Minority Areas Research Articles

The Dilemma of Rural Governance in China’s Northeast Border Minority Areas and Its Solution

The Dilemma of Rural Governance in China’s Northeast Border Minority Areas and Its Solution

Screening of anti-functional dyspepsia compounds in Cynanchum auriculatum: A spectrum-effect relationship analysis, and ATP-binding cassette transporters inhibitor evaluation

Ethnopharmacological relevanceFunctional dyspepsia (FD) is a disorder caused by abnormal gut–brain axis regulation and is highly prevalent in China. Cynanchum auriculatum (CA) is often used to treat FD in the ethnic minority areas of Guizhou. Although several CA-based products are currently available in the market, it is unclear which components of CA are efficacious and what their oral absorption mechanism is. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to screen anti-FD components of CA based on the spectrum-effect relationship. In addition, the study evaluated the intestinal absorption mechanism of these components using transporter inhibitors. Materials and methodsThe fingerprinting of compounds from CA extract and plasma after oral administration was conducted using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS). The intestinal contractile parameters were then measured in vitro using the BL-420F Biofunctional Experiment System. Multivariate statistical analysis of the result of spectrum-effect relationship assessment was used to elucidate the correlation between prominent peaks of CA-containing plasma and intestinal contractile activity. The effect of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter inhibitors, such as the P-gp inhibitor verapamil, the MRR inhibitor indomethacin, and the BCRP inhibitor Ko143, on the directional transport of the predicted active ingredients was assessed in vivo. ResultsTwenty chromatographic peaks were identified in the CA extract. Of these, three were C21 steroids, four were organic acids, and one was a coumarin, and acetophenone by comparing with reference compounds. Additionally, it is discovered that there are totally 39 migratory components in CA-containing plasma, which was found to significantly promote the contractility of the isolated duodenum. Moreover, multivariate analysis of the spectrum-effect relationship demonstrated that 16 characteristic peaks (3, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 18, 21, m1–m4, m7, m15, and m24) in CA-containing plasma were significantly associated with the anti-FD effect. These compounds included seven prototype compounds, i.e., cynanoneside A, syringic acid, deacylmetaplexigenin, ferulic acid, scopoletin, baishouwubenzophenone, and qingyangshengenin. The inhibition of ABC transporters demonstrated that the inhibitors verapamil and Ko143 significantly increased (P < 0.05) the uptake of scopoletin and qingyangshengenin. Thus, these compounds may be substrates for P-gp and BCRP. ConclusionsThe potential anti-FD components of CA and the effect of ABC transporter inhibitors on these active components were preliminarily clarified. These findings lay a foundation for subsequent in vivo studies.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding COVID-19 and mental health status among college students in China: a cross-sectional study.

During the prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), little was known about the knowledge, attitudes, practices (KAP) about COVID-19 and psychological status of college students in minority areas. This study aimed to evaluate the KAP of college students in minority areas of China toward COVID-19 and to provide a scientific basis for health education and policy formulation. From October 28th to November 6th, 2021, a cross-sectional study was conducted with 5,272 college students to examine KAP and its effects on mental health. Regarding COVID-19 knowledge, the overall awareness rate was 24.11% (1,271). Regarding health attitudes, most students had positive attitudes about COVID-19 prevention and control (94.95%), and females had higher positive attitudes than males (OR: 1.920; CI: 1.494-2.469). Regarding preventive behaviors, more than half of the students took preventive measures (53.48%), and freshmen had the highest health behavior scores. In terms of psychological status, there were fewer females with depression and stress than males. College students in minority areas have positive health attitudes; however, their knowledge of COVID-19 prevention and control is low. Moreover, their precautionary behaviors are insufficient, and they have many negative emotions.

Can tourism enhance inclusitivity for indigenous peoples? Cham perspectives on tourism benefit sharing at living heritage sites in Vietnam

PurposeThrough a case study of the Po Klaong Girai temple in Vietnam, this paper explores how indigenous community perceive tourism benefit sharing (TBS) associated with their cultural tourism at sacred living-heritage sites and how this TBS enhances the equality and inclusion for indigenous community in the context of tourism in Vietnam.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed ethnographic fieldwork and semi-structured interviews with 35 indigenous Cham priests directly associated with managing and preserving the Po Klaong Girai temple.FindingsThis research found that Cham community perceive inequality and exclusivity on tourism benefit sharing at this religious site. While Cham Ahier priests face economic barriers in providing these services to the community, annual tourism revenue is allocated to local government budgets. Such economic pressure forces the priests to seek alternative economic avenues to support their families at the expense of their traditional commitments to communal, cultural and religious activities, significantly impacting sustainable heritage conservation. This has led to strained relations between the local community and local authorities.Practical implicationsThis research provides evidence to improve living heritage management practices by proposing tourism development policies for equality and inclusion among stakeholders, especially minorities and disadvantaged groups. This can be an experiential and necessary lesson for “dealing” with sustainable heritage management in heritage living sites in other ethnic minority areas in Vietnam and globally.Originality/valueThe findings from this study address the knowledge gap on equitable revenue sharing in heritage tourism, where financial benefits from the commodification of minority cultures should be used to support local communities and the custodians of indigenous heritage.

Prevalence and influencing factors of hyperuricemia in middle-aged and older adults in the Yao minority area of China: a cross-sectional study

Hyperuricemia (HUA) endangers human health, and its prevalence has increased rapidly in recent decades. The current study investigated HUA's prevalence and influencing factors in Gongcheng, southern China. A cross-sectional investigation was conducted; 2128 participants aged 30–93 years were included from 2018 to 2019. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to screen HUA variables. A Bayesian network model was constructed using the PC algorithm to evaluate the association between influencing factors and HUA. The prevalence of HUA was 15.6% (23.2% in men, 10.7% in women). After screening the variables using a logistic regression analysis model, fatty liver disease (FLD), dyslipidemia, abdominal obesity, creatinine (CREA), somatotype, bone mass, drinking, and physical activity level at work were included in the Bayesian network model. The model results showed that dyslipidemia, somatotype, CREA, and drinking were directly related to HUA. Bone mass and FLD were indirectly associated with HUA by affecting the somatotype. The prevalence of HUA in Gongcheng was high in China. The prevalence of HUA was related to somatotype, drinking, bone mass, physical activity level at work, and other metabolic diseases. A good diet and moderate exercise are recommended to maintain a healthy somatotype and reduce the prevalence rate of HUA.

SOME SOLUTIONS TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF FORMULATING AND ORGANIZING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ETHNIC POLICIES IN NGHE AN PROVINCE IN THE COMING TIME

Nghe An is a province with a large number of ethnic minorities living in mountainous areas, so the implementation of ethnic programs and policies has been synchronously and quite effective in recent years. Policies are fully implemented, effectively promoted socio-economic development; the fields of health, education and training, social culture have had positive changes; social policy affair is concerned, the lives of ethnic minorities are increasingly improved. In addition to the results achieved, however, up to now, in the process of formulating and organizing the implementation of ethnic policies in the province, there are still some shortcomings and limitations, a part of ethnic minorities still rely on the regimes and policies of the Party and State, affecting the general development of the province's ethnic minority areas.

PROMOTING THE STRENGTH OF THE GREAT UNITY BLOC OF ETHNIC MINORITIES TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS IN A SUSTAINABLE AND COMPREHENSIVE MANNER IN THE CURRENT INTEGRATION CONTEXT

The Central Highlands is an important strategic region in terms of socio-economic, national defense and security, foreign affairs and ecological environment of our country. The rapid and sustainable development of the Central Highlands region is one of the major undertakings of the Party, State, National Assembly and Government, at the same time to be an important task of the whole country in the current integration context, first of all, the provinces in the region. In particular, especially the construction and development of the Central Highlands region, it is necessary to harmoniously combine economic, socio-cultural development, protection of natural resources and environment in general and ethnic minority areas in particular… This is the basis and premise for making an important contribution to the successful implementation of political tasks, socio-economic development, building a strong Party and political system, maintaining political stability, promoting the great national unity bloc, social order and safety in the Central Highlands provinces in the current integration context.

1087-P: Managing Diabetes in the Delta—Effect of Access to Endocrinology Services in an Underserved Area

Background: The Mississippi Delta has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the nation, but patients in these rural, minority-majority counties have lower access to specialty care. At the start of a hybrid diabetes management program at two rural health clinics in the Delta, 53.1% of patients with diabetes had uncontrolled HbA1c levels. We analyze the specific effect of integrating endocrinology specialists into this intervention. Patients could access this care via telemedicine or in-person. Methods: We conducted a quasi-experimental study with clinical data from electronic health records for patients diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes (aged ≥ 18). We followed two cohorts of the same patients over time for the first 18 months of the program, each matched on elevated HbA1c levels (≥8% at baseline). The treatment group comprised program participants; the control group comprised general clinic patients at-risk of diabetes. We also followed patients in the treatment group who received endocrine services in addition to other program benefits. Results: Among the control group, HbA1c increased an average of 0.04 points; the treatment group saw an average decrease of 0.42 points. The treatment group's endocrinology subset saw an even greater decrease of 0.85 points. The average HbA1c score for this group went down three points in a two-year period (7/20-7/22). Conclusions: The study results indicate that receiving coordinated endocrinology services has been especially effective in reducing HbA1c levels among program participants. As care continuity is associated with better glycemic control for diabetic patients, sustained program participation will likely help the patient population best manage their diabetes and avoid further adverse health outcomes. Additionally, as this diabetes program takes place in a rural, low-income minority area with low access to specialty care, the results demonstrate promising practices for strengthening the rural health care system. Disclosure C.Brindley: None. W.James: None. J.R.Bennett: None. K.F.Matthews: None. Funding Health Resources and Services Administration, Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (HRSA-20-025, D06RH37500)

CHRISTIANS’ TOLERANCE OF MUSLIMS’ RELIGIOUS SOUNDS IN TANA TORAJA

&lt;p align="center"&gt;&lt;em&gt;Despite extensive research on religious tolerance, there is little empirical research on the sensitive issue of sacred sound, particularly in minority Muslim areas. This issue emerged in Indonesia &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;following the Minister of Religious Affairs' policy to regulate loudspeakers from mosques, which were seen as potentially causing intolerance. Religious tolerance remains well established in Muslim-&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;minority areas such as Tana Toraja, even though mosques are allowed to sound freely. The present research explores the traces of Christian tolerance to the sound of mosques heard by minority &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;Muslims. This qualitative study applied an interpretive phenomenological research design with &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;religious leaders, academics, students, and Christian community members as data sources. Garret Keizer's noise theory and Robert Hayden's concept of tolerance categorisation were used to analyse the data. The research results indicated tolerance between religious communities as the mosque sound was accepted as a natural-cultural sound rather than a theological sound. Therefore, intolerance potential arises from the sociological rather than theological dimension. This study suggests that religious tolerance should be shaped by a professional understanding of one's faith and an appropriate response to the religious practices of others. External factors such as social, economic, and political issues, often framed as religious issues, are at the root of religious intolerance. In order to counter the risk of intolerance, a systematic and continuous socialisation of a moderate understanding of all elements of the religious communities is required.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Evaluating the Ecological Sustainability of Agrifood Land in Ethnic Minority Areas: A Comparative Study in Yunnan China

Agrifood land plays a crucial role in indigenous communities. However, there is limited study on the overall sustainability and inter-ethnic comparison of agrifood lands across ethnic groups. To address these gaps, we developed a visual eco-efficiency framework of ecological footprint, biocapacity, and ecological benefit to evaluate the sustainability of agrifood land in these regions, as well as analyzed the sustainability of agrifood land and examined its explanatory factors across six ethnic groups in the Yunnan Province of China. The results showed that the ecological benefits of agrifood lands fluctuated in a low ecological deficit, and the eco-efficiency of different ethnic groups varied significantly, from 2010 to 2020. Moreover, redundancy analysis showed that cash crops, forestry, fishery, and livestock were major contributors to the eco-efficiency of agrifood lands in ethnic groups, rather than the commonly accepted staple foods. Another finding revealed that the contribution of urbanization rate to the eco-efficiency of agricultural food land had a rule of reversed U and was influenced by the annual average temperature and the ethnic population rate. Our study not only provided a visual framework for evaluating the sustainability of agrifood land in ethnic areas but also shed new light on its explanatory factors across different ethnic groups. The study served as a scientific foundation for the investigation, monitoring, and management of indigenous agriculture by governments and the agricultural sectors.

Analysis of spatial perception and the influencing factors of attractions in Southwest China's ethnic minority areas: The case of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture.

As standards of material living continue to improve and urbanization advances, an increasing number of remote ethnic minority areas are becoming tourist destinations. Understanding tourists' perceptions on a large scale is thus crucial for the development of the regional tourism industry. However, traditional research methods suffer from high costs, small sample sizes, and low efficiency, making it difficult to measure the spatial perception of remote areas on a large scale. This study constructs a research framework for spatial perception measurement of remote ethnic minority areas by collecting reviews data from Ctrip using spatiotemporal data calculation and the Geodetector model. We considered Dali Prefecture as an empirical case and analyzed tourists' perceptions of the area's attractions, the spatial distribution of the attractions, and the process of change in the explanatory power of their influencing factors over an eight-year period (2014-2021). The results indicated that the most visited attractions were concentrated in Dali City. The perception of humanistic resources (attractions) with historical value was the highest, followed by natural resources. The high perception of attractions was influenced by the level of tourism development, traffic accessibility and attractiveness, and had an increasing influence on tourists' perceptions over time. Additionally, changes in the mode of transportation from road to high-speed rail played an important role in the selection of tourist attractions. Conversely, the tourists paid relatively less attention to humanistic resources (e.g., national cultural heritage protection units and traditional villages). Our study provides a basis for the measurement of spatial perception in remote minority areas and can be used as a reference for tourism development planning in Dali Prefecture, thus promoting the sustainable development of tourism in the area.

The Application of Computer Medicine in the Investigation of the Health Status of Left-Behind Children Aged 6–12 in Xiangxi

In the computer-aided diagnosis system, the use of medical database data mining and knowledge discovery technology is of great significance and necessity of development. To understand the health status of left-behind children in ethnic minority areas, a questionnaire survey and computer-aided technology were used to diagnose and investigate the health status of left-behind children aged 6–12 years in Xiangxi, Hunan Province, such as body shape, physical function and personal cognition. The comparison results show that the body shape, function and perception of left-behind children are not optimistic. The countermeasures are to strengthen policy support, school physical education and the supervision consciousness of the guardian, make the government, schools and families form a joint force, establish a scientific work and leisure system, improve the quality of life, and effectively build the health level of left-behind children.

Exploring Tibetan residents’ everyday language practices in Danba county, Southwest China: a case study

Abstract In this case study, seventy Tibetan residents selected from two Tibetan villages in Danba county, Southwest China, were invited to participate in an investigation of their everyday use of Tibetan, standard Chinese, and English, as well as their expectations of future multilingual practices. It was found that there are intergenerational differences in the participants’ use of these languages. This paper, in the context of neoliberal ideology and rural development, suggests that attention should be given to support local Tibetan residents’ language learning and improve their multilingual competence, thus enabling the conversion of their linguistic/human capital to economic capital. The study contributes to understandings of how local multilingual resources can be exploited for the betterment of living standards and opportunities, and it calls for governments to address the issues regarding poverty reduction, rural development, and language preservation by improving the quality of multilingual education in ethnic minority areas.

Research on Cultural Space Reengineering in the Consolidation Process of Poverty Alleviation Achievements in Western China

The reconstruction of cultural space emphasizes the integration of cultural heritage projects from a spatial perspective, which can become a long-term mechanism to help ethnic minority areas achieve precise poverty alleviation. The achievements of poverty alleviation have proven that the good construction of government administrative mechanisms can provide political and social security for the integration of cultural heritage and industrial transformation. In the new era, in order to help the rural revitalization and development, this paper hopes to carry out the research on the necessity, feasibility and specific operation methods of cultural ecology space reconstruction integrating the government administrative mechanism based on the social and cultural functions of implicit ideological and political education to provide innovative experience summary, academic achievements and practical suggestions for poverty alleviation in the west.

Structural racism through Sundown towns and its relationship to COVID-19 local risk and racial and ethnic diversity

“Sundown towns” across the US prevented racial and ethnic minorities from living and working within their borders as they forced minorities to leave these towns after sunset. The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between sundown town status, COVID-19 local risk index and racial and ethnic diversity. A multi-level hierarchical model was used to examine the effect of historical segregation through sundown towns status on present day COVID-19 local risk index and city-level diversity. Over 2,400 Sundown towns were cataloged across the United States, with the greatest density in the Midwest. Sundown towns, which historically excluded racial and ethnic minorities, had significantly less city-level diversity and lower COVID-19 local risk index compared to non-Sundown towns. Findings show that Sundown towns perpetuate residual segregation which continues to impact current inequities in COVID-19 risk among racial and ethnic minorities at the neighborhood level. We recommend that public health officials for pandemic preparedness should devote greater resources to these historically segregated racial and ethnic minority areas because of the historic structural racism that has placed these places at higher risk.

Integrated Development of Culture and Tourism in Minority Areas: A Case Study of Hailuogou, Ganzi

The integrated development of culture and tourism will help speed up regional economic construction, promote cultural inheritance and development, and promote exchanges and integration among ethnic groups. Although there are some achievements in the tourism development of Hailuogou, Garze, Sichuan Province, there are few historical and cultural aspects involved, and the integration of culture and tourism needs to be improved. The main problems it faces are: the capital chain is not smooth enough, insufficient economic input; The terrain is limited, and the environmental traffic conditions need to be improved. Cultural publicity is not enough, and external communication needs to be strengthened. The level of cultural integration is in urgent need of improvement. By increasing financial support, renovating roads and infrastructure, actively promoting to the outside world and persisting in opening to the outside world, the integrated development of culture and tourism in Hailuogou can be effectively promoted.

Pedestrian- and bicyclist-involved crashes: Associations with spatial factors, pedestrian infrastructure, and equity impacts

Introduction: We analyze and compare the factors that influence the fatality of pedestrian and bicyclist involved crashes in New Jersey using available police-reported crash data between 2016 and 2020. Under three percent of crashes involve non-motorists statewide, but these account for about one third of all traffic fatalities in the state. Methods: Our analysis is broken down into five parts: we (1) analyze the relationship between minority and low-income communities and non-motorist involved crashes; (2) identify spatial differences between non-motorist involved crashes and non-motorist involved fatal crashes; (3) compare the factors affecting fatal pedestrian crashes in New Jersey and in four counties in southern New Jersey for which we have data on pedestrian infrastructure; (4) compare the factors affecting fatal pedestrian crashes and fatal cyclist crashes in New Jersey; and, (5) discuss priority areas for improving safety. Results: Crashes occur disproportionately more often in low-income communities. Moreover, we find that crashes are less likely to be geocoded if they take place in low-income and minority areas, a concerning finding considering that geocoded crashes are of paramount importance in identifying specific corridors for improvement. Light conditions, non-motorist age, posted speed, and vehicle type are significant factors influencing the fatality of non-motorist involved crashes. The proximity to a crosswalk or sidewalk is associated with decreased risk of a fatal crash for pedestrians. Cyclist crashes in low-income neighborhoods were more likely to be fatal – a finding that we attribute to lower access to bicycle facilities in low-income areas. Conclusions: We conclude with countermeasures, including a call for better data collection.

The Existing Problems and Suggestions for the Ethnic Village Tourism: A Case Study of Dong Village in Zhaoxing

Along with the improvement of economic income and education level of Chinese residents, cultural tourism is developing vigorously. In the face of the double-edged sword of tourism, how to find a balance between tourism development and cultural protection and inheritance, and not be harmed by this sword, is an important topic of academic research. At present, minority rural tourism has gradually become the entry point of rural revitalization in minority areas. With the development of economy, ethnic villages in different stages of tourism development have different status quo in the inheritance and protection of ethnic culture. Taking the opportunity of rural revitalization, Qiandongnan Prefecture, Guizhou Province pays attention to protecting and inheriting local intangible cultural heritage in the process of developing rural tourism, integrates local intangible cultural heritage, local conditions and customs into cultural tourism, and drives the development of tourism through cultural elements. Whether the development of tourism in ethnic villages is conducive to the protection and inheritance of ethnic culture, this paper proposes a path of integrated development of the two, in order to improve the existing problems and provide a reference for the development of village tourism in Dong villages in the future.

Problematika Dakwah Lembaga Pendidikan dan Dakwah Addakwah Sumatera Utara dalam Meningkatkan Ibadah Shalat Berjamaah di Daerah Minoritas Muslim Desa Penampen Kecamatan Tiganderket Kabupaten Karo

This study aims to determine the problems faced by the Addakwah Institute of North Sumatra in increasing congregational prayer services in Muslim minority areas, especially in Penampen Village, Tiganderket District, Karo Regency. This study uses a qualitative method with a type of field research. This study uses data collection techniques by means of interviews, observation, and documentation. The informants in this study were the Director of the North Sumatra Addakwah Institute, the dai of the North Sumatra Addakwah Institute who preached in the area, and the people of Penampen Village. The results of the research conducted in this study show: first, the implementation of da'wah by the Addakwah Institute of North Sumatra is very good, especially in terms of socializing with the community to gain the trust of the community because their trust is an important part of a relationship. After a relationship is created, the preachers will invite the public to pray in congregation at the mosque. In the implementation of da'wah each of the elements of da'wah has its own role, namely competent preachers, mad'u who are the objects of da'wah, effective methods, materials that are in accordance with needs, and media that assist in the spread of da'wah. Second, in carrying out da'wah there are several problems, the biggest problems of da'wah come from the community itself because they have different backgrounds and also the community does not fully accept the da'wah that is being carried out. Limited methods and media are also a problem in this regard. The preachers also have low self-confidence in carrying out their da'wah. The three solutions that Dai can use are preaching from house to house and providing understanding to the public about Islamic teachings and utilizing methods and media by relying on technology that can be used even if they don't have an internet network. At the same time increasing self-confidence in the da'i itself.

Sustainable Development of Farmers in Minority Areas after Poverty Alleviation Relocation: Based on an Improved Sustainable Livelihood Analysis Framework

As an essential regional planning policy, poverty alleviation relocation has a significant impact on the regional economy, environment, and social well-being and is critical for sustainable development. Based on the development of minority areas in Yunnan, this study improves the traditional sustainable livelihood analysis framework and constructed a livelihood capital evaluation system including natural, physical, financial, social, human, and cultural capital. Furthermore, the measurement standard of sustainable livelihoods is proposed, which requires not only the enhancement of livelihood capital but also the coupling and coordinated development of all capital components. Based on the data of Menglai township from 2015 to 2021, this study estimates that farmers’ livelihood capital has increased after relocation, and the level of coupling and coordination has improved. Still, it has yet to reach extreme coordination. Hereafter, the theoretical framework of internal and external factors affecting livelihood capital is constructed, and the influencing factors of livelihood capital are obtained through regression analysis. This study provides a new tool for evaluating livelihood capital in minority areas, obtains new findings on the sustainable development of farmers’ livelihood capital after poverty alleviation relocation, and expands a new perspective for studying the influencing factors of livelihood capital.