Human vs non-human bone: identification and differentiation of fragmented skeletal remains using non-destructive methods

© Cranfield University, 2018Fragmented human and non-human bones can be found in forensic contexts, such as mass disasters, mass graves, and crime scenes, as well as in archaeological deposits. When fragmented skeletal remains are found, one of the first questions asked is whether or not the fragments are human or non- human. If none of the diagnostic features is visible, the origin of the fragments may be difficult to assess. Most of the methods currently employed to identify the origin of bone fragments, such as microscopic and biomolecular methods, are invasive and time consuming. The aim of the research presented in this thesis was to explore the potential of non-destructive procedures, such as GIS (Geographic Information System) software, morphological examination and Micro-Computed Tomography, in determining whether or not a bone fragment is human. These techniques were applied on skeletal features not commonly used for the human-nonhuman bone differentiation. Cranial suture patterns, cranial curvature and rib shaft curvature were assessed and measured using a GIS software. In addition, the morphology of the occipital condyles and the linea aspera of the femur were investigated and compared between human and non-human species. Finally, primary nutrient foramina and cross-sectional shape of long bones were analysed using micro-CT. More than 700 human and non-human bones were used; the non-human species selected are the ones whose remains are likely to be found in forensic or archaeological contexts in the United Kingdom. Most of the bone features considered and the procedures used in this study proved to be reliable for the differentiation between human and non-human fragmented bones. Blind tests performed on fragments whose human or non-human origin was not known further demonstrated the applicability and effectiveness of the methods and features explored in this study. The results of this research provide a valuable contribution to the fields of forensic anthropology, bioarchaeology, and comparative anatomy

Indicated school-based intervention to improve depressive symptoms among at risk Chilean adolescents: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Depression is a disabling condition affecting people of all ages, but generally starting during adolescence. Schools seem to be an excellent setting where preventive interventions may be delivered. This study aimed to test the effectiveness of an indicated school-based intervention to reduce depressive symptoms among at-risk adolescents from low-income families. Methods: A two-arm, parallel, randomized controlled trial was conducted in 11 secondary schools in vulnerable socioeconomic areas in Santiago, Chile. High-risk students in year 10 (2° Medio) were invited to a baseline assessment (n = 1048). Those who scored ≥10 (boys) and ≥15 (girls) in the BDI-II were invited to the trial (n = 376). A total of 342 students consented and were randomly allocated into an intervention or a control arm in a ratio of 2:1. The intervention consisted of 8 group sessions of 45 min each, based on cognitive-behavioural models and delivered by two trained psychologists in the schools. Primary (BDI-II) and secondary outcomes (measures of anxiety, automatic thoughts and problem-solving skills) were administered before and at 3 months post intervention. The primary outcome was the recovery rate, defined as the proportion of participants who scored in the BDI-II <10 (among boys) and <15 (among girls) at 3 months after completing the intervention. Results: There were 229 participants in the intervention group and 113 in the control group. At 3-month follow-up 81.4 % in the intervention and 81.7 % in the control group provided outcome data. The recovery rate was 10 % higher in the intervention (50.3 %) than in the control (40.2 %) group; with an adjusted OR = 1.62 (95 % CI: 0.95 to 2.77) (p = 0.08). No difference between groups was found in any of the secondary outcomes. Secondary analyses revealed an interaction between group and baseline BDI-II score. Conclusions: We found no clear evidence of the effectiveness of a brief, indicated school-based intervention based on cognitive-behavioural models on reducing depressive symptoms among Chilean adolescents from low-income families. More research is needed in order to find better solutions to prevent depression among adolescents

The XENON1T Dark Matter Experiment

International audienceThe XENON1T experiment at the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso (LNGS) is the first WIMP dark matter detector operating with a liquid xenon target mass above the ton-scale. Out of its 3.2 t liquid xenon inventory, 2.0 t constitute the active target of the dual-phase time projection chamber. The scintillation and ionization signals from particle interactions are detected with low-background photomultipliers. This article describes the XENON1T instrument and its subsystems as well as strategies to achieve an unprecedented low background level. First results on the detector response and the performance of the subsystems are also presented