This scientific paper is about the changes in the skeleton caused by the diseases osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Six males and one female from Banken 1, S:ta Gertrud  and S:t Hans in Visby were chosen for an osteological analysis. All individuals are adults and dates back to the middle ages. One male suffered from both osteoporosis and osteoarthritis and one female and three males suffered from osteoarthritis. One male might have been in the beginning faze of osteoarthritis, and one male shows no sign of any of the diseases. In addition to osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, some of the individuals suffer from other pathological conditions. Some of the bones from most of the individuals were x-rayed at Visby hospital, to see if medical technique could show some additional information to the osteological analysis. The x-rays were interpreted by doctor Staffan Jennerholm from Visby hospital, but other doctors have also participated. The x-rays confirmed results from the osteological analysis in most cases, although it showed new information in several cases. Some bones from three individuals were taken to Roland Alvarssons` Doctor Practice in Visby to measure the bone density, to check if any of the individuals had osteoporosis. The result confirmed that one male had osteoporosis, as expected from the osteological analysis. / Noen steder i oppgaven står det "osteoartrithis", men det skal stå "osteoarthritis"

Typescript. Includes vita and abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 118-133) Also available online in Scholars' Bank; and in ProQuest, free to University of Oregon users.

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This project examined the differences in skeletal preservation from several mound sites in the West Central Illinois Valley, spanning the Late Archaic to Late Woodland periods, from approximately 2500 B.C to A.D. 1000: Koster Mounds, containing Early Archaic to Middle Archaic burials from approximately 8700 B.C. to 800 B.C.; Peisker Mounds, containing Early Woodland burials from approximately 625 B.C. to 230 B.C.; Gibson Mounds, containing Archaic, Hopewell, and Late Woodland burials starting 50 B.C. to A.D. 400; and Helton Mounds, containing Late Woodland burials from approximately A.D. 830 to A.D. 1200. The intrinsic factors of bone density and age and sex of the individual were compared statistically with bone inventories and osseous taphonomic conditions to determine if these factors affected preservation. Based on extant inventories each skeleton was scored on the percent of standard measurements possible to take, 24 cranial, 10 mandibular, and 44 postcranial measurements, following Buikstra and Ubelaker (1994), as a proxy for individual element completeness for major portions of the skeleton. Additionally, this project examined more specifically the preservation of the os coxa. The five commonly used areas for sexing (the ventral arc, subpubic concavity, ischiopubic ramus ridge, greater sciatic notch, and preauricular sulcus), following Buikstra and Ubelaker (1994) and Phenice (1969), were examined and scored independently. Three commonly used areas for aging (the pubic symphysis, auricular surface, and acetabulum) following Brooks and Suchey (1990), Phenice (1969) and Calce (2012) were examined and scored independently. Soil samples were collected from two sites and analyzed to determine if soil pH affects the preservation rates of skeletons differently. To assess the amount of data lost in older skeletal assemblages the author tested the hypotheses that (1) denser skeletal portions are most likely to be well-preserved, (2) mature adult males are more likely to be well-preserved than mature adult females, (3) mature adults will be more well-preserved than the remains of juveniles and old adults, and (4) skeletons from more recent time periods will be more well-preserved than skeletons from earlier time periods. The results of the study show, that while there are many factors that influence preservation of skeletal assemblages in the archaeological record, certain factors are more important than others when it comes to skewing the archaeological record. Sex of the individual does not appear significantly to affect the rate of preservation, while age at death and duration of burial, especially when looking at infants compared to adults and individuals buried during the Archaic period compared to individuals buried during the Middle and Late Woodland period, do affect preservation.

A família Accipitridae compreende 67 gêneros e 256 espécies globalmente distribuídas e, representada por águias, gaviões e abutres do Velho Mundo, figura como uma das linhagens mais representativas de aves não-passeriformes atuais. O relacionamento filogenético entre os gêneros de Accipitridae consiste no assunto mais debatido em trabalhos dedicados à sistemática da família, com inúmeros esforços voltados ao reconhecimento de subgrupos que, em sua maioria, foram fundamentados em similaridade global entre os táxons. Apesar de haver diversos estudos sobre anatomia comparada do grupo, estudos morfológicos com base em metodologias cladistas estão restritos a uma única investigação, que resultou em uma compreensão limitada sobre a filogenia do grupo. Em contrapartida, na última década surgiram inúmeras hipóteses com base em dados moleculares, que trataram diversos níveis taxonômicos da família. Alguns destes estudos demonstraram que a grande maioria dos agrupamentos tradicionais não corresponde a grupos monofiléticos e propuseram um novo arranjo intrafamiliar para o grupo. Neste contexto, o presente estudo propõe uma hipótese filogenética para os Accipitridae, com base no estudo do esqueleto craniano e pós-craniano, utilizando-se de uma ampla representatividade taxonômica do grupo. Para tal, foram examinados 433 espécimes, pertencentes a coleções brasileiras e norte-americanas, os quais representaram 113 espécies e 59 gêneros de accipitrídeos, além de quatro táxons utilizados como grupos externos, pertencentes à ordem Accipitriformes. A partir do estudo comparado deste material, foram codificados 161 caracteres osteológicos, dos quais 116 são binários e 45 multiestados não-ordenados, atribuídos a 117 táxons terminais. A matriz de caracteres foi submetida às análises de parcimônia, o que resultou em 36 árvores igualmente parcimoniosas. A topologia de consenso estrito mostrou-se bem resolvida e consideravelmente congruente às hipóteses filogenéticas prévias sobre Accipitridae, com base em dados moleculares, uma vez que 11 das 14 subfamílias propostas naqueles estudos foram aqui recuperadas e apresentaram suporte significativo. Assim, com base na topologia obtida, bem como no conhecimento acumulado sobre a filogenia do grupo, foi proposto um rearranjo taxonômico para a família Accipitridae, composto por 10 subfamílias, duas das quais incluem três tribos cada: Gypaetinae (Gypaetini, Polyboroidini e Pernini), Macheiramphinae, Aegypiinae, Circaetinae, Elaninae, Harpiinae, Aquilinae, Haliaeetinae, Milvinae e Buteoninae (Buteonini, Circini e Accipitrini). Adicionalmente, foram feitas recomendações para a atualização da nomenclatura de alguns gêneros e espécies de Accipitridae. / The family Accipitridae comprises 67 genera and 256 species with a global distribution and, represented by hawks, eagles and Old World vultures, it figures as one of the largest lineages of non-passerine modern birds. Phylogenetic relationships among accipitrid genera have been a contentious issue in studies on the family systematics, with many efforts aimed at the recognition of subgroups, most of which have been founded on overall similarity between taxa. Although there have been several studies on the comparative anatomy of the group, morphological studies based on cladistic methods are restricted to a single investigation which provided only limited insights into the phylogeny of the group. In contrast, in the last decade, several hypotheses based on molecular data have been put forward that treat with various taxonomic levels the family. Some of these studies demonstrated that many of the traditional assemblages do not correspond to monophyletic groups, and they have proposed novel intrafamilial arrangements for the family. In this context, the present study presents a phylogenetic hypothesis for the Accipitridae based on a study of the cranial and post-cranial skeletal material from a large taxonomic representation of the group. Some 433 specimens were consulted, from Brazilian and North-American collections, and representing 113 species and 59 accipitrid genera, with an additional four used as outgroup taxa belonging to the order Accipitriformes. From the comparative study of the material, 161 osteological characters were coded, of which 116 were binary and 45 non-ordered multistate and attributed to 117 terminal taxa. The data matrix was submitted to parsimony analysis resulting in 36 equally most parsimonious trees. The strict consensus topology was well-resolved and largely congruent with the phylogenetic hypotheses for Accipitridae based on molecular data, with 11 of the 14 subfamilies proposed by those studies recovered in the present study, all with significant support. Based on the topology obtained, and known phylogenies of the group, a taxonomic rearrangement for the family Accipitridae was proposed comprising 10 subfamilies, two of which each include three tribes: Gypaetinae (Gypaetini, Polyboroidini and Pernini), Macheiramphinae, Aegypiinae, Circaetinae, Elaninae, Harpiinae, Aquilinae, Haliaeetinae, Milvinae and Buteoninae (Buteonini, Circini and Accipitrini). Additional recommendations were made for updating the nomenclature of some genera and species in the Accipitridae.

As garças e os socós, aves da família Ardeidae, são pernaltas com tamanho médio ou grande, possuem hábitos solitários ou gregários e estão distribuídas por todos os continentes exceto a Antártica. Tradicionalmente, a família é colocada dentro da ordem Ciconiiformes, juntamente com Scopidae (ave-cabeça-de-martelo), Threskiornithidae (íbis), Balaenicipitidae (bico-de-sapato) e Ciconiidae (cegonhas). Entretanto, vários autores propõem a separação das garças e socós em ordem à parte, no caso, Ardeiformes. Outro problema relacionado à taxonomia da família Ardeidae refere-se à divergência dos autores quanto à validade ou à abrangência de alguns gêneros. O presente estudo tem como objetivo novos exames morfológicos, especialmente do esqueleto, visando a obtenção de dados que possam prover soluções para a taxonomia dessa família. Foram utilizados 66 esqueletos completos de Ardeidae, representando 22 espécies distribuídas em 13 gêneros. Os dados indicam que Syrigma sibilatrix e Pilherodius pileatus possuem caracteres suficientes para serem mantidas em gêneros monotípicos, dentro da subfamília Ardeinae. Egretta Alba possui caracteres que suportam a sua inclusão no gênero Ardea, como Ardea Alba. Os gêneros Butorides e Bubulcus também possuem características suficientes que são válidas e monotípicas. Em relação a Cochlearius fica claro ser um autêntico ardeídeo, embora possua estrutura singular no crânio, e deve ser tratado como uma garça noturna (Nycticoracinae). O gênero Nyctanassa é outro gênero válido, pois Nyctanassa violacea difere de Nycticorax por importantes detalhes osteológicos. A classificação de Martinez-Villalta & Motis (1992) é mais coerente com os resultados obtidos, apesar de algumas discordâncias, na qual a família é dividida em quatro subfamílias: Ardeinae, Nycticoracinae, Tigrisomatinae e Botaurinae / Herons and bitterns are medium to large sized birds of the family Ardeidae. With long bills, neck and legs they are adapted for wading and feeding on fishes and other kinds of small animals that occur near water. They live in all regions of the world except Antarctica. Traditionally, the family is included in the order Ciconiiformes, together the Scopidae (hammerheads), Threskiornithidae (ibises), Balaenicipitidae (whalebills) and Ciconiidae (storks). However, some authors have proposed a new order, Ardeiformes, for these birds. Another taxonomic problem in the family Ardeidae concerns the validity and the limits of some genera. This study presents a new approach to the morphology, mainly of the skeleton, of this group looking for new data that may provide insights for the taxonomy of this family. Sixty six complete skeletons of Ardeidae, representing 13 genera and 22 species were studied. Our studies indicate that the species Syrigma sibilatrix and Pilherodius pileatus have sufficient characters to be maintained in their monotypic genera within the subfamily Ardeinae. Egretta Alba has several characters that support its inclusion in the genus Ardea, as Ardea Alba. Butorides and Bubulcus also have particular features that are valid and monotypical. For Cochlearius, it is very clear that it is an Ardeidae, and despite its special bill and skull structure, it must be included in the night-heron group (Nycticoracinae). The genus Nyctanassa is another valid genus and differs from species of the genus Nycticorax in several osteological characters. The classification of the Ardeidae by Martinez-Villalta & Motis (1992) is the most consistent with this study, in spite of some differences, and that the family Ardeidae should be divided in four subfamilies: Ardeinae, Nycticoracinae, Tigrisomatinae and Botaurinae

With the evolution of forensic technology, methods for positive identification are vast and accurate. These methods allow for a corpse to be identified at almost any point of decomposition. The new technology and new methodology has led to a more creative and resourceful criminal. Although few cases have been documented where chemicals are the mode of disposal, this method provides a seemingly fool proof and effective approach to disposal. Several household chemicals contain harmful agents that when used may result in the masking of identity. The purpose of this study is to indicate which chemicals can be used in order to erode or dissolve the tissues making up the dentition and bone. Four chemicals, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid) and sulfuric acid were chosen and tested on teeth and bone. The dentition and bone were exposed for a period of eight hours. Measurements including mass and caliper measurements were obtained at two-hour intervals. Of the common chemicals tested, muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid) was the most effective for destroying the tissues.

Cortical thickness and entheseal robusticity were used to measure the effects of activity and age in a group of 77 adult males from the site of Lisieux-Michelet in northern France. There was no known age at death for this population; age was determined using a series of osteological age estimation methods. Based on the currently available dates for this sample, the skeletal remains were primarily from the Late Roman Period (3rd-7th century AD).The adults were divided into three age categories based on these estimation results. Trends in cortical and entheseal development were measured within and between age categories. Results showed that entheses increased with age while cortical thickness decreased. However, low correlation between these two factors suggests that while entheseal robusticity responds to age, it is highly influenced by physical activity. Activity levels also affect cortical thickness which causes variation within age groups. A comparison of the Lisieux-Michelet entheseal and cortical measurements to both modern and archaeological populations indicated that these males engaged in physically demanding occupations. The degree of activity experienced by these individuals decreased during the middle adult years likely due to a shift to less physically demanding occupations. However, cortical and entheseal data suggest that the old adults from Lisieux-Michelet were not particularly frail and continued to be active even after the decrease in activity during the middle years. / Thesis / Master of Arts (MA)

Osteological, spatial, and grave condition analysis in St Giles’ Cathedral revealed the social hierarchy in medieval Scotland, from the 12th century to the 15th century. Cultural life in the cathedral was divided between the ecclesiastical people active in it, ranging from grave construction to grave sectioning and mortuary rites. This was mirrored in the way the individuals were buried, which made it possible to analyze them and make conclusions on the cultural and social life during the Middle Ages in Scotland.

This project tested the reliability and validity of the Portable Osteometric Device Version 1 (PODv1) the Paleo-Tech Lightweight Field Osteometric Board (PaleoTech), by providing measurements of intra-observer and inter-observer error during the collection of osteometric data. The PODv1 is a device that the author invented for measuring anthropometric data from human skeletal material. This device was 3D printed and uses laser sensors with time-of-flight technology to measure distance. Twenty-three different volunteers with various osteological experience from the Mississippi State University community collect osteometric data for this project. These volunteers measured four different bones using both the POD and the PaleoTech devices over three different rounds. The results show that the PODv1 is a reliable and valid device compared to the PaleoTech. Both devices were prone to the same issues, but the PODv1 can improve on these issues with more modifications and research, unlike the current osteometric board designs.