Interdisciplinary Humanities and Communication Studies
ISSN 2960-1320(Online) Editor: Cosimo Arnesano (University of Southern California), Ning Deng (International ACAC Executive Board Member 2021-2023 and International Visitor leadership Program Fellow), Alexei (Columbia University), Aytek Erdil (University of Cambridge), Cosimo Arnesano (University of Southern California), Freya Baetens (Cambridge University), Osman (Carnegie Mellon University) Interdisciplinary Humanities and Communication Studies provides a platform for scholars, practitioners, and students to share their latest research and insights in communication and humanities. With an interdisciplinary focus, the journal covers diverse topics such as cultural studies, media studies, language studies, literary studies, and visual arts, ensuring readers stay informed about the most relevant research across multiple fields. Committed to promoting research with real-world applications, the journal emphasizes practical implications, making it a valuable resource for professionals and academics seeking to bridge theoretical knowledge with impactful practice.
An Analysis of Zhao Kuangyin’s Institutional Reforms That Facilitated the “Co-governance with Literati Officials” Framework
Against the backdrop of political transformation from the Five Dynasties to the early Song period, this article focuses on the series of institutional reforms implemented by Emperor Taizu of Song, Zhao Kuangyin, to end the dominance of military commanders and establish a governance framework where he would “rule the realm together with the literati.” This study systematically analyzes the implementation pathways and interactive mechanisms of measures such as the “cup of wine to relinquish military power,” central administrative restructuring, the promotion of civil governance principles, and the refinement of the imperial examination system across four dimensions: military, political, cultural, and the imperial examination system. Research indicates that during the early Song Dynasty, through institutional elevation of the status of civil officials and systematic curtailment of military commanders’ power, a governance structure gradually emerged that suppressed military influence through civil authority. This successfully propelled the civil official group into the core of power, achieving a historic transition from “military-dominated politics” to “civilian-dominated politics.” This paper argues that the model of “co-governance by monarch and literati officials” established by Zhao Kuangyin not only laid the institutional foundation for the stability of the Song dynasty regime and its social development, but also profoundly shaped the political and cultural traditions of the later imperial era in China, exerting far-reaching historical influence.
Copyright (c) 2026 Interdisciplinary Humanities and Communication Studies
Study on the Dissemination Logic and Cross-Cultural Strategies of Micro-Dramas
Micro-Dramas, a growing form of online audio-visual content, have fostered a massive industrial market in China and are now extending their reach to global audiences. Therefore, this paper examines the development logic of the short-form drama market and its cross-cultural dissemination pathways. It traces the evolution of domestic short-form dramas from their emergence as differentiated short-video content to their current professionalized and high-quality production. And this study analyzes how market scale and platform architecture influence audience psychology, which in turn feeds back to shape platform structures. Focusing on overseas cultural adaptation efforts, it further considers platform ecosystem planning, while also emphasizing the need to address the key challenges encountered in this process. The results reveal that the global dissemination of short-form dramas depends on both commercial operation models and the capacity for cultural translation and localized management. These factors play a crucial role in the effectiveness of communication, hence enabling short-form dramas to achieve sustainable international reach. In the future, the core of their sustainable development lies in building a content system that balances cultural universality with regional specificity, thereby ensuring long-term market operation and audience recognition worldwide.
Emotional Intelligence in Educational Leadership: Enhancing Teacher Well-being and Student Outcomes
Emot ional intel l igence (EI ) has become a key competency in educational leadership, impacting not only administrative efficiency but also teacher emotional wellbeing and student academic performance. Against the backdrop of increasing teacher burnout, growing student mental health issues, and a rising demand for emotionally supportive learning environments, school leaders must adopt EI strategies to build a positive school culture. This study explores the role of EI in educational leadership and its impact on teacher motivation, emotional resilience, job satisfaction, and ultimately, student performance. Using the theoretical framework of Goleman, Mayer, and Salovey, as well as transformational leadership theory, this paper analyzes how EI fosters a collaborative school culture, conflict resolution, and effective communication. The findings indicate that EI leadership enhances teacher wellbeing by creating a supportive relational environment and improves student achievement by increasing classroom engagement, empathy, and teacher efficacy. Finally, this paper proposes strategies for integrating EI into school management, professional development, and teacher evaluation systems to promote holistic education.
Copyright (c) 2025 Interdisciplinary Humanities and Communication Studies
From Regulatory Burden to Strategic Asset: Legal Compliance Transformation in Multinational Cross-Border E-Commerce
Cross-border e-commerce has evolved from a transactional model into a strategic channel for multinational companies seeking global expansion, brand reputation, and longterm profitability. However, operating across multiple jurisdictions poses complex legal challenges involving taxation, consumer protection, data privacy, product liability, and intellectual property. This study argues that legal compliance is not merely a cost or regulatory obligation, but a strategic instrument that enhances institutional legitimacy, builds consumer trust, and facilitates market access. By examining diverse legal frameworks—civil law, common law, Islamic law, and hybrid systems—the study highlights how compliance requirements vary across jurisdictions. The case of Amazon illustrates how compliance can be transformed from a reactive legal defense into a proactive governance capability through the use of AI monitoring, supply chain traceability, and platform-based risk prevention. These efforts elevate compliance into a source of brand credibility, operational efficiency, and even participation in global rule-making.
The use of AI in human resources and the challenges ahead
This study examines the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in human resource management (HRM), focusing on its adoption drivers, benefits, and implementation challenges. It identifies that organizations with strong technological infrastructure, innovationoriented cultures, and committed management are more likely to integrate AI into HR functions. In practice, AI enhances recruitment efficiency through automated resume screening and interview scheduling, while also enabling personalized and data-driven employee training programs. However, the report highlights significant obstacles, including algorithmic bias, high resource requirements, and workforce resistance due to fears of job displacement. To realize AI’s transformative potential in HRM, organizations must adopt a strategic approach that balances technological innovation with ethical considerations, employee engagement, and inclusive implementation practices. By addressing these challenges, companies can leverage AI to build more dynamic, efficient, and equitable workplaces.
Exploring the Impact of Growth Mindset Theory on Student Motivation and Academic Achievement: A Review of Recent Literature
The notion of the growth mindset (GM), which can be defined as the notion that mental capacity and individual traits can be changed, has become an institution of contemporary educational psychology. The paper is a formal review of the recent information available on the topic, investigating the effect of GM on the key outcomes of students: academic performance and motivation to learn. The literature review establishes a positive correlation that exists between GM and increased resilience, persistence, and general academic achievement. Moreover, studies are starting to find out more about the underlying cognitive (e.g., working memory acceleration, increased executive control) and pedagogical processes (e.g., particular instructional behaviors and the mentality of a teacher) in which GM works. Though there are criticisms of the efficacy of interventions and a methodological bias, there is overwhelming evidence showing GM to be an important psychological process. It is concluded by the paper that the major findings will be synthesized, and some practical, multi-level implications will be offered to educators, parents, and institutional leaders to facilitate the achievement of a more growth-oriented learning environment.
A Study on the Information Dilemma in Academic Decision-Making Among Cross- Cultural High School Students: A Case Analysis Based on a U.S. High School
This study aims to explore the issue of information asymmetry and its impact mechanisms in the academic decision-making processes of newly arrived cross-cultural students and local students in the U.S. high school context. Employing a mixed-methods case study design, the research was conducted in a diverse private high school in South Florida. Qualitative data analysis was performed on in-depth interviews and survey responses from 30 students. The findings reveal that the fragmentation of the school’s official information system is a common issue. However, cross-cultural newcomers, due to language barriers, lack of cultural capital, and weakened family support, find themselves deeper in an “information island” dilemma, leading to a high reliance on informal peer information networks, which significantly increases the risk and uncertainty of their academic decisions. In contrast, local students can effectively filter and correct information using their cultural capital and family support. Based on these findings, this study constructs an “information-social network-decision” impact mechanism model and proposes systematic policy recommendations for schools to build a supportive information ecosystem.
Nuclear Deterrence and International Law: Assessing Compliance with Article 2(4) of the UN Charter
This essay examines the legality and ethical implications of nuclear deterrence under international law, with a specific focus on Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of states. It argues that nuclear deterrence, by its very nature, constitutes an unlawful threat of force and contravenes the foundational principles of international humanitarian law (IHL), including distinction and proportionality. The analysis draws on the 1996 Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice, the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), and state practice to evaluate the tension between nuclear deterrence and the UN Charter’s commitment to peaceful dispute resolution. While arguments rooted in self-defence and state sovereignty are considered, the essay concludes that nuclear deterrence undermines global security and legal norms, advocating instead for renewed efforts toward disarmament and diplomatic engagement.
The Evolution of Crisis Diplomacy in the 21st Century: Adapting to a New Era of Complex Crises
This essay argues that the nature of crisis diplomacy has fundamentally evolved in response to the distinct characteristics of 21st-century crises, which differ significantly from those of earlier eras. It posits that contemporary crises are defined by their heightened complexity, deep global interdependence, and rapidly shifting power dynamics, necessitating adaptations in diplomatic strategies and mechanisms. The argument is substantiated through the analysis of key case studies, including the Libyan intervention, the Syrian Civil War, and the Ukraine-Russia conflict. These examples illustrate how entrenched national interests, particularly within the UN Security Council, complicate multilateral responses; how regional organizations have gained prominence in crisis management despite facing operational constraints; and how emerging norms like the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) challenge traditional notions of sovereignty and non-intervention. The essay concludes that while the core objective of crisis diplomacy—to prevent escalation into large-scale conflict—remains constant, the tactics and institutional frameworks must be agile and innovative to navigate the interconnected and multi-faceted challenges of the modern international system.
The Covert Control of Affective Computing: Psychological Manipulation Effects of Emotion-Based Personalization
The deep integration of big data and the platform economy has triggered a fundamental shift in the application paradigm of affective computing, transforming it from a service-oriented approach to a control-oriented one. We critically examine the operational mechanisms and societal harms of affective computing as a covert control tool. First, we dissect its technological foundation: capturing emotions through multimodal data to quantify sentiment, then enabling predictive interventions into user psychology via dynamic modeling and affective matching algorithms. Subsequently, we systematically elucidate four core psychological manipulation mechanisms rooted in affective personalization: emotional contagion and atmosphere engineering, cognitive narrowing and information silos, operant conditioning and behavioral shaping, and decision hijacking and impulse exploitation. The research reveals that these psychological manipulation mechanisms constitute a comprehensive and profound erosion of individual autonomy, the foundations of democratic society, commercial ethics, and personal privacy and dignity. This paper calls for the establishment of an appropriate ethical and legal regulatory framework to harness technological risks and defend human agency in the digital age.
Between Isolation and Empowerment: Pros, Cons, and solutions of Baixing Embroidery and Fair Trade from sociological and anthropological perspectives
In this study, I will examine a fair trade project that I’ve initiated in Baixing, a Yao minority village in Guizhou, China, through a combination of sociological and anthropological ideologies. The project was successful in terms of attracting consumers’ interest and gaining popularity in the local market. In fact, 80% of embroidered leather jackets were sold. Despite the success in receiving attention from the buyers, from a more practical perspective, financially, the project ended up in complete failure. In addition to the financial failure, another key aspect of it, the empowerment of Ms.Cao, the artisan that I’ve worked with in this project, also turned out to have the opposite effect: an increase in dependency on fair trade organizations, (in this case, a high school student in Austin, Texas.) By adopting sociological frameworks like dependency theory, gendered political economy, and global commodity chain analysis alongside with anthropological understandings regarding cultural heritage, narrative framing, and the “social life of things,” I, as a high school student in high school student, have found three principle reasons behind the ineffectiveness of my fair trade initiative, which also hinder fair trade approaches in general from being, politically, socially, and economically effective. They are regional constraints, historical legacies, and power asymmetries. In section 5, I’ve listed four comparative case studies that faced similar situations that Baixing is facing to address these problems either collectively or individually, in addition to connecting Baixing’s local dilemmas to a broader international scope for common application and reference. Cases of Kuapa Kokoo and Divine Chocolate in Ghana, Fairtrade wine initiatives in South Africa, and Latin American coffee cooperatives suggest that structural innovations---cooperative ownership, story-telling with dignity, and multi-stakeholder governance---are necessary changes that fair trade organization and companies should implant; otherwise, fair trade attempts are susceptible in diminishing its own values and increasing inequalities to a greater degree. The conclusion section portrays the future of Baixing embroidery with the adjusted version of the fair trade initiative, and it expands on the potential of fair trade as a broader practice.
How Can We Improve Relations Between People from Different Countries? A Social Psychological Perspective
This paper sets the objective to systematize answers to the core question, “How can we improve the relations of people from different countries?” by means of social psychology theoretical resources and empirical research. The paper first investigates the psychological roots of intergroup bias so as to have a conceptual basis for defining the problem. The second part will concentrate on discussing two main intervention methods employed by social psychologists: Contact Theory and the Common Ingroup Identity Model. This involves the analysis of the effectiveness of these strategies, along with the conditions under which they can be applied, and possible risks. Besides these, the paper will examine additional strategies such as perspective-taking and cultural exchange. The last stage of this paper is an attempt to bring together, in one coherent, practical, and thorough intervention plan, the mentioned theoretical references with an indication of the prevalent psychological mechanisms responsible for that and the purpose of being a significant resource for the future of transnational understanding and cooperation.
Assessing Labor Market Dynamics in Southwest China: An Analysis of Employment and Unemployment Trends 2010-2025
校验后的结果： This study conducts a comprehensive analysis of the labor market dynamics within South- west China, covering the period from 2010 to 2025. Amidst China’s broader economic re- structuring, the southwestern region presents a unique case study characterized by rapid urbanization, industrial policy shifts, and significant rural-to-urban labor migration. This pa- per investigates the evolving trends in employment across primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors, alongside a critical examination of unemployment patterns. Utilizing statistical data from national and provincial sources, the analysis employs trend analysis, correlation matri- ces, and multiple regression models. The findings reveal a significant structural shift, with the tertiary (service) sector emerging asthe primary driver of job creation, partially mitigating un- employment pressures from industrial consolidation. The regression analysis indicates that GDP growth and foreign direct investment (FDI) remain significant factors in reducing un- employment, though the elasticity of employment to growth appears to be changing. These results underscore the importance of targeted labor policies that enhance skill development and facilitate labor mobility to align the workforce with the demands of a service-oriented economy.
The Portrayal of Insomnia in the TV Series Insomnia and Its Comparison to Clinical Standards
Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders and has been increasingly depicted in popular media. This study explores how the 2018 Russian TV series Insomnia portrays the symptoms, causes, and effects of the disorder, and compares this portrayal to clinical diagnostic criteria and findings from adolescent insomnia research. The research employs a visual analysis approach to the first three episodes of the series, focusing on scenes depicting insomnia-related behavior and its psychological and social consequences. Clinical evidence from peerreviewed medical and psychological literature is used for comparison. The findings reveal that Insomnia accurately depicts several core features of chronic insomnia— such as cognitive impairment, emotional instability, and hallucinations—but dramatizes these features for narrative tension. The series simultaneously raises awareness about sleep health while preserving its fictional entertainment value.
Research on the Optimization of Oral Interaction Patterns in Chinese High School English Classrooms under the Guidance of TESL Methodology
Nowadays, Chinese high school oral English teaching is often constrained by an exam-oriented approach, suffering from insufficient classroom practice time and a lack of real situation communication problems, which create a gap between students’ oral application ability and language learning goals. The TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) methodology which emphasizes contextualized input, interactive exercises, and the adaptation of learners’ language needs. It can effectively address the shortcoming of traditional oral teaching and provide a scientific way to improve high school students’ practical language application abilities. This article, based on the TESL methodology, focuses on and discusses the optimization research of oral interaction patterns in Chinese high school English classrooms. This article employs the method of literature analysis. The findings indicate that English teaching in Chinese high schools is deeply influenced by exam-oriented and teacher-centered problems. This causes students to be in a ‘dumb English’ situation. In order to change this situation, this paper has proposed improvements for each of the three stages of the teaching process.
The Application of Artificial Intelligence in English Learning for Chinese Preschool Children: Based on the Zone of Proximal Development Theory
The Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) theory elucidates the gap between a learner’s actual developmental level—reflected in their ability to solve problems independently—and their potential developmental level—achieved when solving problems with guidance, providing a crucial theoretical framework for scaffolding instruction in second language acquisition for preschool children. Concurrently, the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) in education demonstrates transformative potential, particularly in facilitating personalized and adaptive learning experiences. This paper conducts a comprehensive analysis of AI applications in English learning for Chinese preschool children, grounded in the ZPD theory. Employing a combination of theoretical review and case analysis, the study addresses three core questions: the theoretical foundations and relevance of ZPD; the current state of AI implementation in this specific context; and practical pathways for integrating AI with ZPD theory. Findings indicate that while AI applications are emerging, they often lack a robust theoretical basis. Findings suggest AI can enhance language acquisition by providing dynamic assessment, personalized scaffolding, and developmentally appropriate challenges. This integration holds promise not only for improving linguistic competence but also for fostering cognitive and socio-emotional development, thus offering a novel intelligent paradigm for optimizing early childhood English education in China.
The Construction of Female Characters and Their Social Impact in the Context of Digital Media
In the digital age, visual media increasingly permeates social life, while the global interplay of cultural homogenization and differentiation influences the production and dissemination of content. Within this context, public attention paid to female characters has intensified, while the interplay between consumerism and the media environment renders Asian female characters more susceptible to being typified. This paper explores the primary representations of Asian women in digital media, investigates the continuity in character construction and dissemination logic between traditional Hollywood cinema and digital platforms such as TikTok, and evaluates the role of commercial and algorithmic factors in shaping the depiction and cultural significance of these characters. By integrating Arjun Appadurai’s media landscape theory and Jörg Schweinitz’s fixed schema theory, this study examines film/TV and short-video content. The findings suggest that in traditional media, Asian women are frequently represented through the “Lotus Blossom” and “Dragon Lady” archetypes. Such stereotypical depictions both restrict the range of identity expression and remain open to cultural evaluation. While stereotypes such as the delicate homemaker and assertive career woman persist on digital platforms, greater diversity in female characters can be fostered through creator practices, algorithmic design, and cross-media collaboration, affecting cultural views.
Conflict and Coordination Pathways Between Environmental Sustainability and Social Equity in Public Facilities of High- Density Cities: The Case of Denmark’s Dokk1 Library
Amid intertwined global urbanization and climate change, Copenhagen’s Dokk1 Library exemplifies how highdensity cities’ public facilities pursue dual environmental- social value, revealing its transition challenges. This paper employs a combined approach of literature analysis and case study methodology, grounded in relevant theoretical frameworks. It scrutinizes the design philosophy, operational model, and urban context of Copenhagen’s Dokk1 Library, aiming to reveal its effectiveness, contradictions, and integration strategies in achieving dual environmental and social objectives. Research indicates that while Dokk1 successfully integrates green technology with vibrant public spaces at the building level, it faces the risk of being regarded as a symbol of gentrification in the broader urban context. This reflects the pervasive latent issue of “unintended social exclusion” within sustainable practices. This phenomenon illustrates that outstanding architectural design alone does not automatically ensure social equity. Without forward-looking policy interventions to curb gentrification, environmentally sustainable outcomes may paradoxically erode the authenticity and inclusiveness of existing communities. Consequently, the true value of green public facilities in high-density cities lies not merely in technological sophistication, but in their capacity to serve as institutional anchors for advancing and sustaining spatial justice – a universal challenge confronting global urban sustainability transitions.
The Research on the Identity Construction and Influence of KOL in Cultural Community
With the rise of Key Opinion Leader (KOL) in the digital era and the emergence of cultural communities, the importance of KOLs within these communities has been steadily increasing. This study examines the cultural construction and influence of KOLs in cultural communities. Employing literature analysis and case study methods, the study synthesizes existing scholarship to summarize characteristics of KOL identity and influence, and conducts an in-depth analysis of the representative KOL “Tao Heihei” to illustrate relevant phenomena. The findings show that KOL identity construction is a dynamic process evolving from “symbolic meaning generation” to “interactive negotiation” and finally “structural solidification,” embedded in social structures and capital logic. KOL influence depends on multiple factors: crisis management (e.g., Tao Heihei’s handling of the “Bingyu” incident), value expression aligned with community consensus (e.g., advocating gender equality), and accessible communication skills. The study fills gaps in marketing-focused KOL research and provides references for cultural community governance.
The Impact of Electronic Device Screen Time on High School Students’ Academic Achieveme
With the deep integration of digital technology into the educational field, the screen time of high school students has shown a significant increasing trend, making its relationship with academic achievement an essential topic for educational researchers. This paper explores the complex association between the two through a systematic literature analysis. The study finds a nonlinear “U-shaped” relationship between screen time and academic achievement. Specifically, students who use moderate amounts of time (1-3 hours per day on average) derive benefits from their time, having a positive or neutral impact on their academic performance, whereas students who use too much time (>4 hours) may suffer from the negative side effects of time displacement, attention loss, and sleep deprivation. In addition, students who use too little time (<1 hour) may lack the opportunity to take part in digital learning. Further research reveals that the type of content used is an important moderating variable, with educational content use associated with positive learning outcomes. In contrast, passive entertainment use may have adverse effects. Factors such as students’ self-regulation ability and family environment significantly moderate this relationship. Based on the findings, this paper suggests that educational interventions should shift from restricting duration to guiding high-quality content use and cultivating digital literacy, helping students optimize learning outcomes in the digital age.
Marginality and Integration in Cross- Cultural Classrooms: A Sociological Analysis of the Learning Experiences of International Students in China - From the Perspective of Discourse, Mobility, and Identity Negotiation in the Context of Educational Internationalization
Against the backdrop of the continuous deepening of the internationalization of global higher education, China has rapidly emerged as a key destination for international students. However, there remains widespread debate regarding whether the learning experiences of international students in China truly embody the core spirit of an “internationalized classroom”. Based on a sociological perspective, this paper employs Bourdieu’s capital theory and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to explore the learning experiences, cultural interactions, and identity negotiation processes of international students in China. The study points out that within the institutional framework of educational internationalization, international students often find themselves caught in the tension between “symbolic inclusion” and “structural exclusion”: they are constructed as the “other” in terms of language, teaching methods, and classroom interactions, and their learning experiences are institutionally marginalized. By analyzing texts from social media and educational policy discourses, this paper reveals the cultural power logic and the mechanism of symbolic capital reproduction in the process of the internationalization of higher education in China. The study argues that international students achieve identity negotiation through the transformation of cultural capital and discourse strategies, which reflects the agency and resistance of individuals in the field of cross-cultural education. This paper calls for “pluralistic dialogue” and “cultural equality” to be taken as the core orientations of internationalized education in both policy-making and teaching practice, so as to promote cross-cultural classrooms to move from symbolic inclusion to genuine integration.
Association of Psychogenic Non-epileptic Seizures with Epilepsy in Children
Background: Currently, society’s concern for mental health is increasing, and children’s mental health problems are gradually coming to the fore. Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES)is a seizure-like behavioural alteration of consciousness without physiological discharges that is common in the pre- and post-pubertal child population. Clinically, PNES are often differentiated from epileptic seizures by Electroencephalography (EEG). According to available studies, PNES seizures are often closely associated with emotional stress, family conflict, and shock. Methods: In this paper a literature search was conducted on PubMed with the key search term: pediatric psychogenic epilepsy and the selection range: last 10 years (2015-2025), resulting in 118 articles. Twelve of these articles with information on PNES comorbid seizures were reviewed, and three articles with publicly available past data were extracted, calculated and analysed for the probability of comorbid seizures or a history of seizures in a random sample of patients with PNES, and the data related to their associations were derived. Conclusion: There is an association between PNES and epilepsy in children, with a comorbidity rate of 20.32%, children with a history of epilepsy are more likely to have PNES, and children diagnosed with PNES are more likely to have epileptic seizures. In the future, the mental health of children with a history of epilepsy could be monitored to prevent the development of PNES in children, and the EEG of children with PNES could be monitored in advance for a tendency to discharge to prevent epilepsy.
The Role of China’s Railway Development in Promoting Regional Economic Integration: A Case Study of the Three Northeastern Provinces
The railway system in China’s Northeast has expanded rapidly in recent years, becoming a critical component of the region’s economic infrastructure. This rapid development is of great significance because it enhances accessibility and provides new momentum for the region’s economic revitalization. Taking the three Northeastern provinces—Liaoning, Jilin, and Heilongjiang—as a case study, this paper analyzes how railway development promotes regional economic integration. The study applies document analysis and case studies of representative railway projects, such as the Harbin–Dalian High-Speed Railway and the Shenyang–Baishan High-Speed Railway. The findings indicate that enhanced railway accessibility significantly reduces travel time and transport costs, strengthens intercity linkages, and stimulates industrial transformation along major railway corridors. Railway development has not only improved transport efficiency but also facilitated the integration of markets and resources across provinces. It further contributes to upgrading the industrial structure by attracting investment and talent. Overall, railway expansion emerges as a key driver of regional economic integration in Northeast China, with clear implications for balanced and sustainable development.
Visible Voices: Street Art, Youth Identity, and the Aesthetics of Resistance
Street art has become a visible and contested practice in many global cities, closely tied to the everyday experiences of young people. Rather than being treated simply as vandalism or decoration, street art functions as a cultural form through which youth negotiate identity, belonging, and resistance. This paper takes the case of graffiti in Manchester as a point of entry, positioning it within broader debates on subcultural expression and public art. The analysis draws on case study materials and theoretical perspectives to explore two central questions: how street art functions as a medium of youth identity and resistance, and whether it can be legitimized within the framework of urban civility. This paper suggests that while street art empowers young people to make their voices visible in the city, it also exposes tensions between grassroots creativity and institutional control. These dynamics offer insights into cultural policy, urban governance, and the role of youth expression in contemporary public life.
How to Achieve True Educational Equity Through “Equity Literacy” in International Schools
Beneath the facade of multiculturalism, international schools often harbor deep-seated structural inequities, where superficial cultural inclusivity often fails to translate into substantive educational equity. This paper employs “equity literacy” as its core theoretical framework. Through literature analysis and by drawing on research by scholars such as Gorski and Warikoo, it delves into the systemic impact of implicit bias, the limitations of quantitative data, and intersectional identities on students’ experiences of fairness. Focusing on the unique educational context of international schools, the study reveals the tension between the ideal of global citizenship education and the reality of equity challenges. Findings indicate that teachers’ unconscious biases persistently shape their instructional expectations and interpersonal interactions, while schools’ overreliance on standardized data often obscures the structural roots of unequal opportunities and inequitable resource allocation. Consequently, this paper proposes advancing equity-oriented educational reform through three interrelated dimensions as follows: teacher professional development, curriculum content restructuring, and school policy formulation. Specifically, continuous equity literacy training should be implemented to empower teachers to identify and challenge implicit biases. Multicultural perspectives and content on intersectional identities should be integrated to transform curricula toward greater inclusivity and responsiveness. Equity principles should be embedded in school strategic planning and resource allocation to build learning communities that genuinely respect each student’s background and support their holistic development. This paper aims to provide theoretical foundations and practical pathways for international schools to transition from “superficial inclusion” to “deep equity.”
The History and Collapse of the Illusion of Equality: Bosnia and the Bosniaks in Socialist Yugoslavia”
The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a federal state composed of the Serb-dominated Republika Srpska, the Federation entity with a Bosniak majority, and the Brčko District with an undetermined status. This study focuses on Bosnia and Herzegovina, examining the ethnic policies implemented in Bosnia during the socialist Yugoslav period and the formation and development of Bosniak nationalism. By analyzing Tito‘s “Brotherhood and Unity” policy and its historical narrative strategies, this paper argues that while Yugoslavia sought to suppress nationalism, it simultaneously institutionalized Bosniak ethnic identity through political and cultural means. The policy shift of the 1960s and 1970s first granted Bosniaks official ethnic status while simultaneously weakening supra-ethnic Yugoslav identity. With the collapse of the socialist system and the resurgence of nationalism, Bosnian society once again descended into division and conflict. Today‘s “Yugoslav nostalgia” reflects a collective longing for the ideals of multi-ethnic coexistence and social equality—ideals once embodied by the Yugoslav state system.
The Historical Evolution of Russian Nationalism- Nicholas I and the Crimean War
When Russian Republic getting embroiled in the Ukraine crisis, the strong influence of east Slavic nationalism and the conflict it create have been proved. Since the establishment of the Soviet Union, the system of constituent republics met the original need for multi-ethnic autonomy within Russia, and also laid the groundwork for numerous subsequent issues. To understand the current nationalism in Russia, it’s necessary shifting the research focus to the period of Tsarist Russia. From the failed Crimean War to the Crimean referendum to join the federation, Russia’s ideology after the collapse of the Soviet Union inherited the original Tsarist Russia. The modern ideology of Russia can be summarized as: tradition, stability maintenance, and expansion. The persistence of tradition was manifested in the conservative reforms of the serfdom system, which, together with the backdrop of the Industrial Revolution, contributed to Russia’s more complex national conditions compared to other powerful nations. Stability maintenance is manifested in Russia’s strict internal policies and its efforts to resolve conflicts among different ethnic groups within the empire through ideology, while also uniting all the people under the banner of the Orthodox Church. Expansion was manifested through numerous wars waged externally, which was in line with that of other major powers, although there were some differences in driving forces.
Cross-Media Communication Design Proposal: “Data Textures” Exhibition
Building upon Zhu’s research on the big data-driven integration of art images and texts, this proposal outlines “DataTextures” – an immersive exhibition that leverages cross-media strategies to transform audience engagement with algorithmic art. The project synthesizes Zhu’s theoretical framework with contemporary digital trends to create a recursive ecosystem where data analysis informs artistic expression, and audience interaction refines the underlying algorithms.
The Impact of Academic Pressure on Learning Autonomy Among Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Growth Mindset
In contemporary society, amid intensifying competition and evolving educational landscapes, adolescents face unprecedented academic pressures that profoundly impact their psychological well-being and learning behaviors. Academic autonomy, a cornerstone of individual growth and development, now confronts severe challenges from these pressures. Recent research indicates that a growth mindset, as a positive psychological trait, can play a crucial moderating and mediating role between stress and academic performance. This paper integrates cuttingedge domestic theories to explore how academic stress influences learning autonomy, with a particular focus on the mechanism of growth mindset in this process. Strategies are proposed from both educational intervention and mental health promotion perspectives, aiming to provide robust support for adolescents’ healthy development.
The Impact of Evolving China-Japan Relations on Chinese Film Creation
This study employs a historical periodization framework to analyze the influence of China-Japan relations on Chinese film creation from 1949 to 2025. The research demonstrates that the political dynamics between the two nations have directly shaped the construction of Japanese characters in films, bilateral exchange patterns, and the selection of creative themes. During the adversarial “Seventeen Years” period, film creation was highly ideological; the subsequent period of rapprochement promoted a humanized turn and technical co-productions; since the new century, globalization and the complexification of bilateral relations have catalyzed diversified expression, deepened cooperation, and cultural reflection. Consequently, Chinese film has transformed from a tool of state propaganda into a platform for cross-cultural dialogue, reflecting the complex interplay of political, market, and cultural forces.