Journal
JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES
Volume 56, Issue 1, Pages 229-232Publisher
WILEY
DOI: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2010.01559.x
Keywords
forensic science; accumulated degree-days; decomposition stages; forensic entomology; multiple regression analysis; PMI estimation
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Funding
- FESR
- NBIF
- NSERC
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Using pig carcasses exposed over 3 years in rural fields during spring, summer, and fall, we studied the relationship between decomposition stages and degree-day accumulation (i) to verify the predictability of the decomposition stages used in forensic entomology to document carcass decomposition and (ii) to build a degree-day accumulation model applicable to various decomposition-related processes. Results indicate that the decomposition stages can be predicted with accuracy from temperature records and that a reliable degree-day index can be developed to study decomposition-related processes. The development of degree-day indices opens new doors for researchers and allows for the application of inferential tools unaffected by climatic variability, as well as for the inclusion of statistics in a science that is primarily descriptive and in need of validation methods in courtroom proceedings.
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