bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examiner Handedness and the Effects on Intraocular Pressure Readings Using the Tono-Pen XL
Authors: Hacopian Alexander G. , Rushing Lauren C. , Chuang Alice Z. , Bell Nicholas P. , Kumar Kartik S. , Feldman Robert M.
Published: June 2017

Purpose:

To assess the effect of examiner handedness on intraocular pressure (IOP) readings using the Tono-Pen XL in eyes without corneal pathology or previous ocular surgeries.

Patients and Methods:

Patients 18 years of age or older were included in this prospective study. Participants who had a history of corneal conditions or other characteristics that would prevent reliable IOP measurements were excluded. Five experienced examiners, 2 right-hand dominant and 3 left-hand dominant, took bilateral IOP measurements with a Tono-Pen XL. Each participant was tested by 2 examiners, 1 left-handed and 1 right-handed, in a random order. The time between each examiner’s measurements was 15 minutes. A paired t test was used to compare IOP differences between “near” (right eye for right-hand or left eye for left-hand dominant examiner) and “far” (right eye by left-hand or left eye by right-hand dominant examiner) measurements for each eye.

Results:

Forty-six participants with a mean age of 33.8 years (±12.8) were enrolled. No significant difference in IOP between near and far eyes was found (IOP difference=IOPfar–IOPnear=−0.11 [±2.74] mm Hg; P=0.70). Right-hand dominant examiners consistently measured significantly higher IOP (0.83±2.03 mm Hg; P=0.008) compared with left-hand dominant examiners, regardless of the relative position of the eye with respect to the examiner.

Conclusions:

The results suggest that IOP readings are not influenced by the positioning of the patient relative to the dominant hand of the examiner.
A Case of Testicular Rupture Diagnosed by Point-of-Care-Ultrasound
Authors: Indra Sean , Kannikeswaran Nirupama , Arora Rajan
Published: June 2017

Point-of-care ultrasound is an expanding diagnostic tool in the pediatric emergency department. We describe a case of testicular rupture diagnosed by ultrasound at the bedside, which led to prompt surgical intervention and repair.
Solving proteins at non-atomic resolution by direct methods: update
Authors: Burla Maria Cristina , Carrozzini Benedetta , Cascarano Giovanni Luca , Giacovazzo Carmelo , Polidori Giampiero
Published: June 2017

Direct methods can be used to solve proteins of great structural complexity even when diffraction data are at non-atomic resolution. However, one of the main obstacles to the wider application of direct methods is that they reliably phase only a small fraction of the observed reflections, those with a sufficiently large value of the normalized structure factor amplitude. The subsequent phase expansion and refinement required for full structure solution are difficult. Here a new phase refinement procedure is described, which combines (1–2) difference Fourier synthesis with electron density modification techniques and thevive la differenceand Free Lunch algorithms. This procedure is able to solve data resistant to other direct space refinement procedures.
Problems of benchmarking greenhouse gas emissions in dairy agriculture
Authors: Green Andrew , Tzilivakis John , Warner Douglas J. , Lewis Kathleen Anne
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the suitability of free carbon calculators aimed at the agricultural industry, for use in greenhouse gas (GHG) emission benchmarking, using the European dairy industry as an example.

Design/methodology/approach

Carbon calculators which were claimed to be applicable to European dairy farms were identified and tested using six production scenarios based on data from real European farms supplemented using published literature. The resulting GHG emission estimates, together with estimates apportioned using three functional units, were then compared to determine the robustness of the benchmarking results.

Findings

It was found that although there was a degree of agreement between the seven identified carbon calculators in terms of benchmarking total farm emissions, once a suitable functional unit was applied little agreement remained. Tools often ranked farms in different orders, thereby calling into question the robustness of benchmarking in the studied sector.

Research limitations/implications

The scenario-based approach taken has identified issues liable to result in a lack of benchmarking robustness within this sector; however, there remains considerable scope to evaluate these findings in the field, both within this sector and others in the agricultural industry.

Practical implications

The results suggest that there are significant hurdles to overcome if GHG emission benchmarking is to aid in driving forward the environmental performance of the dairy industry. In addition, eco-labelling foods based on GHG benchmarking may be of questionable value.

Originality/value

At a time when environmental benchmarking is of increasing importance, this paper seeks to evaluate its applicability to sectors in which there is considerable scope for variation in the results obtained.
Evaluation of educational performance of Indian states using PROMETHEE-GIS approach
Authors: Chakraborty Shankar , Paul Debapriyo , Agarwal Puneet Kumar
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Quality education is a key requirement of a burgeoning country, like India as it aims to establish a sustained growth. However, the current situation of Indian education system is extremely poor. Although efforts are being made nationwide to improve the present situation, it is incontrovertible that different complications ail different Indian states. Some states suffer from a poor gross enrollment ratio, while others have an extremely high student-teacher ratio. The purpose of this paper is to compare the educational performance of 28 Indian states in order to identify those which require immediate attention.

Design/methodology/approach

For fulfilling this objective, a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework utilizing preference ranking organization method for enrichment of evaluations and geometrical analysis for interactive aid methods is adopted.

Findings

The results indicate that the educational performance of Goa is the best amongst all the considered alternative states, while Bihar is the laggard in this direction.

Research limitations/implications

From the results, the states which fare to be the worst can easily be identified along with the specific areas/criteria, where they are falling behind. Based on these findings, necessary remedial actions can be undertaken so as to improve the educational performance of the ailing states.

Originality/value

This paper employs a novel geographic information system (GIS) method and a hue-saturation-value color coding scheme in order to determine the influence of individual criterion on the overall state rank, thereby representing an integration of MCDM and GIS which has never been applied before for educational performance evaluation.
Study of temperature reliability for a parallel high-efficiency class-E power amplifier
Authors: Lin Qian , Wu Haifeng , Li Xi
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the temperature reliability for a parallel high-efficiency class-E power amplifier (PA).

Design/methodology/approach

To explore the relationship between temperature and direct current (DC) characteristics, output power, S parameters and efficiency of the PA quantitatively, a series of reliability experiments have been designed and conducted to study the temperature reliability for this PA.

Findings

From the results, the prominent performance degradation even failure is found during the testing. Furthermore, the thermal shock test can cause permanent failure, which is a great threat for PA.

Research limitations/implications

Therefore, to ensure the good performance, the influence of temperature on PA reliability should be carefully considered during the stage of PA design.

Practical implications

All these can provide important guidance for the reliability design of PA.

Social implications

All these can give some important guidance for PA application.

Originality/value

In addition, PA is usually designed according to the electrical properties at the room temperature. From the results above, it can be concluded that it may be unable to satisfy the performance requirement at high temperature. In turn, if it is designed according to the electrical properties at low temperature, the transistor often works in the super-saturated state, the reliability of PA will become the new problem. Therefore, to ensure the good performance, the influence of temperature on PA reliability should be carefully considered during the design.
Contemporary Islamic economic studies on Maqasid Shari’ah: a systematic literature review
Authors: Shinkafi Akilu Aliyu , Ali Nor Aini
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to come-up with a systematic exertion on Maqasid Shari’ah in Islamic economics, banking and finance, with a clear focus on forming an appropriate and novel framework that identifies the effort of contemporary scholars and detects the existing gap that might possibly champion new research commitments.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic approach to literature review was steered through the means propagated by the Centre for Reviews and Disseminations (DSR), but modified to the precise requirements of this review. Google Scholar was searched throughout the passage. The search criteria are confined to English documents that are within the period of 2006-2016. Articles that did not score or did not convince that the subject of Maqasid Shari’ah has been applied in Islamic economy, Islamic banking, Islamic finance, Islamic financing products and economic development are excluded. Appropriate search keys are used to gather better results.

Findings

The findings inform that contemporary scholars show a robust commitment to the themes of the result during the stated period. The outcome reveals that contemporary scholars designate more interest and attention on Islamic banking and expose their potential specialty in the expanse than other themes. The study further highlighted the gap of some significant areas that are either outside the coverage of the reviewed documents or require more attention from contemporary scholars, for instance, wealth formation and management, wealth consumption, socioeconomic security, risk management, corporate governance, management policy, human resource development, prohibition of Riba, profit and loss sharing (PLS), etc.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is limited to contemporary aspects of Islamic economics, banking, finance and economic development that have a link with the subject of Maqasid Shari’ah.

Practical implications

A review of these scholarly reported documents has the potential to draw attention toward filling the existing gap that will likely result in salvation of current issues on the subject of Maqasid Shari’ah that has a direct association with Islamic economy, banking and finance.

Originality/value

The paper is original in its nature considering the fact that it is assumed as the maiden attempt of its kind in the field. It is a treasure to all those who may cherish and find it relevant in their progressive and rounded convention or application on the matter.
Spirituality and subjective wellbeing
Authors: Aydin Necati
Published: June 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to compare free market capitalism and Islamic moral economy in terms of corresponding means and ends for a happy life. The paper reveals that global consumer culture is the inevitable outcome of secularization. As people pursue fulfillment with worldly possession, position and pleasure, they mistakenly think that higher material consumption would result in higher subjective wellbeing. Muslims are increasingly joining consumer culture because they are affected by global consumerism. The paper attempts to show that Islam has a potential to curb unsustainable consumer culture.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores a relationship between consumer culture and free market capitalism. It presents Islamic way of happiness as an alternative to hedonic happiness which is promoted by global consumer culture. It defines happiness as fulfillment in life through the realization of God and pursuit of His pleasure by finding transcendental meaning for having, being and doing.

Findings

The paper concludes that the Islamic way to happiness is different from hedonic happiness which leads to conspicuous consumption. It argues that once internalized, Islamic worldview would make possible to achieve a higher level of happiness without engaging in higher material consumption. It maintains that authentic happiness from an Islamic perspective is not the maximization of pleasure through indulging in consumer culture. Rather it is the fulfillment of heart and other faculties through remembrance (seeing the transcendental reality of the universe and the self) of God. Submission to God and living to gain His pleasure are the logical implications of such realization.

Originality/value

The paper reveals how consumer culture brings less happiness through more consumption, while Islam offers more happiness through less consumption.
Modeling event attendees’ experiences during customer-customer encounters (CCEs)
Authors: Wei Wei , Miao Li , Cai Liping A. , Adler Howard
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore how event attendees experience interactive encounters in the most competitive segment of the business sector of events – conferences.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 26 in-depth personal interviews was conducted with previous conference attendees. Line-by-line open coding, axial coding and selective coding are performed.

Findings

This study develops a framework for experiences during customer–customer encounters (CCEs), which presents a dual motivational structure that explains one’s participation in CCEs, a classification of typical CCEs, four processes that one experiences during CCEs and three levels of situational factors that influence experiences during CCEs.

Originality/value

This study makes one of the first attempts to propose a multidimensional conceptualization of CCE experiences using an attendee perspective. Beyond the utilitarian and social benefits, this study suggests that it is important for event studies to explore the psychological and emotional meanings of CCE experiences through an experiential lens and that the competitive battleground in event industry should lie in staging memorable experiences during CCEs.
Host-guest interactions between first-generation immigrants and their visiting relatives: social exchange, relations of care and travel
Authors: Capistrano Robert Charles , Weaver Adam
Published: June 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the social interactions between Filipino immigrant-hosts residing in New Zealand and their visiting relatives (VRs) or guests from the Philippines using social exchange theory to understand their experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative, multi-sited study used in-depth interviews to examine social interactions between Filipino immigrant-host families in New Zealand and their respective visiting relatives from the Philippines.

Findings

Hosting VRs reflects aspects of social exchange theory, and the interdependence and familial obligations related to VR travel demonstrate mutual relations of care. Maintaining relations of care within the family is an ongoing process involving intergenerational relationships that bind together immigrant-host families and their VRs.

Research limitations/implications

The conceptualization of the social interactions between immigrants-hosts and VRs is not generalizable owing to the small sample size and lack of representativeness. However, despite a small sample, this qualitative inquiry uncovered a series of personal meanings and understandings attached to the maintenance of familial bonds.

Practical implications

As immigrant-receiving countries become more culturally diverse through migration, research about other cultures will assist tourism planners in understanding the values and actions of a more varied array of residents. A better understanding of travel experiences and interactions between immigrants and their guests may provide marketers with insights into host-guest dynamics within a VR context, thus potentially enabling tourism marketers to create better marketing campaigns.

Social implications

Future studies may be undertaken from non-Western and Western perspectives that examine the social interactions between hosts and guests in the context of VR travel. Very little research has been conducted that addresses the meanings and understandings attached to these interactions from the perspectives of both hosting and visiting groups. This research highlights the importance of families in tourism, a contrast with the relative blindness of tourism scholarship toward relations of domesticity and sociality.

Originality/value

What separates the social interactions between family members in the context of visiting friends and relatives travel from the traditional host-guest paradigm is that it does not involve strangers. This study uses social exchange theory to examine social interactions between hosts and guests who are familiar with each other.
A conceptual continuous improvement implementation framework for UK manufacturing companies
Authors: McLean Richard Scott , Antony Jiju
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review current continuous improvement implementation models and frameworks, and present a new conceptual framework tailored specifically to the needs of UK manufacturing companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper details the in-depth review of 20 existing models or frameworks for continuous improvement implementation, demonstrating the need for a new industry and region specific solution. Through the incorporation of previous findings from literature, coupled with the positive aspects of the current offerings, a new conceptual framework for continuous improvement implementation in UK manufacturing companies is presented.

Findings

The paper demonstrates the need for industry and region specific frameworks and demonstrates that current models and frameworks do not completely fulfil the objective of the research. A new continuous improvement implementation framework is therefore presented in a user friendly format, comprising positive aspects of previous models and frameworks where applicable.

Research limitations/implications

The focus of the research is limited to the UK and the manufacturing industry. It is therefore not clear the applicability of the framework presented to other regions and industries. The framework presented is also conceptual at this stage and requires validation through interview and application.

Practical implications

The framework presented will provide senior managers wishing to implement continuous improvement an understanding of the high level process, as well as awareness of their role within the roll out. Overall, the framework provides a clear guide whilst also allowing for individual tailoring of the elements contained to the needs of the company.

Originality/value

The paper presents a new conceptual framework; the first to be tailored to the needs of UK manufacturing companies. The framework has also been demonstrated to be a more robust solution than those currently in existence.
Adult safeguarding in Northern Ireland: prevention, protection, partnership
Authors: Montgomery Lorna , McKee Joyce
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline and critique the current model of adult safeguarding in Northern Ireland (NI).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper offers a critical analysis of adult safeguarding, legislation, policy and practice. Insights are offered from the Regional Adult Safeguarding Officer for NI, and available research evidence is cited.

Findings

Distinct features of Northern Irish society have shaped its adult safeguarding policy and practice in ways which differ from those in England, Scotland and Wales. The strengths and limitations of the legal and policy framework, and practice systems are discussed.

Research limitations/implications

The paper offers the viewpoint of the authors, which may not be representative.

Practical implications

The potential advantages and challenges of the Northern Irish safeguarding systems are presented, and potential future developments are highlighted.

Social implications

Changes have been highlighted in the way adult safeguarding has been conceptualised. An emphasis on prevention and early intervention activities, with a key role envisaged for community, voluntary and faith sector organisations, have been noted.

Originality/value

This paper provides an accessible overview of adult safeguarding in NI, which to date has been lacking from the literature.
Understanding organizational change for alliancing
Authors: B.M. Keers Bianca , C. van Fenema Paul , Zijm Henk
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine an organization’s operational alignment in the process of alliance formation.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature study was conducted on the strategic importance of assessing and aligning organizations’ operations for alliancing. Furthermore, an instrumental case study was conducted to provide insight in the degree of operational alignment required for a maritime organization to form a service alliance.

Findings

Managers indicate a complex set of organizational capabilities required for improving operating process to successfully execute their alliance strategy. Two improvement trajectories were found to be used by alliance managers for aligning operations with alliance strategy: development of a corporate alliance infrastructure, and nurturing a collaborative business culture.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to one public organization establishing a vertical service alliance with one of its suppliers.

Originality/value

The paper introduces a new conceptual model of the alliance formation process, addressing the cyclical character of the pre-formation stage in which intra- and interorganizational management considerations alternate.
Analysis of novelty of a scientific text as a basis for assessment of efficiency of scientific activities
Authors: Dynich Andrei , Wang Yanzhang
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to complement an available system of qualitative analysis of efficiency of scientific activities with assessment of novelty of a subject of research that gives a more complete pattern for evaluating the efficiency of efforts of both scientists and research teams.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is based on detection of specified linguistic patterns with further evaluation of similarity and novelty scores of obtained definitions at the sentence level.

Findings

This work presents an algorithm of automatic search for a new subject of research in scientific papers on the basis of statistical and linguistic analyses of description of new terms. Application of patterns specified in a given manuscript with further utilization of well-known methods of similarity and novelty detection scores makes it possible to evaluate the degree of novelty of a subject of research.

Practical implications

As a practical application of the proposed algorithm, the algorithm of determination of authority of a scientist will facilitate assessment of personal contributions of certain authors made in a certain field of study.

Originality/value

The main contribution of a given manuscript is in application of linguistic patterns recognition and calculation of similarity and novelty scores to the area of scientific results with further proposition of the method of automatic search for a new subject of research in scientific manuscripts.
Developing entrepreneurial and employability attributes through marketing projects with SMEs
Authors: O’Leary Simon
Published: June 2017

Purpose

This research aims to assess how marketing-related projects with small- and medium-size enterprises act as a form of experiential learning and help develop entrepreneurial and employability attributes for students in higher education (HE).

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on published material and an evaluation, within HE, of consultancy projects as a final assessment option alongside the well-established dissertation.

Findings

External initiatives that embrace experiential learning have helped students develop a better appreciation of client needs, while enhancing their confidence and team-working skills. The institutional degree programme studied is in its seventh year and more than half of students have chosen the project option so far. One key finding is the pivotal role of the academic supervisor and a need for that person to have suitable industry and sector knowledge, as well as effective and empathetic client relationship management abilities.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to one programme at one university but, as it encompasses a very broad definition of marketing-related activities, covers several years and is part of a longer-term longitudinal study, it constitutes research from which some conclusions can be drawn.

Practical implications

In addition to enhancing the students’ entrepreneurial and employability attributes, outward-facing activities help enrich the overall student experience and also offer HE institutions an opportunity to raise their profile with external organisations.

Social implications

With graduate employability rising in importance, initiatives such as these can help develop important graduate attributes and capabilities.

Originality/value

The principal originality and value is that this is a starting point for a potential longitudinal study of the impact of experiential learning and client-orientated projects on graduate career development.
An entrepreneurial relationship marketing approach to B2B selling
Authors: Addison Donald P. , Lingham Tony , Uslay Can , Lee Olivia F.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the entrepreneurial practice of intellectual capital sharing (ICS) with client organizations and assess its potential for collaborative business-to-business (B2B) relationship building. B2B collaborations within the traditional marketing paradigm are restricted due to perceived opportunism.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on the grounded theory approach and involves 22 semi-structured interviews with the employees of a focal organization and its five client organizations regarding 36 implemented projects. Interviews were transcribed, coded and analyzed via constant comparison to surface codes, categories, concepts and themes from which the authors developed propositions based on the particular context of this study.

Findings

ICS approach helps customers to reconstruct sellers’ identity from one characterized by opportunism and arm’s length relationships to one defined by openness and collaboration. Identified benefits of ICS include higher trust, commitment, social bonding, value co-creation, individual and organizational performance and learning. Eight propositions and a model of ICS consequences are presented.

Research limitations/implications

The context of the study is limited to a single industry – financial services – however, the findings should be highly relevant for other sales contexts characterized by low buyer trust.

Practical implications

Entrepreneurial marketers can engage in ICS approach quickly at minimal cost, as the capabilities and talent are typically already internal to the organization.

Originality/value

This paper examines a unique relational approach to serving clients called ICS that de-emphasizes the sale. Subject matter experts help buyers overcome challenges outside the scope of the traditional marketing paradigm.
The loneliness of personality disorder: a phenomenological study
Authors: Sagan Olivia
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the experience of loneliness amongst people who have been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used a narrative phenomenological approach.

Findings

The study found that the loneliness experienced amongst this group of participants was perceived to have taken root in childhood and was not a transient state. Its endurance, however, had led participants to develop a number of strategies as means by which to manage what was felt to be a deep seated painful sense of emptiness; some of these strategies were, however, risky or harmful.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of the study include the absence of longitudinal data which would have offered the opportunity for the close study of how people manage the experience over time.

Practical implications

The study has practical implications for mental health professionals wishing to better understand the difficulties faced by individuals with the characteristics described, but it also highlights the resilience of sufferers who, while living with acute loneliness continue to explore ways of managing it.

Social implications

The study brings to the attention that the connectivity and sociability required and expected in today’s society emphasise the lack of lonely individuals, further stigmatising loneliness as deficit and taboo.

Originality/value

The paper offers a welcome addition to loneliness studies in its adherence to the phenomenological experience and offers a small corrective to the bulk of existing loneliness studies which, while valuable have been more attentive to exploring the constituent elements of loneliness than the lived experience of it.
Emerging student needs disrupting higher education
Authors: Hines Andy
Published: June 2017

Purpose

A research project exploring emerging student needs identified two potentially disruptive shifts for the future of higher education: a shift in balance of power from institutions toward the students and a shift in the purpose of higher education away from job preparation. The research suggests that current drivers are eventually moving toward these shifts but that several “accelerators” may hasten their arrival. The paper aims to describe the process for identifying the emerging needs, the potentially disruptive shifts and key implications for higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

A modified version of the University of Houston’s “Framework Foresight” method was used to identify the emerging needs, the disruptive shifts and their implications.

Findings

Emerging student needs suggest two potential disruptive shifts for higher education: shift in balance of power from institutions toward the students and shift in the purpose of higher education away from job preparation.

Practical implications

Current institutions of higher education may need to reconsider their purpose, mission and value proposition in light of these disruptive shifts.

Social implications

Beyond just higher education, there is a need for a larger society-wide dialogue about the emerging future and how to best prepare students for it.

Originality/value

This extensive research carried out from the student perspective suggests disruptive shifts ahead relating to the purpose and future of higher education.
Creating a growth mindset
Authors: Johnston Ian
Published: June 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to show that everything a business does is fundamentally reliant on its culture. Culture determines how successful a strategy is and whether that strategy can be executed. If the culture in a business is out of alignment, it is imperative to change it. This paper examines how HR professionals can take ownership of this cultural space and help to create a growth mindset throughout the organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on experience gained through working with several large organisations to transform their people culture and performance by embracing a growth mindset and to help their HR leadership become the early champions of change, thus ensuring the process was successfully delivered. The paper includes case studies of two organisations where successful cultural shaping delivered improved results.

Findings

Companies with a growth mindset will outperform those with a fixed mindset. Changing mindsets is not overly complex, but it requires flawless implementation with the HR leaders at the forefront.

Originality/value

As Lou Gerstner, who turned around the computing giant IBM, said “I finally realised that culture is not part of the game, it is the game”. By understanding how individual mindsets impact culture, HR professionals can own and drive their organisation’s culture-shaping efforts.
Lessons Learnt from the EU‐Turkey Refugee Agreement in Guiding EU Migration Partnerships with Origin and Transit Countries
Authors: Haferlach Lisa , Kurban Dilek
Published: June 2017

Since it took effect, the EU‐Turkey refugee agreement has been the subject of intense debate. While critics argue that it was politically short‐sighted, others point out that quick action was necessary to avert both a humanitarian crisis in Greece and the collapse of the Schengen system due to the unwillingness of EU member states to share responsibility. Since the agreement took effect, the most serious problems lay in the implementation process, which has revealed a troubling tendency among EU leaders to disregard the fundamental human rights abuses in Turkey. In the southeast, for example, the Turkish government is waging a full‐blown war against its Kurdish population, while a failed coup d’état in July 2016 put the country under a state of emergency that has led to even greater repression and growing reports of violations of asylum law. Ultimately, this agreement may fail, but it will remain necessary for the EU to cooperate with Turkey in order to control migration and work towards developing a comprehensive migration policy. Drawing on lessons from the agreement, this paper shall consider ways forward for future EU migration agreements with third countries.
Towards the European Union's Foreign Policy 2025 – Taking Stock of the Dahrendorf Foresight Project
Authors: Sus Monika
Published: June 2017

After a decade of economic and political crises, the European Union has arrived at a critical juncture, as has its foreign policy. The long‐running debate on gaining more coherence in EU's external action as a global security provider has gained more traction than ever before. The Union is weakened due to recent internal crises from which it is only slowly recovering: the trust placed in Brussels’ institutions by both European citizens and global partners is shrinking and the citizens of one of the EU's largest member states, the United Kingdom, have just voted to leave. Based on an analysis of the current state of the Union, this paper takes stock of the outcomes of the Dahrendorf Foresight Project and looks ahead at the EU's role in the world of 2025. By following the narrative of driving forces beyond the EU's foreign policy, this article makes four policy recommendations for development within the next decade.
After Brexit: Risks and Opportunities to EU–China Relations
Authors: Yu Jie
Published: June 2017

As a result of Brexit, China faces both enormous economic challenges and political uncertainties in future relations with its largest trading partner, the EU. But while the UK's vote to leave creates an unexpected dilemma for the Chinese leadership, whose EU policy focuses largely on gaining vast market access, it also presents a rare opportunity for China to harness its policy instruments and diversify its initiatives to pursue its economic goals with European partners. As a pre‐condition to achieving the desired outcome, however, Beijing will need to untangle its foreign policy decision‐making processes. Against this backdrop, the author will illuminate post‐Brexit Sino–British relations and reflect on the possible impacts of Brexit upon future relations between Beijing and Brussels. A second section will analyse the very complex foreign policy making mechanism in Beijing in terms of its economic policy goals with the EU.
Epigenetic regulation by G9a/GLP complex ameliorates amyloid‐beta 1‐42 induced deficits in long‐term plasticity and synaptic tagging/capture in hippocampal pyramidal neurons
Authors: Sharma Mahima , Dierkes Tobias , Sajikumar Sreedharan
Published: June 2017

Altered epigenetic mechanisms are implicated in the cognitive decline associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as in Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is the most prevalent form of dementia worldwide; amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are the histopathological hallmarks of AD. We have recently reported that the inhibition of G9a/GLP complex promotes long‐term potentiation (LTP) and its associative mechanisms such as synaptic tagging and capture (STC). However, the role of this complex in plasticity impairments remains elusive. Here, we investigated the involvement of G9a/GLP complex in alleviating the effects of soluble Amyloid‐β 1‐42 oligomers (oAβ) on neuronal plasticity and associativity in the CA1 region of acute hippocampal slices from 5‐ to 7‐week‐old male Wistar rats. Our findings demonstrate that the regulation of G9a/GLP complex by inhibiting its catalytic activity reverses the amyloid‐β oligomer‐induced deficits in late‐LTP and STC. This is achieved by releasing the transcription repression of the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) gene. The catalytic inhibition of G9a/GLP complex leads to the upregulation of Bdnf expression in the slices treated with oAβ. This further ensures the availability of BDNF that subsequently binds its receptor tyrosine kinase B (TrkB) and maintains the late‐LTP. Furthermore, the capture of BDNF by weakly activated synapses re‐establishes STC. Our findings regarding the reinstatement of functional plasticity and associativity in AD‐like conditions provide the first evidence for the role of G9a/GLP complex in AD. We propose G9a/GLP complex as the possible target for preventing oAβ‐induced plasticity deficits in hippocampal neurons.
Book Review
Authors: Visscher Peter M.
Published: June 2017

A thorough practical guide to the assumptions, inference and pitfalls of Mendelian Randomisation as a method to infer causality using genetic instruments.
Outdoor learning spaces: The case of forest school
Authors: Harris Frances
Published: June 2017

This paper contributes to the growing body of research concerning use of outdoor spaces by educators, and the increased use of informal and outdoor learning spaces when teaching primary school children. The research takes the example of forest school, a form of regular and repeated outdoor learning increasingly common in primary schools. This research focuses on how the learning space at forest school shapes the experience of children and forest school leaders as they engage in learning outside the classroom. The learning space is considered as a physical space, and also in a more metaphorical way as a space where different behaviours are permitted, and a space set apart from the national curriculum. Through semi‐structured interviews with members of the community of practice of forest school leaders, the paper seeks to determine the significance of being outdoors on the forest school experience. How does this learning space differ from the classroom environment? What aspects of the forest school learning space support pupils’ experiences? How does the outdoor learning space affect teaching, and the dynamics of learning while at forest school? The research shows that the outdoor space provides new opportunities for children and teachers to interact and learn, and revealed how forest school leaders and children co‐create a learning environment in which the boundaries between classroom and outdoor learning, teacher and pupil, are renegotiated to stimulate teaching and learning. Forest school practitioners see forest school as a separate learning space that is removed from the physical constraints of the classroom and pedagogical constraints of the national curriculum to provide a more flexible and responsive learning environment.
Laparoscopic ileopexy for afferent limb syndrome after ileal pouch‐anal anastomosis
Authors: Okita Yoshiki , Araki Toshimitsu , Hiro Junichiro , Kondo Satoru , Fujikawa Hiroyuki , Yoshiyama Shigeyuki , Inoue Mikihiro , Toiyama Yuji , Kobayashi Minako , Ohi Masaki , Inoue Yasuhiro , Uchida Keiichi , Mohri Yasuhiko , Kusunoki Masato
Published: June 2017

Afferent limb syndrome (ALS) is caused by an obstruction of the afferent intestinal limb after ileal pouch‐anal anastomosis. Here, we describe the first case of ALS to be successfully treated by a laparoscopic approach. A 27‐year‐old man underwent ileal pouch‐anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis. He was subsequently diagnosed with ALS and underwent ileopexy with laparotomy at 33 years old. Then, 21 months after the first ileopexy, he underwent laparoscopic ileopexy for ALS recurrence. The operative findings revealed a shortened fixed portion of the afferent limb adhering to the right pelvic retroperitoneum, which was regarded as the cause of the acute angulation. The portion of the afferent limb fixed to the abdominal wall was extended under laparoscopic visualization by suturing above the level of the iliac crest. At the 12‐month follow‐up, the patient remained free of symptoms of obstruction. Laparoscopic ileopexy should be the procedure of choice for patients with ALS.
Combined laparoscopic resection of intestinal stenosis of Garré and open preperitoneal mesh repair for irreducible femoral hernia
Authors: Soeta Nobutoshi , Saito Takuro , Higuchi Mitsunori , Nemoto Tetsutaro , Matsuida Hazime , Oshibe Ikuro
Published: June 2017

Intestinal stenosis of Garré is a rare condition caused by a benign fibrous bowel stricture due to complicated strangulated hernia. We present a case of intestinal stenosis of Garré associated with right femoral hernia in an 85‐year‐old woman. The patient visited our hospital with a 2‐day history of vomiting. Her abdomen was slightly distended. A mass was palpated in the right groin region. CT showed prolapse of the small intestine in the right groin region. An incarcerated right femoral hernia was diagnosed and manually reduced. Thirteen days later, the patient complained of abdominal pain. CT revealed dilatation and caliber change in part of the small bowel, indicating a small bowel obstruction due to intestinal stenosis of Garré. Laparoscopic release of the bowel obstruction and femoral hernia repair via an anterior approach were performed simultaneously. No recurrence of femoral hernia or bowel obstruction was noted at the 15‐month follow‐up.
Cardiac magnetic resonance in cardiac angiosarcoma
Authors: Lindsey Jennifer , Stacey Richard B.
Published: June 2017

Background

While echocardiography is effective for initial identification of anatomic location, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a more advantageous modality for delineating tumor expanse, spread, and blood supply preoperatively. Emerging patterns may even help generate a specific diagnosis prior to biopsy and histopathology.

Case Presentation

Our case of a 67‐year‐old male referred for cardiac magnetic resonance to further evaluate a cardiac mass highlights the sophisticated level of data which can be collected. Our case highlights the perfusion related findings associated with cardiac angiosarcoma.

Conclusion

In this case, we present the diagnosis of right atrial cardiac angiosarcoma by multiple imaging modalities including MRI and subsequent angiography, allowing for prompt surgical intervention and initiation of adjuvant therapy that resulted in a survival time of 19 months.
Preparation of nano‐structured pig bone hydroxyapatite for high‐efficiency adsorption of Pb2+ from aqueous solution
Authors: Zhou Yang , Chang Di , Chang Jiang
Published: June 2017

The nano‐structured hydroxyapatite was prepared from pig bone materials by mineralization. The obtained nano‐structured bone was much better compared to the bone without nanostructure for removing Pb2+. The process was investigated under different conditions including contact time, initial Pb2+ concentration, and pH. The pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm model were suitable for describing adsorption process. Moreover, the maximum adsorption capacities of nano‐structured bone and bone without nanostructure were 312.5 and 96.1 mg/g, respectively. Overall, the advantages of excellent adsorption capacity and simple mineralization together with low cost make nano‐structured bone an attractive material for removal of Pb2+ from aqueous solution.
Exile to Poverty: Policies and Poverty Among Refugees in Poland
Authors: Lukasiewicz Karolina
Published: June 2017

Poverty is a well‐known short‐term outcome of migration in general and a long‐term outcome of forced migration in a global context. Surprisingly, this outcome appears among refugees in welfare states which provide various asylum and social policies facilitating integration. The article aims to explore the relationship between asylum and social policies and poverty among refugees. The research results are drawn from two studies conducted among refugees,NGOs, national and local administration representatives, and case workers in Poland between 2006 and 2014. The results show that asylum policy contributes to the material and symbolic hardship experienced by refugees, and social policy is ineffective in its prevention. If refugees are settled in regions with high levels of poverty, unemployment and ethnic‐based prejudices, then they experience and continue to live in poverty. In such a context, and due to its weaknesses in addressing discrimination, social policy cannot successfully integrate refugees.
Mental health nurses’ use of Twitter for professional purposes during conference participation using #acmhn2016
Authors: Salzmann‐Erikson Martin
Published: June 2017

Scholars across different disciplines use Twitter to promote research and to communicate with society. Most conferences nowadays have their unique hashtag in which participants can communicate in real time. Previous research has reported on conference participants’ use of Twitter, but no such studies are available in the field of mental health nursing. Thus, the explicit aim of the present study was to examine conference participants’ use of Twitter during the 42nd International Mental Health Nursing Conference. Freely‐accessible data were mined via a social media platform under the hashtag #acmhn2016. The total dataset consisted of 1973 tweets, and was analysed with descriptive statistics and a directed content analysis. The results demonstrated that 37% of the tweets were original posts, and 63% were engagements. In total, 184 individual accounts engaged in Twitter during the conference, and 16.4 tweets were posted hourly. Most tweets were categorized as conference/session‐related content, but Twitter was also used for socializing with other participants. The most frequently‐used words mirror a clear connection to a person‐centred approach, and deviate from the biomedical terminology. However, not all of the conference participants engaged on Twitter, and might thereby risk being excluded from this backchannel.