Modeling the Size of Protection Zones of Cultural Heritage Sites Based on Factors of the Historical and Cultural Assessment of Lands

This article addresses the global issue of preserving cultural heritage, which is associated, among other things, with the lack of provision for boundaries of protection zones for cultural heritage sites. This paper analyzes the worldwide experience in the field of establishing protection zones for cultural heritage sites, identifies the issues of preserving cultural heritage in Russia, as well as imperfections in the management of lands containing cultural heritage sites. To improve the management of such lands, a method of historical and cultural assessment of territories has been developed, which, on the basis of evaluative factors, makes it possible to characterize the historical and cultural value of a territory. In this article, based on this list of factors, a method for mathematical substantiation of the boundaries of protection zones of cultural heritage sites has been developed; this method includes seven stages. Using mathematical and statistical methods, models were obtained to determine the area of the protection (buffer) zone and the development control zone, the analysis of which revealed differentiation between the factors of historical and cultural assessment that characterize the urban environment, depending on the type of zones. The interpretation of the obtained models and the fields of their use are given.

What makes you "Ew"? Cross-national differences in disgust sensitivity

Disgust, as an emotional reaction to aversive stimuli, is thought to be universal; however, specific triggers of disgust may differ across cultures. Even though this has been acknowledged in previous studies, very little research has focused on measurement issues in cross-cultural assessment of disgust. The present study aimed to evaluate measurement equivalence of the three-domain disgust scale in a sample of US Americans and Indians. Specifically, confirmatory factor analysis, for the overall sample, as well as a subsample of Indians and Americans are reported. Next, a multi-group CFA and measurement invariance are tested, along with the size of non-equivalence. Scalar invariance was not found, implying that means cannot be compared across the two countries. However, the scale showed adequate fit in the Indian context, suggesting that it can be used to assess trait disgust sensitivity in India. Finally, item-level differences are noted, and explained via differences in cultural and legal norms.

Hydromorphological and socio-cultural assessment of urban rivers to promote nature-based solutions in Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic

In Latin America and the Caribbean, river restoration projects are increasing, but many lack strategic planning and monitoring. We tested the applicability of a rapid visual social–ecological stream assessment method for restoration planning, complemented by a citizen survey on perceptions and uses of blue and green infrastructure. We applied the method at three urban streams in Jarabacoa (Dominican Republic) to identify and prioritize preferred areas for nature-based solutions. The method provides spatially explicit information for strategic river restoration planning, and its efficiency makes it suitable for use in data-poor contexts. It identifies well-preserved, moderately altered, and critically impaired areas regarding their hydromorphological and socio-cultural conditions, as well as demands on green and blue infrastructure. The transferability of the method can be improved by defining reference states for assessing the hydromorphology of tropical rivers, refining socio-cultural parameters to better address river services and widespread urban challenges, and balancing trade-offs between ecological and social restoration goals.

Rethinking Race, Ethnicity, and the Assessment of Intercultural Competence in Higher Education

This qualitative study aims to explore the limitations of using a cultural assessment tool in higher education with the goal of preparing students to thrive in a highly demanding, diverse, and global community. Colleges and universities are potentially important sites of cross-cultural and cross-racial engagement and socialization, and cultural competence is arguably one of the critical skills that many higher education institutions are embracing to prepare students for our diverse, but increasingly polarized, global society. In particular, this study discusses the use of the intercultural development inventory (IDI), a cultural assessment tool that has not been validated in the U.S. for racial, ethnic, or social class differences, and which leaves out the role of structural inequalities in intercultural relationships. Findings reveal that interview data from black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) did not align with their IDI results and that the tool dismisses the complex experiences of BIPOC students. These findings jeopardize the tool’s purpose and validity. Finally, this study reveals the importance of educating students about structural competence to improve empathy and understanding of a diverse student body.

Facebook Data as Part of Cultural Heritage Investments Toolbox: Pilot Analysis of Users Interests and Preferences Concerning Adaptive Reuse

The growing popularity of social media data brings questions about its accuracy and usefulness for a wide array of cultural heritage projects, often lacking data sources crucial for better planning and implementation. In this paper, we are studying the opportunities offered by the freely available Facebook Ads Manager data on target group sizes in different locations. We conducted a small experiment and a pilot survey to verify if Facebook data concerning its users’ interests is accurate and could be used to facilitate the implementation of projects in the field of adaptive reuse. Despite all discovered limitations of this approach, we point out how Facebook data, along with other social media outlets, can be used to extract some strategic information and add to the socio-cultural assessment toolbox. As such, this type of data could be of use to local leaders planning activities and investments around cultural heritage sites. We also posit that such data can facilitate benefit transfer between cities through better understanding of local preferences and values-orientations.

Textual analysis of online reviews as a lens for cross-cultural assessment

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to call researchers’ attention to cross-cultural research using online consumer reviews and multilingual textual analysis. Design/methodology/approach The authors discuss a selected literature review and the highlight of the four studies that show cross-cultural differences in online reviews on ethnic restaurants. Findings Applying multilingual textual analysis could prompt new venues to verify and expand future cross-cultural research in tourism and hospitality. Originality/value The paper introduces examples of multilingual textual analysis used for cross-cultural studies.