Search Results (323)

Music plays an increasingly vital role in modern society, becoming a fundamental part of everyday life. Beyond entertainment, it contributes to emotional well-being by helping individuals express their feelings, process emotions, and find comfort during different life moments. This study explores the emotional impact of Ed Sheeran’s lyrics and Sia’s lyrics on listeners. Using an exploratory approach, it applies a text mining tool to extract data, identify key dimensions, and compare thematic elements across both artists’ work. The analysis reveals distinct emotional patterns and thematic contrasts, offering insight into how their lyrics resonate with audiences on a deeper level. These findings enhance our understanding of the emotional power of contemporary music and highlight how lyrical content can shape listeners’ emotional experiences. Moreover, the study demonstrates the value of text mining as a method for examining popular music, providing a new lens through which to explore the connection between music and emotion. Full article

The permanent historical-pharmaceutical collection at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville (Spain), offers visitors a vivid impression of what an apothecary’s shop looked like around the turn of the 19th to the 20th century. In that era, pharmacists manually prepared medicines and stored raw materials in various ceramic containers, including jars, oil cruets, burnias, and albarelos. Each year, the museum receives new donations, such as a recent set of pharmacy jars from a private collection. Most of these are albarelos, with one dating back to the 18th century and others originating from more recent ceramic workshops. During transport from Murcia to Seville, the 18th-century albarelo was accidentally broken. To preserve its historical and artistic value, we commissioned a master potter to restore the piece. Thanks to this intervention, the albarelo is now part of the museum’s exhibition and can be appreciated by students and visitors interested in cultural heritage beyond the pharmaceutical field. Full article

Religion has played a significant role in shaping social cohesion by providing stability and support that transcends the human capacity to resolve individual desires, aspirations, and concerns while contributing to national identity and unity. Religion has also become an inseparable element of human history, and the human desire to embody religious imagery has been with human history. Art has historically visualized the complex and subtle relationship between humans and religion directly and profoundly. In this way, religious works have provided a lens for examining how religious ideas permeate everyday life and influence cultural practices. This study explores how Buddhist philosophy and esthetics have influenced and coexisted in contemporary Korean artistic expression to emphasize the rich intersections between Buddhism and modern and contemporary Korean artworks. The concept of consilience, which refers to the integration of knowledge across diverse domains, aims to explain how Buddhist thought has transcended human conflict and promoted harmonious coexistence within Korean visual culture. The dynamic interplay between traditional Buddhist values and contemporary visual practices produces a rich cultural synthesis that highlights the importance of preserving Korea’s artistic heritage and expands and fosters the development of global visual culture today. Full article

The protection and dissemination of cultural heritage in the digital age are confronted with dual problems of fragmented cultural narratives and insufficient public participation, which have now become a major bottleneck in realizing the value of cultural heritage. The rise of artificial intelligence technology nowadays offers an unprecedented opportunity to address this challenge. This study proposes a framework that combines artificial intelligence to tackle this issue, using the UNESCO World Heritage site, Kaiping Diaolou, as a case study. The methodology integrates AIGC tools such as Stable Diffusion and GPT-4 with traditional 3D modeling and digital twin technologies, aiming to go beyond traditional “photorealistic” replication by creating ink-wash stylized models with cultural resonance and artistic expressiveness, while providing immersive gamified experiences in virtual and augmented reality environments. A mixed-methods evaluation combining ratings from 6 experts and surveys from 122 participants confirms that the framework significantly improves work efficiency—modeling time is reduced from several hours to an average of 48 min, with a 60% increase in efficiency. More importantly, the gamified narrative generated by AI received a high engagement score of 4.2 (out of 5.0) among the 18 to 25 age group. The study also reveals a significant digital divide: users over 36 years old rated usability 35% lower than younger participants. The framework effectively lowers the technological threshold, allowing non-expert users to meet 70% of usability standards after brief training. This study ultimately validates an innovative framework that combines scalability and efficiency, offering an empirically tested practical solution for the deep, sustainable revitalization and public engagement of cultural heritage. Full article

Accelerated artificial aging of zinc oxide (ZnO)-based acrylic artists’ paint, filled with calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) as an extender, was carried out for a total of 1963 h (~8 × 10⁷ lux·h), with assessments at specific intervals. The total color difference ΔE* was <2 (CIELab-76 system) over 1725 h of aging, while the human eye notices color change at ΔE* > 2. Oxidative degradation of organic components in the paint to form volatile products was revealed by attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, micro-Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). It appears that deep oxidation of organic intermediates and volatilization of organic matter may be responsible for the relatively small value of ΔE* color difference during aging of the samples. To elucidate the degradation pathways, principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to the spectral data, revealing: (1) the catalytic role of ZnO in accelerating photodegradation, (2) the Kolbe photoreaction, (3) the decomposition of the binder to form volatile degradation products, and (4) the relative photoinactivity of CaCO₃ compared with ZnO, showing slower degradation in areas with a higher CaCO₃ content compared with those dominated by ZnO. These results provide fundamental insights into formulation-specific degradation processes, offering practical guidance for the development of more durable artist paints and conservation strategies for acrylic artworks. Full article

Historic and cultural towns in China are crucial carriers of vernacular heritage, yet many unlisted historic buildings remain highly vulnerable to urbanization and fragmented governance. This study takes Xiangzhu Town in Zhejiang Province as a case study and develops a multidimensional evaluation framework—integrating value, morphology, and risk—to identify conservation priorities and guide adaptive reuse. The results highlight three key findings: (1) a spatial pattern of “core preservation and peripheral renewal,” with historical and artistic values concentrated in the core, scientific value declining outward, and functional diversity emerging at the periphery; (2) a morphological structure characterized by “macro-coherence and micro-diversity,” as revealed by balanced global connectivity and localized hotspots in space syntax analysis; and (3) differentiated building risks, where most assets are low to medium risk, but some high-value ancestral halls show accelerated deterioration requiring urgent action. Based on these insights, a collaborative framework of “graded management–classified guidance–zoned response” is proposed to align systematic restoration with community-driven revitalization. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the value–morphology–risk approach for small historic towns, offering a replicable tool for differentiated heritage conservation and sustainable urban–rural transition. Full article

This article aims to critically engage with the capability approach by exploring its potential contributions to social work practice, specifically social work focusing on reducing child poverty. In high-income countries, an estimated 69 million children are either living in poverty or at risk of poverty. Despite its comprehensive social welfare system, Switzerland is no exception. This contribution is based on empirical research conducted between 2021 and 2025 in Switzerland with children and young people (CYP). The results of this participatory and artistic research not only demonstrate the value of considering the experiential knowledge of CYP affected by poverty in the context of social intervention, but also the importance of the participation of this social work audience in fostering professional and institutional practices along with promoting fairer, more inclusive and transformative public policies. This research precisely identifies how social work practice could support CYP’s evolving capabilities by applying the capability approach within social services. Specifically, it focuses on capabilities for voice and to aspire, as well as their progression vis-à-vis the transformation of social practice, which could be observed through the participation implemented as a foundational principle of action in social work practice. Full article

In recent decades, the European policy on material cultural heritage (MCH) has shifted from a primary focus on preserving heritage elements to emphasizing the value that can be derived from them. This trend has led to an interest in quantifying the impact of cultural heritage on economic activity. However, determining the magnitude of this impact is not feasible without first defining the range of activities included in the MCH sector. This article reports the findings of a study to delineate the MCH sector. Combining a tight alignment with economic statistics categories and explicit endorsements from sector experts, the novelty of this delineation lies in the systematic application of the principle of exhaustiveness—recognizing all activities related to MCH regardless of their artistic, historical, or cultural content—while its practicality is ensured by mapping directly onto the categories used to compile European official statistics. Finally, characterizing the activities that constitute the MCH sector is not merely a conceptual exercise, it has direct practical implications, providing the indispensable basis for rigorous sectoral accounting consistent with national accounts standards. Full article

Leopold Blaschka (1822–1895) and his son Rudolf (1857–1939) created scientifically accurate glass models of marine invertebrates that reshaped natural history education in the 19th century. Their work overcame the limitations of traditional preservation techniques, allowing for detailed and lifelike representations of soft-bodied sea creatures and botanic species. Today, their models are preserved in prestigious collections worldwide. This paper examines not only the historical and artistic significance of the Blaschka models but also presents the findings of recent material analyses, including computed tomography (CT), scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDS), visible ultraviolet fluorescence (UVF), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The multi-analytical approach allowed for the characterization of the chemical composition of the glass and adhesives used, shedding light on the Blaschkas’ unique manufacturing processes and material choices. Data from this study demonstrate how the combination of a multi-analytical approach with knowledge of historical glassmaking practices can provide a solid foundation for both conservation efforts and further academic investigation into these composite objects. The study underscores the models’ value not only as artistic masterpieces but also as technological artifacts, offering insights into 19th-century scientific craftsmanship at the intersection of art and biology. Furthermore, the study presents a conservation intervention based on scientific evidence and a skilfully tailored solution, chosen piece-by-piece, part-by-part of the intricate glass models. Full article

This essay argues that female representations at Qusayr Amra reflect a deliberate adaptation of pre-Islamic artistic traditions, expressing evolving Umayyad ideas of beauty, gender, and hierarchy. By analyzing the interplay between visual imagery and written texts, including the Qur’an, it reevaluates the significance of female figures and the representational choices made in 8th-century Umayyad palaces in Bilad al-Sham. Drawing on scholars such as Garth Fowden and Nadia Ali, and informed by contemporary gender studies, this essay foregrounds how artistic choices regarding female imagery negotiate social ideals of belief, gender, and power. The analysis begins by examining the development of figurative imagery in early Islam and its cultural context. It then offers a close reading of a key fresco challenging assumptions about modesty and figural representation. Through comparative analysis with another Umayyad site, this study highlights the complexities and meanings of female depictions, revealing diverse interpretations across contexts. While Patron Walid II was not the sole author of these choices, his patronage was crucial in enabling a bold engagement with Islamic visual culture. In doing so, this essay offers new insights into the complexities of early Islamic visual culture and its negotiation of social values. Full article

This scoping review examines how art has been used as an educational and awareness-raising strategy against particulate matter (PM) pollution. PRISMA-ScR guidelines and the SPIDER framework were applied to structure a search of the Scopus and ScienceDirect databases, identifying 19 studies exploring diverse forms of artistic expression linked to environmental awareness. The documented interventions include immersive installations, participatory theater, murals, music, photography, eco-art design, poetry, and self-published publications (zines), encompassing experiences in urban contexts in Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. These artistic practices were aimed at diverse audiences—from vulnerable communities and schoolchildren to citizens in public spaces—and acted as mediators between scientific knowledge and social perceptions of environmental risk. The results show that art enhances ecological literacy, stimulates citizen participation, and contributes to the construction of effective and collective responses to the invisible effects of PM. This review highlights the value of art as a channel for integrating knowledge, generating critical awareness, and supporting innovative educational strategies in the face of complex environmental challenges. Full article

The Chu-style lacquerware (CSL) dataset is a digital resource specifically developed for the digital preservation and inheritance of Chu-style lacquerware, which constitutes an important component of global intangible handicraft heritage. The dataset systematically integrates on-site photographic images from the Hubei Provincial Museum and official digital resources from the same institution, comprising 582 high-resolution images of Chu-style lacquerware, 72 videos of artifacts, and 37 images of traditional Chinese patterns. It comprehensively demonstrates the artistic characteristics of Chu-style lacquerware and provides support for academic research and cultural dissemination. The construction process of the dataset includes data screening, image standardization, Photoshop-based editing and adjustment, image inpainting, and image annotation. Based on this dataset, this study employs the Low-Rank Adaptation (LoRA) technique to train three core models and five style models, and systematically verifies the usability of the CSL dataset from five aspects. Experimental results show that the CSL dataset not only improves the accuracy and detail restoration of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated images of Chu-style lacquerware, but also optimizes the generative effect of innovative patterns, thereby validating its application value. This study represents the first dedicated dataset developed for AI generative models of Chu-style lacquerware. It not only provides a new technological pathway for the digital preservation and inheritance of cultural heritage, but also supports interdisciplinary research in archeology, art history, and cultural communication, highlighting the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration in safeguarding and transmitting Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). Full article

Industrial solid waste fly ash has been widely applied in various fields as a resource for waste repurposing. The use of fly ash can significantly reduce production costs and at the same time reduce environmental pollution to achieve sustainability. This study explores the feasibility of using fly ash as a raw material to formulate high-temperature ceramic glazes, examining the composition, surface phases, and texture patterns of the resultant glazes. This study systematically assesses the impact of formulation modifications on glazing qualities by XRF, XRD, and SEM testing methods. The results show that 1. in high-temperature glazes, the element that determines the degree of transparency in the surface phase is the Ti content; 2. Zinc and Ferrum are important factors that can fine-tune the color shade and crystal mention; and 3. controlling the fly ash content in the glaze can change its color and texture. The novelty of this paper lies in utilizing fly ash to create high-performance, high-value-added ceramic products that feature unique aesthetics and artistic effects. In the future, we can investigate the influence of fly ash on glaze coloration, and the formation of different texture effects, as well as achieve specific color mixing. Full article

Rio Grande do Sul accounts for 22% of Brazil’s losses from extreme events, mainly droughts and floods. The state had the second-worst economic performance in the country between 2000 and 2022. This study quantifies the impacts of major events such as droughts, floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic on economic sectors. Three methods were applied: structural breaks, recovery time, and sector-specific loss estimates. The analysis covers 15,365,123 observations of monthly invoice values from January 2017 to April 2025, involving 357,001 companies paying value-added tax on consumption. The results indicate that negative structural breaks occurred in a few sectors, which account for 5% of the state’s economy. The recovery time followed a similar trajectory between droughts and COVID-19. On average, sectors took 12 months to recover from COVID-19, compared with about 6 months for natural hazards. The sectors most impacted were travel, artistic activities, machinery and equipment industry, accommodation, and domestic services. Aggregated loss estimates were highest during the COVID-19 pandemic (−8%), followed by floods (−1%) and droughts (0%). The results indicate remarkable overall short-run economic resilience. Furthermore, sectors such as information technology, consulting, business services, and healthcare performed exceptionally well. Full article

With their rich historical, artistic, and scientific value, bronze artefacts form a significant part of our cultural heritage. These items, often found in museums around the world, offer a glimpse into past civilizations and their technological advancements. However, due to their prolonged burial and subsequent exposure to varying environmental conditions, these artefacts are prone to corrosion, necessitating meticulous preservation efforts. This review discusses the cultural significance and preservation challenges of bronze artefacts, which are emblematic of human civilization’s progression. This text highlights the historical and artistic value of ancient bronze artefacts, especially those from China, underscoring their intricate casting techniques and aesthetic richness. Despite their cultural importance, these bronze artefacts confront severe preservation issues, particularly the pervasive threat of corrosion, commonly referred to as “bronze disease”. This text also reviews the complex interplay between alloy composition, microstructure, and environmental factors that influence corrosion mechanisms. It requires an enhanced understanding of these factors to develop effective preservation strategies. This paper also emphasizes the need for innovative, eco-friendly technologies to prevent further degradation while maintaining the integrity of these precious artefacts. The applications of corrosion inhibitions, organic/inorganic coatings, as well as the newly developed strategies like the photo-induced passivation technique, 3D scanning and 3D printing techniques, and holographic projection/real and virtual technique for the direct or indirect protection and cultural transmission of the bronze artefacts were also introduced. This review concludes by underscoring the urgency of these research and development efforts to safeguard our cultural heritage for future generations. Full article