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Studies investigating the relationship between balance ability and body size, build and proportions tend to concentrate on body mass and height rather than breadth parameters or size of individual body segments. The purpose of this study was to determine a relationship between the ability to keep balance and the size, build and proportions, based on breadth and length dimensions of the body in healthy adult men and women during a position of free standing. This study also aimed to investigate how the lack of visual control affects the analyzed relationship. The study group consisted of 102 adults of both sexes. The investigations encompassed anthropometric measurements of the body and the ability to keep balance. The analysis covered a of series anthropometric parameters, 9 indices of body proportions, mean velocity of the COP movement (MV) and ellipse area (EA). A statistical analysis of the results was carried out taking into consideration the division into groups due to sexes. The results of the Pearson correlation have revealed that there is a statistically significant correlation (weak or moderate degree) between anthropometric parameters of the body and stabilographic values. Results differ between sexes and depend on whether Romberg’s test was performed with open or closed eyes. The obtained results showed that the surface area of ellipse significantly depends on the dimensions of these body elements which relate to the position of the centre of mass. The obtained results, which differ depending on sex, show that the values of the body sways in a position of free standing depend on breadth and length dimensions of the body, visual control and the analyzed parameter of balance.

The human body size varies significantly around the world, both between and within populations. Likewise, ethnic diversity has a significant effect on anthropometric data differences for the Naulu, Tana Ai, Bugis and Rampasasa tribes, in Wallacea, East Indonesia. Six body dimensions were collected from 484 people, 219 males and 265 females in the age from 18 to 80 years. The statistical analysis included tabulating the means and standard deviations for the various body dimensions and proportions. A one-way ANOVA with post hoc LSD test was performed to determine significant differences between the means of anthropometric dimensions and proportions, as well as within the four ethnic groups. There are significant differences (p

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to explore which key somatic features are common to four swim strokes and medley, and specifically to identify which characteristics benefit only specific strokes.MethodsThe sample was composed of 130 swimmers (95 males aged 19.5 ± 2.9 years and 35 females aged 18.4 ± 2.8 years). A set of anthropometric variables was used to predict swimming speed in the four swimming strokes and medley.ResultsA multiplicative model with allometric body size components was used to identify the demographic and anthropometric predictors of swimming speed. Trunk height and waist circumference were the only variables significantly different among swimming strokes (p

Studies investigating the relationship between balance ability and body size, build and proportions tend to concentrate on body mass and height rather than breadth parameters or size of individual body segments. The purpose of this study was to determine a relationship between the ability to keep balance and the size, build and proportions, based on breadth and length dimensions of the body in healthy adult men and women during a position of free standing. This study also aimed to investigate how the lack of visual control affects the analyzed relationship. The study group consisted of 102 adults of both sexes. The investigations encompassed anthropometric measurements of the body and the ability to keep balance. The analysis covered a of series anthropometric parameters, 9 indices of body proportions, mean velocity of the COP movement (MV) and ellipse area (EA). A statistical analysis of the results was carried out taking into consideration the division into groups due to sexes. The results of the Pearson correlation have revealed that there is a statistically significant correlation (weak or moderate degree) between anthropometric parameters of the body and stabilographic values. Results differ between sexes and depend on whether Romberg’s test was performed with open or closed eyes. The obtained results showed that the surface area of ellipse significantly depends on the dimensions of these body elements which relate to the position of the centre of mass. The obtained results, which differ depending on sex, show that the values of the body sways in a position of free standing depend on breadth and length dimensions of the body, visual control and the analyzed parameter of balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic anthropometry is a research field that refers to the physical characteristics and considers the measuring of a human body in dynamic positions. In dynamic positions, specific body measurements and surface dimensions change significantly compared to the measurements in a resting state. In that sense, this paper presents a research on dimensional changes conducted on a group of male test subjects in three dynamic positions with a defined set of body measurements relevant for the analysis of body measurement changes compared to the upright standing position. Using a Vitus Smart 3D body scanner and the Anthroscan program, the test subjects were scanned and measured in the upright standing position according to ISO 20685 and in three dynamic positions. Depending on the defined measurements for the analysis in each dynamic position, scanning markers were attached to test subjects’ bodies to ensure the precise determination of anthropometric measuring points. Based on the obtained measurement results, dimensional changes and correlations of the three dynamic positions relative to the measurements in the upright standing position were analysed. The analysis showed significant differences in dynamic positions measurements compared to the upright standing position and indicated the assumption that the dimensional changes of body in motion within a specific body constitution group depend on the initial body part dimensions. The determined results can be used in the design and construction process of functional clothing, since the target values of the garment ease allowances can be determined based on the measurement changes.

The article focuses on dynamic anthropometry, a field concerned with measuring the human body in dynamic positions, investigating how specific body measurements change compared to those taken in a resting state. Topics include three dimensional (3D) body scanning, body dimension changes in dynamic positions, and their applications in clothing technology and ergonomic design.

The subject of research is the physical dimensions and motor abilities of young volleyball players, and the problem is the relationship between these anthropological characteristics and specific playing positions in volleyball. The study included 55 female volleyball players aged 14 to 16 who had been actively training for at least 2 to 4 years. Five (5) dimensions were tested to assess volleyball players' morphological status, as well as the parameters of 5 specific motor tests to assess explosive power, dexterity, and flexibility. Correlation analysis revealed a strong, statistically significant relationship between specific body dimensions and specific motor abilities from various tests. This is especially true for volleyball players' body height (ATV) and arm span (RAR), as well as their maximum, reach a height of the arms (MD1RM) and (MD2RM), in the spike (MDSM), and in the block (MDBLZ). Only the female volleyball sample's body weight (ATT) was unaffected and had no relations to any of the observed parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the re-sequencing of our previous whole-genome sequencing (WGS) for selected individuals of Dazu-black goat (DBG) and Inner-Mongolia Cashmere goat (IMCG) breeds was used to detect and compare the differentiation in Indels depending on the reference genome of goat. Then, three selected candidate Indels rs668795676, rs657996810, and rs669452874 of the three genes SUFU, SYCP2L and GLIPR1L1, respectively, have been chosen, based on the results of prior GWAS across the genome, and examined for their association with body weight and dimensions (body height, body length, heart girth, chest width, cannon circumference, and chest depth) by kompetitive allele specific PCR assay for 342 goats from the three studied goat breeds (DBG, n = 203; ♂99, ♀104), IMCG (n = 65; 15♂, 50♀), and Hechuan white goat (HWG, n = 74; 34♂, 40♀) breeds. The analysis of 192.747 Gb WGS revealed an average 334,151 Indels in the whole genome of DBG and IMCG breeds. Chromosome 1 had a maximum number of mutations (Indels) of 58,497 and 55,527 for IMCG and DBG, respectively, while chromosome 25 had the least number of mutations of 15,680 and 16,103 for IMCG and DBG, respectively. The majority of Indels were either Ins or Del of short fragments of 1–5 bp, which covered 79.06 and 71.78% of the total number of Indels mutations in IMCG and DBG, respectively. Comparing the differences of Indels between the studied goat breeds revealed 100 and 110 unique Indels for IMCG and DBG, respectively. The Indels loci in the intron region were unique for both studied goat breeds which were related to 30 and 38 candidate genes in IMCG and DBG, respectively, including SUFU, SYCP2L, and GLIPR1L1 genes. Concerning rs669452874 locus, body height and body length of Del/Del genotype in DBG were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of Ins/Del genotype, while body height and body length of Del/Del genotype in IMCG were significantly higher (P < 0.01) than those of Ins/Ins genotype, whereas body height and body length and heart girth of Del/Del genotype in HWG were significantly higher (P < 0.01) than those of the Ins/Del and Ins/Ins genotypes. Thus, Del/Del genotype of rs669452874 locus can be used as a candidate molecular marker related to the body dimensions in the studied goat breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim The objectives of this study were to evaluate which allometric measurements of Leptonema larvae are most suitable in order to develop mathematical equations to describe biomass relationships for the population of this taxon in a reference condition headwater stream. Methods We measured four body dimensions (body length, interocular distance, horizontal width of cephalic capsule and vertical width of the cephalic capsule) of 65 Leptonema larvae, which were collected in February 2022, in the Taboões spring, Serra do Rola Moça State Park, Minas Gerais, using a Surber sampler. For the determination of allometric measurements, each individual was photographed under a dissecting stereomicroscope (Leica M80) equipped with a digital camera. Each photographed specimen's length was measured using the Motic Image Plus 2.0 software. After measuring the linear body dimension and direct measurement of the biomass, we used these values to calculate the length-mass mathematical equations. To the equations use power models: DM = a Lb, where a/b are constants, DM is the dry mass, L is the linear body dimension. Results Among body dimensions of Leptonema larvae, body length showed the greatest range of variation, with values ranging from 4.03 to 25.28 mm, followed by head capsule vertical width (0.51 - 2.69 mm), head capsule horizontal width (0.55 - 2.22 mm) and interocular distance (0.24 - 1.88 mm). Our results show that body length provided the best-fitting equation for estimating biomass (R2 = 0.90). However, we observed a close fit between the other allometric measures, including high coefficients of determination, head capsule horizontal width (R2 = 0.85), interocular distance (R2 = 0.82), head capsule vertical width (R2 = 0.78). Conclusions These results will be useful in providing the best allometric measurement and equations to estimate the biomass of Leptonema larvae from the tropics.

In this study, the dynamic changes in human body shape according to movement have been analyzed using three-dimensional scanning system. For this, 12 male subjects were scanned in six postures and the amount of changes in 32 anthropometric measurement items were examined. As for the height items, all items changed in walking pose, and for the length items, the shoulder and chest lengths were affected by arm movement. For circumference items, considerable changes were observed in the chest and waist region according to the movement. A body cross section analysis software has been developed to analyze the change in body shape according to movement in various perspectives. As a result, the chest region was found to be affected by the movement of the arms, the waist region by the movement of the trunk, and hip region was by the movement of the leg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine the growth patterns of female Kacang goats Growth Pattern of Different Body Dimensions in Female Kacang Goats. We measured 23 female goats for variables including body weight, chest circumference, shoulder height, and body length. The results showed that body weight followed the sigmoid curve pattern (S) with a regression equation y = 0.0005x3-0.0837x2 + 3.0707x + 0.119 with a coefficient of determination of 88.99%, while body size for chest circumference, body length, and shoulder height follows a polynomial pattern with regression equations y = -0.0627x2 + 3.1156x +40.333, y = -0.033x2 + 1.6941x + 43.125, and y = -0.0418x2 + 2.1168x + 39.089, respectively and the coefficient of determination was 85.26%, 82.46%, and 68.53%, respectively. The research conclude that the growth of body dimensions in livestock has fluctuated. The increase of body dimensions in female-goat goats peaked at the age of 21-30 months, then started to decline during 31-40 months. It is correlated with the fact that age greatly affects the dimensions of the animal body. The highest coefficient determination value was observed in body weight, namely 88.89%.

Camels are semi-ruminant placental mammals, classified as two-toed, padded-footed mammals, and belong to the family Camelidae, which includes the one-humped camels (Camelus dromedaries), and the two-humped camels (Camelus bactrianus), llama, Alpaca, Vicuna, and Guanaco. The study used 50 Iraqi single-humped camel females who belonged to private fields in the AL-Furat AL-Awsat region, which involved three Iraqi cities (Babylon, Diwaniyah, and Muthanna). All the Biotechnological and Molecular Genetics analyses were performed in the Altakadum Laboratory, Baghdad, in order to determine the genotypes and their distribution ratios for the POU1F1 gene and the relationship of the Polymorphism of the gene with some productive traits, growth characteristics (weight and body dimensions) and blood biochemical parameters of animals. The mutation 225131 was in the second exon region, in which there was a change in the amino acid C.49 CAA>CAC Gln>His. Three genotypes were discovered in this mutation in the second studied piece, which included the region of the first intron and the second exon, with a length of 777 base pairs using DNA sequencing technology. The results indicated that there were highly significant differences (P=0.01) in the distribution ratios of the genotypes resulting from the mutation. The results also showed a significant relationship between these genotypes with somebody dimensions, as there was a significant superiority (P=0.05) for individuals with mutant CC genotype over the wild AA and hetero AC genotypes in each of the traits, body height from the front (220.66±1.76, 215.12±0.92, 212.80 ±2.33) cm and body length (186.66±1.20, 179.47±1.10, 170.00±4.96) cm and head length (55.00±2.08, 50.78±0.46, 51.20 ±1.31) cm for the mutant, wild and hetero, genotypes respectively. Concerning the characteristics of the length of the milking season, daily and total milk production, and its chemical components, there was no significant relationship between the genotypes resulting from the studied mutation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a telemetry study, body weights and body measurements of African sand cats Felis margarita margarita were recorded in the southern provinces of Morocco between December 2015 and December 2019. In total, 41 individuals (30 males and 11 females) were captured, weighed, and the body measurements of the specimens selected for radio-collaring were recorded, with a few individuals measured in different seasons. Captured males showed higher values in all parameters measured in winter. Males weighed significantly more than females, respectively 2.16 ± 0.36 kg (N=29) and 1.70 kg ± 0.21 (N=11), and, except for ear length, which did not significantly differ between sexes, we found significant differences between males and females for every other body measurement recorded: Males have significantly longer head-and-body length, tail, neck circumference, elbow-toe-tip length, shoulder length, canines, longer and wider front paws, and longer hindfoot length than females. Differences in body weight and measurements between adult and subadult males and females are also discussed. From three recaptured individuals, we found that winter weight was on average 14% heavier than summer weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The productivity of an employee has a crucial role for the company. The higher the level of productivity, the higher the profit they can provide for the company. Ergonomic furniture is one of the supporting examples in increasing employee productivity. Designing ergonomic furniture is the effort taken by the company to boost the employee's productivity. The ergonomic furniture can provide comfort to the employee and minimize the occurrence of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). The provided coziness will increase the level of concentration so that the performance of the employee will be increased too. The existence of ergonomic furniture will offer benefits to the company. Therefore, companies are required to provide adequate facilities and infrastructure to support employee activities. One of the company's facilities is a table and chairs. Tables and chairs must be designed ergonomically, considering that both facilities will continually be used within 8 hours per day. This research aims to utilize anthropometric measurement as a design tool for ergonomic work furniture. The anthropometric measurement was conducted on 85 employees and used 11 body dimensions as a parameter. These body dimensions consist of a supine hand, sitting, forward pinch-grip reach, elbow height, shoulder width, pelvic width, buttock-knee length, knee height, shoulder height, sitting, length of elbow to toe, thigh clearance, and palm width. The 5th percentile was used for four dimensions in this research, while the rest used 95th. The results of this research are expected to minimize the possibility of various health problems caused by the un-ergonomic working furniture so that the employee's performance will be improved too. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The donkeys, together with other labor animals (mules and hinnies) are the domestic animals that are losing their popularity continually among the rural population in Bulgaria. For the last decades the population of donkeys in Bulgaria, decreased nearly 10 times, from 328 587 donkey registered in 1990 to 35 000 in 2013. For some obvious reasons they were pushed aside, as in recent times it is much easier for a smallholder farming to cultivate the land with modern machinery than with animal power. Nevertheless, in the last few years many organizations in Europe and even in Bulgaria recall their attention to donkeys as an important genetic resource, an animal that needs to be protected, and revived into the modern times. The objective of the experiment was to estimate and compare the body measurements of male and female donkeys reared in Bulgaria. The coat color of the animals was also recorded in order to estimate the variation of it inside the groups. A total number of 198 donkeys (74 males and 124 females) were included in the study. The animals were located in different regions of Bulgaria. From each individual the main four body measurements were taken: height at the withers, body length, chest circumference and cannon bone circumference. The average height at the withers for male donkeys was 120.40±7.13 cm as for the females it was 119.75±6.83 cm. Body length for males and female was respectively 124.47±7.62 and 123.71±8.01 cm on average. Mean values for chest and cannon bone circumferences for male individuals were 137.08±9.64 and 16.15±1.21 cm, the same traits on female donkeys were on average 134.16±8.11 and 15.65±1.27 cm.

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to establish live weight, Body condition score (BCS), body dimensions and phenotypic correlations between them in young female breeding animals of Bulgarian dairy synthetic population (BDSP). The object of research were 137 ewe lambs of the flock, bred at the Agricultural Institute in Stara Zagora for a period of 3 years. Live weight of animals and body dimensions were performed at 6, 9 and 18 months of age and Body condition score was assessed. In addition, the phenotypic dependences between indicators were calculated. The data were processed with Statistica software product. Based on the obtained results, it could be summarized that the live weight and bone system of the animals increased more intensively in the period from 6 to 9 months of age, which was accompanied by an increase in BCS. During the next period (after 9 months of age) there was a certain slowdown in the growth rate and a decrease in BCS, but an increase in live weight. The values of the two indicators at the age of 18 months however showed that the physiological condition of the animals was suitable for their inclusion in the breeding process. The highest values of phenotypic correlations were found between live weight, BCS and body dimensions at 6 months of age. At the next two ages (9 and 18 months), these dependencies declined. Live weight, body length, chest depth and croup width maintained a high level of correlation with the body volume. The highest phenotypic correlations between BCS and other indicators were established in animals at 6 months and the lowest ones at 9 months of age

Introduction. Sports result largely depends on body dimensions and the development of motor skills. Aim of Study. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between body mass and muscle strength test results when performing different variants of vertical jumps. Material and Methods. Sixty selected senior basketball players participated in the study. According to the criterion of the position played in the team, the respondents were divided into two groups. One group consisted of external players (n = 30), while the other group comprised internal players (n = 30). Results. In both groups of subjects, low correlation coefficients were obtained between body weight and results of indirect muscle strength assessment tests (0.00; -0.05; -0.00; -0.02), as well as weak correlation coefficients between results of direct muscle strength assessment tests and body weight (0.44; 0.36; 0.41; 0.38). In the group of external players in the tests for the direct assessment of muscle strength allometric exponents b = 0.82 and b = 0.74 were recorded, while for internal players in these tests allometric exponents b = 0.73 and b = 0.72 were obtained. Tests for the indirect assessment of muscle strength in the group of external players gave allometric exponents b = 0.09 and b = -0.00, while in the group of internal players the exponents were b = -0.10 and b = -0.25. Conclusions. This study showed that the results in the tests for the direct assessment of muscle strength when performing fast movements are dependent on body mass, while those in tests for the indirect assessment of muscle strength when performing fast movements do not depend on body mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study determined the growth performance, correlations of linear body dimensions, slaughter performance and the fitting model of two generations of Leizhou Black Ducks. Fifteen (15) male and 225 female parents forming generation 0 were selected from the Leizhou duck population. Fifteen (15) families were created in the ratio of 1 male:15 females. Eggs from all the families were collected and numbered according to the family. Generation 1 ducklings were selected and grouped into families in the same ratio. Body weights (BWs) and linear body dimensions were recorded every 2 weeks from weeks 0 to 16. Logistic, Gompertz and Von Bertalanffy models were employed to ascertain the growth model of both sexes of Leizhou Black Ducks. Except for weeks 0–2, generation 1 families had greater BWs than the generation 0 families (p .05) were observed for males at week 10 and females at 16 weeks old. There was a significant negative correlation (p

This study aims to determine the comparison of body measurements and body weight of male and female Balinese cows. The research was at the Kendari City Slaughterhouse. Measuring 94 Bali cows consisting of 47 males and 47 females aged 1-3 years. Data were analyzed by Student's T-test. The results showed that the average male body weight was 191.30 kg and female 181.98 kg. The average body measurements of male and female Balinese cows are body length (114.11 cm and 110.15 cm), gumba height (111.68 cm and 109.60 cm), chest circumference (149.30 cm and 146.15 cm), front canon bone circumference (14.89 cm and 14.75 cm), rear canon bone circumference (16.67 cm and 16.63 cm). Where there is no significant difference in linear body measurements in the two sexes of cattle (p> 0.05). It was concluded that the linear measurements of the bodies of Balinese male and female cattle from traditional livestock breeding in Sulawesi Sulawesi were relatively uniform. But quantitatively the body measurements of male Bali cattle are relatively higher compared to female Bali cattle.

Stature estimation is widely used for individual identification in forensic field. Previous studies have proposed several regression equations derived from a single population for this purpose. However, this may not be suitable for other populations because of different hereditary and environmental conditions. In this study, stature estimation equations for southern China Han population have been provided. The study was conducted on a sample population of 121 men and women aged 18–25 years. A total of 19 parameters, including stature, head, torso, and parts of upper limbs and lower limbs, were measured according to standard anthropometric procedures. Herein, the anterior superior spine–malleolus medialis line showed the highest correlation coefficient (r = 0.817) and was the most reliable predictor (R2 = 0.667) in men, while the best predictor for women was total leg length (R2 = 0.746) with the highest correlation coefficient (r = 0.863). The regression analysis results via multiple predictors showed a high accuracy in stature estimation. Moreover, the analysis of multiple regression predictors showed that the dimensions of lower limbs were more reliable for stature estimation compared to head, torso, and upper limb measurements. This study provided equations of stature estimation for southern China Han population which can be useful in cases of dismembered body.

The aim of the present study was to establish live weight, Body condition score (BCS), body dimensions and phenotypic correlations between them in young female breeding animals of Bulgarian dairy synthetic population (BDSP). The object of research were 137 ewe lambs of the flock, bred at the Agricultural Institute in Stara Zagora for a period of 3 years. Live weight of animals and body dimensions were performed at 6, 9 and 18 months of age and Body condition score was assessed. In addition, the phenotypic dependences between indicators were calculated. The data were processed with Statistica software product. Based on the obtained results, it could be summarized that the live weight and bone system of the animals increased more intensively in the period from 6 to 9 months of age, which was accompanied by an increase in BCS. During the next period (after 9 months of age) there was a certain slowdown in the growth rate and a decrease in BCS, but an increase in live weight. The values of the two indicators at the age of 18 months however showed that the physiological condition of the animals was suitable for their inclusion in the breeding process. The highest values of phenotypic correlations were found between live weight, BCS and body dimensions at 6 months of age. At the next two ages (9 and 18 months), these dependencies declined. Live weight, body length, chest depth and croup width maintained a high level of correlation with the body volume. The highest phenotypic correlations between BCS and other indicators were established in animals at 6 months and the lowest ones at 9 months of age [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to determine factors influencing the establishment of dominance hierarchy in Hemsin, Chios and Karakul rams. Rams aged 6–7 years old from Hemsin (n = 13), Chios (n = 12) and Karakul (n = 14) sheep breeds were used. The feed competition test was applied to determine the dominance status of rams within their own breeds. After testing all possible pairs, dominance index and social ranks for each ram was calculated. Body weight, numerous body measurements, horn length and testosterone concentration were evaluated as predictor variables in stepwise regression analysis. Improved linearity index value was 0.522, 0.6224 and 0.7033 for Hemsin, Chios and Karakul rams (P r<0.001), respectively. In Hemsin rams, the regression model including body weight and tail width explained 75.3% of the variation in dominance index (P = 0.001). The model, which included body weight and testosterone concentration, explained 68% of the variance and was the best model for prediction of the dominance index in Chios rams (P < 0.01). The model including rump width, tail width and linear horn length explained 79.5% of the variation in dominance index in Karakul rams (P = 0.001). When the principal component scores determined by principal component analysis were utilised as predictors in stepwise regression analysis, no variables were incorporated into the model for Karakul rams. Moreover, worse predictions were obtained with principal component scores compared to the analysis conducted with raw data in Hemşin and Chios rams. When the results of the current study are evaluated observationally, factors determining the dominance hierarchy vary by breed of rams. • Body weight was the main determinant of dominance in Hemsin and Chios rams. • Rump width, tail width and horn length were predictors of dominance in Karakul rams. • Physical attributes which contribute to ram dominance hierarchy vary by breed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, the work of pattern making and fashion sketch drawing is done by designers and pattern makers, respectively. The development of satisfactory garment products requires constant communication between designers and pattern makers. This process is very time-consuming. In this paper, we proposed a body-dimension-based associate design method to integrate fashion sketch drawing and pattern making. First, we accorded dimensions to fashion sketches so that fashion sketches and their corresponding patterns can be associated together by human body dimensions. Then, in the height and width directions, we constructed mathematical models considering fashion sketches, their corresponding patterns and human body dimensions. Finally, a software application based on our proposed method was developed to generate jean fashion sketches and their corresponding patterns, rapidly and automatically. The associated design of fashion sketches and garment patterns in this paper demonstrates the integration of artistic design and engineering design. This novel research idea can be further applied in other design domains.

The increasing availability of automated milk dispensers on dairy farms facilitates ad libitum milk supply but weaning calves from high milk allowances is challenging. This study evaluated effects of gradual weaning methods on starter intake, growth, selected blood parameters and weaning distress in ad libitum fed dairy calves during weaning and early post-weaning periods. Thirty-six male Holstein (n = 30) or crossbred (n = 6) calves were individually housed from days 2 to 14 of age and had ad libitum access to milk replacer (MR) from teat buckets. From days 15 to 84 of age, calves were grouped and had ad libitum access to MR, starter, straw and water from automated feeders. At day 35, calves were blocked (age and breed), and randomly assigned to a weaning method: (1) linear fixed (LIN), MR supply was stepped down to 6 l/day on day 36, and linearly reduced between days 36 to 63 from 6 to 2 l/day. (2) Step-down (STEP), MR supply was stepped down to 6 l/day from days 36 to 48, 4 l/day from days 49 to 56 and 2 l/day from days 57 to 63. (3) Dynamic (DYN), at day 36, MR supply was reduced for each individual calf to 75% of the average voluntary consumption between day 29 and 35, then maintained for 9 days, reduced to 50% for 10 days, and to 25% for 9 days. The DYN calves received more MR during weaning than LIN calves, whereas STEP calves had intermediate MR intake. Starter intake was not affected by weaning method. The DYN calves (1.33±0.08 kg/day) grew faster and were heavier than STEP calves (1.10±0.08 kg/day) during post-weaning period, whereas no difference was observed between LIN calves (1.23±0.08 kg/day) and others. At days 70 and 84, concentrations of β-hydroxybutyric acid were higher in LIN calves compared to STEP and DYN calves. Hair cortisol concentrations were not affected by weaning method. During the gradual weaning process CP intake seemed to recovered earlier than metabolizable energy (ME) intake in all treatments, suggesting that ME rather than CP could be the first limiting factor for growth during weaning. These results highlight the post-weaning benefits of DYN and LIN weaning methods when compared with more abrupt step-down strategies.

The anthropometric characteristics can potentially affect the success of adopting the technique of alpine skiing. The aim of this study was to determine the differences in the technique adoption level of alpine skiing in relation to anthropometric characteristics of the subjects. The research was conducted on a sample of 30 male examinees of the average age of 22, all students of Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Montenegro. In a sample of measuring instruments, 12 anthropometric measures and a situational-motor test intended for evaluation of skiing technique (wedge meandering) was carried out. After the results analysis, the examinees were classified into three groups ("weak", "average" and "good") according to the level of alpin skiing technique adoption. Applying the mathematical-statistical analysis, the homogenity of subsamples was determined and the boundary between them compared to anthropometric characteristics was clearly defined. The research results can give an answer about how much the anthropometric characteristics can contribute to the process of adopting the technique of alpine skiing.

The donkeys, together with other labour animals (mules and hinnies) are domestic animals that are losing their popularity continually among the rural population in Bulgaria. For the last decades, the population of donkeys in Bulgaria decreased nearly 10 times, from 328 587 donkey registered in 1990 to 35 000 in 2013. For some obvious reasons they were pushed aside, as in recent times it is much easier for a smallholder farmer to cultivate the land with modern machinery than with animal power. The objective of the experiment was to estimate and compare the body measurements of male and female donkeys reared in Bulgaria. The coat colour of the animals was also recorded to estimate the variation of it inside the groups. A total number of 198 donkeys (74 males and 124 females) were included in the study. The animals were located in different regions of Bulgaria. From each individual these main four body measurements were taken: height at the withers, body length, chest circumference and cannon bone circumference. The average height at the withers for male donkeys was 120.40±7.13 cm as for the females it was 119.75±6.83 cm. Body length for males and females was 124.47±7.62 and 123.71±8.01 cm on average, respectively. Mean values for the chest, and cannon bone circumferences for male individuals were 137.08±9.64 and 16.15±1.21 cm, the same traits on female donkeys were on average 134.16±8.11 and 15.65±1.27 cm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted in the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture, Ruminant Research Station, west of Baghdad. It included 447 goats born of both sexes belonging to local, Shami and their crosses. The body dimensions of kids at birth and the dam's weight and age at birth, as well as the dependence of weaning weight on the birth weight of the kids by the use of simple linear regression equations. The results presented that coefficient of regression of most studied dimensions on the traits of maternal weight at birth and weight of the kid at birth has significant effect, except the regression of the body length at birth on both the maternal weight at birth and the kids weight at birth, which was not significant, The results showed the possibility of dependence on the studied maternal characteristics and kids birth weight to predict the dimensions of the goat kids body at birth.

Dominance rank within a group can affect the stress level of an animal. However, there is no consensus on whether the dominant or subordinate animals are physiologically more stressed. It was aimed herein to determine the effect of social rank on the stress level and expression of some behaviors of adult Hemsin, Chios, and Karakul rams. According to their dominance index (DI) values, the rams were classified as low-ranked (DI < 0.33; n = 13), medium-ranked (DI: 0.33-0.66; n = 13), and high-ranked (DI > 0.66; n = 13) individuals. The low-ranked rams had lower body weight, body length, chest depth, chest circumference, cannon bone circumference, and tail width than the medium-and high-ranked rams. The high-ranked rams tended to exhibit more rumination than the low- and medium-ranked rams (P = 0.066). The rank group had no influence on the frequency of vocalization, butting other animals, and itching behaviors. The low-ranked rams had lower hematocrit, hemoglobin, and red blood cell counts than the medium-and high-ranked rams. The rank group had no influence on the white blood cell count, neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio, and cortisol level. In conclusion, under the conditions of the current study, the welfare of the low-ranked rams was not adversely affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to (i) assess an anthropometric and thrust inter-limb asymmetry, and; (ii) determine the contribution of anthropometrics, and dry-land upper-body strength and power to the thrust of talented adolescent swimmers. Methods: Eighteen talented adolescent swimmers (12 boys and 6 girls: 15.81 ± 1.62 years old) were evaluated. A set of anthropometric, dry-land upper-body strength and power, and in-water thrust were assessed. Results: Despite the fact that the dominant side presented higher values in anthropometrics (except for the hand surface area) and thrust, non-significant inter-limb differences were found. The symmetry index indicated a symmetry between upper-limbs. Hierarchical linear modeling retained as main predictors of each upper-limb thrust the respective hand surface area (dominant upper limb: estimate = 0.293, 95CI: 0.117; 0.469, p = 0.005; non-dominant upper limb: estimate = 0.295, 95CI: 0.063; 0.526, p = 0.025). The full stroke cycle retained the upper-body dry-land strength as main predictor (estimate = 0.397, 95CI: 0.189; 0.605, p = 0.002). Conclusion: The hand surface area and upper-body strength were the main predictors of each upper-limb and full stroke cycle thrust, respectively. Hence, coaches and practitioners should aim to carefully maximize the hand surface area (by finger spreading) while performing the stroke, as well as dry-land upper-body strength in order to enhance the performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study determined the growth performance, correlations of linear body dimensions, slaughter performance and the fitting model of two generations of Leizhou Black Ducks. Fifteen (15) male and 225 female parents forming generation 0 were selected from the Leizhou duck population. Fifteen (15) families were created in the ratio of 1 male:15 females. Eggs from all the families were collected and numbered according to the family. Generation 1 ducklings were selected and grouped into families in the same ratio. Body weights (BWs) and linear body dimensions were recorded every 2 weeks from weeks 0 to 16. Logistic, Gompertz and Von Bertalanffy models were employed to ascertain the growth model of both sexes of Leizhou Black Ducks. Except for weeks 0–2, generation 1 families had greater BWs than the generation 0 families (p <.05). Males from both generations had significantly higher (p <.01) BWs than females at 16 weeks old. Significant positive correlations were observed between BWs and measured body dimensions for both sexes except for between BW and pelvis width (PW) where negative correlations (p >.05) were observed for males at week 10 and females at 16 weeks old. There was a significant negative correlation (p <.01) between body length and PW in males at 10 weeks. The accuracy rate of Logistic, Gompertz and Von Bertalanffy models was at 0.972 and similar was obtained by all three models with Von Bertalanffy being the best model. Live weight of generation 1 before slaughter was significantly higher (p <.01) than generation 0, whereas no significant differences were seen in the other carcass traits. These findings provide insights into breeding Leizhou Black Duck to enhance growth performance and hybrid production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Sleep problems have become one of the current serious public health issues. Pillow height affects the alignment of the cervical spine and is closely related to the mechanical environment of the cervical spine. An appropriate pillow height can provide adequate support for the head and neck to reduce the stress in the cervical spine and relax the muscles of the neck and shoulder, thereby relieving pain and improving sleep quality. (2) Methods: We reviewed the current trends, research methodologies, and determinants of pillow height evaluation, summarizing the evidences published since 1997. In particular, we scrutinized articles dealing with the physiological and mechanical characteristics of the head-neck-shoulder complex. (3) Results: Through the investigation and analysis of these articles, we presented several quantitative and objective determinants for pillow height evaluation, including cervical spine alignment, body dimension, contact pressure, and muscle activity. The measurement methods and selection criteria for these parameters are described in detail. However, the suggested range for achieving optimal cervical spine alignment, appropriate pressure distribution, and minimal muscle activity during sleep cannot yet be identified considering the lack of sufficient evidence. Moreover, there remain no firm conclusions about the optimal pillow height for the supine and lateral positions. (4) Conclusions: A comprehensive evaluation combining the above determinants provides a unique solution for ergonomic pillow design and proper pillow height selection, which can effectively promote the public sleep health. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a reasonable algorithm to weigh multiple determinants.

In this study, the floor area covered by individual finishing pigs in various body positions was measured using a contrast-based planimetric method for computer-assisted analysis of two-dimensional images. Two hundred and thirty-two finishing pigs were weighed during the last fifth of the fattening period and measured in different body positions using contrast-based planimetry. Thirteen body positions were defined based on characteristic directions of the head, legs and body. The lowest average covered floor area was found for body position A (pig standing up straight, nose touching the ground) with 0.288 ± 0.026 m2. The highest average covered floor area for a standing pig amounted to 0.335 ± 0.030 m2 in body posture ES (pig standing curved sideways, head raised above the dorsal line) and, for a lying pig, 0.486 ± 0.040 m2 (posture LL, pig lying in fully lateral recumbent position). The covered floor surface significantly depended on the weight of the animal and the body posture. Allometric estimations previously described for calculating the floor area physically covered by a pig's body are not consistently precise in depicting the actual areas covered. The minimal floor area offered in animal transportation vehicles, according to European legislation, is insufficient in the case of all pigs lying in the fully recumbent position simultaneously, without the pigs being forced to partially overlap one another. Therefore, both allometric formulas and legislation should be modified on the basis of these results and further studies with pigs of modern genetic origin should be conducted.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to explore which key somatic features are common to four swim strokes and medley, and specifically to identify which characteristics benefit only specific strokes., Methods: The sample was composed of 130 swimmers (95 males aged 19.5 ± 2.9 years and 35 females aged 18.4 ± 2.8 years). A set of anthropometric variables was used to predict swimming speed in the four swimming strokes and medley., Results: A multiplicative model with allometric body size components was used to identify the demographic and anthropometric predictors of swimming speed. Trunk height and waist circumference were the only variables significantly different among swimming strokes ( p  < 0.05). Associations between swimming speed and arm length were similar in breaststroke and medley, and in freestyle, backstroke and butterfly ( R 2  = 60.9%). The model retained as swimming speed predictors the age 2 , upper body circumference, hand breadth, waist circumference, and subscapular skinfold thickness (these last two had negative associations)., Conclusion: All these predictors were common to all four swim strokes and medley. Arm length was also retained as a significant predictor, but this one varied significantly between the four different swim strokes and medley. These findings highlight the importance of having a "V-shape" trunk, longer upper limbs, and large hands as predictors of swimming performance., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (© 2023 Rejman, Nevill, Garrido, Rudnik and Morais.)

Promotion of the conservation and preservation of local breed’s biodiversity combined with the concept of sustainable agriculture and development of economically marginal areas are important policies to implement in modern society. The biometric characterization, contributing to maintain phenotypic traits, is a significant tool in breeding programs, which revaluate local breeds, allow the preservation of animal biodiversity and support consumer demands. This paper approaches the biometric characterization of the Portuguese poultry breeds through the study of sexual dimorphism and breed differentiation using six zoometric measures as differentiation criteria. A total of 429 fowl (66 males and 426 females) were studied and the parameters recorded were body weight, body length, chest circumference, shank length, shank diameter and wingspan. A highly sexual dimorphism was evident, in all breeds, with the “Branca” breed being the most zoometrically distant. Concerning Principal Component Analysis, the highly correlations observed between body length, wingspan and shank length, determined the generalized animal form and could be used as selection criteria for improving body size. Breeding programs aiming to preserve these local genetic resources should consider the dual purpose of these breeds: sustainability and cultural legacy, and the offer to urban consumers a source of differentiated high-quality products.

The increasing availability of automated milk dispensers on dairy farms facilitates ad libitum milk supply but weaning calves from high milk allowances is challenging. This study evaluated effects of gradual weaning methods on starter intake, growth, selected blood parameters and weaning distress in ad libitum fed dairy calves during weaning and early post-weaning periods. Thirty-six male Holstein (n = 30) or crossbred (n = 6) calves were individually housed from days 2 to 14 of age and had ad libitum access to milk replacer (MR) from teat buckets. From days 15 to 84 of age, calves were grouped and had ad libitum access to MR, starter, straw and water from automated feeders. At day 35, calves were blocked (age and breed), and randomly assigned to a weaning method: (1) linear fixed (LIN), MR supply was stepped down to 6 l/day on day 36, and linearly reduced between days 36 to 63 from 6 to 2 l/day. (2) Step-down (STEP), MR supply was stepped down to 6 l/day from days 36 to 48, 4 l/day from days 49 to 56 and 2 l/day from days 57 to 63. (3) Dynamic (DYN), at day 36, MR supply was reduced for each individual calf to 75% of the average voluntary consumption between day 29 and 35, then maintained for 9 days, reduced to 50% for 10 days, and to 25% for 9 days. The DYN calves received more MR during weaning than LIN calves, whereas STEP calves had intermediate MR intake. Starter intake was not affected by weaning method. The DYN calves (1.33±0.08 kg/day) grew faster and were heavier than STEP calves (1.10±0.08 kg/day) during post-weaning period, whereas no difference was observed between LIN calves (1.23±0.08 kg/day) and others. At days 70 and 84, concentrations of β -hydroxybutyric acid were higher in LIN calves compared to STEP and DYN calves. Hair cortisol concentrations were not affected by weaning method. During the gradual weaning process CP intake seemed to recovered earlier than metabolizable energy (ME) intake in all treatments, suggesting that ME rather than CP could be the first limiting factor for growth during weaning. These results highlight the post-weaning benefits of DYN and LIN weaning methods when compared with more abrupt step-down strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pure Arabian horse breed is one of the oldest breed found in the world, spread all over the Earth to contribute to creating and improving most of current horse breeds. It is considered a horse with a lively and obedient temperament, with special characters for gallop racing, endurance competitions and also for show events. In Romania, Pure Arabian horse breeding is currently obtaining good results in Mangalia studfarm, opened in 1928. Here we can find valuable individuals from CYGAJ, EL IMAN, GAZAL, HADBAN, IBN GALAL, MERSUCH, NEDJARY and SIGLAVY BAGDADY genetic bloodlines. The paper represents a morphological study, based on 92 adult horses, selected for reproduction at specific ranking activity in 2018 (9 sires, 27 public mount stallions and 56 mares). The study was based on the main 3 body dimensions checked also in current criteria evaluation paper: height(154.77± 0.19 cm), thorax perimeter (182.35±0.58 cm) and cannon girth(18.98±0.06 cm), used for obtaining specific body indexes as dactilo-thorax index (10.41±0.03%), bone index (12.27±0.05%) and massiveness index (117.83±0.37%). The results prove that from this perspective, Pure Arabian breed standard is maintained in Mangalia studfarm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract Aims To investigate the 29-year (1985–2014) trends in body dimensions and physical fitness test performances among 12-year-old Chinese children living in urban and rural areas. Methods The data were from the findings of seven cross-sectional surveys from the Chinese National Survey on Students' Constitution and Health. In the seven surveys, there were 34,238; 11,664; 17,485; 18,057; 19,254; 17,962; and 17,906 children, respectively. Anthropometric measurements and physical fitness performances of 12-year-old Chinese children living in rural and urban areas were analyzed. Polynomial models were used to analyze trends in test performances. Analysis of variance was used to assess the urban–rural differentials. Results The height and weight of both urban and rural children substantially increased from 1985 to 2014. Urban children were taller and heavier than rural children. A slight narrowing of the urban–rural differential in height was observed. The disparity in weight increased from 1985 to 2000 and decreased thereafter. Urban children performed better in most of the physical fitness tests examined, such as standing long jump, 50-m run, and sit-ups. The urban–rural disparity decreased from 1985 to 2014 in 50-m run, standing long jump, and sit-up score; the largest difference in 10 × 50 m run and pull-up score was observed in 2000 and 2005, respectively. Conclusions There was a general decline in physical fitness in both urban and rural children after 2000. Urgent, targeted actions need to be taken by public health policy officials and parents to maintain or improve the physical fitness of children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the productive performance of the rainbow trout for consumption (one year and a summer trout - P1+, two-year trout -P2, two-year and one summer trout -P2+) was analyzed, grew up in a fishing unit in south-eastern part of country. At the control fishing made bi-monthly, by weighing 100 fish of each pond and age category, the body weight was assessed, and based on it, the total and daily average gain in growth was established. Also, by sampling, the main body measurements were made and the body indices were calculated for the two summer trout. The primary somatometric data were processed statistically. The one year and a summer trout (P1+) registered a good growth dynamic, resulting in a total average gain in growth of 150 g / fish starting from pond population to the autumn inventory and an average daily gain of 0.83 g / fish. In spring-autumn growth, body weight grew by about 4.33 times (from 45 g / fish in July to 195 g / fish on autumn stock). In the October-March growth period, the two-year rainbow trout (P2) recorded a total average gain of 138 g / fish and a daily average gain of 0.92 g / fish, and the two-year and one summer trout (P2+) achieved a total average gain of 102 g / fish and a daily average gain of 0.85 g / fish. The economicity of body mass accumulation was good (specific consumption of 1.18-1.20 kg of combined fodder). The main somatometric characteristics of two-year rainbow trout (P2), demonstrates the proper body development and correctness of the body conformation of this age group, and the low variability coefficients (below 10%) highlight the high homogeneity of trout in pond. The two-summer rainbow trout showed optimal body indices values: fattening index = 1.67%, profile index = 3.61, quality index = 1.63, thickness index = 20.07%, carnosity index = 18.81%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The knowledge of human body proportions and segmental properties of limbs, head and trunk is of fundamental importance in biomechanical research. Given that many methods are employed, it is important to know which ones are currently available, which data on human body masses, lengths, center of mass (COM) location, weights and moment of inertia (MOI) are available and which methods are most suitable for specific research purposes. Graphical, optical, x-ray and derived techniques, MRI, laser, thermography, has been employed for in-vivo measurement, while direct measurements involve cadaveric studies with dissection and various methods of acquiring shape and size of body segments. The present review examines the literature concerning human body segments’ properties for biomechanical purposes starting with a historical examination. It emerges that data obtained in studies on cadaveric specimens are still accurate in comparison to more recent technologies, whilst technological tools currently available are manifolds, each one with proper advantages and disadvantages. Classical studies were focused mainly on white men, while in recent years, the available data on body segments have been extended to children, women, and other races. Additionally, data on special populations (obese, pregnant women) are starting to appear in the scientific literature.

ABSTRACT Biomass is a fundamental measure for understanding the structure and functioning (e.g. fluxes of energy and nutrients in the food chain) of aquatic ecosystems. We aim to provide predictive models to estimate the biomass of Triplectides egleri Sattler, 1963, in a stream in Central Amazonia, based on body and case dimensions. We used body length, head-capsule width, interocular distance and case length and width to derive biomass estimations. Linear, exponential and power regression models were used to assess the relationship between biomass and body or case dimensions. All regression models used in the biomass estimation of T. egleri were significant. The best fit between biomass and body or case dimensions was obtained using the power model, followed by the exponential and linear models. Body length provided the best estimate of biomass. However, the dimensions of sclerotized structures (interocular distance and head-capsule width) also provided good biomass predictions, and may be useful in estimating biomass of preserved and/or damaged material. Case width was the dimension of the case that provided the best estimate of biomass. Despite the low relation, case width may be useful in studies that require low stress on individuals.

For the time-consuming and stressful body measuring task of Qinchuan cattle and farmers, the demand for the automatic measurement of body dimensions has become more and more urgent. It is necessary to explore automatic measurements with deep learning to improve breeding efficiency and promote the development of industry. In this paper, a novel approach to measuring the body dimensions of live Qinchuan cattle with on transfer learning is proposed. Deep learning of the Kd-network was trained with classical three-dimensional (3D) point cloud datasets (PCD) of the ShapeNet datasets. After a series of processes of PCD sensed by the light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor, the cattle silhouettes could be extracted, which after augmentation could be applied as an input layer to the Kd-network. With the output of a convolutional layer of the trained deep model, the output layer of the deep model could be applied to pre-train the full connection network. The TrAdaBoost algorithm was employed to transfer the pre-trained convolutional layer and full connection of the deep model. To classify and recognize the PCD of the cattle silhouette, the average accuracy rate after training with transfer learning could reach up to 93.6%. On the basis of silhouette extraction, the candidate region of the feature surface shape could be extracted with mean curvature and Gaussian curvature. After the computation of the FPFH (fast point feature histogram) of the surface shape, the center of the feature surface could be recognized and the body dimensions of the cattle could finally be calculated. The experimental results showed that the comprehensive error of body dimensions was close to 2%, which could provide a feasible approach to the non-contact observations of the bodies of large physique livestock without any human intervention.

The objective of the present study was to compare the individual breeds of Hutzul horses in Slovakia and in the Czech Republic in terms of their age, gender, line and conditions of breeding in which the horses live. First of all in each herd we analysed 14 body dimensions, from these data the hippo-metric indices were calculated and processed statistically using the statistical programme Unistat version 5.1. Then they were compared mutually. Most of the statistically significant differences were related to the effect of the place of measurements. According to the place of measurement only the tape measure and height in saddle were statistically insignificant. On average the largest horses come from the ranch in Janova Hora and the smallest from the Slovakian Hutzul Club and Zmrzlík. In the effect of a gender the geldings exhibited the highest average values of all the dimensions, with the exception of the front width of pelvis, while the stallions showed the lowest (with the exception of the cannon girth). In the effect of a line the average values were the highest in the Prislop line and the lowest in the lines Hroby and Gurgul. The age affected only one dimension, i.e. the chest width behind the shoulder blade. Eight-year-old horses exhibited the highest average values and 3-year-old and 19 to 20-year-old horses the lowest values.

The body dimension measurement of large animals plays a significant role in quality improvement and genetic breeding, and the non-contact measurements by computer vision-based remote sensing could represent great progress in the case of dangerous stress responses and time-costing manual measurements. This paper presents a novel approach for three-dimensional digital modeling of live adult Qinchuan cattle for body size measurement. On the basis of capturing the original point data series of live cattle by a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensor, the conditional, statistical outliers and voxel grid filtering methods are fused to cancel the background and outliers. After the segmentation of K-means clustering extraction and the RANdom SAmple Consensus (RANSAC) algorithm, the Fast Point Feature Histogram (FPFH) is put forward to get the cattle data automatically. The cattle surface is reconstructed to get the 3D cattle model using fast Iterative Closest Point (ICP) matching with Bi-directional Random K-D Trees and a Greedy Projection Triangulation (GPT) reconstruction method by which the feature points of cattle silhouettes could be clicked and calculated. Finally, the five body parameters (withers height, chest depth, back height, body length, and waist height) are measured in the field and verified within an accuracy of 2 mm and an error close to 2%. The experimental results show that this approach could be considered as a new feasible method towards the non-contact body measurement for large physique livestock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We determined the size-mass relationships for two populations of the freshwater crab Trichodactylus fluviatilis Latreille, 1828 in the Atlantic Forest along the southeastern coast of Brazil. Different mathematical models (linear, exponential, and power) and body variables (carapace length (CL) and width (CW)) were used to determine the best relationships to estimate the biomass of males, females, and all individuals sampled. The values of the body variables and biomasses did not differ between the sexes or the populations studied. Considering data for all individuals and for males only, the best relationships to estimate the biomass of T. fluviatilis were determined using the power model and CW in the Macuco population and the power model and CL in Mestre Álvaro (model selection using small-sample corrected Akaike's Information Criteria). The best relationships in females were calculated using the linear and power models and CW in the two streams. The slopes of the power model equations determined by both body variables did not differ between the sexes in either stream, but differences were observed when all individuals of the populations were considered. The results support the use of carapace length and width as predictors of the biomass of T. fluviatilis and the population-specificity of size-mass relationships, which requires the determination of one specific equation for each population studied. The biomass estimation of T. fluviatilis through size-mass relationships contributes to the evaluation of the role of these macroconsumers in the detritus-based food webs of Atlantic Forest streams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]