This article reports the development of an index of culturality in Chile. Fifteen quantitative variables indicative of local cultural development are used to measure the access to cultural opportunities in each Chilean district. This approach was adopted from the theoretical framework of cultural materialism theorized by Marvin Harris in the seventies. Using this framework, a ranking is developed among 164 districts to determine the degree of cultural development exists in each and the variables that are the influential on the enhancement of this indicator. The results showed that the districts of Rancagua, Providencia, La Reina, El Bosque, and Valparaíso have better cultural opportunities based on their material forms, which are mainly driven by obtaining funds for cultural projects, workers’ salaries, civic activity, and public libraries. Based on the results of this ranking, a baseline is proposed to develop it using new data. In addition, recommendations are provided regarding public policies that have promoted cultural development in the communities with unsuccessful results. The article provides significant information for decision makers in Chile and a quantitative method for exploring cultural materialism in specific territories.

Regardless of the importance of accreditation and the role faculty play in a such process, not much attention was given to those in dental colleges This study aimed to explore faculty perceptions of accreditation in the College of Dental Medicine and its impact, the challenges that hinder their involvement in accreditation, and countermeasures to mitigate these barriers using a convergent mixed methods approach. The interviewees were faculty who hold administrative positions (purposeful sample). The remaining faculty were invited for the survey using convenience sampling. Quantitative data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests at 0.05 significance. A consensus was achieved on the positive impact of accreditation with an emphasis on the collective responsibility of faculty for the entire process. Yet their involvement was not duly recognized in teaching load, promotion, and incentives. Quality Improvement and Sustainability Tools and Benchmarking were identified as common themes for the value of accreditation to institutions and faculty. Global ranking and credibility as well as seamless service were key themes for institutional accreditation, while education tools and guidance or unifying tools were central themes for faculty. Regarding the challenges, five themes were recognized: Lack of Resources, Rigorous Process, Communication Lapse, Overwhelming Workload, and Leadership Style and Working Environment. To mitigate these challenges, Providing Enough Resources and Leadership Style and Working Environment were the identified themes. This research endeavors to achieve a better understanding of faculty perceptions to ease a process that requires commitment, resources, and readiness to change.

The present study aimed to delineate subsurface features and identify prospective metallic mineral deposits in the Adıyaman-Besni area, situated within the Southeastern Anatolian Thrust Belt of Turkey. This region, characterized by ophiolitic mélanges and volcanic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits in its geological framework, possesses significant mineralization potential, encompassing copper, lead, and various other sulfide minerals. Utilizing the combined methodologies of Induced Polarization (IP) and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), a comprehensive electrical mapping of the subsurface structures was conducted, revealing that mineralized zones had low resistivity and high chargeability. The findings indicate that the combined use of IP and ERT techniques yields excellent precision in accurately delineating the features of sulfide mineralization and the peripheries of mineral deposits. This study offers fundamental data for the economic assessment of prospective mineral deposits in the Adıyaman-Besni region and underscores the benefits of IP and ERT techniques in subsurface mapping and mineralization delineation investigations. The mineralized zone has low resistivity (< 50 ohm-m) and strong chargeability (> 30 ms), according to geophysical tests. It also offers a methodological framework for subsequent mineral exploration research in analogous geological formations.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of tourist resources, conditions and opportunities of sacral tourism in Kazakhstan using panel data (time series and cross-sectional) regression analysis for a sample of 14 regions of Kazakhstan observed over the period from 2004 to 2022. The article presents an overview of modern methods of assessment of the tourist and recreational potential of sacral tourism, as used by national and foreign scientific works. The main focus is on the method of estimating the size and effectiveness of the tourist potential, which reflects the realization and volume of tourist resources and their potential. The overall results show a significant positive effect in that the strongest impact on the increase in the number of tourist residents is the proposed infrastructure and the readiness of regions to receive tourists qualitatively. This study is expected to be of value to firm managers, investors, researchers, and regulators in decision- making at different levels of government.

The rapid shift to online learning during COVID-19 posed challenges for students. This investigation explored these hurdles and suggested effective solutions using mixed methods. By combining a literature review, interviews, surveys, and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), the study identified five key challenges: lack of practical experience, disruptions in learning environments, condensed assessments, technology and financial constraints, and health and mental well-being concerns. Notably, it found differences in priorities among students across academic years. Freshmen struggled with the absence of hands-on courses, sophomores with workload demands, and upperclassmen with mental health challenges. The research also discussed preferred strategies for resolution, emphasizing independent learning methods, managing distractions, and adjusting assessments. By providing tailored insights, this study aimed to enhance online learning. Governments and universities should support practical work, prioritize student well-being, improve digital infrastructure, adapt assessments, foster innovation, and ensure resilience.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have gained spotlighted attention in the recent past and has experienced exponential advancements. This research focuses on UAV-based data acquisition and processing to generate highly accurate outputs pertaining to orthomosaic imagery, elevation, surface and terrain models. The study addresses the challenges inherent in the generation and analysis of orthomosaic images, particularly the critical need for correction and enhancement to ensure precise application in fields like detailed mapping and continuous monitoring. To achieve superior image quality and precision, the study applies advanced image processing techniques encompassing Fuzzy Logic and edge-detection techniques. The study emphasizes on the necessity of an approach for countering the loss of information while mapping the UAV deliverables. By offering insights into both the challenges and solutions related to orthomosaic image processing, this research lays the groundwork for future applications that promise to further increase the efficiency and effectiveness of UAV-based methods in geomatics, as well as in broader fields such as engineering and environmental management.