Using PMCT of Individuals of Known Age to Test the Suchey–Brooks Method of Aging in Victoria,Australia

The estimation of an individual's age at death plays a critical role in the investigation of unidentified human remains. The Suchey–Brooks method, which involves the analysis of degenerative morphological changes in the pubic symphysis, is currently widely used to estimate age in adults. This study tested the applicability of the Suchey–Brooks method on a contemporary adult Australian (Victorian) subpopulation by observing three‐dimensional volume‐rendered postmortem computed tomographic (PMCT) reconstructions of the pubic symphysis of 204 individuals aged 15–100 years. Results showed the method was reliable for females (85% correct allocations) but not for males (67% correct allocations). It is therefore recommended that extreme caution be used when applying the Suchey–Brooks method for estimating age at death of an individual in this subpopulation from PMCT images. The results suggest further investigation into alternate age estimation methods is required.     

(De)constructing Nationalist Imagery: Jordanian Cinema in Times of Crisis

A questioning of national narratives, internal economic struggles and external existential threats have all worked to characterize the current moment in Jordan as one of tension and instability, marked by price hikes, protests and refugee crises. Over the past decade, an emergent cinema industry has served as one means by which these struggles have been chronicled, centring national attention on the diverse communities and economic struggles within Amman in films such as When Monaliza Smiled. Conversely, 50 years earlier, the first Jordanian film, Struggle in Jerash, responded to another period of crisis in Jordanian history by attempting to assert a nationalist narrative in defence of the Hashemite Kingdom’s East Bank identity under King Hussein. By comparing Struggle in Jerash and When Monaliza Smiled, this article will demonstrate how films from two periods of crisis responded to challenges to national narratives in opposite ways, with Struggle in Jerash working to help construct East Bank Jordanian nationalism, and When Monaliza Smiled attempting to deconstruct the narrative. These two films will also be shown to be microcosms of the struggle over national narratives from their respective eras.     

Position Effect on Facial Soft Tissue Depths: A Sonographic Investigation

The head is positioned erect for an approximation; yet most facial soft tissue depths (FSTD) used are measured from supine subjects. Depth difference might be significant, but there is a paucity of data to verify. This study compared erect and supine values for 17 landmarks from 30 healthy New Zealand (European population affinity) women (18–30 or 40–55 years) in erect then supine positions. Height, weight, and sonographic FSTD data, totaling 1020 measurements, were obtained. Three midline and seven averaged bilateral values were compared using ANOVA, p values, and Pearson's correlations. Correlative strength of age and body mass index, BMI (kg/m²), was determined by values. Results showed averaged erect and supine differences were significant for four of ten FSTDs. Between individuals, difference was various and not unidirectional. In conclusion, depth differences were observed but not all significant or unidirectional, BMI significantly influenced nine FSTD values, but age group did not.     

How do parents experience relocation disputes in the family courts?

Relocation cases are known to be amongst the most difficult decisions for family court judges. This article reports the findings of an empirical study of parents who were involved in relocation disputes, reporting their views on the experience of being involved in one of these difficult cases. We consider the origins of the disputes and parents’ perceptions of how their cases were resolved, as well as some initial discussion of the aftermath of the cases as seen in the first few months.