Abstract: Smart city development leverages technologies like artificial intelligence and digital twins to enhance urban management efficiency and sustainability, yet faces challenges such as data silos and algorithmic ethics. Future progress requires multidisciplinary collaboration to advance technological innovation and policy refinement. This paper systematically examines the technical architecture, innovative applications, and future trends of smart cities. It reveals that smart city construction will continue serving as a testing ground for technological evolution and social advancement, with artificial intelligence playing a central role in shaping efficient and sustainable urban futures. Read More

Abstract: This article analyzes the growing use of anti-suit injunctions (ASIs) in standard-essential patent (SEP) disputes and the resulting procedural fragmentation in transnational litigation. It argues that ASIs have been increasingly weaponized by courts to secure jurisdictional advantage, triggering institutional distrust and escalating judicial conflict. Drawing on a comparative study of practices in the UK, US, China, and Germany, the article shows that divergences in ASI issuance reflect deeper legal traditions and judicial role conceptions, rather than purely strategic behavior. Adopting a constructivist approach, the article reframes SEP-related ASI disputes as conflicts of institutional identity, normative constraint, and procedural expectation. It proposes a three-tiered response: refining domestic ASI rules, restoring the normative force of international comity, and fostering judicial self-reflection on cross-border conduct. This framework seeks to restore procedural discipline and rebuild trust in the governance of global SEP litigation. Read More

Abstract: Film, this canvas woven of light and shadow, has never been merely a storytelling machine. It is deeply rooted in the soil of a specific culture, breathing the spirit of a nation. Women on screen often become the most sensitive and powerful carriers of this spirit. They are mothers, daughters, rebels, and protectors. Their destinies and inner worlds, like a prism, reflect the texture of national culture, the scars of history, and the tremors and quests faced by the tides of time. This article explores the complex relationship between "roots" and "wings" in film, which both nourishes and competes with each other. A close examination of significant film texts reveals that national culture is more than superficial embellishment. It is hidden in the legends recounted by the elderly, in the complex rituals of weddings and funerals, in the customs nurtured by local conditions, and even more so in the invisible rules and beliefs that constrain people's behavior. These "roots" profoundly influence what women in film can and should do, empowering them while also drawing an invisible circle. Conversely, the women on screen-their bodies, their struggles, their silences or cries-have become the most vivid symbols that speak to, protect, and even challenge these "roots." From being categorized as "virtuous wives and mothers" or "female troublemakers" in the early years to increasingly complex portrayals of women living their own lives, the evolution of female characters is itself a microcosm of the national psyche. Ultimately, understanding the symbiosis and struggle between "roots" and "wings" is not only about understanding film, but also about understanding ourselves. In today's world where globalization threatens to smooth everything over, how can the art of film, through the stories of women, both preserve a nation's unique soul and grow wings for free flight. Read More

Abstract: As the cornerstone of national governance, grassroots governance is currently generally confronted with the problems of heavy tasks and low efficiency. The root cause lies in the sharp contradiction between unlimited tasks and limited resources, which is specifically manifested in the sharp increase in affairs due to the downward shift of governance focus, the generalization of responsibilities, insufficient coordination between vertical and horizontal sectors, shortage of staffing, and weak power allocation. Against this backdrop, grassroots governance is undergoing a profound digital transformation. The state has actively promoted the "Internet + grassroots governance" model and data resource integration through a series of policies. Digital technology offers potential for reducing the burden and enhancing the capacity of grassroots governance. This study explores through the case of the "Ma Shang Yi" platform in Huai'an City how digital technology specifically functions to reduce the burden and enhance the capacity of grassroots governance, reveals its internal operational mechanism, and seeks a long-term path for the continuous improvement of grassroots governance efficiency. Read More

Abstract: Following the amendments introduced by the Criminal Law Amendment (XI), "other especially serious circumstances" has become the sole circumstantial element for sentencing gradation in the crime of obtaining loans by fraud. "Other especially serious circumstances" constitutes an aggravating circumstance within the framework of aggravated offenses by circumstances. Its determination must comply with the legal principles governing basic offenses and aggravated offenses, and it must be premised on the act having already "caused significant losses." Acts that have not "caused significant losses" should not be directly classified as having "other especially serious circumstances." Simultaneously, equivalence must be considered between "causing especially significant losses" and "other especially serious circumstances." Only conduct presenting a risk equivalent to "causing especially significant losses" can be identified as "other especially serious circumstances." In concrete identification, the focus should be on the severity of the conduct itself, combined with the systemic position of the aggravating circumstance. Factors such as amount or frequency should no longer serve as singular criteria; they must be assessed alongside the actual economic losses caused by the conduct. Read More

Abstract: The entry into force of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has injected new vitality into intra-regional trade, but it has also brought to the fore disputes arising from contractual performance obstacles. This article focuses on the differences between China and RCEP member countries in the identification and assumption of liability for breach of contract arising from contractual performance obstacles in international trade contracts. Through comparative legal research and analysis of typical cases, this article reveals that the strict conditions and procedural requirements of China's Civil Code regarding core impediments such as force majeure and hardship differ significantly from the flexible contract interpretation of Singapore's common law, the emphasis on the obligation to renegotiate in Japanese precedent, the cautious application of frustration in Australia, and the limited provisions of Vietnamese statutory law. Typical cases further demonstrate that, with regard to liability, China emphasizes actual performance and damages, while common law countries rely more on damages as a remedy and Japan emphasizes negotiated settlements. The study suggests that within the RCEP framework, there is an urgent need to strengthen legal coordination, promote unified contract terms, improve alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and enhance corporate legal risk awareness to promote regional trade stability and efficient dispute resolution, providing practical guidance for businesses in the region. Read More

Abstract: As a national-level intangible cultural heritage (ICH) carrying Chinese literati aesthetics and philosophical thoughts, Jiang'an Bamboo Carving faces a core dilemma in its international communication: an imbalance between the deep-seated cultural "incommensurability" and the "superficiality" of its foreign language communication. Existing English texts mostly focus on process descriptions and factual accounts of craftsmanship, while neglecting the translational transformation of deep cultural connotations such as the "symbol of a man of virtue " and the "harmony between humanity and nature." This leads foreign audiences to encounter cognitive issues including symbolic misunderstanding, philosophical alienation, and emotional estrangement. From the perspective of English translation professionals, this paper, supported by Cultural Translation Theory, Thick Translation Theory, and Narrative Translation Theory, systematically elaborates on the role of translation as an "intermediary empowerment" tool in cross-cultural communication of ICH: eliminating cognitive barriers through Thick Translation of cultural symbols, building emotional connections via Narrative Translation of craftsmanship and philosophy, and enhancing communication effectiveness through context-adaptive translation tailored to multimodal scenarios. Ultimately, it realizes the upgrade from "language conversion" to "cultural meaning reconstruction," providing a theoretical framework for cross-cultural communication of ICH. Read More

Abstract: It has been shown that covid can negatively affect an individual's cognitive functioning. This study used the conditional discrimination paradigm, which aims to explore the relationships between the number of covid infections and aspects of an individual's cognitive functioning. Sixty-six participants completed an online survey of their covid history, as well as one biconditional discrimination task and a simple associative task. Compared to the simple associative task, the biconditional discrimination task requires participants to establish a stimulus-stimulus association through task-setting cues, which are regarded as the occasion setter. Importantly, it needs more complex process in the biconditional discrimination task, such as executive function, whereas simple associative task does not need this ability. ANOVA results showed that the number of infections did not influence task performance, but regression indicated a relationship between these two. In the biconditional discrimination task, the number of infections varies in relation to the performance of the task. However, in the simple associative task, there is no difference between the number of infections and the performance. The relationship between reinfection and cognitive impairment needs to be further explored in the future. Read More

Abstract: In the context of globalization, museums, as core institutions for cultural heritage protection, play an increasingly important role in Sino-Western cultural exchanges. This paper focuses on the core functions of museums in cultural heritage protection and the unique challenges they face in the context of Sino-Western cultural dialogue. The study found that museums are not only custodians and researchers of cultural heritage, but also key platforms for promoting cross-cultural understanding. However, the significant differences between Chinese and Western cultures in values, protection concepts and technology applications, as well as issues such as cultural interpretation, intellectual property rights and resource allocation, constitute the main obstacles in museum practice. This paper analyzes these challenges in depth based on specific cases and explores coping strategies, aiming to enhance the ability of museums to effectively protect diverse cultural heritage and promote mutual learning among civilizations in the era of globalization, and to provide reference for building a more inclusive and sustainable cultural heritage protection system. Read More

Abstract: This research explores how the K-pop industry has utilized cross-cultural communication strategies to expand its influence in the United States, employing the theoretical lens of interculturality. By examining the evolution of K-pop, its global marketing tactics, and its cultural assimilation into the U.S. market, the study highlights the industry’s nuanced approach to language, music styles, visual representation, and tailored market strategies. The analysis reveals unique cross-cultural elements of K-pop, including the creation of a “third space,” the resolution of cultural tensions, the redefinition of identities, and the fostering of cultural synergy. These aspects establish K-pop as a notable and effective model for cross-cultural communication. Read More

Abstract: This study aims to thoroughly analyze the stray dog rescue policies to address the numerous challenges posed by the current stray dog issue. By systematically reviewing relevant global policies and employing literature review, case analysis, and comparative research methods, this study conducts a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of stray dog rescue policies. The research reveals that foreign policies demonstrate significant advantages in animal welfare protection and adoption incentives, but face shortcomings such as high capital consumption. While China's policies have certain provisions regarding capture and sheltering, they encounter issues including incomplete legal frameworks and low public participation. Based on these findings, it is recommended to improve the legal system, broaden funding channels, strengthen public education and interdepartmental coordination to optimize and effectively implement stray dog rescue policies. This will address the stray dog problem and achieve an organic balance between public health, social security, and animal welfare. Read More

Abstract: Wearable electronic textiles, the result of a deep integration of flexible electronics and traditional textile processes, are profoundly transforming the field of health monitoring. This article focuses on innovative practices, systematically examining the technical pathways and application value of wearable electronic textiles, from foot health to spinal management. Taking smart socks as an example, their core lies in the direct weaving of fabric pressure, temperature, and humidity sensors into the sock body. This integration enables continuous monitoring of plantar pressure distribution and local microenvironmental changes, providing dynamic assessment and early warning of diabetic foot ulcer risk, significantly enhancing patients' self-management capabilities. In the field of scoliosis management, smart orthotic garments are breaking through the limitations of traditional braces. By embedding a network of fabric strain sensors within key garment structures, they capture three-dimensional torso posture changes and pressure distribution in real time. Combined with analysis by a built-in microprocessor, the system provides instant biofeedback and dynamically optimizes correction force, establishing a closed-loop management system of "real-time monitoring - immediate feedback - precise intervention," effectively improving treatment compliance and clinical outcomes. The article further explores the potential and key challenges of this technology in scenarios such as long-term chronic disease monitoring, postoperative functional recovery tracking, and sports biomechanical analysis. Core challenges include ensuring the long-term stability of sensor signals in complex environments, ensuring the comfort and durability required for extended daily wear, safeguarding user privacy and security associated with collecting physiological data, and overcoming the bottlenecks of large-scale, low-cost manufacturing processes necessary for market adoption. Existing practices … Read More

Abstract: AI technology, including generative artificial intelligence such as data training, has become a key force in developing new quality productivity. Currently, the copyright controversy in large model training has attracted much attention both at home and abroad. Starting from the legality of data source at the data input end and the compliance of data use at the output end, the copyright risk of the big model training process can be comprehensively deconstructed. Diversified dispute resolution mechanisms such as the copyright exception system, the safe harbor principle and the collective management system have faced many challenges in practice, especially the traditional authorization and licensing model has shown obvious limitations in the face of the huge volume of data and the large number of right subjects. We analyze the trend of extra-territorial regulation and explore the feasible paths for solving data training copyright disputes in China, i.e., guided by the principle of balancing interests, promoting the construction of a consultation mechanism between the right subjects and AI enterprises; implementing a data labeling system; drawing on the open source licensing in the field of computers; and broadening the boundary of fair use. Read More

Abstract: With the growing emphasis on ideological and political education in the field of education and the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, integrating AI into ideological and political education at applied undergraduate institutions has become an important area of exploration. Taking the Water Pollution Control Engineering course as an example, this study analyzes the value and challenges of AI-enhanced course-based ideological and political education. It explores its implementation pathways from multiple dimensions, including enhancing teachers' AI literacy and ideological and political education capabilities, establishing a diversified AI-enhanced course-based ideological and political education resource system, innovating teaching methods and practical teaching components, and establishing a scientific evaluation system. It provides valuable references and insights for the development of course-based ideological and political education at applied undergraduate institutions. Read More

Abstract: This paper systematically compares the international competitiveness of cultural industries between China and the United States. Construct a three-dimensional framework of industrial scale, innovation ecology and value chain positioning to reveal the structural differences between the two countries. Relying on market-oriented capital circulation and technology-driven, the United States dominates high value-added links such as creative research and development, forming a closed-loop system from innovation to global income. China has scale advantages in the field of processing and manufacturing, but it faces the imbalance of innovation factor allocation and the limitation of cultural symbol dissemination efficiency, and the industrial chain stays in the middle and low-end position. The study points out that the institutional differences between market-driven and policy-oriented constitute the essence of competition division. China needs to optimize the institutional environment to activate the innovation ecology, promote the industry from scale expansion to a compound mode of original capability and global resource allocation coordination, and realize the high-end breakthrough of cultural value chain and systematic strengthening of national soft power. Read More

Abstract: This paper primarily explores the role of trusts in cross-border transactions and the challenges they face. As global economic exchanges deepen, trusts-due to their unique ability to segregate assets, mitigate bankruptcy risks, and enhance the efficiency and security of cross-border transactions-play a significant role not only in private wealth management but also in financing, investment, and digital assets. However, differences in national legal systems create numerous conflicts in trust application. For instance, the concept of "dual ownership" under common law systems often faces non-recognition in non-common law jurisdictions. Simultaneously, stricter scrutiny regarding beneficial owner disclosure and anti-money laundering compliance increases operational costs for trusts. Furthermore, the tension between transparency requirements and privacy protection within trust structures further complicates cross-border compliance. The article concludes by proposing solutions to these challenges, such as promoting the Hague Trust Convention, implementing the latest FATF standards, establishing mutual recognition mechanisms among major jurisdictions, and leveraging new technologies to improve disclosure practices. Overall, as trusts assume greater importance in cross-border finance, bridging institutional gaps across legal systems and reducing compliance burdens are critical to unlocking their full potential. Read More