1. When brand community participation feels effortless : an integrative framework of motivation, trust, interaction fluency, and consumer engagementArmand Faganel, Polona Dakič, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: Online brand communities enable knowledge exchange, peer support, content creation, and value co-creation, yet technically simple participation can feel costly while objectively demanding activity can feel smooth. This conceptual article develops the Effortless Brand Community Engagement Framework (EBCEF) to explain that anomaly. A structured integrative review directly consulted 58 cited sources, using a published review of 88 records and 41 included studies as inherited synthesis rather than as a newly screened corpus. Abductive theory development distinguishes perceived participation effort as a seven-dimensional resource appraisal from interaction fluency as the subsequent technological, interpretive, and social smoothness of participation. The five-stage framework links design and governance to psychological and relational mechanisms, effort, fluency, consumer engagement, observable participation behavior, continued participation, and downstream outcomes. Twelve proposition sets specify core paths and selected moderators, while the effortlessness paradox predicts when high-intensity or low-control features generate overload, privacy concern, reactance, or fatigue. The EBCEF advances theory by separating engagement from its behavioral and longitudinal consequences and offers managers a diagnostic basis for removing unnecessary burdens while preserving autonomy, meaningful challenge, trust, and consumer control. The constructs and dimensions remain theoretical expectations requiring empirical validation.
Keywords: online brand communities, consumer engagement, perceived participation effor, interaction fluency, self-determination, trust, value co-creation, brand advocacy
Published in RUP: 02.10.2026; Views: 206; Downloads: 8
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2. First application of the conservation and human use index (CHUI) for the evaluation of coastal social-ecological conditions across ten European case studiesFrancesco Zangaro, Francesca Marcucci, Valeria Specchia, Sara Ayoub, Perline Bastid, Elena Bužan, Luka Duniš, Julie Ewald, Ana Filipović, Panagiotis Georgiou, Žiga Velkavrh, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: Social-Ecological Systems (SESs) are shaped by complex interactions between natural processes, governance structures, environmental pressures, and human perceptions. To evaluate these multidimensional dynamics in diverse transboundary coastal areas, this study presents the first application of the Conservation and Human Use Index (CHUI) across ten case studies representing contrasting ecological, institutional, and socio-cultural contexts. The CHUI, grounded in the Social-Ecological Systems Framework (SESF), operationalises system performance through 134 standardised indicators spanning four equally weighted dimensions: Resource System, Environment, Governance, and Actors. Indicators were identified by scientific literature, management documents, and cross-stakeholder consultations, enabling qualitative insights to be translated into semi-quantitative metrics through a harmonised scoring protocol. Results reveal marked variation among the identified case studies, reflecting distinct combinations of ecological conditions, exposure to anthropogenic and climatic pressures, governance effectiveness, and the quality of human-nature relations. Overall, the first CHUI assessment results demonstrate the tool’s effectiveness as both a diagnostic framework and a comparative platform for identifying leverage points, guiding adaptive governance, and supporting integrated coastal management. It highlights the importance of balancing ecological protection, institutional strength, and socially legitimate processes to enhance the assessment of baseline conditions and system vulnerabilities across coastal SESs.
Keywords: citizen science, coastal management, comparative assessment, ecosystem services, participatory science, social perceptions, social-ecological systems, stakeholder engagement
Published in RUP: 14.09.2026; Views: 359; Downloads: 3
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5. Reconsidering contemporary approaches to teaching art history : from theoretical frameworks to empirical insightsMarjana Dolšina Delač, 2026, independent scientific component part or a chapter in a monograph Abstract: This chapter explores how contemporary didactic approaches can enhance the teaching and learning of art history through both theoretical reflection and empirical investigation. Building on the evolution of art-historical pedagogy from formalist to contextual paradigms, the study integrates a series of pedagogical experiments conducted within the elective university course titled Contemporary Approaches to Teaching and Learning Art History. The research aims to identify effective strategies for fostering student engagement, critical thinking, and sensory awareness in a digital educational environment. Using a small-scale qualitative methodology based on observation, reflection, and analysis of student-designed lessons, the study highlights the benefits of multisensory learning, formative assessment, flipped classroom models, and authentic learning contexts. Findings suggest that the most effective art history teaching approaches balance technological innovation with embodied, humanistic engagement, reaffirming the relevance of art history as a reflective and interdisciplinary discipline.
Keywords: art history didactics, contemporary teaching approaches, active student engagement, digital tools, artificial intelligence
Published in RUP: 29.07.2026; Views: 469; Downloads: 15
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6. Engaging European local communities in biodiversity genomics research : a five-step framework for scientistsChristian de Guttry, Chiara Bortoluzzi, Luísa S. Marins, Tinatin Chkhartishvili, Camilla R. De Pierri, Stefaniya Kamenova, Jennifer A. Leonard, Kay Lucek, Lada Lukić-Bilela, Camila J. Mazzoni, Elena Bužan, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: Biodiversity genomics research can inform conservation, management, and policy, including implementation and monitoring linked to the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). Still, its societal relevance depends on how research is designed and interpreted with the people who live in, work with, and care for the species and places being studied. Local Communities often hold Local Ecological Knowledge that can improve sampling design, contextualise genomic patterns, and support the translation of findings into practice. Yet, community participation in biodiversity genomics remains limited, partly because researchers may lack practical guidance, training, incentives, or time for engagement. Here, we propose a five-step framework for engaging European Local Communities in biodiversity genomics projects. The framework covers early relationship building, respect for local context and knowledge, co-creation of research roles, transparent benefit sharing, and long-term knowledge transfer. We also outline biodiversity genomics-specific points that require early discussion, including biological sampling, genomic sequence data, genetic variant data, analytical outputs, associated ecological and locality information, Digital Sequence Information, repository deposition, interpretation, and reuse. The framework is intended as a practical starting point for research teams, funders, and community collaborators seeking to make biodiversity genomics research more transparent, locally informed, and useful for conservation decision-making.
Keywords: biodiversity conservation, community engagement, equitable research, knowledge co-creation, local ecological knowledge, participatory genomics
Published in RUP: 14.07.2026; Views: 578; Downloads: 23
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7. Biodiversity genomics research practices require harmonising to meet stakeholder needs in conservationElena Bužan, Christian de Guttry, Chiara Bortoluzzi, Nathaniel R. Street, Kay Lucek, Anna Rosling, Lino Ometto, Alice Mouton, Luísa S. Marins, María José Ruiz-López, José Melo-Ferreira, Elisabet Ottosson, Camila J. Mazzoni, Robert M. Waterhouse, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Biodiversity resilience relies on genetic diversity, which sustains the evolutionary potential of organisms in dynamic ecosystems. Genomics is a powerful tool for accurately estimating genetic diversity across genomes of species and populations. However, integration of genomic data into conservation efforts faces challenges due to the heterogeneity of approaches employed. Establishing common sets of standards for genomic data production and analysis is essential to consistently interpret results and clearly communicate outcomes to stakeholders. While the European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA) community has contributed significantly to the standardisation of reference genome methodologies in synergy with other initiatives, there is now an urgent need to extend these principles to downstream analyses. ERGA aims to build on its experience to help establish harmonised approaches in applied biodiversity genomics research, aligned with ongoing efforts to define standardised metrics for measuring and reporting genetic diversity. Establishing consensus on best practices for genome-wide data generation methods and applications will substantially increase accuracy, interpretability, and comparability, together with enhanced stakeholder capacities. By identifying key opportunities and challenges, as well as conducting preliminary stakeholder mapping and examining case studies, the goal is to build an inclusive framework that ensures the relevance and widespread adoption of these best practices: fostering trust and confidence in genomics research practices to meet stakeholder needs in biodiversity conservation. We call upon the broader research community to join efforts in establishing these approaches, recognising the importance of participation of end-users, to foster the integration of genomic data into the toolkit for measuring and reporting genetic diversity.
Keywords: best practices, biodiversity genomics, genome-wide genetic diversity, stakeholder engagement, standardisation, whole genome resequencing data
Published in RUP: 16.01.2026; Views: 1286; Downloads: 6
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8. Exploring student perspectives on e-learning in nursing educationMirko Prosen, Sabina Ličen, 2025, independent scientific component part or a chapter in a monograph Abstract: E-learning has rapidly gained prominence in nursing education, offering flexible alternatives to traditional learning. This study aimed to explore nursing students’ experiences with e-learning, focusing on perceived benefits, challenges, and its impact on skill acquisition. Using a qualitative design, data were collected from four face-to-face focus groups comprising 20 nursing students. Thematic analysis was employed to examine the data, yielding six key themes: Flexibility and accessibility benefits, Impact on student engagement and interaction, Technological and infrastructure challenges, Effect on practical skills and learning outcomes, Diverse preferences in learning approaches, and Self-management and motivation in e-learning. The findings indicate that, while e-learning provides accessibility and flexibility, it poses challenges in practical skill development and engagement. This study emphasises the need for adaptive e-learning models to meet diverse learning requirements effectively.
Keywords: online learning, blended learning, thematic analysis, skill development, student engagement
Published in RUP: 22.12.2025; Views: 832; Downloads: 1
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9. Maximizing Nursing Students’ Engagement in Distance Learning: Strategies and InsightsBoris Ilić, Irena Kovačević, Danko Relić, Vesna Švab, Vedrana Vejzović, Seher Yurt, 2025, independent scientific component part or a chapter in a monograph Abstract: The increase of online nursing education, driven by technology and the demand for flexible learning, has emphasized the importance of student engagement. Participation plays a key role in shaping both academic achievement and the acquisition of crucial nursing skills. This chapter explores the impact of technological factors such as audio and video quality, as well as internet speed, on student engagement. Moreover, it delves into how the ERR framework – a teaching approach that includes Evocation, Realization of Meaning and Reflection, along with other interactive tools can be used in online learning settings to improve nursing students’ participation. This work aims to provide educators with practical insights for improving online nursing education by combining technological considerations with innovative teaching strategies.
Keywords: nursing education, distance learning, student engagement, ERR framework, Technological factors
Published in RUP: 22.12.2025; Views: 901; Downloads: 2
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10. Evaluating the dynamics of games in a blockchain-based marketplace : final project paperGjore Janevski, 2025, undergraduate thesis Keywords: blockchain, centralized/decentralized marketplace, games, marketing, liquidity, NFT, player retention, game engagement
Published in RUP: 04.10.2025; Views: 1227; Downloads: 25
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