Academic literature on the topic 'Cremains weight'

The archaeological site of Salorno—Dos de la Forca (Bozen, Alto Adige) provides one of the rarest and most significant documentations of cremated human remains preserved from an ancient cremation platform (ustrinum). The pyre area, located along the upper Adige valley, is dated to the Late Bronze Age (ca. 1150–950 BCE) and has yielded an unprecedented quantity of cremated human remains (about 63.5 kg), along with burnt animal bone fragments, shards of pottery, and other grave goods made in bronze and animal bone/antler. This study focuses on the bioanthropological analysis of the human remains and discusses the formation of the unusual burnt deposits at Salorno through comparisons with modern practices and protohistoric and contemporaneous archaeological deposits. The patterning of bone fragmentation and commingling was investigated using spatial data recorded during excavation which, along with the bioanthropological and archaeological data, are used to model and test two hypotheses: Salorno—Dos de la Forca would be the result of A) repeated primary cremations left in situ; or B) of residual material remaining after select elements were removed for internment in urns or burials to unknown depositional sites. By modelling bone weight and demographic data borrowed from regional affine contexts, the authors suggest that this cremation site may have been used over several generations by a small community–perhaps a local elite. With a quantity of human remains that exceeds that of any other coeval contexts interpreted as ustrina, Salorno may be the product of a complex series of rituals in which the human cremains did not receive individual burial, but were left in situ, in a collective/communal place of primary combustion, defining an area of repeated funeral ceremonies involving offerings and libations across a few generations. This would represent a new typological and functional category that adds to the variability of mortuary customs at the end of the Bronze Age in the Alpine are, at a time in which “globalising” social trends may have stimulated the definition of more private identities.

All the extant cremation deposits were examined. The following details are given in the table below to convey some impression of the character of each deposit: the weight, the maximum length of the largest surviving piece of bone, and an assessment of the general size of the fragments. Large bones have a maximum dimension over 50 mm, medium are equal to or between 25 and 50 mm and small are less than 25 mm.

The article describes the results and the methodology for determining the initial presence of wares containing cellulose in the Vyatichi funeral ceremony in the Middle Ages in the natural zone of the southern taiga, Moscow region. Cellulose is a high molecular weight polymer. Cellulose (in other words – fiber) contains up to half of all the organic carbon of the biosphere, therefore, the prevalence of various microorganisms utilizing cellulose is quite high. In addition, the prevalence of this trophic group of microorganisms significantly complicates the diagnosis in archaeological contexts, since it’s necessary to understand the total number of these microorganisms on different depths in certain soil types and certain climatic zones. To overcome this difficulty, we conducted a two-month experiment to determine the rates of decomposition of the added cellulose substrate by soils from the adjacent structures of cremated burials using method, providing results comparable with published data. For the first time, there was made an attempt to identify soils of cremated burials with an increased content of cellulose, by analogy to microbiological methods of identifying keratin-containing substrates of ancient burials. The presence of cellulolytic microorganisms was identified by counting of colony forming units after planting on a solid nutrient environment – soil agar enriched in carboxymethyl cellulose. The object of the experiments was soil samples from medieval burials with cremations. Comparisons were made with the background soil of the same age as cremations (XII century), which have been developing according to the zonal type on the kurgan mound nearby to cremated burials. Three sites with maxima activity were revealed, according to the archaeological context. The article continues the cycle of experimental planting of trophic groups of microorganisms for the purpose of indicating substances that entered the soil at different periods of time, from antiquity to the Middle Ages, and have been utilized by microorganisms up to nowadays.

Death may be the great leveller, but some families can mark the event more spectacularly than others. In an attempt to set the royal burials at Vergina into some form of mortuary context, the cremated remains from three rich, non-royal 4th-century Macedonian tombs – Nea Mihaniona II and III and Derveni Beta – were studied with an eye on both biology and mortuary practices. This investigation showed that: (i) a neonate cremated and buried with its mother can survive both events remarkably well, with important consequences for the Vergina debate; (ii) the Derveni crater contained two individuals; (iii) the Nea Mihaniona, Derveni Beta, Vergina II antechamber, Vergina III and Phoinikas (report in preparation) cremations form a homogeneous group in terms of fragment size and weight. This sets them midway between (a) their far less substantial Dark Age forebears and (b) the unique whole cremated skeleton from the main chamber of Vergina Tomb II.

Как правило, только часть кремированных останков удается идентифицировать, а общая масса фрагментов и отдельных элементов скелета отличается высокой вариабельностью и почти всегда уступает ожидаемой по результатам наблюдений в крематориях. Целью настоящего исследования является разработка метода для оценки вероятности избирательного подхода к сбору останков для захоронения на стороне. Поскольку исходная масса конкретных трупосожжений неизвестна, фрагменты костей имеют разные размеры и продолжают разрушаться, а число элементов в генеральной совокупности и в выборке не может быть строго определено, точная оценка такой вероятности невозможна. Тем не менее расчеты можно попытаться провести для некоторого заданного диапазона величин. Наиболее надежные результаты позволяет получить анализ костей черепа, ожидаемая доля идентифицированных фрагментов которых относительно общей массы скелета сравнительно велика (13-20 %), а мелкие фрагменты относительно легко поддаются идентификации. Предложена схема для приблизительной оценки случайной вариации доли костей черепа при разном размере выборки, основанная на формуле гипергеометрической вероятности. As a rule, when examining cremations, only some remains can be identified whereas the total weight of fragments and specific parts of the skeleton has high variability and almost in all cases is less than would be expected based on observations in crematoria. This study is aimed to develop a method for assessing probability of the selective approach to collection of cremated remains for subsequent burial in a grave. Since initial weight of specific cremated bodies is unknown, bone fragments are of different size, and the bones continue to disintegrate while the number of elements in the general population and the sample cannot be strictly determined, accurate estimation of probability is not possible. Still, we can attempt to make calculations for a certain preset range of values. The most reliable results can be obtained through analysis of skull bones since their expected share of identified fragments against the total weight of the skeleton is relatively high (13-20 %) and smaller fragments can be rather easily identified. The paper offers a model for rough estimation of random variation in the share of skull bones for the samples of different size based on the hypogeometric probability formula.

A study has been carried out on the effect of two emulsifiers and four stabilizers on the behavior of an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion formulated with highly unsaturated oil. For this, 8 types of O/W emulsions stabilized by high pressure homogenization (150 bar) were prepared, with a fixed content of vegetable oil (10.9% by weight). On the one hand, emulsifiers 1 and 2, which were used at a fixed concentration of 0.65%, and different stabilizers (1, 2, 3 and 4) were tested. The emulsions were characterized in terms of particle size distribution, viscosity, pH and physical stability. The results showed that the emulsions had a pH between 6 and 6.5 and were easily dispersible in water. The dynamic viscosity of the creams was between 100 and 226.5 cP, with V8 being the one with the highest viscosity. The analysis of the microstructure of the emulsion revealed that the mean diameters of the particles ranged between 4.2 and 13 µm, with V6 (stabilizer 3, 0.34%) having the largest size of the fat globules, while V8 was where the smallest diameter of the particles (4.2 ± 1.51 µm) was detected. The analysis of the physical stability of the emulsions by the static method revealed that all the emulsions were stable at low temperature (6 ºC) during the 14 days of the test. In the tests at room temperature (22 ºC) and at high temperature (40 ºC), the V8 cream was the one that showed the greatest stability throughout the period tested. The physical stability analysis of the emulsions, using the dynamic method (LUMiSizer®), showed that the V8 emulsion was the most stable of all the formulated ones, indicating that the addition of stabilizer 4 at a concentration of 0.15% improved the stability physical as the size of the particles of the cream obtained. Se ha llevado a cabo un estudio sobre el efecto de dos emulgentes y cuatro estabilizantes en el comportamiento de una emulsión de aceite en agua (O/W) formulada con aceite altamente insaturado. Para ello se prepararon 8 tipos de emulsiones O/W estabilizadas por homogeneización a alta presión (150 bar), con un contenido fijo de aceite vegetal (10,9% en peso). Como emulgentes se utilizaron emulsificador 1, por un lado, y emulsificador 2, por otro, a una concentración fija de 0,65%, en ambos casos, y diferentes estabilizantes (1, 2, 3 y 4). Las emulsiones fueron caracterizadas en cuanto a la distribución del tamaño de partícula, viscosidad, pH y estabilidad física. Los resultados mostraron que las emulsiones presentaron un pH comprendido entre 6 y 6,5, y fueron fácilmente dispersables en agua. La viscosidad dinámica de las cremas estuvo comprendida entre 100 y 226,5 cP, siendo la V8 la que presentó la mayor viscosidad. El análisis de la microestructura de la emulsión reveló que los diámetros medios de las partículas oscilaron entre 4,2 y 13 µm, siendo la V6 (estabilizante 3, 0,34%) la que presentó el mayor tamaño de los glóbulos de grasa, mientras que la V8 fue en donde se detectó el menor diámetro de las partículas (4,2 ± 1,51 µm). El análisis de la estabilidad física de las emulsiones por el método estático reveló que todas las emulsiones fueron estables a baja temperatura (6 ºC) durante los 14 días del ensayo. En los ensayos a temperatura ambiente (22 ºC) y a alta temperatura (40 ºC) la crema V8 fue la que mostró la mayor estabilidad durante todo el periodo ensayado. El análisis de estabilidad física de las emulsiones, utilizando el método dinámico (LUMiSizer®), mostró que la emulsión V8 fue la más estable de todas las formuladas, indicando que la adición del estabilizante 4 a una concentración 0,15% mejoró tanto la estabilidad física como el tamaño de las partículas de la crema obtenida.

Since 2012, research has been conducted at the Lambrate Crematory (Milan). The aim was to analyse the cremains of dissected subject, decesead between 2012 and 2014 in order to collect information and match it with pre and peri-mortem data (sex, age, weight, height, pathologies, conservation condition of cadaver) and the parameters of combustion (temperature, oxygen percentage, duration of fire). The cremated remains of 173 adult Caucasians and 6 adult Asian producted by methan gas and electric ovens were analised. Of these, 162 had been dissected. Average age was 66 years old, height 168 cm, weight 76 kg and body mass index (BMI) 26,67. Cremains on average weigh 2738,04 g and 2276,90 g, with and without the fraction of fragments of <2 mm, respectively. Various measures were taken of the sex-pooled and of the male and female sub-samples in order to provide osteometric intervals standardized on the cremate sample. In particular: weight of each skeletal region; fragment dimensions; thickness of frontal, parietal and occipital bones and diaphysis of humerus and femur; antero-posterior and medium-lateral diameter of diaphysis and head vertical diameter and of humerus and femur. Most of the variables show statistically significant differences between males and females. Applicability of sexual metric methods, standardized on portoguese cremains sample, has been verified for present sample. The cremation process starts at a temperature of 600° C, reaching an average maximum temperature of 1026° C (min-max: 895° C – 1155° C), in about 30 minutes (30.10 ± 1.85; min-max: 5-50 minutes) and lasts on average for 80 minutes (min-max: 65-90 minutes). After the maximum temperature has been reached, the temperature falls off gradually to 600° C and the remains are recovered. Cremations in a gas oven determine the survival of 96.97% of sex diagnostic element, 75.72% of those diagnostic of age and shows 8,94% of deformations. Thanks to their protected position the auricular surfaces survive better than the pubic symphysis, in a ratio of about 2:1. The pubic symphysis seem show a higher survival in obese subjects. Deformations that do not appear to be related to the conservation of the cadaver or to combustion variables were observed in only 8.94% of cases. With regards to fragment colour, carbonized and grey residues were observed in more than 90% of subjects, representing a dishomogeneous physical characteristics and cadaver states of preservation. Chromatic differences taken by fresh bones were still recognizable after cremation: yellowish colour (2,5Y: 8/3, 8/4, 8/6, 8/8; 5Y: 8/3, 8/4, 8/6, 8/8 of on the Munsell Soil Chart) spreaded on the osseous surface, suggests body mummification or decomposition; brownish colouration (10YR: 6/6, 6/8, 5/4, 5/6, 5/8; 4/6; 3/6) may indicate a burial period of cadaver burial beforeprior to cremation. Among the cremains analysed were 168 subject with Striker circular saw autopsy cuts on the cranium and 38 with perimortem cranial fractures due to falls (16 cases), being struck by underground trains (3 cases), to accidents (13 cases), to blunt trauma (1 case) and to gunshot wounds (5 cases). Demographic, clinical and autopsy data with description and photographic documentation were available for these fractures. In five cases small cavities along the fracture lines were produced by cutter micro motor. Even after 90 minutes at a temperature of up to 1123° C, up to of trauma fragments with identifiable morphologies survived, particularly on thicker bones such as the occipital bone. The margins and surfaces of fractures can maintain their morphology or may be altered by further fracturing and warpings. Reddish colouration and opaque appearance of the surface cab be a criterion for perimortal lesion identification. The cremains of 3912 foetuses (representing 10 cremation events) from voluntary and therapeutic terminations of pregnancy were also investigated. Survival of all skeletal regions was observed with the exception of dental germs and carpal, tarsal, maxillary, ethmoid, lacrimal and nasal bones. The skull appears to be the most fragmented region while, in other regions, whole bones were found. It was possible to observe some pathological anomalies and measure 522 bones. The most widespread colouration is white due to calcination but black and grey can survive. Yellowish-red colouring was also observed an may reflect contact between the bones and organic tissues or blood (up to ten months may elapse between death and cremation). Fractures and deformations caused by fire were observed and comparable to those seen on the adults bones. Orthopaedic and odontoiatric prostheses from about 2700 cremations were analysed. The cremations resulted in about 586 kg of metallic residue, of which 490 kg (83.7%) was metal waste from coffins while prostetic devices accounted for 95 kg (16.3%). Types of prosthesis identified are: means of fracture fixation (intramedullary nails and plaques); prosthetic hip and shoulder (stems with and without heads, heads free and articular cups); prosthetic knee (femoral condyles and tibial plateau); heart valves, cables of pacemaker, vascular endoprosthesis; odontoiatric devices (endosseous implants; dental crowns; dental metal meshes; dental bridges). The colour tone (light and dark grey) and the different weight Indicate different types of metal: stainless steel or cobalt-chromiunm alloy (dark) ant titanium (light). The high number of prostheses found indicates the widespreas nature of surgical inverventions (about 50% of subjects with prostheses) and therefore, the potential importance of prostheses as an identifying element in forensic cases. Two experiments were conducted using muffle furnace to obtain information about teeth and perimortal lesions. In the first experiment 105 teeth divided into groups were exposed to temperatures of 50° C, 100° C, 150° C, 200° C to assess the impact of heat on root transparency, one of method used in the age estimation. The length of transparent root was measured both before and after treatment. Even at 50° C we observed changes in root transparency even if the morphological and colorimetric changes were not large. Hence, caution is suggested in using this method to determine age when subjects with apparently unaltered teeth have been in contact with heat or fire. In the second experiment 20 cow ribs were fractured with a hammer, 6 were pierced with a drill and 24 subjected to gunshot wounds. The bones were then subjected to a temperature of 800° C until calcination. Measueres pre and post-treatment showed significant changes in size, more so for blunt fractures and less so in the other two cases. The gunshot wounds also showed an increase in fractures originating from the margins of the bullet hole. In conclusion, this research has identified several critical points relating to combustion of bone that require further analysis.

Bones from the inhumation graves in Świbie were very poorly preserved. The skeletal fragments analysed were significantly eroded. The poor state of preservation of the skeletons is most likely due to the environmental changes taking place in the area occupied by the necropolis and the unfavourable post-depositional conditions prevailing there. Osteological materials have been preserved in only about 33% of the graves. Anthropological analyses were carried out on bones identified in 220 graves: 100 skeletal, 93 cremations, and 27 bi-ritual graves. A total of 242 individuals have been identified, of which 114 were inhumed and 128 cremated. The presence of more than one individual was observed in 21 burials (excluding burials where bones were lost: 1+?), with three graves: 33, 211, and 427 containing remains of three individuals. Estimating the sex was possible in 62 cases (25.6%), and due to the very poor condition of bones of inhumed individuals, this was more often possible for individuals from cremation graves (26.6%) than from inhumation graves (24.6%). For 33 individuals, tomographic examinations were also undertaken to determine sex based on the LA method. Age at death assigned to a single age category was determined for 98 individuals (40.5%): 32 (28.1%) from inhumation graves and 66 (51.6%) from cremation graves. In addition, 83 individuals (34.3%) were classified into the general age categories of “infans” – 8 individuals (3.3%): four each from cremation and inhumation graves; and “adult” – 75 specimens (30.9%): 50 (43.9%) from inhumation graves and 25 (19.5%) from cremation graves. For 34 individuals out of the 35 examined, a precise age determination was obtained using the TCA method. Based on the data obtained from the constructed mortality tables, the life expectancy of a newborn (e0) was approximately 21 years, or within a range of 13.05–14.27 years after estimating the missing number of deceased children (d0-14.9). According to the data thus compiled, inhumed individuals had slightly higher life expectancy parameters (e0=22.03 years, after d0-14.9 estimation: 13.89–15.06 years) compared to individuals from cremation graves (e0=19.79 years, after d0-14.9 estimation: 12.60–13.84 years). Individuals of reproductive age (e20) lived to 28 years on average. The average age of death for adult individuals was 28.27 years (28.52 years for inhumed individuals and 28.16 years for cremated individuals). Almost 70% of the population survived to this age, but only 2.3% reached an age above 40 years. The structure of the living population calculated based on the Cx parameter suggests a relatively stable nature of the community using the cemetery, with the structure of inhumed individuals corresponding to a developing population and the structure of cremated individuals to a stabilised one. Children were more than twice as likely to be cremated, particularly those in the Infans I age category (chi2=4.7635, df.=1, p=0.021809). No such trend was observed among adults, although the data collected suggest that individuals from the Adultus category were inhumed less frequently. For individuals from cremation graves, the total bone mass was determined along with the weight of the distinguished bone fractions. The weight distribution of individual specimens ranged from 0.22 g to 2123.82 g (X=294.35 g; Me=81.46 g; SD=419.739 g) with the most numerous range from 0 to 100 g. Paleopathology was found in a total of 33 individuals (13.6%). Most of the conditions identified were related to nutritional deficiencies and manifested as linear enamel hypoplasia (LEH), interglobular dentin (IGD), cribra orbitalia and hyperostosis porotica. Degenerative lesions (osteophytes, eburnation of the radius head, metatarsal bones fusion), probable changes from respiratory diseases (SES), non-specific diseases (periostitis), diseases of unknown aetiology (HFI), and congenital diseases (Klippel-Feil syndrome) were also found. In addition, the presence of epigenetic traits were observed in three individuals.