Facial anthropometry as an evidential tool in forensic image comparison

Anthropometry can be used in certain circumstances to facilitate comparison of a photograph of a suspect with the potential offender portrayed in video surveillance crime footage. Anthropometry does not have the same success rate in identification as DNA or fingerprinting. However, these types of evidence are not always left at crime scenes. Sometimes the only evidence available relating to an offence is from surveillance videos and research was needed to lend credence to anthropometry as a viable method of identification. An alternative method of detecting individuals from surveillance video, morphology, was also investigated to determine its accuracy in confirming the identity of individuals based on facial descriptions and for use as a comparison tool in forensic identification. Pilot Laboratory Study: A number of different techniques are employed in facial image comparison of living persons. In this study, the effect of rotation on angles and proportions between selected facial landmarks is evaluated as a first step to assess whether facial anthropometry could be usefully applied to facial image comparison. The faces of five volunteers were photographed in the Frankfort plane at different angles of rotation from 0º (frontal) to 90º (side view), rotating every 10º both clockwise and counter-clockwise. Four landmarks were used: right and left ectocanthions, nasion, and stomion. The proportions of the measurements between these landmarks were calculated as well as the angles created by the lines connecting the same landmarks. The results show a consistent and predictable variation between the five subjects. With rotation, the greatest variation is seen where horizontal landmark connecting lines are combined with the ectocanthion/stomion or nasion/stomion lines. There is less variation in the proportions for vertical and diagonally orientated landmark connecting lines. In principle, the data from these empirical measurements could also be used to develop a photogrammetric model of the face which, if calibrated, could be used to correct anthropometric measurements for distortions caused by a camera angle which differs from the one specified in a protocol for facial comparison. The purpose of developing such a model would lie in its use to calculate correction factors to convert observed proportions and angles back to the full-face orientation values, which could then, for example, be used to search a database of the proportions. Investigation of Uncertainty of Anthropometric Measurements: The objective of this study was to estimate the uncertainty in the measurements of the chosen facial proportions caused by landmark placement and by operators taking photographs, including the uncertainty contributions resulting from different people performing these tasks. The aim of this was to simulate effects found in the real world, as there would be different operators both placing landmarks and taking suspect photographs in various police departments. In addition, this study was completed in order to address variables encountered in the Pilot Laboratory Study that occurred as a result of the experimental set up. The first section of the study reviewed the errors involved in measuring facial proportions as a result of variations in landmark placement. Intra and inter-operator studies in landmark placement were conducted and as expected the average and range of coefficients of variation for the set of proportions were larger in the inter-operator error than that obtained in the intra-operator error. The second section of the study reviewed the errors in measuring facial proportions as a result of the process of taking photographs. The lowest variation in facial measurements was seen in the series of photographs taken of a single subject by a single operator and in general, the lowest variation in facial measurements was seen at 45° and the highest variation at 20°. The contributions of errors from landmark placement and photography were determined to produce an overall estimated uncertainty of 5%. When a comparison of 2D images is conducted in this manner this estimation of uncertainty should be taken into account. Anthropometry Study: An existing database of video and photograhic images was examined, which had previously been used in a psychological research project with the aim to test the hypothesis: “Using a comparison of anthropometric facial proportions, it is possible to discriminate between individuals of two samples.” Material avaliable consisted of 80 video (Sample 1) and 119 photograhic (Sample 2) images and were of high resolution, though taken with different cameras. A set of 37 anthropometric landmarks were placed measuring 59 proportions to conduct within sample and between sample comparisons using the following calculations; mean absolute value between proportions, Eulcidean distance and Cosine θ distance between proportions. First, the statistics of the two samples were examined to determine which calculation best ascertained if there were any differences between faces which fall under the same conditions. Subsequent to a between sample, the removal of up to 50% of the lowest variant proportions along with the determination of a subsample of faces requiring human verification were tested. Relative frequency distribution histograms were created from the data and the normal histogram curves of true positive and true negative faces were superimposed to determine their separation rate and how likley it may be to mix up the two categories of faces. Presented results showed that the Cosine θ distance equation using Z-normalized values was the preferred equation because it achieved the largest separation between true positive and true negative faces. Results also indicated that there was no benefit to removing up to 50% of the lowest variant proportions in the comparison of Sample 1 against Sample 2. Finally, applying the Cosine θ distance equation allowed a decrease to five database images to be verified by a human in approximately 75% of the cases tested. Morphology study: A morphological analysis was conducted on high resolution images and although highly relevant to the process of facial identification did not contribute to the continuity of the thesis and thus was included as an Appendix. The morphological analysis was performed on a total of 199 images: 119 photographs and 80 images from video using a checklist of 20 facial characteristics. Each facial characteristic had numerous choices in which it could be described. Once the analysis on all 199 images was carried out, a comparison was conducted between each video (unknown) image and the database of 199 (known) images. In the research conducted, only 2.5% of the comparisons showed a true positive match between video and photograph with zero false positives in the group. Subsequent to analysis it was determined not possible to differentiate between individuals, however, when looking directly at the individuals’ photographs, it is clear that there were differentiating characteristics amongst them. Conclusions: After embarking upon a series of anthropometrical investigations using high resolution images to compare video images with photographic images, it was concluded that anthropometry, when used as a comparison method of identification, does not generate the results necessary for use as evidence in a court of law. Identifying individuals based on a morphological analysis of a check list of features alone also did not result in clear consistent identifications. If descriptions of facial characteristics are to be fully utilized, a side by side comparison is likely to be less subjective. This outcome was as expected and provides additional insights into forensic morphological research

Investigating Intra-Site Variability in the Use of Buildings During the Mississippian Period at the Ames Town Site (40FY7) in Western Tennesee

This thesis investigates a series of overlapping structures in unit F1-U25 at Ames (40FY7), an Early to Middle Mississippian period (ca. AD 1050 - 1300) site in Fayette County, Tennessee. Ames is comprised of a town, plaza, and four mounds all surrounded by a palisade wall. Approximately 220 meters east of the palisade wall, unit F1-U25 revealed a series of superimposed structures. The two primary goals of this thesis include determining the temporal relationship between the superimposed structures and the town site; and determining the function of the structures. A multi-staged research design including geophysical prospection, soil analysis, excavation, artifact analysis. and radiometric dating, was undertaken to achieve the two goals. The results of the study will improve the understanding of Early to Middle Mississippian period variability in settlement patterns in the uplands of Western Tennessee

The Relationship Between Participation in Recreational Therapy Physical Activity and Symptoms of Mental Health Issues in Veterans

Background/Objective: The growing prevalence of mental health issues in veterans has triggered a wide-spread effort to identify and provide complementary intervention strategies to increase help-seeking behavior in this population. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders (SUD) have become two of the most common mental health issues as a result of the demanding environment of military life. This study looks specifically at therapeutic recreation-based physical activity opportunities as a complementary treatment option for veterans at an increased risk for mental health issues. Method: A correlational survey research design was used to examine relationships between factors of participation in different types of physical activities and three psychosocial measures for veterans at an increased risk of mental health issues: self-perceptions of depression, anxiety, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). For physical activities, frequency, duration, intensity, and preference of sessions of traditional indoor fitness, outdoor adventure therapy, or mind-body practices were measured. A total of 102 participants completed an online survey. Results: Significant negative correlations were found between physical activity and depression, specifically, the frequency of traditional indoor fitness sessions per week (p \u3c .001), the duration of traditional indoor fitness sessions (p \u3c .001), the number of outdoor sessions (p = .002), the number of overall sessions (p = .001), the frequency of strenuous sessions (p = .021) and the frequency of outdoor adventure therapy sessions (p \u3c .001). Significant positive relationships were also found between physical activity factors and both physical and total HRQoL, specifically, the number of traditional indoor fitness sessions per week (p = \u3c .001), the duration of indoor fitness sessions (p \u3c .001) and the number of strenuous sessions for physical HRQoL (p = .002) and total HRQoL (p \u3c .001). There were also positive significant relationships found between the frequency of outdoor adventure therapy sessions and total HRQoL (p \u3c .001) and the duration of sessions and mental HRQoL (p \u3c .001). Conclusions: According to this study, traditional fitness and activities of strenuous intensity levels were associated with lower depression scores and overall higher HRQoL. Recommendations for future intervention studies are made to continue to find effective, evidence-based treatment for veterans with mental health issues

Influencing Legislation for Juveniles in the Adult Judicial System: A Phenomenological Examination of Legal Advocates

INFLUENCING LEGISLATION FOR JUVENILES IN THE ADULT JUDICIAL SYSTEM: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF LEGAL ADVOCATES Krista Franklin Antioch University Seattle Seattle, WA This phenomenological study explores the lived experience of Washington State lawmakers and legal activists regarding their involvement in passing Washington State Senate Bill 5064 in February 2014. In response to the 2012 landmark federal Supreme Court decision, Miller v. Alabama, Senate Bill 5064 reduced the number of crimes for which juveniles could be sentenced as adults to life without parole. Six interviewees were selected from those who testified in Olympia, WA. Individual interviews were conducted in an open-ended style. Participants were asked questions about their motivation for getting involved in this bill, and asked to describe their experience. The purpose of the study is to inform those in the fields of psychology and law in order to advocate and support young offenders who are being underserved by the court system. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA, http://aura.antioch.edu/ and Ohio Link ETD Center, https://etd.ohiolink.edu/etd. Keywords: juveniles, sentencing, culpability, qualitativ

The Kepler Light Curves of AGN: A Detailed Analysis

We present a comprehensive analysis of 21 light curves of Type 1 AGN from the Kepler spacecraft. First, we describe the necessity and development of a customized pipeline for treating Kepler data of stochastically variable sources like AGN. We then present the light curves, power spectral density functions (PSDs), and flux histograms. The light curves display an astonishing variety of behaviors, many of which would not be detected in ground-based studies, including switching between distinct flux levels. Six objects exhibit PSD flattening at characteristic timescales which roughly correlate with black hole mass. These timescales are consistent with orbital timescales or freefall accretion timescales. We check for correlations of variability and high-frequency PSD slope with accretion rate, black hole mass, redshift and luminosity. We find that bolometric luminosity is anticorrelated with both variability and steepness of the PSD slope. We do not find evidence of the linear rms-flux relationships or lognormal flux distributions found in X-ray AGN light curves, indicating that reprocessing is not a significant contributor to optical variability at the 0.1-10% level.Comment: 39 pages including 2 appendices. Accepted for Publication in the Astrophysical Journal, with higher resolution figure

Intra- and inter-operator variability of refractometric total proteins measurement of canine plasma

Refractometric total proteins are commonly used in practice as a quick and inexpensive way to measure total protein concentration in bodily fluids. Little information is available about how the operator performing the measurement affects the results. The aim of our study was to determine the inter- and intra-operator variability of refractometric total proteins measured on canine plasma using a temperature-compensated handheld refractometer. A pooled sample of canine lithium-heparin plasma was created using leftover samples from dogs presented to our hospital. The sample was then divided into three aliquots. Total proteins of these aliquots were measured by veterinary nurses, interns, residents and specialists working at our hospital. Statistical analysis revealed excellent inter-operator (ICC 0.99, CI 95% 0.971–1.00) and intra-operator (ICC 0.997, CI 95% 0.990–0.999) variability. Having different operators measuring refractometric total plasma proteins in practice should not affect the results. This suggests different operators can be used when monitoring total plasma proteins of a patient over time and when designing a study that involves this test

The effects of high impact learning experiences on student engagement

AbstractStudent engagement includes skills engagement, participation engagement, emotional engagement, and performance engagement. Handlesman et al., (2005) created a questionnaire (SCEQ) that measures these forms of engagement. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which each form is promoted by different learning experiences. One hundred an twenty-seven students involved in (a) undergraduate research, (b) learning communities, (c) internships, or (d) service learning completed the SCEQ. The results indicated that undergraduate research and internships promoted greater student engagement. Key factors contributing to engagement included perceived career relevance, faculty/student collaboration and the focus and intensity of the learning experience

Intrinsic Frontolimbic Connectivity and Mood Symptoms in Young Adult Cannabis Users.

Objective: The endocannbinoid system and cannabis exposure has been implicated in emotional processing. The current study examined whether regular cannabis users demonstrated abnormal intrinsic (a.k.a. resting state) frontolimbic connectivity compared to non-users. A secondary aim examined the relationship between cannabis group connectivity differences and self-reported mood and affect symptoms. Method: Participants included 79 cannabis-using and 80 non-using control emerging adults (ages of 18-30), balanced for gender, reading ability, and age. Standard multiple regressions were used to predict if cannabis group status was associated with frontolimbic connectivity after controlling for site, past month alcohol and nicotine use, and days of abstinence from cannabis. Results: After controlling for research site, past month alcohol and nicotine use, and days of abstinence from cannabis, cannabis users demonstrated significantly greater connectivity between left rACC and the following: right rACC (p = 0.001; corrected p = 0.05; f 2 = 0.55), left amygdala (p = 0.03; corrected p = 0.47; f 2 = 0.17), and left insula (p = 0.03; corrected p = 0.47; f 2 = 0.16). Among cannabis users, greater bilateral rACC connectivity was significantly associated with greater subthreshold depressive symptoms (p = 0.02). Conclusions: Cannabis using young adults demonstrated greater connectivity within frontolimbic regions compared to controls. In cannabis users, greater bilateral rACC intrinsic connectivity was associated with greater levels of subthreshold depression symptoms. Current findings suggest that regular cannabis use during adolescence is associated with abnormal frontolimbic connectivity, especially in cognitive control and emotion regulation regions

The privilege of induction avoidance and calcineurin inhibitors withdrawal in 2 haplotype HLA matched white kidney transplantation

BACKGROUND: White recipients of 2-haplotype HLA-matched living kidney transplants are perceived to be of low immunologic risk. Little is known about the safety of induction avoidance and calcineurin inhibitor withdrawal in these patients. METHODS: We reviewed our experience at a single center and compared it to Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) registry data and only included 2-haplotype HLA-matched white living kidney transplants recipients between 2000 and 2013. RESULTS: There were 56 recipients in a single center (where no induction was given) and 2976 recipients in the OPTN. Among the OPTN recipients, 1285 received no induction, 903 basiliximab, 608 thymoglobulin, and 180 alemtuzumab. First-year acute rejection rates were similar after induction-free transplantation among the center and induced groups nationally. Compared with induction-free transplantation in the national data, there was no decrease in graft failure risk over 13 years with use of basiliximab (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.86; confidence interval [CI], 0.68-1.08), Thymoglobulin (aHR, 0.92; CI, 0.7-1.21) or alemtuzumab (aHR, 1.18; CI, 0.72-1.93). Among induction-free recipients at the center, calcineurin inhibitor withdrawal at 1 year (n = 27) did not significantly impact graft failure risk (HR,1.62; CI, 0.38-6.89). CONCLUSIONS: This study may serve as a foundation for further studies to provide personalized, tailored, immunosuppression for this very low-risk population of kidney transplant patients