{"title":"Analyzing Cut Mark Characteristics on Bone from Chopping/Hacking Tools","authors":"Kelly McGehee, J. Schultz, S. Freidline","doi":"10.5744/fa.2022.0023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5744/fa.2022.0023","url":null,"abstract":"Sharp force trauma (SFT) is a mechanism of traumatic injury in which a tool with a slanted edge impacts the skin and/orbone, producing a cut mark. While experimental SFT research has been conducted utilizing smaller tools, minimal research focuses on damage inflicted by chopping/hacking tools. Thus, the purpose of this research was to experimentally evaluate and analyze macroscopic characteristics of chopping/hacking trauma inflicted on pig bones (Sus scrofa domesticus) to determine if differentiation of tool class type can be made. An additional goal of this study was to develop a standardized approach to chopping/hacking research to provide appropriate comparisons between the results of different macroscopic experimental studies. Trauma was inflicted to 20 partially fleshed pig limbs utilizing four chopping/hacking tools (axe, hatchet, machete, and cleaver) as well as a carving knife for comparison. Macroscopic evaluation of 16 cut mark characteristics commonly described in the forensic literature was conducted to assess statistical significance. Utilizing a chi-squared analysis, three of the 16 cut mark characteristics (wall regularity, kerf bisection, and edge chattering) demonstrated statistically significant differences in relation to the tool utilized, although Cramer’s V correlations indicated weak to moderate effect sizes. A Fleiss kappa analysis indicated substantial agreement during a test for interobserver error regarding characteristics for each tool type and characteristics regardless of tool type. Similar trends in wall regularity, kerf bisection, and edge chattering have been demonstrated in the current experimental literature. Overall, this study confirmed that the ability to differentiate chopping/hacking tools from macroscopic characteristics is challenging.","PeriodicalId":309775,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Anthropology","volume":"13 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"131172065","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rhian R. Dunn, Micayla C. Spiros, Nicholas V. Passalacqua, Joseph T. Hefner
{"title":"Maceration Techniques for Human Fetal and Perinatal Bone","authors":"Rhian R. Dunn, Micayla C. Spiros, Nicholas V. Passalacqua, Joseph T. Hefner","doi":"10.5744/fa.2022.0024","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5744/fa.2022.0024","url":null,"abstract":"Forensic anthropologists working with cases that vary in stages of decomposition are often required to process and macerate remains to complete a forensic analysis. Maceration techniques vary between laboratories, and procedures to facilitate maceration of fetal and perinatal remains are lacking in the literature. This descriptive case study evaluates the use of several maceration techniques for fetal and perinatal remains (n = 2), including cold-water bacterial maceration, hot-water enzymatic maceration, dehydration, and incubation. Dehydration is a new maceration technique previously unpublished. For each technique, the authors assessed ease of maceration, effect on bone quality, and utility for forensic casework and/or donated remains and found all techniques are easy to implement and do not greatly diminish bone quality. Previous research recommends hot-water enzymatic maceration for forensic casework, as it will not degrade DNA and can efficiently remove soft tissues. This case study corroborates this recommendation but finds that incubation may be preferred for fetal remains, as it is quicker and less labor intensive. However, cold-water maceration and dehydration are recommended for donated fetal remains. Cold-water maceration is low maintenance, minimally malodorous, and preferable for disarticulated teaching materials, since this technique avoids any heat-induced warping of fetal bones. Dehydration retains cartilaginous structures and allows for the preservation of articulated elements for comparative specimens in donated collections. By demonstrating several techniques for fetal and perinatal maceration, this case study serves as a starting point toward the creation of general guidelines for forensic anthropology practitioners.","PeriodicalId":309775,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Anthropology","volume":"23 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"115449064","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Documenting Outdoor Simulated Scenes with Photogrammetry","authors":"Caroline Jasiak, John C. Schultz, Morgan Ferrell","doi":"10.5744/fa.2022.0020","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5744/fa.2022.0020","url":null,"abstract":"In both traditional and forensic archaeology, the thorough documentation of context is essential to a proper excavation or recovery, as the processing of archaeological sites and forensic scenes is an inherently destructive process. Over the past few decades, close-range photogrammetry (CRP) has become increasingly utilized by archaeologists to digitally record their excavations. However, CRP has not been employed regularly during outdoor forensic archaeological scene recoveries, and therefore protocols are not well defined for this context. One important consideration when employing CRP is the impact of natural lighting conditions. Light is an important variable when recording scenes using CRP because the quality of light can affect the visual quality of the model and imagery. In particular, shadows from the photographer’s body, trees, and other structures are unavoidable when collecting images around the perimeter of scenes, a requirement of photogrammetry data collection. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to determine whether implementing light correction tools would improve the three-dimensional model imagery. Two mock forensic scenes with different lighting conditions were photographed four times each in order to test the application of light correction tools, including a large tarp and artificial lights, for mitigating harsh lighting conditions. The results demonstrate that a tarp is a viable light correction tool that can improve the visual quality of the final models by eliminating lighting inconsistencies in both open and wooded environments. Based on these results, improved guidelines for the application of CRP to outdoor forensic archaeological scenes are presented.","PeriodicalId":309775,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Anthropology","volume":"101 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"123199460","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Grace Wong Yi-Li, P. S. Lai, Mohamad Helmee Mohd Noor, K. Chinna, M. Ibrahim
{"title":"Reliability of Post-Mortem Computed Tomography in Measuring Foramen Magnum Dimensions","authors":"Grace Wong Yi-Li, P. S. Lai, Mohamad Helmee Mohd Noor, K. Chinna, M. Ibrahim","doi":"10.5744/fa.2022.0010","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5744/fa.2022.0010","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Reliability of foramen magnum dimensions using post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) to obtain standardized measurements for biological profiling with interest in sexual dimorphism needs to be evaluated prior to a larger scale population-based study. Method: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of 40 Malaysian adult decedent PMCT skulls. Standardized morphometric evaluation of two foramen magnum parameters, the foramen magnum anterior-posterior diameter (FMAPD) and transverse diameter (FMTD), were performed by three readers at two separate times. Statistical analysis included intraobserver and interobserver relative technical error of measurement (RTEM), coefficients of reliability (R), and t-test. Results: Error rates (RTEM) for FMAPD demonstrated intraobserver values of 3.65–3.84% (R = 0.73–0.75, substantial reliability) and interobserver values of 4.12–5.23% (R = 0.56–0.68, moderate to substantial reliability). Error rates (RTEM) for FMTD demonstrated intraobserver values between 4.52% and 5.00% (R = 0.57–0.70, moderate to substantial reliability) and interobserver values between 5.50% and 6.38% (R = 0.48–0.64, moderate to substantial reliability). Discussion: To improve precision of a population-based study, we recommend specialized operator training in the use of PMCT software, adequate sample size, clear landmark definitions, and consideration of population affinity as a confounder.","PeriodicalId":309775,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Anthropology","volume":"85 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"115827258","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Angela L Harden, K. Stull, J. Bolte, Y. Kang, A. Agnew
{"title":"Blunt Force Skeletal Trauma Research Methods","authors":"Angela L Harden, K. Stull, J. Bolte, Y. Kang, A. Agnew","doi":"10.5744/fa.2022.0013","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5744/fa.2022.0013","url":null,"abstract":"A key component of the forensic anthropological examination is skeletal trauma analysis, which accounts for the majority of forensic anthropologists’ expert testimonies. However, a major gap in the current knowledge surrounding skeletal trauma has been identified, specifically the data necessary to conduct comprehensive bone trauma analysis with established error rates are lacking. Current methods and standards of skeletal blunt force trauma analysis rarely meet Daubert guidelines that require: (1) validated studies, (2) peer review, (3) known or potential error rate, and (4) general acceptance, nor do they provide data or analyses that are comprehensible to the medicolegal community and the general public. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach with a biomechanical emphasis is critical to improve the validity of skeletal trauma analysis and interpretation through precise, accurate, and repeatable analytical methods. The objectives of this review are to: (1) provide an overview of current approaches to blunt force skeletal trauma research across disciplines while highlighting the applications, strengths, and limitations of these methods, and (2) address gaps in discipline-specific methodologies to emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary scientific teams for improvement of skeletal trauma research. This review highlights the need for large-scale controlled experimental bone trauma studies utilizing human specimens and the various methodologies available for further skeletal trauma research.","PeriodicalId":309775,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Anthropology","volume":"57 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"121740255","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Clara J. Devota, Kelly R. Kamnikar, Carolyn V. Isaac, Joseph T. Hefner
{"title":"A Unique Case of Hereditary Multiple Osteochondromas in the Feet","authors":"Clara J. Devota, Kelly R. Kamnikar, Carolyn V. Isaac, Joseph T. Hefner","doi":"10.5744/fa.2022.0014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5744/fa.2022.0014","url":null,"abstract":"This report describes the differential diagnosis of osseous growths in the first metatarsals of an adult male previously unreported in the literature. Examination of the remains via macroscopic analysis and conventional radiography identified unusual bilateral growths arising from the lateral aspects of the first metatarsals with growth directed towards the tarsometatarsal joint. Two exostoses in the ribs were also observed. Using the available evidence, hereditary multiple osteochondromas (HMO) was determined the likely causative disorder for the pedal growths based on the presence of cartilage caps on the ends of the growths, a lack of articular morphology, and the presence of a rib exostosis consistent with HMO. The potential bilateral expression of HMO in the first metatarsals in this case challenges the dominating diagnostic criteria that HMO growths are directed away from the growth plate and only occur in the metaphysis, expanding the spectrum of HMO’s manifestation in the human skeleton. Medical records for the decedent provided no indication of a disorder associated with the development of osteochondromas, nor any indication that medical treatment was undertaken to manage the growths.","PeriodicalId":309775,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Anthropology","volume":"7 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122651334","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. Plemons, Kelly R. Kamnikar, Alexis C. Goots, J. Biggs
{"title":"Landmark and Measurement-Based Data Assistant (LAMbDA)","authors":"A. Plemons, Kelly R. Kamnikar, Alexis C. Goots, J. Biggs","doi":"10.5744/fa.2022.0022","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5744/fa.2022.0022","url":null,"abstract":"Cranial landmarks have been used in research and casework since the late 19th century, at which time some of the earliest landmark and measurement definitions were codified. Over the last two to three decades, however, many biological anthropologists have shifted from taking traditional caliper-derived measurements to using a three-dimensional (3D) digitizer to collect spatial coordinate landmark data. The increasing use of landmark-based data collection methods have necessitated a shift in the practitioner’s focus from understanding measurement definitions to being able to identify the location of a particular landmark in three-dimensional space. As a result, the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences published a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), which provides a comprehensive list of landmark definitions for practitioners to reference while digitizing. The movement toward open access resources and digital pedagogy led to the development of a digital companion to the current SOP, entitled Landmark and Measurement-based Data Assistant (LAMbDA). LAMbDA is a free, publicly-available web interface (www.locatelambda.org) that serves as a pedagogical resource and a repository of information for those using a digitizer to collect 3D cranial coordinate data. This tool provides a series of photogrammetry models with annotated landmarks so that proper landmark placement can be viewed in 3D space following definitions provided in the Harris County SOP. Additionally, the website provides useful references, a manual with landmark placement definitions and comments on special anatomical circumstances, supplementary photographs, and the 3D models are available to download for 3D printing physical models.","PeriodicalId":309775,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Anthropology","volume":"1 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-02-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"130403797","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Thesis Projects in Forensic Taphonomy","authors":"J. Pokines","doi":"10.5744/fa.2022.0021","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5744/fa.2022.0021","url":null,"abstract":"Given the recent growth in the field, some students in forensic anthropology may find it difficult to devise an affordable, suitable, and ideally publishable thesis topic. Taphonomic projects often can fill this role, as many do not require a large budget, are experimental in nature, thus giving students greater control over the data that they will collect, and on topics that have not received large amounts of research. The author presents a list of possible topics primarily in the field of forensic taphonomy and aimed at the MS/MA thesis level, although some proposed projects are larger or could be adapted for a PhD dissertation. The topics include taphonomic effects associated with carnivores, rodents, birds, reptiles, and plants and subaerial weathering; marine environments; thermal alteration; ritual and anatomical activity; cemetery and non-cemetery burials; bone detection; decomposition; and taphonomic procedures. The suggested topics also include factors that may make them more difficult to explore and information on which venues may be the most appropriate. The author hopes to promote taphonomic research in multiple subfields and encourage graduate students to pursue publication of their results.","PeriodicalId":309775,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Anthropology","volume":"41 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"124814970","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"CT Imaging of a Case Involving Thermal and Sharp Trauma","authors":"Angi M. Christensen, Kera O'Reilly","doi":"10.5744/fa.2022.0012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5744/fa.2022.0012","url":null,"abstract":"This case involved a multiagency investigation of a fire in which an adult female and her three young children were found deceased. Anthropological analysis, including imaging using high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scanning, was used to assess skeletal trauma, which involved thermal alterations as well as sharp trauma. Due to fire-related discoloration of the bone, sharp traumas on the cranium of the adult were difficult to appreciate visually, but CT imaging helped to significantly improve visualization of the alterations. CT imaging also facilitated the preservation of the conditions of all four crania, which were appreciably altered by the fire, and for the adult individual reconstructed from multiple fragments. The contributions of various agencies and laboratory analyses, including forensic anthropological imaging, helped contribute to the successful resolution of the case.","PeriodicalId":309775,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Anthropology","volume":"28 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"125332476","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Combining Continuous and Categorical Data Modeling in Developmental Age Estimation Using Hierarchical Bayes","authors":"Valerie Sgheiza","doi":"10.5744/fa.2022.0016","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5744/fa.2022.0016","url":null,"abstract":"Residual correlations (correlations that persist after accounting for the effect of chronological age) between variables can have a significant impact on final age estimates. Such correlations can result in overly narrow age intervals and high error rates when not accounted for. Modeling correlations can be mathematically problematic across mixed data types. Hierarchical modeling can incorporate continuous and categorical traits into a single model that accounts for correlated variables while reducing computationally expensive calculations. This paper demonstrates a Bayesian hierarchical modeling approach in which trait variables were grouped by data type or bodily system and used to produce separate age estimates with any appropriate model. These age estimates were combined into a single estimate using a multivariate normal model via nested cross-validation. The data used included nine diaphyseal length measurements and 29 epiphyseal fusion and ossification sites from 179 individuals in the publicly available U.S. Subadult Virtual Anthropology Database. Diaphyseal ages were modeled with linear regression and epiphyseal ages with random forest regression. Age estimates from the hierarchical model had reduced bias relative to diaphyseal or epiphyseal maximum likelihood estimates alone. Combined-indicator age intervals from 95% highest density regions (HDRs) were on average 15% narrower than those from diaphyseal 95% HDRs while success rates were 2% lower (91% vs. 93%). Functional example code is provided. A general hierarchical modeling approach may be applicable to other areas of skeletal analysis that employ correlated variables of mixed data types including adult age estimation and ancestry estimation.","PeriodicalId":309775,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Anthropology","volume":"6 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-12-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122205460","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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