There is a growing recognition of the critical role of security governance in advancing democratic transition in the post-conflict environment.Despite such a recognition,the security sector reform concept has overshad...There is a growing recognition of the critical role of security governance in advancing democratic transition in the post-conflict environment.Despite such a recognition,the security sector reform concept has overshadowed the importance of the overarching strategic role of security governance in transition to democracy,particularly in Africa.This paper assesses the status and challenges facing security governance and how they thwarted the efforts to furthering the democratic transition in South Sudan.The paper shows a deterioration in security,safety and security governance outcomes since the independence of South Sudan in 2011 with such a trend unlikely to be abated in the near future without strategic interventions.Some of the challenges facing security governance in South Sudan include the legacies of some historical events including the“Big Tent Policy”,absence of strategic leadership,lack of overarching policy framework,impractical and tenuous security arrangements in the 2018 peace agreement,persistent postponement of the first elections,and dysfunctional justice sector.The paper provides some strategic and operational recommendations to improve security governance and advance democratic transition in South Sudan.These recommendations include formulation of an inclusive and people-centered national security policy,rigorous judicial reform,and early political agreement on new political infrastructure if conditions for holding the first national elections are not met in 2026.展开更多
The analysis refers to the interwar years in Europe.We distinguish four types of coalitions here:(a)Coalitions with other democratic parties,led by a predominant party and most common in multi-party democratic states....The analysis refers to the interwar years in Europe.We distinguish four types of coalitions here:(a)Coalitions with other democratic parties,led by a predominant party and most common in multi-party democratic states.(b)Bringing in ideological opponents on the parts of overarching highly credible national figures such as King George V did in Britain in 1931 in calling upon the charismatic Labour Party leader MacDonald to form a coalition with the still dominant but ailing Conservative Party.(c)The outbidding of more radical political parties by former center parties towards the right or left.One such outcome comes about when this is having a temporary effect only,until the next election is won within the family of democratic parties.Yet,when outbidding is trump the electorate easily might go for the hardest outbidding contender not to be taken over by even greater extremist parties.This process for the analysis of political terrorism and its intention to instigate fear amongst the“neutral”population explains to a large extent why considerable portions of the population are going to side with the most extreme challengers.This is for two reasons,one is pure fear to be out-mastered,the other one is rational choice just to avoid this.(d)The other outcome as to outbidding occurs when the democratic national consensus formation that is still underlying all these processes in normal times is wiped out in times of crises.Democratic national consensus is being lost vis-à-vis a new anti-democratic national consensus formation.Several other theoretical arguments and historical experiences are touched upon.展开更多
Lying in politics has long been seen as both routine and destructive.While some falsehoods appear trivial,others undermine democratic processes,erode trust,and inflict significant harm on society.This essay investigat...Lying in politics has long been seen as both routine and destructive.While some falsehoods appear trivial,others undermine democratic processes,erode trust,and inflict significant harm on society.This essay investigates the moral,legal,and political dimensions of punishing political lies,drawing on Kantian deontological ethics,consequentialist reasoning,and theories of democratic communication.It distinguishes minor misstatements from harmful falsehoods that distort elections,public health responses,and national security.Building on Hannah Arendt’s warning about the collapse of truth and Jürgen Habermas’s emphasis on communicative integrity,the analysis shows how unchecked deception corrodes the foundations of democratic legitimacy.Although legal punishment risks overreach and potential misuse,political and social sanctions remain essential tools of accountability.By examining cases such as misinformation in the Iraq War and the COVID-19 pandemic,the essay argues that meaningful consequences for harmful lies are indispensable to maintaining truth as a shared democratic norm.展开更多
The democratic decline in the United States has become a crucial perspective to understand recent changes in its domestic and foreign policies.Democratic decline refers to the erosion of the substantive integrity or s...The democratic decline in the United States has become a crucial perspective to understand recent changes in its domestic and foreign policies.Democratic decline refers to the erosion of the substantive integrity or structural framework of a democratic system.This decline is manifested in both the erosion of soft democratic norms and the social foundations that sustain them,and the multiple crises at the level of institutional functioning.The rise of populism particularly underscores the dual deterioration of democratic substance and structures.This democratic decline stems from political elites’ineffective response to the social tensions generated by economic polarization and cultural conflicts arising during the advancement of the liberal international order.In the context of major-country competition,democratic decline has not only driven the United States to place greater emphasis on the perceived“threat”from China but has also constrained its mobilization of strategic resources and adoption of a more pragmatic approach in selecting strategic tools.Amid the democratic decline at home and with limited effectiveness in domestic policy adjustments,the United States has aggressively shifted its governance burdens onto the international community,severely disrupting the international order and exposing the selfish nature of its hegemonism.展开更多
BACKGROUND Thyroid cancer incidence is rising globally,including the Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC).Despite its increasing incidence,limited data exist on physicians’knowledge of thyroid cancer management in the D...BACKGROUND Thyroid cancer incidence is rising globally,including the Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC).Despite its increasing incidence,limited data exist on physicians’knowledge of thyroid cancer management in the DRC.AIM To evaluate the knowledge levels of Congolese physicians regarding the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid nodules and cancers,and to identify existing gaps and areas for improvement.METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from June to August 2024,involving 369 physicians practicing in healthcare facilities across Kinshasa,DRC.Participants were selected using a multi-stage sampling method.Data were collected via a structured questionnaire covering thyroid cancer epidemiology,diagnostic methods,treatment approaches,and prognosis.Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25,employing descriptive and inferential statistics,with a P value≤0.05 being considered as statistically significant.RESULTS Overall response rate was 96.1%.Of all participants,68%were female and 32%were male physicians.General practitioners constituted 84.8%of respondents,with an average age of 34 years.While 53.7%demonstrated adequate knowledge of hypothyroidism management post-thyroidectomy and 61.2%identified the approach for hypoparathyroidism,only 5.1%recognized the need for radiotherapy in metastatic thyroid cancer cases.Awareness of anaplastic thyroid cancer treatment was limited(6.5%),and 90.2%of physicians were unfamiliar with the surgical complications.Moderate understanding was noted in diagnostic protocols,with 44.2%correctly identifying repeat fine-needle aspiration timing in Bethesda I cases.Knowledge of molecular genetics,recurrence risks,and metastasis patterns was remarkably low.CONCLUSION This study highlights significant knowledge gaps among Congolese physicians regarding thyroid cancer management,especially about advanced treatment modalities and molecular genetics.Targeted educational programs and improved access to diagnostic tools are critical to bridging these deficits.Addressing these gaps can enhance the quality of thyroid cancer care and align clinical practices in the DRC with global standards.展开更多
Walt·Whitman was one of the famous poets in American literary field. He is remembered by his masterpiece-Leaves of Grass, which composes a lot of his democratic ideas. His democratic poems and his writing styles ...Walt·Whitman was one of the famous poets in American literary field. He is remembered by his masterpiece-Leaves of Grass, which composes a lot of his democratic ideas. His democratic poems and his writing styles have their historical background which helped form his democratic ideas.展开更多
Since the Cession of Hong Kong for the British since the news of speech terms is strictly limited, long-term Hong Kong residents can not participate in local politics. But to allow discussion of political affairs in C...Since the Cession of Hong Kong for the British since the news of speech terms is strictly limited, long-term Hong Kong residents can not participate in local politics. But to allow discussion of political affairs in China outside Hong Kong. Thus, the various historical periods in the future, the progressive intellectuals to Hong Kong newspaper, publicity revolution, the process of democratic revolution in China, plays a very important role.展开更多
One of the grand problem in the contemporary political history of Ethiopia is an incessant struggle for democratic transition and subsequent failures.Since the 1913,all the attempted hoped-for political transitions ha...One of the grand problem in the contemporary political history of Ethiopia is an incessant struggle for democratic transition and subsequent failures.Since the 1913,all the attempted hoped-for political transitions have been failed to bring democratic political order.Now Ethiopia has got another golden opportunity:a reform within EPRDF under the reformist prime minster Dr.Abiy Ahmed.However,the polemical question is whether the current democratic transition will success(bring democratic consolidation)or fail(reversion to authoritarianism).This paper,therefore,examined anatomy of missed opportunities for change in the modern Ethiopian political history with the intent of drawing the lessons to be taken into consideration from the past failures for current political reform the country has undergone.The study employed qualitative research approach in which data are gathered through document review and analyzed using critical discourse and historical narrative analysis techniques.The finding of the study shows that in all attempted hoped-for opportunities for change,the elite has followed a winner-takes-all-approach of politics than“a negotiated transition”based on win-win principled politics.Thus,all hoped-for-reform attempts are hijacked by the then elite aspiring hegemonic leadership,business as usual,and paradoxically it replaced new dictators who are more repressive and brutal than their predecessors.These historical legacies has also impacted the current transition the country undergone Therefore,this study suggests that there is a need to draw lesson from past failure:“decolonizing mind”and deconstructing a hyperbolically constructed invented myths that hindered societal transformation via epistemic community is an imperative to realize the country’s aspiration towards a democratic political order.展开更多
Anti-hegemonic movements in Japan had occurred frequently since the early 20th century,and democratic revolution debate in the 1920s was the first significant domestic debate on future development strategy.Various dis...Anti-hegemonic movements in Japan had occurred frequently since the early 20th century,and democratic revolution debate in the 1920s was the first significant domestic debate on future development strategy.Various discussions on it from Japanese academia involved state power,absolutism,agrarian revolution,and revolutionary strategy,etc.An analysis of early Japanese scholars’perspectives on the democratic revolution helps to know about the social milieu in Japan at that time,and is of positive significance to comprehend the development process of the current Japanese democratic revolution.展开更多
This article takes the general branch of the Huizhou College of the Democratic League of Huizhou College in recent years as an example. Through literature review, field research, case analysis, and other research meth...This article takes the general branch of the Huizhou College of the Democratic League of Huizhou College in recent years as an example. Through literature review, field research, case analysis, and other research methods, it summarized how the Democratic League of Huizhou College made good use of various activity carriers in ideological and political education. It combined discipline construction, scientific research platforms, school-government-enterprise, and other cooperation platforms. From educational methods to subject transformation and integration, and from daily teaching to social practice, it promoted the role of college teachers in the alliance to play the role of cultivating people in the era of college education reform. The aim was to put forward that in educating others, they should first educate themselves, teachers had two-way morality in terms of teacher ethics and professionalism, effectively integrated ideological and political courses into professional teaching and practice, and realized waiting for flowers to bloom in the “context”<sup>1</sup> teaching environment like the cultivation effect of salt in water.展开更多
AIM:To determine the frequency and types of retinal diseases and the extend of the related visual loss in adult patients attending two public eye clinics of Kinshasa,Democratic Republic of Congo.METHODS:Review of medi...AIM:To determine the frequency and types of retinal diseases and the extend of the related visual loss in adult patients attending two public eye clinics of Kinshasa,Democratic Republic of Congo.METHODS:Review of medical records of patients with retinal diseases seen in the major eye clinics in Kinshasa,the University Hospital of Kinshasa(UHK)and Saint Joseph Hospital(SJH),from January 2012 to December 2014.Demographics and diagnoses were retrieved and analyzed.Outcome measures were frequency and prevalence of retinal diseases,blindness and low vision.RESULTS:A total of 40965 patients aged 40 y or older were examined during this period in both clinics.Of these,1208 had retinal disease,giving a 3-year and an annual prevalence of 3%and 1%,respectively.Mean age was 61.7±10.7 y,and 55.8%of the patients were males.Arterial hypertension(68.1%)and diabetes(43.3%)were the most common systemic comorbidities.Hypertensive retinopathy(41.8%),diabetic retinopathy(37.9%),age-related macular degeneration(AMD;14.6%),and chorioretinitis and retinal vein occlusion(7.3%each)were the most common retinal diseases,with 3-year prevalence rates of 1.3%,1.0%,0.43%,and 0.21%respectively.Bilateral low vision and blindness were present in 26.8%and 8.4%of the patients at presentation.Major causes of low vision and blindness were diabetic retinopathy(14.8%),AMD(4.9%),retinal detachment(2.8%),and retinal vein occlusion(2.5%).The prevalence was significantly higher among males than females,and at the UHK than SJH.CONCLUSION:Retinal diseases are common among Congolese adult patients attending eye clinics in Kinshasa.They cause a significant proportion of low vision and blindness.展开更多
In the past decade,there has been extensive global surveillance for highly pathogenic avian influenza(HPAI)infection in both animals and humans,however,few studies on epidemiology of avian influenza in Democratic Peo...In the past decade,there has been extensive global surveillance for highly pathogenic avian influenza(HPAI)infection in both animals and humans,however,few studies on epidemiology of avian influenza in Democratic People’s Republic of Korea(DPRK)were published.During the period 2013–2014,HPAI H5N1 viruses were detected with outbreaks in domestic poultry in DPRK.Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the hemagglutinin gene of all samples belonged to clade 2.3.2.1c with high homology.The HPAI H5N1 virus found in ducks at the Tudan Duck Farm in 2013 was might introduced by migratory birds and then led to the outbreaks on neighboring chicken farms in 2014.These data provide direct evidence for the transmission of avian influenza viruses from wild birds to waterfowl to terrestrial birds.Therefore,the monitoring and control of influenza virus in ducks must be given top priority,which are essential components to prevent and control HPAI.展开更多
Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, the DRC ranks among countries with high infant mortality. To solve this problem, the Health Ministry has set up a programme: the use of integrated management childhood illness (IMCI)...Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, the DRC ranks among countries with high infant mortality. To solve this problem, the Health Ministry has set up a programme: the use of integrated management childhood illness (IMCI) in community care sites (CCSs) managed by non-health professional persons known as community health workers (CHW). This approach has not yet been integrated into the health pyramid. This is why we chose the Realist Evaluation Approach to evaluate the effectiveness of this programme on Universal Access to care for children under 5 years of age in the DRC. Methods/design: To conduct this exploratory study which is essentially a descriptive case study, we applied the principles of a realist evaluation by context—mechanisms—effects explained in the conceptual framework. The preliminary theory of the programme was elaborated by data collection through a literature review coupled with semi-structured interviews with key informants who were managers of the government programme and technical and financial partners of the programme. Results: IMCI has been evaluated and shown its positive contribution in the reduction of global children mortality. In the DRC, summaries of data collection through a literature review coupled with semi-structured interviews showed the same result. However, under criticism, based on the data collected during this exploratory study, it is promisingly apparent that this programme will achieve the objectives assigned to it through the preliminary theory of the programme. Conclusion: The literature review corroborated the effectiveness of the IMCI programme. The application of this programme in CCS with non-health professionals who are Community Health Workers has been shown to be effective in the DRC. Based on this reality, it was possible to define the basis for a realist evaluation of the effectiveness of the programme in CCS.展开更多
The delay in the delivery of laboratory results can be fatal and can even lead to the death of patients. This study was conducted at the clinical laboratory of the University Hospital of Kinshasa (UHK) from October 20...The delay in the delivery of laboratory results can be fatal and can even lead to the death of patients. This study was conducted at the clinical laboratory of the University Hospital of Kinshasa (UHK) from October 2020 to April 2021, aimed to evaluate the laboratory tests’ turnaround time (TAT) and to identify reasons for delay. TAT was quantified using a time and motion analysis approach. The evaluation of TAT consisted of comparing the overall intra-lab TAT with the suggested TAT using student t-test at 95% confidence intervals. Brainstorming was the root cause analysis tool used for identifying reasons for delay. In this study, the laboratory tests’ TATs were significantly higher (p < 0.001) comparing to international guidelines (60 minutes) and customers’ suggested TAT (120 minutes). Only 0.98% of the samples were reported within 60 minutes of patient reception and 1.47% within 120 minutes, i.e. an outlier rate of 98.5%. Root causes of delay related to Machinery, Management, Manpower, Materials, Method and Milieu. Because of many reasons, the laboratory is not meeting the established TAT. Preventive and curative measures must be undertaken to reduce the delay and improve the TAT.展开更多
Background: Pregnant women in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are at increased risk for developing obstetric fistulas (OFs) as a result of obstructed labor, in conditions similar to many other African countries...Background: Pregnant women in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are at increased risk for developing obstetric fistulas (OFs) as a result of obstructed labor, in conditions similar to many other African countries. No case-control study of biological and social risk factors for OF has been reported from the DRC. This study aimed to identify factors that would aid in prevention and early identification of women who are at risk of developing OF. Methods: Participants were enrolled in a case-control study at four obstetric clinics in the central DRC. Cases of OF were evaluated as they presented, then a control participant was enrolled among women presenting subsequently to the same clinic, seeking to match parity at the time of the fistula and tribe of the case. A questionnaire was administered to elicit physical, obstetric, demographic, socioeconomic, religion, geographic, and delivery attributes of the participants. Case-control comparisons sought to identify independent risk factors for OF in the total case-control pairs and in subgroups of the participants. Logistic regression was utilized to identify independent risk factors for OF in the total case-control study group and in selected subgroups of the participants, and linear regression was utilized to estimate the variation explained between case and control outcomes from the variables independently significant in the logistic regression models. Results: A total of 177 case-control pairs were enrolled. Among all pairs, shorter height of the case (odds ratio = 1.06, 95% Confidence Limits 1.02 - 1.12);more kilometers travelled to the delivery site (1.02, 1.01 - 1.02);her village, not town, residence (OR = 5.52, 2.72 - 11.2), and her lower professional status (2.95, 1.53 - 5.72) were statistically independent factors associated with OF development. When applied in linear regression comparison of the pairs, these variables yielded an r<sup>2</sup> = 0.48, imputing 48% of the difference in delivery outcome between the pairs was explained by these variables. Among the 38 pairs who were primigravida, the independent variables were more kilometers travelled to the delivery site (1.02, 1.00 - 1.05), village, not town, residence (50.0, 10.2 - 248.7), and facility intended for lower patient acuity (3.7 s, 1.01 - 13.6, r<sup>2</sup> = 0.66) patients who were matched on parity and tribe, the significant risk factors were professional status (OR = 0.29), greater distance travelled to the clinic (OR = 1.02, 1.01 - 1.02), village, not town, residence (5.52, 2.72 - 11.2), and mother’s lower professional status (2.95, 1.53 - 5.72) when the OF occurred. Conclusions: Our study showed biological and social factors associated with the development of OF. Shorter height was the only biological risk factor found to be statistically significant in the study population. Other factors were related to limited resources and limited access to medical care.展开更多
Objective:To assess the presence and identity of Bartonella species in a pool of human blood samples from DRC Congo.Methods:Blood(±120μL) was collected anonymously from Congolese patients and placed on calibrate...Objective:To assess the presence and identity of Bartonella species in a pool of human blood samples from DRC Congo.Methods:Blood(±120μL) was collected anonymously from Congolese patients and placed on calibrated filter papers.Bartonella serology determination was performed using an indirect immun of luorescence assay(IFA) against six specific Bartonella antigens and Coxiella burnetii(C.burnetii) antigen.The end cut- of f value for Bartonella sp.was a titre greater than 1200.Results:None of the patients was positive for Bartonella elizabethae, Bartonella vinsonii subsp.vinsonii or Bartonella vinsonii subsp.arupensis nor for C.burnetti, but 4.5%of the 1SS samples were positive for either Bartonella henselae,Bartonella quintana, or Bartonella clarridgeiae.Conclusions:This preliminary study presents the first report of Bartonella species in the DR Congo and the first report of antibodies to Bartonella clarridgeiae in an African human population.Although few experimental trials have established the link between fleas and Bartonella transmission,the repeated detection of similar Bartonella species in fleas and humans in several countries suggests that Bartonellosis could be another flea-borne disease which specific reservoirs are still unknown.展开更多
Objective: To improve knowledge and practice of health staff as well as the availability of material resources for diagnosis and management of schistosomiasis in two endemic provinces of DRC(Kinshasa and Bas-Congo).Me...Objective: To improve knowledge and practice of health staff as well as the availability of material resources for diagnosis and management of schistosomiasis in two endemic provinces of DRC(Kinshasa and Bas-Congo).Methods: Structured interviews were performed using questionnaires with staff from 35 healthcare facilities in 9 health zones(HZ) of Kinshasa and 2 HZ in Bas-Congo.Results: Schistosomiasis was reported to be present in all the included HZ.Health staff knew the most important symptoms of schistosomiasis, but advanced symptoms were more accurately reported in Bas-Congo.Knowledge of symptoms related to schistosomiasis such as anemia(P = 0.0 115) and pollakiuria(P = 0.0 260) was statistically different in both two provinces.Kato-Katz technique and urine filtration were unavailable in both provinces.Parasitological diagnosis was mostly performed using the direct smear method.PZQ was available in 70% of the health facilities, all situated in Bas-Congo.Diagnosis and treatment mostly relied on symptoms and cost more in urban area than in rural.Conclusions: Though knowledge on schistosomiasis among health staff appears sufficient, substantial efforts still must be made to improve the availability of diagnostic tools and treatment in the health facilities in DRC.展开更多
Democratic group signatures （DGSs） attract many researchers due to their appealing properties, i.e., anonymity, traceability and no group manager. Security results of existing work are based on decisional Diffie-Hel...Democratic group signatures （DGSs） attract many researchers due to their appealing properties, i.e., anonymity, traceability and no group manager. Security results of existing work are based on decisional Diffie-Hellman （DDH） assumption. In this paper, we present a democratic group signature scheme based on any gap Diffie-Hellman （GDH） group where DDH problem is easily but computational Diffe-Hellman （CDH） problem is hard to be solved. Besides the properties of ordinary DGSs, our scheme also provides the property of linkability, i.e., any public verifier can tell whether two group signatures are generated using the same private key. Security properties of our scheme employ a new and independently interesting decisional product Diffie-Hellman （DPDH） assumption which is weaker than DDH one.展开更多
Democratic group signature (DGS) is a group-oriented primitive with great flexibilities, i.e., no group manager, anonymity, and traceability. In a DGS scheme with (t, n)-threshold traceability, any subset of not less ...Democratic group signature (DGS) is a group-oriented primitive with great flexibilities, i.e., no group manager, anonymity, and traceability. In a DGS scheme with (t, n)-threshold traceability, any subset of not less than t members can jointly reveal the identity of the signer while preserving security even in the presence of an active adversary can corrupt up to t-1 group members. This paper proposes an efficient DGS scheme. We use publicly verifiable secret sharing (PVSS) to distribute the trapdoor via which the real signer is revealed. The computation cost and communication overhead of our DGS signatures are greatly reduced, compared with the existing work. For example, the size of the resulting signature contains only 2n + 1 elements of Zq, except the PVSS output.展开更多
This paper presents a concrete democratic group signature scheme which holds （t, n）-threshold traceability. In the scheme, the capability of tracing the actual signer is distributed among n group members. It gives a...This paper presents a concrete democratic group signature scheme which holds （t, n）-threshold traceability. In the scheme, the capability of tracing the actual signer is distributed among n group members. It gives a valid democratic group signature such that any subset with more than t members can jointly reconstruct a secret and reveal the identity of the signer. Any active adversary cannot do this even if he can corrupt up to t - 1 group members.展开更多
文摘There is a growing recognition of the critical role of security governance in advancing democratic transition in the post-conflict environment.Despite such a recognition,the security sector reform concept has overshadowed the importance of the overarching strategic role of security governance in transition to democracy,particularly in Africa.This paper assesses the status and challenges facing security governance and how they thwarted the efforts to furthering the democratic transition in South Sudan.The paper shows a deterioration in security,safety and security governance outcomes since the independence of South Sudan in 2011 with such a trend unlikely to be abated in the near future without strategic interventions.Some of the challenges facing security governance in South Sudan include the legacies of some historical events including the“Big Tent Policy”,absence of strategic leadership,lack of overarching policy framework,impractical and tenuous security arrangements in the 2018 peace agreement,persistent postponement of the first elections,and dysfunctional justice sector.The paper provides some strategic and operational recommendations to improve security governance and advance democratic transition in South Sudan.These recommendations include formulation of an inclusive and people-centered national security policy,rigorous judicial reform,and early political agreement on new political infrastructure if conditions for holding the first national elections are not met in 2026.
文摘The analysis refers to the interwar years in Europe.We distinguish four types of coalitions here:(a)Coalitions with other democratic parties,led by a predominant party and most common in multi-party democratic states.(b)Bringing in ideological opponents on the parts of overarching highly credible national figures such as King George V did in Britain in 1931 in calling upon the charismatic Labour Party leader MacDonald to form a coalition with the still dominant but ailing Conservative Party.(c)The outbidding of more radical political parties by former center parties towards the right or left.One such outcome comes about when this is having a temporary effect only,until the next election is won within the family of democratic parties.Yet,when outbidding is trump the electorate easily might go for the hardest outbidding contender not to be taken over by even greater extremist parties.This process for the analysis of political terrorism and its intention to instigate fear amongst the“neutral”population explains to a large extent why considerable portions of the population are going to side with the most extreme challengers.This is for two reasons,one is pure fear to be out-mastered,the other one is rational choice just to avoid this.(d)The other outcome as to outbidding occurs when the democratic national consensus formation that is still underlying all these processes in normal times is wiped out in times of crises.Democratic national consensus is being lost vis-à-vis a new anti-democratic national consensus formation.Several other theoretical arguments and historical experiences are touched upon.
文摘Lying in politics has long been seen as both routine and destructive.While some falsehoods appear trivial,others undermine democratic processes,erode trust,and inflict significant harm on society.This essay investigates the moral,legal,and political dimensions of punishing political lies,drawing on Kantian deontological ethics,consequentialist reasoning,and theories of democratic communication.It distinguishes minor misstatements from harmful falsehoods that distort elections,public health responses,and national security.Building on Hannah Arendt’s warning about the collapse of truth and Jürgen Habermas’s emphasis on communicative integrity,the analysis shows how unchecked deception corrodes the foundations of democratic legitimacy.Although legal punishment risks overreach and potential misuse,political and social sanctions remain essential tools of accountability.By examining cases such as misinformation in the Iraq War and the COVID-19 pandemic,the essay argues that meaningful consequences for harmful lies are indispensable to maintaining truth as a shared democratic norm.
文摘The democratic decline in the United States has become a crucial perspective to understand recent changes in its domestic and foreign policies.Democratic decline refers to the erosion of the substantive integrity or structural framework of a democratic system.This decline is manifested in both the erosion of soft democratic norms and the social foundations that sustain them,and the multiple crises at the level of institutional functioning.The rise of populism particularly underscores the dual deterioration of democratic substance and structures.This democratic decline stems from political elites’ineffective response to the social tensions generated by economic polarization and cultural conflicts arising during the advancement of the liberal international order.In the context of major-country competition,democratic decline has not only driven the United States to place greater emphasis on the perceived“threat”from China but has also constrained its mobilization of strategic resources and adoption of a more pragmatic approach in selecting strategic tools.Amid the democratic decline at home and with limited effectiveness in domestic policy adjustments,the United States has aggressively shifted its governance burdens onto the international community,severely disrupting the international order and exposing the selfish nature of its hegemonism.
文摘BACKGROUND Thyroid cancer incidence is rising globally,including the Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC).Despite its increasing incidence,limited data exist on physicians’knowledge of thyroid cancer management in the DRC.AIM To evaluate the knowledge levels of Congolese physicians regarding the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid nodules and cancers,and to identify existing gaps and areas for improvement.METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from June to August 2024,involving 369 physicians practicing in healthcare facilities across Kinshasa,DRC.Participants were selected using a multi-stage sampling method.Data were collected via a structured questionnaire covering thyroid cancer epidemiology,diagnostic methods,treatment approaches,and prognosis.Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25,employing descriptive and inferential statistics,with a P value≤0.05 being considered as statistically significant.RESULTS Overall response rate was 96.1%.Of all participants,68%were female and 32%were male physicians.General practitioners constituted 84.8%of respondents,with an average age of 34 years.While 53.7%demonstrated adequate knowledge of hypothyroidism management post-thyroidectomy and 61.2%identified the approach for hypoparathyroidism,only 5.1%recognized the need for radiotherapy in metastatic thyroid cancer cases.Awareness of anaplastic thyroid cancer treatment was limited(6.5%),and 90.2%of physicians were unfamiliar with the surgical complications.Moderate understanding was noted in diagnostic protocols,with 44.2%correctly identifying repeat fine-needle aspiration timing in Bethesda I cases.Knowledge of molecular genetics,recurrence risks,and metastasis patterns was remarkably low.CONCLUSION This study highlights significant knowledge gaps among Congolese physicians regarding thyroid cancer management,especially about advanced treatment modalities and molecular genetics.Targeted educational programs and improved access to diagnostic tools are critical to bridging these deficits.Addressing these gaps can enhance the quality of thyroid cancer care and align clinical practices in the DRC with global standards.
文摘Walt·Whitman was one of the famous poets in American literary field. He is remembered by his masterpiece-Leaves of Grass, which composes a lot of his democratic ideas. His democratic poems and his writing styles have their historical background which helped form his democratic ideas.
文摘Since the Cession of Hong Kong for the British since the news of speech terms is strictly limited, long-term Hong Kong residents can not participate in local politics. But to allow discussion of political affairs in China outside Hong Kong. Thus, the various historical periods in the future, the progressive intellectuals to Hong Kong newspaper, publicity revolution, the process of democratic revolution in China, plays a very important role.
文摘One of the grand problem in the contemporary political history of Ethiopia is an incessant struggle for democratic transition and subsequent failures.Since the 1913,all the attempted hoped-for political transitions have been failed to bring democratic political order.Now Ethiopia has got another golden opportunity:a reform within EPRDF under the reformist prime minster Dr.Abiy Ahmed.However,the polemical question is whether the current democratic transition will success(bring democratic consolidation)or fail(reversion to authoritarianism).This paper,therefore,examined anatomy of missed opportunities for change in the modern Ethiopian political history with the intent of drawing the lessons to be taken into consideration from the past failures for current political reform the country has undergone.The study employed qualitative research approach in which data are gathered through document review and analyzed using critical discourse and historical narrative analysis techniques.The finding of the study shows that in all attempted hoped-for opportunities for change,the elite has followed a winner-takes-all-approach of politics than“a negotiated transition”based on win-win principled politics.Thus,all hoped-for-reform attempts are hijacked by the then elite aspiring hegemonic leadership,business as usual,and paradoxically it replaced new dictators who are more repressive and brutal than their predecessors.These historical legacies has also impacted the current transition the country undergone Therefore,this study suggests that there is a need to draw lesson from past failure:“decolonizing mind”and deconstructing a hyperbolically constructed invented myths that hindered societal transformation via epistemic community is an imperative to realize the country’s aspiration towards a democratic political order.
基金Youth Fund for Humanities and Social Sciences Research of the Ministry of Education“Research on the Translation,Sharing,and Evolution of Marxist Terminology in the Early Translation of the Communist Manifesto between China and Japan”(《共产党宣言》在中日两国早期译介过程中马克思主义术语的译出、共享与演变研究20YJC740035).
文摘Anti-hegemonic movements in Japan had occurred frequently since the early 20th century,and democratic revolution debate in the 1920s was the first significant domestic debate on future development strategy.Various discussions on it from Japanese academia involved state power,absolutism,agrarian revolution,and revolutionary strategy,etc.An analysis of early Japanese scholars’perspectives on the democratic revolution helps to know about the social milieu in Japan at that time,and is of positive significance to comprehend the development process of the current Japanese democratic revolution.
文摘This article takes the general branch of the Huizhou College of the Democratic League of Huizhou College in recent years as an example. Through literature review, field research, case analysis, and other research methods, it summarized how the Democratic League of Huizhou College made good use of various activity carriers in ideological and political education. It combined discipline construction, scientific research platforms, school-government-enterprise, and other cooperation platforms. From educational methods to subject transformation and integration, and from daily teaching to social practice, it promoted the role of college teachers in the alliance to play the role of cultivating people in the era of college education reform. The aim was to put forward that in educating others, they should first educate themselves, teachers had two-way morality in terms of teacher ethics and professionalism, effectively integrated ideological and political courses into professional teaching and practice, and realized waiting for flowers to bloom in the “context”<sup>1</sup> teaching environment like the cultivation effect of salt in water.
文摘AIM:To determine the frequency and types of retinal diseases and the extend of the related visual loss in adult patients attending two public eye clinics of Kinshasa,Democratic Republic of Congo.METHODS:Review of medical records of patients with retinal diseases seen in the major eye clinics in Kinshasa,the University Hospital of Kinshasa(UHK)and Saint Joseph Hospital(SJH),from January 2012 to December 2014.Demographics and diagnoses were retrieved and analyzed.Outcome measures were frequency and prevalence of retinal diseases,blindness and low vision.RESULTS:A total of 40965 patients aged 40 y or older were examined during this period in both clinics.Of these,1208 had retinal disease,giving a 3-year and an annual prevalence of 3%and 1%,respectively.Mean age was 61.7±10.7 y,and 55.8%of the patients were males.Arterial hypertension(68.1%)and diabetes(43.3%)were the most common systemic comorbidities.Hypertensive retinopathy(41.8%),diabetic retinopathy(37.9%),age-related macular degeneration(AMD;14.6%),and chorioretinitis and retinal vein occlusion(7.3%each)were the most common retinal diseases,with 3-year prevalence rates of 1.3%,1.0%,0.43%,and 0.21%respectively.Bilateral low vision and blindness were present in 26.8%and 8.4%of the patients at presentation.Major causes of low vision and blindness were diabetic retinopathy(14.8%),AMD(4.9%),retinal detachment(2.8%),and retinal vein occlusion(2.5%).The prevalence was significantly higher among males than females,and at the UHK than SJH.CONCLUSION:Retinal diseases are common among Congolese adult patients attending eye clinics in Kinshasa.They cause a significant proportion of low vision and blindness.
基金supported by the China Agriculture Research System of MOF and MARA(CARS-41)。
文摘In the past decade,there has been extensive global surveillance for highly pathogenic avian influenza(HPAI)infection in both animals and humans,however,few studies on epidemiology of avian influenza in Democratic People’s Republic of Korea(DPRK)were published.During the period 2013–2014,HPAI H5N1 viruses were detected with outbreaks in domestic poultry in DPRK.Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the hemagglutinin gene of all samples belonged to clade 2.3.2.1c with high homology.The HPAI H5N1 virus found in ducks at the Tudan Duck Farm in 2013 was might introduced by migratory birds and then led to the outbreaks on neighboring chicken farms in 2014.These data provide direct evidence for the transmission of avian influenza viruses from wild birds to waterfowl to terrestrial birds.Therefore,the monitoring and control of influenza virus in ducks must be given top priority,which are essential components to prevent and control HPAI.
文摘Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, the DRC ranks among countries with high infant mortality. To solve this problem, the Health Ministry has set up a programme: the use of integrated management childhood illness (IMCI) in community care sites (CCSs) managed by non-health professional persons known as community health workers (CHW). This approach has not yet been integrated into the health pyramid. This is why we chose the Realist Evaluation Approach to evaluate the effectiveness of this programme on Universal Access to care for children under 5 years of age in the DRC. Methods/design: To conduct this exploratory study which is essentially a descriptive case study, we applied the principles of a realist evaluation by context—mechanisms—effects explained in the conceptual framework. The preliminary theory of the programme was elaborated by data collection through a literature review coupled with semi-structured interviews with key informants who were managers of the government programme and technical and financial partners of the programme. Results: IMCI has been evaluated and shown its positive contribution in the reduction of global children mortality. In the DRC, summaries of data collection through a literature review coupled with semi-structured interviews showed the same result. However, under criticism, based on the data collected during this exploratory study, it is promisingly apparent that this programme will achieve the objectives assigned to it through the preliminary theory of the programme. Conclusion: The literature review corroborated the effectiveness of the IMCI programme. The application of this programme in CCS with non-health professionals who are Community Health Workers has been shown to be effective in the DRC. Based on this reality, it was possible to define the basis for a realist evaluation of the effectiveness of the programme in CCS.
文摘The delay in the delivery of laboratory results can be fatal and can even lead to the death of patients. This study was conducted at the clinical laboratory of the University Hospital of Kinshasa (UHK) from October 2020 to April 2021, aimed to evaluate the laboratory tests’ turnaround time (TAT) and to identify reasons for delay. TAT was quantified using a time and motion analysis approach. The evaluation of TAT consisted of comparing the overall intra-lab TAT with the suggested TAT using student t-test at 95% confidence intervals. Brainstorming was the root cause analysis tool used for identifying reasons for delay. In this study, the laboratory tests’ TATs were significantly higher (p < 0.001) comparing to international guidelines (60 minutes) and customers’ suggested TAT (120 minutes). Only 0.98% of the samples were reported within 60 minutes of patient reception and 1.47% within 120 minutes, i.e. an outlier rate of 98.5%. Root causes of delay related to Machinery, Management, Manpower, Materials, Method and Milieu. Because of many reasons, the laboratory is not meeting the established TAT. Preventive and curative measures must be undertaken to reduce the delay and improve the TAT.
文摘Background: Pregnant women in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are at increased risk for developing obstetric fistulas (OFs) as a result of obstructed labor, in conditions similar to many other African countries. No case-control study of biological and social risk factors for OF has been reported from the DRC. This study aimed to identify factors that would aid in prevention and early identification of women who are at risk of developing OF. Methods: Participants were enrolled in a case-control study at four obstetric clinics in the central DRC. Cases of OF were evaluated as they presented, then a control participant was enrolled among women presenting subsequently to the same clinic, seeking to match parity at the time of the fistula and tribe of the case. A questionnaire was administered to elicit physical, obstetric, demographic, socioeconomic, religion, geographic, and delivery attributes of the participants. Case-control comparisons sought to identify independent risk factors for OF in the total case-control pairs and in subgroups of the participants. Logistic regression was utilized to identify independent risk factors for OF in the total case-control study group and in selected subgroups of the participants, and linear regression was utilized to estimate the variation explained between case and control outcomes from the variables independently significant in the logistic regression models. Results: A total of 177 case-control pairs were enrolled. Among all pairs, shorter height of the case (odds ratio = 1.06, 95% Confidence Limits 1.02 - 1.12);more kilometers travelled to the delivery site (1.02, 1.01 - 1.02);her village, not town, residence (OR = 5.52, 2.72 - 11.2), and her lower professional status (2.95, 1.53 - 5.72) were statistically independent factors associated with OF development. When applied in linear regression comparison of the pairs, these variables yielded an r<sup>2</sup> = 0.48, imputing 48% of the difference in delivery outcome between the pairs was explained by these variables. Among the 38 pairs who were primigravida, the independent variables were more kilometers travelled to the delivery site (1.02, 1.00 - 1.05), village, not town, residence (50.0, 10.2 - 248.7), and facility intended for lower patient acuity (3.7 s, 1.01 - 13.6, r<sup>2</sup> = 0.66) patients who were matched on parity and tribe, the significant risk factors were professional status (OR = 0.29), greater distance travelled to the clinic (OR = 1.02, 1.01 - 1.02), village, not town, residence (5.52, 2.72 - 11.2), and mother’s lower professional status (2.95, 1.53 - 5.72) when the OF occurred. Conclusions: Our study showed biological and social factors associated with the development of OF. Shorter height was the only biological risk factor found to be statistically significant in the study population. Other factors were related to limited resources and limited access to medical care.
基金supported by a Belgian Funds for Scientific Research(FNRS) grant.the Belgian Funds for research in Agriculture and Industry(FRIA) and Dr. Eric Bertherat(WHO),for financial assistance and logistical support in the field
文摘Objective:To assess the presence and identity of Bartonella species in a pool of human blood samples from DRC Congo.Methods:Blood(±120μL) was collected anonymously from Congolese patients and placed on calibrated filter papers.Bartonella serology determination was performed using an indirect immun of luorescence assay(IFA) against six specific Bartonella antigens and Coxiella burnetii(C.burnetii) antigen.The end cut- of f value for Bartonella sp.was a titre greater than 1200.Results:None of the patients was positive for Bartonella elizabethae, Bartonella vinsonii subsp.vinsonii or Bartonella vinsonii subsp.arupensis nor for C.burnetti, but 4.5%of the 1SS samples were positive for either Bartonella henselae,Bartonella quintana, or Bartonella clarridgeiae.Conclusions:This preliminary study presents the first report of Bartonella species in the DR Congo and the first report of antibodies to Bartonella clarridgeiae in an African human population.Although few experimental trials have established the link between fleas and Bartonella transmission,the repeated detection of similar Bartonella species in fleas and humans in several countries suggests that Bartonellosis could be another flea-borne disease which specific reservoirs are still unknown.
基金supported by the World Health Organization(WHO/TDR),project ID A61119
文摘Objective: To improve knowledge and practice of health staff as well as the availability of material resources for diagnosis and management of schistosomiasis in two endemic provinces of DRC(Kinshasa and Bas-Congo).Methods: Structured interviews were performed using questionnaires with staff from 35 healthcare facilities in 9 health zones(HZ) of Kinshasa and 2 HZ in Bas-Congo.Results: Schistosomiasis was reported to be present in all the included HZ.Health staff knew the most important symptoms of schistosomiasis, but advanced symptoms were more accurately reported in Bas-Congo.Knowledge of symptoms related to schistosomiasis such as anemia(P = 0.0 115) and pollakiuria(P = 0.0 260) was statistically different in both two provinces.Kato-Katz technique and urine filtration were unavailable in both provinces.Parasitological diagnosis was mostly performed using the direct smear method.PZQ was available in 70% of the health facilities, all situated in Bas-Congo.Diagnosis and treatment mostly relied on symptoms and cost more in urban area than in rural.Conclusions: Though knowledge on schistosomiasis among health staff appears sufficient, substantial efforts still must be made to improve the availability of diagnostic tools and treatment in the health facilities in DRC.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 60703031, 60703004, 60673076)
文摘Democratic group signatures （DGSs） attract many researchers due to their appealing properties, i.e., anonymity, traceability and no group manager. Security results of existing work are based on decisional Diffie-Hellman （DDH） assumption. In this paper, we present a democratic group signature scheme based on any gap Diffie-Hellman （GDH） group where DDH problem is easily but computational Diffe-Hellman （CDH） problem is hard to be solved. Besides the properties of ordinary DGSs, our scheme also provides the property of linkability, i.e., any public verifier can tell whether two group signatures are generated using the same private key. Security properties of our scheme employ a new and independently interesting decisional product Diffie-Hellman （DPDH） assumption which is weaker than DDH one.
基金the National Natural Science of Foundation of China (Nos. 61070249, 60970111 and 60873217)the National High Technology Research and Development Program (863) of China (No. 2008AA01Z403)
文摘Democratic group signature (DGS) is a group-oriented primitive with great flexibilities, i.e., no group manager, anonymity, and traceability. In a DGS scheme with (t, n)-threshold traceability, any subset of not less than t members can jointly reveal the identity of the signer while preserving security even in the presence of an active adversary can corrupt up to t-1 group members. This paper proposes an efficient DGS scheme. We use publicly verifiable secret sharing (PVSS) to distribute the trapdoor via which the real signer is revealed. The computation cost and communication overhead of our DGS signatures are greatly reduced, compared with the existing work. For example, the size of the resulting signature contains only 2n + 1 elements of Zq, except the PVSS output.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.60703031,60703004,60673076,60672068)
文摘This paper presents a concrete democratic group signature scheme which holds （t, n）-threshold traceability. In the scheme, the capability of tracing the actual signer is distributed among n group members. It gives a valid democratic group signature such that any subset with more than t members can jointly reconstruct a secret and reveal the identity of the signer. Any active adversary cannot do this even if he can corrupt up to t - 1 group members.
