Digital Commons Network^™

Talking Through Our Difference: Testing The Moral Attitude Dynamic Model For Mitigating The Polarization Along Cultural War Issues, Mengyao Xu

Academic Affairs

This study examines the dynamic nature of polarization by applying the Moral Attitude Dynamic Model (MADM) to immigration discourse. Combining computational analysis of congressional debates with a randomized experiment (N = 1,402), it identifies context-specific moral foundations and evaluates MADM-informed moral reframing strategies. Results show that such messages reduce reactance and, under certain conditions, decrease social distance. Findings extend Contingency Theory by validating MADM as a dynamic, data-driven approach to polarization mitigation.

A Policy Analysis Of Accountability And Governance In Journalism By Artificial Intelligence (Ai) In Egypt, Amira Ahmed Salama

Theses and Dissertations

The growing use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) and AI-assisted tools in journalism raises governance questions concerning accountability, human oversight, transparency, verification, editorial responsibility, and implementation. In Egypt, these issues arise within an emerging but fragmented governance environment that includes national AI guidance, media regulation, professional self-regulation, and developing newsroom practices. This study examines how these arrangements can be integrated into a coherent national sector-specific policy framework for GenAI and AI-assisted journalism.

The study adopts a qualitative methodology combining a descriptive qualitative document analysis with stakeholder semi-structured interviews. Four governance instruments were analyzed: the Council of Europe’s Guidelines on the …

Nourishing Births: A Program Evaluation Proposal For Community-Based Nutrition Education, Food Access, And Garden Engagement Among Black Birthing People, Naa Deedei-Vera Hammond

Master's Projects and Capstones

Black birthing people in the United States continue to experience unequal maternal health outcomes, shaped in part by racism and barriers to nutritious food, culturally relevant health education, and supportive community spaces. While prenatal nutrition education and food assistance programs can provide important resources, information alone cannot address the challenges many people face when trying to access healthy and affordable food during pregnancy. The Nourishing Births Initiative is a proposed community-based maternal health program designed to respond to these needs by bringing together prenatal nutrition education, help connecting to food resources, community gardening, and peer support for Black birthing people …

Working Mothers Of Children With Disabilities: Professional And Social Identity Negotiation, Christy D. Boyles

Dissertations

Women who have children with disabilities may struggle with both employment and childcare, and have barriers to re-entering the workforce. One struggle is the role identification and negotiation that occur when one transitions from one role to another. This research sought to answer the following questions: RQ 1. How does professional identity influence the “return to work” decisions for mothers who have children with disabilities? RQ 2. How do working mothers of children with disabilities negotiate their identities as caregivers and professionals? RQ 3. What other emerging factors affect women’s decisions to return to the workforce? A purposeful sample of …

The Economics Of Modern Basketball Fandom, Holden Velasco

Capstones

In an increasingly money-sucking economy, many Americans are feeling the aching of their wallets. Basketball, once serving as an escape from the outside world, has now turned into a money-making machine where fans are paying to keep it running. It’s inescapable, whether it’s the rising costs to watch the professionals, forking thousands of dollars for children to play or sports gambling being plastered everywhere. Basketball no longer feels like basketball.

Providing Effective Student Feedback: Effects Of Sociotropy, Student-Teacher Connectedness, And Expressed Disappointment And Praise On Students' Self-Esteem And Motivation, Emily Davied

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

This study examined how different types of teacher feedback (i.e., expressed pride, expressed disappointment, and near-neutral feedback) impact students’ motivation to learn and self-esteem. It also explored whether such effects vary depending on students' personality and how connected they feel to their teacher. Undergraduate students (N = 221) imagined receiving feedback from a teacher and completed surveys assessing their motivation, self-esteem, sociotropy, and connectedness with the teacher. The results showed that feedback expressing disappointment lowered students' self esteem compared to expressing pride and lowered students' motivation compared to near neutral feedback. Although sociotropy (i.e., dependence on others' approval) and teacher …

Listening As Method: She Speaks And The Case For Podcasting As A Feminist Research Methodology In Women's Non-Medicalised Self-Care, Narelle Lemon

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Women's non-medicalised self-care — the everyday, relational practices through which women tend to themselves — remains largely illegible to conventional health research methods. This article argues that podcasting constitutes a feminist research methodology rather than a supplementary dissemination tool and makes the case for its adoption in qualitative health research on women's wellbeing. The argument develops through an extended case study of She Speaks , an Australian podcast series produced by the author across four seasons and sixty-two episodes. Situated within arts-based research and feminist methodological traditions, the study treats the podcast itself as the research vehicle: a site where …

Expanding Ai Literacy: The 5cs Of News Literacy In The Era Of Generative Ai, Seth Ashley, Adam Maksl, Paul Cook

Journal of Media Literacy Education Pre-Prints

This article adapts the 5Cs framework of news literacy—context, creation, content, circulation, and consumption—to media environments shaped by generative artificial intelligence. We argue that prevailing discussions of AI literacy overemphasize technical or functional competencies while underemphasizing the social, cultural, political, and communicative systems in which AI operates. Drawing on previous research, we define AI literacy as knowledge of the technical, social, and ethical dimensions of AI-mediated content production, distribution, and consumption, along with the critical capacities needed to exercise agency within those processes. We show how the 5Cs can be reinterpreted for generative AI environments and integrate pedagogical implications for …

The End Of Unmeasured Exploitation: How A.S.M., C.A.S., And S.I.A. Challenge Digital Attention Capitalism, Delante Clark

Graduate Scholarship and Creative Works

Digital attention capitalism generates value through the capture and monetization of human attention, yet it has historically lacked standardized mechanisms for measuring attention-related harm. This paper argues that the Attention Safeguard Models (A.S.M.), Cognitive Attentional Standards (C.A.S.), and Sociological Impact Assessment (S.I.A.) collectively challenge this system by introducing an integrated framework for classifying, measuring, and evaluating digital attention harm and its societal consequences. C.A.S. provides standardized measurement of digital attention harm, A.S.M. identifies and classifies patterns of attentional disruption and manipulation, and S.I.A. evaluates broader impacts on institutions, communities, civic engagement, education, social cohesion, and inequality. Together, these systems transform …

Striking A Balance With Social Media Use On An Uneven Playing Field, Stacey F. Stearns, Jennifer E. Cushman

Journal of Extension

Social media is now an integral part of Extension's communications and marketing strategies; however, it is an uneven playing field. While social media allows greater access to audiences and introduces Extension programs to new audiences, the social media companies also control the platforms and algorithms. The challenge is balancing the need to engage our audiences where they are with the lack of control Extension professionals have over the platform and how audiences access and use our content. This commentary includes a case study of an Extension Facebook page that Meta inadvertently deleted, and the repercussions the organization faced in rebuilding.

Have You Done Your Duty? Impact Of Direct Mailing Campaign On Septic System Owners' Maintenance Knowledge And Behaviors In Coastal Texas Watersheds, Audrey Mccrary, T. Allen Berthold

Journal of Extension

As part of a watershed protection plan, the Texas Water Resources Institute and AgriLife Extension Service developed and distributed an educational postcard (``mailer'') about septic system maintenance to mailing addresses outside of public sewer service areas. The mailer was distributed four times within 1 year. The impact of this mailer was evaluated with a retrospective pre/post-test within a mailed survey. Overall, the mailer was effective at increasing knowledge of septic system owners and prompting maintenance action. Mailers can be a cost-effective alternative for educational initiatives where the target audience is not able to or interested in in-person or online programs.

Lindenwood Digest, October 7, 2026, Lindenwood University

Lindenwood Digest

• Document Type & Date: Institutional internal newsletter (Lindenwood University Employee Digest), published October 7, 2026.

• Core Entities & Provenance: Published by Lindenwood University Communications and Public Relations for faculty, staff, and adjuncts; references administrative units and venues including Human Resources, Library Services, the Lindenwood Learning Academy, Mane Media Productions, LARC, Harmon Hall, and Boyle Family Gallery.

• Key Themes & Context: Administrative compliance and governance via annual employment policy acknowledgments and overdue staff performance goals in Workday; academic grading protocols requiring special grade entries (AF, N, I, AH, BH) by October 19 and automated Canvas-to-Anthology synchronization; faculty development initiatives encompassing the …

Papuaganda Machine: A Look At Indonesia's Burgeoning Social Media Influence Campaigns, Leland Fecher, Patrick Warren, Bb Fonseca, Kylie Gilbert, Peter Mclean, Kameron Pereira, Miles Rockow, Alexander Sharp, Katelyn Smith

Media Forensics Hub Creative Inquiry Reports

Western Papua, a region which borders Papua New Guinea and is officially a part of the Republic of Indonesia, has a long history of conflict with the Indonesian government stretching back to their independence from Dutch colonialism in 1961. While Indonesia sees Papua as legally belonging within the republic, the legitimacy of this claim has been rejected by Papuan liberation movements. This division continues to manifest in violent conflict to this day. While international coverage of this conflict remains minimal, there is significant media coverage and discussion within Indonesia, especially on social media. This social media coverage often favors the …

From Consumers To Makers: A Community-Based Model Of The Diy Food And Beverage Kit Ecosystem, Mark Mitchell, Richard Martin, Sheila Mitchell

Atlantic Marketing Journal

The market for do-it-yourself (DIY) food and beverage kits continues to expand as consumers seek experiences that combine convenience, learning, creativity, and participation. This conceptual paper proposes a four-community ecosystem model consisting of consumers, makers, marketers, and consumption communities. Drawing on value co-creation, prosumption, experiential consumption, and diffusion of innovation theories, the model suggests that participation in DIY production transforms consumers into makers, fosters a maker identity, and encourages engagement in product-category consumption communities. Through sharing experiences and outcomes, participants attract new consumers into the marketplace, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of growth. The framework extends value co-creation theory by explaining …

Brand Gravity And Instant Adoption: Consumer Visitation, Loyalty, And Trip Chaining Following The Entry Of A New National Coffee Chain, Mark J. Sciuchetti Jr., Jianping Huang

Atlantic Marketing Journal

This study examines how consumers adopt a strong national brand immediately after its entry into a small regional market. Using anonymized mobile location data from the first twenty-nine weeks of a new Starbucks location in Anniston, Alabama, the analysis evaluates weekly visitation, repeat behavior, visitor origin distance, trip chaining, and temporal demand. The store opened above its subsequent steady state, indicating activation of preexisting demand rather than a gradual diffusion process. Repeat visitors generated 82.6% of visits within the observation window, showing rapid movement from trial to habitual use. The entrant also exhibited a flatter distance decay gradient than adjacent …

Where Shoppers Look First: How Navigation Bar Design Shapes Visual Attention Online, James Coyle, Linh Nguyen, Lee Hillman

Atlantic Marketing Journal

Abstract

Despite the crucial role that a website navigation bar can play in affecting consumer behavior, there has been a lack of theory-driven studies to investigate how to most effectively design navigation bars. Grounded in cognitive fit theory and visual attention theory, this study investigates how the effects of navigation bar design and content can influence visual processing of an unfamiliar online retailer’s website. A total of 40 subjects participated in a controlled experiment in which we gathered eye-tracking data. We find that navigation bar placement strongly affects how quickly participants locate the navigation bar: an unexpected placement more than …

Reducing Cognitive Load To Strengthen Customer Engagement: The Strategic Role Of Digital Tools, Neda Mossaei, Maryam Tofighi

Atlantic Marketing Journal

This paper examines how advanced technological interfaces, particularly chatbots and augmented reality, influence customer engagement by reducing the cognitive effort required to interact with firms. As digital tools become increasingly embedded in everyday life, companies are leveraging these technologies to streamline communication, personalize experiences, and foster long-term relational outcomes. Guided by cognitive load theory, this study argues that minimizing mental effort in customer–firm interactions improve engagement by making interactions more seamless and intuitive. At the same time, relationship marketing theory emphasizes that reducing cognitive barriers can cultivate customer engagement, trust, and loyalty over time. Together, these perspectives suggest that implementing …

Oct. 2026 - At The Table: How Mda Advocacy Turns Member Concerns Into Action, Timothy Rath

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The cover story provides an in-depth examination of the Michigan Dental Association’s grassroots advocacy framework, highlighting the successful enactment of Senate Bill 105. SB 105 addresses "virtual credit cards" by requiring dental insurers to offer reimbursement options without transaction fees. The article details how MDA staff, legislative leaders, and Political Action Committee (PAC) donors collaborate to identify member priorities, build legislative relationships, and educate policymakers. Emphasizing the essential role of practicing dentists in state capitol discussions, the story illustrates how grassroots participation turns practice challenges into legislative victories.

Oct. 2026 - 5 Clinical Questions. Better Clinical Decisions., Timothy Rath

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This feature previews the continuing education program presented by Dr. Melissa Seibert at the 2027 Sun, Sand & CE Cruise. Focusing on minimally invasive caries management and evidence-based restorative dentistry, the article outlines five daily clinical challenges faced by practitioners. Topics include determining when to restore versus monitor lesions, evaluating caries risk, selecting therapeutic agents, and translating dental research into practical workflows. The piece emphasizes practical decision-making and peer networking to help clinicians improve patient outcomes and return to practice reenergized.

Oct. 2026 - Mastery Creates Presence, Anish Gupta D.D.S.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Written by oral surgeon Dr. Anish Gupta, this reflective essay explores the connection between clinical mastery and patient-centered hospitality in surgical practice. Defining practice core values as "be the best, do the best" and "unreasonable patient-centeredness," the author illustrates how technical expertise frees clinicians to be fully present and empathetic with anxious patients. The article emphasizes that clinical competence should serve to alleviate patient fear, remove practice friction, and elevate the healthcare experience through mindful, compassionate service.

Navigating Text-To-Speech (Tts): Ethical Leadership In The Use Of Generative Ai For Extension, Xue A Dong, Paul A Hill

Journal of Extension

Text-to-speech (TTS) AI technology transforms written content into natural-sounding speech, offering a useful tool to enhance accessibility and inclusivity in Extension work. This article examines the role of TTS AI in bridging communication gaps, particularly for diverse and multilingual communities, and demonstrates the importance of ethical leadership in its adoption. By prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, Extension professionals can leverage TTS AI to foster greater connection and engagement. Practical applications and examples are provided to guide the integration of TTS AI into programs. The article also offers recommendations for experimenting with innovative technologies to improve educational outcomes and increase the …

How Wisconsin Extension Educators Talk About Climate Change Without Talking About ``Climate Change'', Sky Hershberger, Todd P. Newman

Journal of Extension

Climate change touches all areas of Extension's programming. To understand how educators approach talking about climate change with constituents, we interviewed 15 Extension educators and three program managers in Wisconsin. Crops and Soils educators view climate change as interwoven with their work, Financial Education educators view it as mostly disconnected, and Community Economic Development educators range between these extremes. Educators in all three programs avoid the polarizing phrase ``climate change,'' instead focusing on specific, local, and relatable issues. Educators show empathy and emphasize resilience (adaptation) rather than mitigation. These findings can inform Extension's organizational strategy on climate change.

“None Of Them Use Facebook Anymore, It’S Just For Us, Internet Dinosaurs” Czech Media Education Teachers And Social Media, Karolína Šimková, Ana F. Oliveira, Annamária Neag

Journal of Media Literacy Education Pre-Prints

In today’s digital age, media education teachers are expected to be at the forefront of guiding young people through the complex digital world. This study aimed to explore how media education teachers’ personal and professional engagement with social media shapes their teaching practices in Czech primary schools (teaching pupils aged 11–15). Through 17 semi-structured interviews, we delved into teachers’ social media use, classroom discussions, and pedagogical approaches to media education to identify the distinct attitudes these teachers hold toward social media. The study shows that Czech media education teachers’ diverse strategies for integrating social media into their curriculum are primarily …

The Other Visual Acuity, Paul B. Freeman Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Editorial

A Word From The Writing Team (October 2026), Pam Walter, Mfa, Laura Deloretta, Phd

A Word From the Writing Team (Newsletter)

No abstract provided.

Mapping St. Louis History: Slavery, Redlining, And The May 16th Tornado, Safa M. Altamimi, Aster Horbanova, Riley J. Bearden, Vivian B. Rhodes, Bridget Ragan

Undergraduate Research Symposium

For this project, our group members are traveling across St.Louis to areas that are affected by the May 16th tornado. We will be taking pictures and using ArcGIS survey123 to input data connecting the tornado to historical forces such as Redlining and Slavery. Using this data, we will be creating an ArcGIS StoryMap and presenting our findings.

The Value Of Information Shared By Indonesian Social Media Influencers Living In Germany, Atika Aisyarahmi Munzir

Jurnal Wacana Politik

This article examines the informational value and influence of Indonesian Social Media Influencers (SMIs) in Germany as informal information intermediaries, highlighting how they disseminate knowledge about living in Germany and shape Indonesians' perceptions of educational and employment opportunities abroad. The study adopts a critical narrative literature review combined with reflexive digital observation of publicly available content produced by Indonesian SMIs residing in Germany. The findings suggest that the informational value of SMI content is shaped by three interrelated dimensions: utility, relatability, and credibility. Indonesian SMIs provide practical information about education, employment, migration, culture, and everyday life in Germany, while their …

Lindenwood Digest, September 30, 2026, Lindenwood University

Lindenwood Digest

• Event & Date: The Lindenwood University Employee Digest was published on September 30, 2026, announcing campus events including the National Weather Service Severe Weather Tabletop Exercise on October 14, 2026, and the Faculty and Staff Appreciation Hockey Game on October 8, 2026.

• Geographic Grounding: The events are scheduled across Lindenwood University, St. Charles, Missouri, including the AB Leadership Room and the Centene Community Ice Center.

• Key Honorees/Awards: Lindenwood University received the Best College/University award for the second consecutive year in the 2026 St. Louis Headliners presented by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch; Associate Professor Joe Weber and Associate Professor Erica Blum …

Youth Participation In Kediri, Indonesia: An Urban Communication Perspective, Nissa C. Adinia, Budi Guntoro, Roso Witjaksono

JURNAL KOMUNIKASI INDONESIA

This article examines how young people in a mid-sized Indonesian city participate in producing the meaning of urban space, and how far a participatory communication intervention succeeds in opening dialogue with city stakeholders. Urban communication scholarship has developed primarily around metropolitan cities in the Global North, while participatory communication research often assumes that facilitated dialogue leads to empowerment. This article addresses both gaps through a Photovoice study conducted in Kediri, East Java, involving 37 young people from three social typologies: pelajar (students), santri (Islamic boarding school-affiliated youth), and pekerja/wirausaha (young workers and entrepreneurs). Drawing on Lefebvre’s spatial triad and Couldry’s …

The Algorithmic Narcissus: Ai Validation And The Atrophy Of The 'Athletic' Social Self, Ilham Phalosa Reswara, Anggi Mayangsari

Jurnal Psikologi Sosial

Artificial intelligence systems designed around continuous affirmation and minimal friction are becoming increasingly prominent as social and relational partners in everyday life. This article examines how sustained interaction with such frictionless AI systems may reshape the developmental conditions under which social selfhood forms and is maintained. Drawing on Cooley's (1902) looking glass self, Kohut's (1971) concept of optimal frustration, and the developmental literature on social competence, the article argues that frictionless AI may distort the social mirror through which identity forms, remove the manageable frustration that appears necessary for psychological growth, weaken empathic capacity, and erode the social stakes that …