DOAB - Directory of Open Access Books
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Chapter 1 Journalism in between
No full textFocusing on an oft-neglected geographical region of study, this book critically analyses the state of journalism in the European South and considers challenges that may indicate a profession under duress. Focusing on three Mediterranean media systems, Greece, Cyprus, and Malta, this book summarizes the basic characteristics, threats, and challenges for journalism in the region. The book first examines the “North-South” divide in Europe and the challenges Mediterranean media systems have faced in recent years. It then analyzes points of dispute for journalism, such as press freedom, investigative reporting, corruption, post-crisis economic challenges, and the evolving dilemmas of journalism ethics. The second section of the book looks more closely at the three case studies, using data extracted over a turbulent 20-year timeframe up until 2023. Based on a mixed-methods approach, the study comprises findings of interviews with journalists in the three countries under study and time series analysis of feedback regarding challenges discussed earlier in the book. The book concludes on whether journalism today is indeed under attack and reflects critically on what are the main threats that have emerged in media systems of the Mediterranean region. This book will be of particular interest to scholars and researchers of journalism and media systems in Europe, although also bears implications for anyone studying wider issues of press freedom and journalism practice
The Russia-Ukraine War and its Origins
No full textThis open access book examines the Russia-Ukraine war and its origins. Based on analysis of a large number of primary and secondary sources, it provides a systematic analysis of this crucial war, its nature, outcome, possibility of peaceful settlement, violence against civilians, and origins. The book examines the role of such factors as the NATO accession of Ukraine, Russian imperialism, democracy, genocide, and the far-right in the start of the war and traces the conflict escalation ladder, which culminated in this war, to preceding violent conflicts in Ukraine, in particular, the Euromaidan, the Maidan massacre, the Russian annexation of Crimea, and the war in Donbas. The Russia-Ukraine war is the most significant armed conflict of the 21st century in the entire world and in Europe since World War Two in terms of countries involved, casualties inflicted, and actual and potential impact in the world. This book analyzes the involvement of different conflict parties, such as the Ukrainian, Russian, and Western governments, Donbas separatists, and the far right, in this crucial war and in the Euromaidan, the Maidan massacre, the Russian annexation of Crimea, and the war in Donbas, and the nature of these conflicts. This book also examines support for pro-Western/pro-nationalist and pro-Russian/pro-communist political parties and presidential candidates and attitudes towards separatism and joining the European Union, NATO, and the union with Russia in regions of Ukraine in parliamentary and presidential elections and surveys since the Euromaidan
Jugend. Klima. Rechtsextremismus.
No full textDer Klimawandel und das Erstarken der äußersten Rechten fordern die Zukunft der Demokratie heraus. Welche Strategien der äußersten Rechten lassen sich in Bezug auf den Klimawandel beobachten? Und wie blicken diejenigen darauf, um deren es Zukunft hier geht? Die Autor*innen haben junge Menschen in einer deutschlandweiten Studie befragt. Deutlich wurde: Viele junge Menschen lehnen rechte Narrative zu Klimathemen ab, doch einige rechte Positionen stoßen auch auf Zustimmung.; The climate change and the rise of the far right challenge the future of democracy. What strategies of the far right can be observed in relation to the climate change? And how do those whose future is at stake here view it? The authors interviewed young people in a Germany-wide study. A central insight: Many young people reject right-wing narratives on climate issues, but there are some positions that find some agreement
Volksabstimmungen als Heilmittel oder Gift für die repräsentative Demokratie
No full textIn diesem Open-Access-Buch wird untersucht, wie die zunehmende Nutzung von Volksabstimmungen die Wahlbeteiligung auf der lokalen Ebene beeinflusst. Mit der Einführung lokaler Volksabstimmungen in Deutschland und vielen anderen Staaten zu Beginn der 90er Jahre war auch die Hoffnung verbunden, die Beteiligung der Bürger*innen wiederzubeleben. Schließlich sank parallel die Beteiligung an lokalen Wahlen rapide. Ebenso gibt es aber auch die Befürchtung, Volksabstimmungen könnten die Krise der repräsentativen Demokratie noch verschärfen. Im Buch wird mit Fokus auf die Wahlbeteiligung der Frage nachgegangen, ob Volksabstimmungen das erhoffte Heilmittel oder eher Gift für die lokale repräsentative Demokratie sind. Mit einer innovativen und erstmals systematisch für die deutschen Bundesländer Bayern und Hessen durchgeführten Längsschnittanalyse wird gezeigt, dass lokale Volksabstimmungen die Kommunalwahlbeteiligung weder generell senken noch steigern. Stattdessen werden abhängig von Kontextfaktoren wie der Abstimmungsbeteiligung und der wirtschaftlichen Lage einer Gemeinde unerwartete positive wie auch negative Nebenwirkungen identifiziert. Das Buch liefert somit eine differenzierte Diagnose der Wirkungen von Volksabstimmungen auf die lokale Demokratie
Evangelikalismus und die Schweizer Pflegekinderhilfe
No full textIn der Schweiz sind transreligiöse Unterbringungen in evangelikale Pflegefamilien eine verbreitete Praxis. Rechtlich obliegt jedoch den Herkunftseltern als Inhabern der elterlichen Sorge die religiöse Erziehung des Kindes, bis dieses sechzehn Jahre alt ist. Da der Missionsauftrag ein Kernelement des Evangelikalismus ist, ergibt sich hier ein Spannungsfeld. Mithilfe qualitativer Methoden zeigt Noëmi J. van Oordt multiperspektivisch auf, wie Fachpersonen der Pflegekinderhilfe diesem mit informellen Regeln zwar zu begegnen versuchen, die vorgesehene religiöse Erziehung aber trotzdem missachtet und die Identitätsentwicklung der Pflegekinder durch die evangelikale Erziehung tangiert wird
Conceptualisation and Measurement of Financial Competence
No full textThis Open access book offers a pivotal contribution to the field of financial literacy research as it advances the understanding of financial literacy as a holistic competence encompassing cognition, motivation, emotion, attitude, behaviour and their interrelationships. It provides a comprehensive overview and evaluation of concepts, constructs and frameworks related to financial literacy and instruments used to measure financial competence. The work also discusses identification, synthesis and systematisation of a wide range of cognitive and non-cognitive influences on financial behaviour. The book not only introduces a unique, holistic model of financial competence, but also presents a draft of an innovative technology-based test instrument designed to simulate and trace complex financial decision-making processes and elucidate challenges confronted in complex problem-solving situations. The aim of this book is to shift from an isolated focus on individual cognitive facets (mainly knowledge) to a holistic modeling of competence in order to systematise the landscape of research on financial literacy and financial competence. The work is instrumental for researchers, educators and policymakers in advancing their understanding and methodologies and in paving the way for effective financial education interventions and promoting financially competent behaviour
Cancer Care in the Post-COVID World
No full textThis Open Access textbook, endorsed by UK Oncology Nursing Society (UKONS), covers the effects impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Cancer care and how health care professionals and people with a cancer diagnosis have been affected. It discusses current research covering COVID and Cancer and considers the different impacts on patients with solid tumours and those with a haematological malignancy. The authors critically appraise how technology has been used to combat the pandemic as well as impacts on patient management and their well-being, education of health care professionals as well as the delivery of oncology cancer treatments. They also examine the ongoing psychological effects on patients, health care professionals and provide an analysis of the effects of the pandemic on the charitable sector in cancer care. Importantly this book provides both a UK and a European perspective on the above as well as looking forward to appraise the long-term effect of the pandemic on cancer care, both positive and negative
Voting and Eligibility Age in Sweden, 1866-1921
No full textThis open access book explores the background to the electoral reforms of 1907-1921 in Sweden, when the voting age was raised from 21 years to 23 for the second chamber and the municipalities, and to 27 for the county councils and the first chamber. This increase in voting ages was unique in an international context. Previous research and contemporary conservative and liberal rhetoric argued that the increase in the voting age was socially and politically neutral. This book questions that view. The liberal and conservative parties launched universal suffrage reforms and raised the voting age to exclude the young, unestablished and unmarried parts of the population. The ambition was to limit the increasing political influence of the cities and the working class. A higher voting and eligibility age would limit the negative effects of universal suffrage. The changes were also an effect of the tension between town and country and the consequence of a long-term demographic transformation with profound effects on the social and pollical structure of the nation
Bridging Governance, Public Support, Innovation, and Transparency
No full textSustainable development can be achieved by organisations in a supportive environment that includes a culture of transparency, accountability and shared values. This short, open access contributed volume presents an overview of sustainable development practices through a comprehensive analysis of various initiatives, frameworks, and challenges faced by both governments and businesses in the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It includes data-driven insights and analysis, as well as practical tools, policy recommendations, and theoretical frameworks to address sustainability challenges, with a particular focus on entrepreneurship, sustainable development governance and the impact of geopolitical risks on SDG progress. With a focus on the European Union and Ukraine, this book includes several interconnected chapters that each explore a different contributing factor required for successful sustainable development governance. Fully open access, it will be of great interest to students and scholars of sustainable development practices, sustainable governance and innovation, as well as practitioners and policymakers looking for strategic insights for sustainable business in the European Union
The 9th International Conference on Advances in Construction Machinery and Vehicle Engineering
No full textThis open access book presents the proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Advances in Construction Machinery and Vehicle Engineering (ICACMVE 2024), highlighting the latest advancements and innovative practices in the field. Focusing on the challenges in mechanical design, control systems, and smart manufacturing, the selected papers cover a range of topics including innovative design strategies, intelligent systems and autonomous technologies, electrification and sustainable development, and reliability monitoring. By showcasing cutting-edge research and real-world applications, this volume aims to serve as a vital resource for students, researchers, and professionals in mechanical engineering, encouraging ongoing advancements that enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability in construction machinery and vehicle engineering