Bridging the gap between decomposition theory and forensic research on postmortem interval.

Dawson, BM; Ueland, M; Carter, DO; Mclntyre, D; Barton, PS

Bridging the gap between decomposition theory and forensic research on postmortem interval.

Dawson, BM Ueland, M

Carter, DO Mclntyre, D Barton, PS

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Publisher:: Springer
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: International Journal of Legal Medicine, 2024, 138, (2), pp. 509-518
Issue Date:: 2024-07-25

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Dawson, BM
dc.contributor.author	Ueland, M https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9155-3502
dc.contributor.author	Carter, DO
dc.contributor.author	Mclntyre, D
dc.contributor.author	Barton, PS
dc.date.accessioned	2024-07-24T07:33:52Z
dc.date.available	2023-07-05
dc.date.available	2024-07-24T07:33:52Z
dc.date.issued	2024-07-25
dc.identifier.citation	International Journal of Legal Medicine, 2024, 138, (2), pp. 509-518
dc.identifier.issn	0937-9827
dc.identifier.issn	1437-1596
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/179831
dc.description.abstract	Knowledge of the decomposition of vertebrate animals has advanced considerably in recent years and revealed complex interactions among biological and environmental factors that affect rates of decay. Yet this complexity remains to be fully incorporated into research or models of the postmortem interval (PMI). We suggest there is both opportunity and a need to use recent advances in decomposition theory to guide forensic research and its applications to understanding the PMI. Here we synthesise knowledge of the biological and environmental factors driving variation in decomposition and the acknowledged limitations among current models of the PMI. To guide improvement in this area, we introduce a conceptual framework that highlights the multiple interdependencies affecting decay rates throughout the decomposition process. Our framework reinforces the need for a multidisciplinary approach to PMI research, and calls for an adaptive research cycle that aims to reduce uncertainty in PMI estimates via experimentation, modelling, and validation.
dc.format	Print-Electronic
dc.language	eng
dc.publisher	Springer
dc.relation	http://purl.org/au-research/grants/arc/DE210100494
dc.relation.ispartof	International Journal of Legal Medicine
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1007/s00414-023-03060-8
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.subject	0399 Other Chemical Sciences, 0699 Other Biological Sciences, 1103 Clinical Sciences
dc.subject.classification	Legal & Forensic Medicine
dc.subject.classification	3199 Other biological sciences
dc.subject.classification	3202 Clinical sciences
dc.subject.classification	3499 Other chemical sciences
dc.subject.mesh	Animals
dc.subject.mesh	Postmortem Changes
dc.subject.mesh	Autopsy
dc.subject.mesh	Research Design
dc.subject.mesh	Forensic Pathology
dc.subject.mesh	Animals
dc.subject.mesh	Postmortem Changes
dc.subject.mesh	Autopsy
dc.subject.mesh	Forensic Pathology
dc.subject.mesh	Research Design
dc.subject.mesh	Animals
dc.subject.mesh	Postmortem Changes
dc.subject.mesh	Autopsy
dc.subject.mesh	Research Design
dc.subject.mesh	Forensic Pathology
dc.title	Bridging the gap between decomposition theory and forensic research on postmortem interval.
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	138
utslib.location.activity	Germany
utslib.for	0399 Other Chemical Sciences
utslib.for	0699 Other Biological Sciences
utslib.for	1103 Clinical Sciences
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Science
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/Strength - CFS - Centre for Forensic Science
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Science/School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/All Manual Groups
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/All Manual Groups/Centre for Forensic Science (CFS)
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
pubs.consider-herdc	false
dc.rights.license	This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0). To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
dc.date.updated	2024-07-24T07:33:47Z
pubs.issue	2
pubs.publication-status	Published online
pubs.volume	138
utslib.citation.issue	2

Abstract:

Knowledge of the decomposition of vertebrate animals has advanced considerably in recent years and revealed complex interactions among biological and environmental factors that affect rates of decay. Yet this complexity remains to be fully incorporated into research or models of the postmortem interval (PMI). We suggest there is both opportunity and a need to use recent advances in decomposition theory to guide forensic research and its applications to understanding the PMI. Here we synthesise knowledge of the biological and environmental factors driving variation in decomposition and the acknowledged limitations among current models of the PMI. To guide improvement in this area, we introduce a conceptual framework that highlights the multiple interdependencies affecting decay rates throughout the decomposition process. Our framework reinforces the need for a multidisciplinary approach to PMI research, and calls for an adaptive research cycle that aims to reduce uncertainty in PMI estimates via experimentation, modelling, and validation.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/179831