Search Results (134)

This paper seeks to test the explanatory potential of different sociological perspectives in relation to the development of new sport models that reflect the growth of leisure sport participation in urban outdoor places and the decline in traditional practices in associations and clubs. In this regard, this study employs an analytical framework to examine global trends, with a particular focus on the specific context of the municipality of Zaragoza (Spain). With a multi-method approach, a 10-year-period dataset (2009–2019) incorporating sport participation surveys, observational data, and a focus group study is analysed. Three theories are tested: Maffesoli’s neo-tribes; neo-Bourdieuian ideas about urban subcultures; and Elias’s theory of civilizing processes. The results show a congruence between the three theories regarding identity negotiation, commodification, and community sense. However, disparities were found between the three theories, with one or more of them exhibiting an absence of class consciousness that supports subcultural interpretation and distinct notions of change versus continuity of the analyzed phenomena. This paper concludes that recent sports participation trends are best explained with reference to the quest of excitement and using healthism as a dominant ideology or social imperative. Full article

The road construction sector urgently requires environmentally friendly, low-carbon, and high-performance base materials. Traditional materials exhibit issues of high energy consumption and carbon emissions, making it difficult for them to align with sustainable development requirements. While slag- and fly ash-based geopolymers demonstrate promising application potential in civil engineering, research on their application in road-stabilized soils remains insufficient. To address the high energy consumption and carbon emissions associated with conventional road base materials and to fill this research gap, this study investigated the utilization of industrial solid wastes through slag-based geopolymer and fly ash as stabilizers, systematically evaluating the pavement performance of two distinct soil types. Unconfined compressive strength tests and freeze–thaw cycling tests were conducted to elucidate the effects of stabilizer dosage, fly ash co-stabilization, and compaction degree on mechanical properties. The results demonstrated that the compressive strength of both stabilized soils increased significantly with higher slag-based geopolymer content, achieving peak values of 5.2 MPa (soil sample 1) and 4.5 MPa (soil sample 2), representing a 30% improvement over cement-stabilized soils with identical mix proportions. Fly ash co-stabilization exhibited more pronounced reinforcement effects on soil sample 2. At a 98% compaction degree, soil sample 1 maintained a stable 50% strength enhancement, whereas soil sample 2 displayed a dose-dependent exponential strength increase. Freeze–thaw resistance tests revealed the superior performance of soil sample 1, showing a loss of compressive strength (BDR) of 78% with 8% geopolymer stabilization alone, which improved to 90% after fly ash co-stabilization. For soil sample 2, the BDR increased from 64% to 80% through composite stabilization. This study confirms that slag/fly ash-based geopolymer-stabilized soils not only meet the strength requirements for heavy-traffic subbases and light-traffic base courses, but also demonstrates its great potential as a low-carbon and environmentally friendly material to replace traditional road base materials. Full article

Background: Economic logistics in fire and rescue services is a critical determinant of operational readiness, fiscal sustainability, and resilience to large-scale emergencies. Despite its strategic importance, logistics remains under-researched in Central and Eastern European contexts, where legacy governance structures and EU-funded modernization coexist with systemic inefficiencies. This study focuses on the Slovak Fire and Rescue Service (HaZZ) as a case to explore how economic logistics systems can be restructured for greater performance and value. Objective: The objective of this paper was to evaluate the structure, performance, and reform potential of the logistics system supporting HaZZ, with a focus on procurement efficiency, lifecycle costing, digital integration, and alignment with EU civil protection standards. Methods: A mixed-methods design was applied, comprising the following: (1) Institutional analysis of governance, budgeting, and legal mandates based on semi-structured expert interviews with HaZZ and the Ministry of Interior officers (n = 12); (2) comparative benchmarking with Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands; (3) financial analysis of national logistics expenditures (2019–2023) using Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) principles, completed with the visualization of cost trends and procurement price variance through original heat maps and time-series graphs. Results: The key findings are as follows: (1) HaZZ operates a formally centralized but practically fragmented logistics model across 51 district units, lacking national coordination mechanisms and digital infrastructure; (2) Maintenance costs have risen by 42% between 2019 and 2023 despite increasing capital investment due to insufficient lifecycle planning and asset heterogeneity; (3) Price variance for identical equipment categories across regions exceeds 30%, highlighting the inefficiencies in decentralized procurement; (4) Slovakia lacks a national Logistics Information System (LIS), unlike peer countries which have deployed integrated digital platforms (e.g., CELIS in the Czech Republic); (5) Benchmarking reveals high-impact practices in centralized procurement, lifecycle-based contracting, regional logistics hubs, and performance accountability—particularly in Austria and the Netherlands. Impacts: Four high-impact, feasible reforms were proposed: (1) Establishment of a centralized procurement framework; (2) national LIS deployment to unify inventory and asset tracking; (3) adoption of lifecycle-based and performance-based contracting models; (4) development of regional logistics hubs using underutilized infrastructure. This study is among the first to provide an integrated economic and institutional analysis of the Fire and Rescue Service logistics in a post-socialist EU member state. It offers a structured, transferable reform roadmap grounded in comparative evidence and adapted to Slovakia’s hybrid governance model. The research bridges gaps between modernization policy, procurement law, and digital public administration in the context of emergency services. Full article

Historic monument buildings represent, in a three-dimensional form, the expression of civilization, culture, and progress across various historical periods. Restauration works on such structure must achieve a performance level that preserves the value expression of parameters associated with criteria derived from both the historical substance and the requirements for strength and stability. National and international regulations (such as UNESCO conventions) play an essential role in heritage consolidation. These frameworks set standards for conservation practices and promote the importance of protecting historic heritage, which is an expression of cultural identity and community history. The research findings presented in the paper refer to a case study, Costache Conachi Manor, a building classified as a historic monument, located in Galați County, Romania. The investigations concern the processes and methods used to identify the current condition of the building, which includes the structural aspect and the materials used, in order to ensure compatible restoration works while respecting and enhancing originality. Overall, these advanced research techniques not only help to accurately characterize the materials used in the historic Costache Conachi Manor masonry structure but also play a vital role in developing knowledge of restoration and conservation practices. Full article

Cultural Heritage (CH) represents the identity of populations; it is a heritage not only for the culture that produced it, but also for the entire human civilization. Still, preserving it is not an easy task; several factors hinder its preservation, from time and natural disasters to wars and neglect. Science can play a leading role in preserving CH, and among the different techniques available, Electromagnetic (EM) techniques are particularly suitable for this purpose because of their efficacy, safety for both people and materials, and their applicability to artifacts made from different materials and of complex and irregular shapes. Although usually associated with diagnostic applications, EM techniques also have a crucial role in restoration applications thanks to EM radiation treatments for the recovery and consolidation of materials such as wood, paper, parchment, stone, ceramics, and mummies. The state-of-the-art of radiation technologies shows efficacy for the elimination of pests, mold, fungi and bacteria, and for the consolidation of damaged or weakened artifacts. This paper aims to provide a useful tool for a first yet rigorous understanding of the contribution of EM techniques to CH recovery and lifetime extension, also comparing them with traditional methods and highlighting main issues in their application, such as lack of protocols and distrust, and potential risks in their application. Full article

This article traces the strengthening of Muslim movements in Jordan, emphasizing the period that marked the beginning of the regional upheaval (2011). It aims to examine whether and how this strengthening affected religious, national, and political identities. The article examines the interrelationships between the Hashemite regime and the Salafi movements in Jordan during and after the Arab Spring. This examination shows that there was a deterioration, aggravation, and erosion in these relations, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, also an understanding on the part of the regime that despite this the Salafis are interested in taking part in the Jordanian political game. In this discourse between the Salafi movements and the regime, we will also examine whether the movements sought to change the regime’s nature and, thus, the nature of society in Jordan from a Hashemite national identity to a Salafi identity. The article is based on secondary and primary sources that unfold a fascinating picture of dialectics and dialog between the ideological extremes of democracy and Islam. The main findings are that these processes, during and after the Arab Spring, tend to contain religious groups that will also participate in politics, out of recognition of the supremacy of the law of the state, which is not necessarily religious. Full article

The Ukrainian parliament’s 2024 law banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) marks a significant conceptual and strategic recalibration of the Russian Orthodox Church’s (ROC) geopolitical culture. The framework of the “Russian world” project, which asserted a shared civilizational identity between Russia and its Orthodox neighbors, is increasingly untenable amidst the war with Ukraine and splits in the Orthodox world. In response, the ROC has pivoted towards global outreach, notably expanding into Africa. This move aligns with Russia’s broader geopolitical strategy, which frames Russia as a defender of multipolarity and traditional values against Western influence. However, the ROC’s attempt to adopt a global stance and reimagine itself as a universal church, rather than a pillar of the “Russian civilization”, faces ideological and geopolitical challenges, as explored in the paper. Full article

Today, various systems are used to reduce vibrations in civil engineering structures. Among these systems, tuned liquid dampers are the preferred passive systems due to their ability to be designed in different geometries, their low cost, their ease of installation, and their low maintenance costs. This study examines the effectiveness of tuned liquid dampers (TLD) and tuned liquid column dampers (TLCD) under identical geometric conditions and harmonic ground motion to assess which is more efficient in controlling the behavior of a three-storey steel shear frame model equipped with these systems. A small-scale, three-storey shear frame model placed on a uniaxial shaking table was subjected to harmonic motion with a 5 mm amplitude, 1.4 Hz frequency, and 10 cycles. The chosen frequency aligns with the resonance frequency of the undamped building model’s first mode. Both TLD and TLCD tanks, positioned atop the structure, share a geometry of 30 cm in length and 10 cm in width, with variable liquid heights of 5, 10, 15, and 20 cm. Mounting TLD and TLCD models with four different liquid heights on the undamped model resulted in nine distinct setups. In this designed scenario, the TLDs and TLCDs on the undamped shear frame were compared according to liquid heights at rest. To identify the best-performing system based on liquid height, response displacement–frequency graphs were generated for all models within a frequency range of 0.5–2.5 Hz, and damping ratios were calculated using the half-power bandwidth method. Additionally, harmonic ground motion experiments at the resonance frequency compared both acceleration and displacement values over time for damped and undamped models. Peak acceleration and displacement values on each floor were also analyzed. The results highlight which system proves more effective based on damping ratio, acceleration, and displacement values under equivalent conditions. Full article

In Panama, “Generation Y” was identified at the beginning of this millennium, which was two decades after the first reports of such a generation. However, the overall evolution caused by globalization and digital development generated changes at the collective level in society, as is to be expected. This article aims to provide a look at how Panamanians identified as Generation Y or Millennials express their national identity, values, and sense of belonging. This article presents a descriptive approach performed on the responses to a national survey of a sample of 384 people considered Millennials for the project “Panama’s millennials: sense of belonging and national identity in a globalized society”. The main findings show that this generation is very much in favor of equal rights between men, women, immigrants, and disabled persons; they advocate pro-social issues but show differences regarding the protection of the future. The majority of them disagree with civil society organizations, do not identify with the health system, nor do they recognize quality in the education system or state-sponsored employment-generating activities. They also highlighted imbalances in the implementation of justice and the distribution of the country’s wealth. Full article

The renovation and revitalization of vernacular architecture are pivotal in sustainable rural development. In regions like Shangri-La, traditional structures not only safeguard cultural heritage but also provide a foundation for enhancing local communities’ living conditions. However, these villages face growing challenges, including infrastructure decay, cultural erosion, and inadequate adaptation to modern living standards. Addressing these issues requires innovative research approaches that combine heritage preservation with the integration of contemporary functionality. This study employs a research-by-design approach, focusing on the Shanpian House as a case study, to explore how pre-planning and post-evaluation methods can revitalize traditional vernacular architecture. The pre-planning phase utilizes field surveys and archival research to assess spatial, cultural, and environmental conditions, framing a design strategy informed by field theory. In doing so, it evaluates how traditional architectural elements can be preserved while introducing modern construction techniques that meet current living standards. The post-evaluation phase, conducted through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, assesses user satisfaction, focusing on the impact of architectural esthetics, structural stability, and material choices. Key findings from an OLS regression highlight the strong positive correlation between architectural style, structural choices, and cultural relevance with resident satisfaction. The research emphasizes that design elements such as structural details, materials, and infrastructure upgrades are critical in shaping perceptions of both functionality and cultural identity. Interestingly, the model reveals that improving architectural esthetics, alongside modern indoor features such as network connectivity, has a significant impact on enhancing overall resident satisfaction (significance level: 0.181). This study contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable building renovation by demonstrating how traditional architecture can be thoughtfully adapted for contemporary use and also proposes a paradigm shift in the renovation of historic buildings, advocating for a balance between preservation and modernization. The application of sustainable materials, digital modeling, and innovative construction techniques further ensures that these traditional structures meet the demands of modern civilization while maintaining their cultural integrity. Full article

Culture and tourism are crucial for economic growth and sustainable development, working together symbiotically. Culture boosts tourism by supporting heritage, production, and creativity, while cultural heritage, reflecting national identity and traditions, strengthens local economies. This study uses a panel data analysis to examine the impact of cultural factors on international tourist arrivals in 27 EU nations. The Driscoll–Kraay method reveals that UNESCO World Heritage Sites, government cultural expenditures, household recreation and cultural expenditures, real GDP per job, and bed capacity positively influence international tourist numbers. Regarding cultural factors, World Heritage Sites have the most significant influence, with each additional UNESCO site leading to a 0.22% rise in tourist numbers. The most crucial determinant of tourist arrivals is bed capacity, with a one percent increase leading to a 0.66% increase in tourist arrivals. Conversely, healthcare expenditures and political civil liberties have a negative impact on tourist arrivals. This study discusses managerial implications and offers recommendations for future research. Full article

White identity is forged through violence. The moment that whites aspired to be white, they set themselves up for immediate, inevitable failure: they try to inhabit an identity of superiority that cannot exist, and this sets them into a perpetual identity crisis, an existential emergency that threatens who they are and who they think they want to be. The ensuing identity formation—white by force—comprises an entire set of strategies, tactics, institutions, and structures meant to prop up an inherently failure-based identity and to do so through brutality, resentment, anger, contrived fear, and murder. Such an identity impacts everyone, including white people themselves, in devastating ways. In what following article, I will put forward a theoretical model called “White by Force and the Racialized State of Exception”, conceptualizing key aspects of this model to provide an emerging vocabulary for studying, discussing, and dismantling white identity, violence, authoritarianism, racism, and the existential crises that we are all facing. Our discourse around race and racism, since the Civil Rights Era, needs new language from which to diagnose an inherently violent identity formation that ultimately benefits no one, especially not people of color or white people from lower socioeconomic strata. Full article

Israel’s war on Gaza following 7 October 2023 has given birth to several political and social changes in European nations. According to the United Nations Report of the Special Rapporteur, Israel has used this moment to “distort” international humanitarian law principles “in an attempt to legitimize genocidal violence against the Palestinian people.” In the European context, this has led to European Muslims and non-Muslims, including organizations, institutions, as well as individual academics, politicians, and activists mobilizing and voicing their condemnation and demand their governments to do more towards peaceful and equitable solutions. However, this has been met with a strong reaction from European governing bodies. This paper situates this reaction within wider discourses on the European Muslim crisis. It begins with a systematic literature review on the so-called European Muslim crisis, followed by case studies on the United Kingdom and Germany on their respective changes to policies impacting Muslims in the post-October 7 contexa Regarding the literature review, this paper illustrates how this concept has three distinct, yet intersecting meanings: the crisis of European identity; the crisis of foundational ideologies of Europe; and an internal Muslim crisis that often leads to radicalization. Through the British and German case studies, this paper illustrates that October 7 has reinforced and strengthened the shift towards values-based citizenship and integration. This paper argues that through branding pro-Palestine protesters and organizations as extremists in the British context, and adding questions related to antisemitism and Israel in the citizenship tests in the German context, the Israel/Palestine issue has now become yet another yardstick to demarcate the European, civilized “us” vs. the Muslim “other.” In doing so, October 7 has escalated elements already present within the wider discourses of the European Muslim crisis. Full article

Christian slaveholding should not be forgotten or minimized, nor should its mythologies go unchallenged or uncritiqued. This article surveys some of the leading Southern Baptist women slaveholders and mythologizers before and after the U.S. Civil War. It examines sources of SBC hagiography about the Convention foremothers and their persistent apologia for slaveholding. In particular, it discusses how female mythologizers in the antebellum and postbellum eras linked slaveholding, evangelism, and mission identity. It demonstrates how postbellum Southern Baptist women chose to view women slaveholders as moral exemplars for their current missions. It concludes that understanding the myth-making by and about women slaveholders in Southern Baptist patriarchal society is instructive for understanding this group of American Evangelical Protestants in Christian history. Full article

As we experience a sudden leap forward with machine learning models put into the decision-making apparatus of the state, social scientists are putting scrutiny on what actually goes into these datasets. Issues of ethics and representational harms are relevant questions that come up in the present day. Against this background, there has been little work thus far, bringing together various trajectories about the interplay between forms of contemporary citizenship and the politics of migration and diversity. Despite the persistent presence of diversity and migration as constructs that shape social relations in modern society, this gap is notable. Given their importance, it is crucial to continue analyzing these factors. This will contribute to more progressive ways of thinking about the relationship between the individual and the state. In this article, I draw attention to the civil registry identity categorizations in The Netherlands to explore some of the complexities surrounding the relationship between digitization and the often absent dynamics in public policy debates about migration and diversity. Drawing on cultural and political themes, I look at the digital as a language that can offer new perspectives on migration. I suggest that technology and its uses may work to enable the state to address and possibly resolve tensions in policy and practice between the intersection of regimes of rights (legal status) and diversity (forms of social cleavages). Full article