Cultural Expression Research Articles

Komparasi Nilai Filosofis Musik Senggayung Dayak Pesaguan dan Semboyan Adil Ka’ Talino, Bacuramin Ka’ Saruga, Basengat Ka’ Jubata

The Dayak Philosophy "Adil Ka' Talino, Bacuramitn Ka' Saruga, Basengat Ka' Jubata" and Senggayung music have a close relevance in the context of culture, identity, spirituality, and creative expression of the Pesaguan Dayak tribe. The purpose of this study is to determine the meaning of Pesaguan Dayak Senggayung Music in the Light of the Philosophy of "Adil Ka' Talino, Bacuramitn Ka' Saruga, Basengat Ka' Jubata" and its relevance to the lives of Dayak indigenous people in general. The methodology used in this paper uses qualitative research that is done through a phenomenological point of view. The findings in this study that the meaning of Pesaguan Dayak Senggayung Music according to the light of the "Adil Ka' Talino, Bacuramitn Ka' Saruga, Basengat Ka' Jubata" philosophy is so profound and relevant in the lives of Dayak people in general. This research is very contextual to the current situation, especially for the younger generation to love culture and philosophical thoughts from their own culture so that the same desire arises to maintain and preserve Dayak cultural customs with full awareness.

TRADITIONAL PERFORMING ART: A ‘VANISHING POINT OF JURISPRUDENCE’ VIS-À-VIS GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS

In the given legal regime vis-à-vis geographical indications (hereafter GI) under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, followed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Rules, 2002, services are not subjected to the given GI regime while there is potential space to cover the same with legal reasoning and with reference to performing arts and practices under the umbrella of traditional cultural expression (TCE); so maintained and developed primarily by the tribal population in India since time immemorial. With reference to intellectual property (hereafter IP) governance, the author hereby explores the IP jurisprudence and thereby strives to advance arguendo- with reasoning- that ideation vis-à-vis geographical indications need not necessarily relate to goods alone and may at ease get extended to services; if the same serves public good. Here there is vacuum- if not void- in the GI regime; something similar to what went narrated as ‘vanishing point of Jurisprudence’, to quote Holland, since the regime remains silent while traditional performing arts and other practices are subjected to commercialization without consent of the community anyway; with ‘Poverty of Philosophy’ (Marx, 1847) to get coverage of the GI regime extended to traditional cultural expressions. The author concludes that the GI regime needs restatement to safeguard intangible cultural heritage of ‘the wonder that was India’ (by courtesy, Basham, 1954); thereby ascertain conservation of the civilizational tributaries sustained by original population of the soil. Thus, TCE ought to get construed as cultural heritage and, as policy choice, resort to the GI way appears a need of the hour toward mutual convenience of regional traditional art practitioners and the audience entertained by the performance. A mutual balance of interests for both sides ought to get traditional performing art (TPA) fortified by default.

Protection of sacred traditional cultural expressions: a perspective from Taiwan

In international debates regarding the protection of traditional cultural expressions (TCEs), some propose legal instruments with stronger sui generis protection for secret and/or sacred TCEs. But what would constitute stronger protection responsive to the needs of the holders of sacred TCEs? This article takes the Lalu case in Taiwan as a starting point for considering the sui generis protection of sacred TCEs, including what should be regarded as a protectable TCE and what is the proper scope of protection of sacred TCEs. The Lalu case reveals the difficulties of protecting Indigenous peoples’ essential sacred knowledge if a strict definition of TCEs is adopted. Therefore, this article reconsiders the idea–expression dichotomy and traditional knowledge (TK)–TCEs distinction by observing the characteristics of Indigenous peoples’ sacred culture and analyzing different international instruments related to TK/TCEs protection. Criticism of these dichotomies highlights the importance of the moral right, on the basis of which TCEs can be protected as a whole and the integrity of sacred culture can be maintained. Finally, this article discusses the possibility of supporting the protection of tangible sacred places or sacred objects by enhancing the sui generis right to sacred TCEs.

TAD border deletion at the Kit locus causes tissue-specific ectopic activation of a neighboring gene

Topologically associated domains (TADs) restrict promoter-enhancer interactions, thereby maintaining the spatiotemporal pattern of gene activity. However, rearrangements of the TADs boundaries do not always lead to significant changes in the activity pattern. Here, we investigated the consequences of the TAD boundaries deletion on the expression of developmentally important genes encoding tyrosine kinase receptors: Kit, Kdr, Pdgfra. We used genome editing in mice to delete the TADs boundaries at the Kit locus and characterized chromatin folding and gene expression in pure cultures of fibroblasts, mast cells, and melanocytes. We found that although Kit is highly active in both mast cells and melanocytes, deletion of the TAD boundary between the Kit and Kdr genes results in ectopic activation only in melanocytes. Thus, the epigenetic landscape, namely the mutual arrangement of enhancers and actively transcribing genes, is important for predicting the consequences of the TAD boundaries removal. We also found that mice without a TAD border between the Kit and Kdr genes have a phenotypic manifestation of the mutation — a lighter coloration. Thus, the data obtained shed light on the principles of interaction between the 3D chromatin organization and epigenetic marks in the regulation of gene activity.

Stewarding Collections in Times of Changing Perspectives

Libraries, archives, museums and other cultural heritage organizations are collections-based institutions with the mission to preserve their collections and make them accessible in various ways, whether for research, study, exhibition and educational purposes, while holding the physical collections in trust for the public. With the transitioning values for the collecting practices, the norms of collecting practices and accessibility standards are being challenged. The provenance of collections is being challenged, as well, and in some cases, objects and materials in collections have become the subject of repatriation. This is particularly true where collections include objects and materials that were acquired or taken from one global region or community and accessioned into the collection of a cultural heritage organization in another. How can access to collections be provided to patrons and the public in a way that is true and respectful of the normative traditions of traditional communities, in keeping with shifting societal values? This article presents the argument that a recognition and respect for intellectual property norms, specifically traditional knowledge (TK) and traditional cultural expressions (TCEs), facilitates quality collections stewardship and access to collections.

Protecting More Than Just Books: A Curricula Study of Traditional Cultural Expression in U.S. LIS Programs

More and more, librarians’ day-to-day job responsibilities include working with Traditional Cultural Expressions (TCEs) and their divergent needs. Nevertheless, TCEs—and their specialized care—lack adequate attention and appropriate training in Library and Information Science (LIS) pedagogy. This indicates that LIS students may be less prepared to ethically work on TCE-related inquiries in the future. This study conducts a curricula content analysis of 35 ALA-accredited Master of Library and Information Science (MSLIS) programs to preliminarily assess the current state of TCE-related topics represented in LIS programs. Through investigating course descriptions, the research evaluates the depth and breadth to which LIS students’ coursework incorporates topics related to TCEs and their care. The synthesized findings demonstrate that only a small number of LIS programs even offer TCE-centric courses; of these, very few programs explicitly require students to take them. Failure to integrate TCEs into the core curriculum results in students being unprepared for the corresponding challenges in their prospective workplaces, especially as most TCEs are not covered by copyright law. The implication of this study could be a fruitful and rigorous invitation for LIS educators to revise their LIS curriculum to keep pace with the ever-evolving information needs that arise in contemporary library contexts for diverse populations.

Food Culture: Identification of Typical Food and Dishes of a Municipality in the Northeast Region of Brazil

Objective: The aim was to map among the interviewed population of Lagarto/SE which savory and sweet typical foods and preparations are considered characteristic of the city. Theoretical Framework: The relationship between travel, cuisine, and culture highlights their economic potential by transforming gastronomy and tourism into strategic ventures. Emphasizing the preservation of gastronomic legacies as cultural expressions and the adaptation of dining spaces to reflect this perspective. Additionally, cultural tourism enriches visitors' experiences and promotes economic development. Therefore, regional cuisine is an essential element of daily life and a tourist attraction, connecting people and reflecting local culture. However, the influence of globalization and fast-food chains has impacted eating habits, raising concerns about health and the decline of communal dining. Method: Cross-sectional study, conducted qualitatively, involving the administration of a questionnaire with questions related to the population's profile and the municipality's food identity. The data were evaluated using Microsoft Excel, presenting absolute and relative values. Results and Discussion: There was a predominance of women (63.4%) and the dominant age group was 18 to 25 years old (27.2%). How much to marital status, there was a predominance of singles (45.5%). Regarding education, 29.5% had incomplete primary education and most of the interviewees received less than 1 minimum wage (44.1%). The typical food reported was cassava (39.2%), followed by jackfruit (15.4%). The salty preparation was maniçoba (27.4%), accompanied by rice with chicken (17%) and couscous (16.2%) and the sweet preparation, was milk sweet (33.7%), followed by rice sweet (11.4%). The research highlights the Lizard gastronomic culture, in a way that rescues, values and, above all, enhances this local cultural element so that it is not forgotten either by the residents or by its visitors. Research Implications: Generating scientific data from the Brazilian Northeast region to support discussions around the gastronomic approach. Therefore, it is necessary to invest in knowledge production about gastronomy linked to technical development. Originality/Value: It is justified by the need for scientific studies that contribute data on gastronomy and its relationship with tourism and culture in order to broaden the knowledge of Brazilian population's gastronomic practices, aiming to encourage and valorize them.

Exploring Symbolism in the Torompio Dance within the Traditions of the Pamona Tribe

This research aims to understand the symbolism and meanings of the Torompio dance among the Pamona indigenous people in Lambarese Village. This research uses an ethnographic analysis. Ethnographic analysis is an approach that begins with field facts, analyzes them based on cultural theories and relevant arguments to explore the cultural situation of the community, and ultimately yields a conclusion. The results show that the Torompio dance is a rich manifestation of symbolism and profound meaning, depicting complex interactions between humans, nature, and spirituality. The name “torompio” and the “paporapa” concept demonstrate how the Pamona indigenous people communicate values and emotions symbolically. Dance movement symbols reflect social and spiritual values and harmonious relations with nature. The transition of traditional attire from “karaba” to fabric and beads shows cultural adaptation in preserving traditions amidst changing times. The verses (kayori) underscore the symbiotic relationship between the community and nature and reflect a spiritual view of creation. All elements in the Torompio dance synergistically express the “Fervor of Love,” which is central to the cultural expression of the Pamona indigenous people. Therefore, it is recommended that the Department of Education and Culture of East Luwu Regency, the Lemba Pamona Luwu Indigenous Institution, and the Pamona indigenous people take strategic steps in preserving and promoting the Torompio dance. First, integrating the Torompio dance into the school education curriculum in East Luwu. Second, the Lemba Pamona Luwu Indigenous Institution should regularly organize workshops and cultural festivals featuring the Torompio dance as the main event. Third, the Pamona indigenous people are advised to continuously innovate and adapt their cultural expressions to modern times while maintaining the essence and original values of the Torompio dance. These initiatives will contribute to preserving the Torompio dance as an essential part of the cultural heritage and identity of the Pamona indigenous people while enriching Indonesia’s cultural diversity.

GLUT2 regulation of p38 MAPK isoform protein expression and p38 phosphorylation in male versus female rat hypothalamic primary astrocyte Cultures

Recent studies documented regulation of hypothalamic astrocyte mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, including p38, by the plasma membrane glucose carrier/sensor glucose transporter-2 (GLUT2). Sex-specific GLUT2 control of p38 phosphorylation was observed, but effects on individual p38 family protein profiles were not investigated. Current research employed an established primary astrocyte culture model, gene knockdown tools, and selective primary antisera against p38-alpha, p38-beta, p38-gamma, and p38-delta isoforms to investigate whether GLUT2 governs expression of one or more of these variants in a glucose-dependent manner. Data show that GLUT2 inhibits baseline expression of each p38 protein in male cultures, yet stimulates p38-delta profiles without affecting other p38 proteins in female. Glucose starvation caused selective up-regulation of p38-delta profiles in male versus p38-alpha and -gamma proteins in female; these positive responses were amplified by GLUT2 siRNA pretreatment. GLUT2 opposes or enhances basal p38 phosphorylation in male versus female, respectively. GLUT2 siRNA pretreatment did not affect glucoprivic patterns of phospho-p38 protein expression in either sex. Outcomes document co-expression of the four principal p38 MAPK family proteins in hypothalamic astrocytes, and implicate GLUT2 in regulation of all (male) versus one (female) variant(s). Glucoprivation up-regulated expression of distinctive p38 isoforms in each sex; these stimulatory responses are evidently blunted by GLUT2. Glucoprivic-associated loss of GLUT2 gene silencing effects on p38 phosphorylation infers either that glucose status determines whether this sensor controls phosphorylation, or that decrements in screened glucose in each instance are of sufficient magnitude to abolish GLUT2 regulation of that function.

Personal Branding through Perfume in the Middle East: Investigating the Role of Fragrance in Self-Presentation, Impression Management, and Cultural Identity

This study investigates the significance of perfume as a medium for self-expression and identity reflection. The research employs a qualitative approach, gathering narratives from twenty Middle Eastern participants who willingly participated in response to the researcher’s request. The findings illuminate the multifaceted role of perfume in the projection of diverse identities. Individuals employ perfume as a means to reveal different aspects of their personalities contingent upon the social context in which they find themselves. Furthermore, perfumes are utilized to convey specific images and convey particular meanings to the public. Beyond surface-level effects, perfumes hold profound implications for individuals’ psychological well-being, enhancing mood and fostering positive emotions. This research highlights the significance of cultural identity in the realm of perfume usage, demonstrating how scents can be employed as tools for cultural expression and preservation, ultimately contributing to the complex process of self-expression. The findings of this research offer valuable insights for perfume companies and marketing managers, empowering them to enhance their online communication with consumers and refine marketing strategies specifically tailored to Middle Eastern markets.

Sartorial subversion in subculture of Malaysian female Muslim punks

Punk culture, with its hallmark rebellious aesthetic, often stands in stark contrast to the modesty prescribed by Islamic traditions, particularly regarding women's attire. This article explores the sartorial practices of female Muslim punks in Malaysia, investigating the complex interplay of gender, religion, and subcultural identities within the Malaysian context. Employing an ethnographic approach, we examine how these women use dress for self-expression, empowerment, and resistance, challenging the historic oversights in punk discourse. Introducing the conceptual framework of ‘the localization of subculture’, our research provides a theoretical model for understanding how global subcultures, like punk, adapt to local contexts, leading to unique cultural expressions. Examining individual approaches to dress practices, our findings demonstrate the ability of the Malaysian punk community to deconstruct conventional norms and actively construct meanings of its own. This article invites a re-evaluation of subculture studies and advocates rethinking what we know about subcultures by considering local influences.

АЛАШ АҚЫНДАРЫ ПОЭЗИЯСЫНДАҒЫ ЛИРИКАЛЫҚ ҚАҺАРМАН

Poetry has always been an important part of cultural expression in different societies, allowing us to look at the collective consciousness and ethos of the nation. Kazakh poetry, especially the works of Alash poets, occupies a special place in the hearts of people who reflect their history, dreams, struggles and hopes. We will analyze the ways of creating a lyrical hero and his reflection in the poetry of Alash poets with specific examples. As for the lyrical hero, the positive impact of these characters in the genre of poetry on the formation of national consciousness is also analyzed in detail. It is proved by examples that the purpose of Alash poets in creating lyrical characters is to raise the morale of the Kazakh people, whose National Honor began to deteriorate at the beginning of the twentieth century, and to awaken National Honor. In this regard, the artistic skills of M. Zhumabayev, M. Dulatov, Sh.Kudaiberdiuly in creating lyrical characters are considered. In order for our thoughts to be reasoned, the scientific conclusions expressed in connection with the concept of a lyrical hero were used for the purpose of research. Previously, scientific conclusions and opinions about the lyrical hero were also taken into account. In this article, we will study the concept of a lyrical hero in the poetry of Alash poets, take as a basis his Origin, essence and influence on the literary culture of Kazakhstan.

A Pedagogical Model for Creating African-Inspired Piano Compositions: A Conceptual Thought

This paper is a review to establish a pedagogical model aimed at fostering creativity and cultural expression in piano composition through the lens of African musical traditions. As the world of music education embraces diversity and inclusivity, there is a growing need to explore pedagogical approaches that empower students to draw inspiration from their cultural heritage while developing their compositional skills. It is a proposed model that integrates elements of African musical traditions, including rhythms, melodies, and harmonic structures, into the process of piano composition for the various proficiency levels of piano instruction. The pedagogical model seeks to broaden the creative horizons of African compositions for the piano and deepen the understanding of the composers to exhibit cultural expression and inclusivity in music. Through a literature review, the paper births a model that can be leveraged to compose piano works within a certain complexity level at the students' experience. It is envisaged that the developed model can be used by composers for the piano within the concept of African pianism to make a potential impact on students' musical development. The paper contributes immensely to practical insights for educators seeking to inspire creativity and innovation in piano composition instructions.

The Impact of English Literature and the British Empire on Bengali Literature and Cultural Development.

This research paper delves into the profound impact of English literature and the British Empire on the evolution of Bengali literature and cultural development. It traces the historical intersections between British colonialism and Bengali society, exploring how the introduction of English literature influenced Bengali intellectuals, writers, and cultural paradigms. By analyzing key literary works, socio-cultural changes, and the adaptation of English literary forms within Bengali literature, this study aims to illuminate the multifaceted nature of this impact and its lasting imprint on the cultural identity and literary landscape of Bengal. Through this examination, it seeks to unveil the complex dynamics, transformations, and interplay between colonial influences and indigenous cultural expressions in the context of Bengali literature and cultural development.

Neo-orientalisms in Leïla Sebbar’s Métro: instantanés

ABSTRACT This article examines Leïla Sebbar’s engagement with colonial-era orientalist iconography in her 2007 text Métro: instantanés, a collection of literary snapshots of scenes glimpsed in the Parisian metro dating from 1997 through 2006. Whereas critics have frequently affirmed that Sebbar’s evocations of orientalist visual artefacts work to subvert orientalist discourse, the author proposes that a number of these snapshots constitute a largely uncritical reinscription of contemporary formulations of orientalist discourse. In particular, the author analyses Sebbar’s portraits of French Muslim girls and women in relation to debates regarding the political, social and cultural meaning of Islamic headscarves. Through a comparative analysis of Métro: instantanés and Sebbar’s Mes Algéries trilogy (2004–2008), the author argues that the former betrays a nostalgia for a past era of Franco-Arab political and cultural expression, one that inflects her portraits of French Muslim girls and women at the turn of the century. These portraits are not the neutral, documentary objects that their form suggests, but rather Sebbar’s personal vision of contemporary France, one that significantly overlaps a neo-orientalist and neo-colonial imaginary in which the bodies of French Muslim girls and women threaten the values and security of the Republic.

Effect of allyl-isothiocyanate on survival and antimicrobial peptide expression following oral bacterial infections in Drosophila melanogaster.

Since infections with antibiotic-resistant bacteria cause increasing problems worldwide, the identification of alternative therapies is of great importance. Plant-derived bioactives, including allyl-isothiocyanate (AITC), have received attention for their antimicrobial properties. The present study therefore investigates the impact of AITC on survival and antimicrobial peptide (AMP) levels in Drosophila melanogaster challenged with the fly pathogenic bacteria Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum and Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides. AITC, a sulfur-containing compound derived from glucosinolates, exhibits antimicrobial properties and has been suggested to modulate AMP expression. By using D. melanogaster, we demonstrate that AITC treatment resulted in a concentration-dependent decrease of survival rates among female flies, particularly in the presence of the Gram-negative bacterium Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum, whereas AITC did not affect survival in male flies. Despite the ability of isothiocyanates to induce AMP expression in cell culture, we did not detect significant changes in AMP mRNA levels in infected flies exposed to AITC. Our findings suggest sex-specific differences in response to AITC treatment and bacterial infections, underlining the complexity of host-pathogen interactions and potential limitations of AITC as a preventive or therapeutic compound at least in D. melanogaster models of bacterial infections.

Pentoxifylline and Norcantharidin Modify p62 Expression in 2D and 3D Cultures of B16F1 Cells.

Three-dimensional cell cultures have improved the evaluation of drugs for cancer therapy, due to their high similarity to solid tumors. In melanoma, autophagy appears to show a dual role depending on the progression of the disease. p62 protein has been proposed for the evaluation of autophagic flux since its expression is an indicator of the state of autophagy. Pentoxifylline (PTX) and Norcantharidin (NCTD) are drugs that have been shown to possess anticancer effects. In this work, we used B16F1 mouse melanoma cells in two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cultures and three-dimensional (3D) spheroids to test the effect of PTX and NCTD over the p62 expression. We analyzed the effect on p62 expression through Western blot and immunofluorescence assays. Our results indicate that PTX decreases p62 expression in both cell culture models, while Norcantharidin increases its expression in 3D cultures at 24 h. Therefore, these drugs could have a potential therapeutic use for the regulation of autophagy in melanoma, depending on the state of evolution of the disease.

The Role of Souvenirs in Enhancing Local Cultural Sustainability: A Systematic Literature Review

Souvenirs can facilitate the dissemination and promotion of culture, and culture gives souvenirs unique characteristics and cultural connotations. With the increasingly competitive academic environment, an in-depth understanding of the relationship between souvenirs and local culture is crucial to the theory and practice of souvenir and local culture-development research. The main purpose of this study is to review the previous literature that articulates the dynamic relationship of interdependence and development between souvenirs and local culture. Based on a systematic literature review, the data for this study came from a review of 35 documents between 2019 and 2024. The documents were then analysed individually using the ATLAS.ti 24 program. The analysis revealed five central themes: (1) sustainability and innovation; (2) authenticity and experience; (3) economic and community impact; (4) cultural identity expression; and (5) consumer behaviour and technology. These themes illuminate that souvenirs are not only cultural ambassadors, but also play a critical role in economic development, cultural preservation, and consumer engagement. The findings provide new directions for future research and actionable insights for practitioners, researchers, and designers who enhance the sustainability of local culture through souvenirs. This review contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamic interactions between souvenirs and local cultures and proposes a framework for the sustainable development of souvenirs.

Indonesian Legal Protection of Traditional Knowledge as Community Identity

Traditional knowledge is knowledge developed by indigenous people or intellectual work based on tradition. This knowledge includes methods of cultivating and processing plants, medicine, art, and food and drink recipes. Based on this, it is very important for a country to protect traditional knowledge, especially in this case Indonesia. This research uses normative legal research methods. The results of the research show that the Indonesian state has paid attention to this matter, which is included in intellectual property law and is currently developing a bill on the protection and utilization of intellectual property of traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions.

The changing dynamics of the creative city: Toward an inclusive, participatory, and place-based cultural policy in Wellington, New Zealand

ABSTRACT The policies and practices of creative cities are transitioning from a more externally focused and neoliberally oriented creative agenda toward local, place-based approaches that are grounded in the principles of social and cultural inclusion, participation, and diversity. However, little research has specifically examined the tensions, trade-offs, and opportunities cities might face in this transition. This research explores the creative dynamics of Wellington, New Zealand’s creative capital, pursuing a more inclusive and community-oriented policy. Using a case study approach, we identified seven key themes critical to supporting more inclusive and place-based creative city policies: affordability; availability of creative and cultural infrastructure; a supportive built environment; celebration of Indigenous culture and creative expression; support for inclusion and diversity; reliable funding resources and supportive regulations and processes; and grassroots community innovators. We developed these themes by considering both Wellington’s creative city policies and the existing creative dynamics of the city, which provide implications and recommendations for other cities experiencing similar transitions in their creative city policies.