Research Rebuttal Paper Uncovers Misuse of Holocaust Datasets
Jul 7, 2021
Professor Melkior Ornik
Professor Melkior Ornik of the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana
Professor Melkior Ornik, of the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a mathematician, a history buff, and a strong believer in integrity when it comes to using hard science in public discussions. So, when a story popped up in his news feed about a pair of researchers who developed a statistical method to analyze datasets and used it to purportedly refute the number of Holocaust victims from a concentration camp in Croatia, it naturally caught his attention.
Ornik proceeded to study the research in-depth and used the method to re-analyze the same data from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Then he wrote a rebuttal paper debunking the researchers' findings.
Ornik's rebuttal is published in the same journal as the original article. He said the editor asked him to include a list of answers to some of the potential questions other scientists may have when they read his paper. A few weeks later, the journal placed a note on the original article stating that they do not endorse or share the authors' views, and recommended reading Ornik's paper.
"As scientists, as engineers, I think it's our duty to correct flawed and faulty science," Ornik said. "There is so much effort to get the public and policymakers to believe in the science, that when a math expert says they have proof, it brings credence to the argument. But when their claims are demonstrably not true, it's not good for science and it's not good for society. That's why it's especially important for scientists to challenge false findings when we discover them."
According to Ornik, some individuals promote the view that concentration camps either didn't exist or weren't used to kill people, or that the currently widely accepted numbers of victims have been substantially inflated. Most historians do not take the claims seriously in light of vast available data and evidence.
"For the authors of the original paper to claim that they have found mathematical proof that the list of victims of that camp was fabricated has obvious historical implications," Ornik said. "I think, to some extent, the damage has already been done, but I felt the need to go on record with the assumptions, inaccuracies, and misuse of the raw museum data I found in the original research."
The paper Ornik responded to presents a novel method to identify anomalies across a set of histograms. Ornik said he does not dispute the merits of the method presented in the original paper, just its application to the Jasenovac concentration camp.
Ornik became suspicious of the paper's conclusions because the researchers implied in one case that a smaller list naturally has a smaller outlier score, but they compared scores across victim list sizes to claim that the one related to Jasenovac, one of the biggest ones, was problematic.
"I started looking to see if there was some sort of a bias for the size and whether they were actually more likely to assign the flag of being problematic to a larger list or not. And it turns out, despite the authors' claims, they were," Ornik said. "The bigger lists are more likely to be computed to be problematic than the smaller lists when their method is applied to the data."
Ornik, who commonly uses similar statistical analysis in aerospace applications, explained another reason that their statistical argument doesn't work.
"When you look at data, a collection of anything, and you want to figure out an outlier—something that's different—you need to assume that all of the pieces of data come from the same source, the same distribution. Take a list of victims by birth year. It would yield a graph of the ages of each person. Say 10% are older than 70 years old. Now, that distribution wouldn't be true for a list of deported children, for example, because that list, by definition, is structurally different. It is also different from a list of everyone who has an identity card. Identity cards are issued only to people who are not children. Yet, the lists that these researchers worked with came from a multitude of sources and include lists of children, lists of people getting married, lists of prisoners of war—things that by definition cannot have come from the same distribution."
Another major error in the original paper, Ornik said, is that some duplicate lists were treated as two separate lists. This meant that approximately 67% of their entire database was actually sub-lists of the larger list.
"The 7,000-plus lists published online by the Holocaust Museum are not curated," Ornik said. "For instance, there are two lists that contain exactly the same data; one is in Cyrillic and the other one uses the Latin alphabet. But they treated them as two separate lists. There are other lists that contain the same name, but there is no way of knowing if they are the same person or two different people born on the same day with identical names. They could have removed the very egregious errors in which a list is clearly duplicated, but the rest you would need access to the original historic data."
Both the original paper and Ornik's paper, "Comment on 'TVOR: Finding Discrete Total Variation Outliers Among Histograms," are published in IEEE Access. DOI for Ornik's research is 10.1109/ACCESS.2021.3082900.
About The Grainger College of Engineering
The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is one of the world's top-ranked engineering institutions, and a globally recognized leader in engineering education, research, and public engagement. With a diverse, tight-knit community of faculty, students, and alumni, Grainger Engineering sets the standard for excellence in engineering, driving innovation in the economy and bringing revolutionary ideas to the world. Through powerful research and discovery, our faculty, staff, students and alumni are changing our world and making advances once only dreamed about, including the MRI, LED, ILIAC, Mosaic, YouTube, flexible electronics, electric machinery, miniature batteries, imaging the black hole, and flight on Mars. The world's brightest minds from The Grainger College of Engineering tackle today's toughest challenges. And they are building a better, cooler, safer tomorrow. Visit https://grainger.illinois.edu for more information.
Media Contact:
Bill Bell
The Grainger College of Engineering
Phone: 217-265-5102
Email: [email protected]
Related Images
Credit: United States Holocaust Memo
One of over 7,000 lists of names from concentration camps in the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. This one is a handwritten list of Serbian and Croatian women who were deported to the Jasenovac concentration camp.
Press Release Service by Newswire.com
Original Source: Research Rebuttal Paper Uncovers Misuse of Holocaust Datasets
More News
Kelly Osbourne reveals her biggest fear for three-year-old son
Kelly Osbourne reveals her biggest fear for three-year-old son Kelly Osbourne revealed that she is carrying a fear regarding her three-year-old son Sidney that he could struggle with addiction in future, just like she and her late father Ozzy Osbourne did.The Osbournes star, who welcomed Sidney...
Pingyao Festival Sets 10th Edition Lineup With Fei Mu Restoration, Films From Cristian Mungiu, James Gray
The Pingyao International Film Festival has unveiled the full lineup for its 10th edition, with a 4K restoration of Fei Mu’s 1948 classic “Spring in a Small Town” opening the anniversary program and Hong Kong dramedy “Good Trip” set to close it. The festival, founded by Jia Zhangke in Shanxi province, will run Sept. 24-30. […]
Selena Gomez finally reveals why she stepped back from music after marriage
Selena Gomez finally reveals why she stepped back from music after marriageSelena Gomez has opened up about her decision to distance herself from music.The 34-year-old singer recently gave an interview to People magazine, in which she revealed why she stepped away from lightlight, especially after...
‘Happily Ever After’: First Look Footage Of K-Pop Star Shuhua In Movie Debut — Toronto Film Festival
EXCLUSIVE: Here’s your first-look footage of K-pop star Shuhua in her movie debut, Happily Ever After, which is debuting this week at the Toronto Film Festival. The Korea-based Taiwanese singer, a member of the girl group I-dle, stars alongside Xuan Chen (I, Myself) in the second feature from Taiwanese writer-director Feng-i Fiona Roan. Taiwanese outfit […]
‘Belzebubs’ Created by JP Ahonen Is a Relatable Story About Liberal Values Where ‘The Addams’ Family Meets ‘Modern Family’ – and Satanism (EXCLUSIVE)
Finnish artist JP Ahonen is ready to unleash the animated series “Belzebubs” onto the unsuspecting world. Based on his successful webcomic, it will premiere at Helsinki Intl. Film Festival – Love & Anarchy. Banijay Kids & Family is handling distribution. Terhi Väänänen is producing for Pyjama Films, Samppa Kukkonen directs and Lassi Vierikko is responsible […]
If You Can Name These Classic Movies From A Single Screenshot, You Are Very Cultured
So iconic! View Entire Post ›
It’s a Rap-Wrestling Mash-Up, Irish Style
At Clash at the Quays in Dublin, rappers and grime M.C.s trade superkicks and story lines, and the crowd goes wild.
King Charles Denies Bombshell Book Claim That He Said World Would ‘Forget’ Princess Diana
King Charles III has issued a rare statement regarding a new book about his ex-wife, the late Princess Diana. Written by Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer, the book claims (according to reports) that after Diana’s sudden death in a car crash in 1997, Spencer got into a heated argument with Charles, then still heir to the […]
STV Studios Ups Stake In ‘Patrick Melrose’ & ‘Army Of Shadows’ Producer Two Cities Once Again
EXCLUSIVE: STV Studios has once again upped its stake in Patrick Melrose and Blue Lights producer Two Cities Television. The Scottish production giant has shifted its ownership from 51% to 75%, according to a recent Companies House filing. STV, which owns Criminal Record maker STV Studios, confirmed the move. “As was the plan from the […]
Lasse Hallström, Lena Olin, Trine Dyrholm, Fares Fares, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson Among Awardees at The Freyas
The Freyas, also known as the Nordic Film and TV Awards, has revealed its first honorees and award-winners. They are Lasse Hallström, Lena Olin, Trine Dyrholm, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, Fares Fares, Thea Sofie Loch Næss, Laura Birn and Ebba Katrín Finnsdóttir. The first-ever edition will be held in Helsinki on Sept. 22, bringing together leading […]
Prince William, Kate's days without Prince George turn stressful
Prince William, Kate’s days without Prince George turn stressfulSomething is happening behind Palace walls and insights have finally rolled in. rumor has it, Prince William and Kate Middleton have been at odds of Prince George, so much so that she’s being described as...
Sonia Rovai Appointed Disney Italy VP of Original Production (EXCLUSIVE)
Sonia Rovai, one of Italy’s most respected TV and film production executives, has been appointed VP of original production at the Italian unit of The Walt Disney Company. Rovai, who since 2024 served as CEO of Fremantle-owned Wildside — the Rome-based company behind “My Brilliant Friend” and, more recently, Netflix’s hit series “The Monster of […]
Weird and Wonderful, the Lucas Museum Lands in L.A.
A billion-dollar behemoth that looks like a spaceship houses the art collection of the “Star Wars” filmmaker George Lucas and his wife, Mellody Hobson. It’s an instant landmark.
On ‘Cupertino,’ Robert and Michelle King Go Online
The prolific producers target tech bigwigs in their newest show. “They’re really the stupidest and dumbest people,” Robert King said.
Conjuring a Herd of Buffalo From Steel, Wood and Burlap
Over the summer, 40 life-size bison puppets were handmade at St. Ann’s Warehouse in Brooklyn. This weekend, they’ll stampede through New York.
Anthony Jeselnik Explains Why He Started a Book Club
But the comedian isn’t naïve when he makes selections for his popular book club: “Most importantly, they’re short.”
Why did Charles Spencer speak against King Charles 29 years after Diana's death? Truth drops
Why did Charles Spencer speak against King Charles 29 years after Diana’s death? Truth dropsThe timing of Charles Spencer’s book about Princes Diana has become a hot topic ever since it sparked a reaction from the Palace. For those unversed with all that, this ‘reaction’ is...
MGK, Dakota Johnson's hidden connection finally revealed
MGK, Dakota Johnson's hidden connection finally revealedDakota Johnson and Machine Gun Kelly could be the next celebrity couple, as sources say they are more than just friends.The Fifty Shades of Grey actress and the Bad Things musician sparked dating rumours earlier this month after the two were...
Stadium owner Robert Kraft says Ed Sheeran asked him to donate $2m in aid after Macklemore backlash
It comes after Macklemore pledged $1m to Palestinian causes, challenging the tycoon to match the sum.
Hayden Panettiere's ex Brian Hickerson finally breaks silence on her death
Hayden Panettiere's ex Brian Hickerson finally breaks silence on her deathIt appeared that Hayden Panettiere’s former boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, made comments about her a long after her shocking death.E! News obtained a clip of Hickerson being stopped by a photographer and being asked how...
F1 TV shifts gears: FanCode takes the wheel as India’s Formula 1 fan base races ahead
FanCode will become the sole platform for F1 TV Pro and F1 TV Premium subscriptions in India, giving Formula 1 fans access to live races, multi-camera streams, team radio, telemetry, documentaries and archive content. The move comes as Formula 1’s Indian fan base crosses nine crore. FanCode has broadcast F1 in India since 2024, with its agreement running through 2028.
‘Avengers’ Studio AGBO’s Chris Brearton, Dominic Hughes to Keynote Tokyo Market on Artist-Led AI in Storytelling
TIFFCOM, the content market held in coordination with the Tokyo International Film Festival, will host a keynote presentation by Chris Brearton and Dominic Hughes, partner and chief scientific Officer, respectively, of AGBO, the studio founded by Anthony and Joe Russo. The session, titled “Technology and Storytelling,” takes place Oct. 29 and will be moderated by […]
Princess Diana Documentary Featuring Unheard Tapes Set For International Launch At MIPCOM
EXCLUSIVE: Diana Unheard, a new documentary series featuring previously unheard audio recordings of the Princess candidly discussing her life, loves and the royal family, is getting an international launch. Cineflix has landed the rights and the show will be a big launch at MIPCOM in Cannes. The three-part doc was made by Love Monday TV, […]
Audiences Flocking To Anime On Netflix At 10 Times The Rate Of Other Genres, Report Reveals
Viewing to anime on Netflix has rocketed at almost 10 times the rate of the streamer’s total viewing numbers over the past three years. A Media Partners Asia (MPA) report into anime shone a spotlight on audiences’ love for the genre on the U.S. streaming behemoth, which has anime hits like Blue Eye Samurai, Cyberpunk: […]
CJ ENM Sells ‘Hotel Del Luna’, ‘Signal’ & Other Hit K-Dramas To CME Slovakia & Czech Channels
Korean studio CJ ENM has signed partnerships with TV Markíza in Slovakia and TV Nova in the Czech Republic, both owned by European media giant Central European Media Enterprises (CME), as part of an expansion of its K-Content distribution efforts in Central and Eastern Europe. The deals cover a total of 10 scripted titles including […]
Kit Harington opens up on decision to join 'Harry Potter' series: 'I really wanted to be in it'
Kit Harington opens up on decision to join 'Harry Potter' seriesKit Harington is all set to star as Professor Gilderoy Lockhart in the upcoming HBO Max’s Harry Potter series.It is worth mentioning here that the 39-year-old actor previously voiced the character in Harry Potter: The Full-Cast...
Sutton Foster goes 'through hell' due to Hugh Jackman's ties with Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively
Sutton Foster goes 'through hell' due to Hugh Jackman's ties with Ryan Reynolds, Blake LivelySutton Foster’s relationship with Hugh Jackman is reportedly crumbling because of his close bond with Ryan Reynolds and his wife, Blake Lively.An insider told Woman’s Day magazine that Foster...
Hayden Panettiere’s Ex Brian Hickerson Speaks Out One Month After ‘Heroes’ Actress’ Death
Hayden Panettiere‘s on-again, off-again boyfriend Brian Hickerson is sharing some rare comments, a month after her death. On Wednesday (September […] The post Hayden Panettiere’s Ex Brian Hickerson Speaks Out One Month After ‘Heroes’ Actress’ Death appeared first on Just Jared - Celebrity News, Entertainment News & Photos.
Matthew Rhys, Ruth Wilson, Phoebe Dynevor & Harriet Walter Set For Audible Thriller ‘All She Wants For Christmas’
EXCLUSIVE: Matthew Rhys, fresh off his double Emmy win, Ruth Wilson, Phoebe Dynevor and Harriet Walter have been set to star in Lisa Jewell’s Audible Original, All She Wants for Christmas, which will launch November 2. Described as a “chilling tale of obsession, ambition, and the dangerous space between truth and fiction”, the synopsis reads: […]
The True Murder Mystery Behind Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story
The murder of Lizzie Borden's parents is technically a cold case, but takes still run hot when it comes to one of America's most notorious alleged murderesses. Hence Ryan Murphy's reliably...
Jacki Weaver Replacing Judy Davis In ITV & Stan Drama ‘Two Birds’
EXCLUSIVE: Two-time Oscar nominee Jacki Weaver has replaced Judy Davis in Two Birds, the upcoming thriller from the UK’s ITV and Australia’s Stan. First look images are above and below. Davis has dropped out due to scheduling conflicts, we understand. Her place playing the formidable Mrs Baxter is taken by Weaver, who has starred in […]
‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ Vaults MAPPA to Anime Studio Lead as Streaming Shifts From Licensing to Ownership, Media Partners Asia Report Finds
Anime drew a larger monthly audience than any other genre on Asian streaming platforms between July 2025 and August 2026, and viewing on Netflix grew nine times faster than the service overall, according to a new report from Media Partners Asia (MPA). “The Anime Economy” report draws on ampd audience panels MPA runs across eight […]
Shailene Woodley's stylist fires back at ongoing backlash over actress's Emmy look
Shailene Woodley’s stylist fires back at ongoing backlash over actress's Emmy lookShailene Woodley’s stylist, Karla Welch, has finally broken her silence on ongoing criticism surrounding her look for the 2026 Emmy Awards.For those unaware, the 34-year-old American actress illuminated...
Chris Pine & Girlfriend Keana Sky Wenger Soak Up Sunny Weather on Walk Around NYC
Chris Pine is enjoying a day out with his girlfriend! The 46-year-old Star Trek actor and girlfriend Keana Sky Wenger […] The post Chris Pine & Girlfriend Keana Sky Wenger Soak Up Sunny Weather on Walk Around NYC appeared first on Just Jared - Celebrity News, Entertainment News & Photos.
Eddie Cahyono’s Busan Competition Title ‘Ibuku,’ Starring Christine Hakim, Boarded by Asian Shadows for World Sales (EXCLUSIVE)
Asian Shadows has boarded international sales rights to Eddie Cahyono’s “Ibuku,” starring Christine Hakim and Ayushita Nugraha, which the Busan International Film Festival has selected for its Competition lineup. “Ibuku” centers on Sumiati (Hakim), a widow in her 60s isolated in a small Javanese village since her husband took his own life. Her daughter, Sri […]
Palace in war of words with Earl Spencer over claims in Diana book
The row threatens to overshadow a very crowded day for the royals - with the King and Princes William and Harry all attending events.
Jennifer Aniston, Jim Curtis 'considering having a baby' together?
Jennifer Aniston, Jim Curtis planning to have a baby together?Jennifer Aniston reportedly wants to welcome a child with her new boyfriend Jim Curtis.On Wednesday, an insider spilled to Us Weekly that the 57-year-old actress discussed her family plans with her hypnotist partner.Jennifer and Jim...
Andy Cohen Speaks Out After Getting Called Out by Julia Stiles on ‘Dancing with the Stars’
Andy Cohen is eating his words! During the second night of the Dancing with the Stars season 34 premiere on […] The post Andy Cohen Speaks Out After Getting Called Out by Julia Stiles on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ appeared first on Just Jared - Celebrity News, Entertainment News & Photos.
Duncan Sheik's 'critical' health woes come to light after hospitalization
Duncan Sheik's 'critical' health woes come to light after hospitalizationDuncan Sheik is receiving medical care in the hospital due to a “critical condition” just weeks ahead of his two major Off-Broadway musicals.On Wednesday, September 16, the 56-year-old American singer-songwriter...
Stan Sets ‘McLeod’s Daughters’ Revival, Rachel Griffiths-Starrer ‘Slander’ & Angourie Rice’s ‘Pride & Prejudice’ Reimagining
EXCLUSIVE: Australia’s Stan is remaking iconic rural series McLeod’s Daughters and has greenlit shows starring Rachel Griffiths, Angourie Rice and Anna Friel. The revival of Nine Network’s McLeod’s Daughters comes 25 years after the original, an early 2000s drama about sisters who take over a cattle ranch in South Australia. A lot has happened since […]
Recommended
YOUR NEWS, OUR NETWORK.
Do you have Great News you want to tell the world?
Be it updates about your business or your community, you can make sure that it’s heard by submitting your story to our network reaching hundreds of news sites across 6 verticals.