Maximum Head Width Research Articles

Anthropometric Study of the Cephalic Index of Anambra State Students in Madonna University Nigeria

Background: Cephalometry is a subfield of anthropometry that involves the estimation of the cephalic index. The cephalic index is a significant metric used to ascertain the race and sex of an unidentified individual. Materials and Methods: This study was descriptive and cross-sectional and was conducted on Anambra State students at Madonna University. Elele campus, Rivers State, aged 16–24 years. The cephalic index was determined by applying the following formula: the maximum breadth of the head divided by the maximum length of the head, multiplied by 100. Hundred subjects, comprising 150 males and 150 females from Anambra State at Madonna University, were measured. Anthropometrical parameters measured were maximum head breadth and maximum head length. Results and Discussion: The analysis shows that there is no significant difference in the age groups with the cephalic indices of males and females. The prevalence of hyperbrachycephaly is significantly higher in males and females, while dolicocephaly is observed infrequently. Conclusion: This study shows that the males and females showed no differences on the basis of the cephalic index. It also reveals that the students in this study share similarities with Urhobo males and females based on their head types. The findings of this study will hold significant implications for the fields of forensics, medicine, and biometrics.

Maximum Body Size of the Suwannee Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys suwanniensis)

The published literature does not provide a consensus regarding maximum body sizes of North America's largest wild freshwater turtles (genus Macrochelys). The largest known wild M. suwanniensis (Suwannee Alligator Snapping Turtle) currently exists as a curated specimen measuring 713 mm straight-midline carapace length, 801 mm maximum carapace length, 619 mm maximum carapace width, and 236 mm maximum head width. The turtle was never weighed, but we used morphometric data from our studies in the Santa Fe and Suwannee rivers to estimate that it weighed ∼76.4 kg (168 lbs) when captured. Our 95% prediction interval (67.6–86.3 kg [149–190 lbs]) suggests that speculative estimates and anecdotal reports of M. suwanniensis that weigh ≥90 kg (≥200 lbs) are dubious.

Variation in Measurements of Some Body Parts of Laodelphax striatella (Fallén, 1826) (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Delphacidae) due to Altitude

The small brown planthopper Laodelphax striatella (Fallén, 1826), which belongs to Delphacidae family, is widespread in Palearctic. It is one of the important pests of agricultural crops such as rice, maize, oat, wheat etc. Because of its economic importance, identification of the factors that effective on L. striatella populations is required. Size of body parts closely related with vital processes such as metabolic performance, fecundity, and longevity. Several ecological factors such as light, temperature, water supply and moisture were effective on body size. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of altitude on some body measurements of L. striatella. Because light, temperature, precipitation and some of the other factors vary based on altitude, it is an important ecological factor for organisms. Understanding the effects of altitude on insect species may give useful information about them. The specimens were collected from three localities at different altitudes in Central Black Sea Region, Turkey. Except wing length, all the measurements of the body parts varied proportionally with increasing altitude. Statistically significant variations were determined in the measurements of head width, pronotum length, pronotum width, mesonotum width and forewing width. The maximum head, pronotum, mesonotum and forewing width (0.623, 0.686,0.707 and 0.730 mm, respectively) and pronotum length (0.172 mm) was measured at 50 m. The minimum measurements of these body parts were at 900 m. Additionally, relationships were determined between measured body parts and altitude.

Stature Estimation from Forearm Length: An Anthropometric Study on Medical Students of South Indian Origin

Forensic identification of mutilated and fragmented body parts is a critical part of forensic investigation. Stature is a major criterion of identification and provides useful clues to the investigating agency. There are established correlations of stature with body parts such as extremities, head, trunk, vertebral column, etc. This study was formulated to find out the correlation between maximum head length and maximum head breadth with stature in humans and to calculate a regression equation to determine stature from the head length and head breadth at Kolkata Police Morgue attached to the Upgraded Department of Forensic and State Medicine, Medical College, Kolkata. It is a cross-sectional, observational study. Total 32 deceased subjects (n= 32, m=26 f=6) were selected for the study depending on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Maximum head length and breadth were measured in each using spreading calipers and stature was measured using standard autopsy procedures. The results were tabulated in an excel spreadsheet and analyzed using Stat Cal C software and SSS (online). The mean, stature of the study population was 162.54 cm, head length 17.78 cm, and head breadth 13.75. cm r = 0.473 (head length, p <0.006) , 0.181 (head breadth, p <0.321). Regression equations: stature = 3.83 × head length + 94.43; 2.09 × head breadth + 133.69 and 3.76 × head length + 0.29 × head breadth +91.60. Head length and head breadth were correlated with stature. Regression equations can be used to estimate stature in forensic cases from head length and breadth.

Biology and morphometric studies of beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hub.)

The study is mainly focused on the morphology of different stages i.e., egg, larvae, pupa and adult. The head capsule measurements (widest head width) were taken by use of Stereozoom binocular microscope. The beet armyworm undergoes 5 instars with a maximum and minimum head width of 0.26 ± 0.01 and 1.70 ± 0.05 mm respectively. The head capsule width of larval instars showed successive increase in a different ratio at each moult and did not follow regular geometrical progression (Dyar's law). Colour polymorphism was clearly observed in the fifth instar of S. exigua recording about 34 morphs with a range of colours i.e., green, black, pink and yellow being dominant with combination of colours and cannibalism also reported in the late instar stages. The total developmental period lasted for 32.38 ± 5.13 days.

Termites (Insecta: Isoptera) diversity in forest conseccion areas of PT Inhutani I, Indonesia

Termites as wood biodeterioration agents have an important role in the ecosystem. This study aimed to observe termite diversity. A termites survey was conducted on Forest Concession Areas of PT. Inhutani I, South Sulawesi Indonesia. The termite specimens collected used the standardized transect sampling protocols at three different sites (forest with mixed vegetation, Pinus merkusii plantation, and logged-over area; and measurement of nine morphological characters of the soldier was conducted, i.e: head length without mandibles, head width at base of mandible, maximum width of head, left mandible length, pronotum length, maximum width of pronotum, postmentum length, postmentum width of postmentum, and the number of antenna segments. The results showed that there are four species found based on the morphological characteristics and morphometrical data, namely: Odontotermes javanicus., Nasutitermes sp., Schedorhinotermes sp. and Coptotermes curvignathus. The highest termite abundance was found in forest with mixed vegetation. The termite diversity in logged-over area and forest with mixed areas was moderate, while species diversity in pine plantation was low.

Cephalic Index in Adult Jaunsari Tribe Population of Dehradun District of Uttarakhand- A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Cephalic Index is an essential anthropometric index used to find out sexual and racial differences. Its knowledge is helpful in the diagnosis of patients and for medico-legal cases. This knowledge is also used to evaluate patients of various medical fields like paediatrics, craniofacial surgery, and medical investigations like imaging. Aim: To study the parameters related to cephalic index of adult male and female population of Jaunsari Tribe of Dehradun district in Uttarakhand and to analyse the sex differences in these parameters. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study, carried on 100 adult males and 100 adult females of more than 18 years of age, belonging to Jaunsari Tribe from March 2014 to April 2018. Head Length or Maximum Glabello-occipital Diameter (g-op) (mm) and Maximum Head breadth (eu-eu) were measured. With the help of these measurements, the cephalic index was calculated. Results: Maximum number of Jaunsari males (83%) and females (45%) had dolichocephalic heads, and the second most common type of head was mesocephalic in both males (17%) and females (26%). There was not a single case of hyperdolichocephalic in males, whereas 17% of females were hyperdolichocephalic. It can also be seen that there was not a single case of even brachycephalic and hyperbrachycephalic in male population whereas the female population had 7% and 5% brachycephalic and hyperbrachycephalic cephalic index respectively and not a single person of ultrabrachycephalic type of cephalic index was reported in both male and female population. All cephalic parameters, as well as the cephalic index itself, were statistically significantly different (p-value <0.001) in the male and female population of the Jaunsari Tribe. Conclusion: Maximum number of Jaunsari males and females had dolichocephalic heads. This data may be used as a standard for future reference for the Jaunsari population and may also be helpful for clinicians, forensic and anthropological experts.

The Study of Cephalic Index of Maria Boys and Girls

Craniometry is the scientific measurement of skulls, especially in relation to craniology while cephalometry is a branch of anthropometry in which the anatomical dimensions of head and face are measured. Cephalometry continues to be the most versatile technique in the investigation of the craniofacial skeleton because of its validity and practicality. The study was determine the cephalic indices of Maria boys and girls of Bastar District. The study was carried out of using 378 Maria boys and girls who were between the age of 6 to 12 years comprising of 189 Maria boys and 189 Maria girls. The data were collected from the schools of teachers’ permission. The Maximum Head length (MHL ), Maximum Head Breadth (MHB), and Cephalic Index (CI) were determined using standards. The obtained showed that the mean values of the MHB were boys and girls 16.98±0.77, 16.52±0.80,MHL were boys and girls13.24±0.63,12.99 and CI were 78.16±5.22,78.78±4.97 boys and girls found to be mesocephalic. Cephalic index is the terminology used in anthropology for having in indentifying module or numerical to distinguish the given sample of population.

Anthropometric study of the cranial parameters using Computed Tomography (CT) scan to establish cephalic index of a sampled population in Calabar, Nigeria

Background: Ethnic characteristics of individuals are best described with the skull. Cranial index is one of the most important variables for determining sexual dimorphism and of course racial differences. Parameters used in establishing cephalic index vary considerably depending on the age, sex, geographical habitat, ethnic background of the individuals involved and the methods employed. Such has not been documented in Calabar, especially with the use of advanced imaging modality such as the Computed Tomography (CT) scans. This is the rationale of the study.Objective: To determine the cephalic index of Nigerians residing in Calabar using CT scan.Materials and Methods: A total of 200 cranial Brivo 385 16 slice CT scan images of Nigerians aged from 18 to 87 years were obtained from the Asi-Ukpo Diagnostic Medical Centre Calabar. A simple random probability sampling technique was employed. Variables measured were the Maximum Cranial Length (MCL), Maximum Cranial Width (MCW), Bizygomatic Length (BZL) and the Orbital Length (OBL). The cephalic index was obtained by measuring the ratio of the maximum head width (MCW) or the Biparietal Diameter (BPD) to maximum head length (MCL) or the antero-posterior diameter then multiplied by 100.Results: Cranial length was 182.9 ± 0.657mm in males and 178.53 ± 0.09mm in females. Cranial width was 138.59 ± 0.56mm in males and 137.21 ± 0.65mm in females. The orbital length was 34.35 ± 0.31mm in males and 33.37 ± 0.29mm in females while bizygomatic length was 130 ± 0.31mm in males and 127.54 ± 0.84mm in females. Cranial index was 76.09mm in males and 75.81mm in females. No significant difference between males and females of the study population as the subject appears to be largely mesocephalic (p<0.05).Conclusion: Cranial index of the study sampled population is majorly mesocephalic. Therefore, CT scan is very important a tool in the assessment of cranial parameters in anthropometry.Keywords: Anthropometry, Calabar, Cranial index, Computed Tomography, Mesocephalic

Body size variation of the ant Lasius niger along a metal pollution gradient

The phenotypic diversity of ant workers plays a fundamental role in their biology. In this study, we asked if the body size variation of monomorphic workers of the ant Lasius niger (Formicidae) responds adaptively to metal pollution in a post-mining metal-polluted area. Nest samples of workers were collected along a pollution gradient to calculate the within-colony variance in body size (expressed as maximum head width, HW). The results showed that the body size variation of L. niger was unrelated to the pollution index but demonstrated considerable variation between colonies even within the same study site. We suggest that the differences in morphological diversity between the colonies of L. niger could be shaped by colony personality traits, i.e., by colony-specific foraging and/or the feeding efficiency of nursing workers. The study supports previous findings, showing that morphological traits in Lasius ants are weakly related to environmental metal pollution.

Survey and morphological identification of termites (Insecta: Isoptera) in Teaching Forest of Hasanuddin University, Indonesia

This study aimed to observe and identify of Coptotermes species based on morphological characteristics. Termites survey was conducted on Teaching Forest of Hasanuddin University, South Sulawesi area Indonesia with the elevation range 406-628 meter asl; specimens collected used the standardized transect sampling protocols at four different landscapes (natural forest, Swietenia mahagony plantation, Acacia mangium plantation, and Pinus merkusii forest Observation, and measurement of nine morphological characters of soldier was conducted, i.e: head length without mandibles, head width at the base of mandibles, maximum width of head, left mandible length, number of antennal segments, pronotum length, maximum width of pronotum, postmentum length, and maximum width of postmentum; also three indices were calculated, i.e., bHW/mHW, MHW/HL, LML/HL. The results showed that there are nine species found based on the morphological characteristics and morphometrical data, namely: Odontotermes sp.1, Odontotermes sp. 2, Odontotermes sp.3, Coptotermes curvignathus, Nasutitermes sp., Schedorhinotermes sp. Microcerotermes serrula, Bulbitermes sp., dan Havilanditermes sp.

Identification of a transcription factor that functions downstream of corazonin in the control of desert locust gregarious body coloration

Corazonin (Crz) is a neuropeptide that controls phase-dependent body color polyphenism in locusts. The Crz signaling pathway is responsible for the development of gregarious black patterns in nymphs and determination of the morphometric ratio F/C (F = hind femur length, C = maximum head width) in adults. However, little information is available regarding the mediator and effector proteins regulated by Crz. In this study, we identified a novel transcription factor, Loct, which functions downstream of Crz in Schistocerca gregaria and Locusta migratoria. In S. gregaria, we detected a variant of Loct lacking the N-terminal region. Protein–protein interaction assays showed that both the long and short Loct variants formed a complex with themselves. LOCT knockdown in gregarious nymphs reduced the intensity of their black patterning, but did not affect F/C ratios in adults. LOCT was exclusively expressed in the integument of gregarious nymphs, suggesting that Loct is involved in melanin production. In addition, we found that the melanization-associated protein Yellow (YEL) and the albino-related takeout protein (ALTO) are expressed in the integument and function downstream of Crz. However, Crz injection failed to influence LOCT, YEL, and ALTO expression. Therefore, additional factors probably cooperate with Crz to induce these genes. The gene expression profiles of YEL and ALTO in LOCT-knockdown nymphs suggest that Loct does not directly control the transcription of YEL or ALTO. In summary, we present a working model of the Crz pathway, which is active in crowded S. gregaria nymphs.

A new species of Barbatula from the headwaters of the Bulgan River in western Mongolia (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae).

Barbatula karabanowi, new species, is described from the upper Bulgan River drainage in Mongolia. It is most similar to B. dsapchynensis from the Zavhan River basin (Lake Valley, Mongolia). The new species is distinguished from this and all other species of Barbatula in Asia by a combination of characters, none of them unique: nostrils widely spaced; snout broad, ratio between maximum head width and width of snout at anterior nare 1.4-1.6; lips smooth, upper lip with a short incision; lower lip with short, well developed lateral lobes, mental lobes oval, lacking conical protrusions; scales absent or isolated scales present on the flank between dorsal- and caudal-fin bases; 42-44 vertebrae (usually 43); 75-88 lateral line pores on flank; paired fins with rounded tips; pigmentation pattern with densely set and partially fused irregularly shaped blotches and streaks. Barbatula karabanowi occurs in syntopy with B. cf. altayensis. It is distinguished from this species by having widely separated nares (vs. closely-set), details in the mouth structure, few or no scales (vs. squamation well developed), less vertebrae and lateral line pores (42-44 and 75-88 vs. 44-45 and 89-105, respectively), "non-muscular" cheeks in both sexes (vs. thickened, especially in the males) and details in colour pattern. These two species were found to prey on different food items and were the only fish taxa found in the studied part of the river.

Correlation and estimation of stature from cephalofacial measurements: A study on Western Uttar Pradesh population.

Background:Identification of an individual from fragmented remains is still a very challenging task for forensic experts in spite of the many studies which have been carried out till date, across the globe. Stature, one of the criteria of personal identification, has a definite and proportional biological relationship with every part of the human body which includes the cephalofacial (CF) region. At instances, where only CF remains are available, it becomes difficult for the forensic scientist to identify the deceased since there is a paucity of studies pertaining to the estimation of stature from CF dimensions. Results from such a study can be used as database for forensic investigations and other anthropometric studies.Aim:To estimate stature of an individual using data derived from CF measurements.Materials and Methods:The study was conducted on 540 representative candidates (270 males and 270 females) in the age group of 20–25 years. Stature (S) and CF measurements (maximum head length [MHL], maximum head breadth [MHB], horizontal circumference of head [HHC], bigonial diameter [BGD], and morphological facial length [MFL]) of each candidate were recorded and tabulated. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics v. 19.0 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA) for the CF dimensions obtained. Comparisons were made between the CF measurements recorded with respect to the gender using statistical mean, standard deviation, range, and Pearson's correlation coefficient, and linear regression equation of height to the parameters recorded was derived.Results:Findings suggest that all the CF measurements are significantly correlated with stature (P < 0.01). MHL, MHB, and HHC show higher correlation coefficients (r value) when compared to MFL and BGD. The CF measurements arranged in descending order based on their r value is HHC > MHL > MHB > MFL > BGD. In general, head measurements show lower values of standard error of estimate (SEE) compared to facial measurements. Among both sexes, HHC shows the least and BGD shows the highest SEE value when compared to all the other CF measurements.Conclusion:It can be concluded that the recommended anthropometric measurements provided serve as a template and confirm that there are geographical and sexual dimorphism in anthropometric parameters; therefore, these should be considered in forensic or criminal investigations.

Morphometric Characteristics and Length-Weight Relationship of Russian Sturgeon Juveniles Fed with Different Ratio

The aim of this paper was to analyze some morphometric characteristics and the correlation between them for Russian sturgeon juveniles (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii) reared in a recirculating aquaculture system fed at different fed with different ratio: 1% body weight (BW), 1.5% BW, 2% BW and ad libitum feeding (which was around 2.8% BW).Fish, with an average body mass around 248.194 ± 1.59 g. Following biometric measurements were made for each fish, including weight (W), total length (TL), standard length (SL), fork length (FL), maximum body depth (last depth of caudal peduncle, H); preanal distance (AD), predorsal distance (PD), length of head (C), preorbital distance (PO), length of pectoral fin (LPF), interorbital distance (ID), maximum width of head (MH), width of mouth (WM), width of the head at the level of the mouth (WHM). The obtained results showed significant differences between all morphometric measurements (p&lt;0.05) for all the experimental variants, emphasizing that in the ad libitum feeding all morphometric measurements were significantly higher than in the other experimental variants. In order to highlight more eloquent these differences, were developed some linear regressions between the morphometric measurements and significant positive correlation (p&lt;0.05) between dependent and independent variables were found.

Morphometric determination of healthy young female's auricles

Objective To investigate auricle index difference in Henan residents, and to provide an additional reference for otoplasty. Methods Subjects were made up 266 healthy young of Henan residents. Their height, weight, total head height, maximum head length, maximum head breadth, vertex to tragion height, physiognomic ear breadth, morphological ear breadth, physiognomic ear length and morphological ear length were measured and calculated. All the data were analyzed by SPSS 15.0 software. Results We obtained the means, standard deviation of each items, and data were treated statistically. Height (162.9±4.1) ㎝, weight (55.3±6.5) ㎏, total head height (18.6±1.0) ㎝, maximum head length (17.0±0.7) ㎝, maximum head breadth (14.1±0.8) ㎝, vertex to tragion height (11.9±0.7) ㎝, physiognomic ear length (6.2±0.4) ㎝, morphological ear breadth (4.9±0.6) ㎝, physiognomic ear breadth (3.3±0.3) ㎝ and morphological ear length (2.9±0.3) ㎝ were determined. The differences among the indices mentioned above were of statistical significance (P 0.05). Conclusions Subjects of different height and weight have different total head height; hence, the indices are related to body height and weight. Subjects of different height have different vertex to tragion height, length-height index of the head and breadth-height index of the head. This study has certain reference values on analyzing the characteristics of the human and auricle cosmetology of henan young females. Key words: Female; Auricle; Measurement

A Method for Determining Stadium Number of Late Stage Dragonfly Nymphs (Odonata: Anisoptera)

ABSTRACT: A method for recognizing the final stadium and the four preceding stadia of dragonfly nymphs (Odonata: Anisoptera) was derived by dividing hind wing sheath length (WSL) by maximum head width (HW). Based on measurements for 15 species representing all seven North American families, five stadia can be delineated, counting backwards from the final (F-0) to the four preceding stadia (F-1, F-2, F-3, and F-4). The ratio WSL/HW over all species ranged as follows: F-0, 0.89–1.39 (mean 1.16); F-1, 0.57–0.88 (mean 0.70); F-2, 0.36–0.61 (mean 0.46); F-3, 0.24–0.44 (mean 0.32); and F-4, 0.15–0.32 (mean 0.23). As a crude guide, a ratio near 1 or greater indicates F-0, about two-thirds indicates F-1, about one-half indicates F-2, about one-third indicates F-3, and about one-fourth indicates F-4. Plathemis lydia (Libellulidae) had the highest WSL/HW ratio in F-0 (1.32–1.39).

Estimation of stature from different anthropometric measurements in Kori population of North India

In medico-legal cases, most often the personal identity of the deceased is a mystery. The stature, sex and other parameters in such scenarios are ascertained using the physical evidence present at the crime scene. One of the key methods of ascertaining the sex and stature is by using the human bones. The method of achieving accuracy in estimation of stature from bones has been well established in past. There are several regression formulae for conducting such estimation. However, it must be kept in mind that these regression equations can vary depending upon the population and region. Thus, it is very necessary to study a particular population thoroughly before formulating regression equations for that specific population patch. In this paper, we have penned down the study of KORI POPULATION, who are native to Kanpur region of Uttar Pradesh state, in India. In this study, we have observed the statistics of 202 individuals (106 females and 96 males). In totality, eight bone dimensions including stature, total arm length, length of the middle finger, knee length, foot length, foot breadth, maximum head length and maximum head breadth have been recorded in this research paper. The regression formulae for females and males have been derived separately. Further, there are various parameters that have been compared to find which parameter provides the best results in terms of accuracy in stature estimation.

Larval morphology and identification of Rhyacophila meyeri (Trichoptera: Rhyacophilidae).

This paper describes the previously unknown larva of Rhyacophila meyeri McLachlan 1879. Information on the morphology of the 5th larval instar is given, and the most important diagnostic features are illustrated. In the context of existing identification keys the larva of R. meyeri keys together with R. stigmatica (Kolenati 1859). The species pair can be separated by differences in the setation pattern at the anterior pronotal border and maximum head width. With respect to zoogeography, Rhyacophila meyeri is reported from Switzerland and northern Italy whereas R. stigmatica is restricted to the Austrian, German and Swiss Alps and northern Slovenia (Cianficconi 2002; Graf et al. 2008; Lubini-Ferlin & Vicentini 2005; Malicky 2009; Robert 2004).

Functional characterization of the corazonin-encoding gene in phase polyphenism of the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria (Orthoptera: Acrididae)

Locusts exhibit phase polyphenism in which phase transition between the solitarious (isolation-reared) and gregarious (crowd-reared) phenotypes occurs in response to crowding conditions. Phase transformation from solitarious to gregarious nymphs is accompanied by darkening of the body color and changes in classical morphometric ratios such as F/C (F hind femur length; C maximum head width). These changes occur in the absence of crowding if solitarious locusts are injected with the neuropeptide, corazonin (Crz). This study investigated the effects of the knockdown of the CRZ gene on body color and morphometric characteristics in the migratory locust Locusta migratoria (L.) (Orthoptera: Acrididae). An injection of dsRNA for Crz significantly reduced CRZ mRNA levels and reduced the intensity of darkening on the pronotum in nymphs. The silencing of CRZ expression in gregarious nymphs shifted the F/C toward a value typical of the solitarious form in the adult stage. However, the expression profiles of CRZ were similar between the gregarious and solitarious nymphs. Therefore, we conclude that Crz is responsible for phase-dependent changes in darkening and the morphometric ratio; however, these changes are not controlled through differential CRZ expression at the transcriptional level.