Volume 102

Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) constitutes a precious spiritual asset of humanity, embodying rich historical and cultural significance. As a nationally recognized ICH item, Shanghai-style paper-cutting showcases the regional folk customs and historical transformations of Shanghai through its distinctive artistic style and profound cultural connotation. In the context of rapid digital technological advancement, how to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the efficiency and quality of graphic information design, thereby enhancing the communication effectiveness of ICH, has become a pertinent topic for in-depth study. This paper explores a practical application of AI-assisted design using Stable Diffusion in the exhibition design of Shanghai-style paper-cutting within an ICH pavilion. It aims to provide reference and inspiration for AI-assisted graphic design of display information.

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This paper conducts a comparative analysis of female representations in Shishuo Xinyu, a classical Chinese anecdotal collection, and Shakespearean drama. It explores how different cultural contexts and literary forms shape the depiction of women, revealing both convergences and divergences in gender ideology. In Shishuo Xinyu, female figures are often characterized as talented women, virtuous wives, and devoted mothers, serving as embodiments of Confucian moral ideals. Their portrayals are concise yet evocative, relying on indirect narration and symbolic contrast. In contrast, Shakespeare’s female characters exhibit greater complexity, emotional depth, and autonomy. Through rich dialogue and dramatic action, they challenge traditional gender roles and assert their individuality. The paper analyzes the narrative techniques and aesthetic choices used to construct these images, highlighting the cultural significance of women as both moral mirrors and narrative agents. By juxtaposing these two literary traditions, the study sheds light on broader historical and ideological undercurrents in gender construction and literary expression.

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This study focuses on East Asia and Latin America, conducting an in-depth analysis of the intrinsic relationship between state capacity, the sequence of democratisation, and economic development. The findings reveal that East Asian countries have achieved rapid economic growth through strong state intervention capabilities, scientific economic planning, and targeted industrial policies. In contrast, Latin American countries have been plagued by political instability, institutional fragility, and challenges in social governance, resulting in weak state capacity and fluctuating economic development. In terms of democratisation, East Asian countries adopted a 'development first, democracy later' model, successfully laying the economic foundation for democratic transition. In contrast, Latin American countries' early democratic experiments were hindered by institutional deficiencies, and later democratisation efforts brought new economic challenges. There exists a complex tension between state capacity and the sequence of democratisation. East Asian countries achieved a smooth transition through coordination mechanisms, while Latin American countries fell into a vicious cycle of political and economic instability.

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This essay explores the cost of higher education and the inequality of educational resources distribution in China and America. As both nations grapple with the challenges posed by rising tuition fees and the uneven distribution of educational resources, understanding these dynamics becomes crucial for policymakers, educators, and students alike. In China, the rapid expansion of higher education has led to huge differences in resource allocation, and the educational resources in urban centers are much richer than those in countryside areas. In America, where elite institutions in the education industry attract the most funding and resources, family income greatly affects the quality and resources of education available. This paper examines the governmental and economic factors that influence the cost and resource allocation of higher education, which have contributed to the widening of equality and opportunity gap in higher education. By comparing China and America, the analysis highlights the need for targeted policy interventions to promote a more equitable education environment. This essay aims to explore the current state of higher education and provide perspectives for addressing the high cost and inequality of higher education

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