Body Dimensions Research Articles

Transgenerational and parental impacts of acrylamide exposure on Caenorhabditis elegans: Physiological, behavioral, and genetic mechanisms

Acrylamide is pervasive, and its exposure poses numerous health risks. This study examines both the direct and transgenerational effects of acrylamide toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans, focusing on physiological and behavioral parameters. Parental exposure to acrylamide compromised several aspects of nematode health, including lifespan, reproductive capacity, body dimensions, and motor and sensory functions. Notably, while exposure to low concentrations of acrylamide did not alter the physiological traits of the offspring—except for their learning and memory—these findings suggest a possible adaptive response to low-level exposure that could be inherited by subsequent generations. Furthermore, continued acrylamide exposure in the offspring intensified both physiological and perceptual toxicity. Detailed analysis revealed dose-dependent alterations in acrylamide's detoxification and metabolic pathways. In particular, it inhibits the gene gst-4, which encodes a crucial enzyme in detoxification, mitigates DNA damage induced by acrylamide, and highlights a potential therapeutic target to reduce its deleterious effects.

A Holistic Approach to Nursing Students’ Changing Life and Anxiety in the Pandemic: A Descriptive Cross Sectional Study Utilizing Positive Psychotherapy

The life balance model of positive psychotherapy states that human lives have four dimensions: body, achievement, relationships, and spirituality. When these dimensions are in balance, people are healthy and productive. This study aimed to determine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on nursing students’ anxiety levels and life balance. This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted with 584 nursing students studying at 3 different universities in Turkey. The participants experienced significant changes in the life balance model’s dimensions of achievement, body, relationships, and spirituality before and during the pandemic. The participants’ anxiety increased with changes in these dimensions. Based on these results, it would be beneficial to support students in order to meet the needs in the life dimensions that students neglect. In addition, it is thought that the life balance model, which is being used for the first time in nursing, can be developed as a tool in the nursing practice.

Development of a personalized mask design method using three-dimensional scan data

Purpose This study aims to develop a novel design method to make personalized masks for the effective prevention of pandemic respiratory infectious disease.Design/methodology/approachThe changes in facial shape during speaking were analyzed using a three-dimensional (3D) scanning technique. In total, 13 anthropometric items were measured, and mask patterns were generated using a parametric pattern design method. Three sizing methods were proposed to reflect not only static but also dynamic body dimensions on the mask patterns.FindingsA significant increase or decrease was observed in 10 out of 13 measurement items. Based on this, four items were selected to be used in the mask pattern design. The nose and cheek areas of a mask were fixed to protect the respiratory tract against viruses. The lower jaw area was deformed to improve the fit.Social implicationsThis study is expected to provide fundamental data to understand the changes in facial shape during movement. In addition, it is expected that the development of individualized personal protective equipment with movement adaptability will facilitate an effective response to various pandemic respiratory diseases.Originality/valueIn order to develop a personal protective equipment (PPE) that has a good fit and can protect against pandemic respiratory infectious diseases, morphological analysis was attempted using 3D facial data. It would be possible to design various products and equipment to be worn on the face by using the method proposed in this study.

A Study on the 3D Reconstruction Strategy of a Sheep Body Based on a Kinect v2 Depth Camera Array.

Non-contact measurement based on the 3D reconstruction of sheep bodies can alleviate the stress response in sheep during manual measurement of body dimensions. However, data collection is easily affected by environmental factors and noise, which is not conducive to practical production needs. To address this issue, this study proposes a non-contact data acquisition system and a 3D point cloud reconstruction method for sheep bodies. The collected sheep body data can provide reference data for sheep breeding and fattening. The acquisition system consists of a Kinect v2 depth camera group, a sheep passage, and a restraining pen, synchronously collecting data from three perspectives. The 3D point cloud reconstruction method for sheep bodies is implemented based on C++ language and the Point Cloud Library (PCL). It processes noise through pass-through filtering, statistical filtering, and random sample consensus (RANSAC). A conditional voxel filtering box is proposed to downsample and simplify the point cloud data. Combined with the RANSAC and Iterative Closest Point (ICP) algorithms, coarse and fine registration are performed to improve registration accuracy and robustness, achieving 3D reconstruction of sheep bodies. In the base, 135 sets of point cloud data were collected from 20 sheep. After 3D reconstruction, the reconstruction error of body length compared to the actual values was 0.79%, indicating that this method can provide reliable reference data for 3D point cloud reconstruction research of sheep bodies.

Let's include the ladies: Do morphology-performance relationships vary between sexes in lizards?

An animal's morphology influences its ability to perform essential tasks, such as locomoting to obtain prey or escape predators. While morphology-performance relationships are well-studied in lizards, most conclusions have been based only on male study subjects, leaving unanswered questions about females. Sex-specific differences are important to understand because females carry the bulk of the physiological demands of reproduction. Consequently, their health and survival can determine the fate of the population as a whole. To address this knowledge gap, we sampled introduced populations of common wall lizards (Podarcis muralis) in Ohio, USA. We measured a complete suite of limb and body dimensions of both males and females, and we measured sprint speeds while following straight paths and curved paths on different substrates. Using a multivariate statistical approach, we identified that body dimensions relative to snout-to-vent length in males were much larger compared to females and that body dimensions of P. muralis have changed over time in both sexes. We found that sprint speed along curved paths increased with relative limb size in both males and females. When following straight paths, male speed similarly increased as body dimensions increased; conversely, female speed decreased as body dimensions increased. Female sprint speed was also found to have less variation than that of males and was less affected by changes in body size and hindfoot length compared to males. This study thus provides insights into how selective pressures might shape males and females differently and the functional implications of sexual dimorphism.

Perancangan Mesin Pengupas Singkong dengan Metodologi NIDA-QFD untuk Industri Keripik Singkong ABC Banyuwangi

Banyuwangi produces potential cassava chips. However, due to slow manual stripping, production capacity is low, market demand is high, and product quality decreases. This study develops an optimized peeling machine using NIDA-QFD to meet user needs and increase innovation. Experimental design model and 5 alternative actions of cassava peeling machine. ABC Banyuwangi Industry with 10 respondents, including owners and employees, was given intervention in the action decision. NIDA-QFD developed a cassava peeling machine design that is efficient and minimizes risk. Alternative 3 was chosen, with user body dimensions (height 110-180 cm), using sturdy materials (steel angle profile, stainless steel plate), and having 5 peeling rolls (diameter 80 mm, length 910 mm) for an effective and efficient stripping process. The 220 volt 1/2 PK AC drive system ensures the roll rotates with optimal speed and torque. The cassava skin remover is made of stainless steel which is rust-resistant and easy to clean, so it is feasible to overcome the problem of manual peeling of cassava and opportunities for progress in the cassava chips industry.

The estimation of different body dimensions of children aged 6-11 years for the needs of furniture designers.

There are some rules that furniture designers must take into consideration to design ergonomic furniture. The main design principle is the target group for which the furniture will be designed, considering the dimensions of people who use the furniture. The paper presents the correlation between 12 parts of children's body, as well as the proportion between stature and 11 other parts of the body which are used for the purposes of furniture and interior designers. Field measurements include: Stature (S), Sitting height (She), Shoulder height (Sh), Popliteal height (Ph), Hip width (Hb), Elbow rest height (Erh), Buttock-popliteal length (Bpl), Buttock-knee length (Bkl), Thigh clearance (Tc), Eye height sitting (Eh), Knee height (Kh) and Shoulder breadth (Sb) to pupils aged 6-11 (grades 1 to 5). The measurements were done in 687 children in 12 primary schools in 4 different regions in Kosovo. The data of the study shows that, in general, there is a correlation (in some parts strong and in some medium) for the measured parts. Also, the study presents the proportion between the stature and other parts of the body which are necessary for the design of children's furniture. Using this data will enable furniture designers to easily target the dimensions of the group they will design, even by measuring only one dimension, i.e. stature and then setting the proportions for each piece separately.

From medical imaging to 3D printed anatomical models: a low-cost, affordable 3D printing approach.

To share our experience in creating precise anatomical models using available open-source software. An affordable method is presented, where from a DICOM format of a computed tomography, a segmentation of the region of interest is achieved. The image is then processed for surface improvement and the DICOM format is converted to STL. Error correction is achieved and the model is optimized to be printed by stereolithography with a desktop 3D printer. Precise measurements of the dimensions of the DICOM file (CT), the STL file, and the printed model (3D) were carried out. For the C6 vertebra, the dimensions of the horizontal axis were 55.3 mm (CT), 55.337 mm (STL), and 55.3183 mm (3D). The dimensions of the vertebral body were 14.2 mm (CT), 14.551 mm (STL), and 14.8159 mm (3D). The length of the spinous process was 18.2 mm (CT), 18.283 mm (STL), and 18.2266 mm (3D), while its width was 8.5 mm (CT), 8.3644 mm (STL), and 8.3226 mm (3D). For the C7 vertebra, the dimensions of the horizontal axis were 58.6 mm (CT), 58.739 mm (STL), and 58.7144 mm (3D). The dimensions of the vertebral body were 14 mm (CT), 14.0255 mm (STL), and 14.2312 mm (3D). The length of the spinous process was 18.7 mm (CT), 18.79 mm (STL), and 18.6458 mm (3D), and its width was 8.9 mm (CT), 8.988 mm (STL), and 8.9760 mm (3D). The printing of a 3D model of bone tissue using this algorithm is a viable, useful option with high precision.

STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF THE CAUSATIVE-HOLISTIC MODEL OF HEALTH

Within this study, the necessity of a causative-holistic approach to health, viewed through philosophical and spiritual contexts, is substantiated. The author focuses on the structural analysis of the health model, based on the conducted research on the understanding of the phenomenon of health by ancient philosophers, medieval thinkers, and contemporary scientists. The article acknowledges the importance of spirituality in health and defines it as a causal factor that sets parameters for the development of physical health. The research offers a detailed description of the structure of holistic health, which includes unity, duality, and trinity, forming the foundation on the tripartite model “spirit-soul-body,” which has shaped the understanding of holistic health since medieval times and remains unchanged. Based on the metaphysical system proposed by the German mystic Jacob Böhme, the author substantiates the septenary structure of the spirit, reflecting in the septenary manifestation of the human being, and should have its analogy in the physical body and social dimension of the human being. A decenary model of health is also proven, appearing in the connection of the septenary «earthly human» with the triple metasystem complex, reflecting the spiritual aspect of holistic human. This decenary model forms a new causative-holistic view on human health and can be the basis for changing the medical paradigm, which should be based on primary spiritual factors of health for the preservation and improvement of both physical health and the health of the metasystem complex human-collective-society-planet.

SOMATIC STATUS AND BODY COMPOSITION OF YOUNG WOMEN OF THE ALTAI REPUBLIC LIVING IN URBAN AND RURAL AREAS

Introduction. Due to the wide variety of ethnogeographic features and ecological niches, environmental differences as well as changes in living conditions, the study of the morphological status of indigenous populations of Russia retains its significance. Our aim was to study the somatic status and BIA body composition of young women of Altai and Russian ethnicities aged 17-23 years living in urban and rural areas of the Altai Republic. Materials and methods. In 2021–2023, 230 young women aged 17 to 23 years (117 Altai-Kizhi and 113 Russians) living in urban and rural areas were examined. The examination program included anthropometry, the Heath-Carter somatotyping, and BIA. Ethnic differences and city-village differences were assessed using parametric and non-parametric methods. Results. Ethnically Russian women were, in general, somewhat larger than Altai women, significant differences were found for height (Ht), weight (Wt), waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). Significant differences were also observed for the resistance R50, phase angle and fat-free mass (FFM) values. The somatotype distributions by enlarged classes were close with a predominance of mesomorphic and endomorphic types. When testing for city-village differences in ethnic subgroups, the total body dimensions (Wt, Ht, chest circumference), as well as WC, hip circumference (HC) and body mass index were slightly higher in urban residents (not significant differences). The urban Altai women had a statistically significantly higher endomorphy rating with a noticeable increase in fat mass (FM), %FM and fat mass index. Ethnic differences were more pronounced in rural (Ht, Wt, HC, WHR, R50, phase angle, FFM and fat-free mass index were significantly different) than in urban residents (significant differences only for Ht and FFM). Conclusions. The results of our study suggest that permanent residence in urban or rural areas, along with ethnic differences, is a significant factor associated with the somatic status of young Altai-Kizhi and ethnically Russian women belonging to the modern indigenous population of the Altai Republic. In the subgroup of young women who are inherently living in the city, less pronounced ethnic differences in somatic status were observed as compared to residents of rural areas. © 2024. This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 license.

NEW APPROACH TOWARDS THE PROBLEM OF SOMATIC CRITERIA OF SECULAR TRENDS. SEXUAL SOMATIC DIMORPHISM

Introduction. The goal of study is description of secular dynamics of sex dimorphism (SD) of height, weight, chest girth of children aged 9 years and teenagers 13 years old from Russia and neighboring countries through 1920–2010. Materials and methods. The main source of data — materials of books on physical development of children and adolescents from cities and rural regions of Russia and USSR, collected and processed according to the universal methodical standards of Research Institute of Hygiene of children and adolescents. The quantitative estimation of SD value was held using Kullback divergence. One-year age groups, contrastive in biological essence, are under discussion. The estimation of the vector and level of associations of SD of anthropometric traits and secular factor was held using correlation analysis. The analysis of local patterns of secular SD dynamics of separate traits was carried out. Results. Secular variability of height and weight SD of 9-year-old children is not significant. While secular dynamics of three body dimensions of 13-year-old teenagers is significant, the highest determination coefficient is fixed for weight. For Moscow samples the decrease of height and weight SD is fixed through the historic interval 1960s – 70s with the following recovery up to the level of 1920s in 2000s. Temporal dynamics of SD of 9-year-old children of St. Petersburg through the interval 1960s – 2000s consists of macrosomization of girls; the tendency for 13-year-old teenagers is opposite. Temporal dynamics of somatic SD of 9-year-old Russian children of Kazan reveals stability through the interval 1960th-1990th; for 13-year-old teenagers’ parameters of transversal body development demonstrate secular stability, as to height – boys compensate their lag compared to girls. For Kirovsk city (Murmansk region) through the interval 1950s – 1970s temporal fluctuations of height and weight SD of 9-year-old children are less than 0,2 standard deviations; height and weight SD of 13-year-old teenagers reveal temporal increase (0,4–0,6 standard deviations). Conclusion. The results confirm the importance of somatic SD as the criterion of secular dynamics for 13-year-old teenagers and witness, as a whole, to the temporal stability of SD during second childhood (9 years). Local differences do not contribute significantly to the intensity of secular dynamics of SD. The process of secular macrosomization of one sex as compared to the other is not the exclusive prerogative of boys and male teenagers.

Ergonomic Design of Noseless Bicycle Saddle using UPVC/Silica-Aerogel

Introduction: During cycling most of the people suffer from perineal pain due to the pressure acting on the perineal area by the nose of the seat. Also Unsupported sitting on the saddle in a forward bending posture for longer time induce low back pain (LBP) among cyclists. So this paper presents the design of noseless bicycle seat with backrest using UPVC/Silica-Aerogel. Methods: This seat is designed as per the anthropometric dimensions of human body. Various parameters such as Lumbar position, seat tilt angle, seat position, backrest angle, seat height, backrest height, seat and backrest width are considered and the optimal value is determined while designing. The material chosen for the base of seat is UPVC/Silica- Aerogel composite and the cushioning material is chosen as polyurethene foam. The design is executed in 3D modelling software and validated using FEA package. Results: The maximum stresses induced in the newly proposed material UPVC/Silica-Aerogel (4.41MPa) is lesser than its yield strength (59 MPa). The maximum anterior stress of noseless seat is found out to be 24.5 kPa which is lower than that of the saddle with nose (41 kPa). Conclusion: As the anterior stress of noseless seat is lesser, the perineal pressure of cyclists is greatly reduced and this decreases the health problems associated with the perineal pressure. Also the backrest of the seatpan enhances the supporting of back muscles and reduces LBP among cyclists.

Iometrical Changes in Reproductive Tract of Arbia Goats According to Age, Body Condition, and Pregnancy

Background: Improved reproduction requires understanding the biometry of goats’ female reproductive system. Objectives: The present study was conducted to record the biometry of the female genital organs of the Arabia (Arbia) goats in Algeria according to age, body condition score, and pregnancy. Methods: A total of 149 reproductive tracts (from 80.54% non-pregnant and 19.46% pregnant goats) from three slaughterhouses were collected and measured. Each organ’s length, width, thickness, and weight were measured using slide calipers and an electric weighing balance. The ages of the fetuses in pregnant goats were determined by measuring their crown-rump length. Analysis was carried out using SPSS software, version 21. Results: The reproductive tract dimensions increase with age, body condition score, and stages of pregnancy. The left ovary’s weight, length, and width showed very significant (P<0.001) increases across age. The measurements of the uterine horn (except thickness) increased significantly (P<0.001) with age. The fallopian tube, the uterine body, and the cervix measures showed significant increases (P<0.001) between the first and third age groups. The ovary and the uterine body dimensions showed highly significant (P<0.001) increases across body condition scores. Pregnancy had no significant effect on the ovary and cervix dimensions. The uterine horn measurements showed significant increases (P<0.05) throughout gestation, and those of the uterine body showed highly significant increases (P<0.001) along the pregnancy stages. Conclusion: This study will provide baseline information on the morphology of the female Arbia breed reproductive system.

Accurate Prediction of Anthropometric Body Dimensions by 3D Optical Imaging Versus a High-Resolution 3D Laser Scanner

Accurate Prediction of Anthropometric Body Dimensions by 3D Optical Imaging Versus a High-Resolution 3D Laser Scanner

A non-invasive approach to measuring body dimensions of wildlife with camera traps: A felid field trial.

Dimensions of body size are an important measurement in animal ecology, although they can be difficult to obtain due to the effort and cost associated with the invasive nature of these measurements. We avoid these limitations by using camera trap images to derive dimensions of animal size. To obtain measurements of object dimensions using this method, the size of the object in pixels, the focal length of the camera, and the distance to that object must be known. We describe a novel approach of obtaining the distance to the object through the creation of a portable distance marker, which, when photographed, creates a "reference image" to determine the position of the animal within an image. This method allows for the retrospective analysis of existing datasets and eliminates the need for permanent in-field distance markers. We tested the accuracy of this methodology under controlled conditions with objects of known size resembling Felis catus, our study species, validating the legitimacy of our method of size estimation. We then apply our method to measure feral cat body size using images collected in Tasmania, Australia. The precision of our methodology was evaluated by comparing size estimates across individual cats, revealing consistent and reliable results. The average height (front paw to shoulder) of the feral cats sampled was 25.25 cm (CI = 24.4, 26.1) and the average length (base of tail to nose) was 47.48 cm (CI = 46.0, 48.9), suggesting wild feral cats in our study area are no larger than their domestic counterparts. Given the success of its application within our study, we call for further trails with this method across a variety of species.

Current Issues Related to Anthropometry in Engineering

Anthropos and Metrikos both mean "human" in Greek, which is where the term anthropometry comes from. Anthropometry is employed in a variety of fields, including apparel and textile design. For anthropometric evaluations, a current, thorough, and community-specific anthropometric normative-reference standard is necessary. In health care, ergonomic design is utilised to reduce pain and illness. Misalignments between humans and machines result in pain, accidents, biomechanical stress, tiredness, and musculoskeletal injuries. Designing for the anthropometrics of end users improves long-term viability. The human body comes in a wide range of sizes and shapes. Manual measurement and 3D scanning procedures, on the other hand, are inefficient and expensive, making precise body measurements difficult. This is especially true for head-worn medical devices. Manual measurement and 3D scanning are inefficient and expensive, making precise body measurements difficult. Grip strength and force were determined using hand measurements. Anthropometric parameter estimate is more precise when a 3D model is used to boost pinnae features. While numerous anatomical features have been gathered to aid in the ergonomic design of wearable devices, there is still a lot more work to be done. In three dimensions, the segment masses and torso Centre of Mass (COM) may be calculated. Researchers tracking mobility would benefit greatly from the ability to locate the body COM using a weighted sum of segment masses. Design features such as comfort and usefulness are crucial. Ergonomic characteristics like taller seats with front slopes and saddle chairs encourage good posture, movement, and alternation. In the creation of wearable technologies, using outdated anthropometric reference standards may be insufficient. This review discuses common issues related to anthropometry in engineering which includes the human body, anthropometric parameters, anthropometric measurements, the force plate method, ergonomic design, and body dimension. The goal is to give a broad overview of the subject.

Глибинні геологічні моделі району надглибокої cвердловини Saatly DW-1 на основі комплексу геофізичних даних

The purpose of the article is to study the reasons for the failure to achieve the scientific and geological goals set for the ultra-deep well DW-1, drilled in the Saatli region of Azerbaijan. The analysis will focus on the existing deep models built for this region, which are deemed insufficient in reflecting the truth. The paper highlights the importance of adopting a new approach to the recently created deep model and its potential benefits to the scientific community.Methodology. The technique includes a detailed comprehensive analysis of the gravitational and magnetic fields in this region, the use of local magnetic anomalies to build a model of the deep geological structure utilizing data from deep seismic sounding (DSS) and the correlation method of refracted waves (CMRW). Results. The spatial position of effusive formations in the geological section was determined using the local anomaly of the geomagnetic field in the Saatly region. At the same time, the geometric dimensions of the volcanic body were chosen in such a way that the magnetic field created by it corresponded to the observed local magnetic field. Thus, a model of the geological section up to a depth of 15 km was developed, with the display of the spatial position of the volcanic formation. In this model, unlike the previous one, the spatial position of the volcanic formation in the vertical geological section is completely different. In the newly constructed model, it turns out that there is a separate volcanic formation in the area of the Saatly DW-1. And in the previous models, it was shown that the magma came here from the Muradhanly zone, located at a distance of 25-30 km. The boundaries of the crystalline foundation and the basalt layer in the area of the DW-1 in the zone of the volcanic body are not traced. The root of the volcano narrows and goes deep into the earth. At a depth of about 15 km, the magma-producing channel has a width of 1 km. Based on the established model, it was determined that the ultra-deep well DW-1 is located on the magma-producing channel of the volcano that existed here. From the analysis of the obtained model data, it turns out that the extension of the Saatly DW-1 to depth will not allow opening the consolidated crust (crystalline foundation) and basalt layer. Because, although these layers are closer to the earth's surface in the area of the DW-1, the active volcano here has destroyed these boundaries. Orginality. Seismic survey materials were used to study the deep structures of the region, gravimagnetic data on profiles with an observation step of 250 m, and a technique was applied to construct the spatial positions of effusive formations in the geological section. Scientific novelty. It has been established that the geomagnetic field of this region is formed from three main effects - the effect of the sedimentary complex, the effect of the thickness between the basement and Curie surfaces, and the effect of local manifestations of magmatism. The sum of the first two effects quite accurately corresponds to the regional background of the observed geomagnetic field. Local positive anomalies isolated from the observed field are associated with local heterogeneities - in this region with volcanogenic formations in the sedimentary complex. Practical significance. A new geological-geophysical model was created by determining the spatial position of effusive formations in the geological section near the Saatly DW-1 well using the local anomaly of the geomagnetic field. This model has real possibilities in the direction of installation of ultra-deep wells for the study of deep layers of the earth's crust.

Research on Measuring the Bodies of Underwater Fish with Inclined Positions Using the YOLOv8 Model and a Line-Laser System

Fish body measurement is essential for monitoring fish farming and evaluating growth. Non-destructive underwater measurements play a significant role in aquaculture management. This study involved annotating images of fish in aquaculture settings and utilized a line laser for underwater distance calibration and fish body inclined-angle calculation. The YOLOv8 model was employed for fish identification and key-point detection, enabling the determination of actual body dimensions through a mathematical model. The results show a root-mean-square error of 6.8 pixels for underwater distance calibration using the line laser. The pre-training YOLOv8-n, with its lower parameter counts and higher MAP values, proved more effective for fish identification and key-point detection, considering speed and accuracy. Average body length measurements within 1.5 m of the camera showed a minor deviation of 2.46% compared to manual measurements. The average relative errors for body length and width were 2.46% and 5.11%, respectively, with corresponding average absolute errors. This study introduces innovative techniques for fish body measurement in aquaculture, promoting the digitization and informatization of aquaculture processes.

Analysis of garment fit problems and body measurements of Ethiopian young female consumers

Purpose This paper aims to investigate fit problems with some ready-to-wear garments, analyse the body measurements of Ethiopian young female consumers and draw implications for the improvement of ready-to-wear garment fit. Design/methodology/approach A random sample of 970 university students aged 18–35 years were interviewed, and their 35 body dimensions were measured manually according to the procedures in ISO 8559: 2017. The fit problems and body measurements were examined with the body mass index (BMI) and ethnicity of the subjects. Moreover, 15 body dimensions were compared with that of Chinese and US females of similar age. Findings The results showed that fit problems are frequent in lower garments for underweight consumers. Nearly consistent and smaller differences in body measurements were observed with BMIs and ethnicity of the subjects, while inconsistent and larger differences were found among the subjects from the three countries. The Ethiopian subjects were smaller than the Chinese in height and weight, between the Chinese and US females in most body measurements, and larger than the US subjects in across shoulder and arm and shoulder lengths. The results alarm the need for the development of Ethiopian national garment size standards. Originality/value The paper relates ready-to-wear garment fit issues to demographic factors and demographic factors to body measurements. Moreover, it considers young female consumers in Ethiopia, an African country with less explored consumer needs for clothing.

Morphology and morphometric of Tetragonula biroi bees at three different altitudes in South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract. Prastiyo A, Nuraeni S, Budiaman. 2024. Morphology and morphometric of Tetragonula biroi bees at three different altitudes in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 1993-2002. Tetragonula biroi Friese 1898 is a stingless bee species that plays an essential role in pollination and environmental conservation. This research is important because bees play a crucial role as pollinators for the sustainability of plants, and morphometric measurements can reveal patterns of adaptation and the potential production of products generated by these bees. This research aims to analyze the morphological and morphometric variations of T. biroi at three different altitudes in South Sulawesi. The study was conducted from November 2023 to January 2024, with sampling points in lowland (158 meters above sea level or masl), midland (417 masl), and highland (709 masl), using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) test using XLSTAT and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test using program SPSS. Observations of T. biroi morphology at the three locations were generally similar, with a black body color tinged with brown and characteristic hamuli numbering five. The morphometric analysis involved measuring body dimensions of T. biroi across 35 characters/sections of the external body, and the one-way ANOVA test results showed that the dominant characters significantly influencing were body length (BL) and length of fore wing, including tegula (WL1). T. biroi bees at lowlands tend to have smaller bodies, measuring 3.73±0.09 mm, while those at higher altitudes tend to have larger bodies, measuring 4.09±0.14 mm. This indicates adaptation to environmental conditions such as temperature (26.75C), humidity (81%), and dominant vegetation (Cocos nucifera L.) in lowland, which influence bee adaptation, as well as in midland and highland areas. This research provides a better understanding of morphological and morphometric variations in T. biroi bees at various altitudes in South Sulawesi. The morphology and morphometrics description of bees is crucial in determining the growth and production of a species.