Infertility in Muslim Refugees: A Review of the Literature

Many couples worldwide are affected by infertility, which is defined as an inability to conceive after at least one year of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Many Muslim and Middle Eastern societies place a high societal value on having children and therefore, couples who are unable to conceive for various reasons often find themselves feeling stigmatized and socially isolated. Muslim refugees living in the United States face additional challenges and barriers to care due to their refugee status. This review is a synthesis of existing literature that 1) identifies Islamic viewpoints on infertility and assistive reproductive technology (ART), 2) explores the psychosocial impact of infertility for Muslim refugees, and 3) identifies barriers to care for this population. A PubMed search was conducted which yielded 592 records. After screening and removal of duplicates, 37 full-length texts were included for review. Key findings included different religious perspectives regarding various forms of ART between the two major sects of Islam (Sunni and Shia), significant social stigma and stress from infertility, and barriers to care such as high cost of treatment. Future research is needed in this area to better provide culturally competent care to Muslim couples experiencing infertility

Utilizing Reflective Writing and Design Theory to Improve Student Learning Outcomes

The purpose of this project was to implement reflective writing and a series of design theory readings within a senior-level collection development course in order to improve student understanding of the design process. Furthermore, the teaching module was established to provide students with opportunities to be more introspective and improve their metacognition when approaching design

Critical Reflections in STEM Education

The purpose of this course is to foster abilities to teach, assess, and critically reflect on STEM learning that supports authentic engagement in interdisciplinary design and inquiry. Students will engage in making connections to STEM research literature with learning and teaching practice. Field placement in a K-5 learning environment is required for this course, which is typically fulfilled through a candidate’s full time teaching position. Other arrangements are permitted but not provided. This placement is the responsibility of the candidate

Reading the Whole Bible with Integrity: Identifying Context, Identity, Community, and Antisemitism in Christian Hermeneutical Practices

What is the relationship between the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and the New Testament, where does Jesus fit in, and why do these questions even matter? In the context of the biblical studies classroom for Christian ministerial training, being able to answer these questions is an essential part of effective and responsible biblical interpretation that informs theological reflection, preaching, and ethical social engagement with a diverse world. Nevertheless, within the Christian ministerial training context, there appears to be a dearth of knowledge and understanding about how to approach the Hebrew Bible with integrity to its sources, function, and value within the Jewish tradition as well as the Christian tradition

Multiple-case study of responses to state-mandated performance funding in three Oklahoma community colleges

In April 2012 the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education revised the funding formula for public higher education institutions to include a performance funding component. Although performance funding is widely implemented by states as a mechanism for promoting increased production of degrees by public colleges and universities, the research literature suggests that performance funding is largely ineffective as a mechanism for increasing the number of degrees granted. In states with performance funding policies, higher education institutions made intermediate institutional changes in response to performance funding but those changes did not result in significant increases in the number of degrees awarded. Studies also raised concerns about unintended effects of performance funding that restrict admissions or reduce academic quality. This dissertation explored the responses of Oklahoma public community colleges to the implementation of formula-based performance funding, as perceived by community college mid-level administrators. This qualitative study utilized interviews with mid-level administrators and review of public documents and applies a complexity theory lens to explore responses to formula-based performance funding in three public community colleges. The study found that participants associated formula-based performance funding with demands for increased graduation numbers and Oklahoma public community colleges are responding to formula-based performance funding with efforts intended to increase retention and graduation of students. Subsequent to the implementation of formula-based performance funding, two of the colleges in the study adopted revised mission statements that emphasize degree completion. Although participants acknowledged the value of performance funding as an accountability mechanism, they expressed concern that performance-funding could contribute to changes that might lower academic quality and restrict the community college mission. Recommendations for further research and implications for practice to protect academic quality and mission of the community college are presented

Some tests of jacketed space heaters for heating small farm dwellings

This bulletin is largely an abstract from a thesis submitted by Mr. Reaves to the graduate faculty of the University of Missouri in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Agricultural Engineering--P. [3].Digitized 2007 AES.Includes bibliographical references (page [40])

AS-506 ''G'' Manned Lunar Landing Mission post-launch operational trajectory for 16 July 1969

Apollo 11 post-launch trajectory dat

Reinventing Social Work Education and Service Delivery in Rural Areas: An Interdisciplinary Model for Serving Vulnerable Populations

This article presents an interprofessional case study approach to serving the social service and health needs of vulnerable persons living rural communities. This project, the Congregational Social Work Education Initiative (CSWEI), is funded by a health care foundation. Persons in rural areas are often at risk for poverty, homelessness and lack of access to needed health and social services. The case study demonstrates the opportunities for collaboration between professional social work, religiously affiliated organizations (RAOs) and nursing in order to reduce health and mental health disparities among residents in rural areas

Absence of arsenate in DNA from arsenate-grown GFAJ-1 cells

A strain of Halomonas bacteria, GFAJ-1, has been reported to be able to use arsenate as a nutrient when phosphate is limiting, and to specifically incorporate arsenic into its DNA in place of phosphorus. However, we have found that arsenate does not contribute to growth of GFAJ-1 when phosphate is limiting and that DNA purified from cells grown with limiting phosphate and abundant arsenate does not exhibit the spontaneous hydrolysis expected of arsenate ester bonds. Furthermore, mass spectrometry showed that this DNA contains only trace amounts of free arsenate and no detectable covalently bound arsenate.Comment: Originally submitted to Science January 30 2012. This is the revised version, resubmitted on April 13 2012. It has not been officially accepte