Introducing Human Mandible Identification [(hu)MANid]: A Free, Web‐Based GUI to Classify Human Mandibles

Journal Article · Mon Mar 06 00:00:00 EST 2017 · Journal of Forensic Sciences

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1111/1556-4029.13479· OSTI ID:1401276

Berg, Gregory E. ^[1]; Kenyhercz, Michael W. ^[2]

---

1. Central Identification Laboratory Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency 590 Moffet Street JBPHH HI
2. Central Identification Laboratory Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency 590 Moffet Street JBPHH HI, Department of Anatomy University of Pretoria Private Bag x323 0007 Arcadia South Africa

Abstract Statistical programs have revolutionized the way in which forensic anthropologists conduct casework by allowing practitioners to use computationally complex analytics at the click of a button. Importantly, the products of these statistical programs are reproducible and contain measures of error or uncertainty, thereby strengthening conclusions. This paper is an introduction to (hu) MAN id, a free, web‐based application that uses linear and mixture discriminant function analyses to classify human mandibles into one of many worldwide and/or periodic reference groups. The mechanics, development, and use of the application will be discussed. Further, the program was tested against other software to compare model performances and classifications. Total correct classifications among the test cases and programs were identical. Ten mandibles were tested using both statistical procedures. Mixture discriminant analysis improved classification by an average of 9.3% and correctly identified three more mandibles than LDA . Therefore, we believe (hu) MAN id will be an asset to the anthropological community.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 1401276
• Journal Information: Journal of Forensic Sciences, Journal Name: Journal of Forensic Sciences Vol. 62 Journal Issue: 6; ISSN 0022-1198
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English