bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving quality management: ISO 9001 benefits for agrifood firms
Authors: Wilcock Anne E. , Boys Kathryn A.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

ISO 9001 can offer users substantial management benefits. For developing country firms, this standard could offer both important management improvements and serve as a quality signal to foreign suppliers and potential buyers. The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of ISO 9001 on food manufacturing firms in Guyana.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiple case study approach, using interviews with multiple managers, was used to assess the impacts of ISO 9001 in six registered and non-registered firms.

Findings

ISO 9001 offers supply chain management benefits. Non-registered firms reported using the standard to formalize their monitoring procedures and improve planning, sourcing, manufacturing, and delivery efficiency. Registration helped firms formalize their quality management systems; it provided guidance on improving their customer/supplier relationships, and offered tools to monitor internal processes. Registered and non-registered firms reported increased customer satisfaction, market share and inventory turnover, and reduced lead times, rework, waste, and customer complaints.

Research limitations/implications

The number of cases examined in this study is limited. Interview data are based on managers’ perceived experiences; it was not possible to verify this information independently.

Originality/value

The paper examines management benefits of adopting an international quality management standard in developing country agrifood firms.
A decision-making formula for value engineering applications in the Sri Lankan construction industry
Authors: Karunasena Gayani , Rajagalgoda Gamage Kosala
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The construction industry in many developing countries is reluctant to apply value engineering (VE) due to uncertainty of outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to examine the existing practices of VE techniques and make recommendations to organisations and national construction regulatory bodies, to standardise VE practices. A decision-making formula is introduced to determine profitability of VE applications prior to implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

A broad literature review and six case study projects that applied VE were selected. Thirty-nine semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather data within cases. Six expert interviews were conducted as confirmatory interviews to clarify and validate research outcome. Content analysis and cognitive mapping were used to analyse data among case studies.

Findings

Application, knowledge and experience on VE techniques among construction professionals are unsatisfactory. Recommendations include reducing contractor’s design responsibility, introducing proper VE guidelines and statutory regulations. A framework is introduced to assist authorities to standardise application of VE techniques. A decision-making formula is suggested to determine margins of contractor’s portion due to VE techniques and original profits gained.

Originality/value

The formula can be used as a decision-making tool by construction industry practitioners to determine successfulness of proposed VE techniques, and the proposed framework can be used to guide construction professional bodies to standardise VE practices.
A new framework for time-cost trade-off considering float loss impact
Authors: El-Sayegh Sameh Monir , Al-Haj Rana
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new framework for time–cost trade-off. The new framework provides the optimum time–cost value taking into account the float loss impact.

Design/methodology/approach

The stochastic framework uses Monte Carlo Simulation to calculate the effect of float loss on risk. This is later translated into an added cost to the trade-off problem. Five examples, from literature, are solved using the proposed framework to test the applicability of the developed framework.

Findings

The results confirmed the research hypothesis that the new optimum solution will be at a higher duration and cost but at a lower risk compared to traditional methods. The probabilities of finishing the project on time using the developed framework in all five cases were better than those using the classical deterministic optimization technique.

Originality/value

The objective of time–cost trade-off is to determine the optimum project duration corresponding to the minimum total cost. Time–cost trade-off techniques result in reducing the available float for noncritical activities and thus increasing the schedule risks. Existing deterministic optimization technique does not consider the impact of the float loss within the noncritical activities when the project duration is being crashed. The new framework allows project managers to exercise new trade-offs between time, cost and risk which will ultimately improve the chances of achieving project objectives.
Determinants of construction organisational performance
Authors: Oyewobi Luqman Oyekunle , Windapo Abimbola Olukemi , Rotimi James Olabode Bamidele
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Literature suggests that there are sets of common variables that are capable of explaining organisational performance differentials. These variables are used to examine performance variance and its contribution to organisation profitability. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants of large construction organisations’ performance in South Africa using a partial least squares path analytic method.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines the interrelationship between a number of constructs, namely, organisational characteristics, resources/capabilities, competitive strategies, business environment and performance, using a questionnaire survey to obtain data from 72 large construction organisations in South Africa. Using a path analytic approach, the paper examines the relationship between the constructs discussed in the study.

Findings

The findings from the analysis of the data show that organisational characteristics do indeed influence the performance of organisations, and that the business environment is capable of moderating the relationship between competitive strategies and performance. The results, however, indicate that organisations that combine sustained organisational characteristics and strategy tend to experience high performance over those that do not.

Originality/value

The study findings have implications for management practice, as it could help managers of construction organisations to acknowledge the influence of organisational characteristics, unique resources/capabilities, competitive strategies and business environment as sources of competitive advantage. The study contributes to the current debate on the causes of performance differentials among large construction organisations.
Applying the TOE framework in the Halal warehouse adoption study
Authors: Ngah Abdul Hafaz , Zainuddin Yuserrie , Thurasamy Ramayah
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This study aims to identify the contributing factors to the adoption of Halal warehousing services among Malaysia Halal manufacturers.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey, based on the technology, organization and environment (TOE) framework, was distributed to 200 participants at the Malaysia International Halal Showcase 2013. Of these, 140 responses were complete, and the data were analyzed using structural equation modelling approach and SMART-PLS 2.0 software.

Findings

Perceived benefits, cost, customer pressure and organizational readiness were found to have a significant relationship with Halal manufacturers’ intention to adopt Halal warehousing services. Perceived benefits, customer pressure and organizational readiness were the drivers of adoption, and cost was a barrier.

Research limitations/implications

This paper examines the factors affecting Malaysian Halal manufacturers’ intention to adopt Halal warehousing services in three industries, food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

Practical implications

The results provide insights into the adoption of Halal warehousing among Malaysian Halal manufacturers. The government, Halal warehouse service providers and customers may use these findings to expand the adoption of Halal warehouse services.

Originality/value

Adopting the TOE framework, this study investigates and develops a model for Halal warehouse adoption. The results indicate that the variables from the TOE framework have a significant relationship with the adoption of Halal warehousing activities.
I create, you create, we all create – for whom?
Authors: Kennedy Eric
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This research aims to propose that prompted co-creation from a brand to a consumer will increase the value of the consumer to the brand through an increase in brand commitment and purchase intention. Additionally, the study compares the differences of a social media post made by a brand and a social media post made by a celebrity who is endorsing the brand.

Design/methodology/approach

Two studies were developed. First, a 2 × 2 between-subjects’ experimental design analyzes the effects of prompted and non-prompted co-creation posts by a fictitious brand and celebrity. Study 2 looks to confirm the results of Study 1 using a 2 × 2 between-subjects’ experimental design with a real brand and celebrity for the social media post. Co-creation, brand commitment and purchase intention are the dependent variables in both studies.

Findings

The studies reveal that a prompted co-creation post – which is a post explicitly asking for consumer feedback – from a brand can increase brand commitment and purchase intention from consumers. Also, the study reveals that, when compared to a celebrity-endorsed message, a branded message shows an increase in brand commitment and purchase intention. The results support the general notion of attribution theory.

Research limitations/implications

First, the study focused exclusively on millennial consumers. While this group has significant purchasing power, testing the effects of co-creation messages on a more generalizable sample is warranted. Next, the survey takes place in an online social media setting. With the power of social media and e-commerce, this channel is certainly important to study.

Practical implications

The results of this study bring the co-creation literature into a new area of research. Extending attachment theory and attribution theory into co-creation creates numerous opportunities to further grow the knowledge of the co-creation phenomena. The findings provide insight into the power that a prompted co-creation message can have on a consumer, either from a brand or celebrity endorser source. Practitioners can place a value on prompted and non-prompted co-creation messages originating with a brand. In addition, the research will give practitioners insight into how messages of co-creation are received by millennial consumers.

Originality/value

This research is the first of its kind for co-creation literature. No research to date examines the effect that a brand or celebrity-endorsed co-creation prompt has on the behavior of millennial consumers. Very little, if any, empirical research has been conducted on the co-creation of brand.
Using the theory of planned behaviour to understand brand love
Authors: Hegner Sabrina M. , Fenko Anna , Teravest Annemiek
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Brand love is perceived as one of the main objectives in brand management. Nevertheless, research into the factors influencing brand love are scarce. This paper aims to apply the theory of planned behaviour to the context of brand love and investigate the influence of several factors on brand love, including attitude towards loving a brand, subjective norm and perceived control factors, namely, the propensity to anthropomorphise and the affordability of the brand. Further, the influence of brand love on brand forgiveness is proven. Additionally, this research investigates the influence of involvement with the product category on the proposed relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey (N = 274) was used to test the model in the context of fashion industry with the help of a convenience sample. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and (multi-group) structural equation modelling techniques assessed the proposed model.

Findings

Results show that the proposed model gives valuable insights to brand love, where involvement serves as a moderator. While the attitude towards loving a brand has a strong influence on brand love for both high and low involved consumers, affordability only plays a minor role for experiencing brand love. Subjective norm is found to facilitate brand love for high-involved consumers, while propensity to anthropomorphise leads to higher brand love for low involved consumers.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates the applicability of the theory of planned behaviour to a consumer–brand relationship context. This adds to a deeper theoretical understanding of the managerially relevant construct of brand love. Further, the study demonstrates that brand lovers are more forgiving in times of disappointment. Introducing involvement into the research model provides valuable insights into the processes underlying brand love.
Social network sites: early adopters’ personality and influence
Authors: Lynn Theo , Muzellec Laurent , Caemmerer Barbara , Turley Darach
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a social network site influence (SNSI) profile of early adopters. This study explores the relationship between personality traits of early adopters of social network sites (SNS), their propensity to share information and rumors and their general SNSI.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was sent to the first users of Twitter (n = 200) and Google+ (n = 130) to assess their personality traits. Answers of each respondent were matched to their SNSI scores from Klout and PeerIndex, the industry standard for measuring SNSI.

Findings

Early adopters of SNS, in comparison to market mavens, are more likely to exert influence on one particular topic related to their profession: technology and the internet. Their levels of extraversion, openness and conscientiousness have a positive and significant impact on information sharing, and a negative impact on rumor sharing. Both, information sharing and rumor sharing have a positive and significant impact on the general SNSI of early adopters.

Originality/value

Firms struggle to decide whether to invest early in the life of newly created SNS as they are unsure about the characteristics of early adopters of such networks, and, more importantly, whether these sites are effective initial vectors for word-of-mouth. The findings demonstrate that early adopters’ influence (SNSI score) is on par with that of the rest of SNS users, suggesting their influence may be somewhat limited. The study also shows that the opinion leadership impact of the more influential early adopters is monomorphic in nature, being mainly confined to the related technology and internet domains.
Navigating similarities and differences in national and international accreditation standards
Authors: Wilkerson Judy R.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Understanding and navigating the differences in standards, and the roots and rationales underlying accreditation reviews, is necessary for all institutions that seek multiple accreditations. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a method to assist institutional-level leaders and assessment practitioners analyze and align these differences in various national or international agency requirements, to develop a framework for assessment and data collection. The proposed method is demonstrated by using multiple accreditors’ standards from the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

Guided by a set of process questions, a review and content analysis of national standards and 12 accreditation agency requirements from the USA was conducted using Web-based, documentary sources. An operational definition of institutional quality was derived based on the core themes that emerged. Examples of evidence matched to each core theme were outlined to suggest an assessment framework. The 12 US agency requirements were compared and contrasted with the core themes and validated.

Findings

In the USA, recognition requirements set by two national bodies, the US Department of Education and Council of Higher Education Accreditation, drive the standards applied by various agencies that accredit institutions and programs. Six themes emerged from their requirements, serving as a core framework for designing institutional assessment systems. The themes are student achievement and continuous improvement; curriculum quality; faculty; facilities, equipment and supplies; fiscal and administrative capacity; and student support services, admissions and information-gathering systems. While the 12 sampled accreditation agencies generally used these core themes, divergences were found in how they treated the themes in published requirements.

Practical implications

Where multiple US or other accreditations are sought, the approach recommended could facilitate the work of institutional accreditation leaders and practitioners in establishing assessment systems that reduce redundancy while also maximizing efficiency in assessment and data collection.

Originality/value

There is little guidance in the literature on how institutional leaders and practitioners confronting the challenges of accreditation can negotiate multiple, and sometimes conflicting, sets of requirements. This paper demonstrates a possible solution strategy. Outside the general utility of the demonstrated method, the findings and core assessment framework produced could be useful for institutions seeking accreditation through the agencies in the study sample, in both the USA and overseas.
An assessment of resource availability for problem based learning in a Ghanaian University setting
Authors: Okyere Gabriel Asare , Tawiah Richard , Lamptey Richard Bruce , Oduro William , Thompson Michael
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the differences pertaining to the resources presently accessible for problem-based learning (PBL) among six colleges of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the study are the cross-sectional type drawn from 1,020 students. Poisson and zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP) models were implemented on the data to ascertain the variations regarding the extent of resources available for PBL across the colleges of the university.

Findings

The study outlines the specific resources accessible for PBL across college levels of KNUST. On aggregate, 25.7 per cent reported that their respective colleges have sufficient resources, while 74.3 per cent indicated otherwise. The ZIP model exhibited superiority over the Poisson model, when compared under a Vuong test. As per the ZIP model, none of the colleges appeared to differ significantly in terms of having sufficient resource for PBL.

Practical implications

Findings are applicable to informed decision-making which targets achieving quality education through the use of PBL. Access to sufficient resources that meet the needs of colleges or departments of a University is emphasized.

Originality/value

The application of Poisson and ZIP models to aggregated count data in a PBL setting is novel.
Individual heterogeneity determines sex differences in mortality in a monogamous bird with reversed sexual dimorphism
Authors: Colchero Fernando , Aliaga Alix Eva , Jones Owen R. , Conde Dalia A.
Published: April 2017

Sex differences in mortality are pervasive in vertebrates, and usually result in shorter life spans in the larger sex, although the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. On the other hand, differences in frailty among individuals (i.e. individual heterogeneity), can play a major role in shaping demographic trajectories in wild populations. The link between these two processes has seldom been explored.

We used Bayesian survival trajectory analysis to study age‐specific mortality trajectories in the Eurasian sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus), a monogamous raptor with reversed sexual size dimorphism. We tested the effect of individual heterogeneity on age‐specific mortality, and the extent by which this heterogeneity was determined by average reproductive output and wing length as measures of an individual's frailty.

We found that sex differences in age‐specific mortality were primarily driven by the differences in individual heterogeneity between the two sexes. Females were more heterogeneous than males in their level of frailty. Thus, a larger number of females with low frailty are able to survive to older ages than males, with life expectancy for the least frail adult females reaching up to 4·23 years, while for the least frail adult males it was of 2·68 years.

We found that 50% of this heterogeneity was determined by average reproductive output and wing length in both sexes. For both, individuals with high average reproductive output had also higher chances to survive. However, the effect of wing length was different between the two sexes. While larger females had higher survival, larger males had lower chances to survive.

Our results contribute a novel perspective to the ongoing debate about the mechanisms that drive sex differences in vital rates in vertebrates. Although we found that variables that relate to the cost of reproduction and sexual dimorphism are at least partially involved in determining these sex differences, it is through their effect on the level of frailty that they affect age patterns of mortality. Therefore, our results raise the possibility that observed differences in age‐specific demographic rates may in fact be driven by differences in individual heterogeneity.
Fine‐scale population dynamics in a marine fish species inferred from dynamic state‐space models
Authors: Rogers Lauren A. , Storvik Geir O. , Knutsen Halvor , Olsen Esben M. , Stenseth Nils C.
Published: April 2017

Identifying the spatial scale of population structuring is critical for the conservation of natural populations and for drawing accurate ecological inferences. However, population studies often use spatially aggregated data to draw inferences about population trends and drivers, potentially masking ecologically relevant population sub‐structure and dynamics.

The goals of this study were to investigate how population dynamics models with and without spatial structure affect inferences on population trends and the identification of intrinsic drivers of population dynamics (e.g. density dependence).

Specifically, we developed dynamic, age‐structured, state‐space models to test different hypotheses regarding the spatial structure of a population complex of coastal Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). Data were from a 93‐year survey of juvenile (age 0 and 1) cod sampled along >200 km of the Norwegian Skagerrak coast. We compared two models: one which assumes all sampled cod belong to one larger population, and a second which assumes that each fjord contains a unique population with locally determined dynamics. Using the best supported model, we then reconstructed the historical spatial and temporal dynamics of Skagerrak coastal cod.

Cross‐validation showed that the spatially structured model with local dynamics had better predictive ability. Furthermore, posterior predictive checks showed that a model which assumes one homogeneous population failed to capture the spatial correlation pattern present in the survey data. The spatially structured model indicated that population trends differed markedly among fjords, as did estimates of population parameters including density‐dependent survival. Recent biomass was estimated to be at a near‐record low all along the coast, but the finer scale model indicated that the decline occurred at different times in different regions. Warm temperatures were associated with poor recruitment, but local changes in habitat and fishing pressure may have played a role in driving local dynamics.

More generally, we demonstrated how state‐space models can be used to test evidence for population spatial structure based on survey time‐series data. Our study shows the importance of considering spatially structured dynamics, as the inferences from such an approach can lead to a different ecological understanding of the drivers of population declines, and fundamentally different management actions to restore populations.
Multi‐scale drivers of community diversity and composition across tidal heights: an example on temperate seaweed communities
Authors: Robuchon Marine , Valero Myriam , Thiébaut Eric , Le Gall Line
Published: April 2017

Despite recent advances in understanding community assembly processes, appreciating how these processes vary across multiple spatial scales and environmental gradients remains a crucial issue in ecology.

This study aimed to disentangle the drivers of diversity and composition of seaweed communities through a gradient of spatial scales based on a hierarchical sampling design consisting of 19 sites distributed in four sectors along the Brittany coastline. Using randomised community matrices and Moran's eigenvector maps (MEMs), we compared (i) the relative importance of deterministic and stochastic processes, (ii) the environmental correlates of community composition, and (iii) the scale of variation in community composition for seaweed communities located at two different tidal heights.

Processes shaping community patterns are expected to vary along a gradient of tidal heights. Therefore, we specifically examined the following hypotheses: the contribution of deterministic over stochastic processes as well as the relative importance of environmental filtering over biotic interactions should be enhanced for seaweed communities of the infralittoral fringe compared to subtidal ones, whereas dispersal of propagules in the water column should be more restricted resulting in finer scale variation in community composition for seaweed communities of the infralittoral fringe compared to subtidal communities.

Seaweed communities were largely shaped by deterministic processes, although the relative importance of deterministic processes was greater for communities of the infralittoral fringe than for subtidal communities. Sea surface temperature and geophysical variables were correlates of community composition at the two tidal heights; additionally, waves and current were correlated with the composition of the communities of the infralittoral fringe while kelp density was correlated with the composition of subtidal communities. Variation in community composition was observed at a finer scale for infralittoral fringe than for subtidal communities.

Synthesis. Our results suggest that the relative importance of deterministic and stochastic processes in structuring seaweed communities varies across tidal heights. Furthermore, the Moran's eigenvector maps framework highlights that the nature of environmental correlates and the spatial scale at which they were good correlates of community composition also vary across tidal heights and may therefore be useful to broaden our understanding of community assembly across vertical gradients.
Tiron ameliorates high glucose‐induced cardiac myocyte apoptosis by PKCδ‐dependent inhibition of osteopontin
Authors: Jiang Ping , Zhang Deling , Qiu Hong , Yi Xianqi , Zhang Yemin , Cao Yingkang , Zhao Bo , Xia Zhongyuan , Wang Changhua
Published: April 2017

Tiron functions as an effective antioxidant alleviating the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) or the acute toxic metal overload. Previous studies have shown that cardiac myocyte apoptosis can be effectively inhibited by tiron administration in streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rats, primary neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRVMs), and H9c2 embryonic rat cardiomyocytes. However, the underlying signalling mechanism is ill‐defined. In the present study, we found that tiron supplementation significantly inhibited apoptosis of high glucose (HG)‐treated NRVMs and the left ventricular cardiomyocytes from STZ‐diabetic rat, accompanied with a reduction of osteopontin (OPN) levels as well as an inhibition of PKCδ phosphorylation. OPN knockdown protected NRVMs against HG‐induced cell apoptosis. In addition, genetic inhibition of PKCδ mitigated HG‐stimulated enhancement of intracellular OPN levels in NRVMs. These findings indicate that ROS‐mediated activation of PKCδ upregulated OPN expression, leading to cardiac myocyte apoptosis. Interfering with ROS/PKCδ pathway by antioxidants such as tiron provides an optional therapeutic strategy for treatment and prevention of apoptosis‐related cardiovascular diseases including diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Immunomodulation by hydrolysates and peptides derived from milk proteins
Authors: Reyes‐Díaz Aline , González‐Córdova Aarón F , Hernández‐Mendoza Adrián , Reyes‐Díaz Ricardo , Vallejo‐Cordoba Belinda
Published: April 2017

Milk protein‐derived peptides have shown immunomodulatory properties either singly or in a mixture. However, information on the behaviour of these compounds is scarce, complicating their further study. This review presents current knowledge on immunomodulatory milk protein‐derived peptides, including hydrolysates, peptide fractions and single peptides. The evidence shows that hydrolysates derived from both casein and whey proteins show immunomodulatory effects; however, this bioactivity is mainly attributed to peptides derived from caseins. The identification of peptides in hydrolysates, as well as their characterisation and knowledge of the mechanisms behind their bioactivity, is necessary to further exploit their potential health benefits.
Conflict and collective action in Tonle Sap fisheries: adapting governance to support community livelihoods
Authors: Ratner Blake D. , So Sovannarith , Mam Kosal , Oeur Il , Kim Sour
Published: April 2017

This paper presents the results of action research conducted from 2009 to 2015 on the dynamics of resource conflict concerning fisheries and livelihoods in the Tonle Sap Lake, as well as the institutional context and strategies for institutional adaptation to address such conflicts equitably. Over the past 15 years, Cambodia has made significant advances in building the policy framework, regulations and institutions to support community‐based fisheries management and increase the sector's contribution to the rural economy. However, fundamental challenges of increased resource conflict and loss of livelihoods by the most vulnerable remain. Key sources of conflict include destructive and illegal fishing practices, clearing of flooded forests, competing uses of land and water, and overlapping resource claims. Addressing these challenges requires collective action by all key actors: local fishers, the private sector, civil society, development partners, and government from the local to the national level. We identify and elaborate upon four governance priorities: (1) clarify roles and responsibilities in fisheries management; (2) link civil society and government efforts in law enforcement; (3) strengthen partnerships for livelihoods development; and (4) integrate fisheries management into decentralised development planning.
Evidence of the impacts of the national housing programme on the accessibility of the low‐income population in Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Barandier José Renato , Bodmer Milena , Lentino Izabella
Published: April 2017

The Brazilian shift from a primarily rural to a more urban society has created major challenges that public policies must address. One of the most relevant challenges is deep social exclusion in urban areas, especially in terms of adequate housing and access to urban opportunities (e.g., jobs, housing, and services). In this context, land use and transport planning play a critical role in the sustainable development agenda. The work presented here analyses the accessibility of low‐income dwellings licenced under the Brazilian housing programme to the low‐income population. To evaluate the accessibility of the programme's target population, a case study was conducted in the city of Rio de Janeiro, where 58,000 homes licensed under the programme were analysed using GIS tools in terms of the present public transport network and the location of the homes. The amount of time it takes to access public transport on foot and the homes’ locations in relation to major urban opportunities were also analysed. Finally, the same analysis was performed for the future transport network, and the results of the two analyses were compared to identify the scope of the legacy generated by investments in preparation for the 2016 network.
Quantifying uncertainty of taxonomic placement in DNA barcoding and metabarcoding
Authors: Somervuo Panu , Yu Douglas W. , Xu Charles C.Y. , Ji Yinqiu , Hultman Jenni , Wirta Helena , Ovaskainen Otso
Published: April 2017

A crucial step in the use of DNA markers for biodiversity surveys is the assignment of Linnaean taxonomies (species, genus, etc.) to sequence reads. This allows the use of all the information known based on the taxonomic names. Taxonomic placement of DNA barcoding sequences is inherently probabilistic because DNA sequences contain errors, because there is natural variation among sequences within a species, and because reference data bases are incomplete and can have false annotations. However, most existing bioinformatics methods for taxonomic placement either exclude uncertainty, or quantify it using metrics other than probability.

In this paper we evaluate the performance of the recently proposed probabilistic taxonomic placement method PROTAX by applying it to both annotated reference sequence data as well as to unknown environmental data. Our four case studies include contrasting taxonomic groups (fungi, bacteria, mammals and insects), variation in the length and quality of the barcoding sequences (from individually Sanger‐sequenced sequences to short Illumina reads), variation in the structures and sizes of the taxonomies (800–130 000 species) and variation in the completeness of the reference data bases (representing 15–100% of known species).

Our results demonstrate that PROTAX yields essentially unbiased probabilities of taxonomic placement, which means its quantification of species identification uncertainty is reliable. As expected, the accuracy of taxonomic placement increases with increasing coverage of taxonomic and reference sequence data bases, and with increasing ratio of genetic variation among taxonomic levels over within taxonomic levels.

We conclude that reliable species‐level identification from environmental samples is still challenging and that neglecting identification uncertainty can lead to spurious inference. A key aim for future research is the completion of taxonomic and reference sequence data bases and making these two types of data compatible.
Using joint species distribution models for evaluating how species‐to‐species associations depend on the environmental context
Authors: Tikhonov Gleb , Abrego Nerea , Dunson David , Ovaskainen Otso
Published: April 2017

Joint species distribution models (JSDM) are increasingly used to analyse community ecology data. Recent progress with JSDMs has provided ecologists with new tools for estimating species associations (residual co‐occurrence patterns after accounting for environmental niches) from large data sets, as well as for increasing the predictive power of species distribution models (SDMs) by accounting for such associations. Yet, one critical limitation of JSDMs developed thus far is that they assume constant species associations. However, in real ecological communities, the direction and strength of interspecific interactions are likely to be different under different environmental conditions.

In this paper, we overcome the shortcoming of present JSDMs by allowing species associations covary with measured environmental covariates. To estimate environmental‐dependent species associations, we utilize a latent variable structure, where the factor loadings are modelled as a linear regression to environmental covariates.

We illustrate the performance of the statistical framework with both simulated and real data. Our results show that JSDMs perform substantially better in inferring environmental‐dependent species associations than single SDMs, especially with sparse data. Furthermore, JSDMs consistently overperform SDMs in terms of predictive power for generating predictions that account for environment‐dependent biotic associations.

We implemented the statistical framework as a MATLAB package, which includes tools both for model parameterization as well as for post‐processing of results, particularly for addressing whether and how species associations depend on the environmental conditions.

Our statistical framework provides a new tool for ecologists who wish to investigate from non‐manipulative observational community data the dependency of interspecific interactions on environmental context. Our method can be applied to answer the fundamental questions in community ecology about how species’ interactions shift in changing environmental conditions, as well as to predict future changes of species’ interactions in response to global change.
Comparing immediate‐type food allergy in humans and companion animals—revealing unmet needs
Authors: Pali‐Schöll I. , De Lucia M. , Jackson H. , Janda J. , Mueller R. S. , Jensen‐Jarolim E.
Published: April 2017

Adverse food reactions occur in human as well as veterinary patients. Systematic comparison may lead to improved recommendations for prevention and treatment in both. In this position paper, we summarize the current knowledge on immediate‐type food allergy vs other food adverse reactions in companion animals, and compare this to the human situation. While the prevalence of food allergy in humans has been well studied for some allergens, this remains to be investigated for animal patients, where owner‐reported as well as veterinarian‐diagnosed food adverse reactions are on the increase. The characteristics of the disease in humans vs dogs, cats, and horses are most often caused by similar, but sometimes species‐dependent different pathophysiological mechanisms, prompting the specific clinical symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments. Furthermore, little is known about the allergen molecules causative for type I food allergy in animals, which, like in human patients, could represent predictive biomarkers for risk evaluation. The definite diagnosis of food allergy relies—as in humans—on elimination diet and provocation tests. Besides allergen avoidance in daily practice, novel treatment options and tolerization strategies are underway. Taken together, numerous knowledge gaps were identified in veterinary food allergy, which need to be filled by systematic comparative studies.
Marijuana use and serum testosterone concentrations among U.S. males
Authors: Thistle J. E. , Graubard B. I. , Braunlin M. , Vesper H. , Trabert B. , Cook M. B. , McGlynn K. A.
Published: April 2017

Marijuana has been reported to have several effects on the male reproductive system. Marijuana has previously been linked to reduced adult testosterone, however, a study in Denmark reported increased testosterone concentrations among marijuana users. This study was performed to estimate the effect of marijuana use on testosterone in U.S. males. Data on serum testosterone, marijuana use, and covariates for 1577 men from the 2011–2012 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analyzed. Information on marijuana use was collected by a self‐administered computer‐assisted questionnaire. Serum testosterone was determined using isotope dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The effects of marijuana use on serum testosterone concentrations were examined by frequency, duration, and recency of use. Adjusted means and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of serum testosterone across levels of marijuana use were estimated using multiple linear regression weighted by the survey weights. The majority (66.2%) of the weighted study population reported ever using marijuana with 26.6% reporting current marijuana use. There was no difference in serum testosterone between ever users (adjusted mean = 3.69 ng/mL, 95% CI: 3.46, 3.93) and never users (adjusted mean = 3.70 ng/mL, 95% CI: 3.45, 3.98) upon multivariable analysis. However, serum testosterone was inversely associated with time since last regular use of marijuana (p‐value for trend = 0.02). When restricted to men aged 18–29 years, this relationship strengthened (p‐value for trend <0.01), and serum testosterone was also inversely associated with time since last use (p‐value for trend <0.01), indicating that recency of use, and not duration or frequency, had the strongest relationship with testosterone levels. Serum testosterone concentrations were higher in men with more recent marijuana use. Studies are needed to determine the extent to which circulating testosterone concentrations mediate the relationship of marijuana use with male reproductive outcomes.
Unprofessional content on Facebook accounts of US urology residency graduates
Authors: Koo Kevin , Ficko Zita , Gormley E. Ann
Published: April 2017

Objective

To characterize unprofessional content on public Facebook accounts of contemporary US urology residency graduates.

Methods

Facebook was queried with the names of all urologists who graduated from US urology residency programmes in 2015 to identify publicly accessible profiles. Profiles were assessed for unprofessional or potentially objectionable content using a prospectively designed rubric, based on professionalism guidelines by the American Urological Association, the American Medical Association, and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Content authorship (self vs other) was determined, and profiles were reviewed for self‐identification as a urologist.

Results

Of 281 graduates, 223 (79%) were men and 267 (95%) held MD degrees. A total of 201 graduates (72%) had publicly identifiable Facebook profiles. Of these, 80 profiles (40%) included unprofessional or potentially objectionable content, including 27 profiles (13%) reflecting explicitly unprofessional behaviour, such as depictions of intoxication, uncensored profanity, unlawful behaviour, and confidential patient information. When unprofessional content was found, the content was self‐authored in 82% of categories. Among 85 graduates (42%) who self‐identified as a urologist on social media, nearly half contained concerning content. No differences in content were found between men and women, MD and DO degree‐holders, or those who did or did not identify as a urologist (all P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The majority of recent residency graduates had publicly accessible Facebook profiles, and a substantial proportion contained self‐authored unprofessional content. Of those identifying as urologists on Facebook, approximately half violated published professionalism guidelines. Greater awareness of trainees’ online identities is needed.
Shadow conservation and the persistence of sacred church forests in northern Ethiopia
Authors: Cardelús Catherine L. , Scull Peter , Wassie Eshete Alemayehu , Woods Carrie L. , Klepeis Peter , Kent Eliza , Orlowska Izabela
Published: April 2017

Land‐use change threatens biodiversity and ecosystem function worldwide. These changes have impacts on weather patterns, carbon storage, biodiversity, and other ecosystem services from regional to local scales. Only 8 percent of tropical forests are formally recognized as conservation areas, however globally, there is a network of sites that are protected because they are sacred and as a result act as ‘shadow’ conservation for biodiversity. Unlike other types of protected sites (e.g., national parks), these sites are seats of religious ritual that anchor a community's cultural identity, while also conserving biological diversity and other ecosystem services. We studied the extent and status of sacred forests in northern Ethiopia, which are threatened because of their small size (~5 ha) and isolation, increasing their exposure to edge effects and human pressures. Using historical and modern imagery, we found that over the last 50 yr, sacred forests have increased in area, but decreased in crown closure. We also found that forest ecological status, via ground‐level investigation, had high mean human disturbance (e.g., trails, plantations, exotic planting; 37%); and that forests close to markets (e.g., cities) increased in area due to planting of Eucalyptus (exotic), indicating a potential threat to their persistence and value as shelters of the church.
The effect of roads on spider monkeys’ home range and mobility in a heterogeneous regenerating forest
Authors: Asensio Norberto , Murillo‐Chacon Evin , Schaffner Colleen M. , Aureli Filippo
Published: April 2017

Arboreal fauna living in tropical ecosystems may be particularly affected by roads given their dependency on forest cover and the high vulnerability of such ecosystems to changes. Over a period of 4 yr, we followed subgroups of spider monkeys living in a regenerating dry tropical forest with 8.2 km of roads within their home range. We aimed to understand whether roads shaped the home range of spider monkeys and which road features affected their movement. Only 18 percent (3 km) of the spider monkeys’ home range perimeter bordered with roads; these roads had greater habitat disparity between road sides than roads inside the home range. Although monkeys were reluctant to be close to roads, and roadside habitat contained low proportions of mature forest, spider monkeys crossed roads at 69 locations (7.5 crossings per kilometer). The main road characteristic affecting crossings was canopy opening size, with greater probability of crossing where canopy openings were smaller. Our findings support the importance of canopy opening size for road crossing of arboreal taxa, but they also indicate the relevant role roadside forest structure may have. Minimizing canopy opening size and forest disturbance along roads can facilitate the movement of arboreal fauna and preserve the important role of spider monkeys and other arboreal taxa in seed dispersal and thus the maintenance and regeneration of forest diversity.