Browsing by Author "Marquez-Grant, Nicholas"
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Item Open Access Age-related trends in the trabecular micro-architecture of the medial clavicle: Is it of use in forensic science?(Cranfield University, 2020-01-21 15:02) McGivern, Hannah; Greenwood, Charlene; Marquez-Grant, Nicholas; F. Kranioti, Elena; Zioupos, PeterThe mechanical and structural properties of bone are known to change significantly with age. Within forensic and archaeological investigations, the medial end of the clavicle is typically used for estimating the age-at-death of an unknown individual. Although, this region of the skeleton is of interest to forensic and clinical domains, alterations beyond the macro-scale have not been fully explored. For this study, non-destructive micro-computed tomography (µ-CT) was employed to characterise structural alterations to the cancellous bone of the medial clavicle. Fresh human cadaveric specimens (12-59 years) obtained at autopsy were utilised for this study, and were scanned with a voxel size of ~83µm. Morphometric properties were quantified and indicated that the bone volume, connectivity, mineral density and number of trabeculae decreased with age, while the spacing between the trabeculae increased with age. In contrast to other sub-regions of the skeleton, trabecular thickness and degree of anisotropy did not correlate with age, which could suggest that the network is becoming increasing perforated with age rather than exhibiting trabecular thinning. These results are used in the context of deriving a potential protocol for forensic investigations by using this particular and largely unexplored region of the skeleton and provide inspiration for future experiments concerning micro-architectural and small scale changes in other regions of the human skeleton.Item Open Access Analysing open-source images in forensic anthropology(Asociación Española de Antropología y Odontología Forense, 2023-07-31) Cobham, L.; Harris, Michael; Marquez-Grant, NicholasForensic scientists, including forensic anthropologists, are increasingly being called on to comment on images depicting human remains taken from public domains. The current unprecedented scale of digital material available online and on social media regarding the conflict in Ukraine and previously in Syria, and the various logistical difficulties for verifying alleged human rights abuses and crimes that may have occurred there, suggest the need for further knowledge and understanding of the utility of open-source images in the field of forensic anthropology. This study surveyed 10 conflict-related open-source images among professionals with varying backgrounds in forensic anthropology to assess their usefulness for forensic anthropological investigative purposes. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used. The results revealed that most participants were able to provide diagnostic interpretations from open-source images and considered their analyses useful to varying degrees. Minimal differences were observed in comparing responses with experience and/or qualifications. The study revealed that a greater consideration must be given to the forensic analysis of open-source images, particularly given the increasing demand for forensic anthropological expertise and current technological developments.Item Open Access Baggage scanners and their use as an imaging resource in mass fatality incidents(Springer, 2019-08-08) D'Arcy, Giguere; Marquez-Grant, Nicholas; Lane, David W.Disaster victim identification following a mass fatality incident is focussed on identifying the deceased and returning them to their families as quickly as possible, while gathering as much information as practical to aid investigators in establishing the cause of the incident. Ante-mortem data is gathered and compared with the post-mortem data obtained in order to positively identify the deceased. This paper presents results from a study concerned with the first part of the process of identifying the deceased—the triage or Primary Survey and how this can be done without access to hospital facilities such as conventional X-ray imaging or computed tomography. In particular, this study focuses on the imaging undertaken prior to the opening of the body bag by a multidisciplinary team, and how this imaging can assist particularly when forensic anthropologists are involved in the identification process. There are several advantages to imaging the body bags before they are opened and one of the most important is safety. Thus, this paper examines the viability of using a baggage scanner as a practical resource for X-ray imaging, as many regions worldwide may not be able to access conventional imaging equipment. Baggage scanners are readily available and found in airports and various government buildings. The baggage scanner is particularly suited to this task and produces images that can be used by forensic anthropologists to distinguish between human and non-human remains, identify items of evidence and personal effects, and even perform a preliminary or partial biological profile. When considering their response plans, emergency responders should consider including baggage scanners as a contingency for screening body bags if no other imaging system is available.Item Open Access The contribution of natural burials to soil ecosystem services: review and emergent research questions(Elsevier, 2023-11-22) Pawlett, Mark; Girkin, Nicholas T.; Deeks, Lynda K.; Evans, Daniel L.; Sakrabani, Ruben; Masters, Peter; Garnett, Kenisha; Marquez-Grant, NicholasThe modern funeral industry faces many environmental risks and challenges, such as the use of sustainable materials for coffins, the release of potentially damaging materials and organisms to the soil and groundwater, and reduced space available for cemeteries. “Natural burial” proposes an alternative and more sustainable funeral practice, omitting the use of preservatives that inhibit body decomposition, thus proposing to reduce environmental degradation and benefit soil ecosystem services. This study conducted a literature review to identify proposed risks and benefits of “natural” compared to “traditional” burial practices, identifies knowledge gaps, and proposes further research questions. The approach was multidisciplinary, including literature from soil, environmental, forensic, and archaeological sciences, and the Humanities. Results identified that here are some clear environmental benefits to natural burial, such as habitat creation and aboveground biodiversity. However, there is a substantial deficit of research that compares the unseen risks and benefits of natural burial practice. Multiple potential risk factors include: (i) groundwater contaminated with biochemical products of decomposition, pathogens, and pharmaceutical products, (ii) atmospheric emissions, including greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4, N2O). There is also a deficit of information related to the release of cadaver decomposition products to soil ecological processes. More detailed scientific research is required to identify the risks and benefits of funeral options, thus develop fit for purpose regulations and legislation and to describe the cultural incentives for natural burial. This paper identifies key areas of research required to understand and mitigate the potential environmental and cultural implications of human burial practices.Item Open Access Differentiating human versus non-human bone by exploring the nutrient foramen: implications for forensic anthropology(Springer, 2017-08-21) Johnson, V.; Beckett, Sophie; Marquez-Grant, NicholasOne of the roles of a forensic anthropologist is to assist medico-legal investigations in the identification of human skeletal remains. In some instances, only small fragments of bone may be present. In this study, a non-destructive novel technique is presented to distinguish between human and non-human long bones. This technique is based on the macroscopic and computed tomography (CT) analysis of nutrient foramina. The nutrient foramen of long bone diaphyses transmits the nutrient artery which provides much of the oxygen and nutrients to the bone. The nutrient foramen and its canal were analysed in six femora and humeri of human, sheep (Ovies aries) and pig (Sus scrofa) species. The location, position and direction of the nutrient foramina were measured macroscopically. The length of the canal, angle of the canal, circumference and area of the entrance of the foramen were measured from CT images. Macroscopic analysis revealed the femora nutrient foramina are more proximal, whereas humeri foramina are more distal. The human bones and sheep humerus conform to the perceived directionality, but the pig bones and sheep femur do not. Amongst the parameters measured in the CT analysis, the angle of the canal had a discriminatory power. This study shows the potential of this technique to be used independently or complementary to other methods in distinguishing between human and non-human bone in forensic anthropology.Item Open Access Dismemberment as a method of body disposal in Spanish forensic cases(MDPI, 2022-07-11) Mata-Tutor, Pilar; Villoria-Rojas, Catherine; Benito-Sánchez, María; Marquez-Grant, NicholasThis study provides an overview of victim and offender data, the cause and manner of death, the dismemberment type, the post-dismemberment alteration, and the forensic investigation, for 35 Spanish forensic cases. The main aim of this study was to perform a retrospective analysis of dismemberment and body part alteration in Spain since 1990, in particular relating to burning. The sample was selected from a Spanish national database on criminal records (CENDOJ). Official court records were examined for 96 variables, which were analysed through non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis (nMDS). The results obtained revealed that the number of dismemberment cases between 1990 and 2016 totalled 35 (amounting to a total of 40 bodies) with an incidence of 0.29% of the total number of homicide cases in the database. Most of the aggressors were Spanish adult males, and the victims were adult females of foreign nationality. The most commonly employed tool used to kill and dismember was the knife. A total of 15.00% of the 40 bodies were further altered by fire. It was concluded that dismemberment and other postmortem actions contributed to complicating the forensic investigation and hindering the identification of the deceased.Item Open Access Environmental taphonomic processes and their effects on skeletal trauma analysis(2019-07) Vachirawongsakorn, Vijarn; Marquez-Grant, Nicholas; Painter, JonathanIn recent years there has been extensive research focusing on skeletal trauma as a result of different types of weapons inflicted on bone. However, an important factor that has not been investigated in depth is the potential modification to the observed dimensions and morphology of trauma marks after environmental exposure. Detailed information derived from traumatic lesions to bone is highly valuable in forensic anthropological casework. It is important to understand how taphonomic variables, namely the outdoor environment or fire, may alter trauma morphology. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of different environmental taphonomic agents on fresh and burned bone trauma that have been inflicted by either blunt or sharp instruments. This research used blunt and sharp weapons to inflict trauma on manually macerated porcine ribs (n=364) and femurs (n=60). Subsequently each specimen was examined, analysed, and photographed. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were undertaken using macroscopic, microscopic and radiological techniques to investigate specific traumatic lesions, such as cut and chop marks, as well as bluntinflicted fractures. The traumatised bones were subsequently deposited on the surface or in a buried environment for a pre-determined length of time (6, 12 and 18 months). In addition, sharp force trauma was inflicted on ribs which were then burned at 850°C in a furnace prior to being buried or placed on the surface for 1 month. The samples were then re-examined and the trauma evidence was compared between pre- and post-environmental exposure. The results showed several trends. Surface colour and taphonomic alterations were linked to macro- and micro-environmental factors, and were also dependent on the duration of environmental exposure. Surface-deposited samples underwent higher degrees of degradation than buried samples. In addition, perimortem blunt and sharp force traumatic lesions on the ribs and femurs were still clearly identifiable after 18-month environmental exposure. This study also illustrated that taphonomic modifications of blunt and sharp injuries were different depending on the interaction between bone, the type of trauma and the surrounding environment. Fractures from different types of weapon showed dissimilar responses to environmental variables. ii Pre-exposure bone and different types of depositional environment had an effect on the rate and pattern of taphonomic modifications on dimensions and morphology of the traumatic lesion. The results of this study should enable an improved determination of skeletal trauma analysis after environmental exposure. Moreover, this study has emphasised the need for a combination of macroscopic, microscopic and radiological techniques to analyse taphonomic phenomena. As environmental factors have the potential to conceal perimortem skeletal trauma, this study advises that when carefully examining traumatic lesions on ribs and femurs as an alteration of their dimensions and morphology is likely to have occurred after prolonged environmental exposure.Item Open Access Evaluation of the accuracy of Demirjian's method for dental age estimation in Northern Sudanese children and adolescents(ScienceVolks, 2023-09-25) Alkholi, Sara; Alemam, Amin; Marquez-Grant, NicholasA variety of methods have been used worldwide in dental age assessment in the living. However, since dental development varies between populations, population-specific studies are necessary. This study aimed at investigating the accuracy of age estimation using developing teeth from panoramic radiographs according to the method devised by Demirjian and colleagues in a sample of Northern Sudanese children and adolescents (2) Methods: A total sample of 917 X-Rays from patients aged between 6-16 years of age was available, but only 527 were suitable (265 boys, 272 girls). (3) Results: The mean difference between chronological and dental age for Northern Sudanese boys, ranged between (–0.389 to +0.571) while, for the Northern Sudanese girls, the mean difference ranged between (–0.056 to+0.732); (4) Conclusions: The results showed that the Demirjian's method did not accurately predict age in this Northern Sudanese population. Standards were produced to convert the maturity scores calculated by Demirjian's method to a new dental age assessment for Northern-Sudanese population.Item Open Access Examining thermally induced movement of the fatal fire victim(Elsevier, 2024-01-23) Harding, Mary-Jane; Marquez-Grant, Nicholas; Williams, MikeInvestigating a fatal fire scene comprises analysis not only of the fire’s development to identify the point of fire origin and ignition source, but analysis of a victim’s position and their relationship within the scene. This work presents both qualitative and quantitative results from experimentation investigating the effect of a real fire environment on the human body, and how the position of a victim at the post burn investigation stage may be significantly different to the position at fire ignition. Qualitative observations were undertaken on the burning of 39 compartment and vehicle scenes from ignition through to suppression, each containing a human cadaver. The results of analysis question the validity of previous work based on cremation observations. Quantitative results were produced by recording 13 points on the body on the X, Y and Z axis, both pre and post burn on a smaller dataset of ten compartment burns. Results have enabled a more robust assessment of thermally induced movement of the body within the scene along each axis, evidencing that pugilism is not the universal reaction of the fatal victim to thermal exposure, with extension of the upper limbs far more common than has been previously reported.Item Open Access Femoroacetabular impingement and cam morphology: Contributions to bioarchaeology and forensic anthropology(2020-02) Saunders, Emma Louise; Marquez-Grant, Nicholas; Zioupos, PeterFemoroacetabular impingement is a clinical disorder of the hip caused by premature contact between the femur and the acetabulum. A lead cause of this condition is cam morphology, additional bone growth on the anterior aspect of the femoral head. Cam morphology has been associated with physical activity due to its high prevalence rates in athletes compared to non-athletes. A link between non-metric traits of the femur, particularly; Poirier’s facets, plaque and cribra, and cam morphology has been suggested due to their shared location and suggested aetiology. Osteitis pubis, an overuse syndrome of the pubic symphysis, is believed to be a compensatory injury of femoroacetabular impingement. The overall aim of this study was to determine the contributions of femoroacetabular impingement to the disciplines of bioarchaeology and forensic anthropology, with regards to femoral non-metric traits analysis, activity reconstruction and awareness of conditions that may affect the formation of biological profiles. To achieve this, this study aimed to establish if there is a link between cam morphology and non-metric traits of the anterior aspect of the femur. This would provide further understanding of the respective/joint aetiologies through the use of multidisciplinary literature. It also aimed to determine if the development of cam morphology is linked to occupational physical activity. Additionally, this study looked to determine if any osseous changes are present in individuals with femoroacetabular impingement in association with cam morphology, to allow the identification of symptomatic individuals when the presence of clinical information is not available. Finally, it also aimed to determine if there is a link between cam morphology and osteitis pubis at the pubic symphysis. This would contribute to both bioarchaeology and forensic anthropology, by highlighting a condition which may impact an area commonly used for the age estimation. Two skeletal collections, the Wharram Percy collection and the Luís Lopes Identified Skeletal Collection, and a clinical comparison sample were utilised. These collections were selected due to presence of contextual information regarding lifestyle and occupation in different forms. The clinical comparison sample consisted of 3D volume ii rendered CT models of individuals being investigated for femoroacetabular impingement and a control sample. Non-metric traits of the femur and commonly used clinical measures to determine the presence of cam morphology were recorded on all samples. Recording criteria for osteitis pubis was developed and applied to the pubic symphysis of the two skeletal collections. Comparisons of these measurements were made within and between the samples. The results of this study have shown there is a link between Poirier’s facets and plaque with cam morphology. Through the use of contextual information, it is recommended this association is a functional adaptation. There was no association between cam morphology, alpha angle size and occupational physical activity groups in adults. It is suggested cam morphology is therefore a better indicator of activity levels, or other extrinsic factors, requiring additional stability at the hip during skeletal maturation. No clear osseous indicators of the presence of FAI due to cam morphology were identified. Therefore, it is not possible to identify symptomatic individuals through skeletal changes alone. There was also limited evidence of a link between osteitis pubis traits and alpha angle size. Although eburnation could be an indicator for the later stages of this condition, however, there is the requirement for further study to confirm this.Item Open Access Guidelines for best practice: imaging for age estimation in the living(Elsevier, 2019-02-10) Doyle, Edel; Marquez-Grant, Nicholas; Field, Lisa; Holmes, Trish; Arthurs, Owen J.; van Rijn, Rick R.; Hackman, Lucina; Kasper, Kathleen; Lewis, Jim; Loomis, Peter; Elliott, Denise; Kroll, Jeroen; Viner, Mark; Blau, Soren; Brough, Alison; Heras, Stella Martin de las; Garamendi, Pedro ManuelItem Open Access Histomorphometric analysis of osteocyte lacunae in human and pig: exploring its potential for species discrimination(Springer Link, 2019-01-24) Cummaudo, Marco; Cappella, Annalisa; Giacomini, Francesca; Raffone, Caterina; Marquez-Grant, NicholasIn recent years, several studies have focused on species discrimination of bone fragments by histological analysis. According to literature, the most consistent distinguishing features are Haversian canal and Haversian system areas. Nonetheless, there is a consistent overlap between human and non-human secondary osteon dimensions. One of the features that have never been analyzed for the purpose of species discrimination is the osteocyte lacuna, a small oblong cavity in which the osteocyte is locked in. The aim of this study is to verify whether there are significant quantitative differences between human and pig lacunae within secondary osteons with similar areas. Study sample comprises the midshaft of long bones (humerus, radius, ulna, femur, tibia, and fibula) of a medieval human adult and a juvenile pig. Sixty-eight secondary osteons with similar areas have been selected for each species and a total of 1224 osteocyte lacunae have been measured. For each osteon, the total number of lacunae was counted, and the following measurements were taken: minimum and maximum diameter, area, perimeter, and circularity of nine lacunae divided between inner, intermediate, and outer lacunae. Statistical analysis showed minimal differences between human and pig in the number of lacunae per osteons and in the minimum diameter (P > 0.05). On the contrary, a significant difference (P < 0.001) has been observed in the maximum diameter, perimeter, area, and circularity. Although there is the need for further research on different species and larger sample, these results highlighted the potential for the use of osteocyte lacunae as an additional parameter for species discrimination. Concerning the difference between the dimensions of osteocyte lacunae based on their position within the osteon (inner, intermediate, and outer lacunae), results showed that their size decreases from the cement line towards the Haversian canal both in human and pig.Item Open Access Human vs non-human bone: identification and differentiation of fragmented skeletal remains using non-destructive methods(Cranfield University, 2018) Corrieri, B.; Marquez-Grant, Nicholas; Rogers, Prof K.Fragmented human and non-human bones can be found in forensic contexts, such as mass disasters, mass graves, and crime scenes, as well as in archaeological deposits. When fragmented skeletal remains are found, one of the first questions asked is whether or not the fragments are human or non- human. If none of the diagnostic features is visible, the origin of the fragments may be difficult to assess. Most of the methods currently employed to identify the origin of bone fragments, such as microscopic and biomolecular methods, are invasive and time consuming. The aim of the research presented in this thesis was to explore the potential of non-destructive procedures, such as GIS (Geographic Information System) software, morphological examination and Micro-Computed Tomography, in determining whether or not a bone fragment is human. These techniques were applied on skeletal features not commonly used for the human-nonhuman bone differentiation. Cranial suture patterns, cranial curvature and rib shaft curvature were assessed and measured using a GIS software. In addition, the morphology of the occipital condyles and the linea aspera of the femur were investigated and compared between human and non-human species. Finally, primary nutrient foramina and cross-sectional shape of long bones were analysed using micro-CT. More than 700 human and non-human bones were used; the non-human species selected are the ones whose remains are likely to be found in forensic or archaeological contexts in the United Kingdom. Most of the bone features considered and the procedures used in this study proved to be reliable for the differentiation between human and non-human fragmented bones. Blind tests performed on fragments whose human or non-human origin was not known further demonstrated the applicability and effectiveness of the methods and features explored in this study. The results of this research provide a valuable contribution to the fields of forensic anthropology, bioarchaeology, and comparative anatomy.Item Open Access The Islamic cemetery at 33 Bartomeu Vicent Ramon, Ibiza: investigating diet and mobility through light stable isotopes in bone collagen and tooth enamel(Springer, 2018-05-08) Dury, George; Lythe, Andrew; Marquez-Grant, Nicholas; Garcia-Rubio, Almudena; Graziani, Glenda; Mari, Juanjo; Ziriax, Maggie; Schulting, Rick J.The Balearic Islands occupy a central space in the western Mediterranean, at the maritime crossroads between North Africa, the Iberian Peninsula and the rest of southwestern Europe. As such, it is well placed to investigate changes in subsistence practices associated with the major cultural transitions following the arrival of Islamic rule. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis was carried out on bone collagen from the Islamic cemetery (ca. AD 950–1150) population excavated at 33 Bartomeu Vicent Ramon, Ibiza, including human (n = 42) and faunal remains (n = 3). Stable oxygen and carbon isotope analysis was also undertaken on human tooth enamel carbonate (n = 6), and six humans were directly radiocarbon dated, confirming the presence of two distinct burial phases. The collagen results emphasise a C3-based diet, with variable but generally minor contributions from marine and/or C4 foods. However, the enamel carbonate results indicate a far greater importance of C4 crops than suggested by the collagen results, contributing up to 40% of energy intake. In keeping with previous studies of the region and period, the dietary contribution of marine protein is probably limited. A small number of outliers in both collagen and carbonate isotope results are identified, suggesting the presence of individuals originating elsewhere. The results are compared with those from previous investigations on the Balearics and the Spanish mainland, highlighting the complexity of factors—both cultural and methodological—affecting inter-regional dietary investigation.Item Open Access The physical characterisation and composition of archaeological dental calculus(2017) Cooper, K. A.; Beckett, Sophie; Marquez-Grant, NicholasDental calculus is a complex biological material that has been found to provide significant evidence of past population diet, health and habitual activity. It is composed of mineral phases, trace elements, organic species and can have inclusions such as starch granules and microfossils incorporated into its structure. This composition has been found to vary among individuals, although the reasons for this are poorly understood. Despite this, there is a wealth of knowledge that can be gained from analysing this biomineral, especially from archaeological remains. In past populations, the variables that affect composition, such as pharmaceuticals and diet are reduced compared to modern populations. As such the reliance on clinical studies that have investigated dental calculus from modern individuals, may be flawed when considering past populations. The focus of this study was to provide insight about the variation in physical characterisation and composition of archaeological dental calculus. Despite there being an abundance of archaeological dental calculus research, this is the first large scale compositional study of specimens from three separate past populations. In addition, this research is the first study to adopt a non-destructive to destructive approach to archaeological dental calculus analysis. As well, it is the first application of nanocomputed tomography to dental calculus from past populations. Consequently, this study demonstrates the first evidence of accumulation layering that has been detected using non- estructive nano-computed tomography. Furthermore, this research has identified three types of layering in archaeological dental calculus. Due to these findings, it is expected that this research will impact the future of dental calculus analysis, especially when considering dental calculus as a method of mapping an individual’s health, diet or lifestyle in the weeks or months prior to death. The overall results of this thesis demonstrate that some aspects of the morphological, mineralogical and elemental analysis of archaeological dental calculus are inconsistent with clinical literature. The results have also shown that there are some differences between the dental calculus from different archaeological populations which can be related to post-mortem burial conditions.Item Open Access Physicochemical changes in bone bioapatite during the late postmortem interval pre- and post-burning(Sage, 2022-02-21) Végh, Emese I.; Marquez-Grant, Nicholas; Schulting, Rick J.Postmortem chemical transformation of bone bioapatite can take place during early diagenesis resulting in a more thermodynamically stable mineral phase. This paper examines the impact of a 1-year postmortem interval on unburnt and burnt bone’s structural and chemical alterations. This question is of importance for the reconstruction of funerary practices involving cremation in the archaeological record, as well as forensic anthropological investigations. Fleshed pig (Sus scrofa) tibiae were left exposed in a field, then collected at 14, 34, 91, 180, 365-day intervals prior to being burnt in an outdoor fire (≤750 °C bone temperature). Fresh (fleshed) tibiae acted as unburnt and burnt controls. Also included in the study were two cremated human bone fragments from Middle/Late Neolithic (ca. 3300–2500 cal BC) Ireland. Samples were analysed for major and trace elements by wavelength dispersive electron microprobe analyser (EMP-WDS) and molecular structures by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Linear regression, PCA, LDA, and MANOVA were performed for statistical analysis. Results indicate that the concentrations of elements associated with extracellular fluid (K, Na, Cl) change with the postmortem interval (PMI) and survive burning. K values under 0.07 ± 0.01 wt% in inner and mid-cortical zones of burnt bones suggest that bones were not burnt immediately after death. Using this criterion, results from the archaeological samples would indicate a PMI of at least weeks to months prior to cremation. Ca, P, Fe, Al, Si, and Sr are not significantly altered with burning, and Fe, Al, Si, Sr are also unaffected by the PMI. In unburnt bones increased crystallinity and carbonate loss are detectable in <1 year, but both are obscured by burning. Structurally, the carbonate to phosphate ratio (C/P), the phosphate high temperature (PHT), and cyanamide to phosphate (CN/P) are the most useful ratios for discriminating between unburnt and burnt bones.Item Open Access Searching for the missing soldier: identifying casualties from the First World War(University of Valencia, 2019-03-28) Marquez-Grant, Nicholas; Wessling, Roland; Öfele, Angela; Moore, VictoriaIn recent years there has been an increase in the numbers of archaeologists and physical anthropologists involved in searching, locating and assisting in the identification of war casualties. These scientists have played an invaluable role within a larger team of professionals, working together to provide a dignified burial to those who fell for their country and remembering them. This paper reviews some of the work undertaken in Europe with regard to WWI casualties and how the war missing are located and ultimately identified when possible, bringing also some closure to their living relatives.Item Open Access Sharp and blunt force trauma concealment by thermal alteration in homicides: an in-vitro experiment for methodology and protocol development in forensic anthropological analysis of burnt bones(Elsevier, 2017-06) Macoveciuc, I.; Marquez-Grant, Nicholas; Horsfall, Ian; Zioupos, PeterBurning of human remains is one method used by perpetrators to conceal fatal trauma and expert opinions regarding the degree of skeletal evidence concealment are often disparate. This experiment aimed to reduce this incongruence in forensic anthropological interpretation of burned human remains and implicitly contribute to the development of research methodologies sufficiently robust to withstand forensic scrutiny in the courtroom. We have tested the influence of thermal alteration on pre-existing sharp and blunt trauma on twenty juvenile sheep radii in the laboratory using an automated impact testing system and an electric furnace. The testing conditions simulated a worst-case scenario where remains with pre-existing sharp or blunt trauma were exposed to burning with an intentional vehicular fire scenario in mind. All impact parameters as well as the burning conditions were based on those most commonly encountered in forensic cases and maintained constant throughout the experiment. The results have shown that signatures associated with sharp and blunt force trauma were not masked by heat exposure and highlights the potential for future standardization of fracture analysis in burned bone. Our results further emphasize the recommendation given by other experts on handling, processing and recording burned remains at the crime scene and mortuary.Item Open Access Unidentified bodies in the Mexican context(University of Florida Press, 2022-04-20) Fortuna, Maria; Corrales, Laura; Robinson, Alan; Enríguez Farias, Roxana; Marquez-Grant, NicholasThe discovery of clandestine graves has become a recurring fact during the last ten years in Mexico, estimating that there could be more than 2000 scattered throughout the country (Guillen et al., 2018). Less well known, reported and attended to are the mass graves, located in municipal or state census, which house bodies of unidentified people and of which there is no official census. It is estimated that there are some 26,000 unidentified bodies (SEGOB, 2019a) and annually, in Mexico City alone, almost 500 are destined for the cemetery mass grave. Comprehensive projects in forensic science are required to mitigate the high percentage of unidentified bodies that coordinate the correct burial of bodies and their search in mass graves. The current humanitarian crisis and the complexity of the context make it necessary to consider the overlaps between cases of the disappeared and unidentified bodies, between search and identification.Item Open Access Wet bone characteristics persist in buried bone after 10 weeks: implications for forensic anthropology(MDPI, 2023-08-26) Maier, Anna Katharina; Manzella, Alessia; Bonicelli, Andrea; Arnold, Emily; Marquez-Grant, Nicholas; Zioupos, PeterAssessing the timing of skeletal trauma significantly impacts the reconstruction of events surrounding death and deposition in forensic cases. However, there are no absolute time frames in which the characteristics of wet bone (peri-mortem) fractures transition to dry (post-mortem) fractures. The aim of this study was to attempt to identify a point within the post-mortem interval in which the characteristics of bone change from wet to dry bone properties. A total of 32 deer ribs were placed in a laboratory burial environment and a set of three were fractured with blunt force trauma every week during a ten-week period. All samples and the inflicted trauma effects were documented and analysed by macroscopic observation, scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis, thermal analysis, biomechanical analysis, and attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). No significant difference was found in the macroscopic, microscopic, thermal, and biomechanical analyses of the trauma inflicted over the 10-week period. A significant difference was only found in the carbonate-to-phosphate ratio in analytical chemistry. The results suggest that interpreting wet bone characteristics in forensic anthropology as having been inflicted during the peri-mortem period (around the time of death) should also consider that these, in fact, could be inflicted well after death (post-mortem) as wet bone properties as this study has shown persist at least 10 weeks after death in a burial environment.