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                            Library & Multimedia
 Measuring Desiccation Using Qualitative Changes: A Step Toward Determining Regional Decomposition Sequences
NCJ Number
              254210
Journal

*Journal of Forensic Sciences* Volume: 64 Issue: 4 Dated: 2019 Pages: 1004-1011
Author(s)
          Melissa Connor;
                        Christianel Balgent;
                        Eriek S. Hansen
Date Published

2019
Length
              8 pages
Annotation
              The creation and features of a regional decomposition scoring system for western Colorado are outlined as a model for the development of regional systems.
Abstract
              The development of such a scoring system requires: (1) human remains, not proxies, (2) longitudinal observations, and (3) large sample size. First, an enhanced system (total body desiccation score [TBDS] ) was developed through observations of 40 human remains. This effort produced a categorical scoring model augmented by qualitative categories of gross tissue change. The new model was tested with retrospective photographic packets. A sample of eight donors with data collected over 3 years was selected. Monthly data points over a maximum of a 3-year period yielded 112 data points. Correlations between TBDS and accumulated degree-days (ADD ), and total body score (TBS ) and ADD were approximately equal for a TBS below -20, but the TBDS correlated better with ADD at higher TBS scores >20. The TBDS may be used to refine postmortem interval (PMI ) models in areas where remains desiccate. (publisher abstract modified)
      
  
          Additional Details
Grant Number(s)
        2015-DN-BX-K015


  
  
        
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        NIJ-Sponsored


  
  
        
  Publication Type
        Research (Applied/Empirical)
                                Report (Study/Research)
                                Report (Grant Sponsored)
                                Program/Project Description
                                Program Description (Model)


  
  
        
  Award
        Measuring desiccation: A system using bioelectrical impedance analysis
    
  
  
Date Published: January 1, 2019
    
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