Congressional Update

This popular annual session will provide cutting-edge information on what the 117th Congress has and has not accomplished to date, and what may be left for end of the First Session. Speakers will discuss key issues such as pandemic relief, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Older Americans Act.

The 43rd Annual Session of St Petersburg Arabists

On April 19–21th, 2021, Institute of Oriental Manuscripts (Saint-Petersburg) hosted the 43rd Annual Session of St Petersburg Arabists in tribute to professor O. G. Bolshakov (1929 – 2020). The conference was held for two days under the chairmanship of Associate Professor S. A. Frantsuzov and included morning and afternoon sessions, which covered interesting reports by Arab scholars from St. Petersburg, Moscow and Kazan in person and online. Arabic messages were accompanied by scholarly discussions on various topics on the history of the Middle East and cultural linguistics. More than 35 speakers from different countries including Canada and Switzerland took part in the conference and were able not only to meet their colleagues, but also to take advantage of a spare day between the sessions and to visit unique sights St. Petersburg has to offer. MGIMO University was represented at the scientific conference by N. G. Antonova, lecturer of the Department of Middle East Languages, with a report on the topic The History of Arabisms in the Spanish Language devoted to the analysis of words borrowings, their introduction into the Spanish language, main groups and levels at which the linguistic process took place. A. O. Bolshakov and F. A. Asadullin delivered their reports about a prominent historian and Arabist O. G. Bolshakov who dedicated his life to the study of the history of Caliphate and Islam. Researchers in the field of linguistic cultural studies spoke about Moscow Arabs, development of the theory of jihad, and various aspects of the Arabic language. A lot of speakers touched upon the topic of religion, including pre-islamic beliefs, and the Quran, its translations and editions kept in the museum collections. The representatives of Saint Petersburg State University gave reports on a wide range of linguistic, historic and ethnographic issues. A. A. Mokrushina made an interactive presentation on the special aspects of commercials in Arab countries. Participation in the session of St. Petersburg Arabists served as a valuable opportunity to make a presentation of one’s current research to colleagues-Arabists, to carry out professional and scientific communication, to hold scientific discussions and to gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of the Arabic language.

823 The ‘Blue Blood' Chicken Thigh Model: Microsurgery Simulation Teaching for Surgical Trainees

Introduction The simulation of microsurgery via various models helps surgical trainees to further their instrument handling and techniques. This model allows trainees to strengthen hand-microscope-eye coordination; a crucial ability required when handling critical vessels and tissues. The ‘Blue Blood’ Chicken Thigh Model imitates delicate vessels enabling the enhancement of dexterity. Aim To raise awareness amongst trainees in how the model may be used as a simulation tool for learning. To outline the arrangement of the ‘Blue Blood’ chicken thigh model allowing the practice of exceptionally fine suturing such as end-end anastomosis and end-side anastomosis. To improve trainee confidence in instrument handling and technique. Method A Microsurgery course was set up for maxillofacial surgical trainees within the West Midlands Deanery in November 2019. Detailed steps of dissecting the femoral vessels and preparing the ‘Blue Blood’ Chicken Thigh Model were presented. Microsurgical tools were then used to practise end-end and end-side anastomosis. Results The feedback received from the trainees was positive and it is hoped this will become an annual session for all trainees. Many trainees felt this was a resourceful tool to help them practise - even at home. Conclusions It is important for trainees to be able to display precise hand-eye movements especially when concerned with anastomosis techniques. This model will allow trainees to be able to simulate such an environment outside of theatre where they can spend time to hone skills and become comfortable with handling finer tissues and instruments.

Jinnah’s Pakistan, Hodson and the Letter to Nawab Ismail

Muhammad Ali Jinnah called for the division of India on 22ndMarch 1940 in his presidential address to the annual session of the All-India Muslim League held at Lahore. Immediately, the League were beset with not only opposition from all flanks but also the allegation that Jinnah's idea of Pakistan was ill-defined and merely a counter for bargaining. Even after Pakistan's independence in 1947, this theory was furthered to the extent of being elevated to orthodoxy. This paper examines Jinnah's private correspondence dealing with the nature of Pakistan, in particular Jinnah's 1941 letter to the League leader Nawab Ismail that refers to findings of the Reforms Commissioner H.V. Hodson regarding Pakistan, and is often cited as evidence of Jinnah’s ‘real aims’. In parallel, Jinnah and prominent League leaders’ dealings with the British are analyzed in order to reconcile their disparate stances.

On My Own

For two years, I co-taught the research portion of both introductory and advanced research and writing courses at the Wake Forest University School of Divinity, along with their academic skills instructor. When my co-instructor left the University in Fall 2018, I was asked to continue teaching the introductory course on my own. While I felt confident in teaching about research, I had never taught writing in a formal way. In this presentation summary, I discuss the student learning objectives and course syllabus, as well as ideas for writing-focused course readings, assignments, classroom exercises, and lecture topics. Finally, I explain how changes to the major course project were inspired by ideas shared during a 2019 Atla Annual session.

POLICY SERIES: CONGRESSIONAL UPDATE

This popular annual session will provide cutting-edge information on what the 116th Congress has and has not accomplished to date, and what may be left for this year. Speakers will discuss key issues such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Older Americans Act, caregiving, the National Institutes of Health. Hill staffers, advocates, and lobbyists will present.