High Levels Of Engagement Research Articles

Innovative Employee Engagement Strategies and Actions: A Comparative Study of Pre-pandemic and Pandemic Periods

The complex relationship between worker productivity and engagement in organizational settings is examined in this study. The emotional, mental, and physical commitment that workers make to their jobs is known as employee engagement, and it has become clear that this is a crucial component of what makes a business successful. The purpose of this study is to ascertain the primary engagement drivers that have the greatest impact on productivity, examine the effects of differing employee engagement levels on both individual and team productivity, and assess the efficacy of various engagement tactics in raising productivity. This research investigates how employee engagement tactics changed between the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. By using a comparative study, we are able to pinpoint significant changes in strategies and how well they work to promote worker motivation, contentment, and output. We used surveys, questionnaires to collect data from a variety of industries using a mixed-methods approach. The majority of pre-pandemic tactics were in-person endeavours, such as workplace health campaigns, in-person gatherings, and team-building exercises. However, a quick shift to virtual engagement techniques was required due to the pandemic. The results of our study underscore the growing need on digital technologies, adaptable work schedules, and psychological assistance amidst the pandemic. We also investigate the effects of these tactics on worker morale and productivity, exposing both difficulties and fruitful modifications. Through the use of mixed-methods research design, the study incorporates case studies, qualitative interviews, and productivity indicators with quantitative surveys. Measures of involvement will be assessed using surveys, and the results will be compared to targets for productivity, like hours worked, company revenue, and employee satisfaction. More detailed information about the subjective perceptions of engagement and its alleged effects on productivity will be obtained through interacting with managers and employees. In order to find best practices and effective tactics, case studies of businesses with high levels of engagement will also be evaluated. According to preliminary research, there is a positive correlation between improved employee engagement and increased productivity. Key factors that influence this relationship include leadership quality, work atmosphere, and recognition. Additionally, the study shows that companies with complete engagement strategies are substantially more productive than those without. The present study adds to the expanding corpus of literature on employee engagement and provides pragmatic suggestions for establishments seeking to augment efficiency via enhanced engagement methodologies. Business executives, HR specialists, and legislators looking to promote a more engaged and effective staff will find the findings useful.

Cultivating a culture of excellence: Synthesizing employee engagement initiatives for performance improvement in LNG production

Cultivating a culture of excellence is paramount for success in LNG production, and employee engagement plays a central role in achieving this goal. This abstract explores the synthesis of various employee engagement initiatives aimed at enhancing performance in LNG production facilities. Effective employee engagement initiatives are essential for fostering a culture of excellence within LNG production facilities. By empowering employees and promoting a sense of ownership and commitment, organizations can unlock the full potential of their workforce and drive continuous improvement in performance. This abstract examines a range of employee engagement strategies tailored specifically for the unique challenges and demands of LNG production. These initiatives encompass various aspects of employee engagement, including communication, training and development, recognition and rewards, and fostering a supportive work environment. Communication lies at the heart of effective employee engagement. Open and transparent communication channels facilitate the exchange of ideas, feedback, and information, fostering collaboration and alignment towards common goals. Additionally, regular communication helps employees feel valued and informed, enhancing their sense of belonging and commitment to the organization. Investing in training and development opportunities is another critical aspect of employee engagement in LNG production. By providing employees with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their roles, organizations can empower them to contribute meaningfully to the success of the operation. Continuous learning opportunities also demonstrate a commitment to employee growth and development, which can boost morale and job satisfaction. Recognition and rewards programs play a crucial role in reinforcing desired behaviors and motivating employees to perform at their best. Whether through monetary incentives, public recognition, or other forms of acknowledgment, recognizing employee contributions fosters a culture of appreciation and reinforces the organization's values. Finally, creating a supportive work environment that prioritizes employee well-being and work-life balance is essential for sustaining high levels of engagement and performance. Providing resources such as wellness programs, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities for social connection helps employees feel supported and valued, leading to greater job satisfaction and commitment. In summary, cultivating a culture of excellence in LNG production requires a multifaceted approach to employee engagement. By implementing a range of initiatives focused on communication, training and development, recognition and rewards, and fostering a supportive work environment, organizations can empower their employees to thrive and drive continuous improvement in performance. Keywords: Cultivating, Culture of Excellence, Performance Improvement, LNG Production, Employing Engagement Initiatives.

Passion and engagement in sport: A look at athletes and coaches using a quadripartite approach

Athletes and coaches often feel a great deal of passion for sport. But are these highly passionate individuals also highly engaged in sport? Based on the theoretical underpinnings and empirical findings from the dualistic model of passion (Vallerand, 2015), it is unclear if the highest levels of sport engagement are associated with high levels of passion, or with specific combinations of high/low levels of harmonious and obsessive passion. We examined this issue in samples of athletes (N = 403) and coaches (N = 208). Participants completed online questionnaires assessing dimensions of sport passion (i.e., harmonious and obsessive passion) and engagement (i.e., confidence, vigor, dedication, enthusiasm). In both samples, we found that the highest levels of engagement were associated with high harmonious passion. This means that those who are passionate toward sport are not necessarily engaged in sport; engagement is found when passion involves high harmonious passion.

Measuring Pharmacy Student Engagement in a Pharmacotherapy Course With Required Attendance

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate student engagement in a pharmacotherapy course with required attendance, identify intervals where students were most and least likely to be engaged, and assess student perceptions of the importance of engagement. MethodsIn 2022, the pharmacotherapy course faculty implemented a graded attendance policy. A survey instrument was developed to gauge student engagement throughout in-class sessions and included 3 questions regarding engagement to determine whether students were on-task, off-task–related, or off-task–unrelated. Each week throughout the semester, students were randomly surveyed for a beginning, middle, and end time point. A second survey was utilized to collect perception data from students regarding attendance and engagement. The perception survey was released during the midpoint of the semester and at the end of the semester. ResultsThe overall attendance rate was 91.1% (SD 4.64%) for the semester. Generally, students reported being on-task when surveyed. The average weekly tasks rates were 77.7% on-task, 15.8% off-task–related, and 6.5% off-task–unrelated. For the perception survey, both time points had a high response rate (82.8% midpoint survey, 77.1% end of semester). Most students had positive perceptions regarding mandatory attendance, engagement, and pre-class preparation. ConclusionThis study endorses high levels of student engagement in a pharmacotherapy course with required attendance. In addition, student perceptions were generally positive regarding required attendance. Future investigations need to be completed on the non-performance benefits of attending classes.

IHR-PVS National Bridging Workshop for Somalia: An interactive and participatory approach for operationalizing the One Health roadmap

BackgroundNational Bridging Workshops (NBW) are a tool for reviewing collaboration gaps between line ministries relevant to the One Health framework. MethodsThe NBW for Somalia was held on November 11–13, 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya with support from WHO and WOAH. Participants included representatives from the Somali government both national and sub-national (including Ministry of Health; Ministry of Livestock, Forestry and Range; Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation; and Ministry of Environment and Climate Change). Other participants included representatives from non-governmental organizations, academia and the quadripartite. Structured sessions guided participants through a step-by-step process, starting from identifying gaps to collectively developing solutions. The design of these sessions aimed to foster active engagement and collaboration with the outcomes of each session contributing to the subsequent one. ResultsA total of 60 participants partook in the exercise, representing human health (35%), animal health (27%), agriculture (13%), environmental health (7%) and other relevant sectors (18%). Eighty-three percent of participants represented the national level and 17% the sub-national level. The collaborative effort yielded a joint roadmap comprising 36 activities and 11 objectives. Priority objectives included: development of national joint surveillance systems for selected One Health threats (41/47 votes, or 87% of the total votes); establishment of a high-level ministerial system to govern and coordinate One Health activities (30/47; 64%); and establishment of emergency funding structures for priority zoonotic diseases along with development of a 5-year national investment plan for One Health (27/47; 57%). A total of 94% of activities required low or moderate cost to be implemented, and 90% of activities were identified to have a likely high impact on multisectoral collaboration. The timeline for implementing the activities is projected to span one to two years. ConclusionThe workshop promoted high-level engagement, national ownership, and leadership in addressing health threats at the human-animal-environment interface. The resulting co-created roadmap will be integrated into the National Action Plan for Health Security, supporting ongoing One Health efforts in Somalia.

Virtual Journeys, Real Engagement: Analyzing User Experience on a Virtual Travel Social Platform

A sustainable smart tourism ecosystem relies on building digital networks that link tourists to destinations. This study explores the potential of web and immersive technologies, specifically the Virtual Romania (VRRO) platform, in enhancing sustainable tourism by redirecting tourist traffic to lesser-known destinations and boosting user engagement through interactive experiences. Our research examines how virtual tourism platforms (VTPs), which include web-based and immersive technologies, support sustainable tourism, complement physical visits, influence user engagement, and foster community building through social features and user-generated content (UGC). An empirical analysis of the VRRO platform reveals high user engagement levels, attributed to its intuitive design and interactive features, regardless of the users’ technological familiarity. Our findings also highlight the necessity for ongoing enhancements to maintain user satisfaction. In conclusion, VRRO demonstrates how accessible and innovative technologies in tourism can modernize travel experiences and contribute to the evolution of the broader tourism ecosystem by supporting sustainable practices and fostering community engagement.

Communities in ecosystem restoration: The role of inclusive values and local elites' narrative innovations

Abstract Ecosystem restoration practices are gaining prominence in coping with the crisis of ecosystem degradation. To improve the long‐term effectiveness of restoration activities, community engagement in restoration projects needs to be strengthened. In communities where traditional and local values drive adaptation to environmental changes, a community‐engaged restoration approach requires the integration of restoration techniques and local value systems. In two pastoral communities on the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau, we used the Q method to explore pastoralists' attitudes towards grassland degradation and restoration and to understand different levels of community engagement in grassland restoration activities. Through this study, we aim to promote an understanding of the value‐based approach of local communities to enable better community engagement for the long‐term effectiveness of ecosystem restoration projects and contribute to the achievement and synergy of global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study revealed eight types of pastoralists with different attitudes in two communities, with the type of Active Agents leverages transformative restoration action through creating value‐inclusive narratives of grassland restoration in the community with a higher level of engagement in restoration practices. Alongside this, we explored the pastoralists' perspectives of biodiversity in restoration and the importance of local elites in facilitating multiple‐actor cooperation in restoration projects. We recommend that decision‐makers recognize the significance of local worldviews and values in facilitating environmental adaptations, as well as the irreplaceable role played by local people in developing value‐inclusive narratives that align with the local cultural context. Open dialogues and sufficient communication between multiple stakeholders are needed to build mutual trust and accumulate social capital for driving transformative actions in traditional communities. Such approaches are essential to foster community engagement and gain better momentum in ecosystem management initiatives. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Analisis Keterampilan Guru dalam Membuka dan Menutup Pelajaran pada Pembelajaran PAI di SDN 011 Sangatta Utara

This research focuses on students who show less involvement and seriousness in learning. This research emphasizes the importance of using effective lesson opening and closing techniques during the learning process to increase student participation and achieve learning goals. This research aims to analyze the impact of teachers' skills in opening and closing PAI lessons on student engagement, using qualitative methods such as observation, interviews and document analysis to ensure the credibility of the data. teachers have used lesson opening and closing skills to increase student engagement, although not all of these skills are used optimally. There are several indicators, such as student interaction and use of tools, that are not commonly used by teachers. As a result, the skills for opening and closing PAI lessons have been implemented but not fully maximized by teachers. Despite this, students have shown a high level of engagement in learning, which indicates that the better the teacher's skills, the more engaged the students will be.

‘We’re not all into death and doom … it’s more an appreciation of the macabre.’ Exploring brand success at dark tourism festivals

ABSTRACT Festivals with dark and Gothic themes and their implications for local economies, cultural appropriation and consumer experience have attracted increased attention in recent years. Dark tourism festivals are popular with festival goers, economically and culturally valuable, and often represent important shoulder-season assets. However, the role of festival goers in the marketing mix is currently poorly understood. This paper focuses on the role festival goers play in experiential marketing at dark tourism festivals. This paper utilises a comparative case study approach, examining two examples of dark tourism festivals with a gothic and dark focus: the Whitby Goth Weekend (UK) and the Bram Stoker Festival (Ireland). The paper adopts an inductive approach, and qualitative methodology, drawing on semi-structured interviews’ primary data. Thematic analysis is used to analyse data. Interviewees (n = 30) include festival management, festival marketers and festival participants. Our findings propose a model for dark tourism festival marketing, positing that a co-created approach, with high levels of participant engagement, is required for brand success. This paper presents implications for the practical promotion of niche festivals, including practical tips for marketing, societal need/ attraction to ‘unusual’ festivals, economic impacts and creating a more resilient festival design.

Enhancing teaching and learning of evidence-based practice via game-based learning

Introduction: The Singapore Institute of Technology-University of Glasgow (SIT-UofG) Nursing Programme has traditionally taken a didactic teaching approach in the delivery of the Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) module. A hybrid approach was introduced using Game-Based Learning (GBL) to encourage active learning through gameplay. Methods: A Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) was undertaken encompassing a cohort of 100 Nursing students taking the EBP module in their first year at the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) in the 2021/22 academic year. The experimental group (n=27) worked through the online GBL intervention and the EBP module, while the control group (n=27) took the EBP module alone. The GBL included five Learning Quests and three case studies. Results: High levels of satisfaction were reported by both the experimental group (n=22) and the control group (n=15) on the traditional content and delivery of the EBP module. High levels of engagement were reported by the experimental group on the GBL intervention; a one-sample statistics analysis confirming a significant level of engagement (p<0.001). A Mann-Whitney U Test, however, found no significant difference in the Continuous Assessment (CA) scores of the two groups (p=0.507 and 0.461). Conclusion: The introduction of GBL designed to deliver educational content directly associated with the learning outcomes increased the nursing student engagement in the EBP module. These findings and discoveries can be utilised to improve the GBL intervention to the EBP module to have a more positive impact the student CA scores and therefore on student learning. Keywords: Evidence-Based Teaching, Evidence-Based Practice (EBP), Nursing Education, Game-Based Learning (GBL), Teaching and Learning EBP, Nursing Students, Gamification

A mixed methods evaluation of patient perspectives on the implementation of an electronic health record-integrated patient-reported symptom and needs monitoring program in cancer care

BackgroundAs cancer centers have increased focus on patient-centered, evidenced-based care, implementing efficient programs that facilitate effective patient-clinician communication remains critical. We implemented an electronic health record-integrated patient-reported symptom and needs monitoring program (‘cPRO’ for cancer patient-reported outcomes). To aid evaluation of cPRO implementation, we asked patients receiving care in one of three geographical regions of an academic healthcare system about their experiences.MethodsUsing a sequential mixed-methods approach, we collected feedback in two waves. Wave 1 included virtual focus groups and interviews with patients who had completed cPRO. In Wave 2, we administered a structured survey to systematically examine Wave 1 themes. All participants had a diagnosed malignancy and received at least 2 invitations to complete cPRO. We used rapid and traditional qualitative methods to analyze Wave 1 data and focused on identifying facilitators and barriers to cPRO implementation. Wave 2 data were analyzed descriptively.ResultsParticipants (n = 180) were on average 62.9 years old; were majority female, White, non-Hispanic, and married; and represented various cancer types and phases of treatment. Wave 1 participants (n = 37) identified facilitators, including cPRO’s perceived value and favorable usability, and barriers, including confusion about cPRO’s purpose and various considerations for responding. High levels of clinician engagement with, and patient education on, cPRO were described as facilitators while low levels were described as barriers. Wave 2 (n = 143) data demonstrated high endorsement rates of cPRO’s usability on domains such as navigability (91.6%), comprehensibility (98.7%), and relevance (82.4%). Wave 2 data also indicated low rates of understanding cPRO’s purpose (56.7%), education from care teams about cPRO (22.5%), and discussing results of cPRO with care teams (16.3%).ConclusionsWhile patients reported high value and ease of use when completing cPRO, they also reported areas of confusion, emphasizing the importance of patient education on the purpose and use of cPRO and clinician engagement to sustain participation. These results guided successful implementation changes and will inform future improvements.

Development and Implementation of a Novel Approach to Dietary Education for People With Inadequate Health Literacy and Advanced Kidney Disease

To describe the process of developing and implementing a novel approach to renal diet education by changing from a nutrient-based food list to a pictorial meal compilation approach through the skill steps: plan, select, cook, eat. The skill-based teaching method accommodates low literacy levels and respects cultural values. This teaching style aligns the complex renal diet guidelines with family living. Each meal plan is based on a balanced diet and includes family preferences. Appropriate cooking methods and food swaps that match renal diet specifications are included. The accompanying Cook for Life cookbook demonstrates how to prepare the new kidney-friendly family meal. Recipes were supplied by a local Māori elder and his whānau and tested by the dietitian. The cookbook is provided to all patients receiving renal dietetic education. The teaching method has undergone several iterations to accommodate feedback from dietitians, nurses, doctors, and patients. This included patient engagement to develop the Storybook, a pictorial representation of typical meals consumed in the community with a corresponding food substitution to illustrate how to compile kidney-friendly meals. Analysis of feedback regarding this approach indicates high levels of acceptance and engagement with this new teaching style. This practical skill-based dietary education teaching style appears to be a feasible, acceptable, culturally sensitive, and appropriate approach to dietary education for people who live with kidney disease. Patient engagement in the design of this approach supports effective learning and behavior change.

Patient Experience in a Remote Patient Monitoring Program for Hypertension: A Qualitative Study

Abstract BACKGROUND Remote patient monitoring (RPM), which includes out-of-office blood pressure (BP) measurement, coupled with interventions including telehealth and team-based care, is recommended for hypertension (HTN) management. We aimed to assess participant experience with RPM for HTN (RPM-HTN) to understand barriers and facilitators to implementing RPM-HTN in a primary care population where health disparities and social inequities are prevalent. METHODS This is a qualitative implementation study of participants’ experiences with an RPM-HTN program for primary care patients with uncontrolled HTN at an academic health system. We recruited participants with high and low levels of engagement (≥16 or <16 days of transmitted BP readings per month). Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and descriptive statistics and rapid qualitative analysis were used to identify factors affecting the implementation of RPM-HTN, specifically adoption, acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility. RESULTS Multiple themes emerged from interviews with 14 participants. A doctor’s recommendation and wanting help with BP management were facilitators for engagement, while work conflicts and forgetfulness were barriers to engagement. Participants enjoyed the format and content of nurse and clinical pharmacist phone calls and forming a relationship with the team; expressed improved understanding of HTN and BP management; and appreciated the convenience of remote monitoring. CONCLUSIONS Participants found RPM-HTN acceptable and appropriate, highlighting the team-based and out-of-office approach to care. This study provides actionable targets to overcome feasibility barriers to implementation. In order to increase engagement, RPM policies and procedures should take into account barriers including the quantity of required BP measurements and mechanisms of telehealth communication.

Negative News about the Catholic Church as A Challenge for a More Active and Critical Reading of the News

Media content is not the facts that happened, but the media's representation of these facts. The media report and narrate reality in a way that is as interesting as possible for the audience. Because media content contains exaggeration, drama and speculation and frames facts in different contexts, consumers of media content rightly feel that the media distort the truth. We find that there is a very large discrepancy between the life of the Catholic Church (and Catholics) and the news we find in the media, and that the line between fake news and convincing news is very thin. In order to ascertain the facts in media news (and to distinguish between facts, exaggerations and representations), it is necessary to critically evaluate media content. This requires a high level of personal engagement and knowledge of the topic, but also professional expertise in media content. As a result, most users do not analyse media content, but interpret it intuitively or take it literally. Our 2019 survey shows that the media in Slovenia most often associate the Catholic Church with sexual abuse, money and politics. In an analysis of 3 735 articles, we examined these topics in detail and found that the connotations of these articles are polarised: half are positive, half negative. Furthermore, in these articles we find no reports on serious socio-political problems and the positive solutions offered by the Catholic Church.

Transformational leadership in SMEs: Driving innovation, employee engagement, and business success

In the dynamic and competitive landscape of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), transformational leadership has emerged as a pivotal factor in driving innovation, enhancing employee engagement, and achieving business success. This review explores the critical role of transformational leadership in SMEs, emphasizing how visionary leaders can inspire and motivate their teams to embrace change, foster creativity, and deliver superior performance. Transformational leadership is characterized by the ability to articulate a compelling vision, inspire trust, and encourage employees to exceed their usual performance levels. Leaders who adopt this style are adept at identifying and nurturing talent, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and encouraging a proactive approach to problem-solving. By prioritizing open communication, empathy, and support, transformational leaders create an environment where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute their best efforts. In the context of SMEs, where resources may be limited, the ability to innovate and adapt quickly is crucial for survival and growth. Transformational leaders play a key role in facilitating innovation by promoting a culture that values creativity and risk-taking. They encourage employees to think outside the box, experiment with new ideas, and learn from failures. This approach not only leads to the development of innovative products and services but also enhances the overall competitiveness of the enterprise. Employee engagement is another critical area where transformational leadership makes a significant impact. Engaged employees are more committed, productive, and aligned with the company’s goals. Transformational leaders achieve high levels of engagement by providing clear direction, recognizing and rewarding contributions, and offering opportunities for personal and professional growth. This, in turn, reduces turnover rates and enhances organizational stability. The success of SMEs under transformational leadership is evidenced by improved financial performance, higher employee satisfaction, and increased market share. By fostering a culture of trust, innovation, and engagement, transformational leaders drive sustainable business success and position their enterprises for long-term growth. In conclusion, transformational leadership is a vital ingredient for the success of SMEs. By driving innovation, enhancing employee engagement, and ensuring business success, transformational leaders provide the strategic vision and motivational force necessary to navigate the complexities of today’s business environment.

Experiences of imagery-based treatment for anxiety in bipolar disorder: A qualitative study embedded within the image based emotion regulation feasibility randomised controlled trial.

Intrusive mental imagery is associated with anxiety in bipolar disorder (BD) and presents a novel treatment target. Imagery-based treatments show promise in targeting anxiety and improving mood instability. This qualitative study explored experiences of receiving up to 12 sessions of a brief structured psychological intervention: Image-Based Emotion Regulation (IBER), which targets maladaptive mental imagery in the context of BD with an aim to modify the emotional impact of these images. A qualitative study embedded within the Image Based Emotion Regulation (IBER) feasibility randomised controlled trial. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 participants in the treatment arm of the trial who received IBER + treatment as usual. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Despite some initial scepticism about imagery-focused treatment, all participants expressed broadly positive accounts of treatment experiences. High levels of engagement with imagery modification techniques, beneficial use of techniques post treatment and improvements in anxiety management and agency were described by some. Three sub-groups were identified: those who reported a powerful transformative impact of treatment; those who embedded some new techniques into their daily lives, and those who felt they had techniques to use when needed. No participants reported overall negative experiences of the IBER treatment. Findings from this study highlight the value for treatment recipients of modifying the underlying meanings associated with maladaptive imagery, and the personalised skills development to manage anxiety within bipolar disorders. Findings can inform treatment refinements and further trial-based evaluations.

Enhancing Engineering Education through Problem-based Learning

Problem-based learning is a dynamic teaching approach that empowers students to actively address real-world challenges while taking charge of their own learning process. This study focuses on how problem-based learning enhances the retention of engineering concepts and principles, evidenced by higher levels of engagement and satisfaction reported by students. Through rigorous analysis of student feedback and project outcomes, this research investigates the effectiveness of problem-based learning in the context of engineering education. The results highlight the substantial positive influence of problem-based learning on both student engagement and their grasp of engineering fundamentals.

Engagement With a Mobile Chat-Based Intervention for Smoking Cessation

Determining how individuals engage with digital health interventions over time is crucial to understand and optimize intervention outcomes. To identify the engagement trajectories with a mobile chat-based smoking cessation intervention and examine its association with biochemically validated abstinence. A secondary analysis of a pragmatic, cluster randomized clinical trial conducted in Hong Kong with 6-month follow-up. From June 18 to September 30, 2017, 624 adult daily smokers were recruited from 34 community sites randomized to the intervention group. Data were analyzed from March 6 to October 30, 2023. Chat-based cessation support delivered by a live counselor via a mobile instant messaging app for 3 months from baseline. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify engagement trajectories using the participants' weekly responses to the messages from the counselor over the 3-month intervention period. The outcome measures were biochemically validated tobacco abstinence at 3-month (end of treatment) and 6-month follow-ups. Covariates included sex, age, educational level, nicotine dependence, past quit attempt, and intention to quit at baseline. Of 624 participants included in the analysis, 479 were male (76.8%), and the mean (SD) age was 42.1 (16.2) years. Four distinct engagement trajectories were identified: low engagement group (447 [71.6%]), where participants maintained very low engagement throughout; rapid-declining group (86 [13.8%]), where participants began with moderate engagement and rapidly decreased to a low level; gradual-declining group (58 [9.3%]), where participants had high initial engagement and gradually decreased to a moderate level; and high engagement group (58 [5.3%]), where participants maintained high engagement throughout. Compared with the low engagement group, the 6-month validated abstinence rates were significantly higher in the rapid-declining group (adjusted relative risk [ARR], 3.30; 95% CI, 1.39-7.81), gradual-declining group (ARR, 5.17; 95% CI, 2.21-12.11), and high engagement group (ARR, 4.98; 95% CI, 1.82-13.60). The corresponding ARRs (95% CI) of 3-month validated abstinence were 4.03 (95% CI, 1.53-10.59), 5.25 (95% CI, 1.98-13.88), and 9.23 (95% CI, 3.29-25.86). The findings of this study suggest that higher levels of engagement with the chat-based smoking cessation intervention were associated with greater biochemically validated tobacco abstinence. Improving engagement with digital interventions may increase intervention benefits. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03182790.

Implementation of Immersive Virtual Reality Games and Learning Engagement for Selected Mathematical Concepts among Middle School Students in Ganzhou City, China

This study investigates the impact of immersive virtual reality (VR) on the learning engagement of students in selected mathematical concepts. A pretest-posttest design was employed to assess the cognitive, behavioral, and affective engagement levels of the respondents before and after the implementation of VR. The pretest results indicated moderate levels of engagement across all dimensions, with notable areas for improvement in attentiveness, collaborative skills, and satisfaction with progress. Following the implementation of immersive VR, significant improvements were observed in all engagement dimensions. Cognitive engagement scores increased, highlighting enhanced attention, understanding, and connection-making skills. Behavioral engagement saw improved participation, focus, and diligence in homework completion, although group collaboration remained an area needing further enhancement. Affective engagement improved as well, with students showing increased enjoyment, excitement, and emotional connection to math. The paired t-test analysis confirmed the statistical significance of these improvements, validating the effectiveness of VR in enhancing overall student engagement in mathematical learning. The study concludes that immersive VR is a powerful educational tool that can transform learning experiences, making them more interactive, engaging, and effective. Recommendations include continuing the use of VR to maintain high engagement levels, improving collaborative activities, and expanding VR integration to other subjects.

II. In Civitate: Captivity and Inheritance in Tannaitic Halakha in Light of Roman Law

Summary The question of the influence of Roman law on tannaitic legal literature, composed in Roman Palestine from the first to the third centuries CE, is currently the focus of an intense scholarly debate. While some argue for a deep link between rabbinic and Roman legal discourse, others regard the impact of Roman law on the rabbis as merely superficial. The current article aims to contribute to this debate by presenting a case study that demonstrates a high level of engagement, by some rabbis, with Roman legal discourse, one that goes well beyond superficial borrowing. In this case study, a rabbinic ruling regarding the inheritance of captives is shown to depend heavily on Roman juristic discourse over the ramifications of the Lex Cornelia de captivis. In a sophisticated process of reworking, the rabbis adapt Roman legal materials and principles into a rabbinic framework. Most importantly, we show that this reworking includes the reappropriation of a native tannaitic term (‘in the medina’) in order to translate a Roman technical legal term (in civitate), infusing the Hebrew term with new legal meanings. The details of this case study reveal what is normally concealed: the self-awareness of the rabbis who handle a Roman legal literary source, most probably derived from a concrete juristic discourse, deliberately reworking it to accord with rabbinic terminology, style, and form. This was probably not a one-time process, and it could well have been standard practice among some of the rabbis. Thus, this case study suggests that the evidence for a dramatic impact of Roman legal discourse on tannaitic halakha might be hiding in plain sight.