The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of eight anthropometric regression equations with hydrostatic weighing for predicting the percent body fat of adult males with Down Syndrome (DS). Body fat percentages were predicted for 18 adult males with DS. Skinfold, circumference, and bioelectric impedance analysis data were collected to determine how accurately the regression equations could predict the percent fat of these individuals when compared to hydrostatic weighing. Since hydrostatic weighing involves a number of complex procedures two pilot studies were conducted. Four subjects participated in the pilot studies. The first pilot was conducted to determine if a constant value of residual volume could be utilized during hydrostatic weighing, or if a measured value, determined by oxygen dilution, needed to be used. The second pilot was performed to determine if hydrostatic weighing at total lung capacity without head submersion could be substituted for the conventional method of hydrostatic weighing. Paired t-tests revealed no significant differences in either pilot study, t (3) = .274, p. < .05 and t (3) = .314, 11 < .05, respectively. Pearson product-moment correlations revealed r values of .99 for both pilot studies. Based on these results a constant residual volume value of 1.50 L and hydrostatic weighing at total lung capacity without head submersion were the procedures utilized in the main research study. A one-way repeated measures analysis of variance revealed a significant difference between the body fat data obtained from hydrostatic weighing and the regression equations, F (8, 136) = 16.05, < .05. Dunnett's post-hoc procedure revealed significant differences in five of the eight equations. Of the three equations that did not yield significantly different results, only the Kelly and Rimmer (1987), r = .89, SEE = 2.51, 12 <.05, can be recommended for use. Based on these results, it appears that a constant value of 1.50 L for residual volume and hydrostatic weighing at total lung capacity without head submersion can be utilized when predicting the percent body fat of adult males with DS. This will allow increased numbers of individuals with DS to be hydrostatically weighed. Also, the use of the Kelly and Rimmer (1987) equation will allow researchers and practitioners to utilize an easy, fast, accurate, and inexpensive method of predicting the percent body fat of adult males with DS. / Graduation date: 1992

No description available.

No description available.

The purpose of this study was to determine if the histomorphometric analysis of age could be used to determine the age at death of subadults from the Commissary Archaeological Site. The histomorphometric analysis was used because of the fragmented condition of the bones. Sections from the left femur were obtained and processed for light and electron microscopy. Using the regression formula of Ahlqvist and Damsten and Ubelaker, age was estimated from the percentage of Haversian canals per 1 mm unit of bone. Results show the subadult population ranged in age from 0.9- 16.7 years. The correlation between the thickness of compact bone, the midshaft width, and the marrow cavity width to that of the assigned age supports the validity of the regression formula. The study demonstrates that the histomorphometric analysis can be applied to estimate age in subadult skeletons. This study further provides the first scientific analysis of age for the subadult skeletons of the Commissary site, an Early Late Woodland Native American population. / Department of Anthropology

This is a study of the factors that affect face shapes, and the techniques that can be used to measure variations in two dimensional representations of faces. The materials included thirty photographs of people in natural poses and thirty portraits that were based on the pose photographs. Visual assessors were asked to score the photographs and portraits in terms of pose (cant, turn and pitch) and also to compare the portraits to the photographs and score them in terms of likeness in the depiction of the face and its component features. Anthropometric indices were derived and used to score the images for the pose variables as well as for aspects of individual variation in external face shape and the spatial arrangement of the features. Geometric morphometric analysis was also used to determine the shape variation occurring in the photographs, the variation within the portraits, and to specifically discern where the portraits differ from the photographs in the depiction of head pose and individual differences in facial morphology. For the analysis of pose it was found that visual assessors were best at discerning the extent of head turning and poorest at discerning head pitch. These tendencies occurred in the visual assessments of both the photographs and the portrait drawings. For the analysis of the individual variation in face shapes it was found that external face shape varies according to upper face dimensions and the shape of the chin, and that vertical featural configurations are strongly linked to external face shape. When the portrait and photograph data were placed in the same geometric morphometric analysis the inaccuracies in the portrait drawings became evident. When these findings were compared to the visual assessments it transpired that, on average, visual assessment was generally congruent with the geometric morphometric analysis, but were possibly confounded by patterns of dysmorphology in the portraits that were contrary to what this study suggests are normal patterns of face shape variation. Overall this study has demonstrated that while anthropometric and visual assessments of facial differences are quite good, both were comparatively poor at assessing head pitch and tended to be confounded by the dysmorphologies arising in the portrait drawings. Geometric morphometric analysis was found to be very powerful in discerning complex shape variations associated with head pose and individual differences in facial morphology, both within and between the photographs and portraits.

Visceral leishmaniasis is a severe systemic illness and early case management is important for the avoidance complications and control of the disease. Improving health workers’ knowledge on leishmaniasis is essential in improving the control programme. A quantitative, retrospective study of patient records and descriptive, explorative study of health care professionals’ knowledge on leishmaniasis were conducted. Data was collected from patient records (n=299) using a structured audit tool and from health care professionals (n=55) by means of a structured questionnaire. The study findings highlight that the commonest clinical manifestations of visceral leishmaniasis are fever and splenomegaly. Severe malnutrition and HIV co-infection contribute to mortality. The findings indicate the need for training to improve health care professionals’ awareness of visceral leishmaniasis. Leishmaniasis disease surveillance and support by the regional and district heath offices should be improved / Health Studies / M.A. Public Health (MPH)

A partir das dimensões dos indivíduos pode-se definir dimensionamentos adequados para os produtos e postos de trabalho, proporcionando segurança e conforto aos usuários. Com o avanço da tecnologia de digitalização de imagens (escaneamento) 3D, é possível tirar algumas medidas de maneira mais rápida e com a redução da presença do entrevistado durante o processo. No entanto, faltam estudos que avaliem estas tecnologias no Brasil, sendo necessária a realização de uma comparação das tecnologias e das respectivas precisões para que seu uso em pesquisas. Com o objetivo de oferecer métodos comparativos para escolha dos marcadores e equipamentos a serem utilizados em uma pesquisa antropométrica tridimensional da população brasileira, no presente estudo estão comparadas duas tecnologias de escaneamento: o sistema a laser WBX da empresa norte americana Cyberware e o sistema MHT da empresa russa Artec Group. O método para avaliação da precisão dimensional dos dados advindos desses equipamentos de digitalização de imagens 3D teve cinco etapas: Estudo dos processos de escaneamento; Escaneamento dos marcadores de pontos anatômicos; Escaneamento utilizando um corpo de prova cilíndrico; Escaneamento de um manequim; Escaneamento de um voluntário que teve seus pontos anatômicos marcados para a retirada de medidas. Foi feita uma comparação entre as medidas retiradas manualmente, por meio de antropômetro e virtualmente, com o auxílio do software de modelagem tridimensional Rhinoceros. Em relação aos resultados obtidos na avaliação do manequim e do voluntário, concluiu-se que a magnitude do erro absoluto é semelhante para ambos os scanners, e permanece constante independentemente das dimensões sob análise. As principais diferenças são em relação às funcionalidades dos equipamentos. / Only from the dimensions of individuals it is possible to define appropriate sizing for products and workplaces, providing security and comfort to users. With the evolution of 3D digital imaging technology (3D scanning), it is possible to take some measurements faster and reduce the need of the interviewee during the process. However, there are few studies that evaluate these technologies in Brazil. It is necessary to compare these equipments in order to know their precision so they can be used in researches. In order to choose anatomical markers and equipments, this study compares two different equipments: Cyberware WBX laser scanner and Artec Group MHT white light scanner. The method for assessing the dimensional accuracy of the data obtained from those scanning 3D imaging equipment had five steps: Study of the scanning processes; Scanning using a cylindrical object; Scanning a mannequin; Scanning a volunteer who had his anatomical points marked for taking measurements. The comparison was made between the measurements taken manually with an anthropometer and virtually using the 3D modeling software Rhinoceros. Based on results obtained in the evaluation of the mannequin and volunteer, it was concluded that the absolute error is similar for both scanners and remains constant regardless of the size under consideration. The main differences are the features of each equipment.

A partir das dimensões dos indivíduos pode-se definir dimensionamentos adequados para os produtos e postos de trabalho, proporcionando segurança e conforto aos usuários. Com o avanço da tecnologia de digitalização de imagens (escaneamento) 3D, é possível tirar algumas medidas de maneira mais rápida e com a redução da presença do entrevistado durante o processo. No entanto, faltam estudos que avaliem estas tecnologias no Brasil, sendo necessária a realização de uma comparação das tecnologias e das respectivas precisões para que seu uso em pesquisas. Com o objetivo de oferecer métodos comparativos para escolha dos marcadores e equipamentos a serem utilizados em uma pesquisa antropométrica tridimensional da população brasileira, no presente estudo estão comparadas duas tecnologias de escaneamento: o sistema a laser WBX da empresa norte americana Cyberware e o sistema MHT da empresa russa Artec Group. O método para avaliação da precisão dimensional dos dados advindos desses equipamentos de digitalização de imagens 3D teve cinco etapas: Estudo dos processos de escaneamento; Escaneamento dos marcadores de pontos anatômicos; Escaneamento utilizando um corpo de prova cilíndrico; Escaneamento de um manequim; Escaneamento de um voluntário que teve seus pontos anatômicos marcados para a retirada de medidas. Foi feita uma comparação entre as medidas retiradas manualmente, por meio de antropômetro e virtualmente, com o auxílio do software de modelagem tridimensional Rhinoceros. Em relação aos resultados obtidos na avaliação do manequim e do voluntário, concluiu-se que a magnitude do erro absoluto é semelhante para ambos os scanners, e permanece constante independentemente das dimensões sob análise. As principais diferenças são em relação às funcionalidades dos equipamentos. / Only from the dimensions of individuals it is possible to define appropriate sizing for products and workplaces, providing security and comfort to users. With the evolution of 3D digital imaging technology (3D scanning), it is possible to take some measurements faster and reduce the need of the interviewee during the process. However, there are few studies that evaluate these technologies in Brazil. It is necessary to compare these equipments in order to know their precision so they can be used in researches. In order to choose anatomical markers and equipments, this study compares two different equipments: Cyberware WBX laser scanner and Artec Group MHT white light scanner. The method for assessing the dimensional accuracy of the data obtained from those scanning 3D imaging equipment had five steps: Study of the scanning processes; Scanning using a cylindrical object; Scanning a mannequin; Scanning a volunteer who had his anatomical points marked for taking measurements. The comparison was made between the measurements taken manually with an anthropometer and virtually using the 3D modeling software Rhinoceros. Based on results obtained in the evaluation of the mannequin and volunteer, it was concluded that the absolute error is similar for both scanners and remains constant regardless of the size under consideration. The main differences are the features of each equipment.

Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Applied Arts in Fashion, Durban University of Technology, Durban, 2017. / The South African pear-shaped Black women’s jeans market has been confronted by fit dissatisfaction, although there is a growing demand for jeans. This study was approached from a viewpoint that jeans do not fit a large population of this consumer group and investigates the issues related to this problem. Local manufacturers and retailers currently use an adaptation of the British sizing system to suit their customer profile. Not much research however, has been carried out on developing a sizing system for the pear-shaped figure type, which makes up a sizeable portion of the population in the country. The intention of the study was to establish key variables for developing a jeans sizing system for Black South African pear-shaped indigenous women. A total of 60 Black women aged 18-35 years at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology were scanned for body measurements using a 3D body scanner. Body measurement differences were examined by using a quantitative research approach to establish the difference between waist and hip measurements. The findings revealed an average drop value of 39cm between waist and hip circumference for a Black pear-shaped figure, in comparison to a drop value of 24cm for a standardised sizing used by the clothing industry. It is recommended that the major stakeholders in South Africa conduct a national anthropometric study to update sizing systems, by using 3D body scanning technology, which provides accurate and consistent measurements of the human body. / M

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), also known as chronic diseases of lifestyle, cause the greatest burden of disease globally. The major risk factors for NCDs are hypertension, hyperglycaemia, high cholesterol, tobacco smoking, alcohol abuse, overweight/obesity and physical inactivity. NCDs in South Africa are increasing in black South Africans with the transition from rural to urban areas. The transitions have resulted in a change in lifestyle. Regular moderate intensity physical activity (PA) has many health benefits and decreases the risk for NCDs. PA is often determined by means of questionnaires, motion sensors (pedometers and accelerometers), heart rate and accelerometry combined. Within the South African context PA has traditionally been determined with internationally composed questionnaires adapted for South Africa. In South Africa the relationship between PA and risk factors for NCDs has not been investigated in populations in transition, and limited information on the relationship between change in PA and the change in risk factors in a South African population is available. The objectives of this study was to determine the correlation between the adapted Baecke physical activity questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (short version) (IPAQ-S), the changes in PA and how the changes relate to changes in BMI, and finally the relationship between the changes in PA and the changes in the risk factors for NCDs of black South Africans. The study forms part of the baseline and five year follow-up of the South African leg of the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiological (PURE) study. This study is a longitudinal study of which the baseline data was allocated in 2005 and the five year follow-up allocated in 2010. 2 000 participants aged 30 years and older were recruited for the initial study – 1 000 urbanised (from Ikageng), and 1 000 rural black adults (from Ganyesa, Moswana and Tlakgameng). Data, including the PA questionnaires (Baecke & IPAQ-S) were collected by a specialised multidisciplinary team. After signing an informed consent form, questionnaires were completed during individual interviews and conducted by extensively trained fieldworkers in the language of the participants’ choice. The variables used in this study were anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, serum lipids and fasting blood glucose. BMI was calculated from the body weight divided by the height squared. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS for windows (Version 21.0). Descriptive statistics were performed to determine the characteristics of the participants. The relationship between Baecke and IPAQ-S was determined by means of a partial correlation adjusting for age and BMI. Linear regression analyses were used to determine the relationship between the changes in PA (dependent variable) and BMI (predictor variable) and then adjusted for gender and age. Where a significant relationship was observed (in the case of setting, urban versus rural) separate analyses were performed for the rural and urban participants; likewise the relationship between the changes in PAI (dependant variable) and the change in the risk factors for NCDs (predictor variable) was determined by means of linear regression analysis, and also adjusted for gender, change in age and setting (urban/rural). The results from this study indicated that a weak but significant relationship was found between the Baecke and IPAQ-S (Spearman r = 0.243; p = 0.00) when adjusted for age and BMI. Significant differences were found between rural and urban participants for age and BMI in 2005, where the urban participants where older and reported a higher BMI compared to the rural participants. Rural women gained significantly more weight than the urban women. The PAI in the urban participants increased from 2005 (6.40 ± 1.84) to 2010 (7.50 ± 1.40), but decreased in rural participants from 2005 (8.21 ± 1.48) to 2010 (5.10 ± 1.54). Change in BMI was significantly inverse associated with change in PA for the urban population after adjusting for gender, setting (rural/urban) and change in age (β = -0.10; p = 0.004). Significant differences were found for resting systolic blood pressure (SBP) for the rural (129.72 ± 23.30) and urban (137.33 ± 25.14) participants as well as the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of rural (86.16 ± 14.48) and urban (89.28 ± 14.46), fasting glucose of rural (4.88 ± 1.23) and urban (5.10 ± 1.86), triglycerides of rural (1.21 ± 0.64) and urban (1.38 ± 0.92) and physical activity index (PAI) of rural (8.21 ± 1.48) and urban (6.40 ± 1.84) in 2005. There were significant changes in the high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and in the low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Although the overall PAI decreased from 2005 (7.30 ± 1.90) to 2010 (6.46 ± 1.85), it increased in urban participants (6.40 ± 1.84 – 7.50 ± 1.40) and decreased in rural participants (8.21 ± 1.48 – 5.10 ± 1.54). A significant negative relationship between changes in PAI and changes in blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol was found when adjusted for gender. When changes in PA and changes in risk factors were separated according to gender, a significant negative relationship was found between PA and diastolic blood pressure (β -0.63; p 0.02) in the male population, and a significant negative relationship for females between PA and systolic blood pressure (β -1.05; p 0.002), diastolic blood pressure (β -0.59; p 0.003), total cholesterol (β -0.05; p 0.01) and LDL-cholesterol (β -0.07; p 0.00). In conclusion, the study found that the low but significant correlation between PAI assessed with the Baeck questionnaire and IPAQ-S makes both questionnaires applicable for the South African context, however the Baecke questionnaire is based on various domains for PA, while the IPAQ-S report on time spent in physical activity. Over the 5-year period PA decreased in this black South African population with a concomitant increase in BMI. Biological risk factors for NCDs increased from 2005 to 2010. The change in PA was inversely related to changes in total blood pressure. Future in PA interventions would be beneficial in the management of hypertension in the at risk South African black population. / PhD (Human Movement Science), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014