Cultural Sustainability Research Articles

Embarking on a cultural transformation within a school of nursing

Schools of Nursing across the country are encountering fiscal, programmatic and leadership challenges exacerbated by chaos and fragmentation in health care systems. This article focuses on the transformation journey of the School of Nursing at the University of Minnesota highlighting the complex context of higher education, challenges faced, and strategies executed that focused on significant and sustained culture change. Recommendations are offered to enable all schools to embark on their own transformative journeys.

Integration of P5 in Local Wisdom-Based Social Studies Learning as a Form of Strengthening the Pancasila Student Profile in Junior High Schools

Local wisdom has an important role in cultural sustainability in a global context. The current development of globalization has the potential for a shift in local values to a more attractive global culture. This research aims to determine the strategies carried out by the Taruna Nusa Harapan Junior High School, whose students have a diversity of ethnicities, religions and national origins in maintaining local wisdom values in the City of Mojokerto. This research uses qualitative methods by collecting data using in-depth interviews with P5 facilitators, teachers and students, observation and documentation. Data processing techniques use source triangulation. The results of the research show that Taruna Nusa Harapan Junior High School preserves the values of local wisdom through the Project for Strengthening the Profile of Pancasila Students (P5) by highlighting the theme of local wisdom by creating an activity entitled the Tunas Maja festival. Not only co-curricular activities, P5 Activities with the theme of local wisdom are very supportive in instilling local wisdom values in social studies learning for grades VII and VIII. The strategy used by the social studies teacher is to insert local wisdom material into relevant social studies materials such as class VII material about the relationship between the diversity of geographical conditions in the archipelago and the formation of cultural diversity. Apart from that, class VIII material, this theme is relevant to material regarding awareness of social changes that are occurring in the contemporary era with the theme of microhistory, local history, oral traditions.

Ritus Sedekah Laut sebagai Mekanisme Sosial Masyarakat Nelayan Urban di Muarareja Kota Tegal

The tradition of Sedekah Laut in Muarareja, Tegal City, is a crucial aspect of the social and cultural life of urban fishing communities. This tradition not only holds religious significance but also plays a vital role in maintaining collective identity and social cohesion amidst rapid social and economic changes. This study aims to elucidate how the ritual of Sedekah Laut in Muarareja functions as a social mechanism among urban fishing communities. Employing a qualitative approach, the research utilized semi-structured interviews with 7 urban fishermen and 3 community members from Muarareja, direct observations, and documentary analysis for data collection. Findings indicate that Sedekah Laut serves not only as a religious ceremony but also as a manifestation of strong social solidarity and sustainable social networks within the fishing community. The study concludes that firstly, Sedekah Laut plays a crucial role in preserving the cultural continuity and community identity of fishermen in Muarareja; secondly, it strengthens social relations among individuals and groups within the community; thirdly, the ritual demonstrates its adaptability and relevance amidst the dynamic social and economic changes along the coastal region. This research provides a foundation for understanding how local traditions can support social and cultural sustainability in continuously transforming coastal communities. The study recommends further interdisciplinary research to deepen understanding of the impacts and significance of this tradition in an evolving global context.

Monitoring and enhancing spontaneous sustainability—a framework

The paper presents and addresses the concept of “spontaneous sustainability”, the informal and unplanned sustainable development of communities, as the basis and framework to support the notion, drives, and agendas of “formal sustainability”. It follows the interdependence between the “spontaneous sustainability” of “distinct” communities and their “cultural” characteristics, including history, spatial continuity, values and behaviors, the associated physical settings, and tangible and intangible products, which enabled them to continue, survive, and develop. The research aims at formulating and validating a “framework” for monitoring and enhancing the “spontaneous sustainability” of “distinct” communities to enable, support and link it, to the broader frameworks of “sustainable development”. The proposed “framework” combines “sustainability” dimensions: environmental, economic, and socio-cultural; and the levels of community contexts, and spatial impact. The “framework” is formulated by integrating selected “urban sustainability” approaches, and systems, with later research that developed the key aspects, criteria, and indicators of those systems, together with research addressing “social and cultural sustainability”, and assessment aspects, criteria, and indicators. The “framework” is developed and validated through a limited questionnaire, involving local experts and specialists, academics, and practitioners, to point out limitations and potential, and to suggest the relative importance of its components, key aspects, and criteria. The validation supported the research propositions, the formulation, and development of the proposed “spontaneous sustainability framework” and emphasized its flexibility to include other approaches and agendas, and potential for further development and application in distinct local communities.

A Partnership Perspective on Ecosocial Reciprocity for Cultural Transformation

Eco social health is the impact of our biology by social, economic, and environmental influencers which inform how the psychosomatic body as a whole system functions. Social effects of dominative societies and structures lead to human disease through complex dimensions of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual disconnection. Partnership practices are foundational for the innate biological human need for social connection in health. In a world burdened with the global phenomenon of disconnection, a paradigm shift which honors and respects the critical necessity of healthy biodiverse relationships of all members of the ecological community are needed for the development of sustainable cultures of reciprocity and wellness. Global partners demonstrate the impacts of valued education that exist in cultures of partnership systems. Education is the cornerstone reimagining a new world of pace and health. Applying the partnership qualities as foundation to the learning environment may serve as a framework for building safe and inclusive spaces that foster curiosity in order to transform sociocultural practices and empower global perspectives.

Processing and preservation technologies to enhance indigenous food sovereignty, nutrition security and health equity in North America.

Indigenous foods are carriers of traditional native North American food culture and living philosophy. They are featured by the wide varieties in fresh and processed forms, richness in nutrition, flavor, health benefits and diversity in origins, but are usually misunderstood or underrepresented in the modern food systems. Conventional processing and cooking methods are sometimes labor-intensive, less efficient and lack science-based guidelines to prevent unseen safety risks and food loss. Global and regional climate change have caused additional challenges to conventional cooking/processing, and increased native communities' reliance on externally produced foods, which have resulted in increasing nutritional unbalance and prevalence of diet-related health issues. Current and emerging technologies, such as storage and packaging, drying, safety processing, canning, pickling, and fermentation, which treat foods under optimized conditions to improve the safety and extend the shelf-life, are increasingly used in current food systems. Therefore, exploring these technologies for indigenous foods offers opportunities to better preserve their nutrition, safety, and accessibility, and is critical for the sovereignty and independence of indigenous food systems, and sustainability of indigenous food culture. This mini-review focuses on identifying adoptable processing and preservation technologies for selected traditional indigenous foods in North America, summarizing education, extension, and outreach resources and discussing the current challenges and future needs critical to expanding knowledge about indigenous foods and improving food sovereignty, nutrition security, and health equity.

Towards a sustainable school culture

Currently, we live in a continuously transforming society, which has led to the educational system facing changes and new challenges. It is necessary to change the previous models and didactic methodologies, which were markedly expository, and the memoristic learning of students, to incorporate profound innovations in the methods used in the training of students at all educational levels, where the student must be the main actor in their own education (Sharma et al., 2023).The learning needs of today's students, who must learn to live in a globalised, digitalised, intercultural, changing society that produces vast amounts of information, require different teaching methods from those used 20 years ago (Ermakova, 2020). In this sense, in recent decades, there has been a resurgence of pedagogical renewal centres in Spain, which aim to adapt the educational system to the needs of students by integrating methodologies and approaches focused on their personal, competential development and progress within the educational system (Beneyto et al., 2023). These centres can be considered as catalysts of change that have significantly improved students' socio-emotional skills and academic performance through the implementation of innovative practices and resources adapted to the characteristics of the students (Aliaga, 2022).This renewal not only focuses on the curricular content but also on the way in which teaching is delivered, always seeking greater inclusion and equity (Engel and Coll, 2022). In this regard, teaching and learning methodologies play a crucial role in the implementation of innovative and renewing processes in education. Therefore, didactic approaches should evolve to give greater prominence to the student and organise teaching based on the acquisition of skills necessary for the professional development of students, such as the ability to collaborate and work in teams, creativity, critical thinking, and digital literacy, among others. Ultimately, they should provide students with tools for autonomous and lifelong learning.This methodological-didactic renewal requires the use of different models and active methodologies in the classroom that grant a fundamental role to students, such as Flipped Learning, collaborative learning, gamification, project-based learning, among others. Frequently, these methodologies are mediated by the use of various digital tools. Digital technologies applied to training and education offer a wide range of possibilities when designing educational activities in the teaching and learning processes, allowing for the representation of information, collaboration, and knowledge construction (Guerrero-Quiñonez et al., 2023).In the process of implementing active methodologies, the teacher plays a very relevant role in designing activities and selecting the appropriate digital tools that enhance the effectiveness of these methodologies for student learning. Continuous teacher training is essential to ensure the effective implementation of innovative methodologies and to adapt them to the specific context of the classroom, promoting deep and meaningful learning (Balladares-Burgos and Valverde-Berrocoso, 2022). AI tools can enhance innovative methodologies and continuous assessment, improving the effectiveness of educational institutions and supporting the continuous training of teachers. Thus, AI becomes a crucial ally in pedagogical renewal and the promotion of sustainable education (Forero-Corba et al., 2024). Teacher training is a determining factor in educational quality, as well-trained teachers can transform the learning experience. They must be equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to adapt to the demands of an ever-evolving education.

Dynamics of Phytoplankton Communities and Environmental Drivers in Chinese Mitten Crab Aquaculture Ponds: Highlighting the Need for Cyanobacteria Control

Pond culture is the primary method for cultivating Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis), with phytoplankton significantly influencing their growth. Green algae benefit crab growth by serving as supplementary food, while cyanobacteria, particularly during blooms, hinder it and pose health risks. Environmental changes in nutrient levels, temperature, and light significantly affect phytoplankton communities in ponds, impacting both ecosystem stability and crab growth. However, there is a limited understanding regarding the patterns of phytoplankton changes within adult Chinese mitten crab culture ponds. This study conducted monthly collection and analysis of phytoplankton throughout the culture cycle in typical adult Chinese mitten crab culture ponds, concurrently measuring physical and chemical water parameters to explore the correlation between phytoplankton changes and environmental factors. The results revealed distinct seasonal variations in phytoplankton composition. Chlorophyta and Bacillariophyta, such as Chlorella, Pediastrum, and Cocconeis, predominated in spring, while Chlorophyta and cyanobacteria, such as Volvox, Anabaena, and Microcystis, dominated in summer, and cyanobacteria and Bacillariophyta, such as Microcystis, Dolichospermum, and Cocconeis, prevailed in autumn. Total phytoplankton density consistently increased throughout the culture period. Microcystis constituted the majority of cyanobacteria biomass throughout most months. Although the total phytoplankton biomass fluctuated, cyanobacteria biomass consistently rose each month, reaching a peak of 61.7 mg/L in October. Water temperature and pH emerged as the primary environmental drivers influencing changes in phytoplankton community structure. Cyanobacteria density reached its peak between 18 and 26 °C and at a pH range of 7.5–8.5. These findings highlight the need for environmental regulation and cyanobacteria control in Chinese mitten crab culture ponds, thus promoting the health and sustainability of the Chinese mitten crab culture.

Cultural Sustainability: Reflections on The Social Formation of Panambi/RS in The Light of Lutheranism

Objective: The objective of this study is to understand German colonization in Panambi, a city located in the Northwest of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, by understanding it as a complex process that involves a variety of historical, economic, social, political and cultural factors of varied dimensions that intertwine to shape the unique character of the city in the light of Lutheranism. Theoretical Framework: Protestantism played a significant role in the formation of the developmental spirit in the South of Brazil, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The Colonies in the South of Brazil and Lutheranism are deeply interconnected, mainly through German immigration, given that these immigrants brought with them cultural, religious and social practices that significantly shaped the region. Method: The research follows methodological paths of an applied nature and a qualitative approach. Regarding procedures, a bibliographic review, documentary research and case study are used. Data interpretation is anchored in categorical content analysis. Results and Discussion: The research results point to local development, the emergence of companies, with community ties strengthening the tripod: religion, school and work. A process of cultural identification in the municipality had strong German influences, from the religious Lutheranism, focused on the world of work. This journey contributed to the strengthening and dissemination of a social imaginary that reinforces the relationship between colonization and the Lutheran Church, and, associated with it, the school, which sustains and preserves German culture, generating “Germanness”. Thus, this peculiarity lived and experienced by the social agents who colonized Panambi, created a social system that, although in constant adaptation, maintains the relationship between Germanness, church, entrepreneurship to boost local development. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by addressing the sociocultural formation of the city of Panambi, given that this development shapes the unique characteristics of the city, influencing its growth, urban structure, social dynamics and cultural identity.

STRATEGI PEMASARAN DAN PENGEMBANGAN PRODUK UMKM ULOS DI UD. STEVEN PARDEDE

The development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) is an important effort to support the local economy and strengthen the sustainability of local culture. This study explores the marketing strategy and product development of Ulos MSMEs at UD. Steven Pardede, located in jl.Musyawarah No.9 the North Sumatra region, Indonesia. This research uses a qualitative approach by conducting in-depth interviews and direct observations of business owners and related staff. The research results show that UD. Steven Pardede implements a marketing strategy that focuses on strengthening the brand image, increasing product visibility through exhibitions and social media, as well as utilizing partnerships with shops and other companies in distributing their Ulos Batak products. Apart from that, the company also invests in product development through design innovation and product diversification according to market demand. This research provides valuable insight into best practices in marketing and developing Ulos MSME products, as well as highlighting the importance of adapting to market and technological changes in strengthening the competitiveness of MSMEs in the era of globalization. The practical implications of these findings include recommendations for implementing more effective digital marketing strategies and strengthening industry partnerships to support the growth of Ulos MSMEs in local and international markets.

An Integrated Approach to the Spanish Driving Behavior Questionnaire (SDBQ) in the City of Cuenca, Ecuador

Traffic collisions are the seventh leading cause of death in Ecuador, with reckless driving being one of the main causes. Although there are statistical data on traffic crashes, there has not yet been a comprehensive investigation of the causes. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to investigate unsafe driving behavior using a modified version of the Spanish Driving Behavior Questionnaire (SDBQ) adapted for Ecuador. The 34-item SDBQ we used has four main dimensions: lapses, errors, violations, and aggressive driving. To apply the SDBQ, a stratified random probability sample of 470 drivers with valid driver’s licenses aged 18–69 was used. Of the drivers, 68.8% were male, while 33.2% were female. We used a chi-square test and descriptive statistics to analyze the data for the SDBQ application items. Finally, four generalized linear Poisson models were used. The results show that taxi drivers have the highest scores on three of the four main dimensions of the SDBQ and male drivers are more likely than female drivers to cause traffic accidents. Drivers are also more likely to cause traffic accidents if they drive more hours per day. This research is the first of its kind to analyze driver behavior-based solutions in Ecuador to reduce traffic accidents. The error factor is the most critical outcome of dangerous behavior in the city of Cuenca. The SDBQ aims to foster a culture of safety and sustainability by promoting road safety measures through legislation and traffic regulations.

Notes on Urban and Architectural Heritage Conservation of Historic Cores in the Middle East: A Critical Review, Evaluation and Recommendations

The historic cores in the Middle East (after this referred to as “ME”) region, a fragmented and thoroughly changed region during the 19th and 20th centuries, have many identities and authenticity challenges. Unfortunately, the rapid development rate, economic and rapid urbanisation, fast population increase, conflicts, lack of appreciation and awareness, and increasing market values gradually replace urban heritage buildings with newer, higher-density identity-less structures. This paper attempts to present the features, obstacles, challenges, and opportunities facing the urban built heritage at the historical cores and the neighbourhood within their physical, cultural and social life in the ME. It analyses questions for maintaining identity and authenticity, the future of traditional physical, technical and functional architectural elements paradigms and their contemporary reinterpretation and rethinking conservation from sustainable technical culture to socio-cultural sustainability. The paper investigates several issues related to the conservation concepts of the urban and architectural heritage in the ME. Special attention is given to the decision-making framework in the conservation practice, the destruction of the traditional urban heritage, and the destruction resulting from the ME region's political changes (modernisation). The focus is to identify, discuss and analyse how to deal with the challenges of maintaining the identity and authenticity of their historic urban cores. Finally, guidelines and framework recommendations are made for possible measures that may be taken for social sustainability.

Communication Strategy In Achieving Sustainable Environmental Development: Case Study Of The Ban On The Use Of Plastic Bags In Familymart Retail Stores

This study explores the communication strategies utilized by FamilyMart retail stores to enforce the ban on plastics bags, aiming to support sustainable environmental development. As environmental concerns become increasingly significant, retail businesses are at the forefront of promoting sustainable practices. This research investigates how FamilyMart conveys its environmental policies to customers and the broader community to encourage behavior change towards eco-friendly alternatives. Using qualitative methods, the research involves in-depth interviews with store managers, content analysis of promotional materials, and observations of in-store communication efforts. According to the research, FamilyMart has a thorough communication strategy that consists of educational initiatives for customers, conspicuous signage, and active participation on social media. These tactics aim to encourage consumers to use reusable bags by raising awareness of the negative environmental effects of plastic bag usage. Effective communication strategies make use of visual aids, customer incentives for program involvement, and compelling and informative messaging. The report also emphasizes how crucial it is to use consistent messages throughout a range of communication channels and how important employee involvement is to achieve the initiative's goals. The findings show that establishing a sustainable culture and obtaining consumer compliance depend heavily on efficient communication. The report ends with actionable suggestions for retailers looking to put similar environmental policies into place. These suggestions emphasize the importance of using multifaceted, transparent, and engaging communication tactics to support long-term, sustainable change.

¡Pura Risa! Emergent bilinguals’ perceptions about joviality at home & implications for the classroom

ABSTRACT In this article I examine the perceptions of third grade minoritized emergent bilinguals (Spanish/English) in a US classroom as they articulate how family members serve as a source of jocularity. By taking a sociocultural perspective on humor as a resource, I seek to render visible the relational and linguistic connections between these students and their families while discussing implications for informing culturally sustaining pedagogy. Six findings regarding different genres of humor that students expressed through a class project called ¡Pura Risa! [Pure Laughter!] demonstrate ways they connect with family. These findings are subsequently generalized into two broad categories to discuss portability into bilingual classroom pedagogy: dispositions and iterations. Dispositions refer to the willingness to engage with students brandishing una actitud juegetona [a playful stance] coupled with confianza [relational trust] through communicative competence. Iterations of familial and cultural sustainment are rooted in affiliative exchanges between family members and these students. The unique contribution of this piece is that humor is conceptualized through a lens of linguistic and cultural sustainment, which purports to generate conversations along a continuum of academic theorizing to university bilingual preparation programs to planning lessons and cultivating community in bilingual education classrooms.

Cooperative Societies as a Sustainable Legislative Aspect of the Establishment of a Dispersed Hotel

Abstract Dispersed hotels, characterized by their decentralized accommodation facilities integrated into existing structures of historical or cultural significance, have emerged as a sustainable alternative to traditional centralized hotels. This study explores the role of cooperative societies as a legislative and organizational framework for establishing and managing dispersed hotels. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research analyzes case studies from Europe where cooperative models have successfully facilitated the integration of dispersed hotels into local communities, ensuring economic and cultural sustainability in Slovenia. The findings indicate that cooperative societies enable effective resource sharing, community engagement, and equitable distribution of economic benefits, which are essential for the long-term sustainability of dispersed hotels. Legislative support in the form of favorable policies and financial incentives has been identified as critical in fostering these cooperative initiatives. The study suggests that cooperative societies not only enhance the operational sustainability of dispersed hotels but also contribute to the conservation of cultural heritage and the stimulation of local economies. The results advocate for policymakers to consider cooperative models in tourism development strategies, emphasizing their potential to transform local communities and promote sustainable tourism practices.

Conceptualizing sustainable communities through an exhibition in a university museum

Sustainability communication arises in the face of complex socio-environmental crises that manifest on different scales and in different ecosystems. Museums and science centres, as cultural institutions, are key to building social representations and generating discourses and experiences in their visitors to facilitate engagement in the search for future alternatives. This empirical research, conducted at the Universum Science Museum of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, seeks to contribute to the advancement of the academic field of sustainability communication by analysing the main elements and exhibition practices related to sustainability in the exhibition Producing by Conserving: Biodiversity and Sustainable Communities. We investigated how sustainability is expressed in the museum, utilizing the proposed perspective of analysis based on four typologies of science exhibitions. We employed qualitative analysis to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the exhibition. We identified central aspects and limitations in communication concerning sustainability that could nurture communication practices in demonstrations and other exhibitions with related themes. The implications of this study extend beyond the specific context of the university museum. They can be useful for communication practices in universities and other cultural institutions seeking to develop a culture of sustainability and envision transformation of future societies.

Agritourism Development through Leveraging Financial Support within the 4As Framework

Abstract Financing is a crucial issue in agritourism development. Financial considerations play a significant role in the successful implementation and long-term sustainability of agritourism ventures. This research focuses on understanding the financial challenges that arise within each component of the 4As framework. The research methodology used is a literature study. This study emphasizes the financial challenges that emerge within each component of the 4As framework. Key financial factors for sustainable agritourism includes infrastructure investment, eco-friendly planning, cost management, effective marketing, training, and environmental preservation. Developing and managing attractions requires financial investment in creating and promoting unique experiences while ensuring cultural sustainability and integrity. Access involves infrastructure development and maintenance, transportation costs, and the need to reach remote rural areas. Providing adequate amenities requires financial resources for facility development, maintenance, and visitor service management. Ancillary services pose financial barriers in terms of initial investment, operational costs, and balancing authenticity with visitor expectations. Innovative financial approaches and support mechanisms are needed to foster agritourim development. These include accessing funding opportunities, exploring public-private partnerships, leveraging community-based tourism models, and volunteer tourism. Furthermore, this study emphasizes the importance of financial support programs through government grants and subsidies, incubators and accelerators programs, and tourism development funds.

Vulnerability assessment for physical protection systems of cave temples: A fuzzy petri net approach

Preservation of cultural relics is crucial for cultural sustainability, particularly in the case of cave temples, which are a unique and immovable part of our heritage, nested within mountains. These structures bear immense historical significance and possess considerable economic value, making them vulnerable to criminal activities, notably theft. Establishing a robust physical protection system (PPS) is imperative to safeguard these relics from potential damage. This paper proposes a novel approach for assessing the vulnerability of cave temples' PPS. Based on the fuzzy Petri net (FPN) principle, a comprehensive vulnerability assessment index system was developed within the PPS framework, considering the unique characteristics of cave temples. This study refines the formal definition of the FPN, enhancing its precision and effectiveness for vulnerability assessment. The practicality and effectiveness of the proposed method are verified through simulation experiments. An illustrative example is provided to demonstrate this approach.

Creating and establishing a sustainable culture of clinical and translational research at an academic cancer center.

e23220 Background / Objectives: At the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center (EFCC) at the Univ. of Missouri (MU) School of Medicine (SOM), our recent (2016 - 2020) accurals to interventional oncology clinical trials (CT) have been suboptimal. Hence, the EFCC research leadership undertook a number of initiatives since 2021 to improve the function and productivity of the oncology CT enterprise. The objective of our retrospective review was to determine the impact of our initiatives including improving enrollments to clinical trials. Methods: These major programmatic initiatives have included the following: (1) CT portfolio analysis; (2) faculty survey to assess concerns/ needs related to enrollment; (3) Development of a "One-Pager" list of open CT; (4) Working with faculty leader "champions"; (5) Increasing the number of clinical research staff; (6) Initiation of a monthly "Clinical Trials Working Group (CTWG)" to monitor enrollment to clinical trials, troubleshooting obstacles to accruals and on-going CT portfolio analysis and adjustments; (7) Development of multi-disciplinary "Disease Working Groups" (DWGs) in Breast, GU, GYN-Onc., Lung, GI and CNS cancers to establish a Protocol Review & Monitoring System (PRMS) with the objective of aligning our clinical trials with our patient population; (9) Initiation of a monthly “Investigator Education Workshop” (IEW) to educate our faculty on the conduct of investigator initiated CT and pharma sponsored CT; (10) Initiation of a "Top Enrolling Ceremony" to honor the top enrollers to clinical trials. Results: The analysis of our CT portfolio revealed that in both December 2020 and May 2021, more than half [i.e., 52% (n = 17/33 and n = 13/25, respectively] of our CT had never enrolled a patient in the lifetime of the protocol. Since the implementation of the PRMS in late 2021, we have observed a continual decrease in the status of those clinical trials with “never” any enrollments from a historical average of 52% to 34% in January 2022, to 32% in January 2023 and to 28% in October 2023, p = 0.0173. In addition, implementation of the PRMS also had an immediate significant impact such that only 53% of all of the protocols reviewed by the Protocol Review and Monitoring Committee were approved in 2021 vs. a historical average of 75% from 2018 - 2020. Moreover, between 2021 and 2023, an average total of 82 patients were enrolled to interventional oncology clinical trials vs. the historical average of 42 patients per year from 2016- 2020, representing an overall increase of 95% p = 0.0004. Conclusions: The development and establishment of the PRMS within the last 3 years has had a very positive impact on our clinical trial enterprise at the EFCC by reducing active clinical trials that are not suitable for our patient population and significantly increasing our enrollment to interventional oncology clinical trials. For 2024, we will continue our implementation of the PRMS at the EFCC.

Climate Change and Cultural Heritage: A Global Mapping of the UNESCO Thematic Indicators in Conjunction with Advanced Technologies for Cultural Sustainability

This study investigates the relationship between cultural heritage and climate change, assessing the global implementation of advanced technologies in line with UNESCO’s Thematic Indicators for Cultural Sustainability. Few studies have been conducted on this topic; hence, theoretical background examines the keywords related to cultural heritage preservation, conservation, restoration, climate change mitigation, and adaptation, as well as the intersection of culture and climate change. It also analyses the definitions provided by leading global organizations and explores the use of advanced technologies in protecting cultural heritage. The research methodology is based on an analytical method consisting of a bibliometric assessment and a scientometric assessment. The bibliometric and scientometric analyses map occurrences, frequencies, and intercorrelations of these keywords with UNESCO Thematic Indicators and advanced technology utilization. The findings reveal a predominance of conservation-related Thematic Indicators, suggesting a conservative approach to cultural sustainability, particularly for environmental resilience, wealth, and livelihoods. In terms of advanced technologies, laser scanning and photogrammetry are used for both conservation and restoration purposes, while chromatography and virtual tours are mainly applied to conservation and preservation practices. Otherwise, infrared thermography, X-ray imaging, and online platforms are used, respectively, for heritage preservation, restoration, and conservation. On the other hand, ground-penetrating radar and remote sensing exhibit fewer connections to heritage protection. The mapping of culture and climate change also highlights the importance of conservation in responding to changing climate conditions. Climate adaptation is closely linked to both conservation and preservation efforts, highlighting the critical role of cultural heritage in fostering climate resilience.