After the flood: A multidisciplinary investigation of human remains found in a floodplain and first record of Raft Spiders colonizing a corpse

In the analysis of any forensic case, the estimation of time, cause and manner of death is affected by post-mortem changes. These are inextricably linked to both intrinsic characteristics of the body and a variety of external factors, mainly environmental, such as the presence and types of scavengers. While there are several research and case-studies on terrestrial environments, there is scant knowledge regarding aquatic environments, either stable or cyclical/seasonal. At present, no case studies have considered human remains discovered in the mud, following a flooding event. This case study describes a body discovered in a floodplain area in northern Italy. After a flood event, the water progressively drained out, leaving the body in the mud. Besides the unique conditions of the remains, of particular interest was the colonization by larvae of Calliphora vomitoria (L.) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and raft spiders, Dolomedes fimbriatus (Clerck) (Araneae: Pisauridae), for the first-time recorded colonizing a corpse. The multidisciplinary approach to such an investigation is described

Preliminary taphonomical comparison of the decomposition process in simple burials, traditional tombs and aerated tombs in an urban cemetery in Northern Italy

In densely populated countries like Italy, cremation is promoted for the final disposition of the dead. However, many families still choose inhumation or entombment. In ordinary (traditional) tombs, bodies skeletonize slowly and partially, and often need a second disposal after the exhumation. The aim of this study was to experimentally test the functionality of a new type of tomb, defined as “aerated”. Aerated tombs feature an aerating system, absorbing materials and a purifying filter, which collectively maintain ventilation, process putrefactive fluids and gases and neutralize odors. In an experimental cemetery area with pristine soil, limbs of piglets were wrapped in cotton sheets and were either inhumed, placed in ordinary tombs or placed in aerated tombs. Following exhumation after planned time intervals (1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24 months), all samples were macro- and microscopically examined. The inhumed samples were completely skeletonized by 9 months after burial, and after 12 months showed initial bioerosion in bone Haversian canals. The traditionally entombed samples developed progressive adipocere formation, whereas the samples disposed in aerated tombs became mummified. Despite this outcome, aerated tombs represent a more energy-effective, environmentally-friendly and economical choice when compared to ordinary tombs. A mummified body is lighter and drier than a body entombed traditionally and, as such, it is easier to exhume and quicker to cremate. Overall, in the absence of alternative burials, aerated tombs are more suitable than ordinary tombs for the final disposition of the dead in cemeteries with limited space. The results of this experiment add to the knowledge of taphonomical processes in temperate climates and urban environments, potentially benefitting the forensic and medico-legal community

Fireflies (Lampyris nocticula L., Coleoptera: Lampyridae) an adventive forensic insect

The application of forensic entomology in criminal cases is mostly focused on the presence of flies on a corpse which are useful in determining an accurate estimate of the PMI. However, entomology from time to time is useful in other ways such as whether a body has been displaced after death or in the peri-mortem period. Two bear carcasses were found not far from the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise (Central Italy). The necroscopy and toxicological examinations confirmed that the bears had died as a consequence of ingesting food poisoned with zinc phosphide (Zn3P2). Zinc phosphide is a chemical compound used to control rodents, but it is also used by poachers as baits to poison different animals. Death occurs in 24-48 hours so the poisoned animal may be able to move some distance from the place of poisoning. As a consequence the investigation covered a large territory which was time consuming and costly in terms of resources. In order to restrict the investigation it was decided to perform botanical and entomological analyses of the stomach contents of the bears. The flora in the stomach was not useful as it was all classified as belonging to cosmopolitan species. However, amongst the gut contents a firefly larvae (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) was found. During the larval period fireflies are carnivorous and they live in high humidity environments where snails are their food source. Prior to chemicals being used to control snails fireflies were common in cultivated fields, but as a consequence their presence now is more localized. When the investigation shifted to an examination of these environments the person responsible was located. This case shows us the importance of the entomofauna at specific localities, helping to pinpoint where the crime took place. Furthermore, it demonstrates that investigators need to think laterally because you never know what might be useful evidence in a forensic case

An unsolved case in a culturally diverse community in Italy

The number of foreign citizens resident in Italy is approximately 5 million, making them the 8.7% of the resident population of the country. However, over the past 20 years, foreign citizens accounted for 24% of the total number of defendants involved in homicides, especially associated with robbery, disputes and assaults, generally connected to prostitution. Investigations of cases in the context of culturally diverse or minority communities can be particularly complex. This is due to the education, the cultural background and the cohesiveness of the community, alongside a negative view of law enforcement. These factors determine a relatively low resolution rate of these violent crimes in these communities. The investigation of the suspicious death of an Indian citizen living in Italy is presented in this paper. The body was discovered in a cattle shed, and despite the initial assumption of an accidental death, the cranial lesions were not consistent with the view that the death was caused by a kick by a cow. The results of a multidisciplinary analysis, including imaging, pathology, toxicology and veterinary forensics, were directed towards a homicide, with the manner of death ultimately filed as undetermined. During the course of the investigation, the collaboration between law enforcement and the community was thwart with difficulty, and as a consequence this case is currently unsolved. In order for law enforcement to continue to play a constructive and supportive role, it is imperative that every country invest in civil education of local population and of any ethnic groups, minorities and culturally diverse people

A retrospective study on data from Animal-related complaints, abuse, cruelty, trafficking and trade received by Animal Welfare organizations in Singapore in 2016

Introduction: Singapore is a first-world country, protected by an advanced police force, competent in investigating crime against human citizens. Little is known about crime against animals and what Singapore does in these instances. Methods: This research considered data from reports of various animal crime that occurred in 2016 as recorded by the three animal welfare organizations appointed to investigate crimes against animals (AVS, SPCA and ACRES). Details of the cases collected were sorted using eight parameters: date, location, perpetrator, victim, type of crime or complaint, case outcome, organization, and punishment. The type of crime or complaint were divided into the categories: abandoned, allowed to roam, barking animal, caged, poor conditions, sick and untreated, physically abused, poisoned, deceased, taken from the wild, illegal possession, illegal sale, smuggling, and licencing. Results: In 2016, a total of 831 cases committed by 839 perpetrators were reported, for a total of 2357 minimum number of animals involved, comprehensive of animal parts and items made from animals. The largest proportion of the cases occurred against domestic animals and in housing districts. Despite these high numbers, only perpetrators in 11 cases were charged with fines and/or imprisonment time. Conclusions: This research paints, for the first time, a picture of what animal crime looks in the Singaporean society. Results are of pivotal importance to identify criminal hot spots, most common type of crimes, and animal categories that are most often victimised, aiming to facilitate the work of the organizations involved in investigating animal-related crime in Singapore

Forensic science and student mobility programs in the Indo-Pacific region: Unveiling the potential of an international and intercultural project in forensic science education

Forensic science is the application of science in a criminal investigation or court of law. Crimes and forensic investigation have always been associated with human society. As an interdisciplinary field, forensic science incorporates areas of both life sciences and social sciences. Until the beginning of the 1900s, forensic science was self-taught and carried out exclusively through law enforcement agencies. In recent years, with the success of crime drama television series, an increased global interest in forensic science-based university courses has been observed. The prevalence of global issues such as international crimes and mass disasters has catalysed the need for international collaboration and to remove global barriers within forensic science. To prepare students for the world of work, it is pivotal that forensic science curricula address the needs of the present-day society and the requirements of the forensic providers (laboratories and law enforcement agencies). The present manuscript describes the first forensic science international curriculum between Australia (Murdoch University) and Malaysia (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia/UKM Forensics), possible through the New Colombo Plan of the Australian Government. The course outlined here, comprehensively comprised of lectures, workshops and mixed group crime scene simulations, provided Australian and Malaysian students with an authentic, intercultural and cross-jurisdictional learning experience to acquire work-ready skills

The effect of suitcase concealment on the insect colonization: A pilot study in Western Australia

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A taphonomic examination of inhumed and entombed remains in Parma cemeteries, Italy

People of different cultures bury their dead in different ways, based on religious beliefs, historical rituals, or public health requirements. In Italy, cremation is still a limited practice compared to entombment and inhumation. Accordingly with the law, a buried body can be moved to the cemetery ossuary only if skeletonized. Generally, complete skeletonization occurs within 40 years following burial, but sometimes the body may mummify, or it may turn into adipocere. Globally, today burial space is limited with cemeteries facing a growing need for both burials and entombments. The present study considered the thanatological, taphonomical, anthropological, microbiological and geochemical examination of 408 human bodies exhumed from grave pits and stone tombs located in two cemeteries in Parma, Italy. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors associated with the process of the decomposition of such bodies were documented in order to identify which factors promote or reduce the time needed for skeletonization. Overall, the aim of this study was to improve the management of the body turnover in cemeteries, providing recommendations for cemetery management and turnover planning, with the goal of avoiding extra costs that may be attributed to the family and the State. The results of this study show that inhumation in burial grounds and soils with a high percentage of sand and gravel promote decomposition and skeletonization, whereas entombments inside stone tombs and the presence of stone slabs on the ground covering burials, aid in the formation of adipocere, slowing down the decomposition process

Chasing Flies: The use of wingbeat frequency as a communication cue in Calyptrate Flies (Diptera: Calyptratae)

The incidental sound produced by the oscillation of insect wings during flight provides an opportunity for species identification. Calyptrate flies include some of the fastest and most agile flying insects, capable of rapid changes in direction and the fast pursuit of conspecifics. This flight pattern makes the continuous and close recording of their wingbeat frequency difficult and limited to confined specimens. Advances in sound editor and analysis software, however, have made it possible to isolate low amplitude sounds using noise reduction and pitch detection algorithms. To explore differences in wingbeat frequency between genera and sex, 40 specimens of three-day old Sarcophaga crassipalpis, Lucilia sericata, Calliphora dubia, and Musca vetustissima were individually recorded in free flight in a temperature-controlled room. Results showed significant differences in wingbeat frequency between the four species and intersexual differences for each species. Discriminant analysis classifying the three carrion flies resulted in 77.5% classified correctly overall, with the correct classification of 82.5% of S. crassipalpis, 60% of C. dubia, and 90% of L. sericata, when both mean wingbeat frequency and sex were included. Intersexual differences were further demonstrated by male flies showing significantly higher variability than females in three of the species. These observed intergeneric and intersexual differences in wingbeat frequency start the discussion on the use of the metric as a communication signal by this taxon. The success of the methodology demonstrated differences at the genus level and encourages the recording of additional species and the use of wingbeat frequency as an identification tool for these flies

The utility of barnacles in forensic investigations

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