Contemporary Research Research Articles

Global trends and topics in CDK7 inhibitor research: a bibliometric analysis.

CDK7 has been demonstrated to play a crucial role in the initiation and progression of malignancy. Therefore, targeting CDK7, which regulates the transcription process, has emerged as a new promising approach for treating cancer. Research on CDK7 inhibitors has significantly increased over the past 2decades, with almost 600 related papers in the Web of Science Core Collection database. To effectively identify future research hotspots and potential future directions, it is crucial to systematically review and visually present the research on this topic from a comprehensive viewpoint, ensuring scientific reliability. This study performed bibliometric analysis via CiteSpace and VOSviewer scientometrics analysis software to examine data on the publication of articles on CDK7 inhibitors over the past 2decades; the data included country of publication, author names, institution names, scientific categories, cited journals, and keywords related to the field of CDK7 inhibitors. This bibliometric analysis included 426 publications from 41 different nations, referencing a total of 15,892 sources. Research associated with CDK7 inhibitors has rapidly expanded since 2016, and the US and China are the two countries with the highest publication output among the countries and institutes that produce literature on CDK7 inhibitors. Furthermore, the US is the country that most frequently engages in international cooperation. The evolution of keywords identifying antitumor strategies related to CDK7-mediated cellular transcription processes has been the research focus in recent years. In this study, we identified research efforts and their evolving patterns and predicted advances in the CDK7 inhibitor field. The knowledge structure of CDK7 inhibitors encompasses pharmacological mechanisms, therapeutic targets, and cancer treatment strategies. The primary objectives of contemporary research are to discover the processes underlying cancer progression, identify specific signaling pathways, and develop effective clinical medicines.

Hand drill shape optimization using Open CASCADE library and the steepest descent method

In this article, compliance optimization with the steepest descent method of the hand drill bits shapes for metal drilling is presented. The analysis of stress, displacements and compliance of the solid with random shape can be performed using the finite element method. In the case of a high number of optimization iterations, each analysis needs automatic modifications of geometry, mesh and boundary conditions. The Open CASCADE library can be used in the fast and automatic construction of modified models. It allows for fast reanalysis for each derivative of the objective function in the optimization process. The motivation of this research is to fill the gap in the literature on drilling technology. Most of the contemporary research is devoted to the oil and gas industry, while optimization of the hand drill bits used in metal drilling is rare. Compliance optimization allows us to find the shape which guarantees a greater stiffness for the specified loading conditions and a given amount of material. Although the obtained compliance was low, further experimental research would be needed to apply new solutions in drilling practice. This will involve the construction of the drill bit tips and the development of a heat treatment process

Mitochondrial-related genes as prognostic and metastatic markers in breast cancer: insights from comprehensive analysis and clinical models.

Breast cancer (BC) constitutes a significant peril to global women's health. Contemporary research progressively suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a pivotal role in both the inception and advancement of BC. However, investigations delving into the correlation between mitochondrial-related genes (MRGs) and the prognosis and metastasis of BC are still infrequent. Utilizing data from the TCGA database, we employed the "limma" R package for differential expression analysis. Subsequently, both univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were executed, alongside LASSO Cox regression analysis, to pinpoint prognostic MRGs and to further develop the prognostic model. External validation (GSE88770 merged GSE425680) and internal validation were further conducted. Our investigation delved into a broad spectrum of analyses that included functional enrichment, metabolic and immune characteristics, immunotherapy response prediction, intratumor heterogeneity (ITH), mutation, tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), cellular stemness, single-cell, and drug sensitivity analysis. We validated the protein and mRNA expressions of prognostic MRGs in tissues and cell lines through immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR. Moreover, leveraging the GSE102484 dataset, we conducted differential gene expression analysis to identify MRGs related to metastasis, subsequently developing metastasis models via 10 distinct machine-learning algorithms and then selecting the best-performing model. The division between training and validation cohorts was set at 70% and 30%, respectively. A prognostic model was constructed by 9 prognostic MRGs, which were DCTPP1, FEZ1, KMO, NME3, CCR7, ISOC2, STAR, COMTD1, and ESR2. Patients within the high-risk group experienced more adverse outcomes than their counterparts in the low-risk group. The ROC curves and constructed nomogram showed that the model exhibited an excellent ability to predict overall survival (OS) for patients and the risk score was identified as an independent prognostic factor. The functional enrichment analysis showed a strong correlation between metabolic progression and MRGs. Additional research revealed that the discrepancies in outcomes between the two risk categories may be attributed to a variety of metabolic and immune characteristics, as well as differences in intratumor heterogeneity (ITH), tumor mutational burden (TMB), and cancer stemness indices. ITH, TIDE, and IPS analyses suggested that patients possessing a low-risk score may exhibit enhanced responsiveness to immunotherapy. Additionally, distant metastasis models were established by PDK4, NRF1, DCAF8, CHPT1, MARS2 and NAMPT. Among these, the XGBoost model showed the best predicting ability. In conclusion, MRGs significantly influence the prognosis and metastasis of BC. The development of dual clinical prediction models offers crucial insights for tailored and precise therapeutic strategies, and paves the way for exploring new avenues in understanding the pathogenesis of BC.

Every problem is embedded in a greater whole

AbstractPeter Drucker pointed out an important distinction between ‘doing things right’ and ‘doing the right thing’, which recognised that all problems are embedded in a context and thus can only be understood within their unique contextual setting. Contemporary research practices in clinical medicine often regards contextual factors as potential confounders that will bias effect estimates and thus must be avoided. However rigorous, research devoid of context ultimately deprives users of understanding of the support factors that make research transferable to policy decisions or managing care of individual patients—it stands in the way of ‘doing the right thing’ in ‘real life’ settings. Appreciating that all problems are embedded in a greater context means that one should not ignore their interconnected and interdependent systemic nature, that is, every variable is simultaneously dependent and independent. This is the reason for the cascading effects and feedback loops witnessed in disease progression and policy efforts. We discuss the need for researchers to a‐priori consider the context of their research question as well as the structural relationships of the variables under investigation, which in turn provides the basis for choosing the most appropriate research design. We have a moral imperative to first ‘do the right thing’—ask questions that address the contextual needs of our patients, and then to ‘do it right’—choose the best research method to answer this contextually framed need. Only then will our research efforts have meaningful and lasting impacts on patient care.

Stereoselective Synthesis of α‐Hydroxyphosphonates, A Literature Survey

AbstractOwing to their role in drug design and as building blocks, enantiopure α‐hydroxyphosphonates stand at the forefront of contemporary research. In recent decades, synthetic methods have been developed highlighting the obvious interest and practical importance of these compounds. This review aims to provide an up‐to‐date overview of the synthesis of chiral α hydroxyphosphonates covering the literature from its inception in 1983 to February 2024.

The Protection and Management of Wapiti in Desert Oases: Bare Land Poses a Limitation to Wapiti Conservation.

The Helan Mountains, situated in the heart of the desert, act as a dividing line between China's arid and semi-arid zones. Often referred to as a "desert oasis", they create an ecological island with a uniquely distinctive geographical location, making this area a focal point of contemporary research. Ungulates play a critical role in this ecosystem. The Alashan wapiti (Cervus canadensis alashanicus), an isolated population of China's smallest wapiti (Cervus canadensis) subspecies, is found exclusively within the Helan Mountains Nature Reserve. The conservation of this isolated population is fraught with challenges, particularly during winter, the harshest season for northern ungulates. Winter habitats are crucial for ensuring population stability. Therefore, we used certain methods, such as factor screening and model parameter optimization to assess habitat suitability using multi-scale species distribution models. The optimized results show that suitable habitats overlap with areas of high vegetation coverage in the Helan Mountains, covering just 588.32 km2, which is less than a quarter of the reserve's total area. The bare land area and winter NDVI are the two primary factors influencing habitat suitability, with other factors having minimal impact, underscoring the critical importance of food resources for the Alashan wapiti. The limited availability of these resources poses significant conservation challenges. Our findings provide a more precise foundation for targeted habitat protection and restoration efforts. We recommend enhancing the protection and restoration of food resources, effectively conserving vegetated areas, and preventing desertification.

Vulnerability Analysis of a Multilayer Logistics Network against Cascading Failure

One of the most challenging issues in contemporary complex network research is to understand the structure and vulnerability of multilayer networks, even though cascading failures in single networks have been widely studied in recent years. The goal of this work is to compare the similarities and differences between four single layers and understand the implications of interdependencies among cities on the overall vulnerability of a multilayer global logistics network. In this paper, a global logistics network model set as a multilayer network considering cascading failures is proposed in different disruption scenarios. Two types of attack strategies—a highest load attack and a lowest load attack—are used to evaluate the vulnerability of the global logistics network and to further analyze the changes in the topology properties. For a multilayer network, the vulnerability of single layers is compared as well. The results suggest that compared with the results of a single global logistics network, a multilayer network has a higher vulnerability. In addition, the heterogeneity of networks plays an important role in the vulnerability of a multilayer network against targeted attacks. Protecting the most important nodes is critical to safeguard the potential “vulnerability” in the development of the global logistics network. The three-step response strategy of “Prewarning–Response–Postrepair” is the main pathway to improving the adjustment ability and adaptability of logistics hub cities in response to external shocks. These findings supplement and extend the previous attack results on nodes and can thus help us better explain the vulnerability of different networks and provide insight into more tolerant, real, complex system designs.

Walking the hidden city: the role of citywalk in shaping destination branding experience

ABSTRACT Citywalk, a burgeoning travelling phenomenon, significantly shapes destination branding experience (DBE) construction. Social media posts about citywalk have gained significant exposure on platforms like Xiaohongshu, one of the fastest-growing social media platforms in mainland China. Contemporary tourism research identifies six DBE dimensions: sensory, affective, behavioural, cognitive, spiritual, and relational. However, how these DBE dimensions are reflected in tourists’ citywalk experiences on social media remains unclear. Few studies have examined how young citywalkers reveal their DBE through Xiaohongshu posts. This study aims to investigate the citywalkers’ experiences by aligning them with six DBE dimensions. Utilising netnography and analyzing Xiaohongshu posts, this study highlights the multi-dimensional experience fostered by citywalks, surpassing the conventional focus on brand experience dimensions in marketing research. Except for cognitive experience, other dimensions of experience demonstrate potential interactions among themselves.

Investigating the Influence of Natural Compounds on the Healing Process of Wounds

Advancements in modern medicine have not fully resolved the complexities associated with wound healing, particularly for chronic wounds, such as diabetic ulcers and burn injuries. Effective wound management necessitates not only the regeneration of damaged tissue but also minimizing scar formation. In this context, natural compounds derived from plants have emerged as promising candidates for enhancing wound healing. Ethnobotanical research has demonstrated that various herbal extracts possess properties that could significantly improve wound healing outcomes. This review explores the potential of these natural compounds, focusing on their mechanisms of action, efficacy in clinical and preclinical studies, and the challenges that still need to be addressed. By synthesizing findings from traditional medicinal practices and contemporary scientific research, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how natural compounds can contribute to more effective wound healing strategies. In this review, widely used and studied plants are discussed, along with their ability to induce wound healing through all the phase and their mechanism of action.

Is undergraduates’ adoption of the Internet of Things rational? The role of risk perception

Users’ intentions and behavior when using the Internet of Things (IoT) are essential issues in contemporary technology research. This research used the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) model to predict undergraduates’ IoT use intention and behavior in the smart home context. A total of 412 undergraduates at four universities in Taiwan participated in this study. The Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach was utilized to test the hypotheses. The results revealed that undergraduates’ attitudes and subjective norms had a positive effect on their IoT use intention, which, in turn, had effects on their IoT use behavior. This study also found that undergraduates’ risk perception of behavioral control had a negative effect on their IoT use intention. In contrast, their perceived risk of behavioral control had a positive direct effect on their IoT use behavior. This research contributes to the current state of knowledge since the proposed model revealed that undergraduates’ adoption of the Internet of Things might not be entirely rational. Their risk perception of behavioral control might play particular role.

Freire, Critical Pedagogy, and Culture Circles

In celebration of our 20th Anniversary as a journal, the InterActions: UCLA Journal of Education and Information Studies editorial team opted to put forth a call on the work of Paulo Freire, critical pedagogy, and culture circles. It’s hard not to continue to see why critical pedagogy, a praxis of nurturing critical consciousness toward humanization and society towards justice, continues to be an essential aspect of education in P-20 settings in a healthy democracy. This issue was an opportunity to showcase contemporary work and research inspired by the legacy of Paulo Freire. Humanizing education is a collective practice in partnership with students and communities, redresses structures that maintain social inequalities and hierarchies of human life, and repairs the harm they have inflicted (Freire, 1970; Paris & Alim, 2017). The call to humanize education is especially urgent given our ongoing crises in education: unceasing youth gun violence and school shootings (Schildkraut & Muschert, 2019); the defunding divestment of public instruction and closures of public schools (George, 2024); the varied emergences COVID-19 variants and other looming pandemics (Pokhrel & Chhetri, 2021); corresponding deterioration of working conditions and livable wages for those working for our nation’s education systems (Schmitt & deCourcy, 2022; Souto-Manning & Melvin, 2021); book bans and bans misconstruing interpretations of Critical Race Theory, and acceptance and kindness towards LGBTQIA students, teachers, and their families (Morgan, 2022); proposed and implemented legislation to dehumanize queer, trans, nonbinary, and intersex children and parents (Goldberg & Abreu, 2024); and ongoing racialized hate and terror harming Black, Asian, and other nonwhite students, teachers, and their families, among others (Gillborn, 2006; Gover et al., 2020 ; Tuchinda, 2023; Wun, 2014). The urgency of critical pedagogy remains as relevant as ever.

Online Pedagogies and the Middle Grades: A Scoping Review of the Literature

Online teaching and learning has had a presence in K12 public education since the 1990s. Following the COVID-19 global pandemic, there has been a surge in online learning and an increase in research surrounding the role of online teaching and learning within the K12 context. However, while the inclusion of online pedagogies flourishes throughout middle-grade educational settings, there is limited contemporary research that speaks specifically to effective online instruction of young adolescent learners. This scoping review examines the existing body of literature pertaining to online pedagogies within the middle grades in an effort to map the current trends, gaps, and overall state of research pertaining to national and international middle-level online pedagogy. Researchers screened research and pedagogically centered peer-reviewed articles published between 2013 and 2024. The reviewed articles were charted according to standardized details—e.g., author(s), publication year, research purpose, study location, participant demographics, methodology, and outcomes—to identify themes relevant to online pedagogical approaches, national or international contextual considerations, connection to the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) characteristics, and more. The findings speak to trends and gaps within middle-grade online pedagogical research with recommendations for additional examination of research and pedagogy specific to middle-grade online teaching and learning.

Unveiling the intellectual nexus between Peirce’s synechism and Goldratt’s theory of constraints: insights for management and organization studies

Purpose Charles Sanders Peirce (1839–1914), recognized as the father of philosophical pragmatism, has been described as a philosopher’s philosopher. Eliyahu Moshe Goldratt (1947–2011), considered the father of the management philosophy theory of constraints (TOC), has been described as being, first and foremost, a philosopher. The TOC body of knowledge is mainly preserved as concrete methodologies used in the management discipline. By examining the foundational elements of synechism and the TOC, the purpose of this study is to investigate the intellectual connections between the arguments and legacies of Goldratt and Peirce. Although this connection is worthy of much further investigation, the research emphasizes the possible implications from a management philosophy perspective. Design/methodology/approach Based on a “review with an attitude,” the authors first examined the foundations of Goldratt’s TOC through the lens of Peirce’s synechism. Next, the authors then examined how the study of Peirce combined with a selection of contemporary research in the management and organizational studies domain could point out a direction toward completing Goldratt’s unfinished intellectual work to establish a unified science management while addressing some of the current gaps in the TOC body of knowledge. Findings Major findings show that synechism’s growth may extend TOC knowledge, improving managerial practice in organizations. Findings on the convergent ideas of both also reveal that Goldratt valued all synechism categories, emphasizing the importance of not overlooking Firstness. Furthermore, the study analyzes the abductive inference demonstrated in the two use cases, introducing an additional metaphor to the management of organizational systems inspired by Peirce’s philosophical concepts. The research concludes that incorporating TOC and synechism principles can enhance management and organizational practices and enrich management philosophy and theories. Research limitations/implications This pioneering research opens promising opportunities to draw parallels between Peirce and Goldratt. Interdisciplinary collaboration will enhance the rigor and validity of integrating synechism and TOC. Experts in organizational behavior, systems theory and complexity science can provide valuable insights into this debate, while practitioners and consultants could help identify barriers and opportunities for integrating synechistic principles. Practical implications The study proposes a novel abductive approach using Peirce’s cable metaphor as an initial framework to build a unified science of management based on evolutionary stages: TOC, common sense and connectedness. Originality/value This research reinforces the argument that contemporary management practices need philosophical thinking. The authors argue that re-evaluating the foundations of management thought enriches the decision-making process in organizations and the understanding of contemporary theories in management and organizational studies.

Cultural Bias in Large Language Models: A Comprehensive Analysis and Mitigation Strategies

Abstract This paper delves into the intricate relationship between Large Language Models (LLMs) and cultural bias. It underscores the significant impact LLMs can have on shaping a more equitable and culturally sensitive digital landscape, while also addressing the challenges that arise when integrating these powerful AI tools. The paper emphasizes the immense significance of LLMs in contemporary AI research and applications, underpinning many systems and algorithms. However, their potential role in perpetuating or mitigating cultural bias remains a pressing issue warranting extensive analysis. Cultural bias stems from various intertwined factors; the following analysis categorizes cultural bias shaping LLMs into three dimensions: data quality, algorithm design, and user interaction dynamics. Furthermore, the impacts of LLMs on cultural identity and linguistic diversity are scrutinized, highlighting the interplay between technology and culture. The paper advocates responsible AI development, outlining mitigation strategies such as ethical guidelines, diverse training data, user feedback mechanisms, and transparency measures. In conclusion, the paper emphasizes that cultural bias in LLMs is not solely a problem but also presents an opportunity. It can enhance our awareness and critical understanding of our own cultural biases while fostering curiosity and respect for diverse cultural perspectives.

Exceptionalism and nationalism in contemporary Iranian thought: a study of Javad Tabatabai’s scholarship

ABSTRACT This paper examines the influence of the discourse of exceptionality of Iran on contemporary Iranian thought, particularly its intricate relationship with the ideology of nationalism. It focuses on the scholarly contributions of Javad Tabatabai (1945–2023), whose work has significantly impacted recent Iranian intellectual debates in both academic and broader public discussions on Iranian nationhood and identity. The paper traces the evolution of Tabatabai’s work from its initial philosophical-theoretical foundation aimed at addressing the ‘problem of Iran’ to its final emphasis on Iran’s exceptional nature, reflecting a nationalist-exceptionalist perspective. By examining the ‘power of exception’ and its utilization in history and social science disciplines, the paper illustrates how claims of exceptionality wield rhetorical influence despite lacking empirical support in scholarly discourse. It argues that Tabatabai’s historiographical assumptions are shaped by a combination of historical exceptionalism and ‘methodological nationalism’. Drawing from insights in Global History, the paper challenges these assumptions in favour of more integrative perspectives. It advocates for transcending the confines of ‘national history’, and explores the possibility of contending historical and contemporary inquiries of Iranian nationhood and identity without succumbing to the charm of exceptionalist narratives.

Chemoinformatic Characterization of NAPROC-13: A Database for Natural Product 13C NMR Dereplication.

Natural products (NPs) are secondary metabolites of natural origin with broad applications across various human activities, particularly the discovery of bioactive compounds. Structural elucidation of new NPs entails significant cost and effort. On the other hand, the dereplication of known compounds is crucial for the early exclusion of irrelevant compounds in contemporary pharmaceutical research. NAPROC-13 stands out as a publicly accessible database, providing structural and 13C NMR spectroscopic information for over 25 000 compounds, rendering it a pivotal resource in natural product (NP) research, favoring open science. This study seeks to quantitatively analyze the chemical content, structural diversity, and chemical space coverage of NPs within NAPROC-13, compared to FDA-approved drugs and a very diverse subset of NPs, UNPD-A. Findings indicated that NPs in NAPROC-13 exhibit properties comparable to those in UNPD-A, albeit showcasing a notably diverse array of structural content, scaffolds, ring systems of pharmaceutical interest, and molecular fragments. NAPROC-13 covers a specific region of the chemical multiverse (a generalization of the chemical space from different chemical representations) regarding physicochemical properties and a region as broad as UNPD-A in terms of the structural features represented by fingerprints.

Mapping the terrain of global research trajectory of international doctoral students: a bibliometric review

ABSTRACT Significant changes in global doctoral education have occurred in recent decades. Many countries have adopted strategies to intensify and expand their doctoral education. Meanwhile, the number of doctoral students globally has increased, with a notable surge in the enrollment of international doctoral students (IDS). Previous studies have investigated IDS-related issues such as students’ motivations, learning experiences, and post-graduate development; yet a comprehensive review of the existing literature on IDS is lacking. This study reviews the IDS literature since the year 2000, aiming to unveil the landscape of contemporary IDS research within a fast-changing context of global doctoral education. Using bibliometric analysis and data retrieved from Web of Science, we examine trends in IDS publications, key authors, influential journals, geographic distribution by countries and institutions, and significant research themes within IDS studies. The concept of asymmetry is used to interpret the findings, which contribute to a critical understanding of the current landscape of IDS research. The findings serve as valuable references for examining the dynamic and changing context of IDS research, providing valuable insights for future studies.

Optimizing workflow efficiency for analyzing low molecular weight endogenous peptides in colostrum.

Bovine milk and colostrum play pivotal roles in the nutritional support of both human and bovine infants. Colostrum, the initial milk secretion, is crucial for neonatal growth, providing essential nutrients, growth factors, immunity, and defense mechanisms through a diverse array of bioactive compounds, including bioactive proteins and peptides. Peptidomics, leveraging the potential health benefits of peptides derived from food and body fluids, has become prominent in contemporary research. Endogenous peptides (EPs) have gained notable scientific and commercial interest due to their potential biofunctional significance in areas such as immune health, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and antioxidative studies. In this investigation, we aimed to extract and analyze low molecular weight EPs from colostrum using four distinct peptide extraction methods, previously employed for EPs extraction from other bodily fluids. The efficiency of these methods was systematically compared and analysed to identify the most effective extraction technique for maximizing the identification of low molecular weight EPs from colostrum. This study represents a pioneering effort as no prior research has systematically compared different extraction methods for low molecular weight EPs from colostrum. Given the unique physical and chemical composition of colostrum compared to milk and other body fluids, a comprehensive analysis of EPs extraction methods was deemed essential. In the present study, we successfully extracted over 3200 EPs from colostrum using trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and a molecular weight cut off (MWCO) extraction method. The findings of this study revealed the extraction of EPs from colostrum, demonstrating potential inherent bioactivities as predicted by in silico tools.

Anti-inflammatory Effect of Symplocos prunifolia Extract in an In Vitro Model of Acute Pneumonia.

Acute pneumonia is a respiratory disease characterized by inflammation within the lung tissue, exhibiting higher morbidity rates and mortality rates among immunocompromised children and older adults. Symplocos species have been traditionally used as herbal remedies for conditions like dysentery, skin ulcers, diarrhea, and dyspepsia. Contemporary research has employed various Symplocos species in the study of diverse diseases. However, the exact efficacy and mechanisms of action of Symplocos Prunifolia remain unknown. Therefore, this study investigated the anti-inflammatory mechanism of S. prunifolia extract (SPE) in A549 and RAW264.7 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). SPE significantly reduced nitric oxide (NO) production and the protein expression levels of like inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, it reduced the protein expression levels of iNOS, COX-2 and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in LPS-stimulated A549 cells. The mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory effect of SPE was associated with the inhibition of LPS stimulated the phosphoinositide-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) and Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation. Moreover, we confirmed that SPE decreased the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/p65 stimulated by LPS. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that SPE alleviates inflammatory responses by deactivating the PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and NF-κB signaling pathways. Our findings suggest that SPE is a potential candidate for acute pneumonia prevention.

Problematic cultural heritage in the context of tourism and Bulgaria: Key concepts, main features, and contemporary research

Global trends of widening the scope of heritage for tourist consumption, as well as the growing interest among both producers and consumers in a more truthful and balanced representation of the past impose paying special attention to problematic cultural heritage in the context of tourism. Since the topic remains quite unpopular for tourism researchers in Bulgaria, this paper aims to present the key concepts explaining problematic heritage, outline the main features of such heritage as well as sketch contemporary research trends and gaps in this underestimated but promising academic field. Given the variety of terms used interchangeably in extant literature, the term “problematic” cultural heritage is proposed as appropriate for the Bulgarian context, emphasizing the notion of dissonant/contested heritage as a “problem to be solved”. Its relevance to Ottoman and communist heritage in the country is justified.