The post-mortem resilience of facial creases and the possibility for use in identification of the dead

The post-mortem resilience of facial creases was studied using donated bodies in order to establish the efficacy of crease analysis for identification of the dead. Creases were studied on normal (pre-embalmed) and bloated (embalmed) cadavers at the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification (CAHID) to establish whether facial bloating would affect facial crease visibility. Embalming was chosen to simulate the effects produced by post-mortem bloating. The results suggested that creases are resilient and changes were only detected for creases located on the periphery of the face, particularly at areas where the skin is thick, such as at the cheeks. Two new creases not previously classified were identified; these creases were called the vertical superciliary arch line and the lateral nose crease. This research suggests that facial creases may be resilient enough after death to be utilised for human identification

A preliminary examination of differential decomposition patterns in mass graves

This study represents a preliminary, quantitative approach to the examination of differential decomposition patterns in mass graves. Five pairs of mass graves, each containing the carcasses of 21 rabbits, were used to examine decomposition rates at four fixed positions within the burial. A pair of graves was exhumed at approximately 100 accumulated degree day (ADD) intervals. At exhumation the total body score (TBS) and internal carcass temperature of each rabbit were recorded. Although there was no significant difference between decomposition rates for core and deep-positioned carcasses (p = 0.13), all other position differences were significant (p < 0.001). Decomposition occurred fastest in shallow carcasses, followed by mid-outer carcasses; both deep and core carcasses exhibited a slower rate. Internal carcass temperature was significantly influenced by carcass location within the mass grave; there was a mean internal temperature difference of ca. 1 oC between deep and shallow carcasses (30 cm apart). Adipocere formation was minimal and confined, with the exception of a single individual in the mid- periphery, to the deepest level. Decomposition rate may be as affected by the compactness of a mass as by interment depth and/or peripheral substrate contact, and further investigation into the role of oxygenation and pH are required

Identification of crystals forming on porcine articular cartilage: a new method for the estimation of the postmortem interval

Articular cartilage was examined to determine its decomposition sequence and its potential for assessing the postmortem interval. Scanning electron microscopy of articular cartilage from buried porcine trotters showed the presence of microcrystals on the synovial surface. These orthorhombic pyramidal or “coffin”-shaped crystals, appeared at 3 weeks (22 days) after interment and disappeared after 6 weeks. The disappearance of these crystals was linked to decompositional changes to the integrity of the synovial joint. The formation and disappearance of these crystals was associated with a pH change at the cartilage surface. Scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) analysis showed that the five main elements contained within these crystals were carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, magnesium, and phosphorous. Such elemental analysis suggested the crystals may be struvite (MgNH4PO46(H2O)). Bacteria cultured from the cartilage synovial surface produced struvite crystals when grown in suitable media and were identified by DNA analysis to be Comamonas sp

How do MNC R&amp;D laboratory roles affect employee international assignments?

Research and development (R&#38;D) employees are important human resources for multinational corporations (MNCs) as they are the driving force behind the advancement of innovative ideas and products. International assignments of these employees can be a unique way to upgrade their expertise; allowing them to effectively recombine their unique human resources to progress existing knowledge and advance new ones. This study aims to investigate the effect of the roles of R&#38;D laboratories in which these employees work on the international assignments they undertake. We categorise R&#38;D laboratory roles into those of the support laboratory, the locally integrated laboratory and the internationally interdependent laboratory. Based on the theory of resource recombinations, we hypothesise that R&#38;D employees in support laboratories are not likely to assume international assignments, whereas those in locally integrated and internationally interdependent laboratories are likely to assume international assignments. The empirical evidence, which draws from research conducted on 559 professionals in 66 MNC subsidiaries based in Greece, provides support to our hypotheses. The resource recombinations theory that extends the resource based view can effectively illuminate the international assignment field. Also, research may provide more emphasis on the close work context of R&#38;D scientists rather than analyse their demographic characteristics, the latter being the focus of scholarly practice hitherto

The role of forensic anthropology in disaster victim identification (DVI):recent developments and future prospects

Forensic anthropological knowledge has been used in disaster victim identification (DVI) for over a century, but over the past decades, there have been a number of disaster events which have seen an increasing role for the forensic anthropologist. The experiences gained from some of the latest DVI operations have provided valuable lessons that have had an effect on the role and perceived value of the forensic anthropologist as part of the team managing the DVI process. This paper provides an overview of the ways in which forensic anthropologists may contribute to DVI with emphasis on how recent experiences and developments in forensic anthropology have augmented these contributions. Consequently, this paper reviews the value of forensic anthropological expertise at the disaster scene and in the mortuary, and discusses the way in which forensic anthropologists may use imaging in DVI efforts. Tissue-sampling strategies for DNA analysis, especially in the case of disasters with a large amount of fragmented remains, are also discussed. Additionally, consideration is given to the identification of survivors; the statistical basis of identification; the challenges related to some specific disaster scenarios; and education and training. Although forensic anthropologists can play a valuable role in different phases of a DVI operation, they never practice in isolation. The DVI process requires a multidisciplinary approach and, therefore, has a close collaboration with a range of forensic specialists

'Complex' but coping : experience of symptoms of tuberculosis and health care seeking behaviours--a qualitative interview study of urban risk groups, London, UK

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly credited. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated.BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis awareness, grounded in social cognition models of health care seeking behaviour, relies on the ability of individuals to recognise symptoms, assess their risk and access health care (passive case finding). There is scant published research into the health actions of 'hard-to-reach' groups with tuberculosis, who represent approximately 17% of the London TB caseload. This study aimed to analyse patients' knowledge of tuberculosis, their experiences of symptoms and their health care seeking behaviours. METHODS: Qualitative interviews were conducted with 17 participants, predominantly homeless and attending a major tuberculosis centre in London, UK. Most had complex medical and social needs including drug and alcohol use or immigration problems affecting entitlement to social welfare. Analytical frameworks aimed to reflect the role of broader social structures in shaping individual health actions. RESULTS: Although participants demonstrated some knowledge of tuberculosis their awareness of personal risk was low. Symptoms commonly associated with tuberculosis were either not recognised or were attributed to other causes for which participants would not ordinarily seek health care. Many accessed health care by chance and, for some, for health concerns other than tuberculosis. CONCLUSIONS: Health education, based on increasing awareness of symptoms, may play a limited role in tuberculosis care for populations with complex health and social needs. The findings support the intensification of outreach initiatives to identify groups at risk of tuberculosis and the development of structured care pathways which support people into prompt diagnosis and treatment.Peer reviewedFinal Published versio

Small signal and power performance of AlGaN/GaN HFETs grown on s.i.SiC

We report on the DC,the mall ignal and the RF power performance of AlGaN/GaN HFET grown on emi in ulating (.i.)SiC ubstrate.DC characterization how a record transconductance of 300mS/mm for a device ith a gatelength of 0.3 µm.Load pull measurements at 10 GHz were performed,indicating output power levels above 4Watts cw for a unpas ivated 1.6mm device.Finally,tandard equivalent circuit parameter are extracted and verified for devices with different gatewidths

RF Power performance of passivated ALGAN/GAN hfets grown on sic and sapphire

We have analysed the impact of SiN surface passivation on the performance of undoped (piezo) AlGaN/GaN HFETs grown on SiC and sapphire. Though there is little change after passivation in carrier concentration and mobility as evidenced by Hall measurements the RF power performance is significantly improved leading to state of the art power densities of up to 6.5 Watt/mm at 10GHz and absolute power of 6.6 Watt cw for a 1.2mm piezo device on SiC substrate