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Communication Access in Action: Evaluating AAC Supports for Young Children in a Community Museum
No full textThis utilization-focused evaluation study aimed to describe augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) supports to enhance communication accessibility for children with significant communication support needs in a children’s museum. Most of the participants had a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which informed the design and interpretation of AAC strategies implemented in the museum setting. Utilizing feedback from museum staff and parents of children with communication disabilities, the study sought to identify practical strategies to improve the effectiveness of AAC supports in creating more inclusive community spaces. A utilization-focused evaluation framework guided the assessment of embedded-aided communication supports within the museum, ensuring that findings were relevant and actionable for stakeholders. The evaluation revealed three key insights: (a) the importance of communication access through multiple modalities, (b) the role of social awareness in supporting inclusive communication, and (c) the need for enhanced communication partner training and education. Additionally, while parent and museum staff participants recognized the benefits of the communication access program, they also identified limitations and areas for improvement. This study provides recommendations for future research and practice, emphasizing the value of stakeholder-driven evaluations in promoting communication accessibility in community settings
Scope of Microbial Transglutaminase for Site-Specific and Oriented Immobilization of Native Antibodies from Various Host Species
No full textModification of antibodies to chemically couple labels or immobilization reagents is essential for developing biosensors. Typically, conjugation occurs through chemical methods that leverage reactive amines and thiols on native antibodies; however, this nonspecific approach can interfere with antibody function. Microbial transglutaminase (mTG) is an enzyme that has been used for site-specific conjugation of chemical modifiers to the Fc region of native antibodies, but thus far mTG-mediated conjugation has been limited to production of antibody-drug conjugates with human IgGs. Here, we assessed the scope and versatility of mTG to target IgGs, with the goal of site-specific conjugation to facilitate oriented immobilization. A fluorescently labeled peptide was conjugated to several IgG host species and subclasses commonly used to produce monoclonal (e.g., mouse IgG1 and rat IgG1) and polyclonal (e.g., rabbit IgG and goat IgG) antibodies. SDS-PAGE confirmed site-specific conjugation of the peptide to each of these IgG subclasses. In addition, NH2–PEG4-biotin was chemo-enzymatically installed on the Fc region of each tested IgG, as confirmed by Western blot analysis. Site-specific biotinylated antibody was immobilized on a streptavidin-coated substrate to evaluate antigen binding activity in a functional assay. The site-specific conjugation of biotin enabled the formation of an oriented capture antibody layer to enhance antigen binding when compared to the performance of a functional assay constructed by immobilizing a randomly biotinylated antibody prepared by conventional chemical conjugation. These results highlight the broad scope of mTG to site-specifically conjugate native antibodies to improve analytical performance of biosensing platforms
Preservice Teachers’ Perceptions of AI- and Human-Generated Feedback on Lesson Plans
No full textThis study examines the role of AI peer reviewers in evaluating preservice teachers’ guided reading lesson plans at a U.S. university. A quasi-experimental design compared two groups: one receiving traditional human peer reviews and another using ChatGPT as a peer reviewer. Data sources included peer review reports and student survey responses. Grounded in the Zone of Proximal Development and effective feedback literature, the study investigates how AI feedback influences critical thinking and engagement during lesson planning. It also explores preservice teachers’ attitudes toward AI versus human feedback. The findings demonstrate both the advantages and disadvantages of AI-generated feedback which provides valuable information about its effectiveness and trustworthiness in teacher preparation. The study adds to the discussion about implementing AI in teaching methods and the changing nature of peer review in teacher training programs
In the Quiet Hours: Stress of an Equine Veterinarian
No full textIt\u27s 2:00 a.m. on a frigid Christmas morning, and you’re woken by an urgent phone call to come tend to your client’s favorite horse. Upon arrival it\u27s evident that the most humane option is to euthanize the horse. This is the reality of many equine veterinarians across the country. This image depicts the emotional and physical demands placed on these professionals. My research investigates the primary stressors affecting equine veterinarians, and how these pressures differ by clinical factors, workload demands, and demographic background. The photograph captures a moment of exhaustion as a veterinarian works with a patient late at night, symbolizing both dedication and the toll of the profession. Emotional fatigue, high debt load, patient loss, and relentless hours are constant challenges. Despite these pressures, they keep showing up for their patients, no matter the time, no matter the cost. This image honors the often-unseen sacrifices made by equine veterinarians.https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/ior2026/1007/thumbnail.jp
Aesthetic Enrichment Workplace Example
No full textThis image captures the Aesthetic Enrichment intervention room of my master\u27s thesis, which examines how aesthetic enrichment (beautifying a room with art and plants) and music affect employee well-being and job performance in a work simulation. This environment directly contrasts the bare control room by incorporating factors known to promote energy restoration: optimal lighting, plants, and landscape art. The use of nature scenes with blues and greens is specifically intended to lower stress and increase well-being, following the Attention Restoration Theory (ART) and the biophilia hypothesis which explains the natural human desire to gravitate towards nature. Participants complete a work simulation in this setting, allowing us to measure the effect of this visual enrichment, either alone or in combination with music stress. Task performance is measured via the work simulation, and measures of well-being are completed following this task. By visually enhancing the workspace, this study explores a practical intervention to improve employee outcomes without significant architectural changes.https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/ior2026/1015/thumbnail.jp
Development and Impact of a Review Course for the Praxis Examination in Speech- Language Pathology
No full textAbstract
The Praxis II: Subject Assessment in Speech-Language Pathology is a required national examination for certification and licensure in the United States. However, disparities in pass rates, particularly among culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) test takers, create barriers to professional entry. This study examines students\u27 perceptions of the effectiveness of an Examination Preparation Course, designed to enhance student success through structured content review, practice exams, and test-taking strategies. A total of 70 graduates (2018–2023) who completed the course participated in an online survey assessing their demographics, perceptions of the course’s effectiveness, and confidence levels before and after taking the course. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze responses regarding course components, confidence levels, and overall impact. The majority of participants (94.4%) credited the course as instrumental in their success. Confidence in passing the exam increased from 17% before the course to 42% after completion. Participants valued structured content review, practice exams, and test-taking strategies, with 93% recommending the course as a requirement in all graduate programs. The findings suggest that structured preparation courses are effective in improving student outcomes, particularly for CLD and first-generation students. Implementing similar courses in other graduate programs may help bridge knowledge gaps, promote equity, and better prepare students for professional certification and licensure
Image Repair Differences between Human and AI-generated Messaging: The Case of the Chicago White Sox [Dataset]
No full textThis dataset accompanies Image Repair Differences between Human and AI-generated Messaging: The Case of the Chicago White Sox in Communication Studies
Decoding Early COVID-19 Responses Using Mathematical Modeling of Social Distancing Strategies Across Multiple Countries
No full textDuring the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, before vaccines were available, countries implemented diverse combinations of social-distancing (SD) measures shaped by cultural norms and public acceptance. These differences produced varied outcomes in controlling viral spread, offering lessons for future health-crisis preparedness. We performed a reverse-engineering analysis of early COVID-19 case data from five socioculturally distinct countries—India, Vietnam, Italy, Finland, and the United States—selected to capture a range of initial prevalence levels. Using mathematical modeling and data fitting, we inferred the relative contributions of three SD interventions: face masking, quarantine, and isolation of infected individuals. We then employed an efficiency framework to compare epidemiological impact and cost-effectiveness, integrating metrics for infection reduction and economic efficiency. Our analysis shows that heavy reliance on quarantine is suboptimal; instead, a balanced and well-coordinated combination of masking and isolation provides superior infection control and resource efficiency, informing future pandemic-response strategies
End-of-Life Resources and Place of Death by Community-Based Housing Type
No full textAs chronic conditions dominate mortality trends, the place of death has emerged as a key marker of end-of-life (EoL) care quality. Although many older adults wish to die at home, structural barriers often lead to institutional deaths, especially among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. This study investigates how housing types, defined by economic status, affordability, and congregate features, affect place of death in older adults. Drawing on National Health and Aging Trends Study data (N = 3,145), we examine links between housing type, EoL resource access, unmet needs, and death location. Residents of Subsidized Senior Housing (SSH) report more formal support yet still face unmet functional assistance needs, while traditional home residents depend on informal caregivers. SSH residents more often die in nursing homes or hospitals, whereas higher-income peers more frequently die at home. These findings indicate housing environments shape EoL resource availability, underscoring the need for targeted policy to reduce housing-related EoL disparities