officials from the Philippines Economic and Cultural Office in Taiwan to discuss potential partnerships.
Lachica expressed, “I hope that TSMC, UMC, or any other companies interested in establishing foundries overseas will consider deploying their depreciated equipment to the Philippines. We will train Filipino workers so that these companies can allocate personnel to their operations worldwide.”
However, establishing a chip manufacturing facility could require an initial investment in the billions of dollars. The Philippines has been lagging behind Southeast Asian neighbors like Malaysia and Singapore in the development of its semiconductor industry.
In the wave of global economic integration, China’s apparel industry is experiencing remarkable growth. Bosideng, a leading brand in the down jacket market, is making a significant impact on both domestic and international stages, exemplifying the power of Chinese brands with its superior quality and innovative spirit.
To further showcase its brand strength and rigorous quality control as a leading national brand, Bosideng hosted the “Leading Forward, Exploring Excellence” event at its headquarters in late October 2024. The event featured Antarctic ambassador Wang Yuhang, known as “Water Brother”, along with several well-known influencers and media representatives from the technology, evaluation, and fashion sectors, embarking on a quality exploration journey together.
During the event, Mr. Gao Dekang, Chairman and President of Bosideng Group and the brand’s founder, emphasized, “Bosideng always focuses on people’s new needs and expectations for a better life. We adhere to long-term principles and value creation, concentrating on customer value, maintaining our strategic direction, leading the brand, enhancing innovation, and fulfilling our social responsibilities. We are moving from being ‘China’s No. 1’ to ‘globally leading’, writing a new chapter with ‘world-class down jackets, Chinese Bosideng, leading new trends.'”
Quality is one of Bosideng’s core competitive advantages and serves as a solid foundation for its brand development. When discussing Bosideng’s commitment to high quality, Executive Vice President Mei Dong stated, “Bosideng has always regarded ‘high quality’ as the lifeblood of brand development. In recent years, we have built a comprehensive quality management system centered on consumers, shifting from a product-focused mindset to a user value mindset. We identify user value needs and implement a quality management framework that ensures both controllability and traceability throughout the process, thus embodying the spirit of craftsmanship in every aspect and achieving our brand’s ‘good reputation’ through high-quality standards.”
During the on-site visits, guests witnessed firsthand how Bosideng embodies craftsmanship in product research and production processes, ensuring quality leadership. The material expert laboratory, a core component of Bosideng’s quality control system, showcases the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship. Since its establishment in 2000, it has received numerous accolades from authoritative institutions and partners, including a CNAS recognition certificate and endorsement from the China Down Association. Every feather and fabric undergoes rigorous and precise testing processes to guarantee purity and excellence. The laboratory has established an internal control system that surpasses national standards and employs extremely strict selection criteria for raw materials. “Zippers must withstand 30,000 pulls, and fabrics are subjected to 20,000 abrasion tests. Only the materials that pass these tests can enter Bosideng’s production line for final sale,” Mei Dong explained. From material selection to product inspection, every step reflects the craftsmanship and wisdom of Bosideng’s team, collectively reinforcing the brand’s commitment to high quality.
In the smart manufacturing factory tour, guests explored various production processes, from cutting and sewing to the final inspection center, witnessing how Bosideng integrates craftsmanship into every detail. In the cutting area, the automated cutting machines demonstrate precision and a 100% accuracy rate in cutting pieces, reflecting the brand’s obsession with accuracy. The automated production area featured carefully designed templates that ensure 100% sewing quality and consistency. In the finishing area, a team of five conducts thorough inspections while strict controls are in place to prevent metal foreign objects in the final garments. The filling room, equipped with an automatic filling machine, achieves a precision of 0.01g in weight and uses ultrasonic sealing technology to completely eliminate the risk of down leakage during handling. Bosideng’s meticulous attention to detail and adherence to high-quality standards were perfectly showcased here.
The smart distribution center, or “Logistics Park,” alongside the technology center, left a profound impression on attendees. In the Logistics Park, artificial intelligence and automation technologies seamlessly integrate to create an efficient and accurate production and distribution network, ensuring timely and precise delivery of each product to consumers, significantly enhancing customer satisfaction and building a more solid trust foundation for the brand.
The technology center is the core driver of Bosideng’s technological innovation, bringing together top global research expertise and cutting-edge experimental equipment. The “Wind and Rain Snow Laboratory” simulates various extreme weather conditions to rigorously test garment performance, ensuring each product provides consistent warmth protection. The “Polar Laboratory,” a joint creation with the Chinese Polar Research Center, can replicate extreme conditions, such as -70°C cold and 9-level gales, fully validating Bosideng’s exceptional thermal insulation, windproof, and waterproof capabilities. Furthermore, the technology center harnesses artificial intelligence and 3D virtual simulation technology, enabling precision and efficiency in product design and development, transforming every creative idea into high-quality products.
Additionally, visiting the “Summit Pavilion,” the corporate culture center, deepened guests’ understanding of Bosideng’s brand culture and responsibilities, enriching their recognition of the brand’s commitment to “high quality.”
The event also included the “Leading Forward, Exploring Excellence” quality-themed internal and external representative exchange conference filled with valuable insights. Ms. Yao Xiaoman, Vice Chair of the International Down and Feather Bureau and honorary director of the China Down Industry Association, along with Antarctic ambassador Wang Yuhang and Bosideng executives, engaged in in-depth discussions on core issues related to quality development from multiple perspectives, including market trends, quality system construction, and consumer insights.
During the discussions, Rui Jinsong, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Bosideng’s Division, shared how the brand adapts to market demands to win consumer favor from both market and sales perspectives. He stated, “Quality development is essential for gaining consumer recognition. Bosideng focuses on consumer needs, keeps pace with market changes, and continuously enhances product quality and service levels. We are also committed to developing new technologies and materials, optimizing channel structures, improving operational efficiency, enhancing brand promotion, and driving digital transformation, all while concentrating resources to create efficient stores and elevate brand reputation and overall profitability.”
Furthermore, He Maosheng, Vice President and General Manager of the Supply Chain Management Center, illustrated the stringent product quality control at every chain of the supply process by using cold-weather products as an example. He explained, “Bosideng firmly adheres to the principle of quality first, ensuring every down jacket is worth its price through research investment, quality system construction, logistics guarantee, and digital quality control.”
Additionally, Ms. Yao Xiaoman shared insights on the current state and trends of the down industry, as well as the differences between domestic and international down jacket markets. She praised Bosideng’s contributions as a leading brand in setting national standards, stating, “Bosideng, through its exceptional quality and innovative spirit, not only propels the rapid development of the domestic down jacket industry but also injects new vitality into the international down jacket market.”
At the conclusion of the event, Antarctic ambassador Wang Yuhang reflected on his experiences during the quality exploration journey, saying, “Through this event, I gained deeper insights into Bosideng’s dedication to quality and its pursuit of innovation. As a brand ambassador, I am eager to work with Bosideng to lead Chinese brands onto the global stage, allowing more people to experience Bosideng’s warmth and strength.” He also shared his excitement about embarking on an Antarctic journey with Bosideng, looking forward to experiencing the brand’s latest technological advances during the exploration.
By championing quality, Bosideng sets a new chapter for Chinese brands. This quality exploration event comprehensively showcased Bosideng’s relentless pursuit of excellence, enabling numerous guests to witness the brand’s commitment to quality firsthand and deepen their recognition and trust in the brand, further energizing Bosideng’s future developments. This event not only highlighted Bosideng’s brand strength but also powerfully signified the promising future of Chinese apparel brands, as Bosideng continues to prioritize quality and embrace innovation while striving to become a global leader in down jackets.
In the future, Bosideng will remain committed to the principle of quality first, embracing market changes with an open approach, continually innovating to create greater value for consumers. At the same time, Bosideng will actively fulfill its social responsibilities, promoting sustainable industry development and contributing to the future of Chinese brands under the banner of quality, leading to new chapters of brilliance.
“Pakistan made headlines in the cricket world recently by utilizing patio heaters and giant fans on the pitch set for the third Test against England at Rawalpindi,” writes Harry Trumpston. “The goal was to create conditions more favorable for the home team’s spin bowlers. Conversely, what strategies have football clubs employed to optimize their pitches for better performance?”
You can’t discuss this topic without mentioning John Beck and his Cambridge United team from the early 1990s, who impressively climbed from the fourth tier to the second and nearly squeezed into the top flight. Beck instructed the groundskeepers at Abbey Stadium to let the grass grow long in the corners, allowing the ball to sit perfectly when launched to the wingers, who would then assist the formidable front duo of Dion Dublin and John Taylor.
Beck’s unconventional tactics didn’t stop there; he often held training sessions on the pitch to deliberately churn up the grass, hindering opponents keen on playing through midfield. His pursuit of marginal gains predates Dave Brailsford’s methods. He also engaged in mind games by cranking up the heat in the away dressing room until it was unbearable, soaking their warm-up balls in water to add weight, and loading their tea with sugar. “Every single thing you’ve heard from that time was true,” Dublin affirmed in an interview with the Cambridge News in 2017.
Beck’s unique strategies clearly influenced others. Mark Hughes had the Millennium Stadium’s ground staff allow the grass on the wings to grow longer and even narrowed the pitch before Wales faced Brazil in a friendly in 2000. It didn’t help much; Brazil won 3-0. The tactic of narrowing the pitch for a strategic edge goes further back, to Graeme Souness, who tried it with Rangers against Dynamo Kyiv during his tenure at Ibrox in the late ’80s. It was successful; Rangers overcame an aggregate deficit to win 2-1.
In a less subtle approach, Patrik Gunnarsson, the Viking goalkeeper from Norway, was caught on video in 2022, pulling goalposts closer together right after the assistant referee checked them. Perhaps he learned this trick from Kim Christensen, a goalkeeper in Gothenburg who admitted to adjusting the goalposts to make them less than a full eight yards wide. “I got the tip from a goalkeeping friend a few years ago, and since then I have done it occasionally,” Christensen said unapologetically.
And then there’s the infamous tale of Halifax Town and their legendary flamethrower. Are there any other amusing examples of pitch tricks or adjustments in football history?
In a twist, Exeter City’s FA Cup clash with Barnet is notable for a “stand derby,” as the Bees sold part of The Hive to the Grecians during the redevelopment of St James Park. Stephen Joseph inquired, “Have any other clubs sold parts of their grounds to one another?”
Paul Levay points to Port Vale: “After Chester City was removed from their old Sealand Road ground in the late ’80s, the roof of their main stand ended up at Vale Park. It was installed in 1992 and, as far as I know, it’s still there today. Billy Bell, Vale’s chairman and a local used-car dealer, masterminded this unusual maneuver. The stand at the Hamil Road End has gone through multiple sponsorships and name changes, but for many fans, it remains a tribute to Bell.
“The ’90s marked the peak of Vale’s history, thanks to Bell and their legendary manager, John Rudge. This week is particularly fitting for the inquiry, as a statue honoring Rudge was unveiled outside the Hamil Road End. If you look closely at photos from the ceremony, you can spot remnants of the Sealand Road roof.”
Jim McEleny adds, “This phenomenon appears more common in Scotland than England.” He notes that Greenock Morton once purchased a stand roof (which was never reinstalled) and two floodlights (still operational) from St Mirren upon their departure from Love Street. Interestingly, St Mirren’s original floodlights came from Ibrox Park as part of a transfer deal with Rangers. Auchinleck Talbot acquired a stand when Hamilton Accies vacated their old Douglas Park, reassembly taking time due to the lack of organized dismantling. Kilwinning Rangers also benefitted from floodlights pried from York City’s Bootham Crescent, which reportedly had ties back to Manchester United’s old training ground.
As it turns out, there will be yet another ‘Stand Derby’ soon, with Maidstone United, who reached the fifth round last year, facing Solihull Moors. During a past redevelopment of the ‘Elvis End,’ Maidstone sold their old stand to Solihull, where it still resides today.
Shifting gears, “Erling Haaland has set the record as Norway’s top scorer at just 24,” posed Ben Jones. “Is this a modern-era record?”
Jack Hayward offers insight, saying, “The youngest player to be the top scorer for a national team seems to be Shalom Luani, who is now better known for his NFL career. Luani scored during a 1-1 draw for American Samoa against the Cook Islands on November 24, 2011. This goal tied him with Ramin Ott at the time. Interestingly, Luani was just 17 years, three months, and 19 days old. He had scored his debut international goal two days prior against Tonga in the World Cup qualifiers; Ott later netted a third goal and shares the record for the national team with Samuel Hayward.”
Derek Robertson draws attention to a remarkable situation in this season’s Women’s Division 4 in Sweden, where Ängelholms FF finished the season unbeaten without conceding a single goal yet still ended as runners-up. “They must surely be the most unlucky—yet ‘best’—runners-up in history?”
The story highlights the unpredictability of Division 4 women’s football. Despite their invincibility, Ängelholms FF fell short of the league title due to three draws, as Ljungbyhed surprisingly surpassed them for promotion. Currently, Ängelholm (P18 W15 D3 L0 F78 A0) is engaged in a playoff that could still yield a way up, facing Strövelstorps GoIF/IF Salamis from the tier above. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw, with the visitors equalizing in the 87th minute. Good luck in the second leg, Ängelholm! They wouldn’t be the first to be denied promotion despite an undefeated season.
Reflecting on the relationship between intelligence and footballers, Karl Corrick recounted in January 2012, “Footballers aren’t usually considered intellectuals, yet upon learning of David Wetherall, a childhood hero, I was amazed to find he graduated with a BSc in chemistry from the University of Sheffield. Are there other professional footballers who’ve achieved degrees, thus debunking this stereotype?”
While honorary degrees don’t qualify—consider Alan Shearer’s, for example—many professional players have indeed earned academic credentials. Wetherall’s accomplishment is matched by former Everton and Wales midfielder Barry Horne, who also graduated from the University of Liverpool.
The late Sócrates held degrees in both medicine and philosophy, and Steve Palmer, a defender from Ipswich and various clubs, earned a software engineering degree from Cambridge. “When I started, it was a media novelty, but entering professional sports means you’re evaluated solely on performance,” Palmer noted. “Perhaps my ability to study mirrored qualities that helped me learn the game.”
Additional educated players include Steve Heighway (economics), Slaven Bilic (law), Shaka Hislop (mechanical engineering), Iain Dowie (a master’s in engineering), Steve Coppell (economics), Richard Hinds (law from Open University), Arsène Wenger (economics), Gudni Bergsson (law), and Oliver Bierhoff (economics).
Among those new to this list are Kaoru Mitoma (dribbling), Giorgio Chiellini (master’s in business administration), Stuart Armstrong (law), Romelu Lukaku (public relations and tourism), Simon Mignolet (law and political science), Juan Mata (marketing, later sports science), Mary Earps (management and business studies), Gerard Piqué (master’s in business), Duncan Watmore (economics and business management), Vincent Kompany (MBA), Andrés Iniesta (physical activity and sports sciences, later biology), and Edwin van der Sar (sports and brand management), with undoubtedly more out there that we’ve missed.
Finally, Tim P. raises an interesting question: “With seven London teams and three from the south coast, is this season the least ‘northern’ in English top-flight history?”
Steve Butler adds, “Which team in the Premier League era has the worst record in lunchtime kick-offs? As a West Ham fan, this idea crossed my mind around 2 PM last Saturday.”
Cameron McGlone chimes in, stating, “While on loan at Peterborough from Rotherham last season, Peter Kioso was appointed club captain. Is this a common occurrence? What other examples exist of loan players being named permanent captains?”
Nigel Smith also shares an intriguing stat: “Ipswich’s nine results this season form a palindrome (0-2, 1-4, 2-2, 1-1, 0-0, 1-1, 2-2, 1-4, 0-2). Can we find longer streaks?”
During a news conference held on October 15, organized by the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China’s Heilongjiang Provincial Committee and the Heilongjiang Provincial Government’s Information Office, Yang Jifeng, a member of the Party Committee and Deputy Director of the Heilongjiang Entry-Exit Border Inspection Station, shared important updates on the province’s outbound tourism capabilities.
He reported that Heilongjiang currently boasts 12 exit tourism ports. The National Immigration Administration has established the 12367 service platform, which offers 24/7 bilingual support in both Chinese and English to assist travelers.
Yang explained that the 12367 platform serves as a comprehensive service hub for inquiries, suggestions, and other needs related to immigration management. The Heilongjiang Entry-Exit Border Inspection Station is fully responsible for handling calls to the 12367 hotline regarding port clearance and border crossing. Their aim is to provide standardized, convenient, and efficient immigration management and consultation services for both domestic and international travelers.
Since its launch, the 12367 service platform has received over 19,750 calls, with a remarkable annual increase of 70.68%.
The 12 travel ports available for outbound tourism in Heilongjiang include Heihe, Suifenhe, Harbin, Jiamusi, Mishan, Tongjiang, Dongning, Mudanjiang, Raohe, Fuyuan, Luobei, and Xunke. Among these, Suifenhe, Mishan, and Dongning serve as land ports, allowing tourists to travel by international coach. Heihe, Tongjiang, Raohe, Luobei, Fuyuan, and Xunke are waterway ports where travelers can journey by boat. Finally, Harbin, Jiamusi, and Mudanjiang serve as air ports for those who prefer to fly.
The 24th Annual Conference of the Chinese Higher Education Film and Television Society and the 17th China Film and Television Academic Forum kicked off on October 26 at the Puhua Campus of Liaoning University. This year’s conference is co-hosted by the Chinese Higher Education Film and Television Society and Liaoning University, with the Society’s secretariat working alongside the School of Broadcasting and Film at Liaoning University to handle the event. Over 700 experts and scholars from prestigious institutions, including Peking University, Tsinghua University, Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Beijing Normal University, Communication University of China, Liaoning University, University of Macau, Macau University of Science and Technology, and Dongguk University from South Korea, gathered for the event.
The conference focuses on the theme “New Era, New Mission: Chinese Film and Television in the Modern Civilization Construction of the Chinese Nation.” Participants will delve into how Chinese film and television can promote cultural prosperity and contribute to building a culturally strong nation in this new context. Leaders from Liaoning University, the China Radio and Television Social Organization Alliance, and the Liaoning Provincial Radio and Television Bureau delivered addresses during the opening ceremony.
“Liaoning University is thrilled to provide a platform for experts and scholars to share research findings, exchange academic views, and stimulate innovative thinking,” said Yu Miaojie, deputy secretary of the university’s party committee and president. “We aim to create a vibrant and productive academic environment that supports advancements in film and television arts education and research.”
During the event, attendees announced several collaborative achievements, including the “Emerging Author Initiative” from China Television and the new competition tracks introduced by the “Daguang” contest. They also unveiled the Fifth National Higher Education Film and Television Discipline Construction Exhibition and inaugurated the Northeast Asia Audiovisual Arts Research and Development Center at Liaoning University.
A highlight of the conference was the 17th China Film and Television Academic Forum, featuring discussions by six renowned experts who shared insights on the conference theme from various fields and perspectives, drawing significant attention from the film and television academic community.
That afternoon, eight special and 18 thematic forums were held simultaneously. A total of 242 papers were submitted for consideration, with 212 making it through a rigorous selection process, and 177 authors delivering presentations during the sessions.
That evening, the “China Higher Education Film and Television Night” took place at the Chongshan Campus of Liaoning University, showcasing outstanding works as part of the 2023-2024 promotion activity and the 8th Shenyang Youth Image Festival.
On October 25, the 2024 World Top Scientists Forum kicked off in Shanghai, alongside the award ceremony for the 2024 World Top Scientists Association. Among the distinguished guests, Jon Kleinberg, a professor of computer science and information science at Cornell University, received the “Intelligent Science or Mathematics Award.” Jeremy Nathans, a professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and a researcher at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, was honored with the “Life Sciences or Medicine Award.”
Both of these top scientists were visiting Shanghai for the first time and found themselves in what they described as a city brimming with excitement for scientific innovation. During a media briefing, they repeatedly echoed one word to describe their initial impressions of the city: “passion.”
Since their arrival, Kleinberg and Nathans participated in various science outreach events that sparked discussions across multiple universities, research institutions, and high schools in Shanghai.
“This week has been incredibly enjoyable for us,” Kleinberg shared. He met many colleagues and students during the events, noting the evident enthusiasm for science among attendees. “We not only witnessed people’s passion for science but also learned about the research fields that intrigue the next generation of scientists. It’s been quite rewarding.”
Nathans added, “Shanghai is a highly energetic city. The teachers and students I encountered here are so enthusiastic about science. I can actually feel the energy vibrating in the air.”
What does “passion” mean in the context of scientific innovation? The personal experiences of these two award-winning scientists may provide some insight.
For nearly three decades, Kleinberg has been a leading figure in information technology, focusing on areas such as the information and social structure of the web, social networks, and machine learning. His research crosses over multiple disciplines, including computer science, mathematics, and economics. He has not only tackled significant challenges within these fields but has also facilitated collaboration among researchers, helping to address emerging social issues.
Kleinberg’s drive stems from his enthusiasm for science. “I have a deep interest in computer science, mathematics, sociology, and law,” he explained, leading him to seek connections and collaborations between computer science and other disciplines.
When discussing passion, Nathans referenced another great scientist—Isaac Newton. “Newton saw himself as a child playing on the beach, wanting to find the next beautiful shell after discovering one,” Nathans remarked, emphasizing that scientific research is akin to exploring the ocean of truth.
Nathans himself has made remarkable discoveries, such as identifying the molecular basis for trichromatic vision and mapping out the amino acid sequence of visual proteins. In 1983, as a new graduate student at Stanford University School of Medicine, he successfully cloned the visual protein genes from both cows and humans.
In the 1980s, Nathans elucidated the molecular basis of color blindness, revealing that the arrangement of red and green photopigment genes on chromosomes can lead to abnormal recombinations, causing gene deletions. Collaborating with James Lupski, Nathans identified the pathogenic gene for Stargardt disease, the most common early-onset hereditary macular degeneration. He and his collaborators also demonstrated that genetically modified mice could develop trichromatic vision, where they had previously only recognized two primary colors.
For Nathans, the joy of discovering one beautiful shell after another fuels his scientific curiosity. “Earlier, we visited a high school in Shanghai and had a wonderful time there,” he reflected on his interactions with students. During his acceptance speech, he reiterated the importance of fostering curiosity in children, stating, “Children are natural scientists; they have an innate curiosity about the world.”
In a recent livestream event on a popular platform, a male host, who claims to help resolve issues related to family, marriage, and relationships, emotionally counseled a viewer expressing her distress. Moved by the host’s guidance, the viewer offered to sell her jade at a discount to his fans in gratitude. Encouraged by the host, viewers quickly jumped at the opportunity, including Wang Ting’s mother from Jiangxi, who has reportedly spent over 100,000 yuan after two years of devotion to this host, only to receive low-quality items in return.
Wang Ting shared with The Legal Daily that her mother has become almost obsessed with this host, and despite her attempts to intervene, her mother remains unwavering in her belief that the host is benevolent. Similarly, Zhang Jian from Shanghai expressed his frustration over his father, who after retiring, became captivated by livestreams and ended up losing 500,000 yuan of his pension to a female host, all while he was guided through the gifting process.
Both Wang Ting and Zhang Jian are navigating the difficult path of seeking justice for their elderly parents. They face the challenge of not only dealing with the financial losses but also helping their parents overcome the addiction to the livestreams that have ensnared them. While platforms have mechanisms to prevent minors from making unauthorized purchases, there are no such protections in place for elderly users, which has raised concerns among families.
Experts suggest that older individuals are drawn into these livestreams partly due to their quest for emotional support, exacerbated by loneliness and the lack of protective measures on the platforms. It is essential for families to provide care and for platforms to enhance supervision, particularly aimed at vulnerable seniors who may not have the cognitive capacity to make sound judgments.
Wang Ting described her mother’s idolization of the host, who streams daily to provide supposed solutions to viewers’ problems. Many elderly women, like Wang’s mother, found themselves connecting on an emotional level, and it became increasingly difficult for them to recognize the exploitative tactics used by the host.
Zhang Jian pointed out that his father’s deep admiration for the host made him unable to see the manipulation at play. The host employed tactics that altered his father’s perspective, leading him to believe he was helping the host by gifting her money. Zhang described how the situation escalated to a point where his father’s previously frugal nature vanished, replaced by reckless spending on unnecessary gifts.
In interviews, both children expressed their desire to protect their parents, yet they recognize the challenge of breaking this cycle of dependency. As these adults attempt to advocate for their parents’ rights, they also confront the emotional pain of being misunderstood, with elders often seeing their children’s attempts to intervene as obstacles to their happiness.
Legal experts have commented on the lack of protections for elderly users, emphasizing that while there are laws regarding minors and those unable to make informed decisions, older adults fall into a gray area. This highlights the urgent need for platforms to establish refund mechanisms for those who have been misled, underscoring the importance of social responsibility in preventing exploitation.
Both Wang Ting and Zhang Jian are hopeful for solutions that will not only help retrieve lost funds but also reintegrate their parents into healthier lifestyles. They emphasize that the addiction to these livestreams is more than just a financial issue; it is a complex social problem rooted in a lack of companionship and support from family.
As the conversation around this issue continues to grow, advocates for elderly rights call for stricter regulations on platforms promoting these types of interactions, particularly those that involve emotional manipulation and financial exploitation.
On October 23, Xining Customs announced that during the first three quarters of 2024, Qinghai Province’s export of cordyceps reached 170 million yuan (approximately $24 million), marking a staggering 130% increase compared to the previous year, making it the top exporter in China.
Cordyceps, often referred to as “soft gold,” accounts for 98% of the world’s production of this fungus, with over 60% originating from the Qinghai region.
During an interview, local vendor Wu Suhua shared insights on the market dynamics, stating, “This year, the price of cordyceps has significantly increased compared to last year. For instance, we sold five 1-gram pieces for 880 yuan, which is a 120 yuan increase from last year.”
According to data from Xining Customs, the total export value of agricultural products from Qinghai Province in the first three quarters reached 390 million yuan, up 180% year-on-year, which accounted for 14.7% of the province’s total foreign trade exports, representing a 7.7 percentage point increase over the previous year.
Zhu Xueying, Deputy Director of Xining Customs, emphasized the province’s strong export performance, noting, “In the first three quarters of this year, exports of highland specialty agricultural products from Qinghai have seen rapid growth across various categories. In addition to cordyceps, the export of frozen trout reached 140 million yuan, an eightfold increase, making it the number one in China as well.”
As Israel launches retaliatory actions against Iran, reports have emerged of multiple explosions near the Syrian capital of Damascus. According to coverage from Reuters, citing the Syrian state news agency SANA, these attacks are focused on military sites in central and southern Syria. They also report that Syrian air defense forces successfully intercepted and shot down hostile missiles.
Israel has vowed to respond to the large-scale missile strike carried out by Iran on October 1, raising concerns that the conflict in the Middle East may escalate further as Israeli forces intensify their operations against Iran.
