Cultural Institutions Research Articles

Quest for Transforming Ethiopian Higher Education System (HES): Implications for Public Sector Transformation

The Higher Education System (HEIs) are demanded, nowadays more than ever before, to be frontiers of public sector transformation by directing their research, teaching, and services to societal needs; and by delivering transformative outcomes. Practically, nonetheless, the Ethiopian HES is currently facing unprecedented challenges, which cannot be abated unless systematic transformation is put in place. The Purpose of the study was, therefore, to investigate the hitherto reform rationales and the causes for some reform failures, and the feasible expeditions for transforming the Ethiopian HES. Exclusively a qualitative approach was used by generating data from document scrutiny and interviews. The results have shown that the hitherto reform rationales were the HEIs’ mandates, aspirations, expectations; dynamisms, challenges; and failed previous reforms due to top-down initiatives, loose accountability and momentum, unengaged leadership, undesirable institutional culture, piecemeal/surface symptoms, nominal board assignment and culture, unaligned budget with mission, overly and ineffective communication, and focusing just on the visible ignoring the invisibles. Ways of transforming the HES and sustaining it demands aligning transformation initiatives with the institutional mandates, aspirations, expectations, and the dynamisms; progressively overcoming the challenges; approaching transformation systemically; transforming the very assumptions of HES; building a culture of indigenous knowledge paradigm; institutionalizing transformation endeavors; enhancing ownership and instructional leadership; and enforcing autonomy with accountability.

Temple Corridors in Indian Cities: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

Temples and heritage corridors have successfully contributed to the redesign of Indian cities, yielding positive outcomes in terms of cultural heritage, tourism, and business. Such projects aid in revitalizing historical districts, preserving traditions, and fostering greater public concern for urban environments. Nevertheless, several challenges persist, such as the risk of commercialization, altering the authentic image or identity of places, social inequality during gentrification, and balancing modernization with conservation. Despite these challenges, these initiatives highlight cultural identity, which should be safeguarded through careful planning to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth. A critical question remains: has the transformation of Indian cities diminished their aesthetic and cultural value? Temple corridors in Indian cities blend Indian culture with contemporary architectural and planning techniques. This paper reviews the development, significance, and evolution of temple corridors within the urban Indian context, focusing on their roles as cultural institutions, social amenities, and tourist attractions.

Aesthetic elements in Tagbayiyi ritual performance of the Fiasidi tradition in the Klikor traditional area of Ghana

The chiefs and people of the Klikor Traditional Area in the Volta Region of Ghana celebrate the Fiasidi tradition, an annual religious and cultural festival. A yearly ritual performance known as Tagbayiyi (pilgrimage to the sacred grove) is a part of the Fiasidi tradition. Despite the abundance of research relative to the human and cultural rights aspects of the Fiasidi tradition, there is a glaring lack of research on the aesthetic elements reflected in the Tagbayiyi ritual performance. The study investigated the aesthetic aspects of the Tagbayiyi ritual by highlighting its visual and performing arts to gain a deeper understanding of the Anlo-Ewe cultural identity. The study employed a qualitative ethnographic design to interact and access the viewpoints of the participants. A total of fifteen (15) participants, comprising high priests, tradition keepers, ritual functionaries, and supplicants in the Klikor Traditional Area were sampled using a homogenous type of the purposive sampling approach. The study found that the Tagbayiyi exhibits aesthetic elements such as indigenous costume regalia, sacred stools, local beads, priestly emblems, rhythmic and graceful musical dances among others, which symbolically represent the sociocultural identity of the Klikor people. The study, therefore, recommends that the leadership of Klikor (high priests, council of elders & ritual functionaries) should liaise with the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, Ghana Tourism Authority, National Commission on Culture, and other cultural institutions to preserve and promote the rich aesthetic elements showcased during Tagbayiyi rite for the benefit of the current and future generations of Klikor.

Exploring the Significant Factors Affecting the Social Crimes of Malaysian Students

This study aimed to explore factors hindering social crime among Malaysian students. 383 respondents, all students, were surveyed. Parental influence emerged as the most significant factor in dissuading students from social crime, according to mean score analysis. Correlation analysis revealed positive correlations between self-efficacy, peer pressure, mass media influence, parental influence, and Malaysian students' involvement in social crimes. The linear regression model, with a statistical significance below 0.05, indicated a strong fit for the data, suggesting its reliability. Mass media exerted the greatest influence on Malaysian students' involvement in social crimes, followed by peer pressure, self-efficacy, and parental influence. These findings offer insights for educational institutions, government officials, and policymakers to foster a culture of peace, justice, and strong institutions. Proactive measures can mitigate social conflicts and reduce crime rates, fostering individuals who contribute positively to society and support Sustainable Development Goal 16.

Struktur, Kategori, dan Fungsi Sosial Petatah Petitih Minangkabau di Nagari Sianok IV Suku Kabupaten Agam

This research is conducted to document the structure, categories, and social functions of Minangkabau proverbs at Nagari Sianok VI Suku Agam Regency. The aim of this research is to describe structure, categories, and social functions of Minangkabau proverbs at Nagari Sianok VI Suku Agam Regency. This research is a qualitative using a descriptive methods. The data were conducted by doing interview using recording sheers, voice recording device, and interview guideline. The results of this research is revealing 42 Minangkabau proverbs at Nagari Sianok VI Suku Agam Regency which have: physical structures (diction, imagery, figure of speech, typography, and concrete words); internal structures (themes, feelings, tones, and messages); categories (animals, plants, part of body, human, and nature); and social functions (educational tools, enforces and supervisors of norms, instruments for traditions and cultural institutions, and projection systems). This research concludes that Minangkabau proverbs have an influence on customs and normative values at Nagari Sianok VI Suku Agam Regency.

Madhupur Satra: A Study of Cultural Preservation and Institutional Dynamics

Madhupur Satra: A Study of Cultural Preservation and Institutional Dynamics

Smartphone-based diagnostics with coherent and infrared imaging for cultural heritage

Abstract Nondestructive optical techniques are crucial in heritage science for monitoring the condition of artworks in full field. Various imaging methods based on infrared and interferometry techniques have been proposed, but they often require specialized training and expensive equipment. This paper explores the emerging field of smartphone science and its potential to revolutionize artwork diagnostics, especially for cultural institutions with limited budgets. The smartphone science approach is divided into using the device ‘as is’ or enhancing it with add-on sensors. After a concise overview of smartphone sensing in different fields, the paper demonstrates smartphone-based optical diagnostics on traditional wooden painting models, employing coherent techniques like laser speckle imaging and moiré fringe technique, and infrared techniques like reflectography and thermography. The comparison of obtained results with established instrumentation in the field clearly shows that smartphone-based diagnostics have the potential to greatly contribute to cultural heritage preservation and conservation, transforming the field’s accessibility and cost-effectiveness.

Using Of Artificial Intelligence In The Cultural And Creative Industries: A Public Administration Perspective

The purpose of this article is to explore the specific aspects of implementing artificial intelligence (AI) in the cultural and creative industries from a public administration perspective. The article analyses the main opportunities and directions for incorporating AI into public management for the development of these sectors in Ukraine. It highlights that digital transformation, facilitated by AI technologies, requires adherence to structural-functional, informational-communicative, and organizational-technological approaches. These approaches ensure decentralization, modernization of information infrastructure, and optimization of management processes. The article outlines the prospects and directions for AI integration into public administration in the cultural and creative sectors in Ukraine. It identifies the main benefits of AI, such as the ability to analyse large volumes of data, predict trends, automate routine processes, and support informed decision-making. These benefits can enhance the quality and accessibility of cultural products and create new channels and consumption models. This includes applications like the digitization of cultural heritage, management of cultural institutions, and the creation of personalized experiences for visitors. The article also identifies potential risks associated with implementing AI in public administration for the cultural and creative industries in Ukraine. These risks include issues related to copyright protection, ethics, and transparency in decision-making. Despite the significant potential, the integration of AI in public administration is still in its early stages. It faces numerous challenges, such as a lack of clear methodological approaches and practical tools, as well as risks related to privacy, algorithm transparency, and employment impacts. The article emphasizes that using AI in creating creative products raises important considerations regarding the value-based foundations of the cultural and creative sectors. It transforms creativity from an individual to a collective endeavor, where the role of machine systems becomes comparable to that of humans. Additionally, the article proposes a refined definition of «creative industries» in Ukrainian legislation, considering the specificities of creating creative products with AI.

Factors Affecting Standing and Walking Outcomes for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury during In-patient Rehabilitation: a Qualitative Study on the Perspectives of Physiotherapists

Purpose: Standing and walking outcomes following spinal cord injury (SCI) vary across rehabilitation centres and therapists. Much of this variation has been attributed to individual patient characteristics. However, insight from frontline health care providers, as well as exploration of comprehensive contributing factors, have been under investigated. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of physiotherapists on factors affecting standing and walking recovery and outcomes during in-patient SCI rehabilitation. Methods: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured focus group interviews. Our qualitative approach was grounded in interpretive description and used reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Ten physiotherapy representatives of seven different in-patient SCI rehabilitation sites across Canada participated. Dosage, organizational culture, length of stay, staffing, equipment, relationships, atmosphere, and mindset were the key factors identified. Our findings also highlight that how factors impact a site may differ, but perspectives on which factors influence standing and walking outcomes were similar. Factors beyond the individual and the relationship of these factors on training dosage were emphasized. Conclusion: Future work is needed to better understand the role of institutional culture, to design and implement potential ways to address key contributing factors, and to evaluate if such initiatives lead to improvements in standing and walking outcomes.

FEATURES OF PROMOTION OF CREATIVE INDUSTRIES SERVICES BASED ON DIGITAL MARKETING TECHNOLOGIES

Currently, the development of the socio-­cultural life of the country is carried out at a fairly rapid pace. The 2020 pandemic was a turning point in this process: many cultural institutions, not wanting to lose their audience, began to use various forms of online promotion of their services. They began to actively master interactive forms of events, online communication with visitors. This trend has not lost its relevance even after organizations and institutions quit remote work. The issue of promoting products and services of creative industries is of particular relevance. Creative activities combine creativity with innovation. The purpose of the study is to develop practical recommendations for the promotion of creative industries services based on Internet marketing technologies. To achieve this goal, the work systematizes knowledge about the specifics of the development of creative industries, assesses their economic potential, develops stages aimed at promoting the organization of its services, adapts well-known theories and practices of digital marketing technology in relation to the industry under study. The object of the study is the domestic creative industry, the subject is the system of relationships between the main stakeholders in the process of promoting the creative industry. The following scientific methods were used in the course of the work: descriptive, analytical, statistical. The study has developed and tested a system of criteria to assess the effectiveness of the functioning of modern creative industries. A mechanism for promoting services in the field of cultural industries using Internet marketing technologies has been developed, including elements of a communication strategy, the most appropriate digital channels and tools for promoting cultural goods.

Will they always be living the Sisyphus punishment? The triple whammy for racialized women: a qualitative investigation of primary care researchers in Canada

Existing literature overlooks the role of gender and race on research productivity, particularly in the context of primary care research. This study examines how gender and race influence the research productivity of primary care researchers in Canada, addressing a gap in existing literature. Qualitative, descriptive methods were used, involving 60-min interviews with 23 Canadian primary care researchers. 13 participants were female (57%) and 10 participants (43%) were male. Fourteen participants were White (non-racialized; 61%), 8 were racialized (35%) and 1 did not comment on race (4%). Reflexive thematic analysis captured participant perceptions of factors influencing research productivity, including individual, professional, institutional, and systemic aspects. Systemic bias and institutional culture, including racism, sexism, and unconscious biases against racialized women, emerge as key barriers to research productivity. The parenting life stage further compounds these biases. Barriers include lack of representation in faculty roles, toxic work environments, research productivity metrics, and exclusion by colleagues. Participants indicated that institutional reforms and systemic interventions are needed to foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. Strategies include recruiting equity-focused leaders, increasing representation of racialized female faculty, diversity training, mentorship programs, providing meaningful support, flexible work arrangements, and protected research time. Sponsors can offer more targeted grants for female and racialized researchers. Adjusting metrics for gender, race, parenthood, and collaborative metrics is proposed to enhance diversity and inclusion among researchers. This study underscores the importance of addressing systemic bias at institutional and systemic levels to create a fair and supportive environment for primary care researchers. A multitude of strategies are needed including increasing representation of racialized female faculty, creating supportive and psychologically safe work environments, and public reporting of data on faculty composition for accreditation and funding decisions. Together, these strategies can alleviate the triple whammy and free these researchers from the Sisyphus Punishment - the absurdity of being asked to climb a hill while pushing a boulder with no hope of reaching the top. College of Family Physicians of Canada.

“Don't Touch!”: The Role of Cultural Knowledge in Low‐SES Parents' Perceptions of Museums

Museums can provide valuable benefits for children, but children from low socioeconomic (SES) backgrounds are less likely to have exposure to such institutions. We draw on interviews with 52 low‐SES parents to explore how perceptions of museums influence whether parents would consider bringing their children there. Respondents express a clear preference for enriching activities for their children. However, our findings reveal a tension between this general desire and parents' impressions of what museums are and how their children will experience them. We illustrate how limited familiarity with museums produces a circumscribed view of the range of experiences available at different kinds of museums and influences parents' perceptions of their child‐appropriateness, thus demonstrating the role of class‐based cultural knowledge in shaping the choices parents make about out‐of‐school activities. Our findings complicate the binary narrative that attributes parental investments to either preferences or resources and highlights how cultural knowledge about such activities may contribute to social inequality. The study also offers insights for cultural institutions that wish to attract a more socioeconomically diverse base of visitors.

Standing in the gap: how Black women mentors make the academy bearable for other Black women

Black women in higher education routinely face and combat intersecting structural inequities to accomplish their goals in their roles as students, staff, administrators, and faculty members. Black women have also consistently found ways to create pathways to support one another in navigating multiple structural inequities in academia to achieve success. In this study, we used duoethnographic methods to explore our lived experiences of formal mentorship by Black women scholars who made the academy bearable for us. Our findings highlight, honor, and demonstrate the ways Black women stood in the gap for us as Black women in our roles as staff, doctoral students, adjunct faculty, and tenure-track faculty members in predominately white institutions. The findings illustrate the collective ways Black women scholars thrive despite the inequitable institutional culture and climate in which they work.

Legal Culture and Disability Rights in Indonesian Islamic Higher Education: A Review of Practices

This research aims to examine disability rights in relation to Islamic universities in Indonesia, paying attention to the legal culture concerning equal opportunities for disabled people. As a qualitative study with an empirical legal research method, this research will therefore gather information from various sources to examine current practices concerning regulations, facilities, and academic and social support, and disability education in Islamic higher learning institutions. The findings indicate that there is a major disparity between the legislation and the realities on the field. Implementation of strategies is poor, and a number of strategies are even ineffectual. Lack of physical infrastructure, academic accommodations, and training on the disability topics are some of the main challenges regarding full inclusion. Based on the study findings, it is suggested to enhance and expand the existing policies that include all parties and policies based on Islamic values that support equality and social justice. The final section reiterates the call for the reform of institutional culture and the advocacy of continuous public education to achieve cultural change.

The Effectiveness of aHospital Ethics Committee in a Non-Western Country: Lessons from a Ten-Year Experience.

Hospital ethics committees (HECs) arerelatively new in non-Western countries. This article examines the effectiveness of a HEC established in Bursa/Turkey over ten years, aiming to contribute insights for the wider implementation and enhancement of HECs. The evaluative methodology combines quantitative and qualitative approaches to assess its effectiveness. Patients are the primary users of the HEC, although applications from physicians, hospital managers, and the Patient Rights Board are also observed. Surgical specialities account for the majority of applications, particularly from obstetrics and gynecology, anesthesiology, and emergency medicine. The study identifies the types of applications, with malpractice claims, ethical inquiries, and access-related complaints being the most common. Despite many healthcare professionals encountering ethical dilemmas, the HEC was underutilized for consultations due to factors such as low awareness, perceived autonomy challenges, and skepticism regarding its efficacy. Additionally, the study describes how HEC recommendations contribute to policy development, addressing organizational issues and promoting ethical practices. The decision-making process within the HEC was also scrutinized, emphasizing the necessity of a structured methodology for moral deliberation. Concerns are raised about committee members lacking specific training in ethical analysis, potentially resulting in biases and suboptimal decisions. Contextual factors, including institutional culture and economic considerations, are also recognized for their influence on decision-making. This analysis highlights the multifaceted nature of HECs and the challenges they face in achieving effectiveness. It underscores the need for standardized measures, improved training for committee members, and contextual awareness to enhance the impact and functionality of HECs in healthcare institutions.

Bridging the gap: Exploring urban resilience and sustainability in Finnish regional development

AbstractThis study investigates the dynamics of urban resilience (UR) and sustainability (US) in Finnish regional planning cultures, focusing on the Helsinki‐Uusimaa and Southwest Finland regions. It highlights the intertwined nature of UR and US, emphasizing the need for clearer distinctions to enhance planning effectiveness. Through comparative case studies, this research explores the role of institutional planning culture in shaping procedural resilience amidst complex socio‐environmental changes. It reveals resource constraints as critical challenges, influencing decision‐making and collaboration across governance levels. Additionally, it underscores the importance of long‐term commitment and integrated regional visions for fostering sustainable development beyond electoral cycles. The paper advocates for an integrated approach to regional development, emphasizing the significance of addressing power dynamics and economic resilience alongside environmental considerations. Overall, it calls for a nuanced understanding of resilience‐sustainability interlinkages to craft more effective and adaptive planning strategies.

Strategies for the Development of Museum Creative and Cultural Industries through Industry-Education Integration

With the deepening of digital transformation and the upgrading of cultural consumption, the museum creative and cultural industry, as an important carrier for disseminating culture, is facing new opportunities and challenges. Today's public demand for cultural products is more diversified. To promote the sustainable development of the creative and cultural industry, museums and educational institutions should strengthen cooperation, making industry-education integration an inevitable trend for future development. In the specific development process, by meeting actual needs, cultivating professional talents, innovating products, and promoting the integration of industry, academia, research, and application, we can enhance cultural inheritance and innovation. The implementation of this strategy can effectively improve the core competitiveness of creative and cultural products, inherit and promote China's excellent traditional culture, and inject new vitality into the prosperity and development of the cultural industry. This paper first analyzes the role of industry-education integration in promoting the development of the museum creative and cultural industry, discusses the types of museum creative and cultural products, and then proposes feasible measures to achieve deep integration between the two, opening a new chapter of cultural innovation and inheritance.

Implementing an Adaptive Climate Control Strategy: Collection Monitoring and Sustainability Outcomes

ABSTRACT In 2022, the authors presented the first stage of implementing a revised climate control strategy at the National Gallery of Victoria, monitoring collection object response in collaboration with the Getty Conservation Institute using acoustic emissions (AE) monitoring. The research and education, motivating factors, and interdepartmental alignment required for adopting the Bizot Green Protocol (BGP) were discussed, as well as the experimental design and set-up of the AE system on a large Flemish altarpiece in an active gallery. This second and concluding paper presents the results of the AE monitoring study along with energy used by the HVAC system for the gallery housing the AE monitoring study, during the transition from traditional environmental parameters through to broadened parameters as defined in the BGP. The project highlights the importance of understanding individual gallery and building behaviour as well as the HVAC system in place. In the case of the gallery housing the AE study, the implementation of BGP parameters resulted in smaller environmental fluctuations than expected. That HVAC energy efficiency could be improved with a relatively low impact on the gallery environment was an unexpected but welcome outcome. This case study describes some common challenges faced when considering such a change operationally, including resourcing and communication needs. Identifying points of resistance, framing problems clearly, and identifying common goals were essential to making progress. In this case, sustainability has compelled many stakeholders into alignment and enabled a shift in institutional culture.

Design-based learning in higher education: Its effects on students’ motivation, creativity and design skills

In art and design education, the roles of motivation and creative performance in design skills hold immense significance for design students. As such, the teachers’ instructional strategies are crucial. Among these strategies, design-based learning (DBL) is one of the important instructional processes that integrates design principles, problem-solving skills, and creative thinking to engage students in hands-on, authentic learning experiences. This study aimed to investigate the effects of DBL on the motivation, creativity, and design skills of students in art and design education. Pre- and post-test experimental research was conducted on 207 participants who specialize in art and design education at Kazan Federal University and the Kazan State Institute of Culture. Employing non-probability sampling, they were assigned to an experimental (treatment using DBL; 105 students) and a control (traditional instruction; 102 students) group. The findings demonstrated that the experimental group significantly outperformed the control group, while no significant interaction was observed between groups and sexes in the development of motivation, creativity, and design skills. Moreover, achievement motivation was found to significantly influence creative performance and design skills. This research serves as a valuable resource for educators and researchers, as it offers insights into fostering the creative performance of students within the field of art and design education.

Factors Influencing Feeding Decisions in Children With Bronchiolitis on High-Flow Nasal Cannula.

High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is used in up to 50% of children admitted with bronchiolitis. Consensus recommendations for feeding these children have not been established, and there is variability in practice. We sought to identify factors influencing feeding decisions for general care patients admitted with bronchiolitis on HFNC from a national sample of interdisciplinary care team members. In this qualitative study, we conducted semi-structured virtual interviews with care team members involved in making feeding decisions at 10 US hospitals from June 2022 to March 2023. Eligible participants included 1 nurse, respiratory therapist, speech language pathologist, and physician from each site. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and conducted until reaching sufficiency. Three researchers analyzed transcript data using content analysis guided by the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety 2.0 model. We interviewed 29 participants, including 19 nurses, respiratory therapists, and speech language pathologists and 10 physicians. Participants identified 11 factors influencing feeding decisions related to hospital work systems and processes outlined in the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety model, including people (child and parent characteristics, care team experience), tools and technology (guideline, protocol, ordersets), organization (institutional culture, education), environment (time of day, care location), task (interventions to optimize feeding), and process (clinical assessment, feeding trial, communication). Our findings suggest that feeding decisions are driven by factors related to the child, care team experience, institutional tools, and culture. These key factors may inform local improvement efforts to decrease variation in feeding children with bronchiolitis requiring HFNC.