Publications by authors named "Zuzana Obertova"
Article Synopsis
- Cranial sex estimation traditionally relies on visual assessments by forensic anthropologists, which can be biased and less accurate for diverse populations.
- This study investigates a deep learning (DL) framework to improve sex estimation accuracy using 200 CT scans of Indonesian individuals, finding that the top DL model achieved 97% accuracy, significantly higher than the human observer's 82%.
- The results suggest that DL models can effectively analyze cranial traits while considering overall size and shape, offering a valuable tool to enhance the reliability of sex estimation in forensic anthropology.
Unlabelled: Forensic anthropology and forensic facial image identification are areas with two aspects in common: (i) the use of anthropological knowledge concerning human variation in their analyses and (ii) low numbers of accredited forensic units. While the low numbers are often explained by the uniqueness of human identification cases, given the high level of scrutiny in the forensic sciences, interest in and efforts to achieve accreditation have become increasingly prominent. Therefore, this study aimed to obtain accreditation-relevant information about the working environment in facial image comparison units by surveying facial examiners across Europe.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Research investigates whether non-professional facial photographs can effectively be used for facial analysis, contrasting with the established use of professional photos.
- The study involved measuring the facial profiles of 74 young adults using direct anthropometry, alongside taking both professional and non-professional photographs for comparison.
- Findings suggest that many facial features, particularly vertical dimensions and eye measurements, can be reliably analyzed using non-professional photos without significant differences compared to professional ones.
Article Synopsis
- 3D structured light scanning is a useful tool in forensic anthropology for creating accurate models of skeletal remains, which aids in analysis, data sharing, and legal presentations without risking damage to originals.
- The study evaluates the accuracy of 3D scans and prints for ten different bone types by comparing standard measurements from physical bones, virtual models, and printed versions, using specific statistical methods to quantify errors.
- Results show that measurements from virtual models and prints are generally accurate (within ±2 mm), but some bones were less reliable for specific measurements; overall, the technique meets acceptable standards for forensic analysis.
Article Synopsis
- Klales et al. (2012) is a widely used method for estimating skeletal sex, but its accuracy can improve when adjusted for specific populations, particularly with age affecting pelvic traits.
- This study analyzed pelvic CT scans from 378 individuals in Indonesia to evaluate the effectiveness of both Klales and Kenyhercz standards, finding lower classification accuracy than the original studies.
- It was determined that Indonesian-specific models, especially the ventral arc and a three-trait model, provided high accuracy rates, with the best results seen in age-dependent models for individuals aged 30-49 years.
Article Synopsis
- Chile experienced a military coup from 1973-1990, leading to thousands of victims, many of whom remain missing; the Human Rights Unit is using forensic methods to identify these individuals.
- Current forensic anthropological techniques haven't been customized for the Chilean population, prompting research to validate sex estimation methods using data from a specific Chilean sample of 265 pelvic bones.
- The study found that while established methods had acceptable accuracy, new predictive models developed for Chileans showed even better results, providing a reliable standard for forensic practices related to human rights investigations.
Article Synopsis
- - Renewed interest in developing forensic anthropological standards in Asia focuses on creating population-specific models, particularly for the Indonesian population, which currently lacks dedicated morphoscopic studies.
- - The study evaluates the applicability of the Walker (2008) morphoscopic standards for estimating skeletal sex by analyzing 200 cranial MSCT scans from Indonesia using digital imaging.
- - Results indicate that the best univariate model achieved an 82.0% classification accuracy, while multiple trait assessments reached accuracies of 95.2% for females and 82.8% for males, providing a reliable framework for forensic practitioners in Indonesia.
Age assessment of migrants is crucial, particularly for unaccompanied foreign minors, a population facing legal, social, and humanitarian challenges. Despite existing guidelines, there is no unified protocol in Europe for age assessment.The Forensic Anthropology Society of Europe (FASE) conducted a comprehensive questionnaire to understand age estimation practices in Europe.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- The study addresses the challenge of identifying deceased migrants by determining their region of origin, which aids in matching their post mortem data with ante mortem information.
- Researchers used stable isotope analysis on hair, bone, and dental enamel samples from six individuals to distinguish between those from West Africa and the Horn of Africa.
- Findings indicated significant differences in stable isotope compositions that reflect regional food and water sources, suggesting the method can effectively narrow down the origins of deceased migrants and support their migration history.
Article Synopsis
- Forensic anthropology (FA) has been practiced in Switzerland for over ten years, but there's a lack of awareness about its benefits among legal professionals like police and prosecutors.
- A survey was conducted to evaluate the experiences of biological and forensic anthropologists, perceptions of FA among legal stakeholders, and identify knowledge gaps that could be improved.
- Results showed that awareness of FA varies by profession and region; closer collaboration between forensic anthropologists and other forensic professionals increases awareness, and many expressed a desire for further education on FA's role.
Article Synopsis
- Researchers studied the frontal sinuses (FS) in a Western Australian population to see if their size could help determine an individual's sex.
- They analyzed the FS volume from CT scans of 99 adults (47 males and 52 females) and found a significant size difference between the sexes.
- However, the accuracy of using FS size for sex estimation was low, with only about 59.6% accurate for the original method used and 57.2% for a WA-specific analysis, meaning this method isn't reliable for identifying sex in this population.
Article Synopsis
- * It evaluates the accuracy and reliability of established cranial sex estimation methods that were primarily developed for other populations when applied to Australian individuals, using a sample of 771 cranial CT scans.
- * The findings reveal a significant average decrease of 21.2% in accuracy when applying these external models to the Australian sample and highlight concerns about their reliability due to substantial sex bias.
Article Synopsis
- - The study investigates how age influences the greater sciatic notch (GSN) shape, a key pelvic feature used for determining skeletal sex, within an Australian population of 567 pelvic samples from individuals aged 18 to 96 years. - Significant differences were found in score distributions for females across different age groups, indicating that the GSN tends to become narrower as women age, while no such age-related differences were observed in males. - Overall, sex estimation accuracy was 87.5%, with accuracy decreasing for females as they age (99% for 18-49 years vs. 91% for 70+ years), suggesting that age needs to be considered when estimating sex from GSN morphology in forensic cases.
Compulsory treatment order and rehospitalisation: A New Zealand study.
Australas Psychiatry
June 2022
Article Synopsis
- * It analyzed data from 326 patients discharged in 2013 and 2014, finding that those under CTOs had a significantly higher risk of rehospitalization compared to voluntary patients, and spent longer in the hospital afterward.
- * The results indicate that CTOs may not lead to reduced resource use and suggest that further research with a longer follow-up might offer better insights into their impact.
Article Synopsis
- - Accurate dating of bone fractures is essential for forensic trauma analysis, particularly in cases involving domestic abuse or torture, as it helps verify victim or suspect statements.
- - Previous research has focused on pediatric bone healing, but there is limited understanding of how fractures heal in adults and their radiological appearances at various stages.
- - This study aims to develop a user-friendly nomogram to estimate the posttraumatic time interval (PTTI) for adult tubular bone fractures, while recognizing that factors like age, sex, and fracture location must be considered for accurate outcomes.
Article Synopsis
- * The Forensic Anthropology Society of Europe created a continuously updated online map to improve accessibility and detail about these collections, which currently lists 153 identified collections from 41 countries.
- * This article analyzes the types, locations, and contents of the collections in the map, aiming to enhance research planning and education in forensic anthropology.
Article Synopsis
- - The study aimed to analyze the sociodemographic and clinical factors linked to patients with schizophrenia being discharged under compulsory treatment orders.
- - Out of 349 patients studied, 200 were discharged under compulsory treatment, with factors like unemployment, schizophrenia diagnosis, and long hospital stays correlating with this status.
- - Findings suggest that understanding the reasons for compulsory treatment could lead to better management practices and a reduction in its use.
Article Synopsis
- - The Forensic Anthropology Society of Europe (FASE) endorses the use of forensic anthropology methods for personal identification in cases where traditional methods are unavailable, especially during global migration crises.
- - The statement highlights that these identification challenges also arise in mass fatalities from natural disasters and conflicts, as well as in cases involving the homeless or economically disadvantaged.
- - There's a growing body of research supporting the use of anthropological methods, but more studies are needed to establish standardized procedures and raise awareness among professionals about their effectiveness in identification cases.
Article Synopsis
- * Five raters, including radiologists and a forensic pathologist, evaluated 85 radiographs of fractures at various healing stages using an adapted scale for assessing fracture healing (AFHS).
- * The agreement among raters varied; radiologists showed good consistency (ICC 0.68 to 0.94), while other physicians had mixed results, suggesting that training in skeletal anatomy and radiology is necessary for effective use of AFHS.
Article Synopsis
- * Advances in technology allow for the storage and review of 3D models of skeletal injuries, which can serve as valuable evidence in court and provide clarity on complex medical and forensic issues.
- * Continuous training and collaboration between forensic experts and tech specialists are crucial, but ethical, legal, and financial implications of using these imaging techniques need to be thoroughly understood before implementation in forensic settings.
This pilot study provides a conceptual framework for the application of the anthropological analysis of skeletal features and surgical interventions for the purpose of identification in cases of unknown deceased individuals with unavailable fingerprint, genetic or odontological antemortem data. The study sample includes 276 individuals with known demographic and clinical information from the Italian CAL Milano Cemetery Skeletal Collection. In the sample, 124 (45%) individuals showed one or more skeletal features that may be potentially individualizing.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Human faces are unique, even among identical twins, making them important for identification, often using 2D mug shots.
- 2D mug shots have limitations due to fixed perspectives, while 3D imaging allows flexibility for better comparisons in investigations.
- A new 3D mug shot system using 26 cameras produces high-quality facial models that improve forensic identification alongside traditional 2D methods.
Article Synopsis
- The Forensic Anthropology Society of Europe (FASE) aims to identify and improve education and training opportunities in forensic anthropology across Europe and South Africa.
- In 2016, FASE conducted an online survey among practitioners, revealing that the roles and recognition of forensic anthropologists differ based on national legal frameworks and individual qualifications.
- Despite a growing demand for forensic anthropologists in various investigations, specialized training remains limited, available mainly through a few graduate programs and annual FASE courses.
Child trafficking and the European migration crisis: The role of forensic practitioners.
Forensic Sci Int
January 2018
Article Synopsis
- Trafficking in children is a serious human rights violation, with increased cases in Europe linked to the current migration crisis, affecting vulnerable groups like runaways and abused children.
- The involvement of forensic practitioners in child trafficking investigations can significantly aid in identifying victims, assisting in prosecutions, and restoring victims' rights and dignity.
- Despite their expertise being essential for gathering evidence and intelligence in trafficking cases, forensic professionals are often overlooked in policies and regulations aimed at combating child trafficking.