Author: shuiyaoinns.com

In an interview conducted on October 23, 2023, in Jiangxi’s Gongqing City, we spoke with Yu Jinhua, the director of a local crab farming base in Nanhucun village, Jiangyi Town. As the autumn chill sets in, the lake reflects shimmering lights while a small boat glides over the water. The boat’s crew pulls up a long net, revealing a bounty of succulent, blue-shelled crabs with golden claws. Joy radiates from the fishermen as they marvel at their catch.

“Since the temperature dropped last week, the quality of the crabs has improved significantly, and more people are buying them,” Yu shared with a broad smile. “We’ve already received dozens of orders, mainly heading to cities like Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shandong.” This year, he anticipates a harvest of over 10,000 pounds of crabs, projecting a revenue of around 500,000 yuan. To help with the crabbing process, Yu has employed six temporary workers.

Yu Jinhua returned to his hometown in 2014 to establish a career in aquaculture, becoming the first person in his village to farm crabs. “I spent some time in Jiangsu before returning home to start crab farming, and later, I branched out into cultivating shrimp and soft-shelled turtles as well,” he explained.

Thanks to the superior water quality of Nanhucun and his extensive farming experience, Yu’s aquaculture business has flourished. His vast fields of crabs, shrimp, and turtles utilize ecological farming methods that rotate rice with crabs and shrimp, yielding impressive environmental and economic benefits.

Local villagers often seek Yu’s advice on aquaculture, and he generously shares his knowledge. His guidance has helped more than 30 families establish their own shrimp farming operations, resulting in an average income increase of 100,000 yuan per household and an additional 280,000 yuan for the village’s collective economy each year.

Yu Jinhua is just one of many local dignitaries committed to industrial development in his hometown. The Gongqing City United Front Work Department has established 62-level “city-county-village” advisory councils, drawing in 966 members from various backgrounds to promote industries such as biotechnology, renewable energy, and cultural tourism.

Guo Shifa, the deputy director of the United Front Work Department of Gongqing City, stated, “We will continue to host events like the ‘Three Invitations and Three Returns’ Spring symposium to fully leverage the resources of our local dignitaries. Their involvement is crucial for rural revitalization, social governance, and public welfare, helping to drive high-quality development in both city and countryside.”

On the morning of October 11, the inaugural China Broadcasting and Television Quality Creation Conference kicked off with an opening ceremony and main forum in Beijing.

The theme of the main forum was “More Quality, Broader Dissemination, Better Experience,” featuring representatives from regulatory agencies, broadcasting and television organizations, online audio-visual platforms, film and television production companies, as well as artists and critics who delivered keynote speeches. During the event, two significant reports were released: the “China Broadcasting and Television Multimedia Development Report” and the “2023-2024 Broadcasting and Television Big Screen Viewing Data Report,” which outlined notable changes in the national broadcasting and television landscape.

The “China Broadcasting and Television Multimedia Development Report” indicated that since the beginning of 2023, the integration of broadcasting and online audio-visual services has been progressing simultaneously. The report emphasized a balanced approach to ideology, public service, and technological industry attributes, while implementing targeted strategies across broadcasting networks, IPTV, OTT, and the internet. As a result, significant advancements and achievements have emerged across various sectors.

The current state of broadcasting and television involves a fusion of online and offline content, synergy between large and small screens, a complementary relationship between long and short videos, and an emphasis on both artistic expression and technology. The total follower count for the account matrix of the National Broadcasting New Media Alliance, which comprises 100 member organizations, has reached 2.76 billion. Upholding the principle of serving the people, initiatives have seen substantial success, with over 80% of cable TV and IPTV households now tuning in to live broadcasts. Additionally, 200,000 hotels and 11 million hotel rooms have adopted convenient television viewing options, while 560 million terminals for cable TV, IPTV, and internet TV have witnessed fee reductions of over 50%. Over 200 million television users have essentially achieved the capability of controlling all viewing activities with one remote.

The “2023-2024 Broadcasting and Television Big Screen Viewing Data Report” highlighted a remarkable increase in viewership for both large and small screens since 2023, showcasing a trend of explosive growth. According to statistics from the China Audio-Visual Big Data (CVB), the activity rate of users watching live broadcasts on large TV screens began to rise monthly from August 2023, surpassing levels seen in the previous three years by February 2024. This upward trend continued from June to August, marking the highest engagement in nearly four years.

To further enhance the supply of quality content, the National Radio and Television Administration launched a “Reviving Classics” channel, reaching over 58 million households and accumulating more than 1.1 billion viewing hours. In recent years, China’s high-quality audio-visual content has not only enriched the cultural life of domestic audiences but has also gained popularity and recognition internationally, making it a key element in cultural outreach.

The main forum also announced the winners and nominees for the 2023 “Audio-Visual China, Global Broadcasting” awards for outstanding works and promotional agencies.

The conference, taking place from October 11 to 13 in Beijing, serves multiple purposes including creative leadership, theoretical discussions, recognition of excellence, talent development, industry collaboration, and market services while featuring innovative content and highlights. Structured as “1+12+9,” the event encompasses various aspects of quality creation in broadcasting and television—beyond the opening ceremony and main forum, there will be 12 parallel forums and 9 supplementary activities.

The conference has attracted participation from approximately 1,000 industry institutions and over 5,000 representatives nationwide, invigorating innovation and promoting high-quality development in the broadcasting and television sector.

On October 13th, the “Seeing the World Through Literature” reading-sharing event took place at the October Literature Institute in Beijing. This event is part of the ninth Beijing October Literature Month and was organized by the October branch of the Beijing Publishing Group. Five international students from Morocco, Laos, and Cambodia shared their favorite literary works from both Chinese and foreign authors.

Chou Kakada, a student from Cambodia, presented the Chinese classic “Journey to the West,” which has accompanied him throughout his life. He initially found himself drawn to the “magic” in the book, but over time, he came to appreciate the depth of traditional Chinese culture. He views Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, as his “idol” and aspires to embody the heroic spirit of “Qi Tian Da Sheng,” characterized by bravery in the face of challenges.

Nejjaoui El Batoul, hailing from Morocco, expressed her admiration for the unique literary style of Chinese author Wang Xiaobo. She recited a passage from Wang’s work “Loving You is Like Loving Life” in both Chinese and Arabic, specifically the section titled “Loneliness is Ugly.” She noted that in recent years, the excellent works of Wang Xiaobo and other Chinese authors have been translated into Arabic and received widespread acclaim. She hopes to see more outstanding Chinese literature reach international audiences, enabling those who haven’t visited China to understand its culture through literature.

Laotian student Bounlutay Soudthida shared her thoughts on the Chinese version of “Harry Potter,” which significantly impacted her. It was the first Chinese book she read as a child in Laos, and this book marked her initial encounter with the beauty of the Chinese language. It served as her “first step” into exploring Chinese culture.

Lee Sorya, another student from Cambodia, presented a PowerPoint showcasing the local legend “The Male Mountain and Female Mountain.” She highlighted how the story of women transforming their destiny through unity and wisdom resonates with the Chinese tale of “Yugong Moves the Mountain.” Lee emphasized that these two stories reflect the resilience and tenacity of both Cambodian and Chinese people, a trait cherished in both cultures.

Panhahong, also from Cambodia, shared his familiarity with Anna Sewell’s classic “Black Beauty.” He mentioned that he has cherished this story since childhood, learning lessons of empathy and understanding along the way, affirming that every being deserves the right to pursue happiness and dignity.

During the event, the international students also visited the Yongdingmen Gate and the charming October Literature Institute, located at the southern end of Beijing’s central axis. They expressed a growing interest in Chinese culture during their time living and studying in China. They believe in the saying, “Reading thousands of books and traveling thousands of miles,” and emphasized that they aim to explore different cities while also gaining a profound understanding of China through literature. They are hopeful for more opportunities to participate in similar literary events in the future and encourage more friends to join them in experiencing the allure of Chinese culture.

The ninth Beijing October Literature Month kicked off on September 7th, drawing participation from writers, students, and literary enthusiasts across more than thirty countries and regions.

On October 25, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that the number of individuals infected in the E. coli contamination incident related to McDonald’s hamburgers has risen to 75, with one reported death and 22 people currently hospitalized.

In their report, the CDC stated that these cases are spread across 13 states, with affected individuals ranging in age from 13 to 88 years. There is one confirmed fatality, and among the hospitalized patients, two are facing severe complications, including hemolytic uremic syndrome. The CDC suspects that the actual number of infections could be significantly higher than the reported 75.

According to the CDC, all interviewed patients indicated that they had dined at McDonald’s before showing symptoms, and most of them had consumed the “Quarter Pounder” beef burger.

At this time, officials have not identified which specific ingredient in the burgers is contaminated. The CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating the onions and beef patties used in these hamburgers.

Reports indicate that McDonald’s locations in states like Colorado, Utah, and Kansas have already halted the use of the current supplies of onions and beef patties. Additionally, the “Quarter Pounder” has been removed from menus in several regions, with one-fifth of McDonald’s locations across the U.S. ceasing to sell this particular burger.

On October 24, McDonald’s suggested that the source of the E. coli contamination may be onions sourced from Taylor Farms in California. In response to the potential contamination, Taylor Farms has announced a recall of four types of raw onion products.

Dike Onwuamaeze

Recently, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) recognized BAT Nigeria as one of the top non-oil exporters in the country. With exports generating approximately $110 million annually in foreign exchange, BAT Nigeria plays a crucial role in supporting Nigeria’s balance of trade.

BAT Nigeria has also made a significant investment of over $185 million in its cutting-edge manufacturing facility located in Ibadan, Oyo State. This plant is not only dedicated to producing world-class products but also exports to 13 West African countries and the United States.

In an interview, Ms. Odiri Erewa-Meggison, the External Affairs Director for BAT West and Central Africa, shared her appreciation for the NEPC’s acknowledgment and emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration between exporters and regulatory bodies.

“It’s encouraging to see the government recognizing the contributions of non-oil exporters to Nigeria’s economic advancement,” she stated. “The direct engagement of key officials—including the Minister of Trade and Investment, the SON Director-General, and the NEPC CEO—with exporters is a positive step. It helps us identify the challenges we face and work towards actionable solutions.”

Erewa-Meggison also highlighted the urgent need for increased government support, particularly concerning Export Expansion Grants (EEGs). “These grants are essential for Nigerian exporters to remain competitive in the global market,” she said. “Without solid initiatives like the EEGs, the business landscape may become less inviting for manufacturers looking to expand their export endeavors.”

She raised concerns over the backlog of EEG payments that dates back to 2009, noting that 39 exporters are currently awaiting over ₦60 billion in payments. “Addressing these outstanding grants is critical for sustaining the export operations of manufacturers in Nigeria,” she added.

Erewa-Meggison emphasized that exporters must have unrestricted access to their proceeds to significantly contribute to Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves. “A seamless flow of access is necessary,” she explained. “Building a stronger partnership between the government and exporters is vital for unlocking opportunities, creating jobs, and fostering economic growth.”

The event was attended by notable figures, including Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, the Minister of Trade and Investment; Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, the Executive Director and CEO of NEPC; and Mr. Ifeanyi Okeke, the Director General of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON). This gathering also brought together influential players in the non-oil export sector, celebrating their contributions to economic growth and diversification.

The meeting served as an essential platform for key stakeholders and government officials to share insights on the pressing challenges non-oil exporters face and foster dialogue around practical solutions for accelerating the sector’s development. Discussions focused on tackling bottlenecks in trade operations and enhancing the competitiveness of Nigerian exports, which are vital for generating foreign exchange and promoting national economic sustainability.

Stakeholders across the non-oil export landscape reiterated their commitment to nurturing a beneficial relationship with the Nigerian government, aiming to create a flourishing export ecosystem that fortifies Nigeria’s economic resilience and positions it competitively in global markets.

The NEPC event marked a crucial milestone in the journey of aligning government priorities with those of non-oil exporters. It underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in ensuring the continued success of the export sector, which ultimately contributes to Nigeria’s long-term economic prosperity.

On October 14, a reporter from the China News Service in Beijing provided insights from the China Meteorological Administration regarding weather developments in the country. Several regions across eight provinces and cities, including the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area, are currently experiencing widespread foggy conditions. A significant cold front has led to noticeable temperature drops in the north, with some areas in northern China and Northeast China seeing declines exceeding 12 degrees Celsius.

This morning, thick fog blanketed many locations in northern China. At 6 AM, the Central Meteorological Observatory issued a yellow fog alert, predicting that from morning to midday, foggy weather would prevail in central and southern Hebei, western Beijing, western Shandong, central and eastern Shanxi, northern Shaanxi, parts of northeastern and southern Henan, and central Hubei. Notably, visibility is dropping below 500 meters in areas like central and southwestern Hebei, western Beijing, central Shanxi, northern Shaanxi, and central Hubei, with some regions experiencing visibility of less than 200 meters due to heavy fog.

Meteorological experts urge the public in these areas to exercise caution when traveling, as low visibility could adversely affect transportation. Starting from the night of October 14, the hazy conditions are expected to weaken and dissipate from north to south due to the advancing cold air.

Experts also indicated that this cold front is primarily impacting the northeastern parts of northern China, leading to a strong cooling effect. On the 14th and 15th, areas in central and eastern Inner Mongolia and Northeast China will experience north winds ranging from level 5 to 6, with gusts reaching levels 7 to 8. Most regions will see temperature drops of 6 to 10 degrees Celsius, and in some places, the decrease will exceed 12 degrees.

In major cities, Harbin is expected to reach a high of 21 degrees Celsius on the 14th but will swiftly plummet to 8 degrees Celsius on the 15th, showcasing a drastic shift in temperatures. The public is advised to stay vigilant about the changing weather and dress appropriately to prevent colds.

Looking ahead, the Central Meteorological Observatory forecasts that after October 18, another wave of cold air will affect China. Temperatures across much of northern China, including Northeast China and the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, will gradually decrease, with the 18th and 19th expected to see many areas setting new record lows since the autumn season began.

On October 14, the Chongqing Market Supervision Administration released a report addressing the investigation into the sales of rice by the Youyang County Grain Co., Ltd. According to the “Chongqing Market Supervision” WeChat official account, this matter has garnered significant attention from the city’s government and officials following public complaints.

In response to the allegations regarding the Youyang County Grain Co., Ltd., the Chongqing Market Supervision Administration established a special investigation team composed of 45 members, organized into six working groups. They implemented an in-depth investigation through onsite inspections, document retrieval, invoice verification, ledger comparison, staff interviews, and random sampling of finished products in storage.

The Youyang County Grain Co., Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Chongqing Grain Group, primarily engages in grain purchasing, sales, storage, and processing. The company is responsible for managing part of the county’s finished grain (rice) storage. The nature of this finished grain is categorized as commodity grain, which is owned by the company and subject to dynamic rotation while ensuring quantity and quality during its shelf life. The 350 tons of rice mentioned in the public complaints are from the company’s inventory recorded in June 2022. The total amount of rice under investigation for external sales is 116,467.5 kilograms, all of which is commodity grain that has undergone dynamic rotation.

From May 2022 to April 2024, Youyang Grain Company sold a total of 16,221 bags of rice, amounting to 116,467.5 kilograms, with an original shelf life of six months. Per regulations, when a grain company repackages or distributes stored rice, they must update the production date and adjusted shelf life. The new expiration date should reflect the time the rice has already been stored. However, during the dynamic rotation process, the company used “Taoyuan Tribute Rice” packaging to repackage or delegate the repackaging of rice without properly adjusting the shelf life as mandated, effectively extending it. Upon verification, the remaining shelf life of the rice in question ranged from a minimum of 95 days to a maximum of 176 days, and all were sold within the original shelf life.

The investigation also revealed that Youyang Grain Co., Ltd. sold rice with inflated shelf lives to local schools, totaling 1,215 bags and 23,119.5 kilograms. Schools typically place weekly orders based on their consumption, with the company making direct deliveries, typically within 10 days. The special investigation team meticulously compared the purchasing ledgers, usage records from the schools, and the company’s sales data. It was confirmed that all 23,119.5 kilograms of rice were consumed within their original shelf life.

As a result of these findings, the Youyang Grain Company has violated Article 34, Item 10 of the Food Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China, constituting the illegal production and sales of products with falsely labeled expiry dates. The Chongqing Market Supervision Administration has proposed to confiscate illegal gains amounting to 627,360.25 RMB and impose fines totaling 6,900,962.75 RMB. Administrative penalties were also recommended for the company’s original executive director and general manager, as well as the head of the sales department, amounting to 215,700 RMB, 175,400 RMB, and 81,090 RMB respectively. Additionally, the Chongqing Grain Group has taken action by dismissing the executive director and general manager and demoting the sales head to a general employee, while transferring them from their original positions. Any evidence of personnel misconduct has been forwarded to the relevant authorities for further action.

Hospitals, doctors and other health providers claimed the insurer underpaid them and increased cost of insurance
ReutersSat 19 Oct 2024 11.06 EDTLast modified on Sat 19 Oct 2024 18.42 EDTShareUS insurer Blue Cross Blue Shield has agreed to pay $2.8bn to resolve antitrust class-action claims by hospital systems, physicians and other health providers alleging they were underpaid for reimbursements, the plaintiffs said in an Alabama federal court filing recently.
The settlement is the largest ever for a healthcare antitrust case, they added.
Blue Cross Blue Shield denied the allegations in a statement but said it agreed to the settlement and to make operational changes to “put years of litigation behind us”.
The providers’ lead attorneys, Joe Whatley and Edith Kallas, said in a statement the proposed settlement would “transform” the BlueCard program through which providers submit claims.
The agreement is subject to approval from US district judge R David Proctor.
The health providers first sued in 2012, claiming Blue Cross and its affiliates divided the country into exclusive areas where they did not compete with each other. The lawsuit said the nationwide conspiracy increased the cost of insurance and drove down reimbursements.
Under the settlement, Blue Cross will create a system-wide information platform facilitating member benefits, eligibility verification and claims tracking that the attorneys said would lead to more transparency, efficiency and accountability.
The settlement will also give providers more contracting opportunities with Blue Cross.
Blue Cross will spend hundreds of millions of dollars implementing the non-monetary part of the settlement, the filing said.
The settlement covers US healthcare service providers, including hospitals and some doctors, with Blue plan patients between July 2008 and October 2024.
The lawyers said they would ask for up to $700m in legal fees from Blue Cross.
Blue Cross agreed in 2020 to pay $2.7bn to resolve related antitrust claims from commercial and individual subscribers. The US supreme court upheld that deal in June.
Meanwhile, in September, Louisiana’s Blue Cross Blue Shield was ordered by a state civil court jury to pay more than $400m after the insurer was found to have underpaid claims to a surgery center in New Orleans that often works with cancer patients. Blue Cross has vowed to appeal the verdict in a bid to reduce – if not entirely eliminate – it.
Guardian staff contributed reporting

Bukola Adubi, CEO of MicCom Cables and Wires, recently made a compelling call for Nigeria to prioritize the rapid harnessing of its vast economic potential in driving industrial growth and transformation.

During her address at the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, which bore the theme “Collaborative Action for Growth, Competitiveness, and Stability,” Adubi stressed the importance of directly tackling the country’s economic challenges.

As the moderator of a prominent CEO Roundtable, Adubi led discussions with influential figures such as Tola Adeyemi, CEO of KPMG West Africa; Farouk Gumel, Vice Chairman of the Tropical General Investment (TGI) Group; and Winifred Isichei, CEO of Bonita Foods. The roundtable focused on “The Path to Rapid Industrialisation” and explored strategies aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s industrial sector while identifying the collaborative efforts necessary for sustainable growth.

Adubi highlighted the need for Nigeria to celebrate its achievements and build trust in its local capabilities, asserting that by leveraging the nation’s strengths, Nigeria could position itself as a leading industrial power in Africa. “One critical takeaway from the discussions is the necessity for us as a nation to recognize our successes, trust in our abilities, and capitalize on our strengths. This could spark a multiplier effect that propels Nigeria to become the industrial powerhouse of the continent,” she remarked.

Furthermore, she underscored the urgency of skills development in technical and vocational education, which she identified as a vital solution to the barriers hindering Nigeria’s industrialization.

In her closing statements, Adubi expressed her deep pride in Nigeria’s potential, urging sustained efforts to establish the nation as a beacon of success within Africa. Under her leadership, MicCom Cables & Wires Ltd, recognized as Nigeria’s first indigenous cable manufacturing company founded in 1978, has emerged as a major producer of high-quality cables and wires for both local and international markets, holding a significant market share in West Africa.

In addition to her role at MicCom, Adubi serves as President of the Cable Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (CAMAN) and is a passionate advocate for the manufacturing sector, which she sees as crucial to Nigeria’s economic development. “A thriving manufacturing sector not only creates jobs but also drives infrastructural development and improves living standards in local communities. It is also instrumental in boosting intra-African trade,” Adubi emphasized in a recent interview.

The Silicon Valley Taiwanese American Industrial Technology Association (TAITA-SV) held its 21st annual meeting on October 19, where seven students were awarded scholarships. At the event, these students showcased their winning proposals through displays, explaining their innovative ideas.

Luc Yu, the president of TAITA-SV, noted that this year’s scholarship presentation differed from previous years. The organization aims to provide students with more exposure and connect them with the Taiwanese and American industries.

Among the scholarship recipients, three high school students and four college students were recognized. Among them, Taiwanese-American high school student An-Yu Wang received the TAITA-SV high school scholarship for providing remote online English tutoring to elementary schools in rural Taiwan. An-Yu expressed her passion for education, stating that through this online teaching method, she is able to offer learning opportunities to children in underserved areas. Having only moved to the Bay Area a year ago from Taiwan, she shared, “Taiwan will always be home to me.”

An-Yu’s mother, Hsiao-Ching Kuo, expressed gratitude to the organizers for their efforts in setting up the scholarship program and voiced pride in her daughter’s achievement. Adjusting to life in the Bay Area has been a significant change for An-Yu, but she credits the resilience fostered by her education in Taiwan for helping her persevere through challenges. “Not giving up easily is part of the Taiwanese spirit,” she added.

Ethan Chang, who grew up in the Bay Area with Taiwanese parents and is currently a sophomore in Computer Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, was awarded a scholarship for his proposal to use adversarial models to address the inaccuracies generated by large language models (LLMs). His approach optimizes responses by having the system operate from two conflicting perspectives.

Initially, Ethan applied for the scholarship mainly to enhance his credentials. However, upon arriving at the event, he found himself inspired by the influential figures from the tech industry and academia he encountered there. He encouraged other aspiring scholarship applicants to pursue their dreams with passion and dedication, as that zeal can make them stand out.

Other recipients included Milpitas High School student Jason Yang, Livermore High School student Joseph Eng, Lebanese-American De Anza College student Brian Sawaya, and University of California students Rachel Yen and Joe Lin.