Intestinal enteropathy is a prevalent yet neglected aspect of child malnutrition involving chronic exposure to intestinal pathogens such as Giardia intestinalis. Gangliosides have therapeutic potential for the treatment of giardiasis and intestinal enteropathy. The objectives of the thesis were to 1. assess the Giardia carriage patterns in daycares in Guatemala, 2. compare anthropometric data between Giardia carriers and non-carriers, 3. compare sensitivity and specificity of 3 Giardia diagnostic methods (ProSpecT-Giardia-EZ-Microplate assay, RidaQuick Giardia dipsticks and microscopic analysis using the sucrose concentration gradient method). Giardia prevalence rates were high (close to 44%), most cases of infection were chronic (5-week study period), and malnutrition (lower weight-for-age Z-scores) may be associated to higher intensity of infection. ELISA was the most sensitive Giardia diagnostic test. Compared to ELISA, the microscopic and dipstick analysis had sensitivities of 53.6% and 60.7%, and specificities of 100% and 97.9%, respectively, within a set of 75 stool samples. / Nutrition & Metabolism

No description available.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:28:33Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2005Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:58:24Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 franco_an_me_bauru.pdf: 1308176 bytes, checksum: 2c20e2aae143f01009a9c52347dc856a (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / A população estudada na presente pesquisa foi de Idosos freqüentadores de atividades físicas em grupos da Terceira Idade na cidade de Bauru. A amostra foi composta por 190 sujeitos, sendo 140 mulheres e 50 homens, selecionados por conveniência. O objetivo do estudo foi reunir 27 variáveis antropométricas (16 em pé e 11 na postura sentada), mais o Índice de Massa Corpórea (IMC), de indivíduos com 50 anos ou mais de idade, verificando a viabilidade da formação de um Banco de Dados Antropométrico, elaborado a partir de levantamentos anteriores realizados pelos pesquisadores da FAAC Depto. De Desenho Industrial (SILVA, 1995; PASCHOARELLI, 1997; QUEIROZ, 2000; VILLA, 2001). Como regra geral, o presente levantamento antropométrico ateve-se a idosos independentes de auxílio humano ou artificiais. De uma maneira bastante simples, mas abrangente, os resultados coletados foram apresentados em tabelas, nas quais cada variável estudada foi minuciosamente descrita, tanto quantitativa como qualitativamente. Após as observações sistemáticas e análises estatísticas, pode-se averiguar as evidências quanto às características físicas e antropométricas do envelhecimento humano, as possibilidades da utilização dos dados quantitativos apresentados e a necessidade de estudos aprofundados na área que subsidiem procedimentos metodológicos utilizados por pesquisadores e profissionais que investigam e concentram seus trabalhos em projetos, produtos e serviços específicos a população estudada, a pesquisa direcionou os resultados de forma quantitativa, expondo os dados em tabelas e descrevendo criteriosamente os parâmetros morfológicos individualmente. O estudo concentrou-se num levantamento antropométrico visando abranger a faixa etária mais ampla possível, no caso aqui, ateve-se dos 50 anos em diante, alcançado a marca dos 88 anos de idade, em ambos os gêneros. / The present study sample comprised elderly attending physical activities in elderly groups in the city of Bauru. The sample included 190 individuals, being 140 females and 50 males, selected according to the convenience. The aim of the study was to gather 27 anthropometric variables (16 standing and 11 sitting), besides the Body Mass Index (BMI) of individuals aged 50 years or more, checking the viability of establishment of an Anthropometric Data Bank based on data of previous surveys performed by investigators of FAAC Department of Industrial Design (SILVA 1995; PASCHOARELLI 1997; QUEIROZ 2000; VILLA 2001). In general, the present anthropometric investigation was limited to elderly individuals who did not depend on human or artificial aid. In a simple yet thorough manner, the results were presented in tables, in which each variable was described in detail both quantitatively and qualitatively. After systematic observations and statistical analyses, the evidences of physical and anthropometric characteristics of human aging were observed, as well as the possibilities of utilization of the quantitative data presented and the need of deeper studies in the field to provide a basis for methodological procedures employed by investigators and professionals addressing specific projects, products or services specifically for this population; the study directed the results in a quantitative manner, presenting the data in tables and carefully describing the morphological parameters individually. The study focused on an anthropometric survey to include the widest age range as possible, which in the present case was above 50 years, reaching 88 years in both genders.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:24:10Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2007-12-12Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:51:36Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 spinosa_rmo_me_bauru.pdf: 2012402 bytes, checksum: 866eebe6287f32c6343bf9c863891ba8 (MD5) / Dados antropométricos são os principais parâmetros projetuais para o dimensionamento de produtos e espaços de atividades. Eles permitem predizer alguns aspectos importantes das áreas de interface ainda durante o desenvolvimento projetual, principalmente no que se refere à adequação dimensional para populações específicas. Entretanto, apesar de expressivos, na forma em que são disponibilizados atualmente, estes dados acabam encontrando dificuldades para se difundir, principalmente dentro do setor produtivo onde a velocidade de produção e as exigências do empregador, muitas vezes fazem com que informações essenciais acabem sendo desconsideradas. Outra questão que se levanta refere-se à possível adequação e melhoria no processo de uso desse corpo de conhecimento para o dimensionamento dos projetos atuais, que em sua maioria, caminham para o desenvolvimento tridimensional em ambientes virtuais. Esta pesquisa tem por objetivo propor uma nova abordagem para autilização dos dados antropométricos de populações extremas, através do desenvolvimento de uma interface gráfica de consulta e manipulação, que divulgue e facilite o acesso às medidas, tabulações e parâmetros atualmente disponíveis, fornecendo também, referências e estudos tridimensionais com manequins antropométricos, dimensionalmente confiáveis, da população infantil e de idosos brasileiros, adequando-os desta forma ao contexto tecnológico atual de desenvolvimento de projeto / Data anthropometrics are the principal parameters projects for the dimension of products and spaces of activities. They allow stilling predicting some important aspects of the interface areas during the development projects, mainly in what he/she refers to the dimensional adaptation for specific populations. However, in spite of expressive, in the form in that they are now available, these data end up having difficulties to diffuse, mainly inside of the productive section where the production speed and the demands of the employer, a lot of time do with that essential information end up being inconsiderate. Another subject that one lift refers to the possible adaptation and improvement in the process of use of that knowledge body for the dimension of the current projects, that in your majority, they walk for the three-dimensional development in virtual atmospheres. This research has for objetive to propose a new approach for use of the data anthropometrics of extreme populations, through the development of a graphic interface of consultation and manipulation, that it publishes and facilitate the acess now to the measure, tabulations and parameters available, also supplying, references and three-dimensional studies with dolls anthropometrics, reliable dimension, of the infantile population and of Brazilian senior, adapting them this way to the current technological context of project development

Physiological performance has been commonly scaled for body size using various methods to scale anthropometrics, but a paucity of data exists on scaling muscle size. The aim of this thesis was to elucidate the optimal method to scale height (HT), body mass (BM), lean body mass (LBM), and muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) when scaling weightlifting performance for body size. 26 weightlifters (13 male, 13 female) participated in this study. The measurements collected were the snatch (SN), clean and jerk (CJ), isometric peak force (IPF), and countermovement jump height (CMJH). HT, LBM, BM, and vastus lateralis CSA were scaled using the ratio standard and allometry. Competition performance scaled for allometrically scaled CSA possessed greater relationships to CMJH (r = 0.60 – 0.78) than the ratio standard (r = 0.56 – 0.58). These findings suggest that allometrically scaling CSA may be superior when scaling weightlifting performance for CSA.

No description available.

Background: The multiplicities of factors, which may contribute to injury from sporting activity, and the complexity of the relations among them, indicate that identifying causal mechanisms poses a challenge to epidemiologists. The identification of risk factors associated with the effect of the injury on subsequent participation may be as important in understanding how to reduce the burden of injuries on sports participants, as identifying factors associated with the injury incidence rate. Aim: The aim of this study was to develop a biomechanical, antbropometrical, physical, motor and injury epidemiology profile for elite U/19 rugby players. Design: A prospective cohort study. Subiects: In this study 77 elite rugby players were used during the first testing episode (October 2005). These players had just completed their school career and were selected to form part of the Rugby Institute of the University of North West. The U/19 first team members were (n = 31) tested again in July 2006. Two different profiles were established. Method: Once approval had been granted by both the players and by the Rugby Institute of the North West University, the players were submitted to a test battery. Anthropometric, Physical and Motor tests were done at the beginning of the season and the players re-tested at the end of the season. A Biomechanical and Postural Evaluation was done once-off at the beginning of the season. The necessary steps were taken to address existing shortcomings identified in the test subjects. After the results had been analysed, individual programmes were formulated, explained and implemented. The aim was to minimize the possible risk areas indicated by screening. Results: The results were statistically processed, recorded and compared with previous literature studies, according to both the total group and the different player positions - these are the tight five, the loose forwards, the halfbacks and the backs. The Anthropometrical, Physical and Motor testings showed a low or nil practical significant difference for the total group after a season of professional training and coaching, with slight differences between the player groups. The Biomechanical and Postural Evaluation proved the group to be dynamically overloaded with poor regional stability and musculature as far as the upper and lower limbs were concerned, with asymmetry and weak core stability of the spinal and pelvic region. A total of 184 injuries were reported over the season, with the lower limbs (58%) and upper limbs (23%) as the most commonly injured body parts; and sprains (22%) and strains (17%) the type of injury which occurred most often. The tight five (32%) had the highest injury rate, with the flanker (13%) the least injured player position. Conclusion: A profile for elite U/19 rugby players has been determined. This profile can be implemented in conjunction with similar findings in existing literature for future guidelines by coaches and the management to select a better team, to ensure a higher quality of performance and to prevent injuries. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

This thesis was performed in cooperation with Uniti Sweden, an emerging electricalvehicle manufacturer in Sweden. Uniti Sweden is developing a new vehicle, with aprototype slated for a Q3 2017 release. This thesis is about the driver's seat in the Uniti vehicle. The aim of the thesis was todevelop the seat partly by creating a design manual for future use. Data for the project was gathered using triangulation, using interviews,benchmarking, literature searches from different perspectives. Six different aspectswas studied, regulation, comfort and discomfort, aesthetics, biomechanics andergonomics, design and anthropometrics. The seat was developed using QFD anddiscussions with Uniti personnel, however, the development part was put on hold dueto Uniti's schedule, and greater emphasis was put on design manual. The designmanual featured three parameters, fit, feel and support. The project concluded with a technical report, featuring the design manual, theresults from the product development, a checklist and a thesaurus.

Empirical knowledge is lacking on reclined seating postures. To unify such data, a biomechanical model is needed that accurately predicts posture, the relative position of the pelvis, the point of load transfer to the seat, internal and external forces, and the motion paths of the support surfaces. The overall aim of this investigation was, therefore, to create and validate a biomechanical model of reclined seating postures, and to evaluate in vivo measured and predicted data. A two-dimensional biomechanical model was developed, validated and applied. A comprehensive set of biomechanical data was collected from fifteen gender and age diverse subjects to examine the foundational principles for reclined seating ergonomics. The model agreed with 98.8% of measured data on posture across the seated test conditions. There was a significant relationship between modelled and measured force (p < .001, r = .92), which improved after normalisation (p < .001, r = .97) with an 8% full scale error. The model was robust across height and gender. Significant differences in interface pressure (peak pressure, average pressure and area), stature, back muscle activity and spinal curvature were found between all of the seated test postures. Significant relationships were found between the model predictions and all of the experimental data. This research is unique in creating a framework around reclined seating postures which connects previously disparate areas of seating research. The biomechanical model, experimental results, and theories developed from this research have potential implications in research, and design, for applications including backcare chairs, seating for long-term care and patients with neuromotor deficits, wheelchairs and airline seating. Furthermore, this study exists at the interface of anthropometric and biomechanical modelling, and therefore may have cross over potential to digital humans, where their integration with biomechanical models is at the cutting edge of the field.

Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.