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5. THE IMPACT OF PHYSICAL CONNECTEDNESS ON BODY HEIGHT IN SWISS CONSCRIPTS

THE IMPACT OF PHYSICAL CONNECTEDNESS ON BODY HEIGHT IN SWISS CONSCRIPTS

Hermanussen Michael (1), Alt Christoph (2), Staub Kaspar (3), Aßmann Christian (4), Groth Detlef (2)

1) Altenhof, Germany; 2) University of Potsdam, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, Germany; 3) Institute of Anatomy; University of Zurich, Switzerland; 4) Otto-Friedrich-Universität Bamberg, Germany

Hermanussen Michael, e-mail: michael.hermanussen@gmail.com.

Abstract

Background: Human populations differ in height. Recent evidence suggests that social networks play an important role in the regulation of adolescent growth and adult height. We further investigated the effect of physical connectedness on height. Material and Methods: We considered Switzerland as a geographic network with 169 nodes (district capitals) and 335 edges (connecting roads) and studied effect of connectedness on height in Swiss conscript from 1884–1891, 1908–1910, and 2004–2009. We also created exponential-family random graph models to separate possible unspecific effects of geographic vicinity. Results: In 1884–1891, in 1908–1910, and in 2004–2009, 1st, 2nd and 3rd order neighboring districts significantly correlate in height (p<0.01). The correlations depend on the order of connectedness, they decline with increasing distance. Short stature districts tend to have short, tall stature districts tend to have tall neighbors. Random networks analyses suggest direct road effects on height. In 1884-1891, direct road effects were only visible between 1st order neighbors. In 1908–1910, direct road effect extended to 2nd and 3rd and in 2004–2009, also to 4th order neighbors, and might reflect historic improvements in transportation. Conclusion: Height in a district depends on height of physically connected neighboring districts. The association decreases with increasing distance in the net. The present data suggest that people can be short because their neighbors are short; or tall because their neighbors are tall (community effect on growth). The vision strongly contrasts the current concept of growth as a mirror of health and economic prosperity.

Keywords

community effect on growth, connectedness, body height, direct road effect, exponential-family random graph models

Цит.: Hermanussen Michael, Alt Christoph, Staub Kaspar, Aßmann Christian, Groth Detlef THE IMPACT OF PHYSICAL CONNECTEDNESS ON BODY HEIGHT IN SWISS CONSCRIPTS // Moscow University Anthropology Bulletin (Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta. Seria XXIII. Antropologia), 2014; 3/2014; с. 53-53