Difference In Average Distance Research Articles

Comprehensive assessment of 11 de novo HiFi assemblers on complex eukaryotic genomes and metagenomes.

Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) HiFi sequencing technology generates long reads (>10 kbp) with very high accuracy (<0.01% sequencing error). Although several de novo assembly tools are available for HiFi reads, there are no comprehensive studies on the evaluation of these assemblers. We evaluated the performance of 11 de novo HiFi assemblers on (1) real data for three eukaryotic genomes; (2) 34 synthetic data sets with different ploidy, sequencing coverage levels, heterozygosity rates, and sequencing error rates; (3) one real metagenomic data set; and (4) five synthetic metagenomic data sets with different composition abundance and heterozygosity rates. The 11 assemblers were evaluated using quality assessment tool (QUAST) and benchmarking universal single-copy ortholog (BUSCO). We also used several additional criteria, namely, completion rate, single-copy completion rate, duplicated completion rate, average proportion of largest category, average distance difference, quality value, run-time, and memory utilization. Results show that hifiasm and hifiasm-meta should be the first choice for assembling eukaryotic genomes and metagenomes with HiFi data. We performed a comprehensive benchmarking study of commonly used assemblers on complex eukaryotic genomes and metagenomes. Our study will help the research community to choose the most appropriate assembler for their data and identify possible improvements in assembly algorithms.

Utilization of Terrestrial Laser Scanning Data in Building Information Modelling (BIM) for Fire Disaster Evacuation Simulation

The development of digital building modeling technology for documentation and spatial planning is growing rapidly. Along with the development of these technologies, the urgency concerning the level of accuracy in the measurement is also increasing. One of the technologies currently being developed to address the urgency is the creation of three-dimensional objects using the Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS). Three-dimensional (3D) imaging sensors, such as TLS, can be used to create a Building Information Model (BIM) of the condition of buildings and other facilities in the field. However, quality control needs to be carried out to ensure that the model accurately describes conditions in the field. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the level of accuracy of the results of the BIM made by utilizing the TLS. In this study, researchers applied a deviation analysis method. This method produced an area with a significant difference between the point cloud data and the reconstructed model. The BIM went through a virtual disaster evacuation simulation process by utilizing the A* search algorithm. The evaluation results of BIM deviation to the average point cloud were dominated by green results. This indicated that the deviation of the distance between the point cloud and the BIM data ranged from 0 to 2 mm. The results of the test of accuracy in the field using a rolling meter showed that the RMSE value of the difference between the distance of the roll meter and the BIM was 0.0139 m with an average distance difference of 0.0102 m. The results of the creation of the evacuation route showed that the maximum distance of the evacuation route in the building was 21.251 m on the ground floor, 17.290 m on the 1st floor, 17.718 m on the 2nd floor, and 17.851 m on the 3rd floor. From the results of the simulation, the disaster evacuation took 89.8 seconds with an average evacuation process of 44 seconds. The length of the path has been in line with the applicable regulations, in which according to Indonesia's Minister of Public Works and Housing Regulation No. 26/2008, the maximum length of the path in educational residential buildings is 62 m.

Geographical Information System of Bus and Travel Counter in Padang City Using BFS Method Based on Mobile Web

Purpose: One of the main objectives of the research is the BFS (Breadth-First Search) algorithm method in the search for nearby bus and travel counters using GPS found on each device used in the search process. Each smartphone produces a different coordinate point with an average distance difference of 30.2 meters to the hardware coordinate point. Each GPS embedded in the smartphone will process the data according to the location conditions of the user's point of existence. The methodology for system development is a standard process for a team of developers to connect all the steps needed in analyzing, designing, implementing, and maintaining information systems. Methods: The methodology becomes a guideline in system development activities in SDLC. The SDLC model used in this study is the WaterFall Model. Result: The results of this study are expected to facilitate the public in booking tickets and to find the nearest location from the bus and travel counters. Novelty: The novelty of this research is the development of GIS as a search for the location of bus and travel counters using the breadth-first search algorithm. This research can help the community find the location of the nearest bus and tourist counter in the city of Padang.

An improved fuzzy ant colony system for route selection based on real time traffic condition

&lt;span id="docs-internal-guid-43a74def-7fff-f5f6-9f3c-4828e591ebd1"&gt;&lt;span&gt;With city conditions that often have congestion, a driver need to find a route of the many possible routes that may occur from origin to destination by considering several factors. The weaknesses of the ant algorithm is the dependency of required parameter values and must be set manually. This paper will make improvements to the fuzzy ant colony system (FACS) with minimize parameter dependency by using fuzzy logic to determine the probability of the next node visited by ants. There are four criteria or input variables for fuzzy inference system, that is “Pheromone Intensity”, “Distance”, “Vehicle Intensity”, and “Average Speed”. The routes generated by improved FACS (I-FACS) are more varied than the FACS algorithm. The best condition obtained by I-FACS was at point O/D= 112/34 where at 05:00, I-FACS was able to obtain the route with the best length compared to ACS and FACS. The result of the comparison of the route distance obtained shows that I-FACS is able to produce a better route by 4.16% than FACS by looking at the average distance difference on ACS. This method is expected to be a reference for the development of smart transportation in support of smart mobility, which is one of the components in the smart city concept.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;

Comparison of 3D models of an object placed in two different media (air and water) created on the basis of photos obtained with a mobile phone camera

Photogrammetry is one of the contactless geodetic techniques that provide reliable information about objects and their surface properties. Traditional photogrammetric methods require specialized equipment, such as metric cameras, which are very expensive and difficult to access, and the processing of the data obtained from them requires a significant investment of time. An alternative to this solution are generally available non-metric cameras, which can replace professional photogrammetric devices. Currently, consumer-grade digital cameras are enjoying the increase of popularity among photogrammeters thanks to the interchangeable lenses, good image sensor quality and the ability to manually set all camera parameters. However, due to the high costs of purchasing and maintaining such equipment, mobile phone digital cameras are increasingly used, the parameters of which are beginning to match many professional digital SLRs. The newest smartphones are also waterproof, so they can have potential applications in underwater photogrammetry.This article presents the possibilities of using mobile phone cameras in close-range photogrammetry and shows the beginning of research on the use of smartphones in underwater photogrammetry. Three-dimensional models of the gear wheel were made on the basis of photos obtained in two media: in the air and underwater. The two point clouds were then compared, obtaining an average distance difference of ±0,3 mm.

A novel three-dimensional MRI-CT image fusion technique for precise preoperative evaluation and treatment of capitellar osteochondritis dissecans.

We developed a novel method to create three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging-CT (3D MRI-CT) fusion images for detailed lesion evaluation and surgical simulation in capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (COCD). This study aimed to clarify its usefulness. We enrolled 12 boys with COCD (mean age, 13.8 years) and preoperatively constructed 3D models of the humerus and articular cartilage from MR images obtained with a 3-T imager. For better visualization of the articular cartilage outline, we applied 7 kg of axial traction to the elbow during MRI. We also constructed a 3D model of the humerus from CT images. 3D MRI-CT fusion images were created using both models. The average distance difference between two corresponding points as per the 3D CT and 3D MRI models of the humerus was evaluated. Using the 3D MRI-CT fusion images, we measured longitudinal and transverse lesion diameters; evaluated articular cartilage fissures and defects, articular surface deformities, and the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) classification; and validated the results using intraoperative findings. The mean average distance difference was 0.75 mm. The 3D MRI-CT fusion images accurately reproduced lesion conditions in every case and correctly predicted the ICRS classification with 100% accuracy. Preoperatively measured longitudinal and transverse lesion diameters were not significantly different from intraoperative measurements (p = 0.79, 0.32 respectively). 3D MRI-CT fusion images provide a detailed evaluation of COCD lesion severity by presenting the exact positional relationship between the articular cartilage and subchondral bone. • We developed a novel method to create three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging-computed tomography (3D MRI-CT) fusion images for the evaluation of capitellar osteochondritis dissecans. • 3D MRI-CT fusion images enabled the accurate prediction of lesions and provided a detailed evaluation of lesion severity by presenting the exact positional relationship between the articular cartilage and subchondral bone.

Inappropriate referrals in pediatric surgery

BackgroundInappropriate referrals consume a significant amount of health-system resources. To optimize referral patterns, organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics provide policy statements regarding appropriate surgical referrals. Here, we identify the volume/characteristics of inappropriate referrals to pediatric surgeons. MethodsRetrospective chart review of new patients evaluated in the Pediatric Surgery Clinic at a university-based, tertiary-care Children's Hospital over 12-months. Demographics, insurance, referring provider/surgeon diagnosis, and referring provider specialty were abstracted and coded as appropriate/inappropriate. ResultsFive hundred nine referrals were identified; 19% were inappropriate. Inappropriate referrals were more common from mid-level providers (OR = 1.97, p = 0.02) and non-pediatric providers (OR = 1.94, p = 0.01) compared to physicians and pediatric providers. Female patients (OR = 1.65, p = 0.03) and younger patients (OR = 0.94, p = 0.002) were more likely to have an inappropriate referral than their older, male peers. Umbilical hernia, chest wall deformity, and GI complaint were the diagnoses most frequently given to inappropriately referred patients. Average distance traveled by patients for an inappropriate referral was 57.8 miles with significant difference in average distance traveled for rural (78 miles; range = 12–199) and urban (42 miles; range = 0–125) patients (p < 0.01). ConclusionsDespite guidelines on appropriate referral patterns, 19% of pediatric surgery referrals are inappropriate. Increased supervision of mid-level providers, training in pediatrics, or referral to a local pediatrician prior to surgical consultation may decrease the rate of inappropriate referrals. Type of StudyPrognosis. Level of EvidenceLevel II.

Sistem Pemantauan Kendaran Rental Berbasis Global Positioning System (GPS) dengan Kendali Jarak Jauh

The transportation service supply industry is growing rapidly lately. Starting from online motorcycle taxis, online taxis, to vehicle rental service providers, both motorbikes and cars. Car service providers are usually used for personal and public use with a large capital so security needs to be added to the car. This safeguard is in anticipation of customers who intentionally want to commit criminal acts by escaping the vehicle they rent. Therefore, in this study, a rental vehicle monitoring system was made that is able to send its location if there is an indication of fraud by the customer. This system is equipped with the Global Positioning System (GPS) uBlox Neo 6 and is integrated with the Arduino Uno microcontroller and GSM SIM900A module so that it is able to update location data through Short Message Service (SMS). In addition, this system is equipped with an internal storage module (data logger) so that it can record the trip of the rental vehicle according to the owner's order. From the test results that have been done the system is able to provide location information with an average distance difference of 12.184 meters from the actual position. In addition, the system is able to send its position via SMS with an average delivery time of 6.194 seconds.

The trilateration-based BLE Beacon system for analyzing user-identified space usage of New Ways of Working offices

For successful implementation of the New Ways of Working (NWW) office, it is necessary to plan on the basis of user-identified space usage information. Of the different methods, a trilateration-based Bluetooth low-energy (BLE) Beacon system has a greater potential as it provides specific location information. However, the feasibility of implementing a trilateration-based BLE Beacon system has not yet been validated in space-usage analysis in the NWW office. The present study thus aimed to establish whether such a system would be suitable for the purpose. Two sets of experiments were performed in an open-plan office in order to evaluate system accuracy. The present study used two indexes: Distance Difference (DD) and Accuracy Rate of User-Identified Location Estimation (AR). The best average DD was 0.7 m at desk 5 in the first experiment, which is promising. However, the overall experimental DDs were 1.63 m and 1.93 m, while both DD and AR showed significant variance between desks. These findings indicate that system accuracy and consistency are not yet sufficient for space usage analysis in the NWW office. Accordingly, to enhance system accuracy and consistency it will be essential to develop strategies for optimal system deployment and to combine them with other methods.

Motion Analysis of Match Play in New Zealand U13 to U15 Age-Group Soccer Players.

Atan, SA, Foskett, A, and Ali, A. Motion analysis of match play in New Zealand U13 to U15 age-group soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 30(9): 2416-2423, 2016-The purpose of this study was to investigate motion analysis in 85 players (U13-U15 years) from Auckland's Metropolitan League during 2 competitive soccer matches. Five-Hz global positioning system (with interpolated 10-Hz output) units were used to measure total distance (absolute and relative) and time spent in standing, walking, low-intensity running, medium-intensity running, high-intensity running, and sprinting. Speed thresholds for each match activity were determined through mean 10-m flying sprint peak speed for each age group. Under 15 years (U15, 6600 ± 1480 m) covered more absolute distance because of longer playing time than under 14 years (U14, 5385 ± 1296 m, p = 0.001) and under 13 years (U13, 4516 ± 702.6 m, p = 0.001). However, there were no differences in relative distances covered (U15, 94.5 ± 11.2 m·min, U14, 96.1 ± 11.9 m·min, U15, 97.3 ± 17.6 m·min, p = 0.685). Maximum speed attained during the match was faster for U15 (26.5 ± 1.68 km·h) than U14 (25.4 ± 1.93 km·h, p = 0.022) and U13 (23.5 ± 1.74 km·h, p = 0.001); there were no differences in average distance per sprint, with all age groups covering ∼16 m per sprint (p = 0.603). The current findings provide useful information for developing specific training programs for young soccer players and a framework for developing age-specific soccer simulation protocols.

Does bilateral sacrospinous fixation with synthetic mesh recreate nulliparous pelvic anatomy? An MRI evaluation.

The aim of this study was to determine whether the bilateral sacrospinous vault fixation (BSSVF) with synthetic, polypropylene mesh arms restores the nulliparous anatomic relationships of the vaginal vault in women with and without uterus using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This was a prospective case series of women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP) who, after BSSVF, underwent a pelvic MRI (1-13 months postoperatively). Postsurgical pelvic distances were measured from MRI scans and compared with measurements from a group of 11 nulliparous women with adequate pelvic support who underwent MRI in a previous study. Our primary outcome measure was the difference in average distance from the vault to the ischial spine among women after BSSVF when compared with the average nulliparous distances. The secondary outcome measures were the difference in average distance from the posterior fornix to the sacrum and the change in apical POP quantification parameters 6 weeks after surgery. Ten women underwent MRI post-BSSVF-4 women with and 6 women without uterine preservation. In the BSSVF group, similar to the nulliparous group measurements, the average distance between the vaginal apex and the spine was 5.2 cm (SD, 0.8) (95% confidence interval, -0.6 to 0.5; P = 0.92). There was an anterior-inferior displacement of the line between the vaginal apex and the sacrum in women who underwent BSSVF. The posterior fornix was 7.4 cm (SD, 1.2) from the second sacral vertebra versus 5.6 cm (SD, 1.5) in women without POP (P < 0.01). Adequate clinical resolution of apical prolapse was confirmed in all women 6 weeks post-BSSVF. The BSSVF with synthetic mesh restores the anatomy between the vagina and the ischial spines. Clinical studies are underway to compare BSSVF with standard techniques of vaginal vault prolapse repair.

Redefining the watershed line and stream networks via digital resources and topographic map using GIS and remote sensing (case study: the Neka River’s watershed)

The accurate delineation of area plays a key role in the surveying of land change detection and the classification of land covers. In a hydrologic system, the watershed delineation and the detection of the boundaries among watershed is a basic method for performing spatial analyses. After recent advances in image processing and raster-based spatial analysis in geographic information systems, and being easily accessible data via various sources especially through remote sensing, the reliable determination of topographical boundaries possible is possible. Therefore, an integrated approach of data analysis and modeling can accomplish the task of delineation. The main aim in this research is to evaluate the delineation method of watershed boundary using four different digital elevation models (DEM) including advanced spaceborne thermal emission and reflection radiometer (ASTER), Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM), digital topography, and topographic maps. In order to determine a true reference of boundary of watershed, sample data were also obtained by field survey and using global positioning system (GPS). The comparison reference points and the results of these data showed the average distance difference between reference boundary, and the result of ASTER data was 43 m. However, the average distance between GPS reference and the other data was high; the difference between the reference data and SRTM was 307 m, and for digital topographic map, it was 269 m. The average distance between topographic map and the GPS points differed 304 m as well. For the statistical analysis of comparison, the coordinates of 230 points were determined; the paired comparisons were also performed to measure the coefficient of determination, R 2, as well as analysis of variance in SPSS software. As a result, the R 2 values for the ASTER data with the digital topography and topographic map were 0.0157 and 0.171, respectively. The results showed that there were statistically significant differences in distances among the four means of the selected models. Therefore, considering other three methods, the ASTER DEM is the most suitable applicable data to delineate the borders of watersheds, especially in rugged terrains. In addition, the calculated flow directions of stream based on ASTER are close to natural tributaries as well as real positions of streams.

Grazing Distribution and Diet Quality of Angus, Brangus, and Brahman Cows in the Chihuahuan Desert

Abstract Grazing distribution can be improved by using adapted cattle breeds that travel to distant areas of extensive pastures. A 2-yr study was conducted to evaluate grazing distribution and diet quality of Angus, Brangus, and Brahman cows (seven cows per breed group) in the Chihuahuan Desert during three seasons (winter, early summer, and late summer) using three pastures. Two GPS collars were randomly assigned to each breed group and cow positions were logged every 10 min for 10- to 14-d periods in each pasture (3 periods · season -1 ). In 2008, breed groups were evaluated in separate pastures and data were analyzed as a 3 × 3 Latin square design. In 2009, all breed groups were evaluated at the same time in the same pastures. Fecal samples were collected in 2008 and analyzed using near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to estimate diet quality. If positions recorded when cows were resting were excluded, Brahman cows traveled greater distances per day than Angus cows throughout the study and greater ( P ≤ 0.10) than Brangus cows in all but one season during 2009. No differences in average distance to water were detected ( P s 0.10) among breed groups. During early summer in 2008 and early and late summer in 2009, Angus cows maintained a more linear grazing path ( P ≤ 0.10) than Brangus or Brahman cows. Brahman cows displayed more sinuous grazing paths ( P ≤ 0.10) than other breeds during early and late summer seasons in 2009. In 2008, no differences in crude protein content of diets were detected ( P s 0.10) among breed groups during all seasons. Spatial movement patterns of Brahman cows appeared to differ from Angus and Brangus cows; however, there was no evidence to suggest that there was any advantage in use of areas far from water by any breed group.

Transition Force Measurement between Two Negligibly Charged Surfaces: A New Perspective on Nanoparticle Halos

Since 2001, silica microspheres have been reported to be stabilized by highly charged hydrous ZrO(2) nanoparticles which form halos around the microspheres at pH 1.5. However, the exact mechanisms behind this novel stabilization method in terms of the relevant interaction forces remain unclear. In order to gain a greater insight into this mechanism, the interaction between a silica flat and a silica sphere in different ZrO(2) nanoparticle suspensions was investigated by the colloid probe technique. The interaction force between a silica flat and a 600 nm silica sphere was first investigated in a ZrO(2) nanoparticle (D approximately 8 nm) suspension with volume fractions of 10(-3), 10(-4), 10(-5), and 10(-6). When the volume fraction of ZrO(2) is 10(-6), only a purely attractive van der Waals force was observed between the silica surfaces. With an increase in the ZrO(2) nanoparticle volume fraction, a peak was detected on the transition force curve at a ZrO(2) volume fraction of 10(-5) while a purely repulsion force was observed for ZrO(2) volume fractions of 10(-4) and 10(-3). The average distance difference between the peak and the zero distance point on the transition force curve which should define the distance between the halo on the microsphere is approximately 2.3 nm. Additionally, the repulsion increases with the effective zeta potential of the binary composite sphere (BCS, the entity of the silica sphere and the surrounding zirconia particles) on an increase of the nanoparticle volume fraction while the adhesion force decreases, which indicates a denser nanoparticle halo.

Generation-Dependent Energy Dissipation in Rigid Dendrimers Studied by Femtosecond to Nanosecond Time-Resolved Fluorescence Spectroscopy

Intramolecular kinetic processes in a series of second-generation polyphenyl dendrimers with multiple peryleneimide chromophores attached to the para position of the outer phenyl ring were investigated by steady-state and femtosecond to nanosecond time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. The results obtained were compared to the ones of the corresponding first-generation dendrimer series. The energy-hopping rate constant, khopp, observed from anisotropy decay times was found to be 5 times smaller than that of the first-generation series and scales well with the difference in average distance between the chromophores. In addition to the processes observed in first-generation dendrimers in the ultrafast time domain by fluorescence up-conversion, a second annihilation process is found in the second-generation multichromophoric dendrimer. The observation of two singlet-singlet annihilation processes in this compound can be explained by the presence of a mixture of constitutional isomers leading to a broader distribution of distances between neighboring chromophores compared to first-generation multichromophoric dendrimers.

High-speed, three-dimensional kinematic analysis of the normal wrist

Carpal kinematics during a wrist flexion/extension motion using high-speed videodata acquisition was investigated. A cadaver forearm was stabilized, allowing unconstrained excursion of the wrist for passive range of motion (ROM). The extensor and flexor pairs of the wrist were looped together and a 1-lb weight was attached to each pair, simulating synergistic muscle tension. Capitate/radius and third metacarpal/radius angles were calculated to determine which measurement would be best for determining global wrist angle. The average difference in capitate/radius and third metacarpal/radius angles at each respective flexion/extension wrist angle for all wrists was 1.1 degrees +/- 1.6 degrees (the maximum difference was 4 degrees). Hence, the capitate-third metacarpal joint can be considered rigid. Capitate/lunate motion as described by capitate-radius Euler angles ranged from -16.9 to 23.5 with total capitate/lunate motion of 40.5 (35%) in the 114 degrees total global wrist ROM measured. Radius/lunate motion as described by lunate-radius angle ranged from -8.2 to 48.4 with total radius/lunate motion of 56.5 (49%) in the 114 degrees total global wrist ROM measured. During global wrist motion, the radiolunate joint contributes more motion in flexion than the capitolunate joint and the capitolunate joint contributes more motion in extension than the radiolunate joint. The instantaneous screw axes (ISAs) were calculated for each third metacarpal position with respect to the radius. The average distance difference between ISAs for the 4 wrists tested was -1.23 +/- 14.97 pixels. The maximum distance was 56.51 pixels and the minimum was -24.09 pixels. This new combination of motion analysis and 3-dimensional reconstructions of computed tomography images affords a high-speed, dynamic analysis of kinematics. It shows that during wrist flexion/extension, normal carpal kinematics does not have an ISA fixed in or limited to the capitate. In addition, the ISA data provide evidence that translational motion is a real and measurable component of normal carpal motion. These findings alter the understanding of carpal kinematics obtained from the results of previous studies which suggested that the center of rotation was fixed in the capitate.

Displacement of gold marker in immunoelectron microscopy of human respiratory cilia.

Preembedding immunogold electron microscopy was performed to evaluate the position of outer arm dynein heavy chains in normal human respiratory cilia. Anti-dynein antibody (AD2), which is specific for sea urchin sperm flagellar dynein heavy chains, was used as primary antibody. Direct cross-sections of cilia were selected, and the distance between the center of a cilium and the center of a colloidal gold particle attached to the cilium (X) was measured. The distance between the center of a cilium and the farthest edge of an outer dynein arm of the cilium was measured by ordinary electron microscopy (Yo) and by immunoelectron microscopy (Yi). X was significantly longer than Yo and Yi. If it is assumed that the structure of respiratory cilia is dense and that antibodies are located at the outer side of the actual position of the heavy chains, then the average distance difference of approximately 90-120 A may represent the length of two conjugated antibodies. This length should be kept in mind when performing immunoelectron microscopy. The data suggest that AD2 recognizes the outer arm dynein heavy chains of normal human respiratory cilia.

Chew Marks and Cut Marks on Animal Bones from the Kasteelberg B and Dune Field Midden Later Stone Age Sites, Western Cape Province, South Africa

The Later Stone Age sites at Kasteelberg B (KBB) and the Dune Field Midden (DFM), western Cape Province, South Africa, were occupied at least 300-700 years after domestic stock and pottery were first introduced to the region between 2000 and 1600 years ago. Fur seal bones abound at both sites, but bones of stock are common only at KBB. At both sites, predepositional damage to bones consists mostly of chew marks, probably produced mainly by dogs. Macroscopically visible cut marks are relatively rare, suggesting that, like stone age people elsewhere, the KBB and DFM butchers avoided prolonged contact with bone. At both sites, cut marks tend to occur near major limb joints, at acute angles to long bone shafts, implying that the marks were produced mainly by disarticulation or skinning as opposed to filleting. Differences in the frequency of cut marks on homologous bones of sheep and seal at KBB probably partly reflect differences in disarticulation patterns due to differences in anatomy, but other factors, including the removal of cut marks by dog-chewing (much more common on seal bones), differences in average distance between carcass and site, and differences in average carcass condition, probably also played a role. The rarity or absence of chew marks on seal bones from older sites may imply that dogs appeared or became abundant locally only after the introduction of stock. The abundance of chew marks at the DFM may mean that the occupants were fundamentally herders, even though they left few bones of stock at the site.