Exploring the Functionality of Mesh-to-Mesh Value Comparison in Pair-Matching and Its Application to Fragmentary Remains

Many cases encountered by forensic anthropologists involve commingled remains or isolated elements. Common methods for analysing these contexts are characterised by limitations such as high degrees of subjectivity, high cost of application, or low proven accuracy. This study sought to test mesh-to-mesh value comparison (MCV), a relatively new method for pair-matching skeletal elements, to validate the claims that the technique is unaffected by age, sex and pathology. The sample consisted of 160 three-dimensional clavicle models created from computed tomography (CT) scans of a contemporary Turkish population. Additionally, this research explored the application of MVC to match fragmented elements to their intact counterparts by creating a sample of 480 simulated fragments, consisting of three different types based on the region of the bone they originate from. For comparing whole clavicles, this resulted in a sensitivity value of 87.6% and specificity of 90.9% using ROC analysis comparing clavicles. For the fragment comparisons, each type was compared to the entire clavicles of the opposite side. The results included a range of sensitivity values from 81.3% to 87.6%. Overall results are promising and the MVC technique seems to be a useful technique for matching paired elements that can be accurately applied to a Modern Turkish sample.

Accurate and semi-automated reassociation of intermixed human skeletal remains recovered from bioarchaeological and forensic contexts

Commingled remains describes the situation of intermixed skeletal elements, an extremely common occurrence in contemporary forensic cases, archaeological mass graves, as well as fossil hominin assemblages. Given that reliable identification is typically impossible for commingled contexts, a plethora of previous studies has focused on the development of refined methods for reassociating the bones of each individual skeleton. Here, a novel virtual approach for quantifying the degree of three-dimensional shape compatibility between two adjoining bone articular surfaces is put forth. Additionally, the integrability of this method with traditional osteometric techniques is evaluated. We focus on the paradigm of the hip joint, whose articulating bone elements (the femur and the innominate bone) are crucial for reconstructing the biological profile of unidentified human remains. The results demonstrate that this new semi-automated methodology is highly accurate both for large commingled assemblages (such as those resulting from mass disasters or burials) as well as smaller-scale contexts (such as those resulting from secondary burials).

More than the sum of their parts: reconstituting the paleopathological profile of the individual and commingled Neolithic populations of Western Switzerland

This research focuses on the Neolithic populations of Western Switzerland (5500–2200 BCE) and on establishing their paleopathological profile. This chronological period presents varying burial practices, and the aim was to be able to synthesise all information regarding the pathologies these populations exhibited, in such a way that statistical tests could be performed to determine whether geographical (site location), biological (age, sex, stature) and chronological factors played a role in lesion distribution. As a result, a methodology was devised to consider bone lesions in both a quantified and qualified manner, and able to handle individualised, multiple and commingled remains. The statistical analysis showed that pathological profiles differed depending on site location, with some exhibiting patterns that raise further questions as to the socio-economical functioning of these prehistoric societies. Biological factors also appear to play a role in lesion distribution, with immature individuals exhibiting more metabolic deregulations, whilst the adults—as expected—showed more signs of degenerative pathologies. Some chronological evolution of health is also perceivable; however, the small sample size available for some periods means these results are tentative at best. These remains, however, proved more than an accumulation of bone lesions, and the qualified data collected from them also yielded individual and collective narratives of health. Instances of infectious diseases were discovered, indicating that pathologies such as tuberculosis were a persistent presence at the time, with all the consequences this entails.

Using Forensic Anthropology to Investigate Mass Graves: Comparative Case Studies from Rwanda and Guatemala

Excavation of mass graves can help in the aftermath of genocides by providing closure for surviving families and aiding in successful prosecution of criminals. In this article, I compare the methods used to investigate mass graves from cases in Rwanda and Guatemala. Anthropologists in Guatemala used excavations to provide closure for families who suffered through a 36-year governmental assault on the indigenous Mayan people. In contrast, Rwanda’s genocide on ethnic Tutsi compelled the UN to form an investigative team to use evidence collected to prosecute those whomthey deemed to have committed crimes against humanity. Comparing these two cases exemplifies how purpose affects exhumation, analysis, and resources; for example, Guatemalan investigators worked extensively with local peoples throughout investigations, while Rwandan investigators only used families to obtain legally defensible positive identificationIDs. In addition, Iwilladdress some of the issues with excavation of mass graves,including resource deficits, DNA analysis, and commingled remains.

The Tomb at Tell Abraq (ca. 2100–2000 BC)

The tomb at Tell Abraq (c. 2200–2000 BC) was the repository for over 400 individuals of all ages and sexes. Situated on the Arabian Gulf near Sharjah and Um al-Quwain in the United Arab Emirates, the tomb contained the commingled remains of at least 276 adults and 127 subadults. Of the subadults, there was a relatively high frequency of premature (28%) and newborn (9%) infants in the tomb. This overview provides the demographic structure of the tomb population based on a detailed MNI study and the complex nature of the mortuary program. Based on the overall MNI determined by the talus bone, observed versus expected ratios show that many long bones and hands and feet bones are underrepresented. We propose that these can be accounted for by other excavation and retrieval strategies. The mortuary program appears to be what Boz and Hager have described as being “primary disturbed.” Grossly underrepresented elements, such as the cranium, could have been removed and used in other contexts. This late Bronze Age tomb is unusual in many ways and does not fit any Umm an Nar patterns.