Month: October 2024

From November 5 to 10, the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) will take place in Shanghai. In an interview on October 17, a representative from the Danish Embassy in China shared exciting news about Denmark’s participation this year. Denmark will unveil a new Life Sciences Pavilion, showcasing its offerings alongside the Food Pavilion in a dual-country exhibition format.

The Life Sciences Pavilion will cover an area of 140 square meters and will feature products from seven Danish companies, including pharmaceuticals, health products, medical devices, and biotechnological solutions. The aim is to highlight how Danish enterprises are contributing to global health goals.

In the adjacent 200-square-meter Food Pavilion, 11 Danish companies will present a variety of products, such as butter cookies, dairy products, and dietary supplements. This pavilion will also serve as a unique platform for visitors to explore Danish companies’ sustainable development practices.

In addition to these main pavilions, nine other Danish companies covering sectors like food, consumer goods, energy, water management, and design will participate with independent exhibits.

This marks Denmark’s seventh appearance at the CIIE. According to the Danish Ambassador to China, Mette V. Tange, Denmark and China enjoy a significant trade partnership, and its presence at the expo is a testament to that relationship. She expressed a desire to reinforce cooperation between the two countries in the realm of green transformation by showcasing Denmark’s sustainable solutions and practices in the Chinese market.

The RBH Parent-Child Cultural Communication Center recently hosted the fourth annual “Chinese Heritage Fashion Show for Kids” at the Roulette Intermedium in Brooklyn. This event aims to promote Chinese culture and foster confidence in children, receiving enthusiastic support from the local Chinese community. The fashion show, which incorporated dance performances, blended traditional styles with contemporary flair, creating a unique visual feast for attendees while boosting the kids’ confidence.

RBH ensured a high level of professionalism by inviting renowned modeling instructors from New York, including an Asian dance teacher currently pursuing a doctorate in dance, to choreograph the event. RBH’s dance instructors also put together a dance titled “Entwined,” which creatively utilized both upper and extension stages to deliver a visually stunning experience for the audience.

The show opened with a solo piano performance of “Castle in the Sky” and featured over 40 participants aged three to 18 from Brooklyn, Flushing, and Long Island. The children were adorned in exquisite traditional Chinese attire that showcased the fashion from various dynasties and regions. A highlight of the event was a performance by the “Chinatown Spirit Dance Team,” which brilliantly captured the unique charm of ancient costumes mixed with exotic influences.

In the second segment, the creative T-shirt showcase, models seemed to transport the audience from ancient to modern times, displaying their boundless imagination. During costume changes, the host engaged the audience with interactive games, generating laughter and a lively atmosphere. Audience members were encouraged to vote for their favorite participants, leading to an exciting announcement of the top winners: champion Suyi, runner-up Ansonbella Jiang, and third place Emily Huang.

RBH expressed its pride in providing children with a platform to express themselves and gain confidence. The preparation for the event has strengthened parent-child relationships, contributing positively to the promotion of traditional Chinese culture and community cohesion among the Chinese diaspora. Since its inception, the fashion show has captured the hearts of Chinese families, cultivating a devoted following that eagerly participates each year.

A new FDA rule requires that screenings inform people if they have a high ratio of dense breast tissue. Experts say it’s just one step toward awareness
Madeleine AggelerThu 10 Oct 2024 12.00 EDTLast modified on Fri 11 Oct 2024 14.39 EDTShareIn 2017, 55-year-old Leslie Ferris Yerger underwent a routine mammogram and breast ultrasound. Both came back clear. Two months later, she had an unrelated Dexa scan to measure her bone density. The technician noticed an abnormality in her hip. After additional testing, Yerger was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer – an advanced stage of the disease in which the cancer has spread beyond the breasts.
The mammogram and ultrasound had not picked up the cancer because, Yerger would learn, of her dense breast tissue.
“My cancer was simply not in those pictures,” she says. “I also learned it’s not an uncommon story.”
Does wearing a bra make breasts more or less perky?Read moreAccording to the National Cancer Institute, roughly 50% of women aged 40 or older are found to have dense breasts, a term that refers to the ratio of fatty tissue to more dense fibrous and glandular tissues in a person’s breast. During a mammogram, dense tissue can make it difficult for technicians to see potentially cancerous masses.
While some US states did require mammography reports to include information about a patient’s breast density and how it could potentially affect their results, there has been no federal rule until this year.
In September, the FDA began requiring mammogram reports to include information about breast density and how it may affect patients’ results. “Dense tissue makes it harder to find breast cancer on a mammogram and also raises the risk of developing breast cancer,” the disclosure reads. The report says that “in some people with dense tissue, other imaging tests in addition to a mammogram may help find cancers”.
The ruling represents an inflection point in the field of breast cancer detection and treatment. But there is no agreement yet on what these results mean for screening in the US or abroad. In the UK, for example, the NHS does not include information about breast density on patients’ mammogram reports.
Going forward, experts say, there needs to be more research and testing, as well as self-advocacy from patients. Here’s what you need to know.
What are dense breasts?Breasts are composed of three types of tissue: fatty breast tissue, fibrous connective tissue and glandular tissue. These last two, referred to collectively as “fibroglandular tissue” are more dense than fatty tissue. The ratio between fibroglandular tissue and fatty tissue determines whether or not breasts are considered dense; a person with dense breasts has more fibroglandular tissue relative to fat. This determination is not based on a specific ratio, but the radiologist’s subjective assessment, explains Dr Habib Rahbar, professor of radiology at the University of Washington.
There are four categories of breast density. The first two – entirely fatty breast tissue and scattered fibroglandular breast tissue – are considered low density. The other two – heterogeneous breast tissue (which roughly 40% of women have) and extremely dense breast tissue (which about 10% of women have) – are considered dense.
It’s every woman’s right to know her own personalized risk of breast cancerDr Maryam LustbergDespite its prevalence, “there’s a lot that’s not understood about breast density and why some people have more dense breasts than others,” says Dr Angela DeMichele, professor of medicine and co-leader of the breast cancer program at the University of Pennsylvania’s Abramson cancer center.
People from some racial groups, such as Asian Americans and Black Americans, are more likely to have dense breast tissue, says Dr Arif Kamal, chief patient officer of the American Cancer Society. It can also run in families.
Additionally, an individual’s breast density can vary from year to year depending on age, hormone levels, menstrual cycle and medication. While roughly 50% of women in their 40s have dense breasts, that number drops to about 25% in women over 60, says Dr Maryam Lustberg, chief of breast medical oncology at the Yale Cancer Center.
How do you find out if you have dense breasts?To find out if you have dense breasts, you need to have a mammogram. A radiologist will then examine the results and determine your level of breast density. As a result of the new FDA ruling, these findings will be included on your mammogram report, along with guidance about whether or not to seek additional testing.
Breast density is not something one can self-diagnose, says Kamal. “It’s saying, ‘When I look at the screen [of a mammogram] your breasts are dense.’ It doesn’t mean that you can feel the difference.”
How does breast density affect cancer screening?A higher density of this fibroglandular tissue can make reading mammograms more difficult. Mammograms are X-rays, and X-rays pass more easily through soft tissue, like fat, making these areas appear dark on the resulting image. Higher density tissue appears more white and obscures the field of the mammogram, making it harder for a radiologist to identify suspicious masses, which also appear white. Lustberg likens it to trying to see through a “snowstorm”.
For people with dense breasts, doctors often strongly recommend other imaging in addition to mammograms. This may include a whole breast ultrasound, which uses sound waves rather than X-rays to create an image of the breast. “It’s a different modality, so if there is a mass hiding behind something, [the sound wave] is going to bounce a little bit differently,” explains Lustberg. However, experts disagree about how useful breast ultrasounds are; one described them as having “limited value”.
Some doctors may also recommend patients with dense breasts undergo an MRI, which is an effective way of spotting cancer even in extremely dense breasts. But MRIs can result in false positives. Lustberg says this risk may be justified for those with an elevated risk of breast cancer. MRIs can also help those concerned about whether a mammogram is accurate. But for those with an average risk, MRIs can result in “unnecessary biopsies” and “increased anxiety”.
Kamal says balancing these factors about additional testing comes down to “the risk tolerance of the patient”.
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“It’s very confusing,” says DeMichele. “We have not had a definitive study that showed us exactly the right test to do in [people] with dense breasts that could [detect] cancers without also leading to more false positives and more biopsies.”
Further complicating the issue is uneven access, says Rahbar. Such testing is not always covered by insurance, and some patients live in so-called “medical deserts” where advanced or even basic imaging technologies may not be available.
Are mammograms still useful?Does all of this mean that mammograms are useless for people with dense breasts? Not at all, say experts.
Besides detecting dense masses, mammograms also detect calcifications in the breast. “This is one of the best ways to find a very small cancer,” says DeMichele, particularly cancers that don’t usually show up as densities. While these calcifications are somewhat harder to see in mammograms of dense breasts, they are still “very visible”, she says.
Does breast density affect one’s cancer risk?Breast density itself is a cancer risk factor, though experts aren’t entirely sure why.
Breast milk for adults: wellness elixir or unscientific fascination?Read morePeople with dense breasts are two to three times more likely to develop breast cancer in their lifetime, says Lustberg. There are a number of hypotheses as to why this might be, though none have been conclusively proved. “Dense breasts do seem to have a little bit different biology than fatty breast tissue,” says Lustberg.
Experts emphasize that a person’s breast density is merely one potential risk factor. Breast cancer risk assessment tools, some of which are available online, take into factors such as a person’s age, how old they were when they first got their period, how old they were when they first had a child and their family history of cancer.
“I think it’s every woman’s right to know her own personalized risk of breast cancer,” says Lustberg.
How can patients advocate for themselves when it comes to breast density?Without any clear, standardized guidelines for screening breast density, much of the responsibility falls on patients to get the information they need.
“We should not wait for the scientific community to figure out what it wants to do in a unified voice. There’s no time for that,” says Kamal. Instead, he says, patients need to insist on conversations with their clinicians to understand their breast cancer risks, and advocate for the care and testing that makes them feel comfortable.
Yerger founded the advocacy group My Density Matters in 2021. Groups like this have been raising awareness of breast density for years. They also provide information about breast density as well as questions to ask healthcare providers, additional screening options and advice about how to address potential pushback from doctors and insurance agencies.
“What we ask [patients] to do, it’s not easy,” says Yerger. “Right now, it’s what we have to do.”

This morning, reporters learned from the People’s Courts of Wangcheng District and Ningxiang City in Changsha, Hunan Province, that a public trial judgment has been made regarding the criminal case linked to the devastating collapse of a self-built residence on April 29th. The defendant, Wu Zhiyong, was sentenced to eleven years in prison for causing a major responsibility accident and for provoking trouble. Co-defendants Long Tiankai, Ren Luosheng, and Xue Xianzhong received sentences ranging from six years and six months to six years for their roles in the same crime. Additionally, the company involved, Hunan Xiangda Engineering Testing Co., was fined one million yuan for providing false documentation, while six other defendants, including Tan Hua, received prison terms of four years and nine months to two years and nine months, alongside fines and lifetime bans on their professional activities. Defendant Zhou Zhengmao was sentenced to twelve years for dereliction of duty and bribery, while four others, including Leng Jingke, received sentences ranging from five years and six months to three years and nine months for similar offenses.

The tragic incident on April 29, 2022, saw a self-constructed home in Wangcheng District, owned by Wu Zhiyong, collapse due to illegal construction practices and renovations. This disaster resulted in the loss of 54 lives, left 9 others injured to varying degrees, and caused significant economic damages.

The court found that Wu Zhiyong illegally hired unqualified individuals, including Long Tiankai for design and Ren Luosheng and Xue Xianzhong for construction. They built additional stories on the residence and rented it out for commercial purposes despite knowing there were serious safety hazards. Even when signs of imminent collapse appeared, no emergency evacuation measures were taken, leading to tragic casualties and economic losses. Wu Zhiyong was also found guilty of vandalizing others’ property repeatedly. Hunan Xiangda Engineering Testing Co., along with shareholders Tan Hua, Yang Shuangfu, Ning Tao, and Gong Biao, as well as nominal inspectors Liu Deng and Tang Se, were implicated for supplying false documentation. Other officials, including Zhou Zhengmao, former Deputy District Head, and Leng Jingke, former squad leader of the urban management and comprehensive law enforcement bureau in Wangcheng, were similarly found guilty of neglecting their duties, with Zhou also facing bribery charges.

Based on the facts, circumstances, and consequences of each defendant’s actions, as well as their expressions of remorse, the court reached its sentencing decisions. Throughout the trial, the court ensured the defendants’ rights were respected. Some members of the local people’s congress, political advisory committees, and family members of both the victims and defendants were present to witness the verdict.

In a recent disturbing trend, car towing scams targeting the Chinese community in Southern California have become alarmingly common. One of the latest victims, Mr. Li, experienced the theft of his nearly $300,000 Aston Martin DB12, which he watched helplessly as it was taken away by scammers posing as a legitimate towing company.

Mr. Li, a resident of San Diego, initially planned to take his 2023 Aston Martin to a dealership in Irvine for consignment. However, due to his busy schedule and the distance from his home, which is outside the towing company’s service area, he contacted a separate towing company himself.

On the day of the incident, the towing service arrived as scheduled and took his car. Hours later, another towing truck showed up at Mr. Li’s home, claiming they were there to tow his vehicle. Confused, Mr. Li informed them that his car had already been taken. After further investigation, he discovered that the first towing company was a fraudulent operation. It appeared that information from the legitimate towing company had been leaked and exploited by the scammers, who had already absconded with his vehicle.

That night, Mr. Li received a call from the scammers demanding a $20,000 ransom for the return of his car. Infuriated, he decided to report the incident to the police and ignored the scammers’ demands. Days later, the scammers contacted him again, offering to lower the ransom and promising to help him retrieve his car. Mr. Li feigned interest but ultimately did not hear from them again.

These scams are not just targeting individuals; professional car dealers are also at risk. Joseph, a Chinese car dealer from Southern California, shared his near-miss with such a scam involving a $100,000 BMW 840i he had just purchased. He used a reliable towing platform called Central Dispatch, which typically requires strict vetting of both towing companies and dealers to ensure safety.

However, a few weeks ago, Joseph received a call from someone with an Indian accent claiming to be from the towing company he contacted. Although he was wary, the caller provided accurate information about the towing business and his request, leading Joseph to feel secure enough to share his gate pass number. The caller assured him that his car would arrive the next day.

Later that evening, Joseph received a call from the legitimate towing company’s customer service, who informed him that they had never received his request. They revealed that their account had been hacked earlier in the day and warned Joseph that scammers might have stolen his information with the intent to steal his car.

In a panic, Joseph tried to contact the BMW dealership but found no one available after hours. Fortunately, he learned the next day that his vehicle had not been picked up. He speculated that its location may have protected it, as dealerships and used car lots often have multiple security systems in place, making them less susceptible to such scams compared to individual car owners.

Joseph emphasized that fake towing companies typically operate under two main schemes: selling stolen cars abroad or extorting car owners. He cautioned all vehicle owners to be vigilant when seeking towing services, advising them to use trusted platforms and verify information thoroughly to avoid becoming victims of these insidious scams.

As a visitor to Manhattan, it’s essential to be aware of recent discussions among locals regarding food truck payments. Some users have taken to social media to alert others to the risks associated with using credit cards at these street vendors, particularly highlighting the potential for unexpected fees. One user shared a troubling experience of purchasing a meal for $10, only to find their bill amounted to $17. “It was such a frustrating surprise,” they lamented.

Another individual recounted a similar incident: “I was at a street vendor, bought a meat skewer, and later found a $60 charge on my card. When I mentioned going to the police, they finally refunded me $50.” This experience prompted a Chinese-American user to share their caution on platforms like Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book), insisting, “Always pay in cash at Manhattan food trucks.” They recounted their first experience thinking they were getting a good deal on chicken rice, only to discover a $37 charge when they got home, leaving them shocked and questioning if they had accidentally ordered the most expensive item.

On their second visit, they confirmed the price was $10 before paying with a card, but once again, the charge showed up as $17. Finally, on their third try, they opted to pay in cash and didn’t face any extra charges. “It’s just something everyone should be careful about,” they advised, adding, “Sometimes, the food is genuinely tasty.”

Comments from others echoed similar sentiments, with users sharing their own stories of inflated charges and the hassle of rectifying them. One noted, “I ordered something for $14, and they added an 18% tip, making it $16.52. I had to call my bank to cancel it, which was such a hassle.” Another chimed in, “Food trucks typically prefer cash, but $37 for chicken rice is ridiculous! You should contact your credit card company to dispute that charge.”

Concerns about food safety were also raised, with one user commenting, “If vendors are deceptive to this extent, it makes you wonder about the actual ingredients in their food.” Another admitted, “Every time I pass a food truck, the food smells amazing, but I can’t shake my worries about food safety.” Many users urged everyone to ask about prices upfront, pay in cash, and choose vendors that display clear pricing, pointing out that scams are rampant everywhere.

On October 16, local time, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported that Israeli military tanks fired on its observation post located in Kafar Kila, near the southeastern border of Lebanon. This incident resulted in the destruction of two cameras and damage to the observation post itself.

UNIFIL characterized the attack as a “direct and deliberate” assault on its position by the Israeli military.

In response to the incident, The Times of Israel quoted a statement from the Israeli army declaring, “UNIFIL infrastructure and personnel are not targets.”

Recently, UNIFIL has faced multiple attacks from Israeli forces, leading to injuries among peacekeepers. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on October 13 that Hezbollah has been using UNIFIL as “human shields.” He noted that the Israeli military has repeatedly called for UNIFIL to withdraw from the combat zone, but those requests have been consistently denied. On the same day, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres affirmed that despite the attacks on UNIFIL in recent days, the forces would continue to hold their positions.

James Emejo in Abuja
Managing Director/Chief Executive, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Mr. Bello Hassan, has reaffirmed the corporation’s commitment to improved customer service relations, and safety of depositors’ funds in the financial system.
Speaking at the NDIC 2024 Customer Service Week celebration with the theme, “Above and Beyond,” in Abuja, he commended its staff for exemplary performances and dedication in fostering a culture of exceptional customer service, particularly payments to depositors of the failed Heritage Bank.
Represented by NDIC Executive Director, Corporate Services, Emily Osuji, Hassan noted that the customer service week was an international celebration that recognizes the vital importance of customer service and the individuals who serve and support customers on daily basis.
He pointed out that year’s theme captures the spirit of collaboration and the unwavering commitment of NDIC to service delivery to it stakeholders.
He said, “Today, I would like to reflect on the essence of exceptional customer service and how going above and beyond can transform not only our relationships with customers but also enhance our core mandate.”
“As you all know, our passion for what we do drives us to creating a positive and stakeholder-centric culture exceed expectations.
“The theme for this year, “Above and Beyond”, our commitment to working with excellence, understanding reflects our shared values, and providing solutions that our unique environment where competition is fierce surpass expectations.”
He said the corporation’s ability to deliver outstanding customer service in ways that create lasting impact has continued to set the organisation apart.
According to him, exceptional customer service is not the responsibility of a single nurturing but a culture that prioritises customer satisfaction, adding “we not only improve individual experiences but also build a lasting reputation for excellence”.
However, National Coordinator/Chief Executive, SERVICOM, Mrs. Nnenna Akajemeli, commended the corporation’s efforts at ensuring improved customer relations and urged it to do more.

The 2024 Paris Motor Show officially kicked off on October 14, local time, showcasing over a dozen Chinese automotive manufacturers, including BYD, Hongqi, GAC, Xpeng, Leap Motor, and Skyworth.

As one of the leaders in China’s new energy vehicle sector, BYD drew significant attention. The press conference was packed, with many spectators gathering outside to catch a glimpse of the event. During the presentation, BYD’s Executive Vice President, Li Ke, provided insights into the company’s current developments and future strategic plans. She highlighted that from January to August this year, BYD captured 23% of the global new energy vehicle market share.

At the show, BYD unveiled the “Sea Lion 07” electric vehicle, which is set to debut in the European market soon. The press conference offered a detailed overview of the vehicle’s performance, and afterward, numerous industry professionals flocked to the new model for a closer look.

GAC launched its first global strategic model, the second-generation “AION V,” specifically for the European market at the Paris Motor Show. The company announced that the “AION V” will officially meet European consumers next year. Hongqi showcased its EH7 and EHS7 models at their booth, revealing the overseas starting prices during the press conference. Leap Motor also introduced its new B series and its first global model, the B10.

French President Emmanuel Macron attended the motor show, visiting several French automotive companies including Renault and Citroën. Renault displayed various economical electric vehicles, such as the R4 and R5, with Macron even taking a test ride in the R5. He praised the development of electric vehicles by French manufacturers, emphasizing the need to persevere despite current challenges.

The Italian company Alfa Romeo attracted attention with its 33 Stradale supercar, hailed as the jewel of the show. Limited to just 33 units, the car will be delivered to customers by the end of the year, with a starting price exceeding €1 million; reports suggest that all units are already sold out.

The Paris Motor Show has its origins in the International Motor Salon of 1898, making it the oldest auto show in the world. Since 1976, it has been held biennially in the fall, and this year marks its 90th edition. The Paris Motor Show is one of the world’s top five auto shows, alongside the International Motor Show in Germany, the Geneva Motor Show, the North American International Auto Show, and the Tokyo Motor Show.

On October 15th, Yangzhou celebrated its “China-Korea Friendship Exchange Day.” The newly renovated Cui Zhiyuan Memorial Hall opened its doors, welcoming over 160 descendants of the Cui family from Korea, who gathered to honor their ancestor, Cui Zhiyuan, known as the “pioneer of China-Korea relations.”

Cui Zhiyuan is revered as a founding figure by the Cui clan in Korea and is a distinguished representative of the history of friendship between the two nations. He served as an official in Yangzhou for five years and authored “Guiyuan Bigeng Ji,” making significant contributions to cultural exchanges between China and Korea. The memorial hall named after him was established and opened in 2007.

Liu Weiguo, the director of the Shugang-Shouxihu Scenic Area Administrative Committee, shared, “Since the Cui Zhiyuan Memorial Hall came under our management in 2016, we have substantially increased funding and implemented renovation projects for the memorial hall and its surrounding environment. New attractions, such as Cui Zhiyuan Square and the ‘Ren Bai Ji Qian’ pavilion, have been built. This year, we invested an additional 2 million RMB to completely upgrade the basic exhibitions of the memorial hall, presenting it in a fresh light to our visitors.”

Xu Sheng, vice-chairman of the Yangzhou Political Consultative Conference, expressed, “Yangzhou aims to leverage the opening of the Cui Zhiyuan Memorial Hall as an opportunity to enhance our position as an international cultural tourism city. We will fully utilize our rich cultural heritage, abundant tourism resources, and comprehensive public cultural construction to expand multifaceted cooperation with cities in Korea.”

Since 2001, the Gyeongju Cui Clan Central Council in Korea has made annual visits to Yangzhou to honor Cui Zhiyuan, marking an important symbolic activity in the friendship between Yangzhou and Gyeongju. “This year marks the 25th anniversary of the friendly exchanges between Yangzhou and the Gyeongju Cui Clan Central Council. Through continuous cultural exchanges, we have fostered a brotherly relationship that symbolizes Korea-China friendship,” said Choi Tiankui, president of the Gyeongju Cui Clan Central Council. “We hope to use this platform to deepen the relationship between Yangzhou and Gyeongju, further enhancing the friendship between our two nations.”

Li Bin, the curator of the Cui Zhiyuan Memorial Hall, noted, “The deep bond between Cui Zhiyuan and the ancient city of Yangzhou has transformed into a precious memory that spans over a millennium, forever engraved in the hearts of the peoples of both countries, while continuing to tell moving stories of friendship between China and Korea.”