Exceptional Human Experiences Among Pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago: A Study of Self-Reported Experiences and Transformative Aftereffects

The Camino de Santiago pilgrimage is an extraordinary endeavour that tends to trigger exceptional human experiences. Following our previous investigation of this topic, we conducted an online survey of 501 pilgrims in order to assess the frequency of different exceptional experiences (EEs) on the pilgrimage and their transformative aftereffects (TAs) in everyday life afterwards. More than 70% of the respondents reported improvement in terms of self-confidence, personal relationships and letting go of emotional “baggage”. The results show strong correlations between the observed EEs and the (consequent) TAs. We contend that walking the Camino de Santiago often produces exceptional experiences that lead to positive long-term psychosocial effects

Exceptional Human Experiences Among Pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago: A Study of Self-Reported Experiences and Transformative Aftereffects

The Camino de Santiago pilgrimage is an extraordinary endeavour that tends to trigger exceptional human experiences. Following our previous investigation of this topic, we conducted an online survey of 501 pilgrims in order to assess the frequency of different exceptional experiences (EEs) on the pilgrimage and their transformative aftereffects (TAs) in everyday life afterwards. More than 70% of the respondents reported improvement in terms of self-confidence, personal relationships and letting go of emotional “baggage”. The results show strong correlations between the observed EEs and the (consequent) TAs. We contend that walking the Camino de Santiago often produces exceptional experiences that lead to positive long-term psychosocial effects

Droplet Impact, Spreading and Freezing on Metallic Surfaces of varying Wettability

Paper presented at 2018 Canadian Society of Mechanical Engineers International Congress, 27-30 May 2018.Ice formation and accumulation can lead to operational failure and risks for structures, including power transmission lines, aircraft, offshore platforms, marine vessels, and wind turbines. Liquid repellent and icephobic surfaces can reduce ice accretion and improve asset integrity and safety in harsh environments. There are significant needs to probe how wettability affects the droplet impact, ice nucleation and ice accretion processes on different kinds of micro-structured surfaces. This paper presents experimental results of droplet impact, icing delay time and ice accumulation on metallic surfaces with varying wettability. Several different designs of the hydrophobic surfaces are considered. A commercial hydrophobic coating is also used to enhance liquid repellent features and reduce ice accumulation. The results demonstrated that when the static contact angle increases, the total icing time increases, suggesting desirable icing delays. The total icing time decreases with lower surface temperature, higher impact velocity or smaller droplet diameter

Introduction: why another study on COVID-19 and youth?: introduction to the YO-VID22 project main publication

IN ENGLISH: The introductory chapter outlines the methodological design and rationale of the YO-VID22 project, which investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth well-being and support structures in Croatia and Slovenia. Employing a mixed-method approach, the study combined large-scale quantitative nationally representative surveys with qualitative methods, which included focus groups, expert interviews, and media content analysis. Quantitative data were collected through stratified online surveys on nationally representative samples of 16-29-year-olds, which enabled comparisons with pre-pandemic datasets. Qualitative components provided more profound insights into lived experiences, institutional responses, and public discourse surrounding youth. Focus groups captured peer-based dynamics and shared cultural values, while expert interviews highlighted systemic adaptations and policy gaps. At the same time, media analysis revealed shifting portrayals of young people in the public sphere. This integrated research design ensured both statistical robustness and contextual richness, and offered comprehensive evidence for understanding youth experiences during the pandemic and informing future policy and academic debates. --------------- IN CROATIAN: Uvodno poglavlje iznosi metodološki okvir i obrazloženje projekta YO-VID22, koji je istraživao utjecaj pandemije COVID-19 na dobrobit mladih i strukture podrške u Hrvatskoj i Sloveniji. Koristeći kombinirani metodološki pristup, istraživanje je spojilo opsežna kvantitativna nacionalno reprezentativna anketna ispitivanja s kvalitativnim metodama, koje su uključivale fokus grupe, intervjue s ekspertima i analizu medijskog sadržaja. Kvantitativni podaci prikupljeni su putem stratificiranih online anketa na nacionalno reprezentativnim uzorcima mladih od 16 do 29 godina, što je omogućilo usporedbe s podacima prikupljenima prije pandemije. Kvalitativne komponente dale su dublji uvid u životna iskustva, institucionalne odgovore i javni diskurs o mladima. Fokus grupe obuhvatile su vršnjačku dinamiku i zajedničke kulturne vrijednosti, dok su intervjui s ekspertima istaknuli sistemske prilagodbe i praznine u politikama. Istodobno, analiza medija otkrila je promjenjive prikaze mladih u javnoj sferi. Ovakav integrirani istraživački dizajn osigurao je i statističku čvrstoću i kontekstualnu dubinu, te ponudio sveobuhvatne dokaze za razumijevanje iskustava mladih tijekom pandemije i informiranje budućih politika i akademskih rasprava

Youth wellbeing and support structures before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic: policy brief and recommendations

IN ENGLISH: The document presents the results of a comprehensive study on the needs and challenges faced by young people, with a particular focus on their mental health and social inclusion. The introduction outlines the methodology used, which includes both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The second section presents the research findings, reflecting the position, needs, and perspectives of young people. The third part of the document offers a set of concrete recommendations aimed at various target groups – from young people themselves, to youth workers, educational institutions, public bodies, researchers, civil society organisations, international organisations, and the media. The following section outlines short-, medium-, and long-term priorities for action, while the final part highlights the importance of co-creation principles in shaping youth-focused policies and practices. The document aims to encourage systematic, comprehensive, and coordinated support for young people through evidence-based decision-making, a multisectoral approach, and collaboration. --------------- IN CROATIAN: Dokument predstavlja rezultate sveobuhvatnog istraživanja o potrebama i izazovima mladih, s posebnim naglaskom na njihovo mentalno zdravlje i socijalnu uključenost. U uvodu se opisuje korištena metodologija, koja uključuje kvantitativne i kvalitativne pristupe. U drugom dijelu prikazani su rezultati istraživanja koji oslikavaju položaj, potrebe i perspektive mladih. Treći dio dokumenta donosi niz konkretnih preporuka usmjerenih različitim ciljanim skupinama – od samih mladih, preko omladinskih radnika, obrazovnih institucija, javnih institucija, istraživača, organizacija civilnog društva, međunarodnih organizacija i medija. U nastavku se iznose prioriteti za djelovanje u kratkoročnom, srednjoročnom i dugoročnom razdoblju, a završni dio naglašava važnost načela sukreacije u oblikovanju politika i praksi usmjerenih mladima. Dokument ima cilj potaknuti sustavnu, sveobuhvatnu i koordiniranu podršku mladima kroz donošenje odluka temeljenih na znanju, multisektorski pristup i suradnju

Dobrobit mladih i strukture potpore prije, tijekom i nakon COVID-19 pandemije: sažeti rezultati istraživanja i preporuke za javne politike

IN CROATIAN: Dokument predstavlja rezultate sveobuhvatnog istraživanja o potrebama i izazovima mladih, s posebnim naglaskom na njihovo mentalno zdravlje i socijalnu uključenost. U uvodu se opisuje korištena metodologija, koja uključuje kvantitativne i kvalitativne pristupe. U drugom dijelu prikazani su rezultati istraživanja koji oslikavaju položaj, potrebe i perspektive mladih. Treći dio dokumenta donosi niz konkretnih preporuka usmjerenih različitim ciljanim skupinama – od samih mladih, preko omladinskih radnika, obrazovnih institucija, javnih institucija, istraživača, organizacija civilnog društva, međunarodnih organizacija i medija. U nastavku se iznose prioriteti za djelovanje u kratkoročnom, srednjoročnom i dugoročnom razdoblju, a završni dio naglašava važnost načela sukreacije u oblikovanju politika i praksi usmjerenih mladima. Dokument ima cilj potaknuti sustavnu, sveobuhvatnu i koordiniranu podršku mladima kroz donošenje odluka temeljenih na znanju, multisektorski pristup i suradnju. --------------- IN ENGLISH: The document presents the results of a comprehensive study on the needs and challenges faced by young people, with a particular focus on their mental health and social inclusion. The introduction outlines the methodology used, which includes both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The second section presents the research findings, reflecting the position, needs, and perspectives of young people. The third part of the document offers a set of concrete recommendations aimed at various target groups – from young people themselves, to youth workers, educational institutions, public bodies, researchers, civil society organisations, international organisations, and the media. The following section outlines short-, medium-, and long-term priorities for action, while the final part highlights the importance of co-creation principles in shaping youth-focused policies and practices. The document aims to encourage systematic, comprehensive, and coordinated support for young people through evidence-based decision-making, a multisectoral approach, and collaboration

Support structures and intergenerational support during and after the COVID-19 pandemic

IN ENGLISH: This chapter examines the role of formal and informal support structures in shaping the well-being and resilience of youth in Croatia and Slovenia. In both countries, families remain the most important support system, particularly mothers, who are consistently identified as central figures in providing emotional and practical assistance. While peers also play a crucial role, the pandemic disrupted these relationships and reduced opportunities for in-person interaction. Institutional support, such as educational and employment services, remains important but often perceived as inaccessible or poorly adapted to the actual needs of youth. At the same time, a low level of trust in political institutions and the welfare system was observed, particularly in Croatia, which reinforces reliance on familial networks. Digital platforms increasingly serve as alternatives for connection and advice, although they cannot replace interpersonal support. Policy implications stress the need to expand accessible, youth-centred services, including mental health care, career guidance, and community-based initiatives. Strengthening institutional trust and investing in participatory frameworks would help diversify support beyond families and foster more resilient pathways for young people’s social integration and life transitions. --------------- IN CROATIAN: Ovo poglavlje istražuje ulogu formalnih i neformalnih struktura podrške u oblikovanju dobrobiti i otpornosti mladih u Hrvatskoj i Sloveniji. U obje zemlje obitelj ostaje najvažniji sustav podrške, pri čemu se majke dosljedno prepoznaju kao središnje figure u pružanju emocionalne i praktične pomoći. Iako i vršnjaci imaju ključnu ulogu, pandemija je poremetila te odnose i smanjila mogućnosti za izravnu interakciju. Institucionalna podrška, poput obrazovnih i zapošljavačkih službi, i dalje je važna, ali se često doživljava kao nedostupna ili slabo prilagođena stvarnim potrebama mladih. Istodobno je zabilježena niska razina povjerenja u političke institucije i sustav socijalne skrbi, osobito u Hrvatskoj, što dodatno učvršćuje oslanjanje na obiteljske mreže. Digitalne platforme sve se više koriste kao alternativa za povezivanje i savjetovanje, iako ne mogu zamijeniti međuljudsku podršku. Preporuke za politike naglašavaju potrebu za širenjem dostupnih, na mlade usmjerenih usluga, uključujući skrb za mentalno zdravlje, profesionalno usmjeravanje i inicijative utemeljene u zajednici. Jačanje povjerenja u institucije i ulaganje u participativne okvire pomoglo bi diverzificirati podršku izvan obitelji i potaknuti otpornije putove društvene integracije i životnih prijelaza mladih

Integrated fossil fuel and solar thermal systems for hydrogen production and CO2 mitigation

In most current fossil-based hydrogen production methods, the thermal energy required by the endothermic processes of hydrogen production cycles is supplied by the combustion of a portion of the same fossil fuel feedstock. This increases the fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This paper analyzes the thermodynamics of several typical fossil fuel-based hydrogen production methods such as steam methane reforming, coal gasification, methane dissociation, and off-gas reforming, to quantify the potential savings of fossil fuels and CO2 emissions associated with the thermal energy requirement. Then matching the heat quality and quantity by solar thermal energy for different processes is examined. It is concluded that steam generation and superheating by solar energy for the supply of gaseous reactants to the hydrogen production cycles is particularly attractive due to the engineering maturity and simplicity. It is also concluded that steam-methane reforming may have fewer engineering challenges because of its single-phase reaction, if the endothermic reaction enthalpy of syngas production step (CO and H2) of coal gasification and steam methane reforming is provided by solar thermal energy. Various solar thermal energy based reactors are discussed for different types of production cycles as well

Droplet evaporation and de-pinning in rectangular microchannels

Experimental and numerical studies are presented for evaporation of micro-droplets of deionised (DI) water and toluene on lead zirconate titanate (PZT) substrates. The microchannels are fabricated with SU-8 2025 and 2075. The effects of channel width and depth on the evaporation and de-pinning rates of embedded micro-droplets are presented and compared for both fluids. The study reveals a partially hydrophobic nature of SU-8/PZT microchannel to DI water and a complete wetting when toluene is used as the droplet. The rate of evaporation of toluene is about double the rate of evaporation of DI water. Comparisons of the rates of evaporation and de-pinning show that the channel width has a larger effect on evaporation than the depth of the channel. The equivalent contact angle of the pinned film and bulk fluid compensated for the evaporation of the droplet. Surface roughness was also shown to have a significant effect on the pinned film in the rectangular microchannels