Pawara, a major Janjaati in central part of India, have been living their animistic existence nestled around the Satpuda Mountain with diverse type of small hamlets accustomed to the place they habitat in. This Jana has been known for their distinct culture and traditions manifested accompanying folk narrative. Major bulk of their socio-cultural attributes have been preserved and sustained passing them through generations orally.  Indian civilization, in general, is known to maintain clan purity through exogamy, which has been evident in the Pawaras Janas of India as well. Most of the community in India allow matrilineal endogamy, prohibiting the patrilineal, however, the Pawaras forbid both.  Their marriage customs have been conducted distinctively, whereas the ceremonial attributes manifested through oral narrations cradle their indigenous episteme and inherit their cultural heritage. The present paper would attend Pawaras marriage, as it is one of the three (birth- marriage- death,) ceremonial indicators of any man and his socio-cultural existence, that define his life transitions and manifest socio-cultural interface.

Visual experience is a primary channel through which the values of tangible cultural heritage are perceived and governed, making visual evaluation and management central to conservation and to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11.4. However, practice remains fragmented across scales, and many statutory toolkits lag behind advances in geographic information systems (GIS)-based visibility analysis, 3D visualization, remote sensing, and perception-based evidence. We compile, code, and cross-analyze a multi-level corpus spanning 26 international instruments, 293 national items from 112 countries, and 867 World Heritage properties. Using a four-dimensional framework (values, typology, visual-evaluation methods, and visual-management strategies), we apply k-medoids clustering with multidimensional scaling (MDS) at the national level, mask-aware association mapping at the property level, and cross-level diagnostics. Across levels, practice converges on a technical-spatial regime. At the property level, GIS-based viewshed and visual sensitivity analysis, verified visuals and 3D visualization techniques, and GIS-based spatial-historical analysis form a near-universal methodological core and are most frequently translated into zoning and spatial regulation and height or massing controls. Participatory and perception- or experience-based methods remain sporadic. Value framings are dominated by Historic, Social and Political, and Aesthetic emphases, while Ecological and Scientific are comparatively marginal. Cross-level coherence is strongest where governance frameworks are mature, and portfolios are coherent; it weakens where portfolios are heterogeneous or in federated or lower-capacity settings. National portfolios cluster into four method-strategy regimes that explain characteristic object-method-strategy sequences. In response, we outline operational bridges including tiered standards for visibility and 3D evidence, deployable perception protocols, participation modules linked to Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) or Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) triggers, and auditable communication packages. These are organized within a Global Peer Network aligned to portfolio archetypes and method-strategy regimes. The study contributes a reusable global dataset and map of visual-heritage practice and an integration framework that supports more transparent, comparable, and context-sensitive decisions across levels. • Mapped heritage visual practice across international, national, and site levels. • Used a harmonized 4D framework (type/scale, values, evaluation, management) to compare practice across levels. • Proposed an integration framework linking analytical and visualization techniques to routine governance, planning and design. • Proposed an integration framework linking evidence to zoning/design controls to strengthen visual heritage governance.

The principles of green chemistry have progressively expanded into green analytical chemistry (GAC) and green sample preparation (GSP), fostering the development of quantitative tools such as AGREE and AGREEprep to assess the environmental sustainability of analytical workflows. Although these tools are increasingly adopted, their application is often limited to numerical scoring, with scarce discussion of the underlying assumptions and decision-making processes. This study critically evaluates the applicability and effectiveness of AGREE and AGREEprep in the context of Microwave-induced Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (MP-AES) analyses, using a real analytical workflow adopted within the Italian PRIN2022 project SECURE-COATS focused on developing functionalized and sustainable coatings for the conservation of stone materials in cultural heritage. The case study involves the determination of Ag, Zn, Ca and P in aqueous solutions obtained from immersion tests in bacterial growth media and from artificial ageing tests, aimed at assessing, respectively, the release of potentially antibacterial metals and the durability of the new coatings. A systematic and transparent data collection was performed to populate both AGREE tools, and the rationale behind each input parameter is explicitly discussed. This approach allows a critical assessment of how methodological choices, instrumental features and sample preparation steps influence the final greenness scores. This work demonstrates their value as decision-support instruments for improving analytical processes also in the field of chemistry for cultural heritage, by reducing both environmental impact and operational costs. The provided data and proposed methodology could serve as a useful reference framework for future green assessments.

Interpreting medieval paints through lac dye reconstructions using synchrotron UV-VIS luminescence spectral imaging and synchrotron infrared spectroscopy.

A parametric model is presented for predicting localized buckling and post- buckling behavior in historical paper subjected to hygroscopic in-plane compression, commonly referred to as cockling. The model is based on the von Kármán plate theory for circular plates and captures geometrically nonlinear, imperfection-sensitive responses under both mechanical and hygroscopic loading. Building on the formulation for mechanical loading, moisture-induced eigenstrains are treated as deformation-controlled inputs, enabling closed-form expressions to be derived for the critical moisture change initiating buckling and for the corresponding post-buckling response. The framework explicitly accounts for boundary rotational stiffness representative of cockled regions within a larger sheet, geometric imperfections, transient moisture diffusion, and viscoelastic stress relaxation. Analyses suggest that localized buckling occurs only when moisture variations persist long enough for a steady-state profile to develop, while short-lived humidity fluctuations are unlikely to trigger instability. Material aging is accounted for by integrating the model with a multiscale degradation framework from the literature, allowing the assessment of long-term paper stability under realistic microclimatic conditions. The results demonstrate that the hygroscopic expansion coefficient remains essentially constant over most of the paper’s lifetime under museum- and archive-like microclimates, allowing the initial value to be used as a reliable and conservative parameter in stability assessments. By combining modeling results with moisture transport considerations, the study derives quantitative criteria linking allowable moisture variations, characteristic length scales, and<br/>exposure durations to acceptable out-of-plane deflections. These criteria are presented in a form suitable for practical application, offering conservators and collection managers a mechanistically grounded tool for defining environmental limits that mitigate or prevent cockling in paper-based cultural heritage.

Between disgust and desire: Psychological drivers of attitudes toward offal consumption and the moderating role of gender.

This study evaluates the effects of temperature variations during ionizing radiation processing on soda-lime glass, as well as the bleaching of γ-irradiated samples through exposure to light radiation. Glass samples were subjected to γ-ray doses ranging from 2 kGy to 25 kGy under two temperature conditions: room temperature and dry ice cooling. The effects of ionizing radiation on samples were analyzed using UV-Vis spectrophotometry and colorimetry. The results indicate that irradiation at dry ice temperatures significantly mitigates radiation-induced darkening compared to irradiation at room temperature. Additionally, subsequent exposure of irradiated glasses to different light wavelengths was investigated, revealing that UVB radiation effectively restores transparency lost due to irradiation. These findings provide valuable insights for the conservation and restoration of glass-based cultural heritage materials, where preserving original visual properties is essential. • Lower irradiation temperatures significantly reduce radiation-induced darkening in soda-lime glass. • Post-irradiation UVB exposure effectively restores the transparency of γ-irradiated glass samples. • Controlled temperature and light exposure can mitigate the visual effects of irradiation on glass materials. • Understanding radiation-induced optical changes aids in developing preservation strategies for historical glass artifacts.

Study on material degradation mechanism of brick masonry defensive wall heritages under different environmental erosion

Benchmarking is essential for evaluating the capabilities of large language models (LLMs). However, existing multimodal benchmarks lack dedicated resources for traditional Chinese opera, a domain rich in cultural and visual complexity. To address this gap, we introduce the TCO-Dataset, a bilingual multimodal dataset designed to assess LLMs' ability to interpret and reason about Chinese opera images. The dataset contains 1,000 multiple-choice questions paired with high-resolution images across eight major opera genres. Each sample includes a carefully selected image, a corresponding question focused on cultural and visual understanding, and an annotated answer for evaluation. The dataset supports both Chinese and English, enabling cross-lingual model assessment. All items were reviewed through multiple rounds of expert validation to ensure consistency and accuracy. The TCO-Dataset supports diverse applications, including still-image-based visual-cultural reasoning, cultural heritage preservation, and domain-specific AI development. Initial evaluations show significant performance variation across models, underscoring the dataset's challenge and value for advancing multimodal understanding.

Integrating Community Perception, Climate Vulnerability Index, and Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response Approaches for Climate Risk Assessment of the Persepolis World Heritage Site.

This study investigated the use of indigenous fruits and wild vegetables for treating common tropical ailments in Ilaro, Nigeria, with a focus on supporting sustainable tourism. The research was conducted over 12 months (January–December 2023) using an ethnobotanical approach that included site observations and plant specimen collection. Out of 120 questionnaires distributed, 100 were completed and returned,providing valuable information on locally used medicinal plants. Each species was documented with its family, botanical and local names, plant parts used, preparation techniques, dosage, and treatment duration. Plant identification began with common namesand was later confirmed using standard references such as Trees of Nigeria. The results recorded 34 wild vegetable species from 15 families and 22 native fruit trees from 16 families used to treat illnesses such as malaria, typhoid, ulcers, infertility, and skin diseases. These natural plant resources strengthen biodiversity, support cultural heritage, and offer opportunities for sustainable tourism Medi

The development of infrastructure under the Belt and Road Initiative has had a significant impact on post-conflict reconstruction in Asia and Africa. However, the Initiative’s reliance on bilateral government-to-government agreements has had the effect of marginalising affected communities from project governance. This paper explores how a state-centric model engenders governance distortions in fragile institutional environments. It draws evidence from the Thar coalfield development in Pakistan, the Kyaukpyu port project in Myanmar, the Standard Gauge Railway in Kenya, and Hambantota port in Sri Lanka to support this investigation. Each case demonstrates that rapid infrastructure deployment without meaningful community consultation produces displacement, environmental degradation, and erosion of citizen trust in state institutions. It also examines civil society responses across three areas: domestic litigation that challenges procedural deficiencies in environmental and land acquisition processes; transnational advocacy campaigns that link local grievances to international human rights discourse; and mobilisation strategies rooted in culturally specific claims to territory and belonging. An analysis of the African Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations reveals that neither organisation has successfully transitioned from facilitating dialogue among member states to establishing enforceable standards governing infrastructure investment. Four reforms are proposed: the institutionalisation of community voice through tripartite project committees, the mandating of cultural heritage assessments alongside environmental review, the development of regional investment protocols with accessible grievance mechanisms, and the embedding of conflict sensitivity into project design where historical injustices shape contemporary land tenure.

Urban sacred forests are culturally embedded green spaces that contribute to urban sustainability, yet their roles remain insufficiently integrated into urban planning and green infrastructure frameworks. This study examines urban sacred forests as socio-cultural infrastructure by analyzing visitor recognition of ecosystem services, patterns of engagement, and interest in local knowledge in Kanazawa, Japan. A visitor-based survey was conducted across six shrine and temple forests between June and July 2023, yielding 342 valid responses. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and correlation analyses were applied to examine relationships among visit frequency, ecosystem service recognition, community participation, and learning interest. The results indicate that visitors predominantly recognize cultural and experiential ecosystem services, particularly scenic beauty, spiritual connection, stress reduction, and connection to nature, whereas regulating and socio-economic services are less salient. Visit frequency is positively associated with community participation, with frequent visitors more likely to report involvement in site-related activities. These findings highlight the multifunctional role of urban sacred forests as spaces that support well-being, social capital, and cultural continuity. By functioning as socio-cultural infrastructure, sacred forests complement conventional urban green spaces with culturally grounded, relational benefits that are not readily captured by standard planning approaches. Integrating urban sacred forests into green infrastructure and cultural heritage policies, alongside participatory and intergenerational governance strategies, can strengthen their contribution to resilient, inclusive, and culturally rich cities.

Microbial colonization of architectural surfaces in historic buildings can cause not only aesthetic damage but also biodeterioration. One example is the colonizing microbiome on salt-weathered architectural surfaces. Halotolerant and halophilic communities on such surfaces produce colored pigments that visually alter cultural heritage sites and could potentially degrade organic binders used for mural paintings. Although the microorganisms involved in these deterioration processes have already been described, detailed information about the molecular processes that allow these communities to succeed, survive, and thrive under such extreme conditions is still lacking. A combined metagenome and metatranscriptome approach were employed to investigate three sampling sites located in two Austrian historic buildings displaying different environmental and saline compositions. The chapel of St. Virgil (Vienna) is a subsurface, climate-controlled environment. In contrast, the Charterhouse Mauerbach (Lower Austria) is exposed to natural fluctuations in temperature and humidity. DNA and total RNA were extracted from each sampling site simultaneously and sequenced. Two methods for gene assembly were compared and functionally evaluated. Results showed a minor bias in both methods, with improved results when they were combined. Comparison between DNA and RNA showed interesting variations in the taxonomic composition between the DNA- and RNA-based dataset, distinguishing the dormant from the active microbiome. The annotated halotolerance mechanisms in the metatranscriptomes indicated genome and proteome adaptations, showing high GC content, proteome acidification, with elevated aspartate and glutamate levels, and low isoelectric point profiles. Furthermore, the communities used both "salt-in" and "salt-out" osmoregulatory mechanisms. Pigment production was confirmed in all sampling points, revealing diverse pathways for carotenoid biosynthesis. Various protective mechanisms against oxidative stress were detected, such as those against reactive oxygen species (ROS), but also detoxification, protein folding, protein and DNA repair, and RNA chaperones. Key metabolic pathways revealed diverse pathways related to carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycling, linked to varying oxygen concentrations within biofilms. The results also highlighted the need for an in-depth analysis of the capabilities of the involved microorganisms. The study shows highly specialized and cooperative adaptations, using both "salt-in" and "salt-out" strategies, diverse phototrophic and redox metabolisms that tightly couple C-N-S cycling.

Underwater cultural heritage (UCH) is one of the richest and most vulnerable records of humankind’s past [...]

The early forebears of the Asantes of Ghana have used artistic creation as a medium for recording their rich cultural values, worldviews, and history. The Akuaba doll is one of the historic sculptural figures that offer great insight into the rich historical cultural heritage of the Asantes. This sculptural figure provides comprehensive enlightenment on the worldviews of the Asantes regarding fertility and procreation, as well as their values and judgments on aesthetics. Each aspect of the sculptural creation shows the great ingenuity and philosophy of the Asante people, as well as their sharp taste in speaking eloquently in artistic language. The functionality of the doll in the religious and social life of the Asantes speaks volumes about the history of the arts and culture of the Asante people. This essay takes the art historical writing approach from the perspective of iconography and contextual analysis in explaining the Akuaba doll from its historical context and worldview, material culture, production processes, formal qualities, functions and their relation to the overall rich history and culture of the Asante people.

Greek mythology is a body of symbolic stories through which human emotions, motivation, and social behaviours can be explained. Despite their origin in ancient times, they reflect modern psychological patterns. In this regard, the current paper will discuss how three famous myths of Narcissus, Icarus, and Achilles reveal modern human psychological characteristics such as self-awareness, ambition, and vulnerability. In its interdisciplinary nature, the current investigation aims at showing how ancient myths can help understand modern behaviour from a psychological perspective using classical sources and psychological theories and findings. The current age can be characterized by new tendencies in social media usage, digital identity creation, and rising awareness of mental disorders. As shown by numerous studies on narcissism, cognitive biases, and social comparison, the psychological patterns reflected in ancient myths have not vanished, but remain evident in today's behaviours of people. Thus, the investigation shows that myths represent an important source of information and insight into modern psychological issues. As seen, ancient Greek myths not only represent a part of cultural heritage but also are a means by which people interpret psychological patterns.

The study aimed to collect general information and assess exposure risks associated with restoration activities in Italy. Data were obtained through an anonymous online survey completed by restorers selected from the cultural heritage registry published by the Italian Ministry of Culture website. The questionnaire collected professional characteristics, and details on perceived risks, preventive measures, and workplace safety conditions. Survey findings indicates that, although participants demonstrate a solid understanding of occupational risks associated with restoration work, there is nevertheless limited attention to health surveillance and inadequate implementation of preventive and protective measures. The findings of this study highlight the critical need to enhance worker education and training on health risks, ensure proper use of personal protective equipment, and promote regular health monitoring.

The Peking Opera hat-wing technique is an intangible cultural heritage. This study adopted a single-subject case study design to characterize the movements of this technique, facilitating its intergenerational preservation and transmission. Biomechanical analysis was conducted to investigate the left-wing toss movement in the hat-wing technique, aiming to reveal the intrinsic biomechanical mechanism of the movement and provide a basis for its inheritance and training. An infrared motion capture system was used to collect kinematic parameters of the markers, and a three-dimensional force platform was employed to gather force data from the actor's left and right feet. Three sets of data-including Center of Pressure (COP) position, head movement parameters, and knee joint angles-were analyzed to elucidate the operating mechanism of the left-wing toss movement. Based on the results, the left-wing toss movement was theoretically segmented, and the initiation principle of the movement was determined. Additionally, factors influencing the sustained movement of the left-wing toss and those required to achieve a relatively static state at the end of the movement were identified. The primary hypothesis was that the phase relationship between the L3 Z-axis displacement-time (L3 Z-T) curve and the head tilt angle-time (α-T) curve can effectively distinguish the initiation, maintenance, and termination stages of the left-wing toss movement. Quantitative analysis of five repeated trials showed high movement repeatability, with a coefficient of variation (CV) < 15% for all key kinematic metrics. Among them, the phase difference (CV = 6.0%) and peak angular velocity (CV = 10.6%) exhibited excellent repeatability (CV < 11%), and other indicators also met the repeatability requirements for single-subject case studies (CV < 15%). During the initiation stage, the peak head tilt angle reached 6° ± 0.8°, and the peak angular velocity was 29.3°/s ± 3.1°/s. Throughout the movement, the COP excursion in the anterior-posterior direction was 4.2 ± 0.5cm, and the medial-lateral excursion was 2.1 ± 0.3cm. These findings provide a scientific foundation for the standardized training and intergenerational preservation of the Peking Opera hat-wing technique, highlighting the value of biomechanical analysis in traditional performing arts heritage.

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the conservation history of structural interventions at the Bagan archaeological site, focusing on structural configuration and seismic failure modes. Post-earthquake observations show that Bagan’s masonry monuments are vulnerable to multiple mechanisms, including leaf separation, overturning, shear cracking, and complex hybrid failures. The widespread use of reinforced concrete to reconstruct lost forms in several emblematic monuments has introduced serious challenges, frequently causing material incompatibility and secondary failures. Retrofitting practices have often departed from international conservation standards, particularly regarding material compatibility and the absence of rigorous structural calculations, underscoring the need for a unified intervention framework and access to specialized training in conservation engineering aligned with global principles. This paper promotes strategic retrofitting solutions that integrate compatible materials with modern engineering approaches, supported by detailed structural assessments and numerical analyses that explicitly consider nonlinearity, dynamic response, and code-based force and displacement checks. A consistent, research-driven methodology, coupled with the active involvement of local engineers, is essential for ensuring long-term preservation. The establishment of continuous monitoring systems and adherence to a coherent conservation framework can substantially improve seismic resilience. Overall, the study highlights that coordinated, scientifically grounded conservation strategies are critical to safeguarding Bagan’s exceptional cultural heritage for future generations.