Field Of Forensic Anthropology Research Articles

Determining sex with the clavicle in a contemporary Spanish reference collection: A study on 3D images

Sexual dimorphism of the clavicle based on metric studies has been determined among different populations from different eras. Due to the need to know about sexual dimorphism in the Spanish population in order to apply the results to the field of Forensic Anthropology, a study has been carried out on a sample in the contemporary Spanish population, made up of the right and left clavicles of 50 males and 50 females. A metric, volumetric and curvature study was performed. To do so, 3D scanning was completed on the entire sample using the Picza 3D Laser Scanner, and the study was performed using reproductions. There were taken 6 metric measurements and 4 volumetric measurements using the Geomagic software, and for the study of curves, an index was calculated which related the direct length of the clavicle and its length as cast onto a surface. The data are presented for all of the variables, distinguishing between the right and left side, and there were processed using the statistical program PASW Statistics 18. The results show that the classification functions which best categorize the sample with an unique variable are volumetric, which classify the sample correctly in 94% of cases based on diaphysis volume, followed by total volume, which provides an accurate classification in 92% of all cases. The sagittal diameter at midshaft provides an accurate classification in 90% of cases and the maximum length in 88% of cases. The curvature index shows that there are no statistically significant differences by side and the only curvature index that shows significant differences by sex is the total anterior curve of the left clavicle being the males curve more pronounced. The validation study performed on a sample of 20 individuals confirms the high discriminatory power of the volume obtaining an accurate classification rate of 85–100% depending on the variable studied.

A discussion of current issues and concepts in the practice of skull-photo/craniofacial superimposition

A recent review paper on cranio-facial superimposition (CFS) stated that “there have been specific conceptual variances” from the original methods used in the practice of skull-photo superimposition, leading to poor results as far as accuracy is concerned. It was argued that the deviations in the practice of the technique have resulted in the reduced accuracies (for both failure to include and failure to exclude) that are noted in several recent studies. This paper aims to present the results from recent research to highlight the advancement of skull-photo/cranio-facial superimposition, and to discuss some of the issues raised regarding deviations from original techniques. The evolving methodology of CFS is clarified in context with the advancement of technology, forensic science and specifically within the field of forensic anthropology. Developments in the skull-photo/cranio-facial superimposition techniques have largely focused on testing reliability and accuracy objectively. Techniques now being employed by forensic anthropologists must conform to rigorous scientific testing and methodologies. Skull-photo/cranio-facial superimposition is constantly undergoing accuracy and repeatability testing which is in line with the principles of the scientific method and additionally allows for advancement in the field. Much of the research has indicated that CFS is useful in exclusion which is consistent with the concept of Popperian falsifiability – a hypothesis and experimental design which is falsifiable. As the hypothesis is disproved or falsified, another evolves to replace it and explain the new observations. Current and future studies employing different methods to test the accuracy and reliability of skull-photo/cranio-facial superimposition will enable researchers to establish the contribution the technique can have for identification purposes.

Morphometric analysis of sex differences in contemporary Japanese pelves using multidetector computed tomography

Sex estimation of decomposed or skeletal remains is clearly important in forensic contexts. Recently, contemporary population-specific data has been obtained using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scanning. The main purpose of this study was to investigate skeletal pelvic dimorphism in a contemporary Japanese forensic sample and to quantify the accuracy of sex estimation using various pelvic measurements obtained from three-dimensional (3D) CT images. This study used a total of 208 cadavers (104 males, 104 females) of which postmortem CT scanning and subsequent forensic autopsy were conducted between December 2011 and August 2014. Eleven measurements of each pelvis were obtained from 3D CT reconstructed images that extracted only bone data. The measurements were analyzed using descriptive statistics and discriminant function analyses. All except one measurement were dimorphic in terms of sex differences. Univariate discriminant function analyses using these measurements provided sex classification accuracy rates of 62.0–98.1%. The subpubic angle was found to contribute most significantly to accurate sex estimation. Multivariate discriminant functions yielded sex prediction accuracy rates of 63.9–98.1%. In conclusion, the pelvic measurements obtained from 3D CT images of a contemporary Japanese population successfully demonstrated sexual dimorphism and may be useful for the estimation of skeletal sex in the field of forensic anthropology.

A McMaster retrospective: how publishing in a student journal shaped my career

Alan G. Morris is Professor in the Department of Human Biology at the University of Cape Town. A Canadian by birth and upbringing, Professor Morris is also a naturalised South African. He has an undergraduate degree in Biology from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo Ontario, and a PhD in Anatomy from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. Professor Morris has published extensively on the origin of anatomically modern humans, and the Later Stone Age, Iron Age and Historic populations of Kenya, Malawi, Namibia and South Africa. In more recent years he has extended his skeletal biology knowledge to the field of forensic anthropology. Professor Morris’ book ‘Missing and Murdered’ was the winner of the WW Howells Prize for 2013 from the American Anthropological Association. He has an additional interest in South African history and has published on the history of race classification, the history of physical anthropology in South Africa and on the Canadian involvement in the Anglo-Boer War. Professor Morris was selected as a visiting Fulbright Scholar in 2012-2013 and spent 9 months at The Ohio State University where he worked with American scholars on the ‘Global History of Health’ project. He is a council member of the Van Riebeeck Society for the Publication of Southern African Historical Documents, an associate editor of the South African Journal of Science and an elected member of the Academy of Science of South Africa.

An Efficient Fingerprint Based Gender Classification System Using Dominant Un-decimated Wavelet Coefficients

Gender classification is the major and challenging task in the field of forensic anthropology which minimizes the list of suspects search. The existing systems use the availability of bones, teeth and other identifiable body parts having physical features that allow gender and age estimation by conventional methods. The different biometrics traits such as face, gait, iris, speech and fingerprint are used to identify the gender and age. Among the biometrics, fingerprint is most commonly available in any crime scene. In this study, an efficient algorithm to identify the gender of a given fingerprint into male or female is proposed. The two most efficient techniques are utilized to enhance the performance of the gender classification system. As the first step, Un-decimated Wavelet Transform (UWT) is employed to extract the features from the fingerprints by applying ranking. Secondly, Gaussian Mixture Models (GMMs) technique is used as classifier for the process of gender classification. The proposed system is carried out with the database of 180 persons finger prints of all fingers in which 80 are female and 100 are male. The results show the satisfactory classification accuracy of over 90%.

A view to the future: standardizing 3D-3D superimposition for identification from next generation video surveillance systems

The identification of culprits from videosurveillance systems brings about relevant problems for what concerns the reliability of comparison and quantification of the degree of match between the culprit and the suspect. The actual videosurveillance give only 2D images of the culprit, which can be compared to a 3D model of the suspect’s face in 2D-3D superimposition. However, in the next future the videosurveillance systems will provide a 3D image of the filmed persons, which may allow the operator to perform 3D-3D superimposition. This study aims at exposing a pilot study based on 10 male subjects: the face from each individual underwent two acquisitions by stereophotogrammetry. On each 3D facial model, 9 landmarks (right and left: en, ex, ch: midline: se, gn, prn) were identified by VAM® software; the acquisitions of each individual were then superimposed with the models of all the other subjects in order to reduce the distance between the corresponding points. The RMS value (Root Mean Square) between the two models was then calculated. When the two superimposed models belonged to the same individual, RMS value was in mean 1.58 mm (SD: 0.61 mm), whereas when the two models were taken from different persons, the same value was 4.54 mm (SD: 2.02 mm) with a statistically significant (p<0.0001). This pilot study shows that the judgment of identification based on 3D-3D superimposition may provide reliable results. The improvement specific methods of 3D-3D comparison may provide in the next future relevant advantages in this field of forensic anthropology.

Forensic Microscopy for Skeletal Tissues: Methods and Protocols

Analyses of skeletal material using modern microscopic techniques (optical microscopy, electron microscopy, scanning microscopy) have lately been performed more and more often, not only in research in the field of forensic anthropology, but also in studies in the area of historical anthropology, odontology and bioarchaeology. The book Forensic Microscopy for Skeletal Tissues: Methods and Protocols edited by Lynn S. Bell and published in 2013 by Humana Press is the first “manual” familiarising the reader in detail with methods of preparing histological specimens from teeth and bones for use in anthropological research. The book consists of fifteen chapters presenting fifteen scientific issues (important for physical anthropologists, forensic anthropologists, odontologists and bioarchaeologists) that require the use of microscopic techniques. Each chapter

Anthropometric and anthroposcopic analysis of different shapes of faces in group of Indian population: A pilot study

Focus of facial identification research is to isolate features that can be considered a factor of individualization. Anthropometry and Anthroposcopy have been the most important research tools in the field of forensic anthropology. These two methods of observation and data collection are made both on the living and on skeletonized human remains. Anthropometry is a systematic study of human measurements. Morphological analysis of unmeasurable features usually is the area of anthroposcopy. Hence, this study aims to assess different human faces using anthropometry and anthroposcopy. A total of 100 subjects were included in the study, prosopic index given by Martin and Saller was used to classify facial types. An anthropometric measurement was used to assess the facial proportions and anthroposcopy for facial morphology. A significant number of subjects were of hyperleptoprosopic facial type, and with a significant sexual dimorphism observed among the Indian population. Anthroposopic analysis showed common morphological features in each prosopic indices. The findings in our study may throw light on anthropometric and anthroposcopic features of Indians and help significantly in the field of forensic anthropology.

Two small linear marks on a mandible: Collaborative networking between forensic experts

A human male mandible was found under the eaves of a house. There were no associated items that allowed for personal identification. An anthropologist, who voluntarily joined our forensics team to give an expert opinion, found two small linear marks of 0.6 cm on the surface of the right condylar process. He thought these marks had been produced by a sharp object, and at the very least were not the result of bite marks by rodents or other animals. At first, the police did not appreciate the significance of the marks. One month later, however, other remains with similar marks were found near the scene, strongly suggesting that the case was a mutilation murder with a sharp weapon. After a vigorous search, the police obtained information that a young man in his twenties had gone missing in the area one year previously. After checking up on his relationships, a suspect was identified and arrested. The suspect subsequently confessed and was convicted as guilty of the crime. There are only a few forensic anthropologists in Japan. Consequently, almost all cases requiring bone examination have been handled by forensic pathologists, but it is hard for forensic pathologists to cover all fields comprehensively. The present case might have been solved without help from the anthropologist. However, we believe that forensic pathologists, especially less experienced ones, should seek advice from an expert in the field of forensic anthropology in order to carry a multidisciplinary forensic investigation. Given the current situation in, it is difficult in many institutes of forensics to obtain direct help from forensic anthropologists. The authors believe that collaborative networking via the Internet between forensic experts in each field cannot only obtain further information on complicated cases, but would also be helpful in training young forensic pathologists.

Triangle identified at the proximal end of femur: a new sex determinant

Deviating from the conventional measurements, the present study uses the points of traction epiphysis on the upper end the femur as a landmark for measurement. A triangle was drawn on the posterior aspect of the femur using the apex of two traction epiphyses and the lateral most point on the articular margin of head. The study was conducted on 200 male and 80 female femora belonging to Central India. The lengths of triangle, so drawn, yielded highly significant results. The measurements were further evaluated by discriminant function analysis. Employing a single variable attained a prediction accuracy of 85.5% for males and 81.3% for females. When the variables were combined into a function, the accuracy improved to 86.5% for males and 86.3% for females. One of the advantages of the measurements on the proximal end of femur is that they can be used on fragmented bone where the shaft and distal end are missing. The study has applied value in the field of forensic anthropology.

Sex determination from the talus of South african whites by discriminant function analysis.

The field of forensic anthropology involves the building of an antemortem profile of an individual from skeletal remains. This includes sex and race determination and age and stature estimation. Since most bones that are conventionally used for sex determination are often recovered either in a fragmented or incomplete state, it has become necessary to use denser bones that are often recovered intact, eg, the patella, calcaneus, and talus. Thus the aim of this study is to assess the sex-determining ability of each of the measurements of the talus and derive discriminant function equations for sex determination in the South African white population. Sixty male and 60 female tali of South African whites obtained from the Raymond A. Dart Collection of Human Skeletons were used. Nine measurements were taken on each talus. Descriptive statistics and discriminant function analysis were performed on the acquired data. The basic statistics showed that all measurements were sexually dimorphic. Univariate, stepwise, and direct discriminant function equations were generated for use in sex determination. The level of average accuracy of sex classification was 80% to 82% for the univariate method, 85% to 88% for the stepwise method, and 81% to 86% for the direct method. It is concluded that the talus of South African whites is useful for sex determination.

Supply and demand: the shifting expectations of forensic anthropology in the United Kingdom.

Forensic anthropology is a relatively young discipline in the United Kingdom. Practitioners utilise techniques devised and adapted within the field of biological anthropology and attempt to contribute towards the identification of deceased individuals within the forensic context. Traditionally this means the examination of the human skeleton in an attempt to either create biological boundaries of the deceased thus reducing the number of potential identifications, or to compare the remains with antemortem records to positively identify the deceased. Usually an osteological profile is generated containing estimates of biological sex, age at death and stature and information on pathologies and traumas. Current diversification and pioneering research within the field of forensic anthropology now means that forensic anthropologists can contribute towards the identification of living individuals with the use of such methods as facial recognition, ear mark identification and DNA analysis. In the UK its origins lie mainly in the field of archaeology. In the UK, many fields of anthropology fall under the auspices of archaeology and most anthropologists tend to be housed in archaeology departments. As such, forensic anthropology has grown as a result of the initial and continued growth of forensic archaeology. This is not the situation in North America, where archaeology is very much a sub-discipline of anthropology. In addition, forensic anthropology has been founded a great deal longer in North America than in the UK, and as such already has many established and reputable practitioners, an association and an accreditation scheme. These three features have yet to be fully implemented in the United Kingdom, although this will happen within the next five years. Changes are now occurring within the discipline of forensic anthropology in the United Kingdom. Many of these changes are the result of a shift in the current expectations of the discipline and will help to define the direction of development for the future decade at least. These changes, at a superficial level, appear separate and distinct, however they are ultimately related to the same conceit. That of maintaining the standard of performance against a background of changing expectations regarding the nature of forensic work. Forensic anthropology was developed in its early years by astute individuals who saw both a clear lacking in police procedure [1,2] and a new and exciting academic niche. The discipline developed and grew as a corollary of the work these individuals performed and the publicity they received as a consequence. There were no real expectations of the discipline at this point because nobody fully appreciated just what the discipline could offer. It is argued here that this is not true now. New expectations are being placed upon the discipline, and this brief article aims to identify them and suggest how they might be dealt with. One could argue that a discipline is only of use if it has something to offer society. As a result, the expectations of society and the discipline's ability to fulfil those expectations will define whether the subject is deemed to be of use or not. A failing of some disciplines is that they neglect to make it clear just what they have to offer society. With forensic anthropology society not only realises that it has something to offer it, but society is now becoming demanding. Great Expectations The first task is to identify those who are making the demands of forensic anthropology in the United Kingdom. There are five sources of disciplinary expectation: the public, the police, the legal system, students and the media. The Public now realises that forensic anthropology can have an important social role. This is true at the Individual, the National and the International levels. For the Individual, forensic anthropology can help to provide important psychological benefits for individuals who have lost their loved ones and are waiting and searching for 'emotional closure'. For the Nation forensic anthropology can contribute towards the application of justice and the increase in public confidence in the criminal justice system, while at the same time help augment a sense of national identity and collective history. At the International level it can help raise awareness of criminal and social injustices, and be a vigorous part of the practical and political process to rectify these injustices. There is much published literature on these last two issues [3-81. Much recent international work by UK forensic anthropologists has focused on the Balkan region. The emphasis of the process of deployment for these missions has now moved from the offices of central government to a number of forensic expert databases that aim to organise and expedite the process. There are two main expert databases in the UK. The Centre for International Forensic Assistance is based in Scotland (http://www.cifa.org) and the International Forensic Centre of

Interobserver Variation of Selected Postcranial Skeletal Measurements

Osteometric data are of great importance for analytical purposes in the field of forensic anthropology, and it is critical that interobserver concordance is high in order for the results of these analyses to be reliable. Significant interobserver variation of skeletal measurements is cause for concern since it may result in conflicting conclusions. The range of interobserver variation of selected postcranial measurements is addressed. Thirteen standard measurements familiar to most forensic anthropologists were examined, as well as nine nonstandard measurements that were unfamiliar to most participants in the study. Sixty-eight individuals participated in the study, the majority of whom considered themselves to be forensic anthropologists with various levels of experience. In general, interobserver variation of the tested standard postcranial measurements was found to be minimal, with the exception of pubis length and subtrochanteric femur measurements. The difficulties that can lead to measurement error are discussed and possible solutions are recommended.

Forensic Osteological Analysis: A Book of Case Studies

Edited by Scott I. Fairgrieve, 340 pp, with illus, Springfield, Ill, Charles C Thomas Ltd, 1999.This is a book of case studies on how skeletal analysis is applied to human and animal remains in medicolegal cases. The book probes the limits of forensic osteology and examines both successes and failures. The book does not teach the reader how to establish identification from skeletal remains, but rather supplies useful practical information about how actual skeletal analyses have been performed in a wide variety of cases.The 20 chapters, written by 32 contributors, cover the broad gamut of forensic identification, including identifying human versus animal bones, sex determination, DNA analysis, cremated remains, historical cases, facial reconstruction, video superimposition, detection of strangulation, unusual skeletal anomalies, mass disasters, and human rights investigations. Material on the use of insects in death investigation is also included. There is an excellent discussion of the pathologic changes seen on human skeletons before, during, and after death.The chapter on mass disasters discusses a collision between a passenger train and a freight train that occurred near Hinton, Alberta, Canada, in February 1986, resulting in 23 fatalities. The collision caused massive deformation of the passenger and freight cars with entrapment of the victims. An intense diesel fuel fire supplemented by spilled grain and sulfur from the freight cars hampered recovery efforts. Cold weather and large amounts of burned railcar insulation, which simulated burned bone, further complicated the process.The chapter on the role of forensic anthropology in human rights issues presents compelling information on the difficulties encountered in investigating genocide cases on foreign soil. Among the obstacles to the exhumation of a 1991 mass grave at Ovcara, Croatia, believed to contain as many as 200 remains, were land minds, explosives, and military and political intimidation. During a 1994 civil war in Rwanda, Hutu extremists killed 500 000 to 800 000 Tutsi. Forensic experts, including forensic anthropologists, archeologists, and pathologists from various parts of the world, participated in the recovery and analysis of the skeletal remains that resulted from the genocide in the vicinity of a church in Kibuye, Rwanda. Heat, explosives, poisonous snakes, and heavy vegetation made the work hazardous.The illustrations used in the book are of excellent quality, were carefully selected, and greatly facilitate understanding. Excellent references accompany each chapter. The book is primarily designed for students of forensic anthropology and presumes a background in human anatomy and osteology. Forensic pathologists and dentists who do identification work will also find this book very useful. The book provides an excellent overview of the field of forensic anthropology. It clearly delineates the potential contribution that can be made by the forensic anthropologist and archeologist in cases involving skeletal remains and encourages the early involvement of these specialists in the recovery of those remains.

T. Dale Stewart: Remembrances of a Scholar and Colleague

T. Dale Stewart's contributions had a considerable influence on the development and early evolution of the field of forensic anthropology. This composition provides a perception of Stewart from the viewpoint of an advanced graduate student and then a young colleague. It explains, in part, the quiet leadership and assistance that Stewart provided at various professional and familiar levels to one individual and is indicative of the broad effect that Stewart had on generations of students and professionals in anthropology, osteology and forensic anthropology.

The Pedagogy of Dr. William R. Maples

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to convey an appreciation of the teaching and training style of Dr. William R. Maples, and recognize his contributions in educating his graduate students in forensic anthropology. In a time when university learning is often characterized by large introductory, undergraduate lecture courses, with the occasional senior seminar course, the opportunity to study one-on-one with Dr. Maples as a graduate student was stimulating. It was also a rare event, since Dr. Maples was not one to accumulate numerous students. This paper discusses Dr. Maples' unique teaching style. His methods were akin to the days of the apprentice's acquisition of the technical skills and theoretical knowledge of a master. Examples of Dr. Maples' rigorous yet highly effective teaching approach will be shared through a presentation of some of his daily oral teachings, and anecdotes of past human identification cases. While Dr. Maples made many significant contributions to the field of forensic anthropology through his research and phenomenal service, it is his teachings that will be most remembered, as the knowledge he passed on is his true legacy.