Multi-agent scavenging patterns in Hawai'i: A forensic archaeological and skeletal case study.

Knowledge of the behavior of local fauna can aid forensic investigators in developing awareness of site formation processes. In Hawai'i, little has been published on the effects of feral domestic pig (Sus scrofa) and feral domestic dog (Canis familiaris) scavenging and bone dispersal on field recovery and laboratory observations. In this Pacific tropical setting, the most consequential terrestrial taphonomic agents are pigs and dogs, both in terms of hard tissue modification and dispersal of remains across the landscape. In 2017, an archaeologist discovered the remains of an unidentified decedent on the island of Kaua'i, State of Hawai'i during a cultural resource management survey. Subsequently, a forensic recovery team in conjunction with Kaua'i police and crime scene investigators used archaeological techniques, including pedestrian survey, tape-and-compass, and GPS mapping, to map and recover the remains. A feral pig trail transected various areas of the recovery site and corresponded with the distribution pattern of recovered skeletal material, including both the main concentration more broadly dispersed skeletal elements. While much of the skeleton was present, missing or unrecovered skeletal elements are consistent with expectations based on existing literature. Much of the postmortem bone deformations were characteristic of marks related to feral dog and/or feral pig scavenging. These results assisted local investigators in deciding the manner of death, as well as providing the family with an accounting of the decedent's remains for burial. Thus, forensic anthropologists and archaeologists need to understand and develop knowledge of local animal behavior to recover and interpret human remains of medicolegal significance.

A preliminary study to quantify the efficacy of 3D data acquisition for human bone replication.

BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional imaging is a rapidly growing technology that has revealed exciting insights in disparate fields of research, especially in medicine, forensics, and archaeology. Recent advancements in this technology have also made a remarkable impact in the field of anthropology and odontology. A major benefit of this technology is that they offer effective methods of creating digital records that can aid in physical documentation and can be digitally stored for later assessment and research. AIM: The aim of the current study is to evaluate the metric accuracy of 3D models generated using three different 3D acquisition techniques for performing metric analytical procedures. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Twenty standard craniometric linear measurements (using both sliding and spreading callipers) were taken on two craniums and eight standard measurements were taken on 2 mandibles (using sliding callipers and a mandibulometer); these measurements were then replicated on 3D digital models. RESULTS: Statistical analysis of these dataset using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Bonferroni test suggested that the physical and virtual measurements were accurate, comparable, and concordant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings open up numerous avenues for future study, especially in the fields of forensics and clinical studies. However, in order to overcome the limitations faced in using the digital method certain standardised protocols and guidelines must be established to record these data.

Tattoo in forensic science: An Indian perspective.

BACKGROUND: - Tattoos refer to various skin markings done by impregnating the skin's epidermis with varied pigments. In forensic science, tattoos are considered as secondary identification markers and can be used for positive identification. Indian society is a unique blend of traditional and modern religious and social practices. Thus, traditional tattoos are still prevalent among various tribal societies and scheduled castes spread throughout various parts of India. The tribal tattoos can be used to determine tribal affiliations, that can aid in the process of forensic identification. On the other hand, tattoos comprising Western-influenced designs as well as individuals co-opting traditional designs gradually are becoming more popular in urbanized India. Understanding and documenting the various tattoo patterns prevalent throughout the tribal population and the modern metropolitan cities can help create a reference base line data for future forensic identification.

Scientific integrity in the forensic sciences: Consumerism, conflicts of interest, and transparency.

The goal of this paper is to discuss scientific integrity, consumerism, conflicts of interest, and transparency within the context of forensic science. Forensic scientists play crucial roles within the legal system and are constantly under various pressures when performing analytical work, generating reports based on their analyses, or testifying to the content of these reports. Maintaining the scientific integrity of these actions is paramount to supporting a functional legal system and the practice of good science. Our goal is to discuss the importance of scientific integrity as well as the factors it may compromise, so that forensic practitioners may be better equipped to recognize and avoid conflicts of interest when they arise. In this discussion we define terms, concepts, and professional relationships as well as present three case studies to contextualize these ideas.