Structuring Research Articles

COMPARISON OF SPATIAL RELATIONS IN MENZIL COMPLEXES ON THE HISTORIC ROUTES OF ANATOLIA

Özet 1: Menzil Complexes had started to be constructed at the crossroads of significant trade routes since the Anatolian Seljuk period. These social structures promoted the growth of cities, facilitated commerce, and ensured safety in the Ottoman period. It is essential to examine the relationships between commercial, accommodation, religious, and educational spaces analytically in the design of the Menzil complexes. The study aims to determine the relationship between the functions in the Menzil complex by Visibility Graph Analysis (VGA) connectivity (connection between spaces) and through vision (movement path) analysis. In this way, the location and importance of the functions in the design of the range complexes established to promote urban development and trade will be determined. Özet 2: The method of the study consists of two steps. In the first step, the space functions and the transitions between spaces were identified. In the second phase, the relation between the spaces that have different functions is investigated with the Visibility Graph Analysis (VGA) connectivity and through vision analysis by DepthMapX 0.8.0. It is seen that there is no clear distinction between plan organizations in terms of region or route, but the primary targets are preserved in terms of spatial organization. Ensuring spatial relationships while protecting the main objectives in different plan organizations shows the development of the architectural planning approach of that period.

The Scenario of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) & Increased Women’s Empowerment in Bangladesh

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) remains a significant issue in Bangladesh, despite the recent strides in women’s empowerment. This study investigates whether the empowerment of women plays a role in reducing IPV, while also examining the influence of a patriarchal social structure on this dynamic. Utilizing qualitative research methods, this analysis draws primarily on secondary data sources, including journal articles, prior studies, news reports, and editorials. Process tracing, a storytelling-based analytical tool, is employed to explore the patterns and relationships involved. The findings suggest that while women's empowerment serves as a mitigating factor in reducing IPV, the entrenched patriarchal nature of male dominance initially triggers resistance to both empowerment and IPV reduction efforts. Nonetheless, the study argues that this resistance can be overcome through concerted efforts, involving government and NGO initiatives that focus on effective law enforcement, supportive policies, and the creation of a safe and respectful environment for women. These collaborative approaches offer promising pathways for addressing IPV in Bangladesh.

Research Progress of Bronze Ware Ornamentation in the Shang Dynasty of China

Bronze ware is an important representative of ancient Chinese culture, and the Shang Dynasty is the peak of China’s bronze casting technology. As an important symbol of ancient culture, the bronze ornaments of Shang Dynasty in China. Deeply reflect the religious belief, social structure and cultural value at that time. Through a systematic literature review of the origin, classification and evolution of the bronze ornament, this paper aims to deepen the understanding of the Shang Dynasty bronzes and their cultural connotation. Among the existing studies, the current research on Shang Dynasty bronze ornament mainly focuses on the categorization of ornament, its relationship with culture and the evolution rules. Specifically, the classification of bronze ornament is diverse and represents the different symbolic meanings. Shang Dynasty bronze ornaments are closely related to religious beliefs and social structures, and evolved over time. In general, these studies have enriched the cultural knowledge of Shang Dynasty bronzes, while some rare ornaments have been understudied and the research methods need to be further innovated. The significance of this study is clear: by examining Shang dynasty bronze ornament, it can increase people’s understanding of ancient Chinese religious culture and feudal social structure, and also contribute to the identification and conservation of modern bronzes. Future research can apply modern scientific and technological tools to further reveal the deeper connotations and historical value of Shang culture.

Around the clock: unveiling giraffe rest-activity rhythms and social dynamics

Understanding the daily activity patterns and social dynamics of giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) is crucial for their management and conservation. In this study, a comprehensive 24-hour observational analysis of three female reticulated giraffes kept for three weeks at the Opel-Zoo in Kronberg, Germany, was conducted. Using infrared-sensitive cameras, the study captured behavioral data across baseline and two intervention phases involving changes in group composition. Social network analysis was performed using the Mantel test to assess changes in social interactions between day and night and across different study periods, while the MRQAP was applied to evaluate the influence of individual subtypes on the social structure. During the day, the giraffes exhibited a high level of activity, primarily engaging in walking, standing, and feeding behaviors. Diurnal resting was minimal, with sporadic lying phases. Night-time behavior was markedly different, with the giraffes spending most of the night lying down, interspersed with periods of feeding. The presence of a male giraffe during one intervention phase significantly altered diurnal activity patterns, increasing standing behaviors and decreasing feeding time. Social interactions, including nearest neighbor preferences, varied across day and night periods and changed with alterations in group composition. The study highlights the complexity of giraffe social dynamics and their adaptation to different social contexts. These findings provide valuable insights into the natural behavioral rhythms and social behaviors of giraffes, which are essential for effective zoo management and conservation strategies.

A study on differences in economic and social structure between education and food production

Education and food are vital commodities, yet their economic and social structures differ greatly. Food production requires private enterprise to maintain financial efficiency, while education relies on the government to maximize social efficiency. This paper examines the rationale behind disparities in the distribution of education and food production sectors through the lens of economic efficiency, accessibility and informed public decision-making. Education has positive externalities, promoting social cohesion by teaching shared values, stabilizing the functioning of society and achieving social and educational equity through the participation of an educated population in democratic processes. Private food production can maintain the ability to minimize costs and maximize product quality through market competition. In addition, private companies are better equipped to take on the significant risks associated with agribusiness. Competition and technological innovation in the food industry have made prices accessible, ensuring that essential nutrients are affordable to low-income and vulnerable groups. Public education can also have a positive impact on food production. Public education promotes the long-term development of the food industry by training relevant agricultural talents to carry out technological innovations related to food production. In addition, educated citizens are more likely to be concerned about food safety and its production process—the demand for food transparency and quality forces food producers to adhere to higher standards and innovate. Thus, rationalizing distribution and interaction between the education and food production sectors results in optimal social outcomes.

National Governance and Economic Transformation in the Digital Economy

The digital economy, as a product of the information age, is reshaping economic and social structures. It is not only a new form of economic development, but also infrastructure and general purpose technology. Digital technologies, such as big data analytics and blockchain, are transforming government decision-making and public services, improving governance efficiency and transparency. At the same time, the digital economy is driving industrial upgrading and transforming the industrial structure to “software-defined and data-driven”, in order to realize sustainable economic growth and social well-being.

From Routine to Crisis: The Impact of COVID‐19 Pandemic on Antibiotic Consumption in Iran

ABSTRACTBackground and AimsThe COVID‐19 pandemic has significantly impacted the healthcare sector, influencing patients, providers, and the overall system. This study evaluates how the pandemic affected antibiotic prescriptions among 44 million Iranians insured by the Social Security Organization (SSO).MethodsIn this quasi‐experimental study, we utilized monthly aggregated data on antibiotic prescriptions per 1000 individuals insured by the SSO. We employed a single‐group interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) over a period of 72 months, from March 20, 2016 to February 19, 2020 for the pre‐pandemic phase, and from February 20, 2020 to March 20, 2022, for the during‐pandemic period. Additionally, we conducted a multiple‐group ITSA to assess the differential impact of the pandemic on antibiotic consumption between the direct (SSO‐owned medical centers) and indirect (other private or public centers contracted by the SSO) sectors.ResultsThe study revealed a 30% reduction in the monthly average antibiotic consumption rate when comparing the during‐pandemic period to pre‐pandemic usage across the total sector. The results from the single‐group ITSA indicated that the mean antibiotic consumption per 1000 individuals at baseline was 1664. Following the onset of the pandemic, there was a significant reduction in antibiotic prescriptions, dropping to 484 per 1000 individuals (p ≤ 0.001) in the first month. However, during the pandemic period, antibiotic prescriptions exhibited insignificant monthly increases, averaging 10.7 per 1000 insured individuals. The multiple‐group ITSA revealed that both sectors experienced a decline in antibiotic prescriptions after the outbreak of COVID‐19. Notably, the indirect sector demonstrated a greater reduction, with a decrease of 187 prescriptions per 1000 insured individuals in the first month following the pandemic's onset.ConclusionsOur study found a significant reduction in antibiotic consumption. Further research is needed to compare antibiotic use between hospitals and outpatient centers, as well as among COVID‐19 and non‐COVID‐19 patients.

Resilient social workers’ perspective on their professional work during the COVID-19 pandemic. An interpretative phenomenological analysis

ABSTRACT This study aimed to an in-depth understanding and meaning making of the resilience processes of resilient social workers providing services during the COVID-19 pandemic, over a period of two years from the outbreak. A sample of 23 resilient social workers covering a range of different social services organisations in Romania participated in three focus groups. The method of interpretative phenomenological analysis has led to a matrix of four themes: resilience process, resilience factors, the meaning of the pandemic, the focus group experience. Findings showed that resilience processes evolved over three phases interpreted through the lenses of Bridges transitions model: firstly (March 2020–May 2020) ‘shock and chaos', secondly (June 2020–February 2021) ‘identifying order in chaos'; thirdly, (March 2021–March 2022) ‘integration and growth’. Findings indicate that individual resilience factors and team factors prevailed over organisational factors, even though supportive leadership and organisational support acted as resilience enhancers. Within a socio-ecological approach, a focus on individual resilience factors and relationships must not distract from the contribution that structural and social policy changes may have on resilience processes. Lessons learned - can contribute to the development of a resilience-informed approach to social work education and practice at both national and European level.

How U.S. Presidential elections strengthen global hate networks

Local or national politics can be a catalyst for potentially dangerous hate speech. But with a third of the world’s population eligible to vote in 2024 elections, we need an understanding of how individual-level hate multiplies up to the collective global scale. We show, based on the most recent U.S. presidential election, that offline events are associated with rapid adaptations of the global online hate universe that strengthens both its network-of-networks structure and the types of hate content that it collectively produces. Approximately 50 million accounts in hate communities are drawn closer to each other and to a broad mainstream of billions. The election triggered new hate content at scale around immigration, ethnicity, and antisemitism that aligns with conspiracy theories about Jewish-led replacement. Telegram acts as a key hardening agent; yet, it is overlooked by U.S. Congressional hearings and new E.U. legislation. Because the hate universe has remained robust since 2020, anti-hate messaging surrounding global events (e.g., upcoming elections or the war in Gaza) should pivot to blending multiple hate types while targeting previously untouched social media structures.

Migration and Agrarian Change in Eastern Hill Region of Nepal

Migration is a fundamental factor of human mobility and civilization through which people largely shift their ways of living to secure better life. The agrarian mode of social stratification dates back to the human civilization that have also been changing across. Among the various sectors, agriculture is considered to be the backbone of developing economy which has been largely influenced by mobility of the people. By considering this fact, the true value of migration lies on the rapid transformation of existing agrarian pattern of most of the economy. The aim of this paper is to analyze the role of migration in agrarian social change in the eastern hill of Nepal. This research paper is primarily based on the secondary data obtained through reviewing different published as well as digital scholarly sources and other official records to obtain the required information. The study reveals that migration is one of the dominant factors of agrarian social change in hill regions of Nepal. Since, agriculture growth is inevitable for better rural livelihood, the gradual diversification of rural livelihood dominantly influenced the agrarian social structure and the development of rural hill regions.

Islamic Education of Civil Society in the Perspective of Sociology

This research aims to explore the role of Islamic religious education in shaping civil society through the perspective of religious sociology. Islamic religious education aims to make humans the caliph on earth and integrate religious teachings with the social system that prevails in society. This study uses a qualitative descriptive method with a literature approach, and data analysis is carried out using the content analysis method. The study results show that Islamic religious education facilitates understanding social concepts because Islam has a social purpose. In addition, the sociological approach plays an important role in understanding the meanings of the Qur'an as it relates to social life. Sociology, from the perspective of religion, is a view of life that is considered important in people's lives and has a close relationship with each other. Religion also plays a role in shaping the social structure of society. In the study of the sociology of religion, the focus is on social phenomena in religious societies, not only on religious teachings themselves. This study concludes that Islamic religious education is important in shaping the character of a civilized and common welfare-oriented society. For further research, it is recommended to conduct an empirical study on implementing Islamic religious education in a multicultural society and its impact on social harmony.

The New Trend of Grassroots Social Governance: The Connotation Extension and Logical Deconstruction of The "three cooperatives" Model

"Community, social organization and social worker" as the key element of "three community linkage" is the latest practice form and theoretical form of grassroots social governance, in the community needs satisfaction, community interest adjustment, community culture cultivation and community strength The cohesion and other aspects have achieved remarkable results. The "three cooperatives" is composed of community "two committees", social organizations and social workers in the main structure, presenting the "state-society-individual" linkage level, which is essentially to build a benign interactive relationship between government and society. In reality, a network matrix structure of "vertical to bottom, up and down interaction, horizontal to side, criss-cross, internal and external integration" has been formed, which finally realizes the structural embedding and functional coupling of various subjects. With the continuous deepening of theory and practice, the connotation of communities, social organizations and social workers should be expanded and extended, and the "linkage" relationship needs to be considered in multiple dimensions. Summarize and summarize the innovative modes and practices of linkage across the country in a timely manner, clarify the dilemmas and difficulties, and on this basis, deconstruct the thinking logic, operation logic and domain logic of the "three cooperatives" mode, and strive to understand and grasp the essential laws of grassroots governance.

Plan for the crisis!

Abstract Background The COVID-19-crisis has posed major challenges for organisations providing care in terms of fulfilling their contracts as well as maintaining their quality standards. This project aimed to analyse the implementation of gender and diversity sensitive crisis preparedness in health and social care organisations in Austria. The innovation of this project lies in the organisational crisis preparation including the interfaces of all organisations and actors involved in the care of a vulnerable person. Methods A comprehensive survey and analysis of existing structures and processes was carried out. A participatory approach was used to develop modular guidelines tailored to different crisis scenarios. This was followed by a detailed process analysis, integration of good practices and the creation of assessment tools for practical evaluation. Staff training and technology needs were identified, followed by an assessment of the applicability of the findings to other social sector organisations. Results This project created guidelines with modular structures that enable preparation for crises and their consequences. Thereby strategies for risk mitigation and good practice examples, e.g. from the COVID-19 pandemic, were developed. A self-assessment of the status of crisis preparation as well as the continuous monitoring with special consideration of the intersectional diversity of the target groups and their vulnerability was developed and made available on the web. Conclusions The project results in guidelines as well as a self-assessment and monitoring tool directly benefiting the participating organisations. Through its transferability to other organisations the project promotes overall crisis resilience and sustainably strengthens the care for vulnerable groups in times of crisis. In addition, solidarity-based help in crisis situations is promoted. The project promotes not only organisational, but also individual as well as macro-social and economic benefits. Key messages • The project developed guidelines for gender and diversity sensitive crisis preparedness for health and social care organisations, including risk mitigation strategies and self-assessment/monitoring. • Crisis preparation must be systematically implemented in health and social care organisations involved in care of vulnerable persons.

Loneliness and Social Isolation: qualitative study among youth in vulnerable situations

Abstract Background Loneliness and social isolation are increasing among young people, particularly those in vulnerable NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) situations, potentially leading to poor health and well-being outcomes. We aim to explore these challenges from the perspective of NEET youngsters and link workers who support them in co-creating individual action plans for their social and economic integration. Methods Data were collected through in-depth and semi-structured interviews with 15 young people in NEET situations, aged 18-34, and 7 link workers from several social organisations in rural and urban areas in Portugal. The young participants were selected based on their age, educational level, mental health needs, and urban/rural regions. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the interviews. Results The results showed a convergence between the perspectives of young people and link workers on the factors that influence social isolation and loneliness, including social and emotional skill deficits, excessive use of social media platforms, and mental health problems. Young people reported to being heavily involved in social media platforms, which often did not translate into meaningful relationships in real life. Youngsters also highlighted the lack of local support and community resources in rural areas. Link workers identified specific challenges young migrants face in community integration, including language barriers (for the youth with a migrant origin) and lack of familiarity with local resources. Conclusions This study highlights social media platforms, mental health and social and emotional skill deficits as main factors contributing to the social isolation and loneliness of young people in a NEET situation. This emphasizes the importance of integrated proximity-based interventions that incorporate community resource mapping and local support networks, including mental health support services, and promote multi-sector collaboration. Key messages • Social media platforms, mental health needs, and social and emotional skill deficits drive social isolation in NEET youth, stressing integrated, community-focused interventions. • Proximity-based strategies with community mapping and mental health support enhance NEET youths’ social integration, urging cross-sector collaboration.

Women's Leadership in the Era of Disruption (Case Study: Women's Leadership in Religious Organizations)

Women as leaders must have an attitude that tends to be full of confidence, have a strong belief in their actions and be able to express their feelings and opinions without hurting their own feelings or the feelings of otherswithout interfering with the rights of others.Talking about women in terms of leadership, the position of women is often compared to the position of men in leadership before the modern era, women were often discriminated against in their position as leaders. However, with the development of the times, in this modern era there have been many women who are able to lead a group or organization. Women's leadership in the era of disruption or the digital era has now penetrated into public organizations, government, social organizations as well as into religious organizations. In this case the author will examine and see the leadership of women in a religious organization. The research method used in this research is descriptive qualitative research by conducting observations and literature studies (library research)

It's not about building houses; it's about building people's power: Conversation with Carmen and Andrea from the Movimiento territorial de Liberación (MTL) Buenos Aires

This conversation offers a look into the practices of the Movimiento Territorial de Liberación (MTL), a political and social organization in Argentina. It highlights the organization’s history, values, and significant projects, such as housing developments and community initiatives. Founded in 1999 after a break from the Argentine Communist Party over ideological differences, the MTL has its roots in Marxist-Leninist thought. Their work include building neighborhoods and developing collective housing for those displaced by neoliberal policies. The MTL’s projects go beyond merely providing shelter; they aim to foster a way of life that embodies their values of self-management, solidarity, and resistance against capitalist exploitation. Carmen, a leader within MTL, shares their journey, the challenges faced, and the ideological foundations of their work. Andrea, another key figure, manages finances and emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in their operations. The conversation also touches on the broader Latin American and global context, situating MTL's struggle within a larger framework of resistance against neoliberalism and imperialism.

Comparative evolution of vernacular settlements among the Cantonese, Teochew, and Hakka ethnic groups in Lingnan

ABSTRACT Cantonese, Teochew, and Hakka are three major ethnic groups in southern China that exhibit distinct characteristics despite their close geographical and cultural ties. This study employs an analysis of historical documents, architectural documentation, interviews, and observations to examine common settlement patterns and unique evolutionary mechanisms. The findings indicate that all three groups commonly feature a “tanghengshi” architectural prototype, rooted in Central Plains cultural heritage. Both Teochew and Hakka communities have consistently preserved this traditional structure. In contrast, Cantonese settlements have transitioned toward a “binglieshi” layout, characterized by the decline of horizontal houses and a reorientation of architectural elements. This study also investigates how large “tanghengshi” residences and smaller “binglieshi” dwellings may mutually transform. These adaptations in settlement form respond to Lingnan’s geographical and climatic conditions, influenced by social organization, Central Plains culture, and external factors. This research significantly advances our understanding of the relationships among the Cantonese, Teochew, and Hakka settlements and provides valuable insights for future restoration efforts.

The indirect costs of motherhood and fatherhood: impacts on income, working hours, and perceived health across 32 European countries

Abstract Background Parenthood may affect men’s and women’s personal lives, professional careers, and well-being differently. In the last decades, structural modifications in gender norms, the labor market, and family-supporting policies have occurred, but with cross-country variations, even within European borders. This study aimed to update the estimates on the impact of parenthood on men’s and women’s income, working hours, and perceived health status, and better comprehend their variation across 32 European countries, using a longitudinal approach. Methods Data from the European Survey on Income and Living Conditions (2004-2020) were used to estimate the income variation and the likelihood of transitioning into a non-income status, less than 40 weekly hours, and less than very good health status, from one year before to one year after parenthood. Estimates were done by sex and country. Pooled effects were estimated using random effects meta-analysis. Results We found a short-term 29% income penalty for women and a 12% income premium for men after parenthood. Seventy percent of women who transitioned their status after motherhood shifted to work less than 40 hours per week while no effect was found for men. Regarding perceived health, no shifts were overall observed. A large cross-country heterogeneity was found. Conclusions Motherhood-related income penalties concurred with losses of employment and reductions of weekly working hours, while among men the income premiums were not necessarily coupled with transitions to employed status or 40 weekly working hours. The cross-country heterogeneity is, probably, multifactorial, depending on countries’ policies, norms, labor market, and social structure.

Social Infrastructure and Organizational Resilience - A Theoretical Model

Abstract Background Considering resilience as a necessity for health care organisations (HCOs), many researchers argue that fluidity is a must and that organisational structures (formal and informal) hinder the adaptability and resilience of health care organisations. Contrary to this statement, my thesis posits that fundamental adaptive processes leading to new equilibria depend on a stable core that persists amidst change, enabling and catalysing these transformations. Methods The phenomenon of resilience within healthcare organisations is examined through the lens of sociological systems theory. Rooted in Talcott Parsons’ assertion that social systems, including healthcare organisations, must perform four basic functions (Adaptation, Goal Achievement, Integration, Latency: AGIL) to survive and function, our research uses the deductive method to derive the necessary structural social components required to cope with external demands. Results The application of the methods yields four complex basic structures rooted in the social structure of healthcare organisations: adaptive structures (flexible structures & resource generating structures), goal achievement structures (governance enabling collective goal setting, decision making and persistence), integrative structures (social capital and social networks) and sustainability structures (socialisation structure, knowledge base, organisational culture). Conclusions As the core of stability, this ‘four-component social infrastructure’ is essential for facilitating higher-order forms of resilience, such as new equilibria. In its absence, healthcare organisations would flounder during change, posing risks to the resilience of these HCOs. Thus, structure is indeed inherent in the chaos of resilience activities. In other words, there is order in the chaos of resilience, and it is essential. Key messages • Fundamental adaptive processes leading to new equilibria depend on a stable core that persists amidst change, enabling and catalysing these transformations. • There is order and structure in the chaos of resilience.

The Icehearts Europe Implementation Guide to promote a mentoring programme for youth mental health

Abstract Issue/problem In Europe, 9 million young people (10-19) suffer from mental disorders and 70% of children and adolescents with mental health problems do not receive appropriate interventions at a sufficiently early age. Moreover, during the Covid-19 pandemic a high prevalence of depressive symptoms, anxiety and sleep disorders was observed in the population aged 4-19 years. The Icehearts Europe project (funding: EU4Health 2022 Programme) aims to disseminate at EU level a long-term programme for supporting health and wellbeing of disadvantaged children and adolescents. It is inspired by the Finnish best practice Icehearts, a 12-year long mentoring programme. Five pilot countries (Italy, Denmark, Spain, Slovenia, Estonia) will test the model to raise European awareness of how it works and to get more countries and organisations involved. Description of the problem Icehearts Europe is a preventive mentoring programme based on team sports, recreation and school support activities, with a child-centred community approach. To facilitate its implementation, a practical guide has been developed for grassroots sport and social promotion organisations to help them implement the model in their own contexts. The guide is the result of both a multisectoral cooperation between grassroots sport, health, universities, NGOs, and qualitative study activities (bibliographic research, study visit, group work, analysis of the situation and needs of local contexts). Results From February 2024 the Icehearts Europe Implementation Guide is available in six languages at https://www.icehearts.eu/resources. It is now being adapted by the Icehearts Europe partners into an online training programme for managers. Lessons The guide has incorporated lessons learnt from the Finnish model, considered as an evidence-based approach. It contains several operational tools to implement Icehearts Europe and can be adopted using different approaches: there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Key messages • Developed as a support to the Icehearts Europe piloting partners and as a basis for a fully-fledged online training programme for future Icehearts Europe managers. • To facilitate the implementation of early interventions to promote health and wellbeing of children and adolescents and enable them to cope with disadvantaged conditions.