Opportunities For Engagement Research Articles

A Review of the Philosophy of Flood Risk Communication and Education: New Insights Informed by Critical Complexity

The approach to flooding in the U.S. is strongly influenced by research and practices that place the responsibility for managing risk on scientific and technical experts. But there is a recognition that the public generally needs to be more engaged and responsible. There is currently a disconnect between the objective knowledge of experts and the more subjective ways in which people experience floods and flood risk. To bridge this gap, I start with a review of the philosophy that informs government policies and the societal worldview. While societal leaders have maintained a mechanistic vision of a world that is ultimately knowable and controllable, scientific understandings have progressed to see the world as complex. Understanding the world as complex implies a need for multiple, mutually supporting knowledges. The philosophy of critical complexity inspired by Paul Cilliers motivates a blending and balancing of complementary objective and subjective understandings, an approach I term complexability. An example shows how data and models utilized routinely by hydrologists can be reoriented to better convey flood risk to the public and provide opportunities for discussion and engagement.

The impact of people's creativity and networks on spatial localisation - Locals, multi-locals, newcomers or returnees as an opportunity for civic engagement in rural areas

Rural areas and civic engagement are influenced by ongoing transformation processes. Due to a strong sense of belonging among people in rural areas, along with both historical and emerging engagement structures, civic engagement in these areas plays an important role. This paper deals with spatial localisation through the lens of multi-locals, newcomers or returnees presenting them as an example of potential opportunities for civic engagement. It utilizes theoretical approaches to creativity and engagement as endogenous resources for regional development. By combining the empirical results of two doctoral theses, which used guided qualitative interviews, reflexive photography and egocentric network maps as methods, the paper aims to analyse the extent to which the localisation of multi-locals, newcomers or returnees impacts civic engagement and how rural areas can benefit from civic innovations. The study shows that engagement has different characteristics in rural areas. The personal localisation of volunteers influences the type of engagement. Supra-local engagement offers an opportunity to stay connected and sustain involvement, but "genuine" engagement happens at the local level. The example of multi-locals and engagement in the special field of cultural activities illustrates an opportunity for innovation in rural regions. The multi-locals and the cultural actors, as "strangers" or "newcomers" bring new impressions and skills (from urban areas) to rural regions and communities.

Confronting the Ills of Society

The first generation of Christians constituted a small minority within the Roman Empire and did not seek to wield significant social influence. Thus, the New Testament does not provide a direct mandate for social transformation. Instead, Christians were encouraged to maintain a constructive relationship with the state while also being prepared to adopt adversarial stances when faced with oppression from hostile authorities. This context characterised their existence under the centralised, undemocratic Roman Empire. The challenge arises in applying the teachings of the New Testament to a participatory democracy, where Christians have ample opportunities for public engagement. Using Thomas Clarkson’s approach to confronting the slave trade in Britain as an entry point, this paper has a two-pronged focus: 1) to bring Clarkson’s somewhat eclipsed story into contemporary church-state discussions and 2) to contend that the strategies employed by Clarkson and other abolitionists can serve as a model for contemporary African churches and Christians in their efforts to engage with the democratic state, aiming to foster societal transformation.

Engaging workers with disabilities in the financial sector: exploring promising practices through key informant interviews and a rapid literature review

PurposeThis study explores the challenges, barriers and opportunities for engaging persons with disabilities in employment in the Canadian financial sector.Design/methodology/approachWe situated this research within a critical disability conceptual framework to add to existing theories of employee engagement. We conducted an exploratory qualitative study of key informant interviews of the experiences of diverse persons with disabilities in the Canadian financial sector.FindingsWe found that the financial sector has the potential to be a leader in the engagement of workers with disabilities. Key challenges include corporate bureaucracy and a focus on aggressive growth that perpetuates ableist norms of individualism, self-reliance and competitive achievement. Key informant interviews indicated that opportunities for engagement can be fostered by committed leadership, inclusive corporate culture, supportive management, and respectful and responsive workplace accommodations.Originality/valueThis article contributes to the literature on opportunities for equity, diversity and inclusion at work through a critical exploration of the challenges and promising practices associated with supporting engagement of persons with disabilities in the Canadian financial sector and beyond.

Social Isolation and Depressive Symptoms of Older Chinese Immigrants: The Mediating Effect of Activity Engagement.

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the differential impacts of two forms of social isolation on depressive symptoms and investigate the mediating role of activity engagement among older Chinese immigrants. Methods: Data were from four waves of the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago Study (PINE) (N = 2,075). Social disconnectedness was measured by social network size and range, living arrangement, and marital status. Perceived isolation was measured by loneliness and lack of social support. Activity engagement was assessed by engagement with various social and cognitive activities. Results: The latent growth curve models indicated that social disconnectedness and perceived isolation were associated with a higher initial level of depressive symptoms. However, perceived isolation predicted a faster decline in depressive symptoms. Activity engagement had significant mediating effects on the relationships. Discussion: Efforts should focus on reducing social isolation and providing opportunities for activity engagement to mitigate depression among older Chinese immigrants.

Digital transformation in journalism: Navigating big data governance and ethical challenges

Digital transformation is reshaping journalism, driven by advancements in big data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital platforms. These technologies offer new opportunities for dynamic storytelling, audience engagement, and content personalization. However, they also present challenges related to data governance, privacy, and ethical standards. As news organizations increasingly rely on data-driven practices, they must navigate complex regulatory landscapes and address ethical dilemmas to maintain credibility and public trust. This paper proposes an integrated framework combining big data governance with journalistic ethics and examines empirical case studies of leading news organizations to illustrate the key challenges and strategies for ensuring responsible and effective use of data.

Recommendations for the Design and Implementation of Alcohol Pharmacotherapy Trials: Perspectives of Women With HIV Participating in the WHAT-IF Study.

Naltrexone for alcohol reduction has been poorly studied in women with HIV (WWH), for whom heavy alcohol use is associated with negative HIV outcomes. This study offers recommendations for researchers conducting alcohol pharmacotherapy trials among PWH as suggested by WWH who participated in an alcohol pharmacotherapy trial in Florida. The WHAT-IF? Study enrolled WWH with a history of heavy alcohol use in Miami, Florida, into a clinical trial where participants were randomized to receive naltrexone or placebo to assess effectiveness among WWH. Twenty participants (mean age, 49 years; 85% Black/African American) completed interviews that included questions about barriers to participation and recommendations for future researchers and WWH. Interviews were analyzed using a reflexive thematic approach. We identified six recommendations: 1) increasing opportunities for study engagement, 2) fostering positive relationships to support change, 3) addressing medication concerns, 4) considering structural barriers to participation, 5) improving alcohol-related education, and 6) preventing fraudulent participation. Positive relationships included both study staff and external support. Medication concerns included cost, accessibility, and adherence. Structural barriers included transportation, substance use, and mental health conditions. Better education included information on the risks of alcohol use and encouraging women to quit. Overall, women reported having positive experiences in the WHAT-IF? trial, and many recommended that the study continue. Future alcohol pharmacotherapy studies could consider these recommendations when working with women from underserved communities, including WWH. Additionally, these recommendations could be applied to increase alcohol pharmacotherapy uptake and adherence in clinical practice.

The Expanding Role of Public Libraries in Tribal Settings: From Traditional Services to (Advanced) Digital Skills, Citizen Engagement, and Innovation

ABSTRACT This paper presents a case study of Ignacio Community Library (ICL) on the Southern Ute Indian Tribe Reservation (Colorado) to show how public libraries in tribal settings currently contribute to their communities and whether such context influences these contributions. Based on existing literature and a dozen in-depth interviews, we find that ICL meets various needs and empowers citizens with (advanced) digital skills to use (emerging) technologies for specific purposes and also to innovate. Further, ICL expands opportunities for active citizen engagement in public affairs. These contributions align with local priorities and demonstrate how unique local circumstances affect specific ICL’s contributions.

FROM CONVERSATION TO CREATION: EXPLORING STUDENT EXPRESSION THROUGH WORLD CAFÉ AND CLASSROOM MUSEUMS

This study investigates the impact of multimedia projects within a STEAM education framework, utilizing the World Café methodology to enhance student expression and foster collaboration. Over the course of three months, students engaged in meaningful discussions and created multimedia artifacts that reflect contemporary social issues, significantly enhancing their communication skills. The findings reveal high levels of student participation, with many expressing enthusiasm for the collaborative process and appreciating the opportunity to work with peers from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, there was a notable improvement in students' collaborative abilities and problem-solving skills. The study emphasizes the importance of incorporating multimedia tools into educational settings, suggesting that they not only facilitate critical thinking and creativity but also allow students to tackle real-world problems effectively. By addressing relevant societal themes, the multimedia projects enriched the overall learning experience, providing students with valuable opportunities for personal growth and engagement in meaningful discourse.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0766/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Exploring young children’s self and others: integrating visual diaries and the digital emotional expression application in art education

ABSTRACT This study explores the integration of technology-based and hands-on art practices in an early childhood art education program tailored to preschoolers in South Korea. The participants of this study included 20 young children aged five or six years old, who engaged in the program for a two-year period. By employing qualitative research methods, the results reveal the young learners’ enhanced expression of their emotion, including feelings, desires, and moods with the aid of visual diaries in conjunction with a digital emotional expression application supported by teacher intervention. Further, the young learners were stimulated to engage in self-discovery, self-awareness, and understanding of others. Ultimately, young children’s visual diaries enhanced educators’ and parents’ comprehension of their emotions. Moreover, showcasing these visual diaries and collaborative artwork promoted numerous opportunities for engagement and resonance with the local community. The fusion of visual diaries and the digital emotional expression application is viewed as a practice of emotional meaning making, wherein art and technology agency is distributed.

How India can Support Teenage Girls’ Mental Wellbeing via Inclusion of Park Planning through Digital Engagement

This paper examines how teenage girls’ use of digital governance in planning parks can support mental well-being in India by drawing on existing sources and lessons learned from Scotland’s approach. United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11.7 calls for inclusive public spaces worldwide. However, both Scotland and India provide opportunities for mediocre engagement of teenage girls, allowing a lack of inclusivity in parks, fostering smartphone dependence, social isolation, and the downfall of mental well-being (Hindustan Times, 2016; Make Space for Girls, 2023a). Park professionals within the United Kingdom appear oblivious to this issue: 89% believe parks cater to everyone, but only 22% of teenage girls agree (Baker et al., 2022). Meanwhile, Indian parks seem predominantly male-centric. Boys in India use parks to age ~20, but girls stop using them at ~12 (Hindustan Times, 2016).Previous digital engagements by Scotland and the United Nations, such as Minecraft, feel male-oriented. Instead, India can empower girls’ digital skills using other governance engagements like social media and games. This paper aims to deepen the understanding of how inadequate park provisions have contributed to well-being issues among teenage girls in Scotland and how India could address similar challenges through a proposed digital strategy. The paper will first explore barriers to sufficient park planning within Scotland and India and how these barriers impact the mental well-being and future outcomes of teenage girls. A proposed digital strategy for India will be presented, which aims to implement more parks suitable for teenage girls through digital governance and engagement, drawing on lessons from Scotland’s experiences.

Cyber risk logics and their implications for cybersecurity

Abstract Cybersecurity in national and international security is frequently discussed in an existential register. However, most cybersecurity activities are normal and routine, including diverse practices of cyber risk management. The intricacies of cyber risk and its connection to security and threat politics have received surprisingly little attention in the cyber politics literature. This article addresses this gap through a twofold theoretical proposition. The first argues that cyber risk in policy and practice inhabits a continuum between ‘classical’ risk and security postures. The second proposes the existence of multiple risk logics, located at different points along this continuum. To illustrate this, we outline two distinct cyber risk logics: ‘risk as potential threats’ and ‘risk as uncertainty’. Through an exploratory case-study of cyber risk policy and guidance in the United Kingdom, we find indications of the simultaneous existence of these risk logics, including in specific organizational contexts. We propose that the ‘risk as potential threats’ logic, in particular, acts as a ‘bridge’ between conventional risk and security. We conclude by discussing how differentiating cyber risk logics facilitates a more finely grained appreciation of cybersecurity policy and practice and provides opportunities for disciplinary engagement with the organizational and institutional politics of cybersecurity and ‘the international’.

From curriculum to clinic: a qualitative study of junior doctors’ perceptions of global health and sustainable development

IntroductionThe role of global health and sustainable development in medical education is often debated. However, research regarding medical doctors’ views on the application of their global health knowledge in the...

The Influence Experience of Family Strength on Career Calling Development in Early Adulthood

<p>本研究旨在探討家庭優勢對生涯召喚發展的影響經驗。以立意取樣方式邀請三位擁有生涯召喚經驗，並認為家庭在其生涯發展上帶來正向影響之成年前期者為研究參與者，以敘說研究方法進行分析。研究結果呈現三位參與者之生涯召喚發展歷程分別為：（一）我想要當助人者、拿到入場卷後的探索、在他人的期待中掙扎、沉澱後聽見信仰的指引；（二）把握接觸機會、工作室夢想的始末、失落與妥協、鼓起勇氣再次嘗試、不畏辛苦盡情享受；（三）和媽媽的共同興趣、如果不只是興趣呢、知道我不要什麼、知道我要什麼。家庭優勢經驗內涵有：工具性家庭優勢、代間性家庭優勢、關係性家庭優勢、手足關係性家庭優勢、家庭韌力、教育風格。以及家庭優勢對生涯召喚之影響：（一）家庭的開放，童年時期能接觸興趣、（二）家庭涵融衝突的發生，使之分化出自身信念、（三）家庭因召喚而改變，成為支持的養分。研究最後提出實務工作與未來研究方向建議，以利參考。</p> <p> </p><p>This study aimed to explore the effect of family strength on the career calling development. Using purposive sampling, three participants who have experienced career calling and perceive positive influences from their families on their career development in early adulthood were invited to participate. Narrative research methods were employed for analysis. </p> <p> The research findings present the career calling development journeys of the three participants as follows:(1) Aspiring to be a helper, exploring after receiving the ticket, struggling amidst others’ expectations, and hearing the guidance of faith after settling. (2) Seizing opportunities for engagement, the inception and conclusion of studio dreams, experiencing loss and compromise, gathering courage to attempt again, and enjoying hardships without fear. (3) Sharing common interests with mother, contemplating if it’s more than just an interest, knowing what I don’t want, and knowing what I want. The content of family strength experiences includes: instrumental family strength, intergenerational family strength, relational family strength, sibling relationship family strength, family resilience, and parenting style. Furthermore, the influence of family strength on career calling development: (1) the openness of family provide chance in childhood to know interest; (2) the containment of conflict in family helps young adult promote self-differentiation and self-understanding; (3) family would be changed by family member’s calling, shifting from opposition to support. At the end of the study, based on the research results, the researchers proposed some recommendations for practitioners and provided suggestions for future research.</p> <p> </p>

How can AR-enhanced books support early readers? Exploring literacy development through AR design principles

Early readers go through critical literacy development that have a significant impact on their future reading, academic performance, and lifelong learning. Previous studies have found that AR books designed for literacy development are effective, especially with improved vocabulary and motivation (Cai et al.,2022). Much of AR-enhanced books are not designed with considerations for literacy development. This study extends previous studies by examining whether and how AR-enhanced books may support such critical literacy development through informal, recreational reading. Young readers were observed as they read a set of AR-enhanced books. Their literacy behavior consisting of literacy skills and motivation were analyzed in relation to AR design principles to explore how and when the design principles engaged literacy behavior. Findings show that AR books, even if they are not designed for literacy development, may provide opportunities for engagement and development of literacy skills and motivation. A pattern of relations between literacy behavior, including print concept, vocabulary, interest, and attentional control, and AR design principles were observed. The implications for design and implementation of AR design principles and AR-enhanced books to support different readers is discussed.

Partial Severance: Distance Education and Parent Universities in Ghana

Distance Education has come to stay and it is very significant in the advancement of making education accessible to a broader popular. This distance education stems from a parent university, however, there seem to be a partial disconnection between the distance education and their parent university. The purpose of this study is there to explore the factors that account for the partial severance and the perceptions of distance education students regarding their sense of connection with the parent university. The qualitative research approach was adopted for the study. Consistent with the approach, case study design was used for the study. Purposive sampling technique was used to sample twenty-five (25) participants for the study, twelve (12) lecturers and thirteen (13) students. Interview guide was the research instrument used to collect data for the study. The thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The study revealed that inadequate integration and communication between distance education students and the main campus significantly contribute to their sense of disconnection. Moreso, Distance Education students perceive their connection with the parent university as weak and insufficient due to feelings of isolation and exclusion from campus activities. They face significant communication gaps and lack access to resources and support services equivalent to those available to on-campus students. Based on the key findings, it is recommended that, parent universities who have established distance education should launch regular channels of communication to keep distance learners informed about campus events, resources, and opportunities for engagement. Also, parent universities must prioritize equitable access to resources and support services for distance education students. By creating a more inclusive and supportive environment, there will be a strong connection between parent universities and distance education, ultimately enriching their academic journey and overall satisfaction.

Responsive professional development: A facilitation approach for teachers’ development in a physics teaching community of practice

Creating learning environments that can accommodate teachers’ diverse needs is challenging because responsive elements are not clearly defined or identified. This study identified responsive teacher professional development (PD) elements by taking a phenomenological approach. Using surveys and interviews with 13 high school physics teachers in a PD program at a Midwestern university, we identified responsive features such as practicality, flexibility, and accessibility core to the enactment of a responsive PD. Other features were opportunities for community engagement, pedagogical support, and professional growth, which were aligned with the benefits of engagement in a Community of Practice model incorporated in this work.

Multi-sited photo-storytelling: visualising care in environmental and peace education

ABSTRACT This paper presents a practice-based enquiry exploring how photovoice methods can be adapted to visualise caring behaviours in multi-sited contexts, within an environment and peace education context. Photovoice methods typically have an exclusively single-sited focus that can neglect opportunities for empathy and cross-cultural engagement that arise when considering multiple sites. This research explores these opportunities through broadening and integrating multi-sited dimensions into photovoice processes. Two novel multi-sited photovoice methods are adapted – photo-action interviews, and photo-letter exchanges, with participating youth in urban sites across Bangladesh, Australia and China. The visualisations of caring actions depicted in the resulting photo-stories are then analysed, affirming these methods’ efficacy and inviting expanded considerations of agency and subjectivity as represented through the images. I employ an analytical approach encompassing both qualitative content and relational analysis across the interview and exchange methods to affirm the importance of materiality, relationality and empathy to participation and visualisation of environmental caring behaviour. These explorations of novel photovoice methods in multi-sited contexts confirm the importance of bringing global perspectives to local photovoice practices, contributing to participatory visual research in environmental and peace educational contexts.

Investigation of the Impact of New Media on Movie Advertising

As the landscape of mass entertainment shifts towards new media—characterized by short-form videos, interactive content, and decentralized platforms—the traditional film industry is undergoing significant changes in its advertising strategies. This paper investigates the impact of new media on movie advertising by analyzing how digital channels, such as social media and streaming services, have transformed traditional promotional methods. Utilizing reliable secondary sources, this research explores various aspects of new media’s influence on film marketing, focusing on case studies like “Avengers: Endgame” and “Spider-Man: No Way Home” to highlight effective strategies. The findings reveal that new media offers unprecedented opportunities for audience engagement through dynamic and interactive content, surpassing the effectiveness of traditional methods. Social media campaigns, marked by high levels of engagement, viral content, and influencer collaborations, have proven particularly successful in driving film visibility and box office success. The research concludes that future studies should incorporate emerging platforms like TikTok, which present novel ways to connect with younger demographics and create shareable content. By understanding the evolving trends and integrating new media strategies, filmmakers can optimize their advertising approaches to enhance audience reach and maximize commercial success.

Novi Sad cultural stations as healthy buildings for wellbeing concept

Abstract Creating spaces for all citizens through the cultural stations project within the Novi Sad - European Capital of Culture 2022 has set an example of applying the concept of well-being which involves integrating various elements that support physical, mental, and social health. Cultural stations project in the city of Novi Sad is a concept supporting cultural programming, healthy food options, mental health support, accessibility and inclusivity, as well as community engagement. Social interaction in urban areas is vital for mental and emotional well-being, fostering a sense of belonging and community, diverse cultural programming that appeals to different groups, cultural activities such as art exhibitions, performances, workshops, and community events provide opportunities for creativity, learning, and social engagement, enhancing overall well-being. Access to cultural stations, spending time there has been linked to reduced stress, improved mood, and increased feelings of well-being within 7 neighborhoods of Novi Sad. This includes providing barrier-free access, accommodations for individuals with disabilities, and programming that is inclusive and welcoming to everyone. Participation of the local community in the design, programming, and management of cultural stations is also important. By integrating these principles into the design, programming, and management of cultural stations, Novi Sad creates vibrant, inclusive, and healthy spaces that contribute to the overall well-being of its residents and visitors. Cultural stations are located in different parts of the city in order to provide accessibility to all citizens. Their arrangement is in accordance with the recommendations of green construction and restoration, and the interior and surroundings foster respect for nature and nature-based solutions. Also, they are developing different content in line with culture, but also science, health and smart solutions as a tool for well-being.