Weight Classes Research Articles

Design charts for hydraulic twister based aircraft arrester gear

In this article, arrestment of an aircraft by a hydraulic twister based system is modeled and reduced to simple design charts. We are primarily interested in performance parameters like maximum deceleration, run-out distance, and maximum tape force. We first present a simplified mechanical model for the system. Some analytical progress is possible with the governing nonlinear differential equation, yielding expressions for velocity and acceleration in terms of displacement. The system has only two nondimensional parameters. This allows us to present simple design charts for the performance parameters. The same approach is extended to secondary performance parameters namely maximum jerk and the time at which maximum deceleration occurs. We choose some practical parameter sets and demonstrate the use of our charts. These charts can be used for design calculations and quick performance prediction of an arresting gear design for different weight classes of aircraft and practical initial velocities.

Predicting carrying capacity of a large carnivore from prey densities: a new approach.

Large carnivores play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Successful conservation initiatives have often led to a huge increase in predators which has often led to negative interactions with humans. Without the knowledge of the carrying capacity of the top predator, such decisions become challenging. Here, we have derived a new equation to estimate the carrying capacity of tigers based on the individual prey species density. We used tiger densities and respective prey densities of different protected areas. Relative prey abundance was used instead of absolute prey density as this could be a better surrogate of the prey preference. We used a regression approach to derive the species-wise equation. We have also scaled these coefficients accordingly to control the variation in the standard error (heteroscedasticity) of the tiger density. Furthermore, we have extended this regression equation for different species to different weight classes for more generalized application of the method. The new equations performed considerably better compared to the earlier existing carrying capacity equations. Incorporating the species-wise approach in the equation also reflected the preference of the prey species for the tiger. This is the first carrying capacity equation where the individual prey densities are used to estimate the carnivore population density. The coefficient estimates of the model with the comparison with prey-predator power laws also reflect the differential effect of tigers on different prey species. The carrying capacity estimates will aid in a better understanding of the predator-prey interaction and will advance better management of the top predator.

Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Treated With Non-Vitamin K Oral Anticoagulants Across Varying Body Mass Index.

There are conflicting data on outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation treated with non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants across varying body mass index (BMI). We investigated cardiovascular and bleeding risk in patients with atrial fibrillation with varying BMI. Observational cohort study from the Swedish oral anticoagulation registry between August 2, 2011, and December 31, 2018. Primary outcomes were mortality, ischemic stroke/systemic embolism, and major bleeding. Baseline BMI (kg/m2) was analyzed continuously and categorized: underweight (<18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5 to <25 kg/m2), preobesity (25 to <30 kg/m2), and obesity class I to III (30 to <35, 35 to <40, and ≥40 kg/m2). Adjusted Cox models and nonlinear relationships of BMI were modeled using restricted cubic splines. Non-vitamin K oral anticoagulant-treated patients with atrial fibrillation were included (n=26 047). At baseline, 602 (2.3%) were underweight, 9101 (34.9%) were normal weight, 9970 (38.3%) were preobese, 4280 (16.4%) were obese class I, 1486 (5.7%) were obese class II, and 608 (2.3%) were obese class III. Underweight and obesity class III were in adjusted continuous analysis associated with increased mortality and major bleeding, with lowest risk observed among preobese patients with BMI 28.2 and 26.2 kg/m2, respectively. In adjusted categorical analysis, underweight was associated with increased mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.77 [95% CI, 1.57-1.99]) and nonsignificant higher risk of major bleeding (HR, 1.23 [95% CI, 0.95-1.58]). Similarly, obesity class III was associated with increased mortality (HR, 1.67 [95% CI, 1.40-1.99]) and major bleeding (HR, 1.68 [95% CI, 1.29-2.17]). No significant association was observed between higher BMI and ischemic stroke/systemic embolism. In non-vitamin K oral anticoagulant-treated patients with atrial fibrillation, there appears to be a U-shaped relationship between BMI and mortality and major bleeding.

Using in-abattoir 3-dimensional measurements from images of beef carcasses for the prediction of EUROP classification grade and carcass weight

Imaging technology can aid the automatic extraction of measurements from beef carcasses, which can be used for objective grading. Many abattoirs, however, rely on manual grading due to the required infrastructure and cost, making technology unfeasible. This study explores 3-dimensional (3D) imaging technology, requiring limited infrastructure, and its ability to predict carcass weight, conformation class and fat class for non-invasive, objective classification. Time-of-flight near-infrared cameras captured 3-dimensional point clouds of beef carcasses, on-line in one commercial abattoir in Scotland, over a 6-month period. Thirty-five 3D images were captured per carcass and processed using machine vison software. Seventy-four measurements were extracted from each point cloud. Removal of extreme outliers resulted in 285,109 datapoints for 17,250 carcasses. Coefficients of variation (CV) for each measurement on a per-animal basis were low and consistent, and measurements were averaged across images. Using a training and validation dataset (70:30), multiple linear regression models predicted EUROP conformation class, fat class, and carcass weight. Stepwise models included fixed effects (sex, breed type, kill date (and cold carcass weight for conformation and fat class)), and 3D image measurements. Including 3D measurements resulted in prediction accuracies of 70%, 50% and 23% for cold carcass weight, conformation, and fat class respectively. Mapping predictions on the traditional EUROP grid used in the UK showed that 99% of conformation classes and 93% of fat classes were classified within the correct or neighbouring grade. The results of this study indicate the potential for non-invasive, in-abattoir technology requiring limited infrastructure to predict carcass traits objectively.

Performance, carcass characteristics and non-carcass components of Santa Ines and crossbred (Santa Ines x Dorper) lambs finished in different confinement strategies.

Genetic group, age at entry into confinement and at slaughter, are characteristics that have an important influence on lamb performance and carcass. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance, carcass characteristics and non-carcass components from different genetic groups (Santa Inês and ½ Dorper x ½ Santa Inês) sheep, submitted to different feedlot entry and exit strategies. Were used 72 lambs males and castrated; 36 Santa Inês (SI) and 36 crossbred (Dorper x Santa Inês-DSI), with 6 months of average initial age. The groups were established in a completely randomized experimental design, in a 2x3x4 factorial arrangement, from the combination of genetic groups (GG), body weight at the beginning of confinement (WBC) and length of stay in confinement (LSC). The body weight classes at the beginning of confinement were: light (25 kg), intermediate (28 kg) and heavy (31 kg), for Santa Inês and crossbreeds, respectively. Slaughters were carried out every 28 days of confinement, in four LSC: 0, 28, 56 and 84 days. The GG did not influence performance, carcass and non-carcass component traits of lambs (p > 0.05). There was an effect of the WBC on the weights: final (FW), metabolic (MW), body at slaughter (BWS), empty body (EBW), hot carcass (HCY) and cold (CCW), loin, shoulder, leg musculature; loin eye area (LEA) and loin fat (p < 0.05). There was also an effect on LSC, for FW, average daily weight gain (ADG), MW, weight and yield of body components, weight of cuts and tissue ratio components of cuts (p < 0.05). In non-carcass components, effect on full and empty weight of: omasum, rumen-reticulum, small intestine; empty large intestine, liver and kidneys, paws and skin, and perirenal, pelvic and inguinal fat (p < 0.05). Interaction double effect on the tissue muscle/fat:bone ratio (MF:B) and for the full omasal component (p < 0.05). And triple interaction effect for ADG, full omasum and perirenal fat (p < 0.05). Weight at the beginning of confinement and confinement time are the characteristics that most influence performance, quantitative characteristics of carcass and non-carcass components. Regardless of the genetic group and age class, the animals reach the same weight after 84 days of confinement. Thus, the confinement of heavier lambs (31 kg) can be a profitable alternative, as they presented the highest weights for the most commercially valued cuts (shank and loin). The confinement strategy must adapt to market situations.

Predicting object properties based on movement kinematics

In order to grasp and transport an object, grip and load forces must be scaled according to the object’s properties (such as weight). To select the appropriate grip and load forces, the object weight is estimated based on experience or, in the case of robots, usually by use of image recognition. We propose a new approach that makes a robot’s weight estimation less dependent on prior learning and, thereby, allows it to successfully grasp a wider variety of objects. This study evaluates whether it is feasible to predict an object’s weight class in a replacement task based on the time series of upper body angles of the active arm or on object velocity profiles. Furthermore, we wanted to investigate how prediction accuracy is affected by (i) the length of the time series and (ii) different cross-validation (CV) procedures. To this end, we recorded and analyzed the movement kinematics of 12 participants during a replacement task. The participants’ kinematics were recorded by an optical motion tracking system while transporting an object, 80 times in total from varying starting positions to a predefined end position on a table. The object’s weight was modified (made lighter and heavier) without changing the object’s visual appearance. Throughout the experiment, the object’s weight (light/heavy) was randomly changed without the participant’s knowledge. To predict the object’s weight class, we used a discrete cosine transform to smooth and compress the time series and a support vector machine for supervised learning from the achieved discrete cosine transform parameters. Results showed good prediction accuracy (up to 95%, depending on the CV procedure and the length of the time series). Even at the beginning of a movement (after only 300 ms), we were able to predict the object weight reliably (within a classification rate of 88-94%).

Population structure of croakers fish (Family: Sciaenidae) from fish boats at Nusantara Fishery Port, Merauke Regency

This study aims to determine the structure of body size based on length and weight class, length-weight relationship, and the condition factor of croaker fishes, the Sciaenidae family landed at the Merauke Nusantara Fisheries Port. Sampling was conducted from June to September 2020 using a random sampling method. The data analysis used in this study included the length and body size structure of the croaker fishes, the length-weight relationship, and the condition factor. Croaker fishes landed at the Nusantara Fisheries Port, Merauke Regency, obtained 2 species, namely Nibea saldado and Johnius amblycephalus with a total sample size of 170 individuals. Nibea saldado's body length ranges from 210-665 mm with body weights ranging from 200-2,500 grams, while Johnius amblycephalus has body length ranges from 570-740 mm with body weights ranging from 1,800-4,000 grams. The long-weight relationship of Nibea saldado and Johnius amblycephalus in June - Setember showed negative allometric growth, but for Johnius amblycephalus in July the growth was allometric positive. The condition factor for Nibea saldado has a value range between 0.645 - 2.874, while Johnius amblycephalus has a value range between 0.291 - 1.079.&#x0D; Keywords: Population structure, croaker fishes, Sciaenidae, Nusantara Fisheries Port, Merauke.

Interlimb Asymmetry of Maximal Handgrip Strength and Wrist Circumference in Elite International Male Boxers

The purpose of the study was to examine interlimb maximal handgrip strength asymmetry and wrist circumference asymmetry in amateur boxing across three weight classes and two different stances. Materials and methods. The study sample comprised 12 (flyweight:4; bantamweight:4; featherweight:4) amateur elite international boxers of India. Both limbs were tested for maximal handgrip strength and wrist circumference. For both tests, interlimb asymmetry was calculated using the interlimb asymmetry equation validated by Bishop et al. (2018). One-way ANOVA was used to compare asymmetries in three different weight classes, and an independent samples t-test was used to compare asymmetries in two different boxing stances. Results. The average wrist circumference asymmetry in different weight classes was 2.85±1.97 for flyweight, 1.29±0.75 for bantamweight, and 2.44±1.23 for featherweight, whereas the average maximal handgrip strength asymmetry was 4.91±3.75 for flyweight, 7.69±1.89 for bantamweight, and 5.80±2.89 for featherweight. Non-significant differences in interlimb asymmetry for wrist circumference and maximal handgrip strength in three different weight classes and two different stances were obtained (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusions. The maximal handgrip strength asymmetry and wrist circumference asymmetry in elite international boxers were found to be less than 10 percent and observed non-significant differences in weight classes as well as stances indicate elite amateur international boxers to be less prone to interlimb asymmetry-related injuries and have favourable conditions for high performance.

Does the "Obesity Paradox" Have an Expiration Date? A Retrospective Cohort Study.

(1) Background: The "obesity paradox" refers to a protective effect of higher body mass index (BMI) on mortality in acute infectious disease patients. However, the long-term impact of this paradox remains uncertain. (2) Methods: A retrospective study of patients diagnosed with community-acquired acute infectious diseases at Shamir Medical Center, Israel (2010-2020) was conducted. Patients were grouped by BMI: underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity classes I-III. Short- and long-term mortality rates were compared across these groups. (3) Results: Of the 25,226 patients, diverse demographics and comorbidities were observed across BMI categories. Short-term (90-day) and long-term (one-year) mortality rates were notably higher in underweight and normal-weight groups compared to others. Specifically, 90-day mortality was 22% and 13.2% for underweight and normal weight respectively, versus 7-9% for others (p < 0.001). Multivariate time series analysis revealed underweight individuals had a significantly higher 5-year mortality risk (HR 1.41 (95% CI 1.27-1.58, p < 0.001)), while overweight and obese categories had a reduced risk (overweight-HR 0.76 (95% CI 0.72-0.80, p < 0.001), obesity class I-HR 0.71 (95% CI 0.66-0.76, p < 0.001), obesity class II-HR 0.77 (95% CI 0.70-0.85, p < 0.001), and obesity class III-HR 0.79 (95% CI 0.67-0.92, p = 0.003)). (4) Conclusions: In this comprehensive study, obesity was independently associated with decreased short- and long-term mortality. These unexpected results prompt further exploration of this counterintuitive phenomenon.

Circulating Levels of Leptin and Lipocalin-2 in Patients With X-Linked Hypophosphatemia.

Individuals with X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) are at greater risk for being overweight or obese. Whether there are underlying metabolic abnormalities that put patients with XLH at greater risk for excessive weight gain is largely unknown. Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) has recently received attention as a factor regulating energy consumption and specifically is postulated to be anorexigenic and to improve insulin sensitivity. In a retrospective study, circulating levels of LCN2, leptin, and insulin were measured in 32 patients with XLH, ages 2-60 years, all of whom were being treated with burosumab, and 38 control subjects. Control subjects were chosen who were close in age to those with XLH, with a similar number of participants of each sex. Subjects were analyzed in 3 age cohorts, 2-10 years, 11-18 years, and 20-60 years. In all age groups LCN2 levels were lower in the patients with XLH than in controls but when adjusted for weight class (normal, overweight, obese) the differences were not significant. In contrast, serum leptin levels were significantly lower in children with XLH compared to controls in the 2-10 years age cohort. Serum levels of insulin were also significantly lower in the 2-10-year-old children with XLH when compared with controls. We conclude that changes in expression of lipocalin-2 in children and adolescents with XLH is unlikely to contribute to their risk for obesity in adulthood. It is unclear if lower circulating levels of leptin in these children plays a role in the higher prevalence of obesity among adults with XLH.

Is BMI a Useful Indicator of Prenatal Health Among Black American Women?

BMI is commonly used to measure risk to prenatal health but may not be sensitive to adiposity-associated health problems for Black women. The aim of the present study was to test associations between indices of prenatal health and BMI in Black women. Data were from 652 women enrolled in two studies. Height and weight were used to calculate BMI. Depression and perceived stress were measured via maternal report, systemic inflammation via C-reactive protein (CRP), and nutrition by the ratio of omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid to omega-6 arachidonic acid fatty acids. Neither perceived stress, depression, nor fatty acids were associated with prenatal BMI. CRP levels were positively associated with BMI (beta = 6.56, t = 13.30, p < .001). The prevalence of high-risk levels of CRP (> 3 mg/L) was below 10% for all weight classes except for BMI ≥ 40. Results suggest that BMI may not be a sensitive index of adiposity related risk to prenatal health for Black women.

SAT659 Prevalence Of Multimorbidity Across Age Groups Among Us Adults With Overweight Or Obesity

Abstract Disclosure: K. Ezendu: Employee; Self; Eli Lilly &amp; Company. G. Pohl: Employee; Self; Eli Lilly &amp; Company. Stock Owner; Self; Eli Lilly &amp; Company. C.J. Lee: Employee; Self; Eli Lilly &amp; Company. Stock Owner; Self; Eli Lilly &amp; Company. H. Wang: None. X. Li: Employee; Self; Eli Lilly &amp; Company. Stock Owner; Self; Eli Lilly &amp; Company. J.P. Dunn: Employee; Self; Eli Lilly &amp; Company. Stock Owner; Self; Eli Lilly &amp; Company. Background: Multimorbidity is an individual and healthcare system burden. Increased multimorbidity occurs with both excess weight and aging. We aim to determine the burden of multimorbidity as BMI class increases in various age groups of people with obesity or overweight. Methods: The study cohorts were derived from extracts of Optum’s de-identified Market Clarity Data with linked electronic health records (EHR) and claims database. Patients were classified into four weight classes based on their median body mass index (BMI) in 2019 [overweight (BMI 25 - &amp;lt;30kg/m2 or 23 - &amp;lt;25kg/m2 for Asians), class 1 obesity (30 - &amp;lt;35kg/m2 or 25 - &amp;lt;27.5 kg/m2 for Asians ), class 2 obesity (35 - &amp;lt;40kg/m2 or 27.5 - &amp;lt;40 kg/m2 for Asians), and class 3 obesity (≥40kg/m2)] and three age groups: 19-40, 41-65 and &amp;gt; 65 years. People were required to be continuously insured in 2018 and 2019 and have at least one BMI in 2019. People aged &amp;lt;19 or &amp;gt;80 years, with any BMI &amp;gt;60 kg/m2 or with deviation from their 2019 median BMI of ≥5%, cancer diagnosis, pregnancy or childbirth in 2018 or 2019, HIV/AIDS, Cushing disease or Prader-Willi syndrome were excluded. The presence, as of December 31, 2019, of 17 obesity-related comorbidities (ORCs) was determined using ICD-10 codes in EHR or insurance claims: heart failure, atrial fibrillation, cerebrovascular disease, coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, hypertension, dyslipidemia, asthma, depression/anxiety, osteoarthritis, gout, chronic kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnea, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, low back pain, type 2 diabetes, reproductive diseases. Multimorbidity was defined as having 2 or more ORCs. Results: 2,147,223 people were analyzed. Mean age was 51 years with 25.1 %, 58.0%, and 16.9% in the 3 age groups 19-40, 41-65 and &amp;gt;65, respectively. Females were 52%; and Caucasians, 77.9%; Blacks, 11.8%; and Asians, 1.9%. For people aged 19-40 years, prevalence of multimorbidity was 12.3%, 17.8%, 23.5%, and 33.5% for overweight, class 1, class 2, and class 3 obesity, respectively; 41.5%, 51.3%, 58.6% and 66.6% for people aged 41-65 years; and 70.6%, 78.9%, 81.8% and 85.9% for people aged &amp;gt;65 years. Discussion and Conclusion: In people with obesity or overweight, the burden of multimorbidity increased as BMI classes increased regardless of age group. While multimorbidity was especially high in those &amp;gt;65years (70-85%), the younger age groups also had substantial burden of multimorbidity with one in three adults with class 3 obesity in age 19-40 group reporting multimorbidity. Further research is warranted on better understanding the adverse impact of weight-related multimorbidity on the individual and society. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

A comparison of rapid weight loss practices within international, national and regional powerlifters.

Background: Rapid weight loss (RWL) practices are common amongst strength-sport athletes to 'make weight' for a chosen weight class. Aim: This study compared the RWL practices of International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) powerlifters from Great Britain. Methods: Participants (n = 69, male = 36, female = 33) were recruited from IPF lifting populations (mandatory <2-hour competition weigh-in). Participants were categorised based on highest level of competition (regional, national and international) and also sex (male and female). The previously validated 'Rapid Weight Loss Questionnaire' established RWL practices, however also included an open-ended question regarding thoughts, feeling and mood during RWL. Results: Nearly all participants (97%) had purposely acutely reduced body mass to compete, with an average typical pre-competition loss of 4.2%. Regional competitors reported a higher 'typical' body mass loss compared to international competitors (5.5% vs 3.3%, p = 0.004). Females reported a greater 'highest' body mass loss than males (6.7% vs 5.3%, p = 0.028). Fluid restriction (86.5%), water loading (67.2%) and increased exercise (49.2%) were the RWL methods most commonly used 'always' or 'sometimes'. Content analysis revealed a predominance of negative perceptions during RWL with the emergence of codes; fatigue, sensations, anxiety, low mood and irritation, accounting for ∼70% of responses. Conclusion: Prevalence of RWL is high amongst competitive powerlifters, with many competitors attributing negative perceptions during the weight-cutting process. The magnitude of reported acute RWL within regional lifters was beyond where performance decrements are commonly seen (>5%), this should be cautioned against given the IPF's mandatory <2-hour competition weigh-in.

Establishing Benchmark Percentiles for the Classification of Body Fat Percentage of Professional Male Athletes Competing in Combat Sports through Bioimpedanciometry

Body composition as a meaningful factor can result in physiological responses in both the physical body and general health status. Nevertheless, the schemes for establishing cut-off points for identifying the classifications of the body fat percentage of athletes competing in combat sports still include gaps. The aim of this study was, by using bioimpedanciometry, to calculate the percentiles for the classification of body fat percentages in Lithuanian professional male athletes (n = 52) competing in combat sports with weight classes. A total of 52 Lithuanian professional male athletes competing in combat sports with weight classes were evaluated using a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis method with frequencies ranging from 1 kHz to 1000 kHz. Percentiles P3, P10, P25, P50, P75, P90, and P97 were used to determine the classification. As a consequence, the following classification categories were assigned: 6.6–7.8% (extremely low); 7.9–10.9% (very low); 11.0–14.7% (below normal); 14.8–18.8% (normal); 18.9–21.5% (above normal); 21.6–29.3% (very excessive); and ≥29.4% (extremely excessive). The assessment of body composition in combat sports athletes identified an inverse association between higher body fat levels and a decrease in the muscle-to-fat ratio (β –1.3, 95% confidence interval (CI): –1.5; –1.0, p &lt; 0.001). The relationship between lower body fat percentage and lighter weight categories in which combat sports athletes from different combat sports were competing has been identified (β 0.3%, 95% CI: 0.2; 0.3, p &lt; 0.0001). The established cut-off points may assist sports medicine professionals and sports dietitians in monitoring the adiposity of combat sports athletes.

Comparison of king vision video laryngoscope versus mccoy laryngoscope for endotracheal intubation in patients with immobilized cervical spine

Background: Objective of this study was to compare King vision video laryngoscope versus McCoy laryngoscope for endotracheal intubation in patients with simulated immobilized cervical spine in terms of mean intubation time and number of attempts and successful intubation. Methodology: This was a prospective randomized study of 70 patients of ASA Grade I or II and aged 18- 60yrs, who underwent elective surgery under general anaesthesia. Intubation was done with either King Vision video laryngoscope (channelled blade) [Group A] or McCoy laryngoscope [Group B] after immobilizing the cervical spine using a cervical collar. We compared the mean intubation time, success rate and intubation difficulty using the Intubation Difficulty Score (IDS), glottic visualization using POGO score, hemodynamic parameters and complication if any. Results: Both the groups were comparable regarding the demographic variables such as age, sex, weight and ASA class. The mean intubation time of patients in Group A was significantly less (16.57 ± 4.11 seconds) than Group B (20.14 ± 5.72 seconds) (P= 0.004). IDS and POGO scoring were found significantly better in group A as compared to group B. But intubation success rate was 100% in both groups. Hemodynamic parameters and complications were also comparable. Conclusion: King Vision video laryngoscope is found superior to the McCoy laryngoscope if cervical immobilization is anticipated in terms of ease of intubation and glottic visualization.

The COVID-19 Pandemic and Elective Spine Surgery-A Single Center Experience.

Background and objective: The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on medical practice worldwide. In this study, we aimed to investigate the trends of elective spine surgery in our department before and during the pandemic. Materials and methods: Total number of spine procedures due to disc herniation (DH) or spinal stenosis (SS) was collected during 2019-2021 in the Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Center Osijek, Croatia. In order to elucidate potential risk factors in the post-pandemic period, demographic data were collected for patients who underwent surgery during 2021. Results: In 2020, there was a 22.1% decrease in the number of surgeries compared to 2019 (205 vs. 263), but during 2021 we observed an increase of 36.1% compared to 2020 (279 vs. 205). The mean age of patients in 2021 was 53.14 years (53.14 ± 13.05) with body mass index of 28.31 kg/m2 (28.31 ± 4.89). There were 179 overweight patients (74%) and 103 smokers (42.6%). Although male and female patients were equally represented (121 each), there was a significant interaction of weight class and sex (p = 0.013). Patients younger than 65 were more likely to undergo surgery due to DH (p < 0.001), whereas older patients were more likely to suffer from SS (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The volume of elective spine surgeries decreased in the first year of the pandemic and increased the following year. Our results suggest that public health policies in the early pandemic period reduced elective surgical procedures, which was followed by a compensatory increase in the following period.

Weight cutting in female UFC fighters.

It is common practice for fight sport athletes to use a variety of weight manipulation strategies to compete in desired weight classes. Although numerous studies have highlighted rapid weight loss (RWL) strategies and the magnitude of weight loss, few have focused specifically on weight loss in female fighters. The purpose of this study was to provide descriptive information on professional UFC female fighters engaging in RWL in all women's UFC weight divisions: strawweight (52.2 kg): flyweight (56.7 kg); bantamweight (61.2 kg); featherweight (65.8 kg). All fighter's weights were obtained at five separate time points: 72 hrs. pre-weigh-in, 48 hrs. pre-weigh-in, 24hrs. pre-weigh-in, official weigh-in, and 24 hrs. post-weigh-in (competition weight). Mixed effects models and random effects analysis were used to assess changes in weight and differences between weight divisions. All statistics were analyzed, and significance was set atp ≤0.05. Significant changes in weight between all time points were reported. No statistical differences between weight divisions were observed. Female fighters lost 4.5-6.6% of their weight prior to the official weigh-in. Females engaged in RWL practices lose weight in a similar fashion irrespective of weight class.

Methodology for Preliminary Flight Control Actuator Design

In this paper, a methodology for the preliminary design of decentralized civil-use flight control actuators is presented that is able to perform the calculations with a very small amount of input data. This enables the user to achieve good actuator key characteristics regarding the weight, power, and volume in the preliminary aircraft design stage without the need for an empirical database. Optionally adjustable setting parameters of the individual components allow the component design to be customized in detail. Both electromechanical and electrohydrostatic actuators are considered. The methodology presented here aims at sizing each individual component of the actuators in terms of volume, mass, and power consumption. The components are broken down into simple geometric shapes where possible. The methodology is evaluated on several actuators of different performance and weight classes from 3.2 kg up to 66.9 kg and provides more accurate results than other common approaches, which is suitable in the preliminary aircraft design stage.

The general nutrition practices of competitive powerlifters vary by competitive calibre and sex, weight, and age class

PurposeTo characterise self-reported nutrition practices and beliefs of powerlifters.MethodsActively competing male (n = 240) and female (n = 65) powerlifters completed a cross-sectional online survey of self-reported nutrition practices across the competitive cycle, within specific competitive phases, and hard and easy training days. Data are presented as number (n) and percentage (%) of all powerlifters practicing a given strategy followed by a % of responses reporting various practices or beliefs within this strategy. Differences in categorical sub-groups (sex, age, and weight class; and competitive calibre) were analysed with a chi-square test and denoted where significant (p ≤ 0.05).ResultsMost powerlifters reported following a specific diet long-term (n = 203, 66.6%) of which If It Fits Your Macros (IIFYM)/flexible dieting was most common (n = 159, 78.3%). Over half reported introducing a special diet for a competitive phase (n = 162, 53.1%), of which IIFYM/flexible dieting was most followed for competition preparation (n = 80, 63%) and off-season (n = 48, 71.6%). Compared to normal dietary intake, most reported eating more on harder training days (n = 219, 71.8%) and refraining from eating less on easier training days (n = 186, 61%).ConclusionsIIFYM/flexible dieting is commonly followed by powerlifters to support performance and body composition goals. Females seemed to report more often restricting energy and dieting for body composition reasons than males. Powerlifters tailor their energy intake on harder training days to the higher training demands but refrain from reducing energy intake on rest/easier training days.

UAV Design and Configuration Aerodynamics - An ADE Experience

UAVs are becoming an essential part of the modern defense forces world over in the recent years. They are widely used for surveillance, reconnaissance, target for missiles and combat. They are available in various weight classes from few kilograms to tons. Apart from design of aircraft, establishing an accurate aero data base for control law design for the aircraft is a main challenge in itself. Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) is involved in the design and development of many UAVs for the last 30 plus years and has experienced several challenging design and engineering problems. Over the years, various UAVs like Ulka, Sparrow, Lakshya, and Nishant for different mission requirements have been designed and developed. The evolution of design methodology in ADE and the present configuration design activities of UAVs and aircraft stores separation studies with a focus on CFD are discussed in this paper.