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This paper systematically examines how COVID has shaped an essential craft industry in Jingdezhen, China's “Porcelain Capital”, providing a typical case reflecting COVID’s structural effects on the cultural and creative sectors. Drawing upon primary data collected through four field trips between September 2018 and March 2023, this paper reveals the enormous challenges craft practitioners and businesses face amid COVID, including financial losses, business closures, and diminished international trade. Despite easing restrictions since 2023, there is little sign that the industry will return to pre-pandemic status soon. Moreover, although COVID and the “digital pivot” triggered by it introduced new opportunities for some craft practitioners, they predominantly exposed and exacerbated existing inequalities in the craft industry, including among private businesses and individual practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Workplaces are a primary setting for many people's political learning and participation. It is, therefore, academically and practically meaningful to assess how workplace experience shapes employees' political efficacy. This article employs multiple linear regression models to empirically analyse the relationship between perceived workplace autonomy and political efficacy based on representative national survey data from China. It then addresses potential self-selection bias and endogeneity problems through various approaches, including propensity score matching (PSM) and two-stage instrumental variable (IV) estimations. The findings reveal that the extent of perceived workplace autonomy has a significantly positive correlation with both internal and external political efficacy. Moreover, the results demonstrate that under contemporary China's sociopolitical circumstances, the correlation patterns between perceived workplace autonomy and external political efficacy differ significantly between the for-profit and nonprofit sectors, highlighting the moderation effects of job sectors. However, the moderation effect of job sectors does not apply to the correlation between perceived workplace autonomy and internal political efficacy, indicating that distinctions exist between internal and external political efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article documents and analyses the Chinese government's legislative and policy framework for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage (ICH). It summarises early Chinese ICH protection measures before analysing how systemic ICH legislation and policy frameworks were put into place after China joined the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2004. Since then, China has established a multilayered legislative framework for safeguarding ICH, with its capstone national ICH law passed in 2011. China currently embraces a production-based ICH-safeguarding paradigm, and it is implementing several practice-oriented policy initiatives that are discussed in this article. China's legislative and policy endeavours to safeguard ICH are impressive when compared to most other countries, but they are also hampered by significant challenges that are inherent in its state-centric nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reveals the contemporary Chinese state's active role in shaping the country's religion-related intangible cultural heritage (ICH) safeguarding, through a systematic review of China's official inventories of national representative ICH projects and extensive investigations of relevant local practices and initiatives. Although China is ruled by a political party officially embracing an atheist ideology, various elements of the contemporary Chinese state have been proactively involved in safeguarding religion-related ICH. The Chinese state's involvement in de facto religion-related ICH safeguarding predates its adoption of explicit ICH safeguarding narratives. Still, the Chinese state's practices and initiatives in safeguarding religion-related ICH flourished after ratifying the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2004. Since then, China's central government has established a nationwide framework to recognise representative ICH items, including religion-related ones. Beyond Beijing, various local state agencies have also developed noticeable enthusiasm for supporting the safeguarding of religion-related ICH. In addition to engaging directly with ICH safeguarding, the contemporary Chinese state has also shaped China's religion-related ICH by working closely with some academics and religious groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the innovative strategies that have allowed a young, transcultural Humanistic Buddhist organisation in China and elsewhere to emerge, endure and expand in challenging environments. Developing religious entrepreneurship as an analytic tool, we explain how this organisation survives and thrives in a diverse range of geographical, cultural and political settings. This in-depth case study draws on original data from extensive fieldwork in mainland China, revealing a transcultural turn within a movement that has already become a global force in Chinese Buddhism. This case study also contributes to our theoretical understanding of how innovation and controlled risk-taking allow religious start-ups to expand their influence and carve out new spaces for growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'Shelving Disputes and Pursuing Joint Development' (SDPJD) has for decades been China's premier policy for resolving territorial disputes, especially those regarding islands. SDPJD is, however, commonly understood to be tripartite policy, in which 'shelving disputes' and 'pursuing joint development' are made conditional upon the principle of 'sovereignty belongs to China'. Although SDPJD aims to peacefully settle China's island territorial disputes in the East China Sea (Diaoyu Islands) and the South China Sea (Spratly Islands), the policy has not been particularly successful in practice. This is in part because, whereas 'shelving disputes' and 'pursuing joint development' are cooperative in nature, 'sovereignty belongs to China' is inherently confrontational. The prominence granted to 'sovereignty belongs to China' is linked to outmoded understanding of the concept of sovereignty and the tendency for Chinese scholars and officials to regard island territorial disputes as the zero-sum games. This paper argues that SDPJD's success is dependent upon separating 'sovereignty belongs to China' from 'shelving disputes' and 'pursuing joint development' and perhaps abandoning the former principle entirely. China should pursue non-confrontation resolution to island territorial pursuits, especially in the contexts of efforts to develop a peaceful and cooperative 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) is spreading rapidly in Asia. This virus is transmitted by the Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis), which has parthenogenetically and sexually reproducing populations. Parthenogenetic populations were found in ≥15 provinces in China and strongly correlated with the distribution of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome cases. However, distribution of these cases was poorly correlated with the distribution of populations of bisexual ticks. Phylogeographic analysis suggested that the parthenogenetic population spread much faster than bisexual population because colonization is independent of sexual reproduction. A higher proportion of parthenogenetic ticks was collected from migratory birds captured at an SFTSV-endemic area, implicating the contribution to the long-range movement of these ticks in China. The SFTSV susceptibility of parthenogenetic females was similar to that of bisexual females under laboratory conditions. These results suggest that parthenogenetic Asian longhorned ticks, probably transported by migratory birds, play a major role in the rapid spread of SFTSV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although compact urban form plays an important role in constraining emissions of carbon dioxide (CO 2), the boundary for the impact of compact urban form on these emissions has nevertheless received little attention. We consequently applied the entropy weight method and several key landscape metrics to a dataset from 295 cities in China to quantify urban form compactness (UFC) between 2000 and 2015. The STIRPAT model then was employed to estimate the impact of UFC on CO 2 emissions, and a panel threshold regression model was used to estimate threshold effects capable of limiting the impact of compact urban form on emissions. Although CO 2 emissions increased sharply over the 15-year study period, a significant negative relationship between UFC and CO 2 emissions was detected. Two thresholds of UFC were detected, and this allowed three categories to be differentiated: before the first threshold, between the two thresholds, and after the second threshold. These categories were respectively associated with no impact, strong impact, and weak impact of UFC on reduction of carbon emissions in the 295 cities. Carbon emissions reduction consequently becomes effective when the UFC exceeds the first threshold and effectiveness persists but at a reduced level when the UFC exceeds the second threshold. Further temporal analysis confirmed that an increasing number of mostly small- and medium-sized cities could constrain their future carbon emissions by adopting a compact urban form. Thus, government policies should emphasize UFC as a strategy to reduce CO 2 emissions. Moreover, by defining the range of compact urban form that has the greatest impact on CO 2 emissions, our study deepens the overall understanding of the influence of UFC on carbon emission reductions, so as to make contributions to the design of low-carbon cities. [Display omitted] • The panel threshold regression model was employed. • Urban form compactness (UFC) had negative relationship with CO 2 emissions. • The impact of UFC on CO 2 emissions had two threshold points. • Three impact intervals (no, strong, and weak) of UFC on CO 2 emissions were defined. • Urban planners should optimize carbon reduction by pursing moderate UFC as a goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Urban boundary dataset in 1525 cities of China from 1990 to 2015 were constructed. • Urban form tends to be homogenization within and between different city tiers recently. • Cities within and between higher tiers presented more obvious homogenization trend. • Discretization and aggregation were two different orientation of urban form evolution. Although the evolution characteristics and drivers of urban form have received significant attention in the past, the homogenization trend of urban form has been neglected. This study examined the changing urban form of a large cohort of 1525 Chinese cities over an extended, 25-year period of rapid growth from 1990 to 2015. Landscape indices and principal component analysis were used to quantify urban form in terms of morphological and spatial complexity, as well as spatial agglomeration. Then the cosine similarity index was employed to measure the homogenization degree of urban form (HDUF) of the entire cohort and of four tiers of these cities that had been previously defined by the city tier system of China. The K-means algorithm and trajectory analysis were subsequently used to describe the homogenizing orientation of urban form. Our results indicate that the HDUF within tiers is increasing along similar trends that are offset over time. The highest tier cities began to homogenize after 1995, followed by intermediate and lower tiered cities, which began to homogenize from 2000 to 2005. The lowest tier cities began to homogenize after 2010. The homogenization trends were also apparent when analysis was conducted between different tiers. As of 1990, the orientation of urban form of more than 99% of the cities was characterized by regular form with low patch density, but by 2005, almost half of the cities were undergoing transition toward either a compact from, which was characterized by low patch number and shorter distance patch distribution, or a fragmented form, which was characterized by elevated patch number and longer distance patch distribution. The temporal pattern of homogenization and the observed bifurcated orientation of form indicate (i) that challenges currently faced by higher tier cities will confront lower tier cities in the future and (ii) that it is important to understand the mechanisms that govern the alternative trajectories toward compactness and fragmentation. Our study deepens the understanding of the urban form evolution and its driving mechanisms and provide a guiding framework to predict future urban development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insulin resistance has been a possible underlying pathophysiologic defect inducing the metabolic syndrome (MS). However association studies regarding Insulin receptor gene in different ethnic groups are scarce in literature. Here we conduct an association study between MS and genetic polymorphism of the INSR gene in Yi and Han Chinese. In a cross-sectional study, 3,436 Yi and Han people were investigated. Ethnicity-specific case-control studies were designed, with MS patients diagnosed as cases and non-MS people as controls matched on gender and age. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to detect the genotypes of the exon 8 of the INSR gene. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance, chi-square test, and logistic regression where appropriate. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was significantly higher in MS patients with the N1N2/N2N2 genotypes than that in those with the NINI genotype of both ethnic population (p<0.05). Frequency of the N2 allele was significantly higher in MS patients than that in controls of ethnic Han (p=0.020). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the NsiI polymorphism of the exon 8 of the INSR was an independent predictor for MS in Han people adjusted for total cholesterol, sex, physical activity, educational level, family income, alcohol intake and smoking (OR=2.55, 95% CI: 1.31-4.94, p=0.006). The results indicated that NsiI polymorphism of the INSR gene is associated with SBP in these two different ethnic groups, and significantly associate with MS in Han Chinese. These findings contribute to our better understanding on the genetic basis of MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metabolic syndrome is a cluster of abnormalities characterized by obesity, impaired glucose metabolism, hypertension or elevated blood pressure, and dyslipidemia. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of the adiponectin gene (ADIPOQ) +45 T > G polymorphism with the metabolic syndrome among Han Chinese in Sichuan province of China. A case-control design was used including 116 patients with the metabolic syndrome and 108 unrelated controls, matched on age and gender. The ADIPOQ +45G allele (TG+GG) had a significant association with risk of the metabolic syndrome (odds ratio=l.88, 95% confidence interval: 1.03-3.44, p=0.039) adjusted for education, physical activity, family history of related diseases, smoking and drinking, compared with subjects with TT genotype. The association between the ADIPOQ +45 T>G polymorphism and the metabolic syndrome was independent of multiple confounders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: This study aimed at determining the mean total sleep time (TST) and the relationship between sleep duration and basic socio-demographic factors and BMI sleep problems in Chinese subjects. Method: A total of 5926 subjects were randomly selected and interviewed using standardized assessment tools. Results: The reported mean TST was 7.76h. Short sleepers were significantly older than medium and long sleepers. There were more urban residents who were short sleepers than medium and long sleepers. Short sleepers reported more sleep problems than medium and long sleepers. Short and long sleepers reported more psychiatric disorders than medium sleepers in both sexes, and short sleepers also had more major medical conditions in women. Short sleepers had a lower BMI than medium and long sleepers after controlling for the effects of age and psychiatric disorders in women. Conclusions: Nationwide epidemiologic surveys in China are needed to further explore the relationship between sleep duration and sleep problems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: This study aimed to determine the 12-month and lifetime prevalence of major depressive episode (MDE) and their socio-demographic correlates in both the urban and rural areas of Beijing, China. Methods: A total of 4767 adults were randomly selected and interviewed in Beijing using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI 1.0). Basic socio-demographic and clinical data were collected during the interviews. Results: The overall 12-month prevalence of MDE was 3.2%; 2.8% and 3.8% for men and women, respectively. The overall lifetime prevalence of MDE was 5.3%; 4.4% and 6.3% for men and women, respectively. Being older than 25 years of age was independently associated with increased risk of MDE. Sixteen point three percent of the subjects with lifetime MDE attempted suicide while the rate of suicide attempts was only 0.2% in subjects without MDE. The percentage of subjects with MDE who received any type of treatment from medical practitioners was 33.1%; of them, only 5.4% sought help from mental health professionals. Conclusions: National epidemiologic surveys are needed to further explore the prevalence of MDE in China. The low percentage of subjects treated for MDE constitutes a major public health problem that should be urgently addressed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

PURPOSE. This study aims to determine the 12-month and lifetime prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and its sociodemographic correlates. DESIGN AND METHODS. A total of 5,926 subjects were randomly selected and interviewed. FINDINGS. The overall 12-month and lifetime prevalence of GAD was 0.8%, and 1.2%, respectively. Being older than 25 years and female, lower education level, unemployed status, and lower (< RMB500/month) or higher (> RMB2000/month) monthly income were associated with increased risk of GAD. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. The low percentage of subjects treated for GAD indicates a major public health problem that should be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: In China, there is limited information on smoking and its socio-demographic correlates in general, and in psychiatric patients in particular. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of lifetime, current mild, and heavy smoking, the socio-demographic correlates of current smoking, and its relationship with psychiatric disorders in the Beijing municipality, China. Methods: A total of 5926 subjects who met the study''s entry criteria were randomly selected from the urban and rural areas of Beijing and interviewed using standardized assessment tools, including the collection of basic socio-demographic and clinical data. All subjects fully cooperated in the interviews and readily disclosed all of the information. Results: The prevalence of lifetime smoking was 35.9%; the rates for current mild and heavy smoking were 21.8% and 10.8%, respectively. An age of 24 years or above, male sex, married, divorced, separated or widowed marital status, relatively low level of education (less than college level), being employed, a relatively high monthly income (more than RMB500), rural abode, and having a psychiatric disorder were risk factors of current smoking. Both current mild and heavy smoking were significantly associated with alcohol dependence, and current heavy smoking was also associated with a history of a major depressive episode. Conclusions: The prevalence of smoking in the rural and urban areas of Beijing is unacceptably high. In addition to certain socio-demographic factors, smoking was associated with common psychiatric disorders. Nationwide surveys are warranted to further explore the prevalence of smoking in China. Effective strategies to reduce the high rate of smoking are also needed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: There has been no large-scale survey of suicide-related behaviours including suicidal ideations, plans and attempts in China involving both rural and urban areas and using standardized assessment tools. The aim of the present study was to determine the lifetime prevalence of suicide-related behaviour and its relationship with sociodemographic factors and psychiatric disorders in the rural and urban regions of Beijing, China. Methods: A total of 5926 subjects were randomly selected in Beijing and interviewed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Basic sociodemographic and clinical data and data on suicide-related behaviour were also collected. Results: The overall lifetime prevalence estimates of suicidal ideation, plans and attempts were 2.3%, 1.4%, and 1.0%, respectively; the corresponding figures were 2.8%, 1.6%, and 1.3% in the rural sample, and 1.8%, 1.3%, and 0.9% in the urban sample. Age (>25years), female sex, unmarried status, lower education level, lower (RMB2000month-1) monthly income and presence of major medical disorders were significantly associated with increased risk of suicide-related behaviour. 36.2% of subjects with suicide-related behavior consulted a medical practitioner and 20.7% consulted a psychiatrist. Conclusions: The prevalence of lifetime suicide-related behaviour in Beijing is lower than in Western countries, but the low percentage of subjects treated for suicide-related behaviour indicates a major public health problem that should be addressed. National surveys are needed to further explore the prevalence of suicide-related behaviour in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: There has been no large-scale survey of schizophrenia in China involving both rural and urban areas using standardized assessment tools and diagnostic criteria. This study aimed to determine the lifetime prevalence of schizophrenia and its socio-demographic correlates in Beijing, China. Methods: A total of 5926 subjects were randomly selected in Beijing and interviewed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI 1.0). Basic socio-demographic and clinical data were collected during the interviews. Results: The lifetime prevalence of schizophrenia was 0.49%, and 0.44% and 0.55% for men and women, respectively. Unmarried status, lower monthly income, urban abode and positive family history were associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia; 9.7% of the subjects with lifetime schizophrenia reported a history of suicide attempts. The percentage of subjects with schizophrenia who were receiving treatment and their preference to seek treatment from mental health professionals were 58% and 29%, respectively. Conclusions: National surveys are urgently needed to further explore the prevalence of schizophrenia in China. The low percentage of subjects treated for schizophrenia is a serious public health issue that should be addressed in the near future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]