This study investigates the Dunhuang medallion patterns of the Tang Dynasty as its primary focus, conducting a systematic analysis of their morphological structures and color characteristics across four distinct historical phases, from the Early to the Late Tang periods. It also elucidates the evolution of patterns, tracing their transformation from the Early Tang's “cross” structure to the Middle-Late Tang's “six-partition” structure. Additionally, it interprets the sociological and cultural significance embedded within this progression. The study integrates shape grammar theory to create a layered deconstruction framework for pattern analysis based on split grammar principles and proposes an innovative design methodology that includes four deduction rules: generative, modifying, inherited, and derivative. New patterns are generated through vectorized extraction and regularized deduction, preserving traditional elements while aligning with modern aesthetics. The method's feasibility and utility were validated through a practical case using the design on a silk scarf, completing a research cycle of “analysis-extraction-derivation-validation.” Research shows that shape grammar provides a systematic method for innovating traditional patterns, while the resulting framework opens new avenues for reinterpreting cultural heritage.

This study examined impact of agricultural cooperative membership on technical efficiency, income, and costs of coffee farmers in Southern Shan State, Myanmar. Using stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) and propensity score matching (PSM) methods, this study estimated average treatment effect on the treated of agricultural cooperative participation. Results showed that technical efficiency, total income, and total variable costs were significantly higher for cooperative members than for comparable non-members. However, net income of members is not significantly different from that of comparable non-members.

Native to southern Europe, Lepisiota frauenfeldi (Mayr, 1855) is an invasive species that has been introduced worldwide through cross-border trade. It has been documented to be distributed in the Mediterranean, Middle East, Africa, and Indo-Malaya. This species, also known as Browsing ant, was first found around a warehouse in Gwangyang, Jeollanam-do, South Korea, and was probably introduced into the country via cargo. The external morphology and gene sequences were checked for taxonomic identification, and it was identified as Lepisiota frauenfeldi based on comparative analysis of the morphological classification key and NCBI data. This study is the first report of a newly invasive alien ant and provides basic data on the species, including external morphological and ecological features and sequencing results.