Digital Commons Network^™

Close Enough To Know, Organized Enough To Respond: State Associations As First-Response Advocacy Networks, Jordan Atkinson

Iowa Journal of Communication

This essay argues that state communication associations are uniquely positioned to serve as first-response advocacy networks for the communication discipline. In a higher education climate shaped by declining public trust, program cuts, academic freedom concerns, enrollment pressures, and contingent labor, state associations can provide local forms of connection, support, and advocacy that complement the work of regional and national associations. Drawing attention to their proximity, relationships, and responsiveness, this essay considers how these associations can help members recognize emerging threats, share resources, coordinate responses, and communicate the public value of communication education. It also argues that effective advocacy requires more …

Back Matter - Call For Submissions

Iowa Journal of Communication

No abstract provided.

Degrees Of Separation: Grandchildren's Experiences Of Grandparental Brain Tumor Or Stroke, Emily Sapsford, Alyson Norman, Sue Jackson, Josh Deacon, Emily Ravenhill, Pete Keohane

School of Psychology

The impact of acquired brain injury on family members is far reaching. Research has identified experiences of trauma, ambiguous loss and burden of care. Limited research has addressed the ripple effect of brain injury across the wider family. The study aimed to gain a detailed insight into the lived experiences of grandchildren of those who have experienced stroke or brain tumor. Ten participants (eight female and two males aged between 18 and 29) took part in semi-structured interviews about their experiences of grandparental stroke or brain tumor. Data were analyzed using interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA). Four themes were identified. The …

Rest My Case: Sleep Science Should Inform J.D. Program Structures And Licensure Examinations To Enhance Performance, Equity And Well-Being, Laura J. Mott, Paula J. Manning

Minnesota Journal of Law, Science & Technology

This Article critically examines the legal profession’s longstanding marginalization of sleep and circadian biology and argues that temporal structural norms embedded in legal education and licensure are at odds with established scientific evidence. Drawing on extensive and interdisciplinary research in neuroscience, chronobiology, cognitive psychology, and timekeeping, this Article explores how sleep deprivation and chronotype misalignment with institutional schedules impair attention, memory, emotional regulation, mental and physical health, and decision-making—capacities that are essential to competent, ethical, and sustainable legal practice. Despite robust scientific consensus that sleep quality, quantity, and timing have profound effects on performance and well-being, law schools and licensing …

State Wetland Protections After Sackett V. Epa: Lessons From The Prairie Pothole Region, Elizabeth Thilges

Minnesota Journal of Law, Science & Technology

No abstract provided.

From Data To Decisions: Why Ai Inferences Should Count As ‘Effects’ Under The Fourth Amendment, Susan Tanner

Minnesota Journal of Law, Science & Technology

This Article argues that AI-driven microtargeting, enabled by large-scale data brokerage and increasingly acquired by government actors, creates a dual constitutional problem. First, it undermines Fourth Amendment protections through what has become known as the ‘data broker loophole.’ Second, it amplifies inequality and civic distortion by segmenting political information flows in ways that evade traditional constitutional checks and statutory privacy regimes. Building on Carpenter v. United States, Riley v. California, and United States v. Jones, this Article proposes a doctrinal framework that treats government acquisition of granular behavioral datasets and model outputs as ‘searches,’ even when intermediated by private actors, …

Beyond Bathrooms: The Far-Reaching Consequences Of Denying Gender Identity In Adams V. School Board Of St. Johns County, Jeffrey Sun, Regina Umpstead Pratel

American University Journal of Gender, Social Policy & the Law

INTRODUCTION: The transgender community continues to face discrimination in United States society, and legal protections are unlikely to change anytime soon. Understanding the broader context of these challenges helps explain why some instances of discrimination in public schools may be overlooked or even supported by public officials. An examination of recent judicial rulings concerning transgender students’ access to restrooms corresponding with their gender identity—situated within the broader convergence of national legal and social developments—provides critical insight into the structural barriers faced by transgender students within the educational system and transgender individuals in society at large. Significantly, the growing visibility of …

Readability Of Online Patient Education Materials For Myopia Management, Monica Jong, Michelle Waugh, Pinar Ozmizrak, Ian Flitcroft

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Purpose: Patients are turning to the internet to access educational materials to help them make healthcare decisions, making readability an important factor. This cross-sectional study assessed the readability of online patient education materials for myopia management treatments that have regulatory approval. Methods: The top 10 Google search results from May 2024 for freely available online patient information on myopia management modalities and regulatory-approved products in Canada and Australia were analysed for readability. The modalities included orthokeratology, myopia control spectacle lenses, myopia control soft contact lenses and atropine. The products included MiYOSMART® [HOYA®], Stellest® [Essilor®], MyoCare® [ZEISS], MiSight® 1 day [CooperVision®], …

External Validation Of A Knowledge-Based Clinical Toxicology Consultant For Diagnosing Single Exposures, Hugo Lerogeron, Joel D. Schipper, Jay L. Schauben, Laurent Guéguen, Valentine Lacotte, Kim An Nguyen

Publications

Introduction

Clinical prediction models assist healthcare providers in estimating disease likelihood using multiple patient-specific factors. While these models are increasingly used, few undergo the essential process of external validation, which limits their clinical utility. In toxicology, timely diagnosis is crucial and expertise scarce, making knowledge-based systems an excellent choice to support medical decision making. A knowledge-based system developed using data from the Florida Poison Information Center Network has shown promise but lacks external validation. This study aims to evaluate its performance using data from the Lyon Poison Information Center to assess its generalizability

Methods

To externally validate the Florida diagnostic …

Mindful Pedagogy As A Contemporary Pedagogical Approach In Applied Learning: Conceptual Foundations And Early Insights From Higher Education, Annette Sweeney, Jolanta Burke

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Mindful pedagogy employing mindful practices for learning shows promise as a modern teaching strategy for Applied Learning (AL) in higher education. This qualitative study investigated the feasibility of this strategy, exploring the logic model of a culinary arts module, The Mindful Kitchen Health and Wellbeing for Chefs to describe initial insights from the AL pathways that are shaped by a mindful pedagogical approach. Data analysis of a graduate focus group (n = 6) a co-educator-designer interview and the researcher’s co-educator-designer reflection revealed three emerging themes: mindful pedagogy positively reframed the learning environment for students and educators; uniquely, it empowered creativity …

Are Ocular Markers Of Sun Exposure Associated With Skin Cancer? A Cross-Sectional Analysis Of The Busselton Healthy Ageing Study, Gareth Lingham, Vinay Kumar Nilagiri, Holly Brown, Chrianna Bharat, Samantha S.Y. Lee, Maria Franchina, Michael Hunter, Kevin Murray, David Alonso-Caneiro, Catherine M. Olsen, David C. Whiteman, David A. Mackey

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Background: Higher past sun or ultraviolet radiation exposure increases the risk of skin cancer and three common ocular findings: pterygium, conjunctival ultraviolet autofluorescence (CUVAF) and myopia. We investigated whether ocular markers of past sun exposure are associated with a history of skin cancer. Methods: A cross-sectional study of participants who attended the Phase 2 examination of the Busselton Healthy Ageing Study in Western Australia (2016–2022). Myopia was determined from autorefraction and pterygium and CUVAF from photographs of the anterior eye. Past diagnosis of a skin cancer was obtained from linked hospitalisation and cancer registry data (melanoma) or combining linked and …

Exploring Characteristics And Systemic Health Links In Myopic Australian Adults, Pauline Kang, Gareth Lingham, Angelica Ly, Xianwen Shang, Regan Ashby, Serge Resnikoff, Fiona Stapleton, David Mackey

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Background: Data on myopia prevalence in Australia and associations with common systemic conditions and quality of life are limited. This study aimed to profile Australian adults self-reporting to have myopia, including co-morbidities and quality of life. Methods: This research included participants from the ongoing longitudinal 45 and Up Study. Sex and education data were collected at the baseline survey and additional data from the follow-up Health Compass survey. Responses on self-reported myopia, health and quality of life were analysed with logistic regression to assess the association between myopia and health conditions. Results: Of the 21,384 participant responses, 54.3% self-reported myopia, …

I Think I Can: The Role Of Racial Socialization And Self-Efficacy On Racial Minorities’ Stereotype Threat And Academic Achievement, Dan'n Tima

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Racial minority students continue to experience disparities in educational outcomes, leading to research interest in factors that may mitigate the effects of negative racialized experiences in academic contexts. Racial socialization—messages individuals receive about race throughout development—has been linked to positive academic and psychological outcomes in younger populations; however, its relevance for college students remains less understood. The present study examined whether racial socialization predicted academic achievement among Black and Latino undergraduate students and whether it moderated the relationship between stereotype threat and academic achievement. It was further hypothesized that self-efficacy would mediate the relationship between stereotype threat and academic achievement. …

Parental Distress, Coercive Control With Food, And Child Self-Regulation, Kattie Nguyen

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Self-regulation is the management of one's emotions, thoughts, and behaviors to adapt to a situation (Smith-Donald et al., 2007). During infancy and toddlerhood, parents foster self-regulation through co-regulation (e.g., sensitivity, responsiveness), helping children manage their emotions, behaviors, and thoughts (Butler & Randall, 2013). Parents who experience distress (e.g., depression, stress, anxiety) are more likely to use less responsive and harsher, controlling practices like coercive control. Coercive control with food is a practice where parents use food as threats or bribes to control their child’s emotions and behaviors (Vaughn et al., 2016). The present study examined the associations between parental distress, …

General Music Methods’ Effect On Sel Development: A Review Of Literature, Tessa M. Hansen

Graduate Research Papers

In an increasingly digital world, the demand for social-emotional learning (SEL) in the classroom has become a priority for holistic student development. While music education is often cited as a tool for emotional growth, there is a lack of synthesized research examining how specific, established music pedagogies facilitate these competencies. This literature review investigates the intersection of five foundational music methods–Orff-Schulwerk, Kodály, Suzuki, Dalcroze, and Gordon’s Music Learning Theory (MLT) – and their impact on the five core SEL competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.

Findings indicate that the Orff-Schulwerk and Kodály methods provide robust frameworks …

Front Matter - Table Of Contents - Preface

Iowa Journal of Communication

No abstract provided.

Iowa Journal Of Communication, Volume 58, Number 1, Fall 2026 [Download Entire Issue]

Iowa Journal of Communication

No abstract provided.

Welcome From The Editor, Joshua E. Young

Iowa Journal of Communication

No abstract provided.

I Saw This On Tiktok: Examining The Nature Of Memorable Health-Related Messages On Tiktok, Andrea L. Meluch, Rhiannon Kallis

Iowa Journal of Communication

This qualitative study examines the foci and characteristics of health-related TikTok videos users find memorable. Specifically, this analysis applies the theory of memorable messages to understand what types of health-related messages on social media are memorable to users and the impact of these messages on health-related behaviors. Participants included college students who use TikTok and recalled a memorable health-related TikTok video. Participants identified (a) exercise and fitness, (b) nutrition and diet, and (c) mental health as the most common memorable health-related topics in TikTok videos. Study findings also indicated that participants often have a strong emotional reaction to memorable content …

"That's Just Not Who I Am": Rejection Of The Good Mother Ideology And Other Tools Used By Homeschool Moms To Navigate Motherhood, Gina S. Reynolds

Iowa Journal of Communication

Studying mothers often focuses on the mother-child dynamic rather than the mother as a person. Mother types, such as working mothers, often are singled out for study. One mother that is rarely considered is the homeschool mother. In homeschooling, the mother typically takes the active role in educating the children, and she receives little attention as a person (Lois, 2016). This study examines how these mother/teachers navigate their motherhood. Nine online discussions with 26 homeschooling mothers revealed strong connections to self-efficacy and agency. Agency and self-efficacy contributed to the mother’s ability to navigate and manage the tension between her needs …

Ideological Women And Pursuit Of Political Attitude And Opinion Change In Serial Arguments Within Heterosexual Marriage, Jayne R. Goode, Kendra Knight

Iowa Journal of Communication

Despite the present state of political animus in the U.S., relatively little research has examined how spousal political differences along ideological lines influence marital communication and conflict. This study examines wives’ perception of marital political conflict from the lens of serial arguments. Using a national sample of heterosexual married women, we examine interrelationships among perceived spousal ideological conflict and serial argument goals. We find that both wife’s own political ideology and wife’s perception of husband’s political ideology influence pursuit of serial argument goals. Specifically, the greater degree of self-rated conservatism, the less wives report expressing negativity or dominance/control. The greater …

Liar Stereotypes Among Deaf College Students In The United States, Darrin J. Griffin, Mark G. Frank

Iowa Journal of Communication

This article reports the findings of a study exploring liar stereotypes held by college participants who are Deaf. Inspired by the findings of the Global Deception Research Team’s (2006) study on liar stereotypes across the globe, the authors conducted an exploration of beliefs about liars in a sample of college students who are Deaf and hard of hearing in the United States. For comparison purposes, a hearing sample of college students was also surveyed about their beliefs on this topic. This study further confirms the findings of the World of Lies project in that the pan-cultural belief that liars avert …

Amplifying African Immigrant Women's Voices: Self-Advocacy And Competency In Maternal Healthcare Communication In The United States, Sahar Khamis, Faith Otchere, Delight Agboada

Iowa Journal of Communication

This qualitative study examines African immigrant women’s access to maternal health information (MHI), resources, and services in the United States (U.S.), the barriers and challenges they encounter when accessing and utilizing these resources, and strategies for overcoming these challenges. The study explored how African immigrant women access and share MHI, the degree of agency they exhibit in accessing maternal care, and how their participation in the study’s focus group discussions (FGDs) shaped their perceived competence and advocacy regarding maternal healthcare in the United States. Fourteen African women currently living in the United States participated in FGDs. Through these FGDs, the …

Seeking Support After Miscarriage: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis Of Semi-Anonymous Communication On Reddit, Mahtab Talafian

Iowa Journal of Communication

Miscarriage is a deeply stigmatized and emotionally complex experience, often leaving individuals feeling isolated and unsupported. Increasingly, people turn to online communities for connection and assistance after miscarriage, and this has been the focus of research for a while. However, little is known about how they seek support in the presence of anonymity. This study examines the strategies people use to seek social support in the r/Miscarriage subreddit, addressing a gap in both health and communication scholarship. While previous research has shown that individuals use online platforms following miscarriage to seek information, share experiences, and seek emotional validation, this study …

David Bancroft Johnson Personal Papers - Accession 2, David Bancroft Johnson

Manuscript Collection

This collection consists of the personal correspondence and papers of Dr. David Bancroft Johnson, founder and first president of Winthrop.  The letters address various subjects and people, both personal and professional, concerning issues from the original funding of Winthrop in 1886 to the minutiae of ordering flour and cotton seed, as well as personal letters to family, friends, and acquaintances. This collection also includes news clippings, brochures, programs, and various documents belonging to Dr. Johnson.  The letters and documents are by organized by each item chronologically.

Investigating The Association Between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (Pcos) And Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (Iih): A Cross-Sectional Analysis, Savannah L. Adams

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) are chronic conditions that disproportionately affect women of reproductive age and share several metabolic risk factors, including obesity, insulin resistance, and hormonal dysregulation. Despite growing clinical interest in a potential relationship between these conditions, limited research has examined awareness, knowledge, symptom presentation, and barriers to healthcare among young adult populations. The purpose of this study was to investigate awareness, knowledge, perceived healthcare barriers, and potential associations between PCOS and IIH among college-aged individuals. A cross-sectional survey was administered to students aged 18-25 at the University of Central Florida through classroom recruitment …

Understanding The Potential Biogeochemical Effects Of Alternative Restoration Materials: A Study Of Basalt And Other Materials, Cadie L. Barnes

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

Concern over the effects of microplastics on estuarine ecosystems and public health has prompted many restoration practitioners to switch from plastic materials to more “natural” substrates. These natural (BESE-biopolymer, cement-jute structures) and non-plastic (basalt fiber) materials should not contain harmful substances; however, their chemical composition is unknown. Natural materials may degrade faster in subtropical environments and release nutrients into surrounding waters, which is concerning for eutrophic restoration areas. Basalt fiber bags, made from melted basalt rock spun into fibers, have not been evaluated for biogeochemical impacts within estuaries. To address this knowledge gap, two field experiments and two laboratory experiments …

Learning-Based Optimization For Collaborative Truck-Drone Routing And Scheduling, Ahmad A. Bany Abdelnabi

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

Modern delivery networks increasingly rely on innovative technologies such as drones working alongside trucks to meet rising demands for fast and efficient last–mile transportation. Hybrid truck–drone delivery offers strong potential, but its effectiveness depends on careful synchronization between trucks and drones. Although drones provide fast, direct travel, their limited endurance and the need to coordinate launch and recovery with trucks create tightly coupled routing and scheduling interactions. Poor dispatch decisions can cause truck waiting, reduce parallelism, and increase mission completion time. These challenges motivate decision frameworks that explicitly model synchronization and develop scalable methods for coordinated truck–drone operations. This dissertation …

Reclaiming The Self: A Visual Narrative Of A Process Of Individuation Through Artistic Practice, Stacie Becker

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

Reclaiming the Self: A Visual Narrative of a Process of Individuation Through Artistic Practice features a multidisciplinary practice that uses visual narrative, metaphor, and symbolism to reconcile the complex intersections of internal and external identity-shaping experiences, informed by lived experience as a woman. Working across painting, mixed media, printmaking, book arts, sculpture, and restorative medical tattooing, the artist dissects the tension between internal identity and external expectations, addressing themes of gender roles, relationships, trauma, and agency. Various artistic methods serve not only as a process but also as a parallel for reclaiming, healing, and restoring an authentic, unashamed sense of …

'But George Floyd Wasn't A Saint': A Critical Discourse Analysis Pre And Post George Floyd, Raya Berkley-Jacobs

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

May 25, 2020, George Floyd died at the hands of former police officer Derek Chauvin after he placed his knee on George Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. His death sparked outrage, protests, and calls for accountability, justice, and reform. This study addresses the impact of George Floyd’s death as a focusing event that created a policy window under which federal legislation was introduced as a response to his death. Drawing on Punctuated Equilibrium Theory and Social Construction Theory, the study utilizes a critical discourse analysis to test how the death of George Floyd impacted the amount and …