Search Results (11,826)

This article examines the question of under what conditions justice-learning in German-language Christian religious education (CRE), and thus in religious instruction (CRI)—both as content and as form—can live up to its normative self-image as a language school of freedom. The thesis pursued here is that this requires a self-enlightened approach to justice that critically receives the analytical power of postcolonial theories, but resists their epistemological relativism and remains anchored in the biblical heritage of God’s universal and at the same time preferential justice. After exploring the philosophical and theological heritage of reflections on justice and the resulting aporias in the theory and practice of CRE, postcolonial theories are examined in terms of their potential and their own theoretical limitations. This makes it possible to outline orientations for a self-enlightened, difference-sensitive, and at the same time universally-oriented reflection on justice that productively integrates postcolonial insights without abandoning the constitutive subject-orientation of CRE. Full article

In 2021, Quanzhou, China, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Using the Motivation–Opportunity–Ability (MOA) theoretical framework, this study examines how motivation, opportunity, and ability factors influence community participation (CP) in conserving and developing tourist attractions. Quanzhou's World Heritage Site (WHS) was chosen as the case study, while Social Media Involvement (SMI) was selected as a moderator for this analysis. Through PLS-SEM, a total of 405 valid responses were examined and evaluated. The findings show that based on the MOA framework, Motivation Positive Perceptions (MPP), Opportunity (OPP), Awareness (AAW), and Knowledge (AKN) have significant positive effects on CP, whereas Motivation Negative Perceptions (MNP) exert a significant negative effect on CP and Motivation Interest (MINT) does not achieve statistical significance. Additionally, all motivation, opportunity, and ability factors have significant positive moderating relationships with CP through SMI. Hence, this study confirms that the MOA framework is applicable to the context of Chinese World Heritage Sites; it extends the current understanding of how social media can play a role in the governance of cultural heritage (CH). Thus, this study provides both a theoretical basis and practical considerations for CP in the sustainable conservation and tourism development of WHSs. Full article

It is difficult to capture the realities of the illicit antiquities market because of the lack of accessible, unsiloed data from underground trade networks. Despite existing literature on social network analyses and machine-learning experiments with antiquities data, there is a gap in simple open-source methodologies accessible to the non-academic public. By using a provenance-based analysis, we present a case study of the Italian antiquities trafficking networks that more fully captures their complexity. This study culls provenance data from repatriated antiquities gathered in the Museum of Looted Antiquities’ dataset to create a network visualization for analysis. Using open-source provenance and repatriation data from 1950 to July 2025, we built a dataset of 233 repatriation events with 15.858 objects to produce a network that reveals central actors, roles, and locations while staying within ethical privacy limits. This study captures large portions of the trafficking network by using accessible data and produces a reproducible, ethically framed workflow. Full article

Iron Age settlements in the Salento peninsula (Southern Italy, 8th–6th century BC) underwent fundamental transformations in social organization, marked by the emergence of local elites through trade development and intense contacts with the Greek world. This study examines organic residue assemblages from 99 ceramic sherds from one key Iron Age site to clarify the role of locally produced ceramics—both coarse ware containers and Japigian matt-painted vessels—in commensal and beverage production practices. Chromatographic analyses identified a wide variety of animal and plant by-products, including fats, oils, waxes, and resin compounds. Integrated phytolith and starch analysis revealed evidence consistent with fermentation processes, particularly through the identification of fungal remains and damaged starch granules suggesting brewing activities in a subset of vessels. Matt-painted pottery forms—characterized by conical rims, funnel-shaped necks, bowls, and jugs—show distinctive use-alteration patterns and residue profiles associated with fermented beverage consumption and preparation in approximately 26% of the analyzed assemblage. Integrating organic residue analysis, experimental archaeology, and microfossil investigation suggests the central role of locally produced pottery in Iron Age commensal activities and status display, though alternative interpretations for some biomarker profiles cannot be excluded. This multiproxy approach demonstrates functional differentiation and consumption practices, refining interpretations of vessel use and providing new insights into food economies and social life during the Iron Age in southern Italy. Full article

The management of large and heterogeneous building stocks requires decision-support tools capable of prioritising interventions under limited technical and financial resources. In this framework, the role of structural deterioration is rarely integrated within a unified prioritisation framework. This study proposes a rapid deterioration-based assessment for prioritising maintenance within heterogenous portfolios. The assessment is articulated into two levels. A Project Level (PL) is based on visual inspections and component-level condition ratings, while a Network Level (NL) introduces contextual and functional modifiers related to the relevance of each structural unit within the building stock. A seismic assessment procedure is integrated in proposed decision-making system for optimising intervention planning. The two assessments are integrated through a decision-tree logic providing an overall classification of buildings within portfolios. The proposed framework is applied to an industrial-oriented building stock located in Italy, comprising 79 structural units characterised by significant typological heterogeneity, including masonry, reinforced concrete, precast reinforced concrete, and steel buildings. The application illustrates the internal consistency of the proposed framework and its ability to support a transparent and articulated prioritisation process for maintenance and risk mitigation within heterogeneous building portfolios. Further applications to different building stocks are required to explore the general applicability of the methodology. Full article

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is among the most prevalent chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases in children. Over the past two decades, the treatment landscape has evolved significantly with the introduction of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and the adoption of treat-to-target strategies aimed at achieving clinically inactive disease. Early initiation of biologic therapies can facilitate rapid disease control and improve long-term outcomes. However, the implementation and integration of newer treatments within the current healthcare system are often hindered by insurance authorization requirements, high costs, and variability in clinical practice. This review evaluates current evidence-based approaches supporting the treat-to-target strategy and early biologic intervention in polyarticular JIA. Additionally, it discusses the practical challenges of translating evidence into routine clinical care and proposes sustainable strategies to optimize treatment outcomes while addressing existing knowledge and practice gaps. Full article

This research examines the potential of Battlefield Tourism as a strategic tool for rural development, focusing on the cultural heritage of Extremadura, Spain. Given the specific nature of the regional tourism offer, this paper is presented as a case study to analyze how military historical resources can be integrated into sustainable tourism models. The study employs a mixed-methodology approach, combining a quantitative cross-sectional survey with complementary qualitative analysis of open-ended responses. A sample of 149 municipal managers was analyzed to evaluate their institutional perceptions of military cultural tourism and its potential integration into regional strategic initiatives. Results, supported by χ² tests and Cronbach’s α reliability analysis, suggest that the use of specific terminology associated with cultural heritage, rather than ‘war’ or ‘dark’ tourism, is perceived by local stakeholders as more socially and politically acceptable for rural development plans. Given the sample size and self-selection bias, these perception-based findings highlight the importance of terminological sensitivity for local leaders exploring new tourism offerings. The study concludes that, from an institutional standpoint, framing Battlefield Tourism through professional heritage protocols may facilitate its acceptance as a potential tool for economic diversification in inland destinations facing challenges of depopulation. Full article

With the increasing importance of cultural consumption and the sustainable revitalization of intangible cultural heritage (ICH), visual communication has become a key mechanism for translating cultural meanings into contemporary branding contexts. This study develops a semiotics-informed structural model that integrates semiotic theory with consumer behavior frameworks to explain how cultural visual symbols influence brand preference through cultural cognition and cultural identity. Using Wufangzhai as an empirical case, partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) is applied to survey data from 274 consumers. The results indicate that different visual elements exert differentiated effects on cultural cognition, with color and packaging showing stronger influences, while typography plays a more significant role in shaping cultural identity. Cultural identity is also found to mediate the relationship between cultural cognition and brand preference. These findings contribute to cultural branding research and provide practical insights for the design of ICH visual communication systems. Full article

Subway public spaces have been identified as a vital medium for showcasing urban culture. The design quality of these spaces has been shown to have a profound influence on passengers’ spatial perception and cultural experience. However, amid rapid urbanization, subway stations commonly face issues such as homogeneous spatial interfaces and unclear cultural themes, resulting in diminished station identifiability. This study integrates post-use evaluation with Importance–Performance Analysis (IPA) to establish an assessment and optimization pathway aimed at systematically identifying and prioritizing key design elements for enhancing cultural identifiability. Taking Tianjin Gulou Station as a case study, user feedback collected through questionnaires identified 12 indicators influencing identifiability satisfaction. The reliability and validity of the questionnaire were confirmed through validity analysis and paired-sample t-tests, while IPA was employed to clarify improvement priorities. The results indicate that the overall perceived importance of cultural identifiability at Gulou Station significantly exceeds satisfaction levels. Landmark installations, art walls, and vertical transportation fall within the “high importance-low satisfaction” quadrant, which is identified as a primary area of focus for enhancement. Basic interface elements such as flooring and ceilings require enhancement, while transfer entrances and station name walls constitute advantageous designs warranting preservation. Based on the findings of the present study, three targeted design strategies are proposed: enhancing spatial perception, constructing cultural continuity, and integrating multidimensional experiences. These approaches seek to address the “spatial-cultural” perception gap, providing actionable pathways for the distinctive renewal of subway spaces. Full article

The Hybrid Smart Energy Community (HySEC) model is an integrated framework for optimizing hybrid renewable energy systems, unifying BIM, IoT, and data-driven modeling, as an innovative approach for the energy transition. A Revit—Twinmotion BIM model, enriched with topographic, CAD, and real-image data, enhances spatial accuracy and stakeholder communication, while a digital–physical architecture linking sensors, gateways, edge devices, and cloud platforms enables decentralized peer-to-peer communication and real-time monitoring. The framework is applied to a smart energy community composed of a hydropower–wind–solar PV system serving six buildings (48.8 MWh/year), supported by high-resolution hourly Open-Meteo data. A NARX neural network trained on 8760 hourly observations achieves an MSE of 2.346 at epoch 16, providing advanced predictive capability. Benchmarking against HOMER demonstrates clear advantages in grid exports (15,130 vs. 8274 kWh/year), battery cycling (445 vs. 9181 kWh/year), LCOE (€0.09 vs. €0.180/kWh), IRR (9% vs. 6%), payback (8.7 vs. 10.5 years), and CO₂ emissions (−9.4 vs. 101 tons). These results confirm HySEC as a conceptually flexible solution that strengthens energy autonomy, supports heritage site rehabilitation, and promotes sustainable rural development. Full article

This research investigates the capacity of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to serve as a generative and interpretative framework for revitalizing Al-Qatt Al-Asiri art. By developing sustainable design solutions for temporary exhibitions, the study seeks to reinforce Saudi Arabia’s cultural and touristic identity through a synthesis of heritage and technology. The study adopts a descriptive–analytical and applied methodology to examine the potential of AI to support creative design processes that integrate authenticity and innovation while preserving local heritage and meeting environmental sustainability requirements. Utilizing this descriptive–analytical and applied methodology. the study evaluates the efficacy of AI in augmenting creative design processes. The primary objective is to reconcile cultural authenticity with modern innovation, ensuring the preservation of local heritage while adhering to rigorous environmental sustainability standards. A controlled design experiment was executed for a temporary heritage exhibition, employing AI applications to simulate the complex decorative motifs of Al-Qatt Al-Asiri art. These technologies were used to generate sustainable exhibition units constructed from reusable local materials, bridging the gap between the digital generation and physical sustainability. This study presents a theoretical framework, a review of previous studies, the research methodology, quantitative and qualitative evaluation results, and an expert panel assessment. It involved three expert reviewers who evaluated the proposed design models based on eight sustainability criteria. This study also utilized a structured evaluation tool and AI applications, including ChatGPT-5.2, OpenAI and Gemini 3 Pro—Nano Banana. The results of the exploratory study indicate that the use of AI contributes to achieving a balance between preserving traditional aesthetic identity and promoting sustainable design practices derived from the characteristics of Al-Qatt Al-Asiri art. It also enhances cultural and tourism engagement by integrating AI applications into artistic design processes. The findings also revealed no statistically significant differences among the experts’ evaluations regarding the sustainability criteria of the implemented models. This study recommends integrating AI technologies into art and design education programs at Saudi universities and developing ethical and technical guidelines that ensure the preservation of heritage and cultural identity when applying AI in design practices. Full article

Plasma Enhancement Gases (PEGs) are a set of gaseous elements studied for converting plasma thermal energy and mitigating the heat load on the plasma-facing components of a tokamak fusion power plant. In particular, PEG separation is part of the Plasma Exhaust Processing System of EU-DEMO. This work addresses issues related to the purification of Deuterium-Tritium fusion fuel, introducing ceramic membranes having a low specific area to process and purify unburned streams throughout the fuel cycle. A commercial microporous mono-channel α-Alumina membrane was considered for the evaluation of its efficacy in separating binary mixtures of H₂ with a PEG (Ar and N₂), D₂, or He. Several tests were carried out, feeding equimolar streams of H₂-Ar, H₂-N₂, D₂-Ar, and He-Ar, and the separation factor (SF) of the aforementioned binary mixtures was experimentally assessed. Finally, based on the results from the experimental campaign, the separation factors of several gas mixtures that had not been experimentally investigated were theoretically calculated and proposed. Full article

The successful detection of X-ray polarization from many celestial sources belonging to different classes by the IXPE mission has opened a new window in X-ray astronomy. While an impressive number of scientific topics have already been addressed by IXPE, many of them would benefit from a new class of instrumentation that could be launched on a relatively short time scale. In this contribution, we present the development activities of a focal-plane polarimeter whose goal is to extend the energy range of IXPE up to tens of keV, with better sensitivity and lower background. Our design is based on the use of multilayer mirrors and stacked instrumentation, comprising either a low- or medium-energy imaging photoelectric polarimeter and an active Compton polarimeter. Such an approach relies on hardware with flight heritage and—although still under development for the specific application in X-ray polarimetry—it has the potential to answer compelling scientific questions and to soon become competitive from the point of view of feasibility for space applications. Full article

As artificial intelligence (AI) as a technology becomes ever more pervasive in a wide range of human endeavor, from highly specialized technological and scientific applications to mass-market generative AI ‘consumed’ by the public, the question arises whether, over time, artificial intelligence could become cultural beings and, by extension, could develop a heritage of their own. This paper reopens a 2007 examination of whether future sentient robots, autonomous systems, or AI would possess culture, exercise cultural heritage and what conditions need to be met to reach that point. Based on two ‘conversations’ with two generative AI models, ChatGPT4.5 and DeepSeek R1, that examine the models’ ‘understanding’ of culture and heritage, we explored the various thematic and content connections these models make. This paper demonstrates the conditions, technological, attitudinal and societal that are required to allow for an AI culture to develop. That culture will look very different from that maintained by humans and will be based on very different, currently unknowable, value sets. This paper is novel, as it expands the conceptual framework of how we understand heritage from an anthropocentric perspective to one that includes non-human, ‘artificial’ intelligence now and in the future. Full article

The traditional craft of Buddha statue carving represents an important form of cultural heritage in many Asian societies, yet the transmission of this knowledge is increasingly threatened by modernization and the declining number of skilled artisans. This study explores the use of Virtual Reality (VR) as an innovative tool for preserving and teaching the cultural knowledge associated with Salah Lanna stone Buddha carving. A VR-based learning environment was developed to simulate traditional carving techniques, tools, and cultural narratives related to Lanna Buddhist art. The system was designed using Unity 3D and integrated hand-tracking interaction to enable immersive practice of carving procedures. The prototype was evaluated through expert review involving ten specialists in Buddha carving, art education, and VR technology. The evaluation assessed five dimensions: usability, authenticity, cultural relevance, immersion, and perceived learning potential. Results indicate high levels of expert evaluation results regarding the effectiveness of the system, with average scores of 4.6 for usability, 4.8 for authenticity, 4.7 for cultural relevance, 4.5 for immersion, and 4.9 for perceived learning potential on a five-point scale. The findings suggest that VR technology can provide a promising platform for preserving traditional craftsmanship and supporting immersive cultural learning. By integrating technical training with cultural narratives, the system demonstrates potential for enhancing access to traditional craft education while contributing to the digital preservation of Salah Lanna cultural heritage. Full article