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The Use of L eptodyctium r iparium ( H edw.)Warnst in the Estimation of Minimum Postmortem Interval
Author(s) -
Lancia Massimo,
Conforti Federica,
Aleffi Michele,
Caccianiga Marco,
Bacci Mauro,
Rossi Riccardo
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of forensic sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.715
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1556-4029
pISSN - 0022-1198
DOI - 10.1111/1556-4029.12024
Subject(s) - interval (graph theory) , estimation , computer science , biology , computational biology , mathematics , combinatorics , economics , management
The estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI) is still one of the most challenging issues in forensic investigations, especially in cases in which advanced transformative phenomena have taken place. The dating of skeletal remains is even more difficult and sometimes only a rough determination of the PMI is possible. Recent studies suggest that plant analysis can provide a reliable estimation for skeletal remains dating, when traditional techniques are not applicable. F orensic B otany is a relatively recent discipline that includes many subdisciplines such as P alynology, A natomy, D endrochronology, L imnology, S ystematic, E cology, and M olecular B iology. In a recent study, C ardoso et al. ( I nt J L egal M ed 2010;124:451) used botanical evidence for the first time to establish the PMI of human skeletal remains found in a forested area of northern P ortugal from the growth rate of mosses and shrub roots. The present paper deals with a case in which the study of the growth rate of the bryophyte L eptodyctium riparium (H edw.) W arnst , was used in estimating the PMI of some human skeletal remains that were found in a wooded area near P erugia, in C entral I taly.