Showing papers in "International Journal of Anthropology in 1994"
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TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe a car newydd gyda hi, a car that was bought by a woman who has a new car and she has heard the speech of Cymraeg.
Abstract: 1. Mae e’n siarad Cymraeg. He speaks Welsh. 2. Oes cyfrifiadur gyda ti? Do you have a computer? 3. Mae hi wedi clywed yr araith. She has heard the speech. 4. Dw i’n dysgu Sbaeneg I am learning Spanish. 5. Mae car newydd gyda hi. She has a new car. 6. Wyt ti wedi clywed y newiddion? Have you heard the news? 7. Mae Owain ar siarad. Owain is about to speak. 8. Wyt ti’n astudio ffiseg. You are studying physics. 9. Yw e’n bywta caws? Is he eating cheese? 10. Dw i heb siarad. I haven’t spoken.
9 citations
TL;DR: It was made that vertebral column measurements are of little value in interpopulational comparisons, at least for Europid samples, but they could be of considerable interest for forensic anthropology.
Abstract: An analysis of measurements (anterior and posterior heights and middle body breadth) of 6,357 vertebrae and 336 sacral bones (length, superior breadth and promontory angle) of 539 adult persons from the 1st and the 2nd millennium burial grounds was performed. It was established that longitudinal and transversal measurements are rather weakly correlated. The factor of sex plays a major role in variability of vertebral measurements (up t0 40% from the total sum of factors). Certain sexual differences in a vertebral body form were also noted. The age has slight though significant influence (up to 8%) on vertebral body breadths, that was probably connected with age-related degenerative changes. The influence of the secular factor on vertebral variability was minimal. Only slight to moderate correlations with total body measurements were found. The conclusion was made that vertebral column measurements are of little value in interpopulational comparisons, at least for Europid samples, butthey could be of considerable interest for forensic anthropology.
9 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that although the morphology of the sagittal suture is an epigenetic character, it is not mechanically influenced by muscle size, which may be useful in assigning unknown skulls to a particular race.
Abstract: We have tested the hypothesis that temporal muscle size determines the degree of interdigitation of the human sagittal suture by comparing male and female skulls of Europeans and Australian aborigines. Temporal muscle length, area of the temporal aperture and estimated muscle volume were greater in males than in females of each racial group. Sexual dimorphism of the complexity of the sagittal suture was not confirmed in either race. However, the suture was less complex in aborigines than Europeans despite the volume of the temporal muscle being larger in the former group. We conclude, therefore, that although the morphology of the sagittal suture is an epigenetic character, it is not mechanically influenced by muscle size. A simple quantitation of suture form may however be useful in assigning unknown skulls to a particular race.
7 citations
TL;DR: This paper reports an exhaustive and updated compilation of phenotype and allele frequency data for phosphoglucomutase locus 1 (PGM1), obtained with an analytical isoelectric focusing technique, in human populations.
Abstract: This paper reports an exhaustive and updated compilation of phenotype and allele frequency data for phosphoglucomutase locus 1 (PGM1), obtained with an analytical isoelectric focusing technique, in human populations. The analysis of the PGM1 allele frequency distributions within and among the major human groups together with the degree of diversification evaluated by Wright's Fst, computed per allele and averaged over alleles, are also presented.
6 citations
TL;DR: The Andean highlanders wellbeing adapted to their village altitude, exhibited a difficult acclimatization to higher altitudes which might be due to the characteristics of their respiratory sensation.
Abstract: The respiratory sensation and some routine cardiorespiratory parameters were studied on native Highlanders from the Argentine Andes and on Lowlanders from Europe, already tested during previous high altitude expeditions. The tests were performed at various altitude levels from 2688m e.i., the village altitude for Highlanders, to 5600m during an expedition to Mt. Aconcagua (6990m). At rest, the perception of 4 external inspiratory resistive loads (ranged between 2.5 and 13 cm.H2O.L-1.s) can allow us to fix by discrimination the sensitivity index P(A) independently of response bias (B) according to Sensory Decision Theory (SDT). The Andean highlanders did not experience the respiratory sensation at the same limits as the European lowlanders well adaptated to high altitude. At higher altitudes than their village altitude, their respiratory sensation presented a lower threshold of perception and a weaker discrimination which might be partly explained by the evolution of some parameters of their cardio-respiratory function when altitude increased. Indeed, in response to high altitude hypoxia (5600m), they increased their respiratory frequency and not their minuteventilation or mouth pressure. This chosen ventilatory pattern was opposite to the one chosen by the Lowlanders and did not allow for sufficient adaptation to a more important altitude hypoxia than that of their village altitude. In conclusion, the Andean highlanders wellbeing adapted to their village altitude, exhibited a difficult acclimatization to higher altitudes which might be due to the characteristics of their respiratory sensation. These results might explain their weak physical performances during ascent to the Mt. Aconcagua summit in spite of special training.
5 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the paradoxical situation that in early States, kings who were strongly legitimized by their sacred position, yet exerted much coercion is discussed, and an explanation of this situation is attempted.
Abstract: The article discusses the paradoxical situation that in early States, kings who were strongly legitimized by their sacred position, yet exerted much coercion. With the help of data from Black Africa an explanation of this situation is attempted. It is suggested that the contradiction was caused mainly by the combination of being at the same time a sacred king and a mundane ruler. Regarding the problem of regicide, which was found to occur quite regularly in Africa, it is suggested that ageing kings could no longer guarantee fertility, and thus endangered the prosperity of the kingdom. They therefore had to be deposed. Justification for killing could be found in transgressions the king commited during his inauguration ceremonies.
5 citations
TL;DR: 4 individuals from eight different regions of Slovakia have been typed for haptoglobin types and for transferrin, group specific component and alpha-1-antitrypsin subtypes, showing local variations in the distribution of genetic markers.
Abstract: 1194 individuals from eight different regions of Slovakia have been typed for haptoglobin (HP) types and for transferrin (TF), group specific component (GC) and alpha-1-antitrypsin (PI) subtypes. Whereas the HP allele frequencies do not show a remarkable regional variability within Slovakia, this could be demonstrated concerning the TF, GC and PI allele frequencies. The reason for these distribution heterogeneities seems to be due to the incomplete panmixia of the Slovakian population by which local variations in the distribution of genetic markers could be maintained.
4 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the variability in colour-blindness in some of the populations of North-East India and found that the people of North East India are extremely variable with regard to this trait, the frequency ranging from 0 to 8.05%.
Abstract: Variation in colour-blindness in some of the populations of North-East India has been examined. The people of North-East India are found to be extremely variable with regard to this trait, the frequency ranging from 0 to 8.05%. An attempt has also been made to examine the present findings in light of the hypothesis put forward by Post (1962a,b) and others about selection relaxation.
3 citations
TL;DR: Even though the examined mtDNA markers do not reveal important differences among the three groups, the analysis of both morphs and types shows a trend which places Arbreshes closer to Calabrians than to Albanians.
Abstract: RFLPs of mtDNA for HpaI, BamHI, HaeII, MspI, AvaII and HincII were analysed in a sample of 100 from collected in Tirana (Albania). Eighteen mtDNA types were identified, four of which are new: two because of new morphs for Hpa/HincII (HpaI-9Tir/HincII-17Tir) and AvaII (AvaII-35Tir), and two because of new associations between morphs which were already known. Albanian data were compared with corresponding ones from Calabrians (Southern Italians) and Arbreshes (people of Albanian ancestry living in Calabria). Even though the examined mtDNA markers do not reveal important differences among the three groups, the analysis of both morphs and types shows a trend which places Arbreshes closer to Calabrians than to Albanians.
2 citations
TL;DR: The authors discusses various ways anthropologists can meet that obligation by working with various United Nations and regional intergovernmental human rights convention committees, their own state government's human rights and humanitarian affairs commissions, and human rights non-governmental organizations.
Abstract: Anthropologists have a special obligation to promote the human rights of the peoples they study. This paper discusses various ways anthropologists can meet that obligation by working with various United Nations and regional intergovernmental human rights convention committees, their own state government's human rights and humanitarian affairs commissions, and human rights non-governmental organizations.
2 citations
TL;DR: A statistical model for the estimation of the age at death is defined and tested to evaluate its performance, characterized by the probability of the femoral frequency of secondary osteons for any given age, that is computed by means of 28 scheletons of Italian subjects.
Abstract: A statistical model for the estimation of the age at death is defined and tested to evaluate its performance. It is characterized by the probability of the femoral frequency of secondary osteons for any given age, that we compute by means of 28 scheletons of Italian subjects. In a standard case we obtain good evalutations of the methods, while in practice it can be used according to the objectives of the particular investigation. Moreover other surveys could easily be added to our data in order to obtain a more powerfool tool.
TL;DR: The cultural practices of caregivers with regard to washing hands after cleansing the anus of young children following defectation and disposing of the stool often do not fulfil the biomedical criteria for prevention of the transmission of diarrhoeal illness.
Abstract: In the past few years anthropologists, sociologists and biostatisticians have made contributions on hygiene practices and management of diarrhoea in relation to young children in rural Bangladesh The cultural practices of caregivers with regard to washing hands after cleansing the anus of young children following defectation and disposing of the stool often do not fulfil the biomedical criteria for prevention of the transmission of diarrhoea-causing pathogens These practices, being important determinants of prevention of transmission, were studied in the rural communities of Matlab, Bangladesh Data were collected by observing the practices of caregivers of 404 children with diarrhoea chosen from 444 community cases recruited from the neighbourhood of the 218 hospitalized index cases Observations were made regarding the cleansing of the anus of these children, washing of the hands of the caregivers, and disposal of the stool It was observed that all the caregivers used bare hands and most used only water in cleaning the anus of the child Also following the cleaning, most of the caregivers used only water to wash the soiled hand Most of them used water collected in a pot, and only a small proportion used water from the direct source The majority of caregivers disposed of the faeces in an unhygienic way
TL;DR: Three caste groups of the Maharashtrian population, namely Brahmin, Maratha and Scheduled caste, were studied for defective colour vision and for the ability to taste phenylthiocarbamide (PTC).
Abstract: Three caste groups of the Maharashtrian population, namely Brahmin (N=58), Maratha (N=989) and Scheduled caste (N=1073), were studied for defective colour vision and for the ability to taste phenylthiocarbamide (PTC). Comparisons of defective colour vision and PTC taste sensitivity were made with other Maharashtrian populations studied previously by various authors.
TL;DR: In this article, the utility of the concept of urban poverty for the practice of development research and intervention is questioned and a survey of the main sociological approaches of poverty is presented.
Abstract: This article questions the utility of the concept of urban poverty for the practice of development research and intervention. It surveys the main sociological approaches of poverty and concludes with considerations in the contet of social justice.
TL;DR: The research, which will continue for some time yet, highlights the fact that as much attention should be paid to the human factor as to the technological safety of nuclear power plants.
Abstract: The greatest danger to the future of human life is Man. Environmental issues are becoming highly topical, with attention focusing on nuclear power plants and their operational hazards. The main concern tends to be their technological reliability rather than the fact that humans are in control. In its long-term research project, the Institute of Sports Medicine, which belongs to the 1st Medical School of Charles University in Prague, is primarily concerned with examinations of the most exposed workers in nuclear and thermal power plants. As all of them are under supervision of their plant physicians, the purpose of the project is to uncover possible hidden health hazards that could result in a sudden collapse of the person concerned and bring about a disaster with far-reaching consequences. This paper presents only a small fraction of the results obtained to date. In functional anthropology and functional exercise dianostics we focused on certain signs that could be interpreted as risk factors for cardiopulmonary failure especially due to CHD, frequently found in middle-aged men. We also discuss the changes that have taken place in the 76 investigated nuclear power plant operators and managers during the three-year observation period.
TL;DR: Three Sarakatsanic groups, geographically isolated in Epirus, Central Macedonia and Peloponessos, are studied and it is shown that only the Peloponesean population is well differentiated.
Abstract: The scientific value of isolated human populations is important for the understanding of ethnic formation, or for micro-evolution. The population of Sarakatsani in HELLAS was nomadic up to 10–15 years ago. It may still be considered as nomadic since it migrates during winter and summer. We studied three Sarakatsanic groups, geographically isolated in Epirus, Central Macedonia and Peloponessos. Nine cephalometric variables were measured and subjected to Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA) and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The latter showed that 55% of the variables indicate a statistically significant difference. The former showed that only the Peloponesean population is well differentiated. The groups from Epirus and Macedonia differentiated between them less, compared to the Peloponesean group.
TL;DR: In this paper, the impact of culture and/or return shock on the document produced by expatriates when they are used in ethnohistorical studies is discussed and an analysis of the fate of two expatriate authors in Central American and their seach for peace and justice is presented.
Abstract: Insufficient regard has been given to the impact of culture and/or return shock on the document produced by expatriates when they are used in ethnohistorical studies. This paper seeks to rectily this lacuna with on analysis of the fate of two expatriate authors in Central American and their seach for peace and justice.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors have identified several populations from different parts of the globe have been identified where varieties of detrimental genes occur in considerable numbers influencing health and some other related biological aspects of human life.
Abstract: Human biological well being is a concern of physical anthropology. Genetic determinants and also sociocultural factors, which operate through biological bases, affect human biological quality. Several populations from different parts of the globe have been identified where varieties of detrimental genes occur in considerable numbers influencing health and some other related biological aspects of human life. Injustice will be done to those populations if necessary measures are not undertaken to improve their biological qualities. Peace cannot prevail in an atmosphere where people are deprived of the basic amenities for survival and maintenance of good health.
TL;DR: The comparison with European populations indicates that the Sarakatsans have gene frequencies similar to other Mediterranean and European populations, and is not a high risk population for G6PD deficiency and haemoglobinopathies.
Abstract: A random sample from the endogamic population of Greek Sarakatsans has been studied for eight blood groups, eleven enzymic genetic systems and haemoglobin variants. The allelic frequencies of the polymorphic loci have been compared with those of other samples from the Greek mainland and other European populations. The Sarakatsans tend to resemble their neighbours. The comparison with European populations indicates that the Sarakatsans have gene frequencies similar to other Mediterranean and European populations. However, the monomorphism of the Kell system, the low frequency of the ACP*B, AK*1 and GLO*1 allelas and the high frequency of the ACP*C, ESD*1 and GPT*1 alleles, are some of the distinguishing features of Sarakatsans. Furthermore, the Sarakatsans are not a high risk population for G6PD deficiency and haemoglobinopathies.
TL;DR: It has been found that the most important factor of the somatic development of the fetus is the body size of the mother and placenta weight, which is more important than the body build of the father.
Abstract: The paper is focused on relationships between somatic traits of newborns and family factors. Data for 779 families and their offspirng born in hospitals of Bialystok and Zambrow were analyzed. Family factors were extracted based on a factor analysis of 23 family traits. Multiple regression analysis was used to find relationships between offspring traits and family factors. It has been found that the most important factor of the somatic development of the fetus is the body size of the mother and placenta weight (factor F5). The mother has a greater effect on the development of the child than the father does. Family culture (consciousness-F1) is an important factor during the prenatal devlopment, more important than socio-economic conditions of the family (F3). Also the effect of father's morbidity (factor F8) is relatively high, almost as high as the effect of mother's morbidity (factor F6), more important than the body build of the father (factor F7). Age of the parents and the number of earlier pregnancies (factor F2) have the lowest effect on somatic traits of newborns. Blood pressure of the mother (factor F4) has relatively little effect on the development of somatic traits in newborns. The traits most affected by family factors include frontal breadth, body weight, chest size, and hip breadth.
TL;DR: Results indicate biepicondylar width and maximum length as the strongest external correlates of cortical dimensions and prediction of humeral cortical quantity from external bone measures in living and skeletal populations would benefit from utilizing an absolute, areal cortical measure, a distal location, and a medial-lateral orientation.
Abstract: With data from an early twentieth century human skeletal collection, this exploratory study investigates associations between inner cortical and medullary cavity structures and outer shaft and epiphyseal features of a long bone. Humeri are measured directly in both whole bone and transverse section contexts; data along 2 axes at 2 sites are obtained. Twenty-two probable females, with an age range concentrated in middle adulthood, comprise the sample. Correlations between multiple external and internal bone measurements are analyzed, with the aim of yielding information on the physical nature of bone and on the effects of different measurement types, locations, and orientations for bone relationships. The study also examines whether prediction of inner humeral dimensions from outer measurements would be appropriate. Results indicate biepicondylar width and maximum length as the strongest external correlates of cortical dimensions. Contrasting with studies on the proximal femur, the humeral head shows external size changeability, mostly in the transverse plane, in response to modeling forces shared with the shaft. Epiphyseal measures are more highly associated with absolute rather than percent, and areal rather than linear, cortical variables. Medullary cavity dimensions are not significantly correlated with whole bone measures. Most associations demonstrate shape or proportion influences rather than a shared effect of linear body size. Regarding location and orientation, the distal site and medial-lateral axis display the strongest correlations among external and internal bone dimensions. In light of the demonstrated correlation patterns, prediction of humeral cortical quantity from external bone measures in living and skeletal populations would benefit from utilizing (1) biepicondylar width and maximum length; (2) an absolute, areal cortical measure; (3) a distal location; and (4) a medial-lateral orientation.
TL;DR: The difference between individual aggressive behaviour and group violence is discussed in this paper, where individual aggressive behavior has a biological background and has evolutionary significance for the survival of the individual and the species.
Abstract: The difference between individual aggressive behaviour and group violence is discussed. While individual aggressive behaviour has a biological background and has evolutionary significance for the survival of the individual and the species, group violence, like human character, is due to cultural imprinting and is against the survival of both individuals and populations (war).