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The Sudanese Identity In The Mirror Of Colonial And Post-Independence History, Abdalla Galaleldeen

The Journal of Social Encounters

After independence, Sudan’s political elite adopted colonial-inspired policies that sought to divide the country into North and South (Arabs versus Africans). This policy was further reinforced by the civil wars and by the failures of the Sudanese political elite to construct a cohesive national identity. In the post-independence period, one elite group aligned itself with an Arab identity, while another embraced an African identity. Logically, therefore, both identities—Islamic-Arab and African—encompass the majority of the population. Yet, while Islamists and Africanists each claimed to represent this majority, neither addressed the contradictions inherent in their positions. As the tension between the Islamic-Arab …

Sudan: A War Of Atrocities Report Of The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission For The Sudan, - Annual Report Of The United Nations High Commissioner For Human Rights And Reports Of The Office Of The High Commissioner And The Secretary-General

The Journal of Social Encounters

This report documents attacks on civilians and objects essential for their survival in Sudan. It concludes that both parties to the conflict violated international human rights and humanitarian law, with most violations amounting to war crimes. The Rapid Support Forces’ conduct may also constitute crimes against humanity, including persecution and extermination. The report calls for accountability and sets out a roadmap for justice.

The Origins Of The Pax Christi International Movement: The Pax Christi In Regno Christi Crusade, François Mabille

The Journal of Social Encounters

The Pax Christi movement was created in 1944 by a French laywoman. Its original name was "crusade of prayers for the conversion of Germany", the term crusade referring to a very specific political and religious imagination, marked in particular by the intransigent Catholicism of the beginning of the 20th century and by a specious analysis of the origins of the Nazism. This article, resulting from a thesis devoted to the history of the movement from 1944 to 1983, reviews the genesis of Pax Christi, and its evolution during the first 5 years of its existence, from a "crusade of prayers" …

Dalit Poetry On The Eve Of Indian Independence: Gurram Jashuva And The Quest For Critical Consciousness And Collective Remembering, Chris Conway

The Journal of Social Encounters

The Dalit Literary movement irrupted on the scene in the early 1970s in the state of Maharashtra, India. Unblinking in its criticism of casteism and unnerving in its depiction of Dalit oppression, the movement sought to concretize the political aims of B.R. Ambedkar (1891-1956) through cultivating a critical Dalit consciousness liberated from caste identity and history. The movement enjoyed success in uniting Dalit groups across the country under this new name. However, fifty years later a new generation of Dalit and Dalit-supporting thinkers have begun to critically examine the implications of Dalit identity focusing particularly on its rootedness in suffering …

An Interfaith Paradise Lost? Religion And The Memory Of The Lebanese Civil War In Postwar Novels, Wilbert Van Saane

The Journal of Social Encounters

This essay analyzes three Lebanese postwar novels: Nathalie Abi-Ezzi’s A Girl Made of Dust, Jad El Hage’s The Myrtle Tree, and Hoda Barakat’s The Tiller of Waters. I argue that these novels narrate the memory of war with reference to religious imagery and theological structures, especially the idea of a paradise lost as described in John Milton’s epic poem Paradise Lost. The paradise these novels present consists of a harmonious relation between people of different faiths. The root of violence is situated in a distortion and misrepresentation of the narratives of others. The novels also include the theme of a …

Interleukin-6 (Il-6) Mediated Pathways In Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (Nafld) And Its Implications On Magnesium And Zinc Mineral Deficiencies: A Scoping Review, Marianne Koleng, Leann Nguyen

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

The prevalence and incidence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is rising. In the United States alone, the prevalence of NAFLD is currently 38% and there has been a 50% increase over the last three decades. The present study investigated the role of ultratrace mineral deficiencies, specifically magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn), and if so, what nutritional interventions could be made to ameliorate or protect against the development of NAFLD. The role of trace and ultratrace minerals in pro-inflammatory cytokine pathways contributing to NAFLD, specifically Interleukin-6 (IL-6), were investigated. IL-6 is produced by hepatocytes and plays a crucial role in …

Grit, A Component Of Resident Well-Being, Nathan W. Olson, Kelly Williamson, Nicholas Hartman, Navneet Cheema, Adriana S. Olson

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: Trainees experiencing burnout, depression, or career dissatisfaction challenge educators and may have patient care consequences. Grit, defined as the “perseverance and passion for long-term goals,” buffers against hopelessness and quantifies an aspect of personality shown to predict fewer career changes. Higher grit has been associated with positive outcomes in physicians, including lower burnout rates. Our objective was to determine the correlation between emergency medicine (EM) resident Short Grit Scale (Grit-S) scores and components of well-being: burnout, a positive depression screen, and career satisfaction.

Methods: This was a prospective, multicenter trial involving ten urban/suburban EM residencies. The subjects …

The Cowl - V. 89 N. 1 - September 18, 2025

The Cowl

The Cowl - student newspaper of Providence College. Vol. 89 No. 1 - September 18, 2025. 20 pages.

Mymoney: A Program That Leverages Digital And Artificial Intelligence Tools For Improving The Financial Wellbeing Of Hispanic Families, Luisa Blanco, Kamila Campos, Jessica Gonzalez, Jorge Macias

School of Public Policy Working Papers

Abstract: Our Community-Based Digital Intervention (CBDI) MyMoney was designed to meet the informational needs and promote behavioral change among Hispanic adults. We leverage Digital and Artificial Intelligence (DAI) tools to provide participants access to content that is linguistically and culturally tailored and structured to be delivered in short, accessible modules. MyMoney program provided an introductory experience to financial education with a mobilephone based approach, offering a four-week experience for improving money management skills. We conducted an extensive quantitative and qualitative data analysis of participants’ and stakeholders’ program experience and perspectives, which provides important insights for the design, evaluation, and implementation …

Preserving Cultural Identity In Multi-Function Real Estate Developments, Khloud Khalid Eldamshiry

Architectural Engineering

The proliferation of multi-function real-estate developments (MRD) frequently leads to the erosion of unique architectural identity (AI), threatening the historical and cultural character of urban areas. This research addresses a critical gap in understanding how new developments can effectively preserve and leverage local cultural heritage. Grounded in the theoretical understanding of heritage-led urban regeneration, this study aims First, to identify the specific architectural elements and design strategies crucial for preserving cultural sustainability (CS) in multi-function real estate projects; and second, to quantify the perceived impact of these strategies on local community engagement and economic viability. The hypothesis posits that multi-function …

The Potential Benefits Of Co-Design In Dog-Assisted Treatment Programs For Veterans Seeking Mental Health Care, Parvin (Pary) Bahmanyari, Pauleen Bennett, Tiffani Howell

People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice

Veterans are more likely than the general population to experience a range of mental health problems. While many veteran mental health support programs are available, veterans may struggle to access and engage with these services for various reasons (e.g., a stigmatized perception of mental health disorders, mistrust). Animal-assisted services have become more popular in civilian and military health care settings where traditional therapies (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy) may not always be effective. Assistance dogs, for example, which live with veterans to provide disability support, have been successfully employed for veteran mental health. Unfortunately, a subgroup of veterans may miss out …

Consumptive Vampires: Notes On Nineteenth-Century Blood-Drinkers, Rachel Widmer

The Ozark Historical Review

From the late 19th century, newspapers reported of incidences where blood-drinking was used as a potential cure for disease. This paper explores this report and investigates this behavior among consumptives at the time.

The Ozark Historical Review, V.47, 2019

The Ozark Historical Review

No abstract provided.

Will Anyone Play With Me? Building Resilience Through Community Play With Transgender And Gender Diverse Young Adults, Lee Lebeda

Expressive Therapies Theses

The recent increase in anti-trans legislature in the United States has negatively impacted the mental health of transgender young adults nationwide. Current research suggests that creative expression in a group setting may be uniquely suited to help transgender people combat the negative mental health effects of internalized anti-trans messaging. Based on this research, a community engagement project was designed for transgender young adult participants to explore resilience building through drama therapy-informed community play. Three play-based support groups, facilitated by a drama therapy graduate student who identified as a peer to the participants, were offered to transgender young adults in their …

Synthesis Of Mindful Inspiration, Syncretism, And Unionism Yields The Mind Method For Alleviating Public School Teacher Burnout, Walt Durand

Mindfulness Studies Theses

Public school teachers face the risk of burnout. Mindfulness has been suggested for addressing the chronic stress that can lead to teacher burnout. However, criticisms have been raised regarding the sometimes problematic nature of mindfulness programs (MPs) for public school teachers. For example, MPs may be perceived as religious and therefore not appropriate for secular public schools. Additionally, MPs may not be designed with enough of an ethical framework and may not do enough to authentically help teachers address the systemic challenges they face. In response to these limitations, this paper suggests the synthesis of the following MP enhancements to …

Biophobia And Pet Ownership: Can Having A Pet Mitigate Our Fear And Aversion Towards Nature?, Alexia Barrable

The International Journal of Ecopsychology (IJE)

Biophobia, which we defined as fear, disgust, or aversion toward natural environments or organisms, has received little empirical attention when compared to biophilia, despite its implications for human and planetary wellbeing. This mixed-methods study explores the relationship between pet ownership, biophobia, and nature connectedness among 373 English- speaking adults. Quantitative findings reveal that (M = 26.4) exhibit significantly lower levels of biophobia than non-pet owners (M = 30.1; U = 5179, Z = -2.95, p = .002, R = 0.27), although no significant differences in nature connectedness were found across pet ownership (U = 7033, Z = 0.31, p = …

Book Review Matthew Pearl’S Save Our Souls: The True Story Of A Castaway Family, Treachery, And Murder (2025). Ny: Harpercollins, Editorial Board

The International Journal of Ecopsychology (IJE)

Like many works of the fiction genre Robinsonade (castaway drama and/or comedy on a deserted island or distant planet), Matthew Pearl’s well-researched narrative written in an authoritative archival prose, describes the actual fate of the Wandering Minstrel shipwreck and its survivors in 1887 in the Midway Atoll.

Interview With Dr. James Paruk, Editorial Board

The International Journal of Ecopsychology (IJE)

Dr. Paruk is an associate professor in the Biology Department at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, in Standish, ME. He is a senior scientist at the Biodiversity Research Institute’s Loon Center for Conservation.

American Letters: H. L. Mencken, Editorial Board

The International Journal of Ecopsychology (IJE)

American Letters: H. L. Mencken. From Prejudices (Fourth Series). 1924 NY: Alfred A Knopf XI. On The Nature of Man (1, pgs. 197, 198), The Animal That Thinks.

American Letters: Will Cuppy, Editorial Board

The International Journal of Ecopsychology (IJE)

American Letters: Will Cuppy. From How to Become Extinct. 1941/1983 Chicago, IL: The University of Chicago Press. How to Become Extinct (pgs. 102, 103) The Dodo

Bonding With Earth: Hyperbole, Metaphor, Or Fanciful Teleology?, George Conesa

The International Journal of Ecopsychology (IJE)

At a mere glance, the notion that humans could (should strive for?) bond emotionally with an entire planet, Earth, sounds hyperbolic at best and psychologically unsound at worst. For although humans might be motivated to act in ways that pass for “bonding,” perhaps assisted by intentions and sentiments to care for a whole planet, the question remains: Which notion of Earth are they really investing all their emotions in? Important to psychologists would be to inquire whether incomplete, idealized, oversimplified, or fantastic notions of “Earth,” or bonding, turn out to be transference-love-like, platonic, overidealized forms of affect, which seldom develop …

Table Of Contents September 2025 Vol11/1, Editorial Board

The International Journal of Ecopsychology (IJE)

No abstract provided.

Self-Transcendent Experiences As Promoters Of Ecological Wellbeing? Exploration Of The Evidence And Hypotheses To Be Tested, Amy Isham

The International Journal of Ecopsychology (IJE)

In recent years, much has been written on the role of different mental states and their potential to influence our way of thinking and, perhaps more importantly, the way we act. With the recent acceleration of environmental and mental health issues, alongside the limited effectiveness of existing interventions, an exploration of new approaches to deliver transformative change is required. We therefore explore the emerging potential of a type of mental state known as self-transcendent experiences (STEs) as a driver of ecological wellbeing. We focus on four types of STEs: those facilitated by experiences of flow, awe, and mindfulness, as well …

Ptsd Symptoms Moderate Predictors Of Psychophysiological Arousal During Fear Inhibition: Evidence From A Fear, Reward, And Neutral Discrimination Task, Jacklynn M. Fitzgerald, E. Kate Webb, Kaley Davis, Meghan Bennett, Tristan Benjamin, Boiana Pegau, Susan Sangha

Psychology Faculty Research and Publications

The ability to distinguish between threatening, rewarding, and neutral cues is adaptative and crucial for survival. However, individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often show poor knowledge of cue contingencies and heightened fear responses even in the presence of cues that signify safety, potentially due to atypical perceptions of neutral cues. We investigated whether perceiving neutral cues as more rewarding or threatening influences conditioned inhibition of fear and whether PTSD symptoms moderate this relationship. Trauma-exposed adults (N = 84; 64 % female; 76 % non-Hispanic white) completed a Fear, Reward, and Neutral Discrimination (FRND) Task involving geometric shapes paired with …

Comparative Evaluation Of Estimation Techniques For Purchasing Power Parity In African Countries Using The Country-Product-Dummy Regression Framework, Rokibat Adeola Tijani, Taiwo Abideen Lasisi, Dahud Kehinde Shangodoyin, Olasunkanmi James Oladapo

Al-Bahir

Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) is a popular macroeconomic analysis metric used to compare economic productivity and standards of living between countries. This study examines the estimation of PPP within the International Comparison Program (ICP) at Basic Heading (BH) level stage and leverages on the data from the 2011 ICP round. Focusing on five BHs out of 12 BHs across 50 Africa countries, to empirically evaluate the validity of the classical Ordinary Least Square (OLS) assumptions in the estimation of Country Product Dummy (CPD) regressions. Given the widespread use of OLS for BH level PPP computation, a rigorous examination of these …

Preclinical Perspectives On Disorders Of The Temporomandibular Joint: Tracing The Past, Navigating The Present, And Shaping The Future, John K Neubert, Kyle Allen, Tamara Alliston, Alejandro J Almarza, Kyriacos A Athanasiou, Basak Donertas-Ayaz, Bruna Balbino De Paula, Roxanne Bavarian, Nidhi Bhutani, Brian E Cairns, Robert M Caudle, Yang Chai, Jian-Fu Chen, Yong Chen, Glenn T Clark, Yenisel Cruz-Almeida, Alexandre F Dasilva, Paul L Durham, Airam Vivanco Estela, Millie Embree, Roger Fillingim, Fernando Guastaldi, Shruti Handa, Sunil D Kapila, David Keith, Keith L Kirkwood, Phillip Kramer, Katherine T Martucci, Niall P Murphy, Andrea G Nackley, Richard Ohrbach, Benedikt Sagl, Shad B Smith, Feng Tao, Beth Winkelstein, Hai Yao, Simon Young, Michael S Gold

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are complex conditions characterized by orofacial pain and dysfunction, affecting a significant portion of the population. TMDs may involve joint and/or muscle pain, dysfunction (e.g., noise, limited or altered jaw movements), or both, leading to a marked decrease in quality of life. Patients often experience functional limitations that hinder eating, speaking, and daily activities. Additionally, TMDs are frequently associated with psychological distress, including anxiety and depression, which further impacts overall well-being. Despite the profound individual and societal impact of TMDs, effective therapies remain elusive, partly due to deficiencies in translational research. A primary limitation in the TMD …

"Elements Don’T Mix!": Unearthing Racial Scripts And A Rhetorical Economy Of Whiteness In Disney And Pixar's Elemental, Linsay M. Cramer, Gabriel A. Cruz

Communication, Media, and Culture

Using a narrative rhetorical approach, we map how Disney and Pixar’s 2023 film, Elemental, sustains a rhetorical economy of whiteness, as theorized by Asen and Kelly, which emphasizes the degree to which rhetorical constructions of racial difference are foundational to whiteness and economic systems. We identify and critique how Elemental discursively contributes to a system of exclusivity for those within the bounds of whiteness concerning economic mobility via racial scripts. Created and produced during Joe Biden’s United States (U.S.) presidential term (2021–2025), Elemental offers a metaphorical tale that engages the fractious, politically conservative anxieties concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) …

Reining In Plasticulture From Land To Sea: Pacific Northwest (Usa) Perspectives On Agriculture And Aquaculture, Susanne M. Brander, Gail A. Langellotto, Minal T. Mistry, Sebastian L. Singleton, Mackenna A. Hainey, Lauren M. Kashiwabara, Kelsey Arthur, Elise F. Granek, Kervelle Baird, Ricardo Palazuelos, Multiple Additional Authors

Environmental Science and Management Faculty Publications and Presentations

Plastic use in food production—known as plasticulture—has transformed agriculture and aquaculture globally. Plasticulture gained momentum in the mid-20th century with the development of novel plastic materials, and by 2009, U.S. farmers used over 200 million pounds of plastic films annually. Though plastics have increased yields and efficiency, they now pose environmental hazards through the release of microplastics (MPs) and chemicals. Despite extensive documentation of MPs in the environment, their role in U.S. food production and impacts on crop, livestock, and aquaculture health remain underexplored. In regions like the Pacific Northwest (PNW), with robust agricultural and aquaculture sectors, plastics from films, …

A Short Trip: A Mixed Methods Investigation Of The Perceived Effects Of Vaporized Dmt Vs Vaporized 5-Meo-Dmt, Cynthia Estrella Ortiz

All ETDs from UAB

The rise in psychedelic use has been accompanied by increased interest in alternative routes of administration, including vaporization. However, little is known about the characteristics and outcomes associated with vaporized forms of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT). This mixed-methods study examined the subjective experiences and mental health correlates of individuals who reported using vaporized DMT, vaporized 5-MeO-DMT, or psilocybin mushrooms in the past six months. A total of 209 adults completed an online survey assessing demographic variables, substance use, and psychological functioning, including measures of global health (PROMIS), subjective happiness, magical ideation, spiritual connection, psychosis-like experiences (CAPE-42), and hypomanic symptoms. …

Differential Susceptibility: How Parenting Behaviors Predict Adolescent Antisocial Behavior In The Context Of Candidate Plasticity Genes, Amanda Moore

All ETDs from UAB

Adolescent antisocial behavior (ASB) has been consistently linked to parenting behaviors, yet individual variability in response to parenting remains poorly understood. Grounded in the differential susceptibility theory, this study examined how candidate plasticity genes interact with poor parenting to predict ASB in adolescents. A sample of 272 youth from the Birmingham Youth Violence Study provided genetic data and participated in two waves of behavioral and parenting assessments. Parenting behaviors were measured using a composite index of harsh, inconsistent, and low-nurturance parenting. ASB was assessed through self- and parent-reported measures of delinquency, aggression, and conduct problems. The study tested whether individual …