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A Statistical Approach Based on Accumulated Degree‐days to Predict Decomposition‐related Processes in Forensic Studies * ,†
Author(s) -
Michaud JeanPhilippe,
Moreau Gaétan
Publication year - 2011
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/j.1556-4029.2010.01559.x
Subject(s) - degree (music) , decomposition , predictability , forensic entomology , forensic science , statistics , computer science , mathematics , ecology , geography , biology , archaeology , physics , acoustics
Using pig carcasses exposed over 3 years in rural fields during spring, summer, and fall, we studied the relationship between decomposition stages and degree‐day accumulation (i) to verify the predictability of the decomposition stages used in forensic entomology to document carcass decomposition and (ii) to build a degree‐day accumulation model applicable to various decomposition‐related processes. Results indicate that the decomposition stages can be predicted with accuracy from temperature records and that a reliable degree‐day index can be developed to study decomposition‐related processes. The development of degree‐day indices opens new doors for researchers and allows for the application of inferential tools unaffected by climatic variability, as well as for the inclusion of statistics in a science that is primarily descriptive and in need of validation methods in courtroom proceedings.