bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationships Between Punch Impact Force and Upper- and Lower-Body Muscular Strength and Power in Highly Trained Amateur Boxers
Authors: Dunn Emily C. , Humberstone Clare E. , Franchini Emerson , Iredale K. Fiona , Blazevich Anthony J. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Dunn, EC, Humberstone, CE, Franchini, E, Iredale, KF, and Blazevich, AJ. Relationships between punch impact force and upper- and lower-body muscular strength and power in highly trained amateur boxers. J Strength Cond Res 36(4): 1019–1025, 2022—This study examined the relationship between upper- and lower-body strength and power characteristics and punch performance in 28 highly trained male amateur boxers. Punch performance was assessed with a custom-built punch integrator using a 3-minute maximal effort punch test that contained straight- and bent-arm punches from the lead and rear hands. Peak punch force and force-time variables including impulse and rate of force development (RFD; calculated to various points) were assessed. Force, power, and RFD of the upper and lower body were assessed with countermovement bench throw, isometric bench push, countermovement jump (CMJ), and isometric midthigh pull (IMTP) tests. Correlation and regression analyses revealed significant (p < 0.05) relationships between peak punch force and forces measured in CMJ and IMTP tests. In addition, peak punch force was moderately and significantly correlated to body mass, but RFD in the lower body was not. Moreover, no meaningful relationships between punch performance characteristics and any upper-body strength or power parameter were identified. The results of this study show that lower-body strength but not RFD had a moderate to strong positive and significant correlation to peak punch force production. Although upper-body strength and power are expected to be important in boxing, they did not discriminate between boxers who punched with higher or lower peak force nor were they correlated to peak punch force. Training that improves lower-body strength without increasing total body mass (to maintain weight category) may positively influence punch capacity in highly trained amateur boxers.
Prolonged diagnostic delay in acromegaly is associated with increased morbidity and mortality
Authors: Esposito Daniela , Ragnarsson Oskar , Johannsson Gudmundur , Olsson Daniel S 
Published: March 2020

Context
Clinical features of acromegaly develop insidiously. Its diagnosis may therefore be delayed.

Objective
Our aim was to study diagnostic delay and its impact on morbidity and mortality in a nationwide cohort of patients with acromegaly.

Design
Adult patients diagnosed with acromegaly between 2001 and 2013 were identified in the Swedish National Patient Registry. Diagnostic codes for predefined comorbidities associated with acromegaly were recorded between 1987 and 2013. Diagnostic delay was calculated as the time between the first registered comorbidity and the diagnosis of acromegaly.

Results
A total of 603 patients (280 men, 323 women) with acromegaly were included. Mean (s.d.) diagnostic delay was 5.5 (6.2) years (median (minimum, maximum) 3.3 (0.0–25.9)) Diagnostic delay was 1–<5 years in 23% patients; 5–<10 years in 17%; and ≥10 years in 24%. No delay was recorded in 36% of patients. Overall, mean (s.d.) number of comorbidities was 4.1 (2.5) and was higher in patients with longer diagnostic delay (P < 0.0001). Overall, observed number of deaths was 61 (expected 42.2), resulting in a standardized mortality ratio (SMR) of 1.45 (95% CI: 1.11–1.86). Increased mortality was only found in patients with the longest diagnostic delay (1.76, 95% CI: 1.12–2.65). In the other groups, no statistically significant increase in mortality was recorded, with the numerically lowest SMR observed in patients without diagnostic delay (1.18; 95% CI: 0.68–1.92).

Conclusions
The diagnosis of acromegaly is delayed in most patients. Prolonged diagnostic delay is associated with increased morbidity and mortality.
Tunable Transcriptional Interference at the Endogenous Alcohol Dehydrogenase Gene Locus in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Jorgensen Victoria , Chen Jingxun , Vander Wende Helen , Harris Devon E , McCarthy Alicia , Breznak Shane , Wong-Deyrup Siu Wah , Chen Yuzhang , Rangan Prashanth , Brar Gloria Ann , Sawyer Eric M , Chan Leon Y , Ünal Elçin 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Neighboring sequences of a gene can influence its expression. In the phenomenon known as transcriptional interference, transcription at one region in the genome can repress transcription at a nearby region in cis. Transcriptional interference occurs at a number of eukaryotic loci, including the alcohol dehydrogenase (Adh) gene in Drosophila melanogaster. Adh is regulated by two promoters, which are distinct in their developmental timing of activation. It has been shown using transgene insertion that when the promoter distal from the Adh start codon is deleted, transcription from the proximal promoter becomes de-regulated. As a result, the Adh proximal promoter, which is normally active only during the early larval stages, becomes abnormally activated in adults. Whether this type of regulation occurs in the endogenous Adh context, however, remains unclear. Here, we employed the CRISPR/Cas9 system to edit the endogenous Adh locus and found that removal of the distal promoter also resulted in the untimely expression of the proximal promoter-driven mRNA isoform in adults, albeit at lower levels than previously reported. Importantly, transcription from the distal promoter was sufficient to repress proximal transcription in larvae, and the degree of this repression was dependent on the degree of distal promoter activity. Finally, upregulation of the distal Adh transcript led to the enrichment of histone 3 lysine 36 trimethylation over the Adh proximal promoter. We conclude that the endogenous Adh locus is developmentally regulated by transcriptional interference in a tunable manner.
Endophytic fungi associated with roots of epiphytic orchids in two Andean forests in Southern Ecuador and their role in germination
Authors: Salazar Jazmin M. , Pomavilla Marisol , Pollard Anne T. , Chica Eduardo J. , Peña Denisse F. 
Published: March 2020

Orchids are known to establish complex relationships with endophytic fungi throughout their life cycle, and particularly during germination of their reserves-deprived seeds. Characterizing generalist or specialist interactions between orchids and associated fungi is key to supporting orchid conservation efforts. Here, endophytic fungi associated with roots of epiphytic orchids were studied in two montane Andean forests in Southern Ecuador. Orchid root samples were collected from ten ~500 m2 plots distributed between two neighboring forests. Endophytic fungi associated with these roots were then isolated, cultured, and identified by sequencing of rDNA markers. In total, 52 pure isolates were recovered from the roots of 10 orchid species. These isolates were classified into nine taxonomic groups except for one isolate that remained unclassified. Most fungal isolates were found in roots of up to two different orchid species; however, Coprinellus radians was found in the roots of all sampled orchids. The potential of C. radians to promote germination of orchid seeds was tested in a separate assay using seeds from two orchid species different than those found in the experimental forest plots. Of the two C. radians isolates tested, one improved germination in the two orchids evaluated to a level about half of that observed in seeds germinated in nutrient-rich medium (Phytamax) and above the null germination observed in plates without the fungus. Together, these results revealed a generalist relationship between C. radians and all the studied epiphytic orchids and the potential role of this fungus as a promoter of orchid seed germination.
Key Words: Agaricales, Epidendrum, symbiotic germination
Anchorage of naturally corroded, plain reinforcement bars in flexural members
Authors: Robuschi Samanta , Lundgren Karin , Fernandez Ignasi , Flansbjer Mathias 
Published: March 2020

AbstractReinforced concrete structures are often damaged by corrosion, which affects the interaction between reinforcement bars and concrete. Earlier studies mostly applied artificial corrosion to test the bond between deformed bars and concrete. However, there is a lack of knowledge on the effects of natural corrosion on plain bars. In this paper, 20 beams with naturally corroded plain bars and varying amount of damage were taken from an 80-year-old bridge and tested in three-point bending. All but three of the specimens anchored the yield force of the bars after the opening of one or two major bending cracks. At large deflections, the load-carrying mechanism changed from beam to arch action. Eventually, end-slip of the reinforcement bars was observed. The bars were extracted, cleaned, three-dimensionally scanned, and tested in tension. The average bond strength in the unyielded zone was found to be equal to 7.39 MPa, with a standard deviation of 3.33 MPa. The casting position was identified as an important factor: when uncorroded, bottom-cast bars had a higher bond strength than that of top-cast bars. However, they were more prone to splitting cracks and, consequently, loss of bond strength for small corrosion levels. Top-cast bars had increasing bond strength with increasing corrosion levels, owing to the absence of external cracks. These differences were likely related to a denser concrete surrounding the bottom-cast bars. The remaining bond capacity in the yielded zones was evaluated to be approximately 1.0 MPa.
Foreign Direct Investment, Sovereign Debt and Growth: Evidence for the Euro Area
Authors: Tan Ai-Lian , Ismail Normaz Wana 
Published: March 2020

In light of the global financial crisis, an extensive implementation of fiscal stimulus packages has triggered an enormous soared of public debt in Europe. While grappling with this albatross, the high debt level has aroused the paramount interest of this study casts doubt on the role of sovereign debt towards the linkage between FDI and economic growth. To this end, this study aims to assess the effects of debt on growth through the channel of FDI in European countries by applying Pooled Mean Group (PMG) estimation. The empirical findings, by and large, suggest that a lower growth performance is evident with the association of high government debt through foreign investment. In a nutshell, over borrowing of public finance would crowd out private investment and hence stifle economic growth.
JEL Classifications Code: F21, F34, F43, G01
The Financial Trilemma and Macroeconomic Instability: Empirical Evidence from Kenya
Authors: Njoroge Lucas K. 
Published: March 2020

The purpose of the study is to test whether the financial trilemma holds for a small open economy, and examine the implication of the implicit financial trilemma configuration on macroeconomic instability using Kenyan data. First, the study constructs the trilemma and macroeconomic instability indices and tests the financial trilemma. Second, the study empirically examines the effect of financial trilemma on macroeconomic instability. The results show that the financial trilemma does not hold for Kenya. However, by using the overall foreign participation to total equity turnover as a measure of financial openness, the trilemma indices are statistically significant. The results imply that the increasing financial openness is potentially driving the Kenyan economy towards financial trilemma characterized by a delicate balance of improving monetary independence and exchange rate stability. Financial openness is associated with increased macroeconomic instability. International reserve accumulation acts as a buffer and does not cause macroeconomic instability, implying that the Central Bank of Kenya conducted effective sterilization during the study period. This is the first study to test for the financial trilemma using Kenyan data. This study differs from other similar studies in a number of important ways. First, the study construct alternative financial trilemma indices that reflect the various reforms taking place in Kenya. Second, the study uses a unique data set based the newly released quarterly GDP data unlike most other studies that depend on annual data.
JEL Classifications Code: F31
Media, Business Education and E-Learning: An Insinuative Overview
Authors: Hossin Md. Ekram 
Published: March 2020

Media, education, and e-language are interrelated. Media is the right medium to make profitable business activities. Education enlightens the heart of people and business education can make the people learn about the proper ways of business. So, these three are correlated. Mass media plays a significant role in shaping public perceptions on a variety of important issues in business education. They also function in influencing modern business culture and education by selecting and portraying a particular set of beliefs, values, and traditions as reality. Mass media plays an important role in business education. Business has a noble position as an ideal occupation. Mass media helps to enhance the range of business education for the development of the country as well as the world. This descriptive and analytic research work finds out the insinuative and synchronic synopsis of media, education and e-language.
JEL Classifications Code: M19
NGO's Financial Reporting and Human Capital Development
Authors: Ahmed Alim Al Ayub , Asadullah A. B. M. , Rahman Md. Mostafijur 
Published: March 2020

The purpose of the study was to find out whether human capital development influences the quality of financial reporting of NGOs. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the relationship between human capital development and the quality of financial reporting, examine the relationship between human resource practices and the quality of financial reporting, examine the relationship between human capital development and human resource policy and examine if human resource practices moderate/ mediate the relationship between human capital development and the quality of financial reporting. The study adopted a cross-sectional parallel survey design with quantitative techniques and employed self-administered questionnaires to 60 respondents. The research data was coded and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 to establish the statistical inferences. The Pearson correlation test reported that human capital development has a positive significant relationship with the quality of financial reporting (r = .551, p< .01; two tailed). The study concluded that education, skills, knowledge, experience, interest and values were significantly positively related with financial reporting quality (r = .503, p < .01; r = .407, p < .01; r = .518, p < .01; r = .213, p < .10 and r = .476, p < .01 respectively). Furthermore, personality positively relates to financial reporting quality (r = .165, p>0.10). Some recommendations were then formulated thus: Organizations should encourage and support their accounting staff to attain professional qualifications. The staff should strive to attain membership of professional accounting bodies. The staff should also be motivated as well as regularly trained on job. Management should observe strict adherence to accounting and financial manuals. Organizations should also reinforce workplace policies as well as review their current accounting systems to identify gaps and then put in place steps to fill those gaps.
American Tire Tariffs against China: What We can Learn from Poor Policy
Authors: Rarick Charles A. 
Published: March 2020

Facing a significant decline in domestic tire manufacturing jobs, President Obama imposed tariffs on tires made in China for a three year period beginning in 2009. With domestic employment in the tire manufacturing industry in decline and Chinese tire imports rapidly rising, President Obama yielded to industry pressure. The tariffs significantly decreased the sale of Chinese made tires, however, tires made in other countries such as Mexico, Indonesia and Thailand rose as Chinese tires became more expensive. This paper explores the effectiveness of this trade policy and proposes there are lessons to be learned when pondering further such protectionist trade policies.
JEL Classifications Code: F13
The Prospect of the Readymade Garments Sector in Bangladesh: Result from Trend Analysis
Authors: Shimu Afroza Ahammed , Islam Md. Shahidul 
Published: March 2020

Purpose: In Bangladesh readymade garments (RMG) sector, the backbone of the national economy is not the major sources of foreign revenue but a significant role player of the socio-economic development by creating employment opportunities, empowering women and alleviating poverty. In this regard, this paper tries to understand and analyze current situation and structure of the both knitted and woven sectors. After then, this paper predicts the future of both the export and export growth for the next five years.
Methodology: In this study, data on the export and export growth had been collected from the BGMEA. Then the Least Square Method as a trend analysis had been applied to identify forecast export trend and the export growth trend of the both knitwear and woven sector separately. Microsoft excel program had been used for the estimation of the trend analysis alongside with providing predictions for the next five years.
Results: The study found that the trend of both knitwear and woven export was upward. But the study also explored the downward trend of those two knitwear and woven sectors in terms of the growth rate. Moreover, the study showed that after the phasing out of MFA within 2004 and the withdrawal of quota protection, the knitwear export did not face any impediments accorded by the projection.
Implication: This paper will be effective not for understanding the present structure of the RMG sector but helpful to take appropriate policies for the prosperity of the country, especially of this sector.
Internationalization of Bangladeshi Banks: What Can We Learn?
Authors: Khan Tasneema , Barua Bipasha 
Published: March 2020

Internationalization of banking institutions has been more evident to a greater extent recently due to the advancement of technology and global inter-connectedness. As the ‘engine of economic growth,’ banks are the dominant players in Bangladesh financial market. Due to intense competition and quick saturation of the domestic market, banks in Bangladesh are tending to move towards the international market. This research aims to explore the nature and challenges of international banking practices in Bangladesh banking sector, and also to develop the relevant policy perspectives. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to survey top level management of 41 out of total 56 scheduled banks operating in Bangladesh during May 2015. Analyzing the survey, the study finds that Bangladeshi banks do not follow the usual internationalization path, tends to more cost-intensive mode, are in the defensive approach of internationalization, and face several challenges and deficiencies in their current international banking practices. This paper contributes to existing literature by being the first exploring the facet of bank internationalization in Bangladesh and generating new insights for better bank regulation.
JEL Classification: M16, M20, N20, F23, G20, L10
Global Climate Change and Its Impact on Agriculture Sector in Pakistan
Authors: Awan Abdul Ghafoor , Yaseen Ghulam 
Published: March 2020

Impact of global climate change on the agriculture sector of Pakistan is estimated in Pakistan. Agriculture is considered as the backbone of Pakistan economy because more 60% population is directly involved with this profession. Due to rapid industrialization the temperature level is increasing, which is harmful for agriculture crops and also for people. The objective of this research paper is to explore the impact of the global warming at agriculture sector of Pakistan and to measure climate impact on the agriculture sector in future. Times series dataset from 1974 to 2013 is used to analyze the impact. Agriculture value added annual growth rate is used as dependent variable. Carbon oxide emission, agriculture methane emission, agriculture nitrous oxide emission, greenhouse gas emission and population density are used as explanatory variables. Auto regressive distributed lag model is used as statistical technique to analyze the dataset. The result shows that the variables have significant impact on the agriculture sector of Pakistan. Auto regressive distributed lag model presents the existence of the short run and long run relationship between the dependent and independent variables. In a policy recommendation government try to reduce the warming through control on industrialization.
Completeness of information in electronic compared with paper-based patients’ records in a maternity setting in Dakar, Senegal
Authors: Ndiaye Mame D. , Gueye Mamour , Ndour Simon B. , Niang Ndama , Fall Ndeye G. , Fall Khalifa , Diakhate Abdoulaye , Wade Mouhamadou , Diouf Aliou , Diallo Moussa , Mbaye Magatte 
Published: March 2020

Background: Evaluate the consistency of information in paper-based records when registered in parallel with an electronic medical record.Methods: The study was performed at PMSHC in Dakar Senegal. From the end of year 2016, patients’ files were recorded on both paper-based and electronically. Additionally, previous records were electronically registered. To investigate the completeness of records before and after the electronic recording system has been implemented, information about some maternal and fetal/neonatal characteristics were assessed. When the variable was recorded, the system returned 1, unrecorded variables were coded as 0. We then calculated, for each variable, the unrecorded rate before 2017 and after that date. The study period extended from 2011 to June 2019, a nearly ten-year period. Data were extracted from E-perinatal to MS excel 2019 then SPSS 25 software. Frequencies of unrecorded variables were compared with chi-squared test at a level of significance of 5%.Results: A total of 48,270 unique patients’ records were identified during the eight-year period. Among the study population, data for patients’ age, address and parity were available most of the time before and after 2017 (0.5% missing data versus 0.3% for age and 2.6% versus 1.3% for home address and from 0.3% to 0.0% for parity). However, phone number, maternal weight, maternal height, last menstrual period and blood group were found to be missing up to 96% before 2017. From 2017, these rates experienced a sudden decrease at a significant level: from 82.4% to 27.8% for phone number, from 96% to 56.3% for maternal weight and from 60.1% to 21.3% for blood group. Regarding newborns’ data, it was found that fetal height, head circumference and chest circumference were missing up to just under 25% before 2017. After that date, their completeness improved and flattened under 5%.Conclusions: Structured and computerized files reduce missing data. There is an urgent need the Ministry of health provides hospitals and health care providers with guidelines that describes the standardized information that should be gathered and shared in health and care records.