scholarly journals Forensic Tools for Species Identification of Skeletal Remains: Metrics, Statistics, and OsteoID

Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 25
Author(s):  
Heather M. Garvin ◽  
Rachel Dunn ◽  
Sabrina B. Sholts ◽  
M. Schuyler Litten ◽  
Merna Mohamed ◽  
...  

Although nonhuman remains constitute a significant portion of forensic anthropological casework, the potential use of bone metrics to assess the human origin and to classify species of skeletal remains has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to assess the utility of quantitative methods in distinguishing human from nonhuman remains and present additional resources for species identification. Over 50,000 measurements were compiled from humans and 27 nonhuman (mostly North American) species. Decision trees developed from the long bone data can differentiate human from nonhuman remains with over 90% accuracy (>98% accuracy for the human sample), even if all long bones are pooled. Stepwise discriminant function results were slightly lower (>87.4% overall accuracy). The quantitative models can be used to support visual identifications or preliminarily assess forensic significance at scenes. For species classification, bone-specific discriminant functions returned accuracies between 77.7% and 89.1%, but classification results varied highly across species. From the study data, we developed a web tool, OsteoID, for users who can input measurements and be shown photographs of potential bones/species to aid in visual identification. OsteoID also includes supplementary images (e.g., 3D scans), creating an additional resource for forensic anthropologists and others involved in skeletal species identification and comparative osteology.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Marciniak ◽  
Christina Bergey ◽  
Ana Maria Silva ◽  
Agata Hałuszko ◽  
Mirosław Furmanek ◽  
...  

Human culture, biology, and health were shaped dramatically by the onset of agriculture ~12,000 years before present (BP). Subsistence shifts from hunting and gathering to agriculture are hypothesized to have resulted in increased individual fitness and population growth as evidenced by archaeological and population genomic data alongside a simultaneous decline in physiological health as inferred from paleopathological analyses and stature reconstructions of skeletal remains. A key component of the health decline inference is that relatively shorter statures observed for early farmers may (at least partly) reflect higher childhood disease burdens and poorer nutrition. However, while such stresses can indeed result in growth stunting, height is also highly heritable, and substantial inter-individual variation in the height genetic component within a population is typical. Moreover, extensive migration and gene flow were characteristics of multiple agricultural transitions worldwide. Here, we consider both osteological and ancient DNA data from the same prehistoric individuals to comprehensively study the trajectory of human stature variation as a proxy for health across a transition to agriculture. Specifically, we compared "predicted" genetic contributions to height from paleogenomic data and "achieved" adult osteological height estimated from long bone measurements on a per-individual basis for n=160 ancient Europeans from sites spanning the Upper Paleolithic to the Iron Age (~38,000-2,400 BP). We found that individuals from the Neolithic were shorter than expected (given their individual polygenic height scores) by an average of -4.47 cm relative to individuals from the Upper Paleolithic and Mesolithic (P=0.016). The average osteological vs. expected stature then increased relative to the Neolithic over the Copper (+2.67 cm, P=0.052), Bronze (+3.33 cm, P=0.032), and Iron Ages (+3.95 cm, P=0.094). These results were partly attenuated when we accounted for genome-wide genetic ancestry variation in our sample (which we note is partly duplicative with the individual polygenic score information). For example, in this secondary analysis Neolithic individuals were -3.48 cm shorter than expected on average relative to individuals from the Upper Paleolithic and Mesolithic (P=0.056). We also incorporated observations of paleopathological indicators of non-specific stress that can persist from childhood to adulthood in skeletal remains (linear enamel hypoplasia, cribra orbitalia, and porotic hyperostosis) into our model. Overall, our work highlights the potential of integrating disparate datasets to explore proxies of health in prehistory.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 178-191
Author(s):  
Frahma Sekarningsih ◽  
Agus Budiman ◽  
Gaung Rizki Gustiaji

This study intends to develop and design a web for dance learning for high school students. This design-based research focuses on two problems, namely (1) the concept of a dance website design which is expected to be suitable for use as a medium for learning dance in the current pandemic era, and (2) the effectiveness of the dance website that is developed as a digital literacy source that can be used as a medium for learning dance in senior high schools. The research method used in this research is design-based research (DBR) with research stages that include design process, design development, evaluation, and design revision. Data collection techniques were carried out by interview and document study. Data analysis was carried out by combining qualitative and quantitative methods. The results show that the website design developed is relevant to the needs and online-based student learning methods needed during the current Covid-19 pandemic. After going through the validation and testing process, the website design developed can be applied properly. The website developed is easily accessible by students and teachers to support the implementation of dance learning that takes place online. Access mechanisms, material structure, content, and existing supporting features can be used as a means of technology literacy education for students.


KWALON ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Valérie Pattyn ◽  
Lasse Gerrits ◽  
Stefan Verweij

Qualitative Comparative Analysis: more associated with the qualitative research tradition than with the quantitative approach Qualitative Comparative Analysis: more associated with the qualitative research tradition than with the quantitative approach Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) is an approach that enables systematically comparing qualitative case study data. The fact that QCA borrows certain elements from quantitative methods (such as the use of Boolean algebra and the quantification of conditions and outcomes) may raise questions about the qualitative character of QCA. Based on a discussion of four criteria relating to causal analysis, we argue that QCA belongs to the qualitative research tradition. Where QCA borrows characteristics from the quantitative approach, this is only for the sake of a qualitative objective: to better understand the conditions underlying a particular outcome or phenomenon.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fraol Jaleta ◽  
Getinet Garoma ◽  
Tadesse Gerenfes

Abstract Back ground: Prompt and accurate malaria diagnosis is essential strategies for effective malaria case management as well as the public health response to malaria. Diagnosis based on clinical grounds alone may lead to misdiagnosis and mistreatment. The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of malaria microscopy diagnosis public hospitals of Eastern and Central part Oromia, Ethiopia Method : Hospital based cross sectional study was conducted from March, 2019 to May, 2019. All 46 public hospitals of 12 zones in Eastern and Central parts of Oromia, Ethiopia were included in the study. Data were collected using Semi structured questionnaire and known validated positive and negative slides with different species, stage and parasite density distributed to each health facility. It was categorized and cleaned by Epi Info version 3.5.1 and analyzed by SPSS version 20 with multivariate analysis to identify factors associated with poor malaria microscopy diagnosis. Level of agreement was calculated by Kappa statistics. Results: From the total of 46 hospitals , 31 (67.39%) had acceptable quality performance with cumulative grading score of > 80%. The overall percentage of agreement in detection and species identification was 80.45% (Kappa=0.79) and 63.03% (Kappa=0. 38). Laboratory professionals who had work experience greater than five years were 10.56 times better in detecting and identifying malaria parasite when compared to those who had work experience less than or equal to five years (AOR [95%CI]=10.56[1.45-76.73]) . Laboratory professionals who were trained on malaria microscopy diagnosis were 1.28 times reported better quality results than those who were not trained (AOR, % 95CI=1.28[1.5-48.13]) Conclusion: The overall agreement of laboratory professionals in detection and species identification was with substantial and fair with kappa value 0.79 and 0.38 respectively. There were also gaps in correctly reporting stages identification and parasite count from distributed slides. Lack of Training and low work experience of laboratory professionals were factors associated with malaria microscopy diagnostic performance. Hence, capacitating laboratory professionals is essential to ensure good performance of malaria microscopy which reduces misdiagnosis of malaria parasites and mistreatment of malaria suspected patients.


Curationis ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abraham A. Gatta ◽  
Gloria Thupayagale-Tshweneagae

Voluntary HIV counselling and testing (VHCT) is one of the key strategies in the prevention of HIV in Ethiopia. However, utilisation of the VHCT services amongst adolescents has been reported as low by previous studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate adolescents’ knowledge and attitudes towards VHCT services amongst adolescents attending high school in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. A cross-sectional school-based design using quantitative methods was employed to attain the objectives of the study. Data collection was done using self-administered structured questionnaires amongst 378 adolescent high school students. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings revealed that 75.7% of students are aware of the voluntary HIV counselling and testing services; 62.2% use the services and suggested that VHCT services should be located in schools and youth clubs for better access by adolescents. Thirty-two percent of respondents rated themselves at risk of HIV infection and 35.2% were not willing to disclose their HIVpositive status to anybody. The findings of the study clearly indicate a need for a more accessible voluntary HIV counselling and testing services for adolescents.


2016 ◽  
Vol 69 ◽  
pp. 85-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriela Czibula ◽  
Vlad-Sebastian Ionescu ◽  
Diana-Lucia Miholca ◽  
Ioan-Gabriel Mircea

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 195-215
Author(s):  
Aro Qodam Arrasyid ◽  
Kadenun Kadenun

Qibla direction is the direction that Muslims go to in carrying out worship, especially prayer. The determination of the Qibla direction in the Fatma Zahra, Al-Falah, and Baitul Muttaqin Mosques used to still use simple tools. Whereas in this day and age, all modern equipment already exists. From the differences of time, the writer is interested in studying the calculation of Qibla direction by using theodolite, by determining the direction of Qibla before using theodolite and after using theodolite. This research uses quantitative methods by collecting observational study data, interviews, and documentation to related parties. The primary source is data from interviews and direct research in the field. While the secondary data is taken from books, journals and theses related to this research. From the results of this study that the Mosques studied have not yet led to a perfect Qibla. The qibla direction in each Mosque is as follows: Qibla direction in Fatma Zahra Mosque is 650 35 '5.64'', in Al-Falah Mosque is 650 34' 21.17 '', and in Baitul Muttaqin Mosque is 650 35 '2.5''. from the direction of the Qibla which was originally the Fatma Zahra Mosque 610 05'11.28 '', Al-Falah Mosque 67009 '43.34'', and the Baitul Muttaqin Mosque 70057 '35.00'. Arah kiblat merupakan arah yang dituju umat Islam dalam melaksanakan ibadah khususnya shalat. Penentuan arah kiblat di masjid Fatma Zahra, Al-Falah, dan Baitul Muttaqin dulunya masih menggunakan alat yang sederhana. Sedangkan pada zaman sekarang ini, sudah zamannya modern semua peralatan canggih sudah ada. Dari perbedaan zaman tersebut penulis tertarik untuk mengkaji perhitungan arah kiblat dengan menggunakan alat theodolit, dengan menentukan arah kiblat sebelum menggunakan alat theodolit dan setelah menggunakan alat theodolit. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kuantitatif dengan mengumpulkan data bersifat Studi Observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi kepada pihak-pihak terkait. Sebagai sumber primernya yaitu data dari hasil wawancara dan penelitian langsung di lapangan. Sedangkan data sekundernya diambil dari buku, jurnal, dan tesis yang berkaitan dengan penelitian ini. Dari hasil penelitian ini bahwa masjid-masjid yang diteliti belum mengarah ke kiblat secara sempurna. Adapun arah kiblat di masing-masing masjid adalah sebagai berikut: Arah kiblat di masjid Fatma Zahra ialah  650 35’ 5.64’’,di masjid Al-Falah ialah 650 34’ 21.17’’, dan di masjid Baitul Muttaqin ialah 650 35’ 2.5’’. dari arah kiblat yang semula masjid Fatma Zahra 610 05’11.28’’, masjid Al-Falah 67009’ 43.34’’, dan masjid Baitul Muttaqin 70057’35.00’’.


Author(s):  
Sergio Marconi ◽  
Sarah J. Graves ◽  
Dihong Gong ◽  
Morteza Shahriari Nia ◽  
Marion Le Bras ◽  
...  

Ecology has reached the point where data science competitions, in which multiple groups solve the same problem using the same data by different methods, will be productive for advancing quantitative methods for tasks such as species identification from remote sensing images. We ran a competition to help improve three tasks that are central to converting images into information on individual trees: 1) crown segmentation, for identifying the location and size of individual trees; 2) alignment, to match ground truthed trees with remote sensing; and 3) species classification of individual trees. Six teams (composed of 16 individual participants) submitted predictions for one or more tasks. The crown segmentation task proved to be the most challenging, with the highest-performing algorithm yielding only 34% overlap between remotely sensed crowns and the ground truthed trees. However, most algorithms performed better on larger trees. For the alignment task, an algorithm based on minimizing the difference, in terms of both position and tree size, between ground truthed and remotely sensed crowns yielded a perfect alignment. In hindsight, this task was over simplified by only including targeted trees instead of all possible remotely sensed crowns. Several algorithms performed well for species classification, with the highest-performing algorithm correctly classifying 92% of individuals and performing well on both common and rare species. Comparisons of results across algorithms provided a number of insights for improving the overall accuracy in extracting ecological information from remote sensing. Our experience suggests that this kind of competition can benefit methods development in ecology and biology more broadly.


2020 ◽  
pp. 51-60
Author(s):  
Muhammad Rahmatullah ◽  
Agung Pramudya

With the large availability of bamboo in Indonesia which has several advantages in terms of material characteristics in its application to products, this research activity aims to explore the potential of bamboo with lamination techniques, so as to find the potential of laminated bamboo which is suitable for application to traveling bag products. will be appointed as a concept in the product of the means of carrying that will be designed. The purpose of this study is to present a novel design on a travel bag by combining natural and artificial materials by analyzing concrete data regarding the characteristics and techniques of processing bamboo materials that are suitable for the design of a travel bag. The study was conducted as a reference / source of information / theoretical study / data analysis in working on project design 5 and Professional Work. In this study, the method used is qualitative and quantitative methods by conducting observations, surveys and research on traveling activities and research carried out related to activities, characteristics, and means of carrying used when traveling. If the application and processing techniques of bamboo material are used in the right type of travel bag, there will be a novelty in the design of the travel bag


Author(s):  
Sergio Marconi ◽  
Sarah J. Graves ◽  
Dihong Gong ◽  
Morteza Shahriari Nia ◽  
Marion Le Bras ◽  
...  

Ecology has reached the point where data science competitions, in which multiple groups solve the same problem using the same data by different methods, will be productive for advancing quantitative methods for tasks such as species identification from remote sensing images. We ran a competition to help improve three tasks that are central to converting images into information on individual trees: 1) crown segmentation, for identifying the location and size of individual trees; 2) alignment, to match ground truthed trees with remote sensing; and 3) species classification of individual trees. Six teams (composed of 16 individual participants) submitted predictions for one or more tasks. The crown segmentation task proved to be the most challenging, with the highest-performing algorithm yielding only 34% overlap between remotely sensed crowns and the ground truthed trees. However, most algorithms performed better on larger trees. For the alignment task, an algorithm based on minimizing the difference, in terms of both position and tree size, between ground truthed and remotely sensed crowns yielded a perfect alignment. In hindsight, this task was over simplified by only including targeted trees instead of all possible remotely sensed crowns. Several algorithms performed well for species classification, with the highest-performing algorithm correctly classifying 92% of individuals and performing well on both common and rare species. Comparisons of results across algorithms provided a number of insights for improving the overall accuracy in extracting ecological information from remote sensing. Our experience suggests that this kind of competition can benefit methods development in ecology and biology more broadly.


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