457 research outputs found

    GPR applications across Engineering and Geosciences disciplines in Italy: a review

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    In this paper, a review of the main ground-penetrating radar (GPR) applications, technologies, and methodologies used in Italy is given. The discussion has been organized in accordance with the field of application, and the use of this technology has been contextualized with cultural and territorial peculiarities, as well as with social, economic, and infrastructure requirements, which make the Italian territory a comprehensive large-scale study case to analyze. First, an overview on the use of GPR worldwide compared to its usage in Italy over the history is provided. Subsequently, the state of the art about the main GPR activities in Italy is deepened and divided according to the field of application. Notwithstanding a slight delay in delivering recognized literature studies with respect to other forefront countries, it has been shown how the Italian contribution is now aligned with the highest world standards of research and innovation in the field of GPR. Finally, possible research perspectives on the usage of GPR in Italy are briefly discussed

    Using Spatial Analysis To Determine The MNI Of Mass Graves

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    Many common methods for establishing the number of individuals represented by a skeletal assemblage within mass graves decontextualize the elements by not considering the position of the element within the burial site. Here I argue that based on the position of skeletal elements within space, they can be inferred to belong to the same individual (or not). The ability to reassociate elements can provide more accurate estimates of the number of individuals present. The position of the elements within the grave is affected by a variety of geotaphonomic forces which must be considered before assaying spatial analysis. Mass graves which represent a primary inhumation site, in which the remains are articulated or were disarticulated through natural taphonomic processes, in which carnivore scavenging is minimal, in which the geological context is favorable for preservation, and in which fluvial transport is low-energy or not present are the best candidates for effective analysis of the spatial distribution of remains. This thesis will discuss current methods for detecting and mapping mass graves, geotaphonomic factors which affect spatial distribution of bones relative to each other, and the application of technologies for spatial analysis to the establishment of the number of individuals represented by an assemblage

    The use of geoscience methods for aquatic forensic searches

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    There have been few publications on the forensic search of water and fewer still on the use of geoforensic techniques when exploring aqueous environments. Here we consider what the nature of the aqueous environment is, what the forensic target(s) may be, update the geoforensic search assets we may use in light of these, and provide a search strategy that includes multiple exploration assets. Some of the good practice involved in terrestrial searches has not been applied to water to-date, water being seen as homogenous and without the complexity of solid ground: this is incorrect and a full desktop study prior to searching, with prioritized areas, is recommended. Much experimental work on the decay of human remains is focused on terrestrial surface deposition or burial, with less known about the nature of this target in water, something which is expanded upon here, in order to deploy the most appropriate geoforensic method in water-based detection. We include case studies where detecting other forensic targets have been searched for; from metal (guns, knives) to those of a non-metallic nature, such as submerged barrels/packages of explosives, drugs, contraband and items that cause environmental pollution. A combination of the consideration of the environment, the target(s), and both modern and traditional search devices, leads to a preliminary aqueous search strategy for forensic targets. With further experimental research and criminal/humanitarian casework, this strategy will continue to evolve and improve our detection of forensic targets

    The use of geoscience methods for aquatic forensic searches

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    There have been few publications on the forensic search of water and fewer still on the use of geoforensic techniques when exploring aqueous environments. Here we consider what the nature of the aqueous environment is, what the forensic target(s) may be, update the geoforensic search assets we may use in light of these, and provide a search strategy that includes multiple exploration assets. Some of the good practice involved in terrestrial searches has not been applied to water to-date, water being seen as homogenous and without the complexity of solid ground: this is incorrect and a full desktop study prior to searching, with prioritized areas, is recommended. Much experimental work on the decay of human remains is focused on terrestrial surface deposition or burial, with less known about the nature of this target in water, something which is expanded upon here, in order to deploy the most appropriate geoforensic method in water-based detection. We include case studies where detecting other forensic targets have been searched for; from metal (guns, knives) to those of a nonmetallic nature, such as submerged barrels/packages of explosives, drugs, contraband and items that cause environmental pollution. A combination of the consideration of the environment, the target(s), and both modern and traditional search devices, leads to a preliminary aqueous search strategy for forensic targets. With further experimental research and criminal/humanitarian casework, this strategy will continue to evolve and improve our detection of forensic targets

    An Evaluation of Geophysical Methods in the Detection of Toddler-Sized Burials During the First Six Months of Burials

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    Geophysical survey has become a major tool in the search for clandestine graves associated with missing person cases. However, relatively little research has been done to evaluate the efficacy of different instruments. Ground-penetrating Radar (GPR), magnetometry, resistivity, conductivity, and susceptibility survey data were collected over the first six months of interment at approximately 30-day intervals for two research plots: an open grassy area and a wooded area. Each area contained five pig burials representing toddler-size (less than 50 pounds) remains and two areas of disturbance or false burials to serve as control graves. The resultant imagery was evaluated in terms of relative utility in burial detection. In general, geophysical survey method results were not very effective in the detection of toddler-sized burials. Under the conditions that this research was conducted, the GPR would have had the maximum potential to provide the best survey results, but this was not the case. The GPR results were only marginally better than the other methods after processing with additional filters. The other methods utilized in this research would be of no benefit in delineating toddler-sized clandestine burials under the conditions that this research was conducted. This is most likely due to the small target size, soil type, and the soil moisture

    A study of the affect of seasonal climatic factors on the electrical resistivity response of three experimental graves

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    Electrical resistivity surveys have proven useful for locating clandestine graves in a number of forensic searches. However, some aspects of grave detection with resistivity surveys remain imperfectly understood. One such aspect is the effect of seasonal changes in climate on the resistivity response of graves. In this study, resistivity survey data collected over three years over three simulated graves were analysed in order to assess how the graves' resistivity anomalies varied seasonally and when they could most easily be detected. Thresholds were used to identify anomalies, and the ‘residual volume’ of grave-related anomalies was calculated as the area bounded by the relevant thresholds multiplied by the anomaly's average value above the threshold. The residual volume of a resistivity anomaly associated with a buried pig cadaver showed evidence of repeating annual patterns and was moderately correlated with the soil moisture budget. This anomaly was easiest to detect between January and April each year, after prolonged periods of high net gain in soil moisture. The resistivity response of a wrapped cadaver was more complex, although it also showed evidence of seasonal variation during the third year after burial.We suggest that the observed variation in the graves' resistivity anomalies was caused by seasonal change in survey data noise levels, which was in turn influenced by the soil moisture budget. It is possible that similar variations occur elsewhere for sites with seasonal climate variations and this could affect successful detection of other subsurface features. Further research to investigate how different climates and soil types affect seasonal variation in grave-related resistivity anomalies would be useful

    Micropower impulse radar technology and applications

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    GPR Applications Across Engineering and Geosciences Disciplines in Italy: A Review

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