Cultural Assets Research Articles

The Story of Creando Conciencia: A Latinx Student-Focused Professional Learning Community

Universities continue to see equity gaps in retention and graduation rates for Latinx students. To enhance Latinx student success, a team of Latinx faculty at a HSI developed innovative programming for educators centered on creating culturally sustaining educational spaces for Latinx students. Creando Conciencia is an ESCALA Educational Services, Inc. certified professional learning community (PLC). Using a cohort model, participants were supported by facilitators and coaches as they implemented a project within a course designed to reduce equity gaps. Nine participants completed the pilot year’s programming. To assess the effectiveness of the PLC, participants completed a baseline and exit survey which measured participants’ understanding of culturally responsive pedagogy (CRP), HSIs, cultural frameworks, and perceptions of their role as an educator of Latinx students. Open-ended responses revealed participants were more likely to understand the importance of students’ backgrounds and cultural assets, enact CRP practices, and were more confident in teaching Latinx students. Creando Conciencia can serve as a model for HSIs looking to develop Latinx student-focused programming centered on CRP, students’ strengths, and becoming a Hispanic Thriving Institution.

Culture, Connection and Care: The Role of Institutional Justice Capital for Enhancing the Wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children in Out‐Of‐Home Care

ABSTRACTEnsuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children removed from their families by child protection services remain connected to their kin, Country and culture is a priority to begin to redress the intergenerational trauma and harm caused by colonisation. This article describes the views of staff working in three mainstream out‐of‐home care organisations, where children are cared for by non‐Indigenous foster carers. Through the lenses of recovery and justice capital, we explore the cultural assets and resources that are made available to non‐Indigenous foster carers providing care for children, as well as the institutional elements that either inhibit or facilitate cultural connection and activities. We argue that the inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices when ascertaining information about children's culture and connection is critical to ensuring best cultural practice. Forums that support relationships are largely absent, and we identify important elements of institutional justice capital that could ensure children are connected and prevent further harm and trauma.

Acculturation of Mataraman Local Wisdom with Islamic Values: Implications for Social and Economic Development

Economic development is often misinterpreted as merely financial growth and infrastructure expansion. However, the real essence of development lies in a multidimensional approach that incorporates social, cultural, and spiritual aspects, particularly within an Islamic context. This study explores the acculturation of Mataraman cultural traditions with Islamic values, focusing on Bersih Desa and Nyadran practices in Mataraman, Indonesia. Employing an ethnographic approach, data were gathered through observations and interviews with local stakeholders. The study examines how these traditions, initially influenced by Hinduism, have evolved to integrate Islamic teachings, thereby fostering community welfare, environmental stewardship, and social harmony. Results reveal that these practices align with Islamic principles of self-development, collective human prosperity, and the earth's stewardship. They demonstrate that local wisdom, when harmonized with religious values, contributes significantly to economic growth, social cohesion, and sustainable development. The findings underscore the importance of cultural preservation and propose that these traditions be promoted as cultural tourism assets, which could further enhance local economies. Future research is recommended to analyze the broader implications of Mataraman wisdom within the maqashid al-shariah framework.

Geopolitical and Ethnocultural Integration

Objective: This study aims to analyze the geopolitical and ethnocultural integration of the Ferghana Valley, focusing on the region's strategic significance, the dynamics of cross-border collaboration, and the role of shared cultural and historical legacies in fostering integration. It evaluates current challenges and opportunities for regional cooperation while proposing actionable recommendations for strengthening ethnocultural and geopolitical ties among the nations sharing the Ferghana Valley. Theoretical Framework: The study is grounded in theories of regionalism and ethnonational integration, combining geopolitical theory, cross-cultural interaction models, and conflict resolution frameworks. It draws on historical institutionalism and social constructivism to examine how shared cultural identities and geopolitical strategies drive regional integration and conflict management in the Ferghana Valley. Method: The research employs a mixed-methods approach, incorporating dialectical, comparative, systematic, and empirical methods. Data sources include document analysis, interviews with regional experts, and secondary data from academic literature and online databases. Results and Discussion: The findings reveal that geopolitical and ethnocultural integration in the Ferghana Valley is shaped by historical ties, economic interdependence, and shared cultural values. However, unresolved border disputes, resource competition, and ethnic tensions hinder deeper integration. Collaborative initiatives, such as trade agreements, cultural exchanges, and joint infrastructure projects, are identified as key drivers of progress. The study highlights the necessity of fostering trust among stakeholders, resolving border disputes through dialogue, and enhancing cultural diplomacy to achieve sustainable integration. Research Implications: This research offers insights for policymakers, scholars, and practitioners involved in regional development, emphasizing the importance of balanced geopolitical strategies, inclusive governance, and cultural preservation. It advocates for intergovernmental collaboration, conflict resolution mechanisms, and sustainable development strategies to enhance the Ferghana Valley’s geopolitical and ethnocultural integration. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the discourse on regional integration by offering a novel perspective on the interplay of geopolitics and ethnocultural identity in the Ferghana Valley. It identifies critical gaps in existing practices and proposes a framework for leveraging shared cultural and historical assets to strengthen regional ties, promoting stability and prosperity in Central Asia.

The Fate of Lithuanian Jews’ Assets during the Second World War

The cultural assets of Lithuanian Jews were registered by the staff of Rosenberg headquarters whose branches were established in Vilnius and Kaunas. The most valuable manuscripts, incunabula, museum pieces, collections of Jews folklore, photographs, newspaper collections and other assets were moved to Germany. The less valuable Judaica was destroyed on the spot; it was burnt and taken to paper mills. There were also the archives of Jewish communities, their libraries registered and expropriated, the synagogues registered all over Lithuania. They fell under the control of local administrations, i.e. local district administrators, the elders, burgomasters and other officials, some of them became temporary storehouses of the remaining Jewish assets, or were transferred to schools and other institutions.

Open Dialog and Cooperation or Direct Return? Debates about Cultural Assets from Colonial Contexts Using the Example of China's Lost Objects

Open Dialog and Cooperation or Direct Return? Debates about Cultural Assets from Colonial Contexts Using the Example of China's Lost Objects

Towards a sustainable cultural diplomacy

ABSTRACT This paper explores the relationship between cultural diplomacy and sustainability in the context of Western Europe. The study examines various stakeholders at different levels: from the United Nations that issued Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, to national entities in charge of cultural diplomacy, and regional and local arts organisations that undertake and support a variety of international cultural policies. Given the significance of state-sponsored culture in the Global North, and the role of state (adjacent) cultural agencies in the dissemination of specific versions of national culture overseas, including in the Global South, this article turns to the key institutions which have worked to represent French, German, and British culture abroad. It demonstrates that the relationship between cultural diplomacy and sustainability has different meanings for different actors. It argues that cultural diplomacy has become a tool used by authorities for championing the urgency of developmental issues and garnering worldwide public attention. However, as international cultural relations rely on the mobility of artists, many of whom are precariously employed, and goods, as well as unique and sometimes endangered cultural assets, among other challenges, this diplomatic domain must also grapple with the matter of its own sustainability.

Re-Envisioning Classroom Culture in an Introductory General Chemistry Course: Description of a Course Redesign Project

In the U.S., the retention of students in STEM degree pathways has been an issue that many higher education institutions have and continue to face. Many of us in the chemistry education community have been reflecting on our own roles and responsibilities to create a more inclusive learning environment for all students in chemistry. Culturally relevant pedagogy (CRP) and culturally responsive teaching (CRT) are two influential frameworks that informed efforts in promoting inclusivity in chemistry classrooms. However, the current literature focuses primarily on isolated interventions, highlighting a need for theoretical development that articulates the synergy between the two frameworks and synthesizes them in the context of chemistry education. In this essay, we present a framework for re-envisioning chemistry classroom culture consisting of four tenets: culturally relevant chemistry knowledge, cultural validation, collectivist cultural orientations, and humanized chemistry learning environments. We identified five course redesign entry points: amplifying student voice, emphasizing group work, contextualizing content knowledge, scaffolding technical language, and revising assessment structures. We hope to present both a framework and a set of course redesign entry points for chemistry educators interested in re-envisioning their classroom culture. We will also discuss the evaluation plan of this project and future work to sustain student cultural assets in chemistry classrooms.

A Novel Optimization Approach for Revolutionizing Architectural Design in Chinese Cultural Heritage

The preservation of China's cultural heritage architecture, which combines contemporary and ancient building techniques, is difficult because of the aesthetic and structural degradation that has overtaken it. This architecture is a testament to the country's technical, artistic, and cultural achievements. A smokescreen with a resolution of 5192 × 4153 pixels was used to acquire surface photographs and ground shots of the Dazu Rock Carvings, Nanchan Temple, and Foguang Temple using the Microtrans Maryland 4-1000 program. The research aims to improve fault analysis in images of Chinese cultural heritage structures using an Ensemble Ant Colony Fused Convolutional Capsule Neural Network (EAC-CCNN). Then, using a combination of Augmented Reality (AR) and Building Information Modeling (BIM), the designing model for safety management and decision-making will be enhanced. Steps include collecting and annotating data, developing a hybrid EAC-CCNN model to probe the issue with the architectural building, training the model, connecting it with BIM, inspecting the site, and then analyzing the defects using augmented reality (AR) enhanced BIM models. The results show that this integrated approach works to increase the accuracy of defect identification, promote cooperation, and help maintain and preserve cultural heritage assets. The machine learning model's ability to detect and classify defects in buildings that are considered part of China's cultural heritage is evaluated using metrics such as accuracy and F1 score. “With an F1 Score of 95.47% and an accuracy of 93.29%, the architectural design fault identification and safety management model produces respectable results. Phases of training, validation, and testing measure performance in relation to project objectives. Using this approach, machine learning models may be taught to see patterns, fix errors, and make wise predictions under different conditions. Doi: 10.28991/HIJ-2025-06-01-011 Full Text: PDF

DISAPPEARING HERITAGE: PROMOTION AND PRESERVATION OF INDIAN FOLK ART

India is a country with rich customs and a varied population, all of which are deeply ingrained in the country's history. The folk arts, which are ancient manifestations of creativity and individuality passed down through the years, are the foundation of this cultural fabric. However, many of these old art forms are in danger of disappearing due to the quick speed of modernisation. This study examines the declining Indian folk arts and the need of preserving these priceless cultural assets. India's disappearing folk arts are live testaments to the many cultural landscapes that make up the nation, not only artistic expressions. From the intricate wood carvings of Kashmir to the vibrant Pattachitra paintings of Bengal and Odisha, each art form carries with it, centuries of history, tradition, and storytelling. However, many of these artistic expressions are in danger of disappearing completely as traditional lifestyles become increasingly urbanised and obsolete.

Cultural Dynamics in The Evolution of Ibhea Obhea Dance in Doyo Lama Village, Papua: from Sacred Ritual to Secular Performance

For the Doyo Lama community, the Ibhea Obhea dance is a cultural asset. This dance is at risk of extinction due to life's changing circumstances and regeneration stagnation. Cooperative initiatives are essential for the preservation and advancement of this dance. This study seeks to comprehend the transformation of Ibhea Obhea Dance and examine its effects on the dance's structure, function, and significance. This research employs a qualitative method with a socio-artistic approach to analyse alterations in the text and context of the Ibhea Obhea dance. We gathered data by observing the dance form with the elders of Doyo Lama village, conducting interviews about the history and significance of the Ibhea Obhea dance, reconstructing the dance, and documenting the artistic features of the dance. In collaboration with the elders, we reconstructed the dance by developing new vocal texts, synchronizing vocals with movements, and documenting the process through recordings of the reconstituted Ibhea Obhea dance. We conducted validation by correlating the video records with the traditional elders. The findings indicated that the modifications in this dance encompass the structural and artistic components. The community was aware of and approved of these changes. The Ibhea Obhea dance has evolved from a mystical rite into a ceremonial welcome for guests. This alteration enhances the significance of dancing by incorporating elements of hospitality, humanism, and cultural preservation. This study elucidates the impact of alterations in the boatbuilding tradition on the evolution of dance within a wider social and cultural framework.

Navigating Flooding Challenges in Historical Urban Contexts: Integrating Nature-Based Solutions with Spatial Multi-Criteria Assessments in Quanzhou

Urban flooding presents acute challenges in heritage cities, where dense populations and valuable cultural assets coexist. While Nature-Based Solutions (NbSs) have been widely studied, their implementation in heritage cities remains underexplored due to spatial constraints and cultural sensitivities. This study develops a quantitative evaluative framework integrating the Spatial Multi-Criteria Evaluation (SMCE) and NbSs to address urban flooding in Quanzhou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In GIS-based spatial analysis, the framework prioritizes high-risk zones by synthesizing hydrological and socio-economic factors. The analysis reveals that the Surface Runoff Coefficient (SRC) contributes 30% to urban flooding exposure, with high building congestion and elevated PM2.5 levels exacerbating risks by 17% and 16.8%, respectively. Vulnerability mapping underscores the critical role of cultural heritage, accounting for 71.1% of the vulnerability index, and highlights priority townships such as Linjiang, Kaiyuan, and Lizhong, with integrated exposure and vulnerability rates of 11.8%, 10.3%, and 9.5%, respectively. This study proposes four NbS models tailored to heritage urban landscapes, with Solution I—direct surface infiltration—identified as the most applicable, covering 170.9 ha, followed by Solution II—subterranean stormwater infiltration—at 52.3 ha. Despite limited spatial feasibility (1.3–33.5% of township areas), the framework demonstrates significant potential for integrating NbSs with existing grey infrastructure, contributing to flood risk mitigation and broader sustainability goals. The findings provide actionable insights for urban planners and policymakers, offering a replicable methodology for the deployment of NbSs in heritage-rich urban contexts worldwide. By bridging flood risk management with cultural preservation, this work advances the discourse on resilient and sustainable urban planning.

Gamma Radiation for Preservation: A Novel Approach to Disinfect VHS Tapes in Historical Archives<i></i>

Preserving historical artifacts, such as VHS tapes, in archival collections presents significant challenges, particularly in environments conducive to mold contamination. Inadequate control of temperature and relative humidity can promote mold growth, endangering the structural and informational integrity of these cultural assets. This study explores the application of gamma radiation treatment for the disinfection of mold-contaminated VHS tapes stored in historical archives. Utilizing the Multipurpose Gamma Irradiation Facility at the Institute of Energy and Nuclear Research (IPEN) in São Paulo, Brazil, we investigated the efficacy of gamma radiation in eradicating mold while preserving the tapes' mechanical properties and visual appearance. Despite the long-standing use of gamma ionization for decontamination since the 1960s, this research is novel in its focus on VHS tape preservation. Tensile tests and visual inspections were conducted on control, biodeteriorated, and gamma-irradiated samples. Results showed that gamma irradiation significantly improved tensile strength and strain in mold-contaminated tapes, with no observable changes in their visual appearance. This study contributes to the development of innovative preservation techniques, addressing the unique challenges posed by environmental factors in the storage of historical materials and underscoring the potential of gamma radiation as a dual-function method for disinfection and mechanical reinforcement.

3D Imaging and Additive Manufacturing for Original Artifact Preservation Purposes: A Case Study from the Archaeological Museum of Alexandroupolis

This study explores the use of advanced 3D imaging and printing technologies to digitally document and physically replicate cultural artifacts from the Archaeological Museum of Alexandroupolis. By employing structured light scanning and additive manufacturing techniques, detailed digital models and precise physical replicas of two significant artifacts were created—a humanoid ceramic vessel and a glass cup. A handheld 3D scanner was utilized for capturing intricate surface details, with post-processing methods to refine and colorize the digital models. Regarding 3D printing, both Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Stereolithography (SLA) were employed, tailored to the artifacts’ unique requirements for resolution and material properties. This dual approach supports heritage preservation by generating tangible educational resources and providing alternative exhibits to safeguard original artifacts. Our results demonstrate that integrating 3D scanning and printing effectively enhances the accessibility, durability, and educational utility of cultural heritage assets, offering a sustainable model for artifact preservation and study.

Research on the Inheritance and Dissemination of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ethnic Minorities from the Perspective of Cultural Ecology

Intangible cultural legacy is a crucial part of ethnic cultural variety and social memory. Globalization and modernity are posing significant threats to ethnic minority' intangible cultural heritage. Cultural ecology gives a macro view on the evolution, adaptation, and survival of cultural legacy in specific contexts. The purpose of this research is to investigate how to successfully maintain and inherit ethnic minorities' intangible cultural assets from a cultural ecology viewpoint, as well as the dissemination methods that will assure their long-term growth. Cultural ecology views the inheritance of intangible cultural legacy as requiring a healthy ecological context. This covers not just environmental conservation, but also socioeconomic circumstances, education, policy support, technical advancement, and national self-identity. According to research, it is critical to build a multi-level inheritance system involving government, community, schools, and media through multi-party collaboration. In terms of communication, current media technologies such as the Internet, social platforms, and multimedia devices offer new and expanded opportunities for the promotion of intangible cultural assets.

Strengthening Partnerships entre las Familias, las Escuelas, y la Universidad for Dual Language Bilingual, Bicultural, Biliterate Education (DLB3E)

ABSTRACT This paper explores how an institution of higher education in partnership with a local parent-led organization can support authentic and organic Latinx family engagement and advocacy for dual language bilingual, bicultural, biliterate education (DLB3E). We reflect upon how engaging with Spanish-speaking parents helped us reimagine, reinvigorate, and transform local schools and universities by means of new understandings and practices of linguistic and cultural wealth, community assets, and family empowerment. We argue that this form of collaboration can lead to innovative and positive changes in p-16 education. To demonstrate, we share our developing framework for organizing annual parent conferences hosted by the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s Center for Bilingual Studies in partnership with RGV PUEDE (Rio Grande Valley Parents United for Excellent Dual Education/Padres Unidos para una Educación Dual de Excelencia). Our framework shows how to build and strengthen grassroots parent and community advocacy for DLB3E from pre-kindergarten through university by strengthening partnerships between parents, public schools, university faculty, and nonprofit organizations to organize conferences and other types of public conversations in Spanish.

A culture-based public relations perspective on the traditional performing art of “Caci”

Background: Caci performance art is a vital cultural asset of the Manggarai community in East Nusa Tenggara Province. However, the rapid advancement of internet-based technologies poses a significant threat to the survival of traditional forms of folk media, including Caci as a traditional game. As such, an effective communication strategy is essential to preserving the noble cultural values embedded in Caci and promoting its significance to a broader audience. Purpose: This study explored the forms of culture-based public relations activities associated with Caci and analyzed the communicative functions of art within this context. Methods: The study used an ethnographic approach. The informant’s involvement in this research includes serving as a primary source during interviews, guiding participant observations, and consulting on research findings to ensure the accuracy of the data. Results: The findings indicated several culture-based public relations activities linked to Caci, including community relationship-building, bentang cama as a forum for planning, Caci as a vehicle to reinforce the masculinity of Manggarai men, post-performance evaluation, and public communication regarding the cultural significance of Caci. Conclusion: Caci performance art encapsulates key components of public relations, encompassing the stages of fact-finding, planning, communication, and evaluation. These stages reinforce the role of Caci as a tool for executing culture-based public relations strategies. Furthermore, the Caci ritual, as a traditional performance serves as social, magical-religious, and entertainment functions. Implications: Public relations research can be expanded through a cultural perspective aligned with local community values. Additionally, traditional performing arts like Caci can be effective tools in PR strategies, fostering innovative, culturally grounded approaches. The study also emphasizes the need to preserve and promote traditional arts as essential to cultural identity in the face of advancing internet technology.

How are library cataloging metadata used differently over time: a large-scale quantitative analysis of the Library of Congress catalog

PurposeThe library catalog is not only a useful tool for patrons to find and access library collections but also a valuable dataset for various types of quantitative analysis on our cultural assets. This research aims to develop the latter potential of library metadata by conducting a large-scale analysis of how the metadata fields encoded in the Machine-Readable Cataloging (MARC) standards.Design/methodology/approachWe examined more than 6 million book records from 1980 to 2018 in the catalog of the Library of Congress. We particularly focused on how bibliographic records have changed over time and whether these changes correlate with the introduction of new cataloging policies.FindingsOur results show that more than 200 unique fields and 1,300 unique subfields have been used in the MARC format, though the majority of them are used in fewer than 1% of all records. At the same time, bibliographic records have become increasingly complex, with more fields and subfields per record over the past 40 years. Additionally, there are clear, although sometimes asynchronous, parallel developments between MARC tags and cataloging standards.Originality/valueThis study represents the first large-scale quantitative analysis of the history of library metadata, revealing significant and interesting changes over time and highlighting challenges for the meaningful use of library metadata in the current data environment.

Conservation of bibliographic collections using gamma ionization – paradigm for cultural collections professionals

The preservation of cultural assets, especially bibliographic collections, requires the dissemination of the gamma ionization technique, which is mainly used for the decontamination and sterilization of these materials. The procedure, which is used to preserve library collections in Brazil and other countries, is also used to preserve documents and art collections, being safe to handle, after ionization, once it leaves no residue behind. The aim of the study was to assess knowledge and identify behavioral aspects related to gamma ionization and its application in decontaminating collections. The target audience was a group of professionals who work with cultural assets in Pernambuco and other states. Two questionnaires were used, obtaining 39 and 105 respondents respectively, characterizing the participants and their knowledge of gamma ionization. The research was qualitative and quantitative, of a phenomenological nature. For the analysis, questions were grouped into thematic blocks, characterizing the participants, finding out “knowledge of gamma ionization itself” – with both knowledge and ignorance of the concept and application of the technique – and also collecting from participants their feelings, opinions and positions on various aspects of the application of gamma ionization. Finally, means and personal sources of obtaining information were specified, dealing with sharing of information.

Phylogenetic Perspectives and Ethnobotanical Insights on Wild Edible Plants of the Mediterranean, Middle East, and North Africa.

This study investigates the phylogenetic and geographical distribution of wild food plants (WFPs) across 30 Mediterranean and North African (MENA) regions, focusing on the intersection of evolutionary lineage, ecological adaptation, and cultural utilization. A phylogenetic analysis of 111 genera of WFPs used in traditional diets reveals clusters reflecting shared ancestry, functional adaptations, and ecological resilience. Key regions such as Lebanon and Ikaria stand out as potential centers for the diversity of wild food plant use, suggesting that the Eastern Mediterranean may be a primary origin area, especially for species adapted to semi-arid climates. Major plant families including Lamiaceae, Rosaceae, and Fabaceae form distinct clusters that underscore their common ancestry and adaptability, making them foundational to traditional diets and medicinal applications across various environments. Geographical analysis indicates historical connections, such as those between Malta and Egypt, supporting the hypothesis that ancient trade routes influenced the spread and cultural exchange of wild food plant use across the Mediterranean. The study emphasizes the integration of phylogenetic and ethnobotanical perspectives, shedding light on how biodiversity, ecological adaptation, and cultural practices intersect in these regions. This research demonstrates that WFPs serve as both ecological and cultural assets, crucial for preserving traditional diets and supporting biodiversity conservation amid environmental changes. Integrating evolutionary and cultural knowledge can enrich ecological understanding and contribute to the sustainable use of plant resources in the MENA regions.