Torso Height Research Articles

Estimating body condition of Apennine brown bears using subjective scoring based on camera trap photographs

The assessment of animal body condition has important practical and management implications for endangered wildlife populations. The nutritional condition of a population can be evaluated in a non-invasive way using photogrammetry techniques, avoiding direct manipulation. This study evaluates the utility of using body condition scoring (BCS) based on the visual assessment of subcutaneous fat and muscle from the body contour as a non-invasive method to quantify body condition in free ranging bears from camera trap photographs. Photographs of Apennine brown bears (Ursus arctos marsicanus), taken between 2007 and 2009 in the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park (PNALM, Italy), were used to evaluate the potential of this technique. BCS assessment was performed on 754 photographs representing 71 independent observations. Forty-eight of these photographs were selected to also score quantitative body ratios using a standardised measure of torso height. BCS varied seasonally, as expected by food availability and brown bear nutritional physiology, and it was also positively correlated to all three body ratios. Our findings indicate that BCS assessment is a good proxy for body condition, and that camera trap data can be effectively used to assess and monitor the nutritional condition of bear populations, such as the critically endangered one in central Italy.

Musculoskeletal spine modeling in large patient cohorts: how morphological individualization affects lumbar load estimation.

Introduction: Achieving an adequate level of detail is a crucial part of any modeling process. Thus, oversimplification of complex systems can lead to overestimation, underestimation, and general bias of effects, while elaborate models run the risk of losing validity due to the uncontrolled interaction of multiple influencing factors and error propagation. Methods: We used a validated pipeline for the automated generation of multi-body models of the trunk to create 279 models based on CT data from 93 patients to investigate how different degrees of individualization affect the observed effects of different morphological characteristics on lumbar loads. Specifically, individual parameters related to spinal morphology (thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), and torso height (TH)), as well as torso weight (TW) and distribution, were fully or partly considered in the respective models according to their degree of individualization, and the effect strengths of these parameters on spinal loading were compared between semi- and highly individualized models. T-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (T-SNE) analysis was performed for overarching pattern recognition and multiple regression analyses to evaluate changes in occurring effects and significance. Results: We were able to identify significant effects (p < 0.05) of various morphological parameters on lumbar loads in models with different degrees of individualization. Torso weight and lumbar lordosis showed the strongest effects on compression (β ≈ 0.9) and anterior-posterior shear forces (β ≈ 0.7), respectively. We could further show that the effect strength of individual parameters tended to decrease if more individual characteristics were included in the models. Discussion: The induced variability due to model individualization could only partly be explained by simple morphological parameters. Our study shows that model simplification can lead to an emphasis on individual effects, which needs to be critically assessed with regard to in vivo complexity. At the same time, we demonstrated that individualized models representing a population-based cohort are still able to identify relevant influences on spinal loading while considering a variety of influencing factors and their interactions.

Designing an IoT-Based Vest for Elderly People with Dementia

The increasing elderly population is causing various changes that have an impact on health problems, one of which is cognitive function, namely dementia. This research will aim to create a smart vest that will have the main feature of location tracking, especially when the user is outside the home and has no supervision. Quality Function Deployment (QFD) method, usability, and anthropometry will be used to determine appropriate evaluation steps based on product needs analysis to ensure users can use the product easily, efficiently, and satisfactorily. In making VesTi products, several processes are carried out based on the main and body parts, namely the front and back vest, vest pockets, zippers, heart rate sensors, airbags, GPS sensor module, and crash collision sensor. Using the QFD method, the crash sensor variable has a value importance rating of 5.33 and a value relative view of 30%, which means that more attention is needed for developing crash sensors in VesTi products. Based on usability testing, the level of satisfaction at grades A+ or acceptable. The anthropometry used; chest circumference is 106 cm, shoulder width is 37 cm, waist circumference is 100 cm, wrist circumference is 18 cm, and front torso height is 67 cm.

Predictive analysis of the scoliotic curve using a subject's 3D model.

A predictive analysis of the conservative scoliosis treatment is necessary, in which a 3D model of an optimal treatment algorithm is a basic part in the design of a prosthetic corset. Since CAD technology has proven to be very useful in the field of prosthetics and orthotics, we used an open-source software to plan the correction of the scoliotic curve on a virtual model of the subject's torso. The shape of the scoliosis was simplified by means of a directional polygon, which was drawn in a reverse manner depending on the directional arcs of the scoliotic curve. The resulting scoliosis correction, simulated in a predictive analysis, was defined by changing the Cobb angle, eccentricity, and torso height. With the proposed low-cost method of predictive analysis, it is possible to help CPOs to a more accurate and effective design of orthoses and corrective aids and to comprehensively determine the entire treatment procedure.

25 The potential impact of female body shape on rider posture and scores received from dressage judges

The ideal female body image in equestrianism has been perceived as a slighter physique, resulting in riders and coaches perceiving that dressage judges have a preferred bias toward smaller riders, impacting the overall competition scores. This research aimed to identify certain aspects of rider body shape (BS) that enhance rider posture both physically and subjectively via dressage judge scoring, also to identify if judge bias was present toward rider physique. Aspects of rider posture were measured, including upper body position, rein tension, stirrup force and weight distribution. Measurements of rider volunteers (n = 20) were taken including height, weight, torso height, arm and leg length, reflective markers were used for postural analysis. Riders rode an equine simulator for 30 s in walk, trot and canter left and were recorded on video. Dressage judges (list 1–5, n = 11) were asked to score riders on a scale of one (very bad) to 10 (excellent) for different postural aspects. Kendall's Coefficient of Concordance assessed level of agreement among judges scores, and Regression Analysis made comparisons between BS aspects, judge scores and quantifiable data of rider posture. The results indicated that body mass index (BMI), height, or rider confidence was not related to judges’ scores. There was a moderate agreement overall for all thejudges (Kendall's Coef = 0.466195), higher-level judges showed a substantial agreement (Kendall's Coef = 0.672543) compared with lower-level judges who showed a moderate agreement (Kendall's Coef = 0.476772). A relationship between torso height and judge score indicated that riders with a shorter torso scored higher for upper body position (DF = 1; R-sq(adj) = 22.66%; F-Value = 5.52; P = 0.034); no relationship was found between rider posture (the range around the vertical) and torso height. Riders with longer legs in proportion to their height scored higher from judges for lower leg security (DF = 1; R-sq(adj) = 19.52%; F-Value = 5.61; P = 0.029). Rider leg length was significantly related to stirrup force, indicating that riders with longer legs produced greater force onto the stirrups (DF = 1; R-sq(adj) = 21.04%; F-Value = 6.06; P = 0.023). This identified that judges appeared not to have a rider size bias, contradicting previous rider perceptions. Certain aspects of rider BS were suggested to impact rider ability from the scores received by judges, such as a shorter torso enhancing upper body posture and leg length enhancing the security of the lower leg. Future research investigating further performance indicators or limiters is needed to identify aspects that may enhance rider performance.

연령에 따른 재킷 패턴 설계를 위한 30-50대 남성 체형연구

This study attempted to analyze the upper-body shapes of adult men aged from 30 to 59 involved in the 7SUPth/SUP SIZE KOREA Project and to provide basic data for designing jacket patterns by age. This study analyzed a total of 53 measurement items, including 47 direct measurements and six calculations were analyzed, using SPSS 25.0. According to the analysis, beginning the late 30s, a bending body shape was observed, beginning in the late 30s. The belly started to get thicker in the late 40s. Until the early 50s, the upper body looked plain. To account for such issues, the neck point to breast point to waistline should be set to ‘waist back L. + (7-11 mm)’ when designing jacket patterns for men in their 30s, while interscye (front) should be ‘interscye (back) + (33-37 mm)’ when creating jacket patterns for those in their 40-50s. Factor analysis uncovered five different categories: horizontal size of torso, torso height and length of upper limb, shoulder size, length of the upper body, and shoulder angle. Based on such classification, cluster analysis was performed. In Type 1, an obese body type with average height was observed, while a tall slim shape was found in Type 2. Type 3 revealed a tall body shape with a large waist and abdominal circumference. Type 4 was characterized by a short body shape with a small chest and hips. When classified by age, a tall and slim body shape was most common from the early 30s to early 40s. On the contrary, in the late 40s, a short body shape with small chest and hips was most common. Also, an obese body shape with average height and a tall body shape with a large waist and abdominal circumferences were mostly observed in the early 50s and late 50s, respectively.

Dining from the coast to the summit: Salmon and pine nuts determine the summer body condition of female brown bears on the Shiretoko Peninsula.

Body condition in mammals fluctuates depending on energy intake and expenditure. For brown bears (Ursus arctos), high‐protein foods facilitate efficient mass gain, while lipids and carbohydrates play important roles in adjusting dietary protein content to optimal levels to maximize energy intake. On the Shiretoko Peninsula, Hokkaido, Japan, brown bears have seasonal access to high‐lipid pine nuts and high‐protein salmon. To assess seasonal and annual fluctuation in the body condition of adult female brown bears in relation to diet and reproductive status, we conducted a longitudinal study in a special wildlife protection area on the Shiretoko Peninsula during 2012–2018. First, analyses of 2,079 bear scats revealed that pine nuts accounted for 39.8% of energy intake in August and salmon accounted for 46.1% in September and that their consumption by bears varied annually. Second, we calculated the ratio of torso height to torso length as an index of body condition from 1,226 photographs of 12 adult females. Results indicated that body condition continued to decline until late August and started to increase in September when salmon consumption increased. In addition, body condition began to recover earlier in years when consumption of both pine nuts and salmon was high. Furthermore, females with offspring had poorer body condition than solitary females, in particular in late August in years with low salmon consumption. Our findings suggest that coastal and subalpine foods, which are unique to the Shiretoko Peninsula, determine the summer body condition of female brown bears, as well as their survival and reproductive success.

Shoulder and elbow requirements during sagittal reach as a result of changing anthropometry throughout pregnancy

During pregnancy, anthropometric and physiological changes can result in difficulty reaching for and lifting everyday objects. The aims of this study were to determine the changes in sagittal plane anterior reach space (SPARS) and shoulder/elbow strength requirements throughout pregnancy. Seventeen participants were tested through a longitudinal observational cohort study between 16 and 36 weeks gestation in four-week intervals. A 25% decrease in SPARS was observed at the L3-4 torso height. Combined with arm mass increases, shoulder and elbow moment requirements at the minimum and maximum static reach distances significantly increased. However, inverse dynamics analysis determined that mass gains in the arm alone only minimally impact dynamic shoulder moments. Additionally, torso flexion increases throughout pregnancy demonstrates that women are attempting to compensate for decreased SPARS, possibly indicating the additional perceptual importance of reach space in accommodations for pregnant workers.

Development of a noninvasive photograph-based method for the evaluation of body condition in free-ranging brown bears.

Body condition is an important determinant of health, and its evaluation has practical applications for the conservation and management of mammals. We developed a noninvasive method that uses photographs to assess the body condition of free-ranging brown bears (Ursus arctos) in the Shiretoko Peninsula, Hokkaido, Japan. First, we weighed and measured 476 bears captured during 1998–2017 and calculated their body condition index (BCI) based on residuals from the regression of body mass against body length. BCI showed seasonal changes and was lower in spring and summer than in autumn. The torso height:body length ratio was strongly correlated with BCI, which suggests that it can be used as an indicator of body condition. Second, we examined the precision of photograph-based measurements using an identifiable bear in the Rusha area, a special wildlife protection area on the peninsula. A total of 220 lateral photographs of this bear were taken September 24–26, 2017, and classified according to bear posture. The torso height:body/torso length ratio was calculated with four measurement methods and compared among bear postures in the photographs. The results showed torso height:horizontal torso length (TH:HTL) to be the indicator that could be applied to photographs of the most diverse postures, and its coefficient of variation for measurements was <5%. In addition, when analyzing photographs of this bear taken from June to October during 2016–2018, TH:HTL was significantly higher in autumn than in spring/summer, which indicates that this ratio reflects seasonal changes in body condition in wild bears. Third, we calculated BCI from actual measurements of seven females captured in the Rusha area and TH:HTL from photographs of the same individuals. We found a significant positive relationship between TH:HTL and BCI, which suggests that the body condition of brown bears can be estimated with high accuracy based on photographs. Our simple and accurate method is useful for monitoring bear body condition repeatedly over the years and contributes to further investigation of the relationships among body condition, food habits, and reproductive success.

Generation of a cohort of whole-torso cardiac models for assessing the utility of a novel computed shock vector efficiency metric for ICD optimisation

Implanted cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) seek to automatically detect and terminate potentially lethal ventricular arrhythmias by applying strong internal electric shocks across the heart. However, the optimisation of the specific electrode design and configurations represents an intensive area of research in the pursuit of reduced shock strengths and fewer device complications and risks. Computational whole-torso simulations play an important role in this endeavour, although knowing which specific metric should be used to assess configuration efficacy and assessing the impact of different patient anatomies and pathologies, and the corresponding effect this may have on different metrics has not been investigated. We constructed a cohort of CT-derived high-resolution whole torso-cardiac computational models, including variants of cardiomyopathies and patients with differing torso dimensions. Simulations of electric shock application between electrode configurations corresponding to transveneous (TV-ICD) and subcutaneous (S-ICD) ICDs were modelled and conventional metrics such as defibrillation threshold (DFT) and impedance computed. In addition, we computed a novel metric termed the shock vector efficiency (η), which quantifies the fraction of electrical energy dissipated in the heart relative to the rest of the torso. Across the cohort, S-ICD configurations showed higher DFTs and impedances than TV-ICDs, as expected, although little consistent difference was seen between healthy and cardiomyopathy variants. η was consistently <2% for S-ICD configurations, becoming as high as 13% for TV-ICD setups. Simulations also suggested that a total torso height of approximately 20 cm is required for convergence in η. Overall, η was seen to be approximately negatively correlated with both DFT and impedance. However, important scenarios were identified in which certain values of DFT (or impedance) were associated with a range of η values, and vice-versa, highlighting the heterogeneity introduced by the different torsos and pathologies modelled. In conclusion, the shock vector efficiency represents a useful additional metric to be considered alongside DFT and impedance in the optimisation of ICD electrode configurations, particularly in the context of differing torso anatomies and cardiac pathologies, which can induce significant heterogeneity in conventional metrics of ICD efficacy.

Improving Kinematic Flexibility and Walking Performance of a Six-legged Robot by Rationally Designing Leg Morphology

This paper explores the design of leg morphology in a six-legged robot. Inspired by nature, where animals have different leg morphology, we examined how the difference in leg morphology influences behaviors of the robot. To this end, a systematic search was conducted by scanning over the parameter space consisting of default angles of leg joints of the six-legged robot, with two main objectives: to maximize the kinematic flexibility and walking performance of the robot. Results show that (1) to have a high kinematic flexibility with both the torso and swing legs, the femur segment should tilt downwards by 5°–10° and the tibia segment should be vertically downwards or with a slight inward tilt; (2) to achieve relatively energy-efficient and steady walking, the tibia segment should be approximately vertically downwards, with the femur segment tilting upwards to lower the torso height. The results of this study suggest that behaviors of legged robots can be passively enhanced by careful mechanical design choices, thereby leading to more competent legged machines.

Torso height optimization for bipedal locomotion

Bipedal robots can be better alternatives to other robots in certain applications, but their full potential can only be used if their entire kinematic range is cleverly exploited. Generating motions that are not only dynamically feasible but also take into account the kinematic limits as well as collisions in real time is one of the main challenges towards that goal. We present an approach to generate adaptable torso height trajectories to exploit the full kinematic range in bipedal locomotion. A simplified 2D model approximates the robot’s full kinematic model for multiple steps ahead. It is used to optimize the torso height trajectories while taking future motion kinematics into account. The method significantly improves the robot’s motion not only while walking in uneven terrain, but also during normal walking. Furthermore, we integrated the method in our framework for autonomous walking and we validated its real-time character in successfully conducted experiments.

Assessment of low back disorders risk based on allowable weight limits for manual lifting in Iran.

In 2011, load limits for manual lifting were adopted in Iran to protect workers from low back injury without prior testing of accuracy with Iranian workers. This investigation examined how accurate the adopted ACGIH TLVs at the allowable limits predict risk for LBP disorders for a group of Iranian workers using biomechanical criteria. Testing took place in the laboratory with participants completing a series of 2-handed lifting tasks as defined in the Iranian Guideline for Manual Lifting. To test accuracy, both compression and shear forces were estimated for fifteen male Iranian workers who completed 25 lift combinations that varied in height and reach with the maximal allowable load. The findings, when compared to a risk threshold of 3400 N compression and 700 N shear, showed above-threshold forces for compression and little-to-no safety margins with repetitive lifting for most lifts at torso height and below. Since Government, employers and workers use these guidelines to decide on work/workplace design; these guidelines require further review and revision based on the anthropometrics of Iranian people.

RESISTANCE OF THE MEDTRONIC MICRA LEADLESS PACEMAKER TO 60 HZ ELECTRICAL FIELDS

Pacemaker technology is constantly evolving. Although transvenous pacemakers have long been the standard of care, they have significant drawbacks. Thus, leadless intracardiac transcatheter pacing systems have been designed to avoid the need for pacemaker pockets and transvenous leads, and hence carry the potential to reduce associated complications. However, the risk of electromagnetic interference has not been ascertained for these devices when exposed to high electric fields, nor compared to ICNIRP’s international recommendation for general public exposure (4.2 kV/m). The goal of this study was to expose the Micra leadless pacemaker to electric field levels up to 20kV/m, to determine the electric field threshold for interference. Such high electric field levels can be encountered in industrial settings (power utility substations) and in the right of way of high voltage (735 kV) power lines (theoretically up to about 8,5kV/m at midspan). The Micra leadless pacemaker, manufactured by Medtronic, was tested in vitro, in a high voltage testing laboratory. The device was mounted in a saline tank at human torso height, and incrementally exposed to electric fields up to 20 kV/m. The device was set up in three different positions: upright, horizontal and 45°. Two devices were tested. When programmed to nominal parameters (2.8mV), and to higher sensitivities (2 mV and 0.45 mV) both Micra leadless pacemakers tested were immune to interference up to a level of 20kV/m, no matter the orientation chosen. These results are reassuring since, in the laboratory, the Micra device is immune to interference up to high electric field exposures, no matter the programmed sensitivity. As with any implantable cardiac device, there remains a need for individualized decision making for the safety of employees with a leadless pacemaker if their work environment exposes them to electric fields. For the general safety of the public, no significant concern should arise in individuals with Micra leadless pacemaker programmed to nominal settings or to higher sensitivity levels.

INTERFERENCE RESISTANCE OF PACEMAKERS AND DEFIBRILLATORS TO 60 HZ ELECTRIC FIELDS

The technology behind pacemakers (PMs) and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) is constantly evolving with specific features which render devices ever more sophisticated. Although shielding and manufacturing features have rendered them more immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI), there remains safety concerns with high risk exposure. Based on the International Standards Organization standard 14117, PMs and ICDs on the market should offer resistance to 5.4 kV/m (for 60 Hz electric fields). This value is above the ICNIRP international recommendation for public exposure (4.2 kV/m). The goal of this study was to expose PMs and ICDs to electric fields up to 20 kV/m, to determine the el445ectric field threshold for EMI. Such high electric field levels can be encountered in industrial settings (power utility substations) and in the right of way of high voltage (735 kV) power lines (theoretically up to about 9 kV/m at midspan). Forty device models currently on the market (21 PMs and 19 ICDs, including CRTD) from 5 manufacturers were tested in vitro in a high voltage laboratory to 20 kV/m. Devices were mounted in a saline tank at human torso height. Devices were set up both as left and right sided pectoral implants. When programmed to nominal parameters, in bipolar mode, all PMs were immune to EMI up to 8.6 kV/m (8.6 kV/m for least resistant to > 20 kV/m for most resistant). When programmed to higher sensitivity levels or in unipolar mode, the EMI threshold decreased to as low as 1.5 kV/m in some devices. When programmed to nominal parameters, all ICDs were immune to EMI up to 2.9 kV/m (2.9 kV/m for least resistant to > 20 kV/m for more resistant). In many cases, a slight decrease in sensitivity level conferred much greater resistance to EMI. There was no significant difference in EMI threshold field values for left compared to right sided implants. EMI remains a concern when PMs and ICDs are exposed to electric fields. These results reconfirm the need for individualized decisions for the safety of employees with PMs and ICDs in their work environment. For general public safety, no significant concern should arise in individuals with PMs programmed to nominal settings, in bipolar mode. For the minority of patients with devices in unipolar mode or with very sensitive settings, appropriate counselling should be given at implantation or at medical follow up, for example avoiding to remain under high voltage power lines (> 230 kV).

Prospective Evaluation of the Correlation Between Torso Height and Aortic Anatomy in Respect of a Fluoroscopy-Free Aortic Balloon Occlusion System

Morphologic analysis can be used in the development of a fluoroscopy free balloon occlusion system for torso hemorrhage control.

Prospective evaluation of the correlation between torso height and aortic anatomy in respect of a fluoroscopy free aortic balloon occlusion system

To report the lengths of key torso vascular and to develop regression models that will predict these lengths, based on an external measure of torso height (EMTH, sternum to pubis) in the development of a fluoroscopy-free balloon occlusion system for hemorrhage control. We conducted a prospective, observational study at a Combat Support Hospital in Southern Afghanistan using adult male patients undergoing computed tomography (CT). EMTH was recorded using a tape measure and intra-arterial distance was derived from CT imaging. Regression models to predict distance from the common femoral artery (CFA) into the middle of aortic zone I (left subclavian artery to celiac trunk) and zone III (infrarenal aorta) were developed from a random 20% of the cohort and validated by the remaining 80%. Overall, 177 male patients were included with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of 23 (8) years. The median (IQR) lengths of aortic zone I and III were 222 (24), 31 (9), and 92 (15) mm. The mid-zone distance from the left and right CFA to zone I were 423 (27) and 418 (29) and for zone III 232 (21) and 228 (22). Linear regression models demonstrated an accuracy between 99.3% to 100% at predicting the insertion distance required to place a catheter within the middle of each aortic zone. This study demonstrates the use of morphometric analysis in the development of a fluoroscopy-free balloon occlusion system for torso hemorrhage control. Further study in a larger population of mixed gender is required to further validate insertion models.

Laser-Based Tracking of Human Position and Orientation Using Parametric Shape Modeling

Robots designed to interact socially with people require reliable estimates of human position and motion. Additional pose data such as body orientation may enable a robot to interact more effectively by providing a basis for inferring contextual social information such as people's intentions and relationships. To this end, we have developed a system for simultaneously tracking the position and body orientation of many people, using a network of laser range finders mounted at torso height. An individual particle filter is used to track the position and velocity of each human, and a parametric shape model representing the person's cross-sectional contour is fit to the observed data at each step. We demonstrate the system's tracking accuracy quantitatively in laboratory trials and we present results from a field experiment observing subjects walking through the lobby of a building. The results show that our method can closely track torso and arm movements, even with noisy and incomplete sensor data, and we present examples of social information observable from this orientation and positioning information that may be useful for social robots.

25: Barix: The new adiposity indicator to aid bariatric surgery

BMI offers little correlation between the pre-operative bariatric surgical candidate and the degree of surgical difficulty. Pre-operative subjects may have dramatically different physical characteristics, yet have an identical BMI. Research has discovered a new adiposity indicator which utilizes torso height, torso volume and torso surface area to produce a value, called the Barix. The Barix classifies the degree of adiposity of pre-operative surgical candidates, independent of subject weight. Examination has shown a relationship between a pre-operative subject’s Barix value and the length and difficulty of the pending bariatric surgery.

Induced electromagnetic field and absorbed power density inside a human torso

The electric field and abscetbed power density inside a typical human torso 1.7 m in height induced by EM waves with frequencies ranging from 10 to 500 MHz have been theoretically quantified. Some numerical examples are given. The strongest internal electric field and absorbed power was found to be induced by an EM wave of about 80 MHz with the incident electric field parallel to the torso height.