Category: NEWS

**Interview: The Challenges of Companion Services in a Standardless Market**

With over 3,700 specialists offering companion services, how can patients ensure their safety amidst the rising concerns that some of these services may operate like “scalpers”? This is particularly challenging for elderly patients or those receiving care far from home, who often find the hospital process overwhelming. In the past few years, companion services have emerged to provide the necessary support, but the lack of official recognition in the national occupational classification system raises significant issues.

**Current Landscape: A Game of Chance in Finding a Companion**

I spoke with Ms. Cheng, whose 76-year-old mother needs regular follow-ups after heart surgery. “Every time she has to navigate the long lines by herself, and it’s just too much for her,” Cheng shared, highlighting her busy schedule and concern for her father’s health. After deciding to hire a companion, Ms. Cheng faced the daunting task of finding a trustworthy service amidst a sea of online options.

“Searching for ‘companion services’ on social media was overwhelming,” she recalled, noting that many posts seemed more focused on self-promotion than reliability. One listing offered services like accompanying patients to consultations and running errands for a fee, starting at 288 yuan for half a day or 500 yuan for a whole day. Another claimed they could assist various patient types, yet their qualifications were vague—they merely described themselves as a friendly individual.

Even organizations have entered this space, with one platform charging 320 yuan for half a day but clearly stating that they cannot assist patients who are entirely self-care dependent. Another service advertised at 298 yuan for half a day noted that elderly patients or children under 12 must have a family member present.

My findings shed light on the inconsistencies across platforms. Notably, one site defined “elderly” as those between 65 and 80, requiring family support for those over 80, while guardians needed to accompany minors under 18.

What is the reliability of these companions? Some platforms let users select companions from short lists, but the information is often lacking. I noted descriptions filled with vague terms like “dedicated” or “caring,” and in many cases, full background information on companions was only revealed post-booking.

Reflecting on her search, Cheng remarked, “Finding a companion feels like ‘opening a blind box’—there’s no way to be sure of what you’re getting.”

**The Chaos: Overpriced Services Disguised as Companionship**

Current trends indicate that some individuals are masquerading as companion services while charging exorbitant fees. For example, an e-commerce vendor in Beijing promoted “high-end companion services” that included consultations and post-visit care. When I reached out for more information, they suggested connecting on WeChat, where they revealed numerous appointment records for elite hospitals, yet charged 3,700 yuan for a simple consultation that should only cost 100 yuan.

Concerned voices like that of Zhu Tongyu, a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and vice president of Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, raise alarms about this practice. He pointed out that using “companion services” to mask scalping undermines healthcare equity and leaves patients vulnerable to excessive charges at “recommended” hospitals.

“The entire companion industry is still developing haphazardly, lacking any real regulation,” stated Zhou Lili, co-founder of Blue Dolphin Medical Services. She emphasized that ambiguity in service quality creates risks for patients, potentially harming their trust and impeding industry progress.

**The Path Forward: Professionalism and Structuring Companion Services**

In my investigation, I discovered that the occupation of “companion” is not yet included in the revised 2022 edition of the Occupational Classification of the People’s Republic of China. Many individuals and organizations have undertaken their training independently, often lacking standardized guidelines.

One user on social media even offered advice on acquiring clients for a fee, while others suggested various certifications, which varied greatly in cost and content.

The Chinese Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics is stepping in, initiating training programs for “medical companions” that cover essential medical knowledge, psychological support, and legal guidelines. Participants will receive certification upon successful completion.

Zhu emphasized that achieving professionalism in this field requires collaboration among practitioners, industry associations, healthcare facilities, and health regulatory bodies.

Zhou, from Blue Dolphin Medical Services, advocates using retired nurses as companions, believing that those with medical training can provide heartfelt care. However, she stressed that even trained nurses need specialized education to excel in companionship roles.

“Companionship involves three key phases: pre-visit, during the visit, and post-visit,” Zhou explained. “Before the appointment, understanding the patient’s medical history is crucial. During the visit, companions facilitate communication and clarify medical jargon for both patients and doctors. Finally, they must document the advice given and guide patients on follow-up care.”

Zhou also highlighted the importance of equipping companions with emergency response skills and psychological support knowledge to help alleviate patient anxiety during challenging moments.

While the companion service sector is ripe for growth, it must strive toward professionalization and uniform standards to realize its full potential.

Geoffrey E. Hinton, often referred to as the “godfather of artificial intelligence,” faced a surprising moment when he received the news that he was awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics. At 76 years old, he was staying in a budget hotel in California, which happened to have spotty internet and phone service at the time.

When asked about his reaction to the Nobel announcement, Hinton expressed genuine surprise. During the official press conference conducted via phone, he humorously admitted, “I had an MRI scheduled for today, and I guess I’ll have to cancel that.”

Hinton shares this prestigious accolade with John J. Hopfield from Princeton University, recognizing their groundbreaking contributions that propelled machine learning through artificial neural networks. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences made this announcement on October 8, 2023.

Born in December 1947 in Wimbledon, southwest London, Hinton exhibited an early flair for cross-disciplinary thought. He explored a range of subjects, including natural sciences, art history, philosophy, and experimental psychology, while attending Clifton College and King’s College, Cambridge. In 1978, he earned his Ph.D. in artificial intelligence from the University of Edinburgh and has since held positions at various universities in both the UK and the US. He is also the founder of the Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit at University College London.

In 1987, Hinton joined the University of Toronto’s Department of Computer Science, where he has spent the past 37 years. Currently, he holds the title of emeritus professor and serves as the chief scientific advisor at the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Toronto, one of Canada’s premier research institutions. His research delves into how neural networks empower machines to learn, remember, perceive, and manipulate symbols.

Interestingly, Hinton’s personal website at the University of Toronto is minimalistic, featuring a simple layout with a few lines of text and links. He has also stated that he no longer takes on students, postdocs, or visiting scholars.

His contributions to artificial neural networks earned him fellowship in the Royal Society in 1998, and in 2001, he became the inaugural recipient of the Rumelhart Prize in cognitive science. He was later elected as a foreign member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering in 2016.

Before this Nobel recognition, a significant milestone in Hinton’s career occurred in 2018 when he, alongside Yoshua Bengio from Montreal and Yann LeCun from New York University, was awarded the Turing Award—often considered the “Nobel Prize of Computing”—for their groundbreaking work in deep learning.

In 2013, Hinton joined Google after the tech giant acquired the deep neural network startup he co-founded. However, in May 2023, he made the decision to leave the company. After his departure, Hinton voiced his increasing concerns about the potential dangers associated with AI, even admitting to feelings of regret about his contributions. He was quoted by The New York Times saying, “It’s hard to see how to stop bad people from using it (AI) to do bad things.”

Meric Gertler, the President of the University of Toronto, expressed great pride in Hinton’s historic achievements, while Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau commended him for placing Canada at the forefront of AI technology.

During the Nobel press conference, Hinton reiterated his apprehensions regarding the implications of AI development. As a regular user of ChatGPT, he believes the impact of AI could parallel that of the Industrial Revolution, yet it will primarily enhance capabilities in intellectual rather than physical realms. While he acknowledged the significant productivity boosts that AI brings to various fields, he cautioned against potential adverse effects, expressing hope that “things don’t spin out of control.”

“I would still do the same research under the same circumstances,” Hinton reflected, “but I worry that this might lead to systems that are smarter than us ultimately controlling everything.”

On October 5th, during the women’s singles semifinals at the 2024 China Open in Beijing, Chinese player Zheng Qianwen faced a challenging match against Czech star Karolina Muchova. Unfortunately, Zheng experienced a fall during the game that resulted in an injury to her fingers. Despite her efforts, she ultimately lost the match with a score of 0-2, thereby missing out on a spot in the finals.

The China Open, often referred to as the “Zhong Wang,” continued at the National Tennis Center in Beijing, where Zheng was unable to advance to the finals. In their previous encounters, the two players had each claimed a victory, but this time, Zheng struggled after her fall in the sixth game of the first set. Following a medical timeout, she fought through the pain but dropped the first set 3-6. In the second set, despite saving two match points, she lost 4-6, sealing her exit from the tournament.

Despite her semifinals exit, Zheng’s performance marked a personal best at the China Open and was significant as it was her first time reaching the semifinals of a WTA 1000 event, matching the best result by a home player in the tournament’s history.

At the post-match press conference, Zheng reflected on her accident, saying, “I fell because I was too tired; my foot wasn’t steady. After falling, it hurt a lot, and three of my fingers were scraped and bleeding. It made it difficult to move later on. Primarily, I felt mentally drained, like I hadn’t slept well.” She acknowledged that she hadn’t had enough rest leading up to the tournament, stating, “My physical and mental states weren’t where I wanted them to be, making it hard to concentrate. I believe I can perform better.”

Looking ahead, Zheng is set to compete in the Wuhan Open as she continues to pursue a spot in the year-end finals. Commenting on her preparation, she said, “I will take it one match at a time. First, I need to recover physically and mentally, get enough rest, and enter the matches at 100%, ready to showcase my best game.”

**Interview with Mike Shinoda: Linkin Park’s Revitalized Journey**

**Ali Shutler:** It’s fantastic to see you taking the stage again at the O2 in London. How does it feel to reconnect with your fans after such a long time?

**Mike Shinoda:** It’s an incredible experience. The support we’ve received for our new material really means a lot to us. This connection with our audience is what keeps us inspired.

**Ali Shutler:** You’ve talked about a new chapter for the band with Emily Armstrong stepping in as the new vocalist. What led to that decision, and how do you see her fitting into Linkin Park’s legacy?

**Mike Shinoda:** Emily is a fantastic addition. She has her own unique presence on stage and brings a fresh energy to our music. We’re focused on the present while still celebrating our evolving legacy.

**Ali Shutler:** During your performances, there seems to be a vibrant atmosphere despite the changes. Can you share more about how this new dynamic has influenced your shows?

**Mike Shinoda:** Absolutely. Performing on a custom stage right in the middle of the venue has allowed us to create a more intimate experience. Emily brings her own interpretation to our classic songs, keeping things exciting while respecting the originals. The energy in the room is truly electrifying!

**Ali Shutler:** There’s a tangible excitement from both long-time fans and newcomers alike. How do you feel about the future of Linkin Park?

**Mike Shinoda:** For the first time in a long while, I feel really optimistic about our future. We’ve garnered a lot of younger fans who are discovering our music for the first time, which is refreshing. It’s not just about nostalgia—we’re building something new together.

**Ali Shutler:** Reflecting on your history, how do you balance honoring Chester’s memory while forging this new path?

**Mike Shinoda:** It’s a delicate balance. We don’t want to dwell only on nostalgia, but Chester’s influence is always present in our music. Songs like “Leave Out All the Rest” carry a special meaning for us, and we recognize that. It’s important to celebrate what we’ve created while also looking ahead.

**Ali Shutler:** Thank you for your time, Mike. Wishing you the best on your ongoing journey with Linkin Park!

**Mike Shinoda:** Thank you! We’re excited about what’s next.

In a recent interview, Sang Tao, the head of the Juvenile Prosecution Department at the Hangzhou Municipal People’s Procuratorate, shared valuable insights into his experiences and the challenges he faces in the sphere of juvenile justice. In a heartfelt post on social media, he expressed his pride in working within a legal system dedicated to minors, a sentiment that resonated with him after binge-watching the series “Prosecutors’ Case Files.”

With over 27 years in public prosecution before transitioning to juvenile affairs in 2017, Sang reflected on his initial underestimation of the complexities associated with juvenile cases. “I thought the job was straightforward, but I soon realized it entails much more than I anticipated,” he noted. “We encounter sensitive issues like child testimony, psychological interventions, and parenting education. Handling a juvenile case often demands five times the effort required for an adult case.”

Sang’s commitment to juvenile justice goes beyond merely resolving cases; he advocates for a holistic approach that prioritizes protection, education, and crime prevention for minors. “True juvenile protection isn’t just one aspect; it’s a crucial part of a larger narrative,” he asserted.

He shared a particularly poignant case involving a father who attempted to kill his son. Almost a decade later, the procuratorate continues to support the child discreetly as he matures, exemplifying the ongoing dedication of juvenile prosecutors.

In his role, Sang confronts the harsh realities many children face but struggle to articulate. “It’s essential to remind them consistently that none of this is their fault. Many children hesitate to report abuse out of fear or shame, and unfortunately, some parents discourage them from seeking help to keep family issues under wraps.”

To address these challenges, the Hangzhou Procuratorate implemented a mandatory reporting system for child abuse cases following the revision of the Juvenile Protection Law in June 2021, establishing a legal framework for better protecting children.

A line from “Prosecutors’ Case Files” struck a chord with Sang: “Aren’t you curious about your future?” This resonates deeply with him, reflecting the lives of young people he encounters, whose trajectories can shift from minor infractions, like truancy, to serious offenses due to a lack of guidance and support.

Sang passionately advocates for early intervention as a means to redirect troubled youths away from a life of crime. He underscores the necessity of creating tailored educational and rehabilitative programs rather than relying solely on punitive measures.

“The challenges children face are ultimately issues that reflect on society as a whole,” Sang emphasized. He called for a collaborative effort among families, schools, and governments to nurture and educate young people. “Parents are a child’s first teachers, and without a solid foundation of care, trust, respect, and education, children can easily stray off path.”

Sang also pointed out the proactive measures they take, such as issuing Guardian Supervision Orders when parents fail to meet their obligations. Despite the difficulties of managing rebellious behavior and complex family dynamics, Sang remains committed to investing patience, confidence, and determination in his role, firmly believing that every child deserves a shot at a brighter future.

At a recent press conference, Jeffrey Chao, the father of 15-year-old Alison Chao who went missing for a week before being found in Glendale, expressed heartfelt gratitude to friends and the community for their unwavering support. Currently, Alison is safe at the Monrovia Police Department, and Mr. Chao, represented by attorney Jose Romero, indicated that he does not believe the incident involves any foul play or abduction. The Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCF) is also involved, maintaining communication with local authorities.

Mr. Chao described Alison as an exceptionally bright, devout, and kind young woman, stressing that she has never run away from home before. Alison’s aunt, who was present at the press conference, spoke about Alison’s compassionate and thoughtful nature, highlighting her passion for baking. She voiced a desire for Alison’s voice to be heard.

A video circulating on YouTube shows Alison speaking with police through an iron gate, visibly upset and expressing her reluctance to leave either with them or her mother. Attorney Romero confirmed the video’s authenticity, affirming that the voice is indeed Alison’s; however, Mr. Chao chose not to comment on who recorded it.

Hannah Bui, the divorce attorney representing Mr. Chao, noted that he and Alison’s mother, Annie Chao, are currently in divorce proceedings. Attorney Romero elaborated that since the divorce case commenced in April 2023, Alison has been living with her father.

Last week, a court granted temporary sole custody of Alison to her mother, but her aunt believes that Alison’s choice to leave home was driven by her reluctance to be with her mother. Attorney Bui emphasized that the custody order is temporary and will be reevaluated.

Due to the ongoing litigation, both attorneys and Mr. Chao were unable to address many questions regarding the situation.

Two of Alison’s classmates also attended the press conference. One classmate, who has known Alison for ten years since elementary school, recalled how she often helped him with his Mandarin and shared her baked goods. He mentioned that they had discussed her experiences, and they are committed to supporting her in any way they can.

On September 29, IvyMax marked its 20th anniversary with a Global Youth Leadership Development Program (GPL) sharing session in San Marino, attended by students and parents eager to celebrate this significant milestone. The event featured prominent speakers, including IvyMax founder Ms. Wei Xin and Dr. Yu, the Academic Dean of the Franklin Foundation, who shared valuable insights into the latest trends in college admissions and how IvyMax’s GPL initiative enhances students’ academic and leadership skills.

During the session, Dr. Yu spoke to the audience about recent changes in college admissions. He highlighted updates to the Common App, the evolving landscape of Early Action (EA) and Early Decision (ED), and the latest developments regarding AP exams and admissions essays. Dr. Yu pointed out that most colleges have an Early Decision deadline of November 1, with some even earlier, on October 15. In contrast, regular application deadlines for top-tier colleges usually fall between January 1 and early January. He reminded the senior students to manage their time effectively as they prepare for these deadlines.

Ms. Wei followed with her thoughts on current college admission trends, essential application strategies, and the significance of demonstrating leadership potential. She noted that many leading universities have reinstated the requirement for SAT/ACT testing. In light of the Supreme Court’s ruling against affirmative action, she explained that universities are increasingly using essay prompts to gather relevant information, adapting their admissions policies accordingly. Ms. Wei encouraged students to take challenging courses throughout their education to build advanced reading and writing skills, enhance problem-solving abilities, and engage in scientific research and reporting activities from an early age. Students were urged to pursue more AP courses, join academic clubs, engage in competitions, and conduct independent research projects to boost their competitiveness.

Dr. Yu pointed out that since the pandemic, research experience has become vital for admission into top-tier institutions. High school students who present concrete research reports, published works, or projects showcased in academic contexts have a distinct advantage, particularly those interested in STEM fields.

Additionally, Ms. Wei indicated that by 2025, all 28 AP exams will transition to computer-based testing, with 16 subjects fully adopting digital formats and the remaining 12 utilizing a hybrid approach.

The event included a Q&A session, addressing inquiries about the President’s Volunteer Service Award and its presentation ceremony. The overarching goal of the GPL initiative is to empower more teenagers to step into their roles as future global leaders.

Through a series of educational talks, IvyMax is dedicated to equipping parents and students with the latest college planning and application strategies, working collaboratively to help students distinguish themselves in their educational paths. IvyMax remains committed to providing professional guidance and support to help students realize their dreams of attending prestigious institutions.

For more information, interested individuals can contact the IvyMax team at the following campuses: Irvine Campus at 949-679-8688; Arcadia Campus at 626-872-0219; San Diego Campus at 858-925-6250; Diamond Bar Campus at 909-594-8088.

In a recent interview, Governor Fubara expressed a strong commitment to identifying those behind the recent arson incidents, stating, “We are determined to find the individuals responsible for the recent acts of arson.” He highlighted the creation of a judicial commission aimed at tackling the violence that has affected the region. Fubara also noted that calm is returning as council chairmen resume their responsibilities, while the new Commissioner of Police has issued a firm warning to those causing unrest, promising to restore peace.

On the other hand, Wike voiced his concerns by asserting, “Fubara has violated the law,” which underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding governance in the area. In an effort to encourage dialogue, Cole proposed organizing a peace meeting to discuss these pressing issues.

In other news, a court ruling has instructed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to officially recognize the Abure-led Labour Party and to extend party dues to them. Economically, Lokpobiri mentioned that the federal government anticipates a substantial $50 billion investment in the oil sector by the end of the year.

In a noteworthy announcement, Dangote stated, “We constructed our $20 billion refinery without a single incentive from the government,” highlighting the independence of their operations. Additionally, 15 states have united with Kogi to contest the establishment act of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in the Supreme Court.

Lastly, Okonjo-Iweala is advocating for cuts in cotton subsidies and enhancing market access for developing countries, emphasizing the importance of fair trade practices.

During a recent interview, officials disclosed that 27-year-old Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi from Oklahoma City allegedly purchased AK-47 rifles as part of a scheme to target large crowds on November 5, coinciding with Election Day. According to the Justice Department, Tawhedi was apprehended by the FBI after reportedly being inspired by the Islamic State and planning an attack on U.S. soil.

After his arrest on Monday, Tawhedi reportedly informed investigators that he and an accomplice expected to die as martyrs during the planned assault, as detailed in the charging documents. Tawhedi, who immigrated to the United States in September 2021, had reportedly taken drastic steps leading up to his arrest, including liquidating family assets and purchasing one-way tickets for his wife and child to return to Afghanistan.

This arrest raises alarm bells at the FBI, which has been increasingly concerned about the potential for extremist violence within the United States. FBI Director Christopher Wray highlighted the seriousness of the situation in an August interview with the Associated Press, stating, “I’m hard pressed to think of a time in my career where so many different kinds of threats are all elevated at once.” He further emphasized, “Terrorism is still the FBI’s number one priority, and we will use every resource to protect the American people.”

While the FBI affidavit does not reveal how Tawhedi first came to authorities’ attention, it provides evidence of his determined intent to execute an attack. One notable piece of evidence is a July photograph showing Tawhedi reading a text to two young children, including his daughter, discussing the rewards of martyrdom in the hereafter.

Officials noted that Tawhedi engaged with ISIS propaganda, donated to a charity linked to the terrorist organization, and had communications with an individual previously associated with recruitment for extremist activities. Furthermore, he was reported to have watched live feeds from webcams focused on the White House and the Washington Monument back in July.

The Justice Department has not disclosed the name of Tawhedi’s alleged co-conspirator, identifying him only as a juvenile, an Afghan national, and the brother of Tawhedi’s wife. The FBI’s investigation involved an informant who engaged with the suspects after they advertised personal property on Facebook. The informant later invited them to a shooting range, where they ordered weapons from an undercover FBI agent posing as a business associate.

Tawhedi now faces charges of conspiring and attempting to provide material support to ISIS, classified by the U.S. government as a foreign terrorist organization, which could result in a penalty of up to 20 years in prison. He appeared in court on Tuesday and was remanded into custody, though it remains unclear whether he has obtained legal representation to address the charges against him.

On October 8, the Guangdong Provincial Forestry Bureau made a significant announcement regarding the 2024 No. 3 General Forestry Directive, which focuses on enhancing control measures against the pine wood nematode disease. This directive outlines a comprehensive strategy to manage the outbreak, highlighting the necessity of maintaining ecological biosecurity and setting ambitious goals for high-quality outcomes by 2025.

Can you provide more details about the timeline for efforts to combat the pine wood nematode disease?

The period from August to March each year is especially crucial for both managing the disease and assessing our control initiatives. The directive underscores the importance for forestry officials at all levels to prioritize reforestation and forest protection. It integrates disease control within the larger framework of forestry management and supports the vision of a greener Guangdong. Authorities are tasked with monitoring various aspects including progress, financial backing, forest enhancement, and logging practices, while also engaging in extensive public outreach. A strong cooperative defense system is to be established across regions and departments to strengthen the first line of defense at the town and village levels.

What specific measures will be implemented to ensure effective monitoring and control of the disease?

The directive emphasizes the necessity of comprehensive monitoring and rigorous adherence to daily assessments, along with special surveys in the autumn. Responsibilities for these monitoring efforts have been assigned to designated leaders and team members. A monitoring system will be deployed at both mountain and plot levels, utilizing advanced monitoring platforms to effectively track outbreaks and remediation efforts. The main priority is to prevent internal spread of the disease while also safeguarding against new infections from outside. This includes strict quarantine registrations for forestry businesses and individuals, along with thorough inspections of pine wood and related products. There will be ongoing enforcement against illegal logging and associated activities. Additionally, measures such as enhanced monitoring, forest stand optimization, aerial surveillance, and quarantine barricades will be strengthened in non-epidemic areas to prevent infection.

Are there any particular strategies noted in the directive to ensure a coordinated approach in tackling this disease?

The directive highlights the importance of adopting specialized and regional collaborative strategies for disease control. It strongly advocates for the creation of demonstration zones that implement integrated management practices aimed at eradicating epidemic areas at the county and town levels, while also reinforcing protective measures for ancient and noteworthy pine trees throughout the province.

Recent reports from the Guangdong Provincial Forestry Bureau indicate that significant progress has been made in the five-year campaign against the pine wood nematode disease. All 21 cities have reported progress rates exceeding 50%. By the end of 2023, Guangdong successfully reduced the area affected by the disease by 810,000 acres, eliminated four county-level epidemic areas and 44 town-level hotspots, and achieved a remarkable decrease in the number of outbreaks, epidemic zones, and diseased trees.