A comprehensive overview of traditional containers versus edible coatings in cheese maturation: new insights into microbial biodiversity, cultural heritage, challenges and food safety

Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Jammu and Kashmir is the best visited religious site in India with millions of pilgrims every year thronging this site. Although its religious and economic importance is beyond measure, the sheer number of pilgrimage tourism traffic has already presented a lot of environmental pressure on the location. Among the serious issues are challenges of waste production, water preservation, land degradation and quality of air. The research will look at the effects of pilgrimage tourism on the environment of the shrine environment and suggest a competency model of sustainable tourism growth towards introduction of technological advancements and community integration consideration. The study uses a qualitative method to examine both environmental tasks, the fieldwork, and the interviews conducted with the stakeholders. It singles out practices of proper waste management, water recycling, and energy efficiency such as the adoption of smart waste system, solar energy solution, and control with RFID features. The paper is applicable to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) and it can be used to provide a transferable construct on sustainable pilgrimage tourism. In the paper policy recommendations are offered that can come into place by the local authorities and they are mainly concerned with controlling the number of pilgrims, the management of waste products as well as fully capitalising on water and energy consumption. This study will make a contribution to the overall discussion regarding sustainable tourism practices in pilgrimage destinations by providing practical remedies to the reduction of any environmental impact without compromising on culture and spiritual heritage.

A multidisciplinary and interoperable dataset to understanding the dialogue between humans and the environment in Southern Umbria, emphasising sustainable management and valorisation of cultural and landscape heritage.

Performance benchmarking of scan-to-HBIM workflows for cultural heritage (2012–2025)

This article presents an extensive exploration of design education in Africa, with a focus on Ghana, employing storied-ethnography to critically contrast it with conventional western methodologies. It draws upon the narratives of prominent Ghanaian design educators – Sela, Isaac and Patrique – whose experiences and insights emphasize the need to integrate cultural, historical and social realities into the design curriculum. This study uncovers a significant divergence from western educational paradigms, which often prioritize technical proficiency and a universal design approach, potentially neglecting the rich cultural specificities integral to the African context. The research highlights the necessity for a design education system in Africa, particularly in Ghana, that balances technical skill with a deep-rooted connection to local culture and social nuances. It advocates for a model that honours and preserves African cultural heritage while preparing students to make impactful contributions in both local and global design spheres. The findings shed light on the complex nature of design education in Africa, calling for a decolonized, inclusive and culturally sensitive educational model, with profound implications for policy-makers and educators across the continent. Relevance to design practice: This research offers practical insights and strategies for integrating Indigenous knowledge and contemporary methodologies, shaping a more culturally nuanced and globally relevant design practice.

Sylheti is a language spoken by about 11 million people worldwide. It's mostly spoken in northeastern Bangladesh and southern Assam, India, and by people living in other countries who originally came from these regions. Translating Sylheti dialects into Standard Bangla is essential to ensure effective communication across the country and internationally. This article introduces a collection of paired sentences, one in the Sylheti dialect and the other in Standard Bangla. It was created to enhance Neural Machine Translation (NMT) between the two languages. Sylheti is a language with a rich cultural heritage, known for its unique vocabulary, music, and folklore. However, it has been largely absent from formal written materials and digital resources, leaving a gap in its linguistic representation. To bridge this gap, 5002 sentence pairs were carefully collected from various sources, such as Bangladeshi newspapers, social media platforms, voluntary comments and contributions from native Sylheti speakers. The dataset, collected between December 2023 and March 2025, contains diverse linguistic elements. It includes 21,132 unique words (9729 Sylheti words and 11,403 Standard Bangla words), 10,340 clauses (5069 Sylheti and 5271 Standard Bangla), and 10,004 sentences. This collection is not only valuable for machine translation but also plays a crucial role in other areas of natural language processing. It supports tasks like text classification, identifying key names and entities, and analyzing sentiment. Furthermore, it enables the development of advanced technologies for Sylheti, such as text-to-speech systems, sentiment analysis tools, and language models. This resource is a significant step towards better understanding and utilizing the Sylheti language in the digital world.

When MLLMs Meet ICH: A visual retrieval-augmented generation-based method for intangible cultural heritage image recognition-take Shadow Puppetry as a case

This research is divided in two papers. The first paper explains how Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) have brought enormous advantages to farmers, as products can be more resistance to pests and droughts. Some countries have raised concerns regarding their use. Particularly, this paper analyses the import ban on GMO approved by Mexico (which applies only to GM corn) and Peru (which applies to all type of GM seeds and animals). These domestic measures affect international trade, as companies are unable to export certain types of GMO to Mexico and Peru. Hence, this first paper focuses on the emergence of GMO in human history and its relevance to guarantee food security and to boost international trade. Additionally, it explains some of the concerns GMO have brought. Thus, the loss of cultural heritage, the risk on food safety and the impact on biodiversity, arguments raised by Peru and Mexico to support their GMO regulation, are covered. Finally, Peru’s and Mexico’s regulation are explained as well as the current situation of these trade measures. The second paper focuses on the legal compatibility of the import bans on GMO approved by Peru and Mexico under the law of the World Trade Organization (WTO).div/div

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

Gendang Beleq, a traditional musical ensemble of Sasak people in Lombok, Indonesia, embodies both cultural identity and heritage continuity. Rooted in the historical legacy of Lombok Kingdom, it remains a powerful symbol of social cohesion while also adapting to contemporary contexts. In the present era, where cultural heritage faces pressures from modernization and globalization, Gendang Beleq has also emerged as a resource for sustainable tourism and community empowerment. This study explores the historical, cultural, and sustainable tourism value of Gendang Beleq, a traditional musical ensemble integral to Sasak people of Lombok, Indonesia, examining not only its role in ceremonies, rituals, and local heritage preservation, but also its potential to foster cultural pride, intergenerational knowledge transmission, and economic opportunities through responsible and sustainable tourism development. The study employs a qualitative ethnographic approach, drawing on interviews, participant observations, and documentary analysis. Fieldwork was conducted in three culturally significant village, including Lendang Nangka, Kotaraja, and Kesik, where Gendang Beleq traditions remain vibrant. The findings highlight that Gendang Beleq is not only a cultural remnant of Lombok Kingdom but also a living tradition that continues to embody Sasak identity. Its practice has expanded into contemporary functions, including sustainable tourism activities such as cultural festivals, educational initiatives, and eco-cultural programs that encourage community participation and intercultural exchange. The study demonstrates that sustaining Gendang Beleq requires integrated cultural, environmental, economic, and education strategies. By linking traditional music with heritage preservation and regional development, Gendang Beleq exemplifies how local traditions can serve as dynamic resources for sustainability, identity formation, and tourism in Lombok.

This study explores the socio-economic and environmental impacts of tourism in Cox’s Bazar. One of the most popular tourist destinations with a focus on sustainable development perspectives in Bangladesh. The aim is to assess the complex interplay between socio-economic outcomes, environmental challenges, and tourism growth while exploring the potential for sustainable tourism practices through sustainable tourism development (STD) model and community-based tourism (CBT) model. A mixedmethod approach was used, utilizing stakeholder interviews and thematic analysis. This methodology identified four key themes such as environmental degradation, social division, cultural destruction, and eco-tourism awareness. It provides a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities associated with tourism in the region. The findings reveal that tourism has significantly contributed to economic growth and cultural preservation. However, it has also resulted in several challenges related to ecotourism awareness, such as pollution, habitat loss, rising social inequality and commodification of local culture. While tourism has driven development, these negative outcomes have raised concerns about its long-term sustainability. The research emphasizes the importance of adopting the STD model that balances economic needs with social, and environmental sustainability. Additionally, the CBT model is proposed to empower local communities, ensuring their active participation in tourism management while preserving their environmental and cultural heritage for eco-tourism. The study provides actionable recommendations for policymakers to ensure that tourism contributes to long-term economic resilience, environmental sustainability and social equity in Cox’s Bazar. These encompass policies promoting sustainable tourism, local engagement, environmental safeguards, and economic diversification to reduce dependency on tourism. Furthermore, the adoption of STD model and CBT model can guide future tourism practices, ensuring inclusivity and environmental responsibility in the region.

Culinary wisdom is an essential part of a culture as it signifies the way of life, belief system, traditions, the environment, and social contexts of communities. Phuket has been recognized as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy and a primary tourism city in Thailand, with a highlight in the cultural diversity of food reflecting the way of life from birth to death. Food also plays a crucial role in local rituals as well as festivals, during which wisdom is transmitted from generation to generation. Understanding the elements that influence local food culture and wisdom will lay the groundwork for the long - term preservation, development, and perpetuation of this precious heritage. This knowledge will enable the continuous presentation of its value to a broader audience, as well as foster a sense of pride in the unique identity of the local commu nity. Furthermore, it will aggressively promote cultural heritage conservation and the development of gastronomic t ourism, which can provide sustainable economic benefits and enhance the international reputation of the city. Thus, factors influencing the transmission of cultural and culinary wisdom in Phuket were studied. In the study, data were collected from 1,200 pe ople using a simple random sample (400 local people, 400 Thai tourists, and 400 foreign tourists). The findings were evaluated using both exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Research results revealed that 5 factors have an influence on the inheritance of cultural and culinary wisdom in Phuket for Thai and foreign tourists, including 1) knowledgeable chefs representing their culture in cooking, 2) the authenticity of recipes and cooking, 3) heritage food that is subject to cultural and societal influences, 4) inheritance, and 5) the locality of ingredients. All 5 factors can be applied to promote the efficiency of gastronomy tourism for the image of Phuket's local food.

Macau’s intangible cultural heritage (ICH) exemplifies a unique Sino-Western cultural fusion, wherein the interplay of Eastern and Western traditions complicates conventional analysis of heritage complexity and resilience. To address this challenge, we introduce FusionNet, a multimodal AI framework integrating image-based classification, an attention mechanism, identity embedding, and knowledge graph modeling for context-aware analysis of ICH. FusionNet combines image-based deep learning with an attention mechanism to focus on salient visual features in heritage imagery. This integrated architecture enables a holistic understanding of heritage elements and their adaptability to changing cultural contexts. Applied to Macau’s ICH, FusionNet reveals patterns of cultural resilience, illustrating how traditional practices persist and evolve amid centuries of EastWest influences. Our findings demonstrate the efficacy of fusing visual and knowledge-based modalities for heritage analysis, offering a robust approach for studying and preserving intangible cultural heritage in complex cultural environments. To elucidate how Macau’s intangible cultural heritage (ICH) exhibits “cultural resilience” and the mechanisms of identity (re)construction amid Sino‑Portuguese cultural interweaving; and to propose a computable multimodal framework (FusionNet + cultural‑identity embeddings + knowledge graph) that quantifies and validates these mechanisms. Materials include digital archives and historical texts (e.g., Macau Memory), social‑media text (Weibo plus ~1,000 English TripAdvisor/blog reviews), open heritage images, and structured knowledge bases (China ICH database). Methods comprise an attention‑based image classifier (FusionNet), LDA topic modeling (5‑fold cross‑validation selecting k = 3; mean coherence ≈ 0.59, compared with BERTopic), bilingual sentiment analysis, knowledge‑graph embedding and link prediction (evaluated with MRR, Hits@10), and t‑SNE visualization with clustering (three clusters; average silhouette ≈ 0.47). All implementations are in Python. LDA reveals three stable themes: (A) Chinese traditions (~45%), (B) Lusophone heritage (~30%), and (C) hybrid/local identity (~25%; e.g., Patuá and Macanese cuisine). Sentiment analysis indicates >70% positive evaluations, with ~12–15% negative. On the image side, most categories achieve diagonal accuracy >0.80, with some true‑positive rates reaching 0.95–1.00; Sino‑Portuguese architecture shows interpretable confusion. Knowledge‑graph embeddings and t‑SNE place the “hybrid/local identity” between the Chinese and Portuguese clusters, acting as a bridge (silhouette ≈ 0.47). Overall, multimodal fusion is more robust than multiple baselines on recognition and semantic association tasks, revealing a resilience pathway in which Macau ICH preserves core practices while continually absorbing exogenous elements. The proposed multimodal, knowledge‑driven framework effectively quantifies and explains identity (re)construction and cultural resilience in Macau’s ICH within a Sino‑Portuguese milieu; the “hybrid/local identity” is the key bridging mechanism. Future work can expand cross‑platform data, enhance cross‑modal alignment and knowledge reasoning, and generalize the approach to other multicultural contexts to strengthen external validity.

ABSTRACT The article aims to investigate how cultural heritage is implicated in both traditional and hybrid forms of warfare, considering its significance and instrumentality. By significance, this article refers to the meanings ascribed to cultural heritage through decisions and actions, particularly the intended messages and narratives such actions seek to convey. Instrumentality, on the other hand, denotes the ways in which cultural heritage is mobilized as a tool to advance specific political interests and objectives. The case of Ukraine illustrates the extent to which cultural heritage is deeply intertwined with armed conflict across all phases of warfare, implicating both invaders, invaded and their supporters. The term ‘warization’ encapsulates the range of discourses, narratives, decisions, and actions related to cultural heritage that emerge during wartime, regardless of the roles played by those involved. Actors tend to frame cultural heritage events with a bellicistic language. The article proposes a framework of analysis in a form of an open and evolving taxonomy that helps interpreting actions that have emerged or are currently unfolding during wars.

The Dai people of Lujiangba area, Baoshan, Yunnan Province, have rich knowledge of collecting and consuming wild edible plants (WEPs). These plants contribute significantly to local food security, nutrition, and cultural identity. Rapid economic development and environmental changes threaten the transmission of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) of WEPs. However, few research or inventory of such TEK had been completed. This study adopted ethnobotanical research methods, including semi-structured interviews and participatory observation, involving 147 local participants. Data were analyzed using the relative citation frequency (RCF) index to determine commonly used species, traditional harvesting techniques, and conservation strategies. In the Lujiangba area, a total of 177 wild edible plants (WEPs) were documented among the Dai people, representing 64 families. Herbaceous species predominated, comprising 63.84% of the recorded flora, with leaves (58.19%) and stems (55.93%) as the principal edible parts. Vegetables (67.23%) and herbal medicine (29.38%) constituted the primary categories of utilization. Among these species, 171 were wild, while 66 were cultivated either in situ or in translocated sites, primarily distributed across homegardens, mountainous areas, and ricefields. Approximately 50.85% of wild edible plants required management interventions such as weeding, irrigating, or fertilizing, whereas 10.73% did not require any additional management. Harvesting exhibited distinct seasonality, predominantly occurring in spring (69.49%), followed by summer and autumn, with minimal activity in winter; only 2.82% of species were harvested year-round. Through RFC value, the more significant plants are: Diplazium esculentum, Elsholtzia kachinensis, Lasia spinosa, and Buddleja officinalis. These findings indicate that this pattern demonstrates the high degree of cultural adaptation embedded within their traditional ecological knowledge regarding species selection, management practices, and seasonal utilization. Furthermore, traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) of wild edible plants (WEPs) is in danger of being lost due to the influence of modern life and generations. The Dai people of the Lujiangba area exhibit profound TEK in their use of WEPs. The traditional ecological knowledge not only supports the sustainable use of plant resources but also embodies the Dai people's cultural identity and regional heritage, highlighting the importance of preserving and transmitting this knowledge to maintain local biodiversity and promote food security and cultural continuity. Furthermore, both in situ and ex situ conservation strategies can mitigate the loss of TEK. However, additional measures are required, including the development of comprehensive databases, the integration of TEK with scientific knowledge, and the promotion of multidisciplinary and cross-cultural exchange.

Paper-based cultural heritage is highly sensitive to cleaning processes, requiring materials that are mechanically safe, precisely applicable, and capable of preserving fiber and surface integrity. Conventional poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels often exhibit poor dimensional stability, leading to spreading outside the targeted treatment area, and high tackiness, which can damage paper surfaces. This study presents an optimized PVA-based hydrogel incorporating cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and tartaric acid (TA), with polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a plasticizer and borax as a crosslinker. The effects of different compositions and gelation methods on viscoelasticity, swelling, and water release were investigated. The abundant hydroxyl groups of CNF enhanced solvent absorption, increased swelling capacity, reduced tackiness, and improved the storage modulus of the hydrogel, while TA improved dimensional stability and PEG balanced stiffness with controlled water release. The formulation containing 4 wt% PVA, 0.3% CNF, 25% TA, 10% borax, and 1% PEG exhibited superior performance, with a storage modulus within the suitable range for cleaning (1,000–20,000 Pa), moderate swelling, low tackiness, and no residue on paper. These results highlight the contribution of nanoscale technology to hydrogel design and demonstrate the potential of the developed material as a safe and effective cleaning system for paper conservation.

Purpose This study examines how festivals celebrating Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) produce liminal and liminoid spaces and how these dynamics shape tourist behaviour and contribute to temporary overtourism. It explores the implications of these processes for resident and visitor well-being and assesses the potential of nudge theory as a behavioural intervention strategy. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative single-case study was conducted in San Andrés Mixquic, Mexico, during the 2022 Day of the Dead celebration. Data were collected through non-participant observation with field notes, semi-structured interviews with residents, structured interviews with tourists and content analysis of user-generated material from TripAdvisor and Facebook. Findings The Day of the Dead celebration in Mixquic operates predominantly as a liminoid space characterised by leisure-oriented and consumptive practices. These dynamics generate predictable patterns of tourist behaviour that contribute to temporary overtourism, producing spatial saturation and negatively affecting perceived well-being among both residents and visitors. The findings reveal a persistent gap between tourists' experiential engagement and meaningful participation in ritual practices. Originality/value This study advances event and festival research by explicitly linking liminoid spaces in ICH festivals to temporary overtourism, an underexplored relationship in the literature. It offers a holistic perspective that integrates tourist behaviours and resident perceptions within the same analytical framework and introduces nudge theory as a behaviourally grounded and context-sensitive tool for managing overtourism and promoting more respectful engagement in culturally sensitive festival settings.

Museums, archives, and cultural institutions are experiencing a profound transformation, shifting from repositories of exclusive knowledge to interactive and inclusive environments that foster lifelong learning and cultural participation. Building on the historical evolution of collections—from ancient archives and Renaissance Wunderkammern to modern public museums—this paper explores how extended reality (XR), AI-driven avatars, and digital storytelling are reshaping the visitor experience. We analyze how immersive projections, conversational agents, and hybrid “phygital” installations developed by e-REAL Labs have enhanced accessibility, engagement, and preservation across projects in Italy, Switzerland, France, and beyond. These solutions demonstrate how static exhibitions can be converted into dynamic experiences where visitors actively co-construct meaning. Drawing on recent design research, we highlight the importance of cognitive ergonomics, memory, and attention management in XR environments, ensuring that technology supports rather than overwhelms perception. The integration of calm and slow technologies provides balance, making digital tools discreet companions to narrative and curatorial intent. Similarly, modular and adaptive design principles allow installations to fit within diverse architectural and cultural contexts without fragmenting visitor experience. Particular focus is placed on the educational dimension of interactive museums., where extended reality (XR) and artificial intelligence (AI) extend learning beyond traditional didactics, This approach engages visitors through multisensory experiences that blend physical artifacts with virtual reconstructions. Multilingual avatars and inclusive design guidelines support accessibility for diverse audiences, including individuals with disabilities and marginalized communities. Ultimately, this paper positions interactive museum experiences as a new paradigm of cultural engagement, where digital transformation does not replace authenticity but enhances it. By merging historical preservation with generative AI and immersive storytelling, museums can transcend physical and cognitive barriers, offering equitable access to cultural heritage and fostering dialogue across generations and cultures.

Laser cleaning is a precise, 'touch-free' technique that uses focused laser radiation to remove contaminants from surfaces. It has become increasingly popular in a cultural heritage context due to its ability to target contaminants with minimal damage to underlying materials, particularly where traditional mechanical or chemical cleaning may pose risks to delicate surfaces. However, every cleaning intervention requires a degree of assessment and monitoring, and lasers are no different. This Technical Brief will provide an overview of the physical phenomena behind laser cleaning, give examples of successful cultural heritage applications and list the main pros and cons of the technique.

Purpose: This study examines how cultural legal values are internalized among elementary school students in Kuala Lumpur, and how this process strengthens their awareness of cultural heritage rights as part of their national identity. Research Methodology: The study was conducted at Sanggar Bimbingan Pantai Dalam through an International Community Service Program involving 15 upper-grade elementary students (aged 10–12). It applied an educative-participatory approach within a juridical-normative framework, using culture-based learning materials, multimedia resources, discussions, simulations, and case exercises. Data were obtained from pre- and post-tests, complemented by observations and reflections, and analyzed descriptively to assess changes in learning outcomes. Results: The findings indicate an improved understanding of cultural heritage and greater awareness of cultural rights, reflected in higher post-test scores and more active participation. Students also demonstrated stronger moral responsibility for cultural preservation and increased tolerance in a multicultural context. Conclusions: This study concludes that integrating cultural legal values through structured classroom learning, co-curricular activities, and teacher role modeling effectively strengthens students’ knowledge and character development. This approach supports the development of legal awareness and respect for cultural diversity from an early age. Limitations: This study had a small sample size, single-institution focus, absence of a control group, brief implementation period, and evaluation methods that emphasized cognitive outcomes. Future research should involve broader samples, longitudinal designs, control groups, and more comprehensive assessment tools. Contributions: This study contributes to legal, multicultural, and character education by offering a practical model for value-based cultural learning in elementary schools.