bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modelling the impact of curtailing antibiotic usage in food animals on antibiotic resistance in humans
Authors: van Bunnik B.A.D. , Woolhouse M.E.J. 
Published: September 2016

1.SummaryConsumption of antibiotics in food animals is increasing worldwide and is approaching, if not already surpassing, the volume consumed by humans. It is often suggested that reducing the volume of antibiotics consumed by food animals could have a public health benefits. Although this notion is widely regarded as intuitively obvious there is a lack of robust, quantitative evidence to either support or contradict the suggestion.As a first step towards addressing this knowledge gap, we develop a simple mathematical model for exploring the generic relationship between antibiotic consumption by food animals and levels of resistant bacterial infections in humans. We investigate the impact of restricting antibiotic consumption by animals and identify which model parameters most strongly determine that impact.Our results suggest that, for a wide range of scenarios, curtailing the volume of antibiotics consumed by food animals has, as a stand-alone measure, little impact on the level of resistance in humans. We also find that reducing the rate of transmission of resistance from animals to humans may be more effective than an equivalent reduction in the consumption of antibiotics in food animals. Moreover, the response to any intervention is strongly determined by the rate of transmission from humans to animals, an aspect which is rarely considered.
Transcriptional regulatory logic of the diurnal cycle in the mouse liver
Authors: Sobel Jonathan Aryeh , Krier Irina , Andersin Teemu , Raghav Sunil , Canella Donatella , Gilardi Federica , Kalantzi Alexandra Styliani , Rey Guillaume , Weger Benjamin , Gachon Frederic , Peraro Matteo Dal , Hernandez Nouria , Schibler Ueli , Deplancke Bart , Naef Felix 
Published: September 2016

AbstractMany organisms exhibit temporal rhythms in gene expression that propel diurnal cycles in physiology. In the liver of mammals, these rhythms are controlled by transcription-translation feedback loops of the core circadian clock and by feeding-fasting cycles. To better understand the regulatory interplay between the circadian clock and feeding rhythms, we mapped DNase I hypersensitive sites (DHSs) in mouse liver during a diurnal cycle. The intensity of DNase I cleavages cycled at a substantial fraction of all DHSs, suggesting that DHSs harbor regulatory elements that control rhythmic transcription. Using ChIP-seq, we found that hypersensitivity cycled in phase with RNA polymerase II (Pol II) loading and H3K27ac histone marks. We then combined the DHSs with temporal Pol II profiles in wild-type (WT) andBmal1-/-livers to computationally identify transcription factors through which the core clock and feeding-fasting cycles control diurnal rhythms in transcription. While a similar number of mRNAs accumulated rhythmically inBmal1-/-compared to WT livers, the amplitudes inBmal1-/-were generally lower. The residual rhythms inBmal1-/-reflected transcriptional regulators mediating feeding-fasting responses as well as responses to rhythmic systemic signals. Finally, the analysis of DNase I cuts at nucleotide resolution showed dynamically changing footprint consistent with dynamic binding of CLOCK:BMAL1 complexes. Structural modeling suggested that these footprints are driven by a transient hetero-tetramer binding configuration at peak activity. Together, our temporal DNase I mappings allowed us to decipher the global regulation of diurnal transcription rhythms in mouse liver.
PCR artifact in testing for homologous recombination in genomic editing in zebrafish
Authors: Won Minho , Dawid Igor B. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractWe report a PCR-induced artifact in testing for homologous recombination in zebrafish. We attempted to replace thelnx2agene with a donor cassette, mediated by a TALEN induced double stranded cut. The donor construct was flanked with homology arms of about 1 kb at the 5’ and 3’ ends. Injected embryos (G0) were raised and outcrossed to wild type fish. A fraction of the progeny appeared to have undergone the desired homologous recombination, as tested by PCR using primer pairs extending from genomic DNA outside the homology region to a site within the donor cassette. However, Southern blots revealed that no recombination had taken place. We conclude that recombination happened during PCRin vitrobetween the donor integrated elsewhere in the genome and thelnx2alocus, as suggested by earlier work [1]. We conclude that PCR alone may be insufficient to verify homologous recombination in genome editing experiments in zebrafish.
"Same Difference": Comprehensive evaluation of three DNA methylation measurement platforms
Authors: Kacmarczyk Thadeous J , Fall Mame P. , Zhang Xihui , Xin Yuan , Li Yushan , Alonso Alicia , Betel Doron 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACTBackgroundDNA methylation in CpG context is fundamental to the epigenetic regulation of gene expression in high eukaryotes. Disorganization of methylation status is implicated in many diseases, cellular differentiation, imprinting, and other biological processes. Techniques that enrich for biologically relevant genomic regions with high CpG content are desired, since, depending on the size of an organism’s methylome, the depth of sequencing required to cover all CpGs can be prohibitively expensive. Currently, restriction enzyme based reduced representation bisulfite sequencing and its modified protocols are widely used to study methylation differences. Recently, Agilent Technologies and Roche NimbleGen have ventured to both reduce sequencing costs and capture CpGs of known biological relevance by marketing in-solution custom-capture hybridization platforms. We aimed to evaluate the similarities and differences of these three methods considering each targets approximately 10-13% of the human methylome.ResultsOverall, the regions covered per platform were as expected: targeted capture based methods covered >95% of their designed regions whereas the restriction enzyme-based method covered >70% of the expected fragments. While the total number of CpG loci shared by all methods was low, ~30% of any platform, the methylation levels of CpGs common across platforms were concordant. Annotation of CpG loci with genomic features revealed roughly the same proportions of feature annotations across the three platforms. Targeted capture methods encompass similar amounts of annotations with the restriction enzyme based method covering fewer promoters (~9%) and shores (~8%) and more unannotated loci (7-14%).ConclusionsAlthough all methods are largely consistent in terms of covered CpG loci and cover similar proportions of annotated CpG loci, the restriction based enrichment results in more unannotated regions and the commercially available capture methods result in less off-target regions. Quality of DNA is very important for restriction based enrichment and starting material can be low. Conversely, quality of the starting material is less important for capture methods, and at least twice the amount of starting material is required. Pricing is marginally less for restriction based enrichment, and number of samples to be prepared is not restricted to the number of samples a kit supports. The one advantage of capture libraries is the ability to custom design areas of interest. The choice of the technique should be decided by the number of samples, the quality and quantity of DNA available and the biological areas of interest since comparable data are obtained from all platforms.
Data-driven identification of potential Zika virus vectors
Authors: Evans Michelle V. , Dallas Tad A. , Han Barbara A. , Murdock Courtney C. , Drake John M. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractZika is an emerging virus whose rapid spread is of great public health concern. Knowledge about transmission remains incomplete, especially concerning potential transmission in geographic areas in which it has not yet been introduced. To identify unknown vectors of Zika, we developed a data-driven model linking vector species and the Zika virus via vector-virus trait combinations that confer a propensity toward associations in an ecological network connecting flaviviruses and their mosquito vectors. Our model predicts that thirty-five species may be able to transmit the virus, seven of which are found in the continental United States, includingCulex quinquefasciatusandCx. pipiens. We suggest that empirical studies prioritize these species to confirm predictions of vector competence, enabling the correct identification of populations at risk for transmission within the United States.
What drives international remittances to Africa
Authors: Nnyanzi John Bosco 
Published: September 2016

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the macro-economic and institutional drivers of remittance inflows to Africa.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses an enhanced gravity model in a random effects framework to test two hypotheses dominant in literature as well as the institutional quality hypothesis. A bilateral data set is created from the most recent available remittance data set to afford the capture of the impact of the selected macro-economic variables from both the host and recipient countries.FindingsThe results provide support for the trio hypotheses. A key finding is the co-existence of altruism and self-interest motives. Also, control of corruption, financial development and a reduction in unofficial economic activity are observed to facilitate remittance inflows. The authors confirm the resilience of remittances during the global crisis and document a positive significant relationship between remittance inflows on the one hand and host migration stock, age dependency, etc., on the other.Practical implicationsThis paper generates various insights in the design of relevant macro-economic and institutional policies to enhance remittance inflows and the productive use of the same for purposes of economic growth and development via poverty reduction and secure resource flow.Originality/valueThe majority of previous studies on the determinants of remittance inflows have basically focussed on the microeconomic variables, an approach that could understate the macro-economic impact of remittances and lead to inadequate policy formulation. The use of an enhanced gravity model on a newly created bilateral data set in the analysis is a nuance in the economics of remittances. Besides, previous studies have often ignored the institutional environment as critical in the remittance-determinant model.
The effects of organisational capabilities on firm success
Authors: Selomon Tuccu Tewolde , Urassa Goodluck Charles , Allan Issack Shimba 
Published: September 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of organisational capabilities on the success of Eritrean wood- and metal-manufacturing firms. Specifically, the paper analyses the effects of owner-managers’ innovativeness, personal relations and employees’ technical skills on the firms’ success.

Design/methodology/approach
The study entailed a survey of 287 wood- and metal-manufacturing small and medium enterprises, which were selected using stratified random sampling. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the data and generate the findings presented in this paper.

Findings
The findings indicate that owner-managers’ innovativeness and personal relations have a significant influence on the firms’ success. However, although employees’ technical skills relate positively to the firms’ success, the relationship is statistically insignificant largely because of the limited participation of workers in designing and developing the products.

Practical implications
The paper can enlighten owner-managers about the value of innovativeness and relational capabilities for the success of their firms. It generates insights that can guide policy makers to promote innovation and relational capabilities in the wood- and metal-manufacturing sub-sector.

Originality/value
The paper contributes to the debate on firms’ success by empirically testing the effect of the specific dimensions of organisational capabilities on the success of SMEs operating in a developing economy context. It widens the understanding of how organisational capabilities influence firm success.
Reliability and validity issues in analysis of IT spending using IT managerial control ratios
Authors: Krotov Vlad 
Published: September 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to critically evaluate the practice of IT cost benchmarking using IT managerial control ratios. First, numerous reliability and validity issues that this practice is plagued by are discussed. Second, recommendations on addressing some of these reliability and validity issues are also proposed.

Design/methodology/approach
This is a conceptual paper that draws on literature utilizing IT managerial control ratios to discuss various reliability problems associated with these measures and also makes use of IT strategy theory to challenge the validity of common interpretations of IT managerial control ratios.

Findings
This study explains that IT managerial control ratios are subject to numerous reliability and validity issues. The reliability issues arise from the inherent volatility of some of the variables used in these ratios and difficulties that executives have in providing a reliable estimate of those variables when they are approached by market research firms. The validity issues arise from the fact that high and low values of these ratios are subject to different and, at times, somewhat orthogonal theoretical interpretations.

Practical implications
IT managerial control ratios are often at the heart of important capital allocation decisions as well as studies which form important stakeholders’ perceptions regarding the business value of IT. These important uses of IT managerial control ratios should not be carried out without understanding the reliability and validity issues discussed in this paper.

Originality/value
While IT managerial control ratios are used extensively in benchmarking and research, very few researchers and practitioners possess a full understanding of the reliability and validity issues associated with these measures. This can potentially lead to sub-optimal capital allocation decisions and erroneous findings in studies. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of these issues and recommends possible remedies.
Improving SME logistics performance through benchmarking
Authors: Taschner Andreas 
Published: September 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the applicability of current benchmarking proposals for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and to suggest a condensed process for logistics benchmarking in SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper starts by outlining why the logistics function is of increasing importance for SMEs. It discusses the benefit of logistics benchmarking and typical SME restrictions in benchmarking. Available approaches to benchmarking are discussed and their weaknesses when applied to SME logistics benchmarking are analyzed. The paper develops a new benchmarking process framework for SME logistics benchmarking and reports findings of a case application in three German SMEs.

Findings
The paper suggests a conceptual framework for logistics benchmarking in SMEs. The framework was tested in three German case companies. Results suggest that the suggested process together with the employed benchmarking tools and templates provide valuable support for SMEs in a logistics benchmarking project.

Research limitations/implications
The conceptual framework developed has been tested in selected case companies only. Possible adaptations to specific industry needs or cultural differences need to be integrated.

Practical implications
The process framework developed provides practical guidance for SMEs that want to embark on a logistics benchmarking exercise.

Originality/value
The paper outlines weaknesses of current SME benchmarking approaches and provides practical support by outlining an adapted process together with specific implementation tools.
Managing span of control efficiency and effectiveness: a case study
Authors: El-Khalil Raed , El-Kassar Abdul-Nasser 
Published: September 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to address the following issues: first, the significance of the three independent variables (the chassis, trim, and assembly departments) on the three outputs (direct run loss first time capability, jobs per hour (JPH) lost, and injury rate); second, the optimal level of span of control based on the best achieved outputs; and third, whether increasing the span of control post 2009 improved manufacturing outputs in comparison with a span of control pre 2009.

Design/methodology/approach
The optimal level of span of control at the automotive Big Three (Chrysler LLC, Ford, General Motors) is investigated using design of experiments.

Findings
The analysis shows that the variables are significant for all outputs, except for chassis on injury. All three variables deteriorate as the span of control increases. The paper indicates that the lower the span of control the better the output variables.

Originality/value
Based on the recommendations given by the managers at the Big Three facilities visited, the top three variables that were utilized from the assembly facilities for this study are the span of control at the Chassis, Trim, and Assembly departments, and the outputs are Direct Run Loss First Time Capability, JPH Lost, and Injury Rate.
Multicriteria model for selecting TQM consultancy and certification services
Authors: Tavares de Aquino Andre , Maciel de Melo Renata 
Published: September 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to establish the need and the importance of adopting a structured model to support the decisions by using a multicriteria focus to guide drawing up a methodological framework. In addition, this study considers the maturity level of the organization, and the importance of continuous improvement after implementing ISO 9001.

Design/methodology/approach
This study presents a scientific technical foundation of the qualifying and selection criteria of the consultancy and Accredited Certification Body (ACB) by using ISO standards, and the guidance document CB25, which is related to quality. Finally, a numeric application with realistic data is undertaken using the PROMETHEE II method, and the GAIA plan.

Findings
The development of this study provides a new insight into the importance for selecting consultancy, and certification services in order to implement quality management systems within organizations.

Research limitations/implications
The current study is limited to the quality management services. If necessary to apply the same model to other areas, it is necessary looking for documents and regulations of this field. In addition, this model is focussed on a model for small or medium companies, which are still trying to achieve a higher position in the sector, and do not have experts in quality management.

Originality/value
The differential of this study is the foundation of the criteria for the proposed model. Other studies choose these criteria without any scientific basis. On the other hand, this study goes over many documents.
Generalized DEA: an approach for supporting input/output factor determination in DEA
Authors: Afsharian Mohsen , Ahn Heinz , Neumann Ludmila 
Published: September 2016

Purpose
The determination of input and output factors is a well-known source of pitfalls when applying data envelopment analysis (DEA). The purpose of this paper is to contribute to overcome the respective problems of input/output factor determination related to factor selection, dual-role factors and undesirable factors.

Design/methodology/approach
The problems of input/output factor determination are discussed from a goal-oriented perspective, shedding a new light on the role of input/output factors in DEA. This is exemplified by the case of measuring pharmacy stores’ efficiency concerning their goal of customer retention.

Findings
The findings suggest to applying a generalized DEA (GDEA). The three steps of this approach include the development of a system of objectives, the derivation of corresponding performance criteria as well as the construction of cost and benefit functions. These functions build the basis for GDEA models, of which one is exemplarily described and applied to the customer retention case.

Research limitations/implications
While traditional DEA implicitly assumes linear cost and benefit functions, GDEA requires to explicitly specifying these functions. In doing so, the approach contributes to solve the problem of factor selection, the problem of dual-role factors and the problem of undesirable factors.

Practical implications
For determining input/output factors in a consistent and transparent manner, it is recommended to apply GDEA in practical benchmarking studies.

Originality/value
GDEA integrates well-known concepts of multi-criteria decision making into traditional DEA. The new approach helps to cope with the challenges of input/output factor determination in DEA.
Empirical assessment of the causal relationships among lean criteria using DEMATEL method
Authors: Sharma Vikram , Dixit Amit Rai , Qadri Mohammad Asim 
Published: September 2016

Purpose
It is difficult for anyone to implement all the lean tools simultaneously. One of the core issues is identifying critical criteria for the successful implementation of lean manufacturing (LM) and evaluating them. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the causal relationships of LM criteria in a machine tool manufacturing firm located in national capital region of India using the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method.

Design/methodology/approach
The research paper presents a blend of theoretical framework and practical applications. Based on literature review, 17 LM criteria were extracted that were validated by experts. A questionnaire was developed that was answered by experts serving in the XYZ machine tool manufacturing firm. Then, the DEMATEL method was applied to analyze the importance of criteria and the casual relations among the criteria were developed.

Findings
Using DEMATEL, the lean criteria were divided into cause group and effect group. In this study, information technology, computer-integrated manufacturing, enterprise resource planning, training, fixed position layout, smart processes and automation and concurrent engineering were classified in the cause group. Just in time, value stream mapping, 5-S, single minute exchange of die, visual control, job scheduling, standardized work, cellular manufacturing, poka-yoke, and total quality management were categorized in the effect group. The DEMATEL framework indicates that “training” is the most influencing factor for the lean implementation process in machine tool sector.

Originality/value
To know the key lean criteria and relationship among them can help many organizations to develop lean competencies. If the authors want to obtain high performance in terms of the effect group factors, it would be necessary to control and pay a great deal of attention to the cause group factors beforehand. This study is perhaps among the first few with focus on segmenting the set of lean criteria into some meaningful portions in order to effectively facilitate its implementation. The paper provides useful insights to the lean production implementers, consultants, and researchers.