Improved cut weight predictions from DEXA scans of lamb carcasses enables more accurate allocation of cuts to processing plans.

The value of precise dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) cut weight predictions to lamb allocation to cut plans is unknown. Lambs (n = 191) varying in carcase weight (HSCW) and GR (tissue depth over the 12th rib) were DEXA scanned and boned out to weigh retail cuts. Cut weights were predicted using HSCW; HSCW + GR; HSCW + DEXA and HSCW + DEXA image components in GLM models. DEXA improved cut weight predictions in most cuts (P < 0.05). A dataset of 10,000 carcases was then simulated using the associations between HSCW, GR and cut weights, before being truncated to 4500 lambs representing onel day's HSCW distribution. A lamb Carcase Optimisation Tool scenario was developed with 2-3 cut options per carcase section and cut weight thresholds applied to several cuts. Processing costs, market values and actual cut weights were input into the Optimiser to determine carcase allocation to cut options for optimised profits. This scenario was repeated using the predicted cut weights to determine the cut misallocations caused. DEXA-predicted cut weights produced 16.7% and 8.0% less misallocations than HSCW and GR. DEXA produced 20.8% and 14.3% less misallocations than HSCW and GR in shortloins, and 25.5% and 12.9% less in hindquarters. While cut misallocations have little direct impact on total profits, as product is over and under-valued when misallocated, reducing cut misallocations will improve processor compliance when sorting carcases into cut plans- reducing their need to retrim, downgrade and repackage product or the erosion of customer confidence caused by supplying product not meeting market specifications.

Quantifying the ossification of the carpus in skeletal age estimation: Radiographic standards for Australian subadults.

An evaluation of the development of a child's skeleton and estimation of bone age provides an insight into a child's overall maturation. This study aimed to introduce a contemporary method for assessing bone age of Australian children using formulae incorporating carpal areal measurements. The standards introduced in this study can be used to assess the developmental status of Australian children who may be affected by growth-related illnesses. Additionally, in situations where the living age of a subadult is unknown, methodologies to accurately estimate age are required, particularly in the Western world where knowledge of the age of an individual is necessary for legal reasons. The sample consisted of retrospective hand and wrist radiographs acquired from 541 children (females: 246, males: 295) aged from birth to 20 years. Using the DICOM viewer Weasis, the carpal area ratio (B.Ar/T.Ar) was calculated for each individual radiograph by measuring the carpal bone area (B.Ar) and total tissue area of the carpus (T.Ar). A changepoint regression model demonstrated that the model constructed in this study was the most accurate in the younger age groups and was able to accurately determine whether a child was under 12 years if female and 13 years if male. A rapid acceleration of growth was observed at approximately 12-13 years in our sample, which may represent the onset of the pubertal growth spurt; this resulted in a high data variance and low model prediction accuracy in female and male children older than 12 and 13 years, respectively.

Participation of children on the autism spectrum in home, school, and community.

BACKGROUND: Children on the autism spectrum participate less frequently, and in a narrower range of activities, than their nonautistic peers, but little is known about exact participation patterns across contexts or how this is perceived by caregivers. This study aimed to document patterns of participation and caregiver views with regard to frequency and intensity of activities. METHOD: Caregivers of children on the spectrum aged 5 (n = 90) and 9-10 years (n = 128) completed the Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth for home, school, and community. Caregivers reported on frequency of child's participation, level of involvement, and caregivers' desire for change in participation patterns. RESULTS: Item-level analyses revealed similar patterns of participation across home, school, and community for both cohorts with some small age-appropriate differences. Caregivers generally desired increased diversity, frequency, and involvement in activities but a decreased use of electronics (computers, games, TV, and DVDs). CONCLUSION: The possibility of autism-specific participation patterns could inform future interventions aimed at enhancing social inclusion. This warrants further investigation through multiinformant designs that seek the perspectives of the child and caregivers.