Animation captivates viewers with its visual storytelling, fostering creativity, delivering entertainment, and imparting knowledge. It influences culture, media and education, shaping our perception of the world. Animation films are popular for their engaging narratives, well-developed characters and cultural significance. Character design in animated films can embody a brand’s essence, transcend cultural boundaries and influence behavior. The rising prominence of animation in global media significantly impacts children’s learning and creativity. Japanese anime, in particular, has gained a strong foothold in various markets, including India, shaping the animation landscape. This study explores anime’s growing influence on character design among Indian animation students, assessing their character design process and awareness of Indian animation. Surveys and interviews with students, faculty and industry professionals reveal anime’s impact on students’ creative projects and the limited awareness of Indian animation. The study emphasizes the need for further research to understand anime’s influence on students’ artistic styles.

Structure-property evaluation of poly(ethylene glycol) surfactants and nanostructured fluids.

Human-driven environmental changes threaten the region's dominant trees. China's fengshui forests harbor ancient trees with cultural and ecological significance, yet their climate resilience remains uncertain. By integrating genome and resequencing data, we investigate the structural variants, demographic dynamics, and local adaptation of Q. gilva, a threatened East Asian oak vital to fengshui traditions. The genome structural variants are enriched in critical pathways such as stress response and genome maintenance. Divergence of Q. gilva populations into Chinese and Japanese lineages occurs during mid-Pliocene climatic shifts. The Chinese lineage carries a higher genetic load, including deleterious mutations in histone deacetylase-associated genes that may impair adaptability. We propose four populations (Changning, Kiyosumi, Tama, and Lianyuan) as preliminary conservation priorities due to their higher genetic diversity and lower genetic load. In contrast, the Jianou population, which contains at least 240 ancient trees, may be susceptible to inbreeding depression as a result of its low genetic diversity and high genetic load. However, enhancing population resilience to future climate change through genetic rescue will depend on further comprehensive genetic and ecological studies.

Purpose This study aims to construct a set of evaluation criteria and assess the competitiveness of spiritual tourism destinations in India. Given India’s rich spiritual heritage and the growing demand for transformative travel experiences, the research seeks to understand what attributes make a destination spiritually compelling and competitive in a global tourism landscape. Design/methodology/approach The research adopts a hybrid qualitative-quantitative methodology, integrating cognitive mapping and the measuring attractiveness by a categorical based evaluation technique (MACBETH) approach to identify and rank the most critical attributes influencing spiritual tourism. A panel of ten multidisciplinary experts contributed insights, which were structured into fundamental point of view (FPV) categories. These were then evaluated using M-MACBETH software to derive criteria weights and rank destinations based on attractiveness. Findings The analysis reveals that spiritual and religious activities, and cultural and historical significance are the most influential factors in shaping the appeal of spiritual tourism destinations. Conversely, safety and security, while essential, was perceived as a basic expectation rather than a differentiating factor. Among the 30 destinations assessed, the Golden Temple in Amritsar emerged as the most competitive spiritual destination, followed by Shirdi. The criteria demonstrated strong reliability through sensitivity and robustness analyses. Originality/value This study pioneers the integrated application of the cognitive mapping and MACBETH methodology within the domain of spiritual tourism in India. The criteria’s emphasis on both emotional and infrastructural factors provides comprehensive understanding of what drives spiritual destination competitiveness, making it highly relevant for future tourism strategy and planning.

The acquisition of high-quality three-dimensional (3D) models of cultural relics often relies on expensive scanning equipment or multi-view image capture, which limits large-scale deployment in real-world heritage conservation scenarios. Large-scale water impoundment in the Three Gorges region has resulted in the permanent submergence of numerous cultural relics and archaeological remains. For many of these artifacts, only a single two-dimensional image remains as the sole visual record, posing significant challenges for reconstructing their original three-dimensional geometry and appearance. This limitation renders traditional multi-view reconstruction and physical scanning methods infeasible. To address this challenge, we propose a generative framework for reconstructing high-fidelity 3D digital models of Chinese Three Gorges cultural relics from a single two-dimensional (2D) image. Building upon recent advances in generative 3D representation learning, the proposed method adopts a transformer-based image-to-triplane architecture to infer an implicit 3D representation directly from a single RGB image. A vision transformer encoder is employed to extract global and local visual features, which are subsequently projected into a compact triplane representation through a cross-attention-based decoder. The reconstructed triplane features are further decoded by a neural radiance field (NeRF) to synthesize dense geometry and appearance, enabling accurate mesh extraction and novel-view rendering. To enhance robustness under in-the-wild conditions, the model implicitly estimates camera parameters during inference without relying on explicit calibration information. The proposed method is evaluated on a dataset of Chinese Three Gorges cultural relics, covering diverse artifact categories and visual styles. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed framework is capable of producing structurally coherent and visually consistent 3D reconstructions from a single image, effectively preserving key morphological characteristics of cultural relics under limited data conditions. Compared with existing single-image and multi-view reconstruction baselines, the proposed framework exhibits better reconstruction accuracy, visual consistency, and generalization capability. This study provides an efficient and scalable solution for the digital reconstruction of cultural relics and offers a practical pathway for large-scale 3D digitization of heritage artifacts from archival images. This work provides a practical solution for the digital reconstruction of submerged heritage artifacts and contributes to the application of generative 3D modeling techniques in cultural heritage preservation and restoration.

This study examines the cultural inheritance pattern of the Topeng Tua Luh dance created by the Balinese dance maestro I Made Djimat. The research aims to analyze how this contemporary mask dance is transmitted and sustained within its socio-cultural context. A qualitative method with an ethnographic approach was employed. Data were collected through field observations, in-depth interviews, documentation analysis, and literature review. The findings indicate that Topeng Tua Luh, first performed at the 2019 Bali Arts Festival, represents a new creative development within the Balinese petopengan tradition. Functionally, it can be classified as bebali and balih-balihan dance. The dance demonstrates distinctive aesthetic characteristics, particularly in its female elderly mask design, costume elements, and choreographic interpretation derived from the traditional Topeng Tua repertoire. Although the dance experienced fluctuations in popularity following its premiere, revitalization efforts have emerged through familial transmission, community-based learning, and non-formal institutional education. The inheritance system reflects a mixed transmission model integrating family, social, and institutional mechanisms. This research contributes to the academic documentation of contemporary Balinese mask dance and provides a reference framework for sustaining artistic heritage in the modern era.

As urbanization accelerates in China, the protection and renewal of historical and cultural districts have become key issues. The Beiyuanmen Historical and Cultural District in Xi’an, with its long history and cultural significance, is a prime example. This study uses Beiyuanmen as a case study, employing Baidu heatmap data, Point of Interest (POI) data, and space syntax theory to examine the district’s spatial layout, crowd activity distribution, and functional structure. The purpose is to quantify its vitality and spatial characteristics, providing a basis for scientific planning. The methods involve analyzing spatiotemporal crowd activity intensity via heatmaps, assessing street network configuration through integration and choice values, and comparing POI data from 2014 and 2024 to track functional evolution. The research identifies the distinctive spatiotemporal patterns of crowd activity, revealing not only a southeast concentration correlated with urban functions but also distinct diurnal rhythms—a bimodal pattern on weekdays versus a sustained leisure-oriented pattern on weekends, underscoring a functional shift. It also explores the directed permeability of the spatial structure, identifying streets like Miaohou Street that form a highly integrated “cross-shaped backbone”. Analysis of POI data shows that commercial services dominate and have expanded outward, with the growth rate of POI density in the control area surpassing that of the core, indicating a trend of functional diffusion. Finally, the study highlights Miaohou Street, Beiguangji Street, Damai Market Street, Beiyuanmen, and Sajinqiao as key areas, and it concludes by proposing integrated planning recommendations that focus on four strategic aspects—spatial and crowd activity distribution management, functional zoning guidance, enhancement of public services and cultural displays, and alignment with broader urban policies—for prioritized landscape enhancement and tourism.

Compact carbonate stones are widely used in architectural heritage for their aesthetic value and cultural significance, yet their long-term durability in saline environments remains insufficiently understood, particularly when assessed using standard salt crystallization tests developed primarily for porous lithotypes. This study investigates salt-induced deterioration in Portoro limestone, a compact ornamental carbonate extensively employed in historic architecture, considering four commercial varieties representative of heritage applications. Salt crystallization tests were performed using saturated sodium sulphate (Na2SO4) and sodium chloride (NaCl) solutions following the relevant European standard procedure, with the protocol extended to 45 cycles to capture delayed deterioration processes. Both untreated specimens and samples subjected to controlled thermal pre-conditioning at 300 °C and 500 °C were tested to activate latent microstructural weaknesses. Material decay was assessed through mass variation, porosity changes, surface observations, Leeb rebound hardness and ultrasonic pulse velocity measurements. Results demonstrate that deterioration is primarily controlled by salt type and microstructural characteristics rather than by total porosity. Sodium sulphate induced severe internal damage and abrupt structural failure associated with mirabilite crystallization, often following a prolonged phase of apparent stability. In contrast, sodium chloride causes mainly superficial effects with negligible mechanical impact. Thermal pre-conditioning accelerated damage development, while non-destructive techniques revealed internal deterioration well before visible damage occurred. These findings indicate that standard crystallization tests may be inadequate for low-porosity stones and that extended-cycle approaches provide a more reliable framework for durability assessment in saline environments.

Cliff carvings, as significant art forms bearing historical, cultural, and religious connotations, face dual threats from natural weathering and human-induced damage. Their protection and restoration of the artistic style present pressing challenges. In recent years, the rapid advancement of digital technologies has offered new opportunities for preserving and reproducing cultural heritage. Particularly, 3D style transfer techniques are emerging as crucial tools for digital safeguarding. The advantages of three-dimensional style transfer in cultural heritage applications include dynamic stylized rendering, simulation of styles from multiple historical periods, alternative modes of exhibition, and facilitating a paradigm shift in conservation practices from static digital archiving to dynamic revitalization. This study proposes a novel 3D stylization method for cliff carvings by integrating 3D Gaussian Splatting (3DGS) and Nearest Neighbor Feature Matching (NNFM) loss metric. The method represents ancient cliff carvings as a set of optimizable 3D Gaussians representation, enabling efficient capture and processing of complex geometric structures and rich textural details. By integrating the textural and geometric characteristics of the target artistic style, 3DGS facilitates high-quality transfer of diverse artistic styles while effectively preserving the original intricate details of the carvings. Additionally, we employ the NNFM loss function to transfer 2D visual details into 3D representations while maintaining multi-perspective style consistency. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method exhibits significant advantages in texture fidelity, style consistency, and rendering efficiency. This research showcases the potential of our model for the digital preservation and presentation of cliff-carved cultural heritage, offering an innovative technological approach with theoretical value and practical significance.

This contribution examines the use of ICT in mosaic heritage to enhance the user experience in heritage interpretation. The study focuses on the digital graphic reconstruction of a Roman mosaic featuring animal emblems. As the original mosaic is no longer physically accessible, the reconstruction relied on the systematic collection, comparison, and analysis of diverse visual sources, including archival photographs, historical drawings, and related documentation; photography and drone capture; digital assembly of borders of hand-drawn mosaic elements; and systematic assembly and completion of repetitions in representative mosaic motifs and observational color and design refinement of animal emblems. The article outlines the mosaic’s schematic layout and the key reconstruction steps, resulting in a digital representation developed within the limits imposed by the available evidence. The outcome demonstrates that combining historical research and digital graphics can effectively support the preservation and communication of cultural heritage. Finally, an augmented reality application for interactive presentation of the reconstructed mosaic is introduced, enabling users to explore both the reconstruction process and the interpretive meanings of individual mosaic elements, thereby enhancing engagement and understanding.

Introduction Brick-timber heritage buildings, characterized by masonry walls and extensive use of wood (e.g., poplar, pine) in structural elements, possess high historical and cultural value, yet this material composition makes them susceptible to fire hazards. Smoke detectors are critical devices for early fire warning, and their response characteristics in brick-timber ancient building fires are of paramount importance. Methods This study employs an integrated numerical simulation approach, utilizing the Pyrosim fire simulation software to model different fire scenarios in brick-timber ancient buildings, aiming to investigate the impact of fires on the response characteristics of smoke detectors. The study analyzes the smoke generation rate, temperature, and spread patterns from different ignition points—such as central fires, edge fires, and corner fires—within the complex spaces of ancient buildings, as well as the influence of these factors on the response time and sensitivity of smoke detectors. Results Simulation experiments indicate that when the fire source is located at the center of a room, the smoke detector triggers at 59.5 s; when the fire source is situated in a corner area of the room, the smoke detector triggers at 22.4 s; and when the fire source is positioned in the central hall area of the room, the smoke alarm triggers at 16 s. The findings reveal the variation patterns of smoke detector response characteristics in fire scenarios within brick-timber ancient buildings. Discussion This paper provides theoretical foundations and data support for optimizing the selection and layout of smoke detectors in ancient buildings, enhancing the reliability of fire warning systems, and improving the fire prevention and control capabilities of brick-timber ancient structures, thereby better preserving precious historical and cultural heritage.

ABSTRACT This study examines the cultural and political significance of the Marseillaise during the Haitian Revolution (1791–1804). Beginning with the oft-told tale of Toussaint Louverture’s soldiers singing French revolutionary songs, it traces the shifting fortunes and evolving meanings of the Marseillaise through five contrafacta published in Saint-Domingue between 1792 (the anthem’s arrival) and 1804 (Haitian independence). Attending to the Marseillaise’s metaphorical language about “slavery” in a context of literal enslavement, the article explores how colonists and revolutionaries reinterpreted the imported song to confront local crises, assert new political identities, and articulate competing visions of freedom. In bringing together these Caribbean adaptations of metropolitan verse, the article raises the Marseillaise as an effective case study for understanding the incoherence of Enlightenment rhetoric within the colonial Americas.

This research aims to analyze how the city of Serro, in Minas Gerais, promotes heritage education actions, focusing on the essay, photography, and drawing contest held in 2023. The objective is to understand how these actions contribute to strengthening the bond between the local community and its culturais heritage. The choice of Serro as the object of study is justified by its rich historical heritage, as well as by my personal experiences as a tourist in this city since 2008. Now, finishing my Pedagogy course, I seek to understand the Serrana heritage education and its importance for preserving the municipality's cultural identity.

The Neoproterozoic Aswan granites constitute a major post-collisional intrusive complex within the Egyptian Nubian Shield and represent one of Egypt's most significant geological, geomorphological, and cultural landscapes. Integrated remote-sensing and radiological data are used to characterize their geological, geomorphological, and environmental attributes. Four granite suites are recognized in the Aswan area: greyish-black tonalites-granodiorites, coarse pink monzogranites-syenogranites, medium- to coarse-grained High Dam granites, and fine-grained granites. These lithologies exert a strong control on regional geomorphology, with structural fabrics-dominated by N-S and NE-SW joint sets and locally developed NE-trending shear zones-governing drainage patterns, landscape evolution, quarrying potential, and the distribution of radioelements. Integrated geomorphological and remote sensing analyses demonstrate that lithology and structural framework exert primary control on the Nile's course and on the development of characteristic granite landforms, including inselbergs, exfoliation domes, joint-controlled valleys, steep canyons, and granitic island chains. PRISMA hyperspectral data further enhanced this framework by differentiating the rock units, delineating shear zones, and clearly identifying quarrying scars and associated landscape degradation. All remote-sensing interpretations were validated through detailed geological field investigations, ensuring accurate characterization of the granitic rocks and their modification by human activities. The granites show progressive differentiation from greyish-black granodiorites to coarse pink and fine-grained types, with U-Th-K enrichment and mean activities of 238U (77.23Bq/kg), 226Ra (41.93Bq/kg), 232Th (73.07Bq/kg), and 40K (1281.3Bq/kg), exceeding global averages. Radiological parameters record mean values of 131.35 nGy/h (absorbed dose), 0.16mSv/y (annual effective dose), 275.82Bq/kg (radium equivalent), hazard indices of 0.74 and 0.95, and a gamma index of 2.07. Fine-grained granites locally exceed indoor-use limits, High-Dam granites show moderate Th-K enrichment due to deformation, whereas greyish-black and most coarse pink granites (including Fila) remain within safety limits and are most suitable for quarrying. Overall, lithology and structural architecture-rather than external environmental factors-control mechanical behavior, landscape evolution, quarrying suitability, and radiological distribution across the Aswan granite province. Despite generally safe radiological levels, unregulated quarrying and rapid urban expansion have altered terrain and disrupted geomorphic integrity. These findings provide a framework for sustainable resource management, radiological safety evaluation, geomorphology-informed land-use planning, and preservation of Aswan's unique geological and cultural heritage.

This paper analyzed the alignment of tourism development in Isabela Province with the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). Tourism development in Isabela Province is vital because of the need for environmentally sound tourism practices that support local communities. As Isabela Province has large quantities of natural resources and a significant cultural heritage, the potential for tourism to produce a significant positive economic impact on the province while resolving both the province's social and environmental issues is the two sides of the coin that must be examined. In recent years, there has been much more focus on the sustainability of local tourism policy. A primary emphasis of this analysis is the relationship between regional initiatives and the SDGs, and the progress the province has made in community welfare, conservation of natural resources, and the promotion of cultural heritage preservation. The analysis indicates progress in several areas; however, challenges persist in providing equal access to educational and health services. Putra et al (2024). Cooperation between local stakeholders, such as the government and community organizations, is critical for the effective implementation of these policies. This research advocates greater collaboration and coordinated efforts among these stakeholders to promote an environment where sustainable tourism can thrive. Specific tourism policies were discussed in more detail in this paper with respect to their contribution to the SDGs and the areas where additional investment and development are needed to achieve these objectives. The analysis will further clarify how the tourism industry can be a force for good in promoting sustainable economic growth and resiliency within a community.

The weaving techniques of Nanjing Yunjin, which have been designated by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, represent more than 1,600 years of silk - based civilization and are considered the summit of Chinese silk artistry; this piece examines the historical development of Yunjin techniques, meticulously dissects its central skills and cultural significance, centers on the present - day practices of inheritance and innovation, uncovers the process through which this "jewel among brocades" has evolved from an imperial treasure into a means of cultural creation, and offers a theoretical framework for the living continuation of intangible cultural heritage.

At present, against the backdrop of the construction of a strong sports country as the core goal, the internal logic of the high-quality development of Wushu is mainly manifested in the national strategies and policies as the core driving force, the demand for cultural inheritance and innovation as the endogenous driving force, the demand for the upgrading of the sports industry as the structural driving force, and the demand for national fitness as the catalytic driving force. Meanwhile, the high-quality development of Wushu is also restricted by such problems as the idle operation of management systems and policies, the conflict between traditional culture and modern culture, and the inadequate industrialization of Wushu. In response to the above dilemmas, this paper puts forward practical paths including constructing a sound policy guarantee system and a modern inheritance system, cultivating new business forms, promoting the integration of sports and education, and innovating communication models.

The aim of the article. The paper explores the presence and cultural significance of elements of antiquity in the historical and symbolic space of the city of Uman. Its aim is to demonstrate how the heritage of ancient Greece and Rome, understood as two foundational pillars of European civilization, influenced the formation of the city’s intellectual, artistic, and educational landscape. Scientific novelty. The article seeks to show that classical and mythological motifs appearing in Uman were not accidental borrowings, but rather conscious elements of cultural transfer characteristic of Enlightenment and post-Enlightenment Europe, adapted to the specific conditions of a borderland city. Research methodology. The study is based on an interdisciplinary analysis of diverse source materials, including literary texts, historical and archival documents, archaeological findings, iconographic evidence, and scholarly interpretations proposed by modern researchers. This approach allows for the examination of both material manifestations and symbolic meanings of Antique tradition within the urban space of Uman. Conclusions. The research demonstrates that the impact of ancient culture on Uman’s city space was complex and long-lasting. It was not limited solely to the famous Sofiyivka Park, imbued with imagery of Greek gods, heroes, and philosophers, but also revealed itself through the category of genius loci. This spirit of place integrated historical memory, aesthetic ideals, and educational practices, endowing Uman with a multilayered symbolic dimension that reflects the city’s role within the broader European cultural heritage.

Grapes, also known as Putaos and Putao, have various species. Grapes were introduced into China during the Han Dynasty from the Western Regions. They are an imported plant brought back by Zhang Qian from the Western Regions and were widely cultivated during the Northern Dynasties, becoming a raw material for winemaking. As decorative motifs, they were also extensively reintroduced. This paper first traces the origins of grape patterns and provides an overview of their development. Based on a review of the historical and cultural background of their emergence, it analyzes in detail the various applications and specific meanings symbolized by grape patterns in the Tang Dynasty; secondly, it studies the style of Tang Dynasty auspicious beast grape mirrors, interpreting the cultural significance behind them; finally, it summarizes the influence of Tang Dynasty auspicious beast grape mirrors on later decorative patterns.

This paper centers on the development of a comprehensive marketing and branding strategy for Artique Craft Studio & Café—a retail and community space designed for crafters and hobbyists. Preliminaries involved an in-depth analysis of business models and branding strategies from comparable companies, paired with a detailed investigation into advertising practices and tactics. Historical research into the Arts and Crafts Movement, Art Nouveau, and the roles of women in crafting—alongside the modern revival of craft culture—was conducted to contextualize the evolving cultural significance of making in the 21st century. Drawing from both historical insight and contemporary market analysis, the final outcome included a fully developed business model, a cohesive branding and marketing strategy, and a suite of collateral materials that together embody the identity and mission of Artique Craft Studio & Café.