Cultural Significance Research Articles

Social Networks as a Tool for Promoting Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ukrainian Regions (based on the materials of the information and communication content of Vinnytsia Regional Centre of Folk Art)

The purpose of the article is to comprehensively investigate the materials of the informational and communicative content of the Internet site and Facebook page of the Vinnytsia Regional Centre of Folk Art and to reveal the essential aspects of the use of social networks in the conditions of a full-scale invasion as an effective tool for the presentation and popularisation of the intangible cultural heritage of Vinnytsia as a region of Central Ukraine. The research methodology consists of general scientific and specific cultural approaches, principles and methods of scientific knowledge. The systemic-structural approach was applied to the study of the organisational and methodological activities of the Vinnytsia Regional Centre of Folk Art, aimed at popularising the intangible cultural heritage of the region. The internal connections and interaction of various components of the cultural and educational activity of the Centre for Cultural and Educational Activities, aimed at the presentation and popularisation of intangible cultural heritage in the conditions of a full-scale invasion, are revealed by the results of monitoring the materials of the Internet pages of the Centre (the Internet site and Facebook pages). Formal and comparative methods were used to analyse the institutional features of work in the Vinnytsia region as a region of Central Ukraine. The method of content analysis was used to generalise the publications of the Internet site and the information of the Facebook page of the Vinnytsia Regional Centre of Folk Art, dedicated to the intangible cultural heritage of Vinnytsia, contributed to the objective determination of the main thematic trends related to the investigated problem. The scientific novelty consists in substantiating, revealing and proving the effectiveness of the use of social networks as a really effective tool for expanding the role of regional centres of folk creativity in the presentation and popularisation of the intangible cultural heritage of Vinnytsia in the information field, in particular in the conditions of a full-scale invasion. On the basis of a practical study of the materials of the informational and communicative content of the Internet site and Facebook page of the Vinnytsia Regional Centre of Folk Art, the traditional culture of Vinnytsia, which contains a preserved living folk artistic culture with a classical / traditional folklore paradigm. The interaction of the Vinnytsia regional centre of folk creativity with institutions, cultural institutions and the external environment in the matter of preservation and popularisation of the intangible cultural heritage of Vinnytsia region was revealed. Conclusions. Summarising the positive experience on the materials of the information and communication content of the Vinnytsia Regional Centre of Folk Art (website and Facebook page) demonstrated concrete achievements in the presentation, popularisation and preservation of the intangible cultural heritage of Vinnytsia in the conditions of a full-scale invasion. It is argued that the digital representation of the content of the intangible cultural heritage of the regions of Ukraine, in particular Central Ukraine, in social networks is a really effective tool for popularising the intangible cultural heritage in the information field. It is concluded that the traditional culture of Vinnytsia contains a preserved living folk artistic culture with a classical / traditional folklore paradigm. It was noted that the employees of centres of folk creativity need to have the skills to work in the spheres of SEO and SMM, which requires constant improvement of professional qualifications and stimulation of scientific and creative approaches in this direction and is a continuously relevant requirement of the time.

Precision detection and identification method for apparent damage in timber components of historic buildings based on portable LiDAR equipment

For the purpose of preservation and restoration of historic timber buildings, it is critical that damage to timber components must be detected and identified accurately since proper detection and identification lay the foundation for scientific utilization and preservation of cultural heritage. Portable smart devices with integrated LiDAR sensor technology have significantly advanced, enabling them to be major pedestals for damage detection. An iPhone Pro based technique is therefore suggested for the precise detection and diagnosis of apparent damage to the timber components. The study consists of three major procedures. First, an apparent data collection of the timber components was conducted. A high-resolution triangular mesh model was utilized for precision detection and identification. Point cloud and texture data were the main constituents of this data collection. Second, a technique for image processing and apparent damage analysis was proposed for crack detection in historic timber buildings. This approach can be used to identify, recognize,and assess damage to timber components such as cracks, rotting, and knots. Finally, actual measurements of the timber components in Datong, Shanxi Province, at the Great Temple Corner, proved the effectiveness of the iPhone 12 Pro as a substitute approach to the conventional inspection equipment. The findings indicate that the iPhone 12 Pro, which has a built-in LiDAR sensor, performs exceptionally well in terms of effectiveness, accuracy, and graphical interpretation when identifying apparent damage to historic timber components. Moreover, it has the potential to substitute traditional measurement, 3D scanning, and other detection and identification techniques. Even though damage detection and identification of historical timber buildings has reached a mature stage in terms of portable, refined, and digital transformation, such technique can serve as a compatible addition as a safe, affordable, and paradigm shifting technical solution for detection and identification of historic building components.

Correction: Vibrations and cultural heritage preservation: a new approach to protect objects

Correction: Vibrations and cultural heritage preservation: a new approach to protect objects

Forgotten Ecological Corridors: A GIS Analysis of the Ditches and Hedges in the Roman Centuriation Northeast of Padua

Studying historical rural landscapes beyond their archaeological and cultural significance, as has typically been addressed in previous research, is important in the context of current environmental challenges. Some historical rural landscapes, such as Roman land divisions, have persisted for more than 2000 years and may still contribute to sustainability goals. To assess this topic, the hydraulic and vegetation network of the centuriation northeast of Padua were studied, emphasising their multiple benefits. Their length, distribution, and evolution over time (2008–2022) were vectorised and measured using available digital terrain models and orthophotographs in a geographic information system (GIS). The results revealed a significant decline in the length of water ditches and hedgerows across almost all examined areas, despite their preservation being highlighted in regional and local spatial planning documents. These findings indicate the need for a better understanding of the local dynamics driving such trends and highlight the importance of adopting a more tailored approach to their planning. This study discusses the GIS metrics utilised and, in this way, contributes to landscape monitoring and restoration actions. Finally, a multifunctional approach to the sustainable planning of this area is proposed here—one that integrates the cultural archaeological heritage in question with environmental preservation and contemporary climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Exploring Saffron's Therapeutic Potential: Insights on Phytochemistry, Bioactivity, and Clinical Implications.

Saffron, derived from the Crocus sativus plant, has been revered for centuries for its culinary, medicinal, and cultural significance. This review provides a comprehensive overview of saffron's chemical constituents and phytochemistry, elucidating its rich profile of bioactive compounds. Emphasis is placed on exploring the bio-accessibility, bioavailability, and bioactivity of saffron's phytochemicals, laying the foundation for understanding its pharmaceutical significance. The pharmaceutical importance of saffron and its phytochemicals is thoroughly examined, focusing on their diverse therapeutic properties. These include anticancer, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, learning and memory enhancement, cardiovascular, and antihypertensive properties. Such multifaceted pharmacological activities underscore saffron's potential as a valuable medicinal resource. Clinical studies investigating the efficacy and safety of saffron in various health conditions are synthesized, providing insights into its clinical applications. Moreover, toxicity assessments in animal models, encompassing acute, subacute, subchronic, and developmental toxicity, are discussed to delineate the safety profile of saffron and its bioactive constituents. Finally, recent advances and future perspectives in saffron research are highlighted, underscoring emerging trends and potential avenues for further exploration. This review serves as a comprehensive resource for researchers, clinicians, and stakeholders interested in harnessing the therapeutic potential of saffron while ensuring its safe and effective utilization in healthcare settings.

Sustainable Spatial Features of Settlements along the Miao Frontier Wall and Miao Frontier Corridor Analyzed through Machine Learning Clustering

This study employed unsupervised machine learning clustering algorithms to systematically analyze the spatial layout characteristics of residential buildings in villages along the Miao Frontier Wall and Miao Frontier Corridor in Western Hunan. The results indicated significant differences between the two regions in terms of the number of building clusters, distribution patterns, and compactness. A comparative analysis of the K-means and DBSCAN algorithms revealed that K-means is more effective in uncovering the internal spatial layout characteristics of settlements. Further analysis showed that villages along the Miao Frontier Wall exhibited greater diversity and complexity, whereas those along the Miao Frontier Corridor demonstrated higher clustering efficiency and denser internal building distribution. These differences can be attributed to variations in historical functions, geographical environments, planning concepts, and social structures. This research uncovers the spatial layout patterns of traditional settlements and proposes a machine learning-based approach to cultural heritage preservation, providing a theoretical foundation for future heritage conservation and spatial optimization, thereby promoting the sustainable development and protection of traditional cultural heritage.

Ostrich eggshell bead-making in East Africa: a study of crafting in the El Molo community, Kenya

ABSTRACT Ostrich eggshell beads have been produced by African societies for over 50,000 years and are still used in East Africa and elsewhere, yet the only well-documented ethnographic record of their manufacture comes from San and Bakgalagadi communities in the Kalahari region of southern Africa. Even so, some aspects of their social significance have not been extensively explored. In particular, research on ostrich eggshell beads in southern Africa has historically focused largely on the use of beads in exchange contexts with less emphasis on their use in bodily adornment or the social contexts of manufacture and consumption. This paper reports on the production process and cultural significance of ostrich eggshell beads among the El Molo community of Marsabit County, Kenya. Undertaken as part of the British Museum’s Endangered Materials Knowledge Program (EMKP), this project used unstructured interviews, participatory videos, photography and note-taking to document the entire process of ostrich eggshell bead manufacture, including the collection of hammer stones (soit), the making of strings (arkat) for stringing the beads, the breaking of shells, shaping and rounding, stringing and the making of diverse beadwork items, including rumirumi, kukuti, karkato, lilim and rarak. The social significance of these various items is also reported. This study helps to preserve this knowledge and the continuation of the craft in the community, while also providing data for the enrichment of interpretations of ostrich eggshell beads from archaeological collections in the region, which have received inadequate research attention. The project represents the first detailed ethnographic work ever undertaken on ostrich eggshell beads in East Africa. The materials produced will be available on the EMKP open access online repository.

Ethnobotanical Documentation of Yerba Mate in Syria

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Yerba Mate (_Ilex paraguariensis_) is a traditional herbal beverage consumed for its stimulating effects and health benefits, with a deep cultural association in Syria following its introduction by migrants from South America in the early 20th century. This study documents the cultural, social, and health-related practices surrounding Yerba Mate in Syria, highlighting its integration into local customs and herbal preparations. OBJECTIVE: To explore and document the traditional uses, social practices, and preparation methods of Yerba Mate among Syrian consumers, and to investigate the health benefits and cultural significance attributed to it. METHODS: An electronic survey was distributed to 430 participants from different regions across Syria, collecting data on Yerba Mate consumption habits, social practices, reasons for use, perceived effects, and traditional preparation methods. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using statistical software. The Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) index was used to assess the prevalence of herbal additives in Yerba Mate preparations. RESULTS: Yerba Mate is consumed regularly by 89.2% of participants, with health benefits being a key motivator for 60% of users. Syrian traditions enhance Yerba Mate with local and imported herbs, with 68.6% of regular drinkers incorporating herbs like wormwood (_Artemisia herba-alba_) and chamomile (_Matricaria chamomilla_), each offering specific health benefits. The survey revealed high consumption patterns, particularly in group settings (51.6%), and frequent daily use by 50% of participants. CONCLUSION: Yerba Mate has become a deeply rooted part of Syrian culture, with local adaptations that incorporate traditional medicinal herbs. These combinations not only enhance the health benefits of the drink but also reflect a blend of imported traditions with Syrian herbal knowledge. The study highlights Yerba Mate's social significance in Syria and suggests the need for further research into its potential therapeutic uses in traditional medicine. Given the unique Syrian practice of mixing Mate with various herbs, further investigation is needed to assess the differences in effects, flavor, and prevalence among these herbal combinations.

Research on the Academic Inheritance of the Traditional Performance of Hilgasan Khuur

Shen Kuo, a scholar in the Northern Song Dynasty, wrote in Mengxi Bi Tan: "The Hilgasan Khuur follows the Han Dynasty, and the music still complains about the Chanyu." This is the earliest record of the term Hilgasan Khuur in history books. Hilgasan Khuur refers to bowed string instruments made of Hilgasan and carried by northern nomadic peoples. It originated from the Xiongnu and has been passed down to this day. The traditional Mongolian bowed string instruments such as the Morin Khuur, Khorchin Choor, Chahar Hiil, and OirdsYekel all belong to this category. As a bowed string instrument that has been passed down for thousands of years and carries a profound historical and cultural heritage, the inheritance and protection of the traditional playing method of the Hilgasan Khuur faces the impact and challenges of the development of modern music. This article summarizes the artistic characteristics of the four tuning methods, four playing methods and related traditional repertoires of the four instruments of the Hilgasan Khuur. By analyzing the history and current situation of the academic inheritance of the Hilgasan Khuur, it reveals the advantages and challenges of the academic inheritance. It emphasizes that under the background of national policies and the protection of intangible cultural heritage, promoting the academic inheritance of the traditional playing method of the Hilgasan Khuur has far-reaching significance for protecting the musical diversity of the Hilgasan Khuur and promoting national traditional culture.

Research on the Notation of Folk Urtiin Duu

This paper deeply explores the notation of Mongolian folk Urtiin Duu, an intangible cultural heritage, and focuses on how to scientifically and rationally record their unique artistic characteristics. The study points out that the simplified notation has the advantages of being easy to learn and flexible in key changes, and is the preferred choice for notating folk Urtiin Duu. In view of the difficulty in recording the free rhythm of folk Urtiin Duu, a method of grouping a group of sound forms based on the combination of the internal rhythmic rhythm and speed changes is proposed to solve the problem of recording non-equal rhythms. For the notation of the core techniques of the decorative elements of folk Urtiin Duu, such as Tashilaga and Nogula, the concept of the music theory symbol system is changed to accurately express them in order to protect the artistic essence of folk Urtiin Duu. In addition, the importance of the backing words in the singing of folk Urtiin Duu is emphasized, and it is advocated to record the backing words in a comprehensive manner to protect the traditional charm of folk Urtiin Duu. This paper comprehensively considers the selection of musical notation, the processing of rhythm, the application of decorative symbols and the standardized recording of filler words, aiming to provide a more scientific and reasonable musical notation strategy for the educational inheritance of folk Urtiin Duu, and promote the inheritance, protection and development of this precious cultural heritage.

Analysis of the Spatiotemporal Distribution Characteristics and Influencing Factors of High-Grade Cultural Heritage in the Region Surrounding Mount Song

Situated in central China, the region surrounding Mount Song is a pivotal area within the Central Plains, renowned for its extensive and high-grade cultural heritage. This study aims to analyze the spatiotemporal distribution of this heritage using advanced spatial pattern analysis methods, including the Average Nearest Neighbor Ratio and Kernel Density Estimation within ArcGIS. Our findings reveal a distinct continuity in temporal distribution and a pronounced clustering in spatial terms. By investigating the underlying factors such as the geographical setting, historical political capitals, cultural and religious influences, water transportation systems, and traditional Fengshan ceremonies, this research elucidates the dynamics shaping this distribution. This study’s outcomes provide essential insights for policymakers and stakeholders involved in the protection and revitalization of cultural heritage, ensuring informed decision making for sustainable cultural conservation.

Evaluation of spatial form and activation strategies of traditional villages using spatial information technology

Traditional villages are important carriers of regional cultural inheritance. The challenge of utilizing spatial information technology to protect and preserve the architectural spatial patterns and regional context of traditional villages has attracted significant attention. This study focuses on Biasha Miao village in Guizhou province, China, as the case study. Digital information technology was used to evaluate the architectural spatial texture and typical street space characteristics of different villages. Using the DepthMap model of space syntax and parameters such as integration, average depth value, and connectivity, the article examines the spatial form of traditional villages across three aspects: overall space, street space, and point-like public space. In the end, a spatial activation optimization strategy was proposed. The results showed that the spatial layout of buildings in different villages is closely related to the distribution characteristics of landscape elements such as landform, water system, and farmland, as well as residents’ production, lifestyle, and regional culture. Da village and Zaige new village are well-connected to the main traffic roads connecting them to the outside world, resulting in high spatial permeability and a more extroverted spatial development. Most public spaces are located near the main village road, offering good accessibility, or at the geometric center of the village, where they serve critical roles in cultural display and distribution. This study proposes targeted activation strategies focusing on road traffic, street layout, and spatial nodes to optimize and enhance the spatial quality of traditional villages, improve residents’ living environments, and provide practical guidance for the sustainable development of traditional village spaces.

‘It felt very underground’: Uncovering the characteristics and meanings of the underground within Liverpool’s club culture scenes

This article examines the concept of the term underground and its association with a range of dance music parties and venues that emerged in Liverpool, UK between 2008 and 2023. Drawing on a critical review of literature relating to the term, underground is positioned as a cultural signifier exhibiting three core characteristics: (1) as secretive resistance; (2) as a countercultural antithesis to mainstream; and (3) as a social imaginary. Using ethnographic material from scene practitioner interviews (n = 35) and an online survey of clubbers (n = 194), the article analyses discourses towards the underground as a concept, and how underground characteristics influence scene cultural practices. The findings reveal participants’ use of the term as a descriptor of experiential feelings within temporal spaces. Drawing on the work of Gopaldas, these feelings as situated as sentiments which inform the shared intentions and practices within a local dance music scene.

Mission (im)possible – le traducteur en tant qu’ambassadeur de l’art

This article introduces the translator involved in the translation of art titles and art albums as an ambassador for art. Given the role of painting titles in the process of interpreting a work of art, but also in identifying it from other art products, the translator, as the artist’s spokesperson, has to perform a number of actions to enable the correct interpretation and identification of the work in the target culture. This is a very arduous and responsible task, which is particularly difficult in times of new media and the unlimited possibilities of digital reproduction and distribution of cultural goods. Based on the examples of translations of the titles of paintings by selected French painters published in Polish-language albums, the author shows the translator’s responsibility for the promotion and, above all, for the protection of the identity and integrity of works of art, especially those that belong to the public domain and are therefore deprived of proper protection.

Adapting Sustainability Certification Systems for Historic Buildings: A Qualitative Comparative Study in Denmark

Historical buildings are unique assets in any society, embodying cultural significance and architectural heritage. Denmark, with its rich architectural background, has taken steps to preserve these values. As the imperative of sustainability continues to grow, recognizing the social, economic, and environmental values of historic buildings is becoming increasingly important. As an important step towards adapting sustainability certification systems for historic buildings in order to identify and preserve their historical values, this paper aims to conduct a comparative analysis between the GBC and HB (Green Building Council–Historic Building), which has been adapted for historic buildings in Italy and the Danish GBC system (GBC-DK or so-called DGNB-DK). The study is based on a theoretical framework underpinned by a systematic approach utilizing a qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) alongside the triangulation method. This includes a systematic literature review comparing the GBC-DK and GBC-HB systems and an analysis of an actual building renovation project at a municipal hospital in Aarhus, Denmark. The findings indicate a notable absence of criteria and sub-criteria pertaining to the protection of tangible and intangible values in the application of the GBC-DK system. It is justified that in order to improve the sustainability of historic buildings in Denmark, a broader and more in-depth study on the adaptation of the GBC-DK system for historic buildings is needed.

Feathers, folklore, and eco-literacy: Stories ascribe cultural keystone status to avian scavengers in South Asian cities

Abstract We examined the cultural significance of commensal avian scavenger species—vultures, kites, and crows—and their exploitation of anthropogenic resources and sentiments within Delhi’s urban landscapes. For this, we investigated the intrinsic values attributed to these birds by people, which are indicative of complex, rapidly urbanizing social-ecological systems. Semi-structured interviews revealed folk perceptions intertwined with socio-cultural narratives and traditions, shaped by observations of avian morphology, ecology, and behavior. Birds’ nesting habits, habitats, home ranges, and foraging behaviors affected people’s perceptions, while ecosystem services inspired zoomorphism and anthropomorphism via vernacular-nomenclature (e.g., chidiya collectively for songbirds, giddha for scavenging raptors). Culturally rooted perceptions, which informed ritual feeding practices and shaped prevalent attitudes towards commensal species, fostered mutual tolerance, and brought people into closer contact with urban biodiversity. Such physical and cultural proximity is a defining characteristic distinguishing tropical urban ecosystems from their Western counterparts. We also uncovered the web of social-technological influences on animal-related folk stories. The urbanization of perceptions in vulture extinction zones revealed shifts in social-ecological relationships with wildlife. It adds cultural dimensions to the currently appreciated keystone status of vultures, vital for their erstwhile coexistence at extremely high densities in South Asia. Urban transformations, technological advancements, and media exposure potentially reshaped human–animal interface, with media misinformation affecting personalized ecologies. Conflicts and health concerns arose from media narratives on garbage-consuming animals. Our findings offer insights to prevent severing of people and nature connections due to urbanization (e.g., technological applications can integrate scientific knowledge with biocultural narratives and folklore), promoting a new-age eco-literacy.

Высокое служение Отечеству: к 75-летию Н.М. Валеева

The article is dedicated to the 75th anniversary of Doctor of Philology, Professor, Academician of the Tatarstan Academy of Sciences, Honoured Scholar of the Republic of Tatarstan and the Russian Federation, the member of the Union of Writers of Russia and the Presidium of the Union of Local Historians of Russia – Nail Mansurovich Valeev. It describes him as an outstanding Russian humanities scholar, literary critic, art critic, historian, local historian, cultural studies scholar, major organiser of scientific events and a public official. His unique and resonant academic work, significant and conceptual projects contribute to the prestige of our republic and country. Over the three decades of his life in the city of Elabuga, he wrote hundreds of articles and ten books about the historical and cultural heritage of Elabuga, about the fate of Elabuga merchants-benefactors. His enormous work on organising a purposeful study of the history of the city led to the recognition of Elabuga as one of the tourist-attractive cities of Russia. Regularly held international scientific conferences devoted to the study of the fate of the merchant dynasties of the city and the creative heritage of the forgotten classic of Russian literature D.I. Stakheev, attracted the attention of scholars from all over Russia and around the world, as well as the descendants of the merchant dynasties of the Stakheevs from Australia, Switzerland, Great Britain, France, etc. to the rich history of the city. Huge work was carried out by N.M. Valeev to draw the attention of the Republic of Tatarstan Academy of Sciences academics and the scholars of the Federal Research Center “Kazan Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences” to the study and preservation of the historical and cultural heritage of the city of Chistopol. Academic works of N.M. Valeev about the life of Kazan art of the twentieth century, the Literary Chistopol encyclopedia, the monograph Boris Pasternak in Chistopol. To the origins of the “Doctor Zhivago” novel and other works caused a wide resonance around the country and the world, attracted the attention of specialists to the rich history of Tatarstan and Chistopol.

Reviving Tradition Through Design: Exploring Telepuk Craft Woodblock Design

The traditional textile craft in Malaysia has yielded a plethora of remarkable fabrics. Among the most exquisite Malay textiles is Telepuk Textile. However, the Telepuk craft has dwindled in popularity and demand over time. The laborious production process reliant on Telepuk woodblocks has impeded the development and revival of this craft. No woodcarvers currently produce Telepuk woodblocks as part of their repertoire. Artisans also grapple with the challenge of producing Telepuk cloth in substantial quantities and introducing innovative designs without new Telepuk woodblocks. This study delves into the design strategy to rejuvenate the declining Telepuk craft. Employing a mixed-method research approach, we collected primary data through semi-structured interviews with experts. We conducted a quantitative survey to evaluate proposed designs and analyse pertinent secondary data. In summary, this research yields three critical findings for revitalising the Telepuk craft: (i) Harnessing the intrinsic value of traditional crafts like Telepuk can heighten awareness among the younger generation. (ii) Collaboration between designers and artisans emerges as the linchpin of the craft's revitalisation strategy. (iii) Transforming the production process and introducing innovative designs for Telepuk woodblocks can expedite the development of Telepuk craft production using current technology. The forces of globalisation and escalating demand for mass-produced, homogeneous items have fuelled a yearning for more meaningful products, particularly those imbued with cultural significance. The revival of lost crafts, such as Telepuk textiles, aligns with sustainable design principles. This study contends that the resurrection of traditional crafts like Telepuk necessitates incorporating appropriate technology and pragmatic design to uphold cultural heritage, enhance production processes, and cater to contemporary demands. The new Telepuk woodblock designs have been rigorously tested and developed based on survey results. The resulting designs must strike a practical balance between contemporary technology and artisanal craftsmanship. The suggested revitalisation strategies can be adapted incrementally and selectively, contingent upon the capabilities of the artisans.

The Future Museum: Integrating Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual-text with AI-enhanced Information Systems

This study examines how AR, virtual text, and AI in future museums affect visitor engagement, knowledge acquisition, emotional response, and social interaction. The study uses econometrics equations, text analysis, thematic qualitative data analysis, and agent-based modelling. The economic models show that virtual text type, depth of knowledge, personalization, accessibility options, and AR museum experiences increase visitor engagement, knowledge, emotional response, and social interaction. Thematic analysis displays visitor viewpoints such as AR curiosity, personalization, and cultural significance, while correlation matrices indicate their relationships. Bayesian econometrics, text analysis, thematic qualitative data analysis, and agent-based modelling are used to explore museum visitors' interactions with augmented reality, virtual text, and AI-enhanced information systems. These devices improve visitor engagement, social connection, emotional response, and information collection. Self-reported data biases, context biases, and rapid technological advancement limit the study. Museums can benefit from user-centric technology, AR, personalization, and cultural knowledge. The main findings reveal that these technologies significantly increase museum visitors, emphasizing that future museum administration and design must carefully adopt new technology. The findings may affect museum staff, designers, and decision-makers. Learning important technology factors improves AR, virtual text, and AI-enhanced information system design and deployment decisions. UX design prioritizes visitor choices, while immersive and integrated displays connect museum experiences. These practical implications force museums to actively and practically integrate technology to stay relevant. The project's findings, practical insights, and visitor experiences will improve future technological and cultural organisation research. The whole process contributes to the discussion on how emerging technologies affect museum experiences and innovation and decision-making in the ever-changing cultural heritage context.

The Spectre of Re-Fencing Off the Public Domain: Italian Copyright and Cultural Heritage Legal Scenarios

Abstract International and European Union (EU) law jointly promote cultural development as a global and cross-border value, mandating national efforts for the preservation, enjoyment, and enhancement of cultural heritage. Cultural development is also the specific objective underlying Art. 14 of the EU Copyright in Digital Single Market Directive (CDSMD), designed to ensure that works of visual arts in the public domain remain a vital source of cultural enrichment across the Union. Against this backdrop, the Italian legal system is currently showing some resistance against such legal obligations. Its transposition of Art. 14 CDSMD explicitly refers to the applicability of the Italian Cultural Heritage Code, which typically requires permission and, in many cases, a fee payment to use reproductions of works of cultural significance, notwithstanding their public domain status. Concurrently, Italian courts have engineered new forms of exclusivity over cultural heritage belonging to the public domain, ignoring copyright law and other applicable norms. The study examines the Italian legal framework on public domain cultural heritage, unveiling a significant degree of incompatibility with international and EU legal obligations. Through a literal, systematic, and teleological legal analysis, the authors unearth how the Italian legal system fails to balance norms regarding cultural heritage, copyright, and data, thus calling for coordinated EU and national interventions towards a sound application of legal rules safeguarding the public domain.