bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mean comparisons and power calculations to ensure reproducibility in preclinical drug discovery
Authors: Novick Steven , Zhang Tianhui
Published: December 2020

In the pharmaceutical industry, in vivo animal experiments are conducted to test the effects of novel preclinical drug compounds. Well‐planned animal studies involve a sample size and statistical power analysis to provide a basis for the number of animals allocated into comparator arms of a future study. These calculations require approximate values for the parameters of a statistical model that will be applied to the future data and used to test for differences via statistical hypotheses. If the prestudy parameter estimates are nearly correct, the power analysis guarantees that a difference will be detected from the study data, up to a prespecified probability. Traditional power computations, however, are not calculated with reproducibility in mind. In this work, the issue of reproducibility in drug discovery is tackled from the point of view that study‐to‐study variability is not included in a typical sample size and power analysis. Three proposed methods that yield a reproducible mean‐comparison analysis are derived and compared.
Exploring Coumarins Reduction: NaBH4/MeOH versus Nickel Boride Generated In Situ.
Authors: Faure Clarisse , Jamet Hélène , Belle Catherine , du Moulinet d'Hardemare Amaury
Published: December 2020

The role of reagents NaBH4/MeOH and nickel boride (Ni2B) generated in situ from NaBH4 and NiCl2, are compared in the reduction process of coumarin and a variety of 3,7‐substituted coumarins bearing electro‐donating (ED‐group) or electro‐withdrawing groups (EW‐group). Coumarins (chromen‐2‐ones) are only reduced by Ni2B to the cyclic chromanones. This provides a useful and very simple reduction method for electron‐rich coumarins, which are resistant to many other reducing methods. DFT calculations underlined the role of substituents electronic effects in the reactivity. Subsequent methanolysis may open the ring to methyl phenylpropanoate esters and alcohols resulting from their reductions can also be produced.
High‐Amylose Cornstarch Variably Affects Food Intake and Body Composition of Rats When Substituted to Standard versus a Moderately High‐Fat High‐Sugar Diet
Authors: Alrashidi Noura A , Zafar Tasleem A. , Khan Islam
Published: December 2020

The addition of resistant starch (RS) to a food lowers its energy density but its impact on appetite, food intake (FI), and body composition is not well understood. This study explores the effect of RS from high‐amylose cornstarch on FI, body composition, mineral‐absorption, and inflammatory markers when tested simultaneously in control (C) and moderately increased fat and sugar (HFHS) diets. Four groups of weanling rats are fed C, C + RS, HFHS, or HFHS + RS diets and their FI and body weight (BW) are recorded. After four weeks blood serum, abdominal fat, total gut weight, cecal content, and feces are collected and analyzed. FI increases (p < 0.000) in C + RS (440 ± 29 g) versus C (396 ± 40 g) while it decreases (p = 0.001) in HFHS + RS (419 ± 44 g) versus HFHS (481 ± 35 g). Both BW and abdominal fat decrease significantly in HFHS + RS (212 ± 39 g) versus HFHS (247 ± 28 g) (p = 0.032) and (7 ± 2.27 g) versus (10 ± 2.41 g) (p < 0.000), respectively but remains unchanged in C + RS versus C. Percent calcium absorption selectively increases in HFHS + RS (p <0.000) versus HFHS. In conclusion, RS effectively reduces FI, weight gain, abdominal fat‐mass, and enhanced mineral absorption differentially when added to standard or a moderately HFHS diet of growing rats.
Effect of Crosslinking Agents on the Physicochemical and Digestive Properties of Corn Starch Aerogel
Authors: Wang Yiwei , He Mohe , Wu Yanwen , Liu Yongguo , Ouyang Jie
Published: December 2020

In this study, sodium trimetaphosphate, adipic acid, sodium hexametaphosphate, and epichlorohydrin (EPI) are used to investigate the effect of the crosslinking reaction on the physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility of corn starch aerogel (CSA). Gelatinization destroys the morphology of the corn starch granules, and the crosslinking reaction which is performed in the gelatinization stage considerably alters the structure of the gel. The aerogel prepared by adding 0.5% EPI shows the highest Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area among the crosslinked starch aerogels. Corn starch xerogels and aerogels all have porous network structures which may be related to the high amylose structure of corn starch. Gelatinization and crosslinking agents disrupt the short‐range molecular order of corn starch, and the crosslinked CSA has relatively lower crystallinity and higher swelling power and solubility than the control. After crosslinking, rapidly digestible starch and resistant starch content of CSAs increase, while slowly digestible starch decreases slightly. Thus, the crosslinked CSA may be used for encapsulation with low digestibility.
Experimental and analytical study on tension lap splices in nonconventional concrete using different techniques
Authors: Fawzy Tarek , Khalil Abdel‐Hakim , Atta Ahmed , Afefy Hamdy M. , Ellithy Mohamed
Published: December 2020

An experimental and analytical study on 15 specimens of lap splices embedded in nonconventional concrete without confining reinforcement was performed under direct tension. The experimental program involved two groups of straight‐ended and anchored‐ended bars; three different techniques were employed with different splice lengths. For straight‐ended bars, conventional lap splice was studied as a benchmark. The anchored‐ended steel bars were hooks, hooks intersecting with cross bars, and plate‐end bars. It was found that, the used techniques not only achieved higher tensile stress at failure, but also different modes of failure were observed. Besides, a splice length of five times bar diameter was found to be sufficient to achieve the nominal yield stress of the reinforcing steel bar in the case of anchored‐ended bars. Finally, an analytical model was proposed in order to predict the ultimate tensile stress of the straight‐ended spliced bars. The accuracy of the proposed model was verified against the test results of 137 existing specimens from previous research. The comparison showed good agreement between the results of the proposed model and the test results.
Indonesian students’ strategies to cope with foreign language anxiety
Authors: Abdurahman Nur Hafiz , Rizqi Muhammad Ainur
Published: December 2020

Previous research reports that foreign language anxiety (FLA) is one of the affective factors exerting influence on foreign language learning. Myriad studies have examined how foreign language learners cope with foreign language anxiety. However, few studies have addressed the particular moments when students feel the most anxious and how they cope with this anxiety. The present study aims to (1) identify specific moments when students feel the most anxious; (2) investigate their coping strategies; and (3) recognize the changes in the strategies used by the students during specific moments in their language learning. In so doing, a stimulated recall was carried out among five university students from non–English departments who had to conduct presentations in English. The findings show that they displayed different levels of anxiety, which resulted in several accidents during the presentation. The participants with a high anxiety level tended to utilize monotonous coping strategies. This study implies that teachers need to take into account their students’ anxiety levels before they commence a new term or semester. When encountering highly anxious students, they can introduce the learners to alternative strategies to cope with anxiety.
Effect of foreign direct investment, financial development, and economic growth on environmental quality in OECD economies using panel quantile regressions
Authors: Ganda Fortune
Published: December 2020

This paper examined the impact of foreign direct investment, financial development, and economic growth on environmental quality in 26 OECD countries from 2000 to 2014. Environmental quality adopted proxies: carbon emissions, greenhouse gases, carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds. The study used panel quantile regression. The findings demonstrate that foreign direct investments show varied significant negative and positive associations with all types of environmental quality in both lower and higher carbon‐emitting countries, although the negative links were more predominant. As such, halos and havens exist in explored quantiles. Financial development indicates a predominantly negative connection with environmental quality across the quantiles. Economic growth indicates diverse negative and positive relationships with all types of environmental quality in both lower and higher carbon‐emitting countries, although the positive links appear to be more announced across the quantiles. As such, some quantiles show no evidence of the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC), while other quantiles confirm the N‐shaped and the inverted N‐shaped EKC models. Thus, structures within the OECD economies should be made more environmentally friendly to fully enjoy the benefits of a low‐carbon environment.
Regional Health Disparities, Surge Capacity, and Impacts on COVID‐19: Critical Insights and Lessons from China
Authors: Schintler Laurie A. , Wu Jiayi , McNeely Connie L.
Published: December 2020

In the face of the unexpected tidal wave of infections brought by the COVID‐19 pandemic, many hospitals and medical care facilities around the world were woefully unprepared, particularly in terms of having adequate surge capacity. Going into a situation like a pandemic, regional inequalities in health‐care resources and surge capacity, as well as disease incidence can compound these challenges and even further perpetuate already existing gaps and disparities. In this regard, China provides a compelling case in point. In this brief article, we draw upon the example of China, highlighting how regional health disparities in the country impacted the outcomes and dynamics of the pandemic in its early stages, including the possible reinforcement of existing health inequities. We conclude with some lessons learned from China, which can be used to inform other places facing similar resource constraints and disparities, especially in the management of a global epidemic like COVID‐19.
A Monte Carlo approach to the worldline formalism in curved space
Authors: Corradini Olindo , Muratori Maurizio
Published: December 2020

Abstract

We present a numerical method to evaluate worldline (WL) path integrals defined on a curved Euclidean space, sampled with Monte Carlo (MC) techniques. In particular, we adopt an algorithm known as YLOOPS with a slight modification due to the introduction of a quadratic term which has the function of stabilizing and speeding up the convergence. Our method, as the perturbative counterparts, treats the non-trivial measure and deviation of the kinetic term from flat, as interaction terms. Moreover, the numerical discretization adopted in the present WLMC is realized with respect to the proper time of the associated bosonic point-particle, hence such procedure may be seen as an analogue of the time-slicing (TS) discretization already introduced to construct quantum path integrals in curved space. As a result, a TS counter-term is taken into account during the computation. The method is tested against existing analytic calculations of the heat kernel for a free bosonic point-particle in a D-dimensional maximally symmetric space.
Electric-magnetic duality in twisted quantum double model of topological orders
Authors: Hu Yuting , Wan Yidun
Published: December 2020

Abstract

We derive a partial electric-magnetic (PEM) duality transformation of the twisted quantum double (TQD) model TQD(G, α) — discrete Dijkgraaf-Witten model — with a finite gauge group G, which has an Abelian normal subgroup N , and a three-cocycle α ∈ H3(G, U(1)). Any equivalence between two TQD models, say, TQD(G, α) and TQD(G′, α′), can be realized as a PEM duality transformation, which exchanges the N-charges and N-fluxes only. Via the PEM duality, we construct an explicit isomorphism between the corresponding TQD algebras Dα(G) and Dα′(G′) and derive the map between the anyons of one model and those of the other.
Cosmological constraint on vector mediator of neutrino-electron interaction in light of XENON1T excess
Authors: Ibe Masahiro , Kobayashi Shin , Nakayama Yuhei , Shirai Satoshi
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Recently, the XENON1T collaboration reported an excess in the electron recoil energy spectrum. One of the simplest new physics interpretation is a new neutrino-electron interaction mediated by a light vector particle. However, for the parameter region favored by this excess, the constraints from the stellar cooling are severe. Still, there are astrophysical uncertainties on those constraints. In this paper, we discuss the constraint on the light mediator from the effective number of neutrino Neff in the CMB era, which provides an independent constraint. We show that Neff is significantly enhanced and exceeds the current constraint in the parameter region favored for the XENON1T excess. As a result, the interpretation by a light mediator heavier than about 1 eV is excluded by the Neff constraint.
Charge asymmetry in decays B → $$ D\overline{D}K $$
Authors: Bondar A. E. , Milstein A. I.
Published: December 2020

Abstract

We discusses the charge asymmetry in B →$$ D\overline{D}K $$
D

D
¯

K
decays with an invariant mass of the $$ D\overline{D} $$
D

D
¯

pair near the Ψ(3770) resonance. Unlike Ψ(3770) decays in e+e− annihilation, in B+ decays the probability of $$ {D}^0{\overline{D}}^0 $$

D
0

D
¯

0

production is almost three times higher than D+D−. In B0 decays, the ratio of these probabilities will be opposite. The effect is explained by the fact that, in B-meson decays, the $$ D\overline{D} $$
D

D
¯

pair is produced in a superposition of isoscalar and isovector states, and only in combination with K-mesons the total state has 1/2 isospin. We present a simple model in which the interference of the nonresonant isovector amplitude with the resonant isoscalar amplitude explains the experimental data.
Galois conjugation and multiboundary entanglement entropy
Authors: Buican Matthew , Radhakrishnan Rajath
Published: December 2020

Abstract

We revisit certain natural algebraic transformations on the space of 3D topological quantum field theories (TQFTs) called “Galois conjugations.” Using a notion of multiboundary entanglement entropy (MEE) defined for TQFTs on compact 3-manifolds with disjoint boundaries, we give these abstract transformations additional physical meaning. In the process, we prove a theorem on the invariance of MEE along orbits of the Galois action in the case of arbitrary Abelian theories defined on any link complement in S3. We then give a generalization to non-Abelian TQFTs living on certain infinite classes of torus link complements. Along the way, we find an interplay between the modular data of non-Abelian TQFTs, the topology of the ambient spacetime, and the Galois action. These results are suggestive of a deeper connection between entanglement and fusion.
Scattering amplitudes and soft theorems in multi-flavor Galileon theories
Authors: Kampf Karol , Novotný Jiří
Published: December 2020

Abstract

In this paper we initiate the study of multi-flavor Galileon theories using the methods of scattering amplitudes. We explore this topic from different perspectives and extend the techniques employed so far mainly in the single-flavor case. This includes soft theorems, generalized soft theorems with non-trivial right-hand side, Galileon dualities, soft bootstrap and bonus relations. We demonstrate new properties on two examples, the multi-flavor U(N) Galileon and the three-flavor U(2)/U(1) Galileon.
Super Yang-Mills theories with inhomogeneous mass deformations
Authors: Kim Yoonbai , Kwon O-Kab , Tolla D. D.
Published: December 2020

Abstract

We construct the 4-dimensional$$ \mathcal{N}=\frac{1}{2} $$N=12and$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 1 inhomogeneously mass-deformed super Yang-Mills theories from the$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 1*and$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 2*theories, respectively, and analyse their supersymmetric vacua. The inhomogeneity is attributed to the dependence of background fluxes in the type IIB supergravity on a single spatial coordinate. This gives rise to inhomogeneous mass functions in the$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 4 super Yang-Mills theory which describes the dynamics of D3-branes. The Killing spinor equations for those inhomogeneous theories lead to the supersymmetric vacuum equation and a boundary condition. We investigate two types of solutions in the$$ \mathcal{N}=\frac{1}{2} $$N=12theory, corresponding to the cases of asymptotically constant mass functions and periodic mass functions. For the former case, the boundary condition gives a relation between the parameters of two possibly distinct vacua at the asymptotic boundaries. Brane interpretations for corresponding vacuum solutions in type IIB supergravity are also discussed. For the latter case, we obtain explicit forms of the periodic vacuum solutions.
LARS is Associated with Lower Anastomoses, but not with the Transanal Approach in Patients Undergoing Rectal Cancer Resection
Authors: Filips Alexandra , Haltmeier Tobias , Kohler Andreas , Candinas Daniel , Brügger Lukas , Studer Peter
Published: December 2020

Background

Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is a defecation disorder that frequently occurs after a low anterior resection (LAR) with a total mesorectal excision (TME). The transanal (ta) TME for low rectal pathologies could potentially overcome some of the difficulties encountered with the abdominal approach in a narrow pelvis. However, the impact of the transanal approach on functional outcomes remains unknown. Here, we investigated the effect of the taTME approach on functional outcomes by comparing LARS scores between the LAR and taTME approaches in patients with colorectal cancer.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study including 80 patients (n = 40 LAR‐TME, n = 40 taTME) with rectal adenocarcinoma. We reviewed medical charts to obtain LARS scores 6 months after the rectal resection or a reversal of the protective ileostomy.

Results

At the 6‐month follow‐up, 80% of patients exhibited LARS symptoms (44% minor LARS and 36% major LARS). LARS scores were not significantly associated with the T‐stage, N‐stage, or neo‐adjuvant radiotherapy. The mean distance of the anastomosis from the anal verge was 4.0 ± 2.0 cm. The taTME group had significantly lower anastomoses compared with the LAR‐TME group (median 4.0 cm [IQR1.8] vs. median 5.0 cm [IQR 2.0], p < 0.001). Univariable analysis revealed significantly higher LARS scores in the taTME group compared with the LAR‐TME group (median LARS scores: 29 vs. 25, p = 0.040). However, multivariable regression analysis, adjusting for neo‐adjuvant treatment, anastomosis distance from the anal verge, anastomotic leak rate, and body mass index, revealed no significant effect of taTME on the LARS score (adjusted regression coefficient:  − 2.147, 95%CI:  − 2.130 to 6.169, p = 0.359). We also found a significant correlation between LARS scores and the distance of the anastomosis from the anal verge (regression coefficient:  − 1.145, 95%CI:  − 2.149 to  − 1.141, p = 0.026).

Conclusion

Fifty percentage of patients in this cohort exhibited some LARS symptoms after a mid‐ or low‐rectal cancer resection. As previously described, LARS scores were negatively correlated with the distance of the anastomosis from the anal verge. TaTME was after adjustment for the height of the anastomosis not associated with higher LARS at 6 months when compared with LAR‐TME.
Developing and validating models to predict sudden death and pump failure death in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Shen Li , Jhund Pardeep S. , Anand Inder S. , Carson Peter E. , Desai Akshay S. , Granger Christopher B. , Køber Lars , Komajda Michel , McKelvie Robert S. , Pfeffer Marc A. , Solomon Scott D. , Swedberg Karl , Zile Michael R. , McMurray John J. V.
Published: December 2020

Background

Sudden death (SD) and pump failure death (PFD) are leading modes of death in heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Risk stratification for mode-specific death may aid in patient enrichment for new device trials in HFpEF.

Methods

Models were derived in 4116 patients in the Irbesartan in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction trial (I-Preserve), using competing risks regression analysis. A series of models were built in a stepwise manner, and were validated in the Candesartan in Heart failure: Assessment of Reduction in Mortality and morbidity (CHARM)-Preserved and Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure with an Aldosterone Antagonist (TOPCAT) trials.

Results

The clinical model for SD included older age, men, lower LVEF, higher heart rate, history of diabetes or myocardial infarction, and HF hospitalization within previous 6 months, all of which were associated with a higher SD risk. The clinical model predicting PFD included older age, men, lower LVEF or diastolic blood pressure, higher heart rate, and history of diabetes or atrial fibrillation, all for a higher PFD risk, and dyslipidaemia for a lower risk of PFD. In each model, the observed and predicted incidences were similar in each risk subgroup, suggesting good calibration. Model discrimination was good for SD and excellent for PFD with Harrell’s C of 0.71 (95% CI 0.68–0.75) and 0.78 (95% CI 0.75–0.82), respectively. Both models were robust in external validation. Adding ECG and biochemical parameters, model performance improved little in the derivation cohort but decreased in validation. Including NT-proBNP substantially increased discrimination of the SD model, and simplified the PFD model with marginal increase in discrimination.

Conclusions

The clinical models can predict risks for SD and PFD separately with good discrimination and calibration in HFpEF and are robust in external validation. Adding NT-proBNP further improved model performance. These models may help to identify high-risk individuals for device intervention in future trials.

Clinical trial registration

I-Preserve: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00095238; TOPCAT: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00094302; CHARM-Preserved: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00634712.

Graphic abstract
The histopathological diagnosis of atypical meningioma: glass slide versus whole slide imaging for grading assessment
Authors: Ammendola Serena , Bariani Elena , Eccher Albino , Capitanio Arrigo , Ghimenton Claudio , Pantanowitz Liron , Parwani Anil , Girolami Ilaria , Scarpa Aldo , Barresi Valeria
Published: December 2020

Limited studies on whole slide imaging (WSI) in surgical neuropathology reported a perceived limitation in the recognition of mitoses. This study analyzed and compared the inter- and intra-observer concordance for atypical meningioma, using glass slides and WSI. Two neuropathologists and two residents assessed the histopathological features of 35 meningiomas—originally diagnosed as atypical—in a representative glass slide and corresponding WSI. For each histological parameter and final diagnosis, we calculated the inter- and intra-observer concordance in the two viewing modes and the predictive accuracy on recurrence. The concordance rates for atypical meningioma on glass slides and on WSI were 54% and 60% among four observers and 63% and 74% between two neuropathologists. The inter-observer agreement was higher using WSI than with glass slides for all parameters, with the exception of high mitotic index. For all histological features, we found median intra-observer concordance of ≥ 79% and similar predictive accuracy for recurrence between the two viewing modes. The higher concordance for atypical meningioma using WSI than with glass slides and the similar predictive accuracy for recurrence in the two modalities suggest that atypical meningioma may be safely diagnosed using WSI.
The co-development of agriculture and flood–related problems in the parishes of Högsby and Mörlunda, Sweden, 1600–1800
Authors: Jacobsson Oscar
Published: December 2020

This paper analyses the development of flood related problems in two parishes in southeastern Sweden—Högsby and Mörlunda—during the period 1500–1800. The questions asked concern the role of the larger development of the agricultural production in the expansion of flooding problems during the late seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and also investigates how this relationship was perceived by the local inhabitants. This is done through an analysis of the development of agriculture in the area using historical maps, combined with a study of written source material such as parish records and court protocols. The river Emån which flows through these parishes had long been a vital resource in the cattle–based economy of the studied parishes. This relationship turned more problematic by the turn of the eighteenth century due to the introduction of autumn rye into the agricultural scheme, prolonging the period of flood risk exposure for the arable crops. Combined with arable field expansion during the eighteenth century, this increased the sensitivity of agriculture to flooding. This development was not apparent in the discourse of the local inhabitants by the end of the eighteenth century, who instead interpreted increasing flooding problems in relation to existing water rights principles. These emphasized the more direct effects of human and natural obstructions in the river channel. The limits of historical memory as well as the necessities of agricultural development colored the local interpretation. Such processes on a general level were also closely inter–linked with the large–scale institutional changes of the period.
Developing a strong sustainability research program in marketing
Authors: Press Melea
Published: December 2020

This article takes stock of sustainability research in marketing and argues for developing a Strong Sustainability Research (SSR) program, led by a Consumer Culture Theory (CCT) approach. First, I define weak vs. strong sustainability and identify two main problems with continuing to research business with the weak sustainability approach. Second, I discuss past approaches to sustainability research in marketing, which primarily promote weak sustainability. Third, I use the agriculture industry to illustrate how an SSR program in marketing could be developed to bring insights to practitioners and policy makers and build new modes of production, consumption and exchange. Finally, I suggest that the SSR program facilitates collaboration between mainstream marketing and CCT researchers by providing a common ontological platform that can transform epistemological differences into complementary strengths. I argue SSR is a way that marketing research can gain broad impact and relevance.
Determinants and consequences of clawback provisions in management compensation contracts: a structured literature review on empirical evidence
Authors: Velte Patrick
Published: December 2020

The goal of this systematic literature review is to provide a detailed understanding of the determinants and consequences of clawback provisions in management compensation contracts, motivated by the increasing global regulatory, practical, and academic importance of implementing this new corporate governance tool. We identify 44 empirical (archival and experimental) studies on this topic and review them based on an agency-theoretical framework. Our review of empirical clawback research offers insights into this growing field and supports future researchers in developing new research questions. Our main results are as follows. First, we still know very little about the drivers of clawback adoption, as prior research concentrated on the consequences of clawback provisions. Second, many studies indicate that clawbacks lead to better earnings quality (reduced re-/misstatements), better pay-for-performance sensitivity, increased firm performance, greater value relevance, and lower overinvestment. While there are indications that clawbacks may serve an incentive-alignment function for managers, their contribution may be dependent on other corporate governance mechanisms, e.g. board composition, as significant moderators. We develop a research agenda with detailed recommendations for future research from methodological and content perspectives. We expect that the research activity in this field regarding the European capital market will increase in light of the EU shareholder rights Directive of 2017.
Growth and socio‐economic status, influence on the age at menarche in school going girls
Authors: Karim Asima , Qaisar Rizwan , Hussain M. Azhar
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Onset age at menarche has been considered an important indicator of reproductive maturity in females and reflects the health status of the population. The purpose of this study was to determine the mean menarcheal age and to examine whether anthropometric and socio‐economic status (SES) influences age at menarche in the girls from Punjab province of Pakistan.

Methods

In this population‐based cross‐sectional study, 10,050 school‐going girls aged 8–16 years from 35 schools across 12 districts of Punjab were recruited. Menarcheal data was obtained by using a questionnaire, while the anthropometric data were obtained by the measurements of standing height, body weight, waist, and hip circumference. The anthropometric indices of pre‐ and post‐menarcheal girls were compared. Student's t‐test, ANOVA, and post‐hoc Tukey's test was applied for comparison between two and multiple groups respectively, P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

There was a normal distribution of age at menarche and mean was 12.4 years in the study population. The girls who reached menarche were found to be taller and heavier with higher BMIs, having a greater waist and hip circumference as compared to their pre‐menarcheal peers. Waist‐hip‐ratio was less, and the waist‐to‐height ratio was higher in post‐menarcheal as compared to pre‐menarcheal girls. The girls belonging to low SES had delayed onset of menarche as compared to those belonging to middle/high SES.

Conclusion

The age at menarche was associated with SES and changes in various anthropometric measurements reflecting the growth status of girls.
The Network Turn
Authors: Ahnert Ruth , Ahnert Sebastian E. , Coleman Catherine Nicole , Weingart Scott B.
Published: December 2020

We live in a networked world. Online social networking platforms and the World Wide Web have changed how society thinks about connectivity. Because of the technological nature of such networks, their study has predominantly taken place within the domains of computer science and related scientific fields. But arts and humanities scholars are increasingly using the same kinds of visual and quantitative analysis to shed light on aspects of culture and society hitherto concealed. This Element contends that networks are a category of study that cuts across traditional academic barriers, uniting diverse disciplines through a shared understanding of complexity in our world. Moreover, we are at a moment in time when it is crucial that arts and humanities scholars join the critique of how large-scale network data and advanced network analysis are being harnessed for the purposes of power, surveillance, and commercial gain. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
The Making of the Asia Pacific
Authors: Tan See Seng
Published: December 2020

Critically surveying the power of narratives in shaping the discourse on the post-Cold War Asia Pacific, See Seng Tan examines the purposes, practices, power relations, and protagonists behind policy networks such as the Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific and the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council. The author argues that, filled with economic, social, and political meaning, the policy and academic discourses regarding the Asia Pacific and its subregions authorize and provoke certain understandings while preventing counternarratives from emerging.
Financing Poor Relief through Charitable Collections in Dutch Towns, c. 1600–1800
Authors: Teeuwen Daniëlle
Published: December 2020

In the Dutch Republic, charitable collections, which formed the financial backbone of many poor relief institutions, were regularly organised by both religious and secular authorities. This book examines both the policies of church boards and town councils in organising these charitable appeals, as well as the general population's giving behaviour. Using archival sources from the towns of Delft, Utrecht, Zwolle, and 's-Hertogenbosch, Daniëlle Teeuwen shows how these authorities deployed organisational and rhetorical tactics-including creating awareness, establishing trust, and exerting pressure-to successfully promote fundraising campaigns. Not only did many relief institutions manage to collect large annual sums, but contributions came from across the socioeconomic spectrum.
The Narrative Worlds of Paul the Deacon
Authors: Heath Christopher
Published: December 2020

Written as the Lombard kingdom was on the cusp of downfall at the hands of the Carolingian empire, the works of Paul the Deacon (c. 720–799) are vital to understanding the history of Italy and Western Europe in the Middle Ages. But until now, scholars have tended to neglect the narrative structure of his texts, which reflect in important ways his personal responses to the events of his time. This study presents fresh interpretations of Paul's Historia Romana, Vita Sancti Gregorii Magni, Gesta Episcopum Mettensium, and Historia Langobardorum by focusing on him as an individual and on his strategies of argumentation, ultimately advancing a new conception of Paul as a dynamic author whose development of multiple lines of thought deserves closer examination.
Feminisms and Contemporary Art in Indonesia
Authors: Dirgantoro Wulan
Published: December 2020

While Indonesian contemporary art is currently on the rise on the international art scene, there hasn't yet been an in-depth study of the works of Indonesian women artists and the feminist strategies they employ within the art world. This book fills that gap, presenting the first comprehensive study of feminisms and contemporary art in Indonesia; using feminist readings to analyse the works of Indonesian women artists historically and today; illuminating the sociocultural contexts in which they have worked; and offering a nuanced understanding of local feminisms in the nation.
Spatially Mediated Peer Effects in the Adoption of Conservation Agriculture Practices
Authors: Kolady Deepthi , Zhang Weiwei , Wang Tong , Ulrich-Schad Jessica
Published: December 2020

This study uses location-specific data to investigate the role of spatially mediated peer effects in farmers’ adoption of conservation agriculture practices. The literature has shown that farmers trust other farmers and one way to increase conservation practice adoption is through identifying feasible conservation practices in neighboring fields. Estimating this effect can help improve our understanding of what influences the adoption and could play a role in improving federal and local conservation program design. The study finds that although spatial peer effects are important in the adoption of conservation tillage and diverse crop rotation, the scale of peer effects are not substantial.
Lessons Learned From a Chlorine Gas Leakage in Dezful City, Iran
Authors: Masoumi Gholamreza , Maniey Mohammad , Aghababaeian Hamidreza , Ostadtaghizadeh Abbas , Araghi Ahvazi Ladan
Published: December 2020

Dezful is the capital of Dezful County, a city in Khuzestan Province, Iran. On August 12, 2017, after a chlorine gas leakage in Dezful, more than 475 people were affected by chlorine gas, and they all suffered from respiratory complications. A lot of problems were encountered in the preparation of the relief forces and organization of the blueprint on how to respond to the incident, such as lack of knowledge on establishment of danger zone, lack of warning system, lack of proper triage and absence of decontamination plans, lack of special chemical safety outfit and respiratory equipment for rescuers, lack of instructions for proper handling, lack of knowledge in dealing with this type of disaster, and inappropriate evacuation skills and failure to cordon off and insure the location of the incident. Although the initial measures to arrest this crisis was performed based on the health system’s instructions of the country with regard to all the possible risks, lack of a comprehensive inter-organizational program and prevention plans, lack of control plans, lack of adequate preparation and response to chemical poisoning, lack of foresight, lack of a risk plan, and lack of an intervention plan for these incidents were the reasons for the damages and problems encountered after the crisis.
Nery Delgado, Pioneer of Archaeological Excavation Methods at the Casa da Moura Cave (Portugal) in 1879–1880
Authors: Cardoso João Luís , Bicho Nuno
Published: December 2020

Nery Delgado was a key figure in the development of archaeological methods applied to prehistoric sites in Portugal within European archaeology at the end of the nineteenth century. He was the first in Europe to use a grid in his 1879–1880 excavation at the Casa da Moura cave (Óbidos, Portugal). The grid divided the cave into twenty-eight sectors excavated independently and, in each, all archaeological and bioanthropological finds were documented and marked with labels recording depth and excavation units. The 3D information obtained by Nery Delgado features among late nineteenth-century attempts at recording contextual data, a precursor of archaeological methods of data gathering that are used worldwide today. Nery Delgado was, thus, a pioneer of contemporary archaeological excavation methods.
Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales bacteriuria and subsequent bacteremia: A population-based study
Authors: Howard-Anderson Jessica R. , Bower Chris W. , Smith Gillian , Sexton Mary Elizabeth , Farley Monica M. , Satola Sarah W. , Jacob Jesse T.
Published: December 2020

Objective:

To describe the epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) bacteriuria and to determine whether urinary catheters increase the risk of subsequent CRE bacteremia.

Design:

Using active population- and laboratory-based surveillance we described a cohort of patients with incident CRE bacteriuria and identified risk factors for developing CRE bacteremia within 1 year.

Setting:

The study was conducted among the 8 counties of Georgia Health District 3 (HD3) in Atlanta, Georgia.

Patients:

Residents of HD3 with CRE first identified in urine between 2012 and 2017.

Results:

We identified 464 patients with CRE bacteriuria (mean yearly incidence, 1.96 cases per 100,000 population). Of 425 with chart review, most had a urinary catheter (56%), and many resided in long-term care facilities (48%), had a Charlson comorbidity index >3 (38%) or a decubitus ulcer (37%). 21 patients (5%) developed CRE bacteremia with the same organism within 1 year. Risk factors for subsequent bacteremia included presence of a urinary catheter (odds ratio [OR], 8.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8–34.9), central venous catheter (OR, 4.3; 95% CI, 1.7–10.6) or another indwelling device (OR, 4.3; 95% CI, 1.6–11.4), urine culture obtained as an inpatient (OR, 5.7; 95% CI, 1.3–25.9), and being in the ICU in the week prior to urine culture (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.1–7.8). In a multivariable analysis, urinary catheter increased the risk of CRE bacteremia (OR, 5.3; 95% CI, 1.2–23.6).

Conclusions:

In patients with CRE bacteriuria, urinary catheters increase the risk of CRE bacteremia. Future interventions should aim to reduce inappropriate insertion and early removal of urinary catheters.
GENDER AND THE “FAITH” IN LAW: EQUALITY, SECULARISM, AND THE RISE OF THE HINDU NATION
Authors: Kapur Ratna
Published: December 2020

This article analyzes how concepts of gender, gender equality, and secularism have been addressed by the higher judiciary in India in cases dealing with matters of religion. The discussion focuses on three landmark decisions of the Indian Supreme Court on gender equality. The cases involve challenges to discriminatory religious practices that target women in the Muslim-minority and Hindu-majority communities. In each case, gender equality is taken up in relation to religion in ways that produce several outcomes for women that are problematic rather than ones that are unequivocally progressive or transformative. The judicial reasoning in each case resonates with the Hindu Right's approach to gender, gender equality, and secularism. Each concept is used to advance the Hindu Right's majoritarian and ideological agenda, which seeks to establish India as a virile “Hindu” nation. Ironically, interventions by progressive groups, including feminist and human rights advocates opposed to the Hindu Right's makeover of the Indian nation, have not proved to be disruptive of gender norms; nor have they pushed back the tides of Hindu (male) majoritarianism that are increasingly determining the terms of engagement on issues of gender and faith in law.
Can CEOs’ Facial Attractiveness Influence Philanthropic Behavior? Evidence from India
Authors: Agnihotri Arpita , Bhattacharya Saurabh
Published: December 2020

This study extends the extant literature on corporate philanthropy by exploring the indirect effect of physical attractiveness of CEOs on corporate philanthropy under conditional effects of family ownership and control. Recent empirical studies in psychology suggest that egalitarian values are negatively related to physical attractiveness. Based on these findings, we propose that physically attractive CEOs invest less in corporate philanthropic activities than less attractive peers as they have lower egalitarian values. Leveraging upper echelons and stewardship theory, we further consider the moderating impact of family ownership and control on the indirect relationship between the physical attractiveness of a CEO and philanthropy mediated through egalitarianism.
Is adherence to the Mediterranean diet associated with healthy habits and physical fitness? A systematic review and meta-analysis including 565 421 youths
Authors: García-Hermoso Antonio , Ezzatvar Yasmin , López-Gil José Francisco , Ramírez-Vélez Robinson , Olloquequi Jordi , Izquierdo Mikel
Published: December 2020

The relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviour and physical fitness levels has been analysed in several studies; however, there is mixed evidence among youth. Thus, this study aimed to meta-analyse the associations between adherence to the MD, PA, sedentary behaviour and physical fitness among children and adolescents. Three databases were systematically searched, including cross-sectional and prospective designs with a sample of healthy youth aged 3–18 years. Random effects inverse-variance model with the Hartung–Knapp–Sidik–Jonkman adjustment was used to estimate the pooled effect size (correlation coefficient (r)). Thirty-nine studies were included in the meta-analysis, yielding a total of 565 421 youth (mean age, 12·4 years). Overall, the MD had a weak-to-moderate positive relationship with PA (r0·14; 95 % CI 0·11, 0·17), cardiorespiratory fitness (r0·22; 95 % CI 0·13, 0·31) and muscular fitness (r0·11; 95 % CI 0·03, 0·18), and a small-to-moderate negative relationship with sedentary behaviour (r–0·15; 95 % CI –0·20, –0·10) and speed–agility (r–0·06; 95 % CI –0·12, –0·01). There was a high level of heterogeneity in all of the models (I2≥ 75 %). Overall, results did not remain significant after controlling for sex and age (children or adolescents) except for PA. Improving dietary habits towards those of the MD could be associated with higher physical fitness and PA in youth, lower sedentary behaviours and better health in general.
Daily energy expenditure in rats following structured exercise training is affected by dietary phosphorus content
Authors: Sawaya S. W. , Ragi M. E. , Eid A. A. , Obeid O. A.
Published: December 2020

P ingestion has been found to alter energy balance, while regular physical exercise (E) was reported to be associated with energy compensation. However, it is not clear whether dietary P would affect energy compensation following structured E. Two experiments were performed, low P (LP) (0·1, 0·2 and 0·3 %P) and high P (HP) (0·3 , 0·6 and 1·2 %P) diets. In each experiment, male rats were randomly divided into three groups (n 8), in which a sedentary or a moderate-intensity exercise routine (30 min 5 d a week) was implemented. Energy intake (EI); efficiency and stores; body measures and total energy expenditure (TEEx) were monitored for 6 weeks. In the LP experiment, EI and weight gain were the lowest in the 0·1 and 0·2 %P as compared with the 0·3 %P. In the HP experiment, EI was highest in the high P (0·6 and 1·2 %P) groups, while weight gain was reduced. In both experiments, exercise was able to reduce body fat accumulation and to maintain a higher % lean body mass. In the LP diets experiment, the similarity in TEEx between the sedentary and exercising groups suggests the probability of a reduction in normal daily activities, which indicates the presence of compensation for the energy expended during exercise by a subsequent reduction in EE. In contrast, the elevated TEEx in the HP exercising groups (0·6 and 1·2 %P) argue against the presence of energy compensation. In conclusion, high dietary P decreases the body’s capability to compensate for the energy deficit induced by E, consequently maintaining an elevated TEEx.
Glucose-lowering activity of dark tea protein extract by modulating spleen–brain axis of diabetic mice
Authors: Su Keying , Mao Xinliang , Zhang Xuewu
Published: December 2020

The present study aims to explore the glucose-lowering effects of the previously characterised dark tea (Camellia sinensis L.) protein extract (DTPE) from Heimaojian on the spleen–brain axis of diabetic mice. DTPE was orally administrated (50–100 mg/kg) to alloxan-induced mice for 21 d; a biochemical assay and transcriptome profiling (RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq)) were performed. The results showed that DTPE can improve glucose tolerance. Compared with the model group, at day 21, the fasting blood glucose values were significantly (P < 0·05) decreased by 44·9 % (13·8 v. 7·6 mmol/l) and 51·4 % (13·8 v. 6·7 mmol/l) for high dose of DTPE (100 mg/kg) and drug metformin (125 mg/kg) groups, respectively. Subsequently, transcriptome profiling (RNA-Seq) was performed on the spleen and brain of diabetic mice. Totally, fifty-two spleen-derived and forty-seven brain-derived differentially expressed genes related to the synthesis, transport and metabolism of glucose were identified. The regulatory network analysis indicated that DTPE may exert glucose-lowering effects through a thirty-seven-gene sub-network related to metabolism, Parkinson’s disease, oxidative phosphorylation and immunity. In summary, for the first time, the present data revealed that dark tea-derived DTPE could exert a potential anti-hyperglycaemic effect by modulating the spleen–brain axis.
ARISTOTLE ON HOMER ON EELS AND FISH INILIADBOOK 21
Authors: Mayhew Robert
Published: December 2020

The phrase ἐγχέλυές τε καὶ ἰχθύες (‘eels and fish’) appears twice inIliadBook 21, in descriptions of actions involving the river Xanthus:τὸν μὲν ἄρ’ ἐγχέλυές τε καὶ ἰχθύες ἀμφεπένοντο (203)the eels and fish dealt with him [sc. Asteropaeus].τείροντ᾽ ἐγχέλυές τε καὶ ἰχθύες οἱ κατὰ δίνας (353)distressed were the eels and fish beneath the eddies.The context in which these verses appear is not that important here, as this combination of words itself raised an interpretative problem in the minds of some ancient Homeric scholars: why did Homer distinguish eels and fish when eels are a kind of fish? For instance, according to Aristonicus, Aristarchus flagged both passages ‘because Homer distinguished the eels from the fish’—and Homer would not have done that, is the implication, or it is puzzling that he did so, as he must have known that eelsarea kind of fish.