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Articles 1 - 22 of 22
Full-Text Articles in Forensic Biology
(R2150) Impact Of Specialist Predator Harvesting On The Stability Of A Three-Species Food Chain Model With A Generalist Predator, S. Ganga, S. Vijaya
(R2150) Impact Of Specialist Predator Harvesting On The Stability Of A Three-Species Food Chain Model With A Generalist Predator, S. Ganga, S. Vijaya
Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)
In this study, the stability of a three-species food chain model comprising a prey, an intermediate specialist predator, and a top predator exhibiting generalist behavior is examined, with harvesting applied to the intermediate predator. The main objective is to investigate how variations in the harvesting rate influence system stability and the coexistence of all three species. The positivity, boundedness, and equilibrium points of the model are analyzed to ensure biological feasibility. The equilibrium point involving the prey and the top predator satisfies the criteria for both local and global asymptotic stability. The coexistence equilibrium point attains local asymptotic stability based …
Capillary Electrophoresis Vs Massively Parallel Sequencing: A Cost-Benefit Analysis, Samia Williams
Capillary Electrophoresis Vs Massively Parallel Sequencing: A Cost-Benefit Analysis, Samia Williams
Honors Projects
Massively Parallel Sequencing (MPS) is a new Forensic Science field allowing multiple samples to be sequenced simultaneously. In contrast to CE, multiple types of genetic markers including those from different nucleic acids can be used in the same assay. Additionally, MPS has opened the doors to certain fields of Forensic DNA Analysis like Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy and Forensic Phenotyping assays containing upwards of 100 SNPs. While quite expensive and requiring a high cost for initiating, MPS has the potential to save time and greatly increase the throughput of Forensic DNA Analysis in crime labs.
Buffer Vs. Swabs: Efficacy Of Carrier Nucleic Acids In Robotic Extractions, Shawn Cecil
Buffer Vs. Swabs: Efficacy Of Carrier Nucleic Acids In Robotic Extractions, Shawn Cecil
Honors Projects
This study compared the efficiency of two carrier nucleic acid methods, specifically using salmon sperm DNA (spDNA), in robotic solid-phase extractions of cotton swab samples. Robotic extractions reduce processing time and workload but result in substantially lower DNA recovery than manual organic extraction. This research tested 10 µg of spDNA being added to the lysis buffer or pre-treating the swabs with it before DNA was added. Both methods showed a significant increase in recovery compared to extractions with no carrier. In the buffer extractions, recovery ranged from 69.4% to 117.5% and the swabs being pre-treated ranged from 84.2% to 125.8% …
Applicability Of Cementochronology To Estimate Season-Of-Death In Humans: Insights From Modern Documented Collections, Olga Ibarra-Sanchez
Applicability Of Cementochronology To Estimate Season-Of-Death In Humans: Insights From Modern Documented Collections, Olga Ibarra-Sanchez
Theses and Dissertations
Dental cementum is characterized by lifelong deposition of alternating opaque annuli in fall/winter and translucent bands in spring/summer. This study aims to test the applicability of cementochronology to estimate season-of-death, by observing the properties of the last layer, with direct implications for forensic anthropology and bioarchaeology. The sample includes canine teeth from 146 adults (84 males, 62 females), age-at-death ranging from 20-97 years (mean=61.7 years, SD=18.6 years), from two contemporary skeletal collections. Of these individuals, 78 (53.4%) died in spring/summer and 68 (46.6%) died in fall/winter. Overall accuracy was low at 64.4% (94/146). Accuracy was higher for spring/summer deaths 100.0% …
Decomposition Processes And Insect Indicators In Forensic Investigations, Eli Taylor
Decomposition Processes And Insect Indicators In Forensic Investigations, Eli Taylor
University Honors Theses
Insects play an essential biological and ecological role in human life, and their predictable relationship with decomposing remains has positioned them as a cornerstone of modern forensic science. Since the early 20th century, forensic entomology has provided critical evidence for estimating the postmortem interval (PMI), relying on patterns of colonization, species succession, and insect developmental timelines. Accurate PMI estimations are vital to medicolegal investigations, influencing the interpretation of biological evidence, guiding resource allocation, and informing determinations of cause and manner of death. However, insect activity is profoundly shaped by environmental and ecological variables, including temperature, humidity, seasonal shifts, and geographic …
The Micro-Communities Of Trees, Nicholas Davis, Lily Boysworth, Westen Wilburn
The Micro-Communities Of Trees, Nicholas Davis, Lily Boysworth, Westen Wilburn
Fall Showcase for Research and Creative Inquiry
This study investigated how tree species diversity influences the variety of organisms living on or around trees across different habitat types. Field data were collected through random tree selection, measurement of tree diameter, identification of species, and estimation of surrounding ground cover types such as grass, herbaceous plants, woody plants, and leaf litter. Biodiversity associated with each tree was analyzed using the Shannon Diversity Index across several ecosystems, including grassland, woodland, and pond environments. Results indicated that the pond ecosystem exhibited the highest species diversity, followed by woodlands and then forests. A range of organisms, including lichens, mites, fungi, and …
Nueva Metodología De Análisis Para Determinar El Delito Ambiental De Ecocidio Por Glifosato En Cultivos Permanentes De Coca En Colombia, Rosalina González Forero, Jerry H. Kavouras, Érika González Ruiz
Nueva Metodología De Análisis Para Determinar El Delito Ambiental De Ecocidio Por Glifosato En Cultivos Permanentes De Coca En Colombia, Rosalina González Forero, Jerry H. Kavouras, Érika González Ruiz
Biology Department Faculty Articles
El crimen organizado transnacional ha sido nefasto para el territorio colombiano, en especial el asociado a la producción de coca en la última década, lo que ha generado impactos económicos y sociales debido al aumento del conflicto e inseguridad en las zonas de influencia del cultivo. Esto se debe a que en el 2023 se tenían 230 000 hectáreas sembradas, lo que representa el 20 % de la superficie del país, con un impacto ambiental no cuantificado en términos penales. Este requiere de acciones de entidades estatales, así como de cooperación internacional, para adaptar estrategias y poder judicializar estos delitos …
Indirect Dna Transfer To Duct Tape Rolls Stored In Cars, Yuching Chung
Indirect Dna Transfer To Duct Tape Rolls Stored In Cars, Yuching Chung
Student Theses
This project investigated the accumulation of DNA on duct tape rolls stored in cars. Specifically, we analyzed samples recovered from three areas (the inside, outside, and flat sides) of unused duct tape stored under the driver's seat and trunk of cars for seven days. Twelve volunteers were recruited, resulting in 64 DNA samples from 12 cars. We evaluated DNA quantities and STR genotyping outcomes after amplification with the GlobalFiler™ kit. On average, the DNA yields from under the driver's seat were higher than from the trunk, but the difference was not significant. The inside of the tape roll yielded significantly …
Characterization Of Dna Background On Duct Tape Stored In Domestic Environments, Elaan A. Lukasiewicz
Characterization Of Dna Background On Duct Tape Stored In Domestic Environments, Elaan A. Lukasiewicz
Student Theses
With lower detection limits for forensic DNA analysis, it is important to have a better understanding of background DNA levels unrelated to the crime to facilitate accurate data interpretation. Duct tape is used in crimes, e.g. to bind victims and seal drug packaging, and may be tested for DNA. To determine DNA background levels, twelve volunteers were recruited to donate a used roll of duct tape from their home. The duct tape was divided into three areas: inside, outside, and sides of the roll, and swabbed for DNA. The average concentration of DNA was determined for the inside (0.0723 ng/µL …
Str Analysis Performance Comparison For Two Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments: The Seqstudio And The 3500 Genetic Analyzers, Yana Leichyk
Student Theses
This study compares the performance of two capillary electrophoresis instruments—the SeqStudio™ Genetic Analyzer and the 3500™ Genetic Analyzer—for forensic short tandem repeat (STR) analysis. Using the GlobalFiler STR kit and certified reference material (SRM 2391d), five key performance metrics were evaluated: sizing precision, signal reproducibility, detection sensitivity, mixture resolution, and overload tolerance. STR profiles were generated from single-source and mixture samples with DNA inputs ranging from 500 pg to 15.6 pg. Both instruments met the < 0.15 bp sizing precision requirement for forensic casework. Signal reproducibility tests showed that the SeqStudio often produced higher average RFU values, but with greater variability, while the 3500 demonstrated more stable signal performance across days and samples. Mixture detection was effective on both platforms up to 1:10 ratios. Dropout of minor alleles began to appear at 1:20 ratios, especially in green and yellow dye channels, on both instruments. Sensitivity studies confirmed full profile recovery down to 62.5 pg, with increasing allelic and locus dropout at lower inputs. Enhanced injection voltage (1.5 kV) did not improve low-template performance. In overload testing (1–5 ng input), the 3500 maintained a consistent signal output, while the SeqStudio exhibited signal suppression at 5 ng, likely due to internal normalization. The SeqStudio exhibited better spectral overlap compensation, with fewer occurrences of spectral bleed-through artifacts. These findings support the use of both platforms in forensic casework, while emphasizing the importance of platform-specific calibration and analytical threshold settings for optimal performance.
Color Tests For The Presumptive Identification Of A Range Of Benzodiazepines, Regan Mulvin
Color Tests For The Presumptive Identification Of A Range Of Benzodiazepines, Regan Mulvin
Honors Projects
Color tests are presumptive chemical tests that determine the class of drug in both laboratory and field settings. Despite the rising popularity of benzodiazepines and the usefulness of color tests, there is no widely accepted color test for identifying them. This study tested six different color tests against five benzodiazepines, including diazepam, clonazepam, lorazepam, alprazolam, and flualprazolam, to identify which of the tests would work most generally across all benzodiazepines. Of the six tests, the McKibben test, the Janovsky test, and the Zimmerman test all showed potential usefulness as a presumptive color test. More studies should be done on a …
Oviposition And Immature Development Of Blowflies In Forensic Investigations, Amalia Herrera-Benitez
Oviposition And Immature Development Of Blowflies In Forensic Investigations, Amalia Herrera-Benitez
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
Forensic entomology is a subspecialty within the field of forensic science where insect evidence is analyzed to solve criminal cases. Insects begin to colonize the body, with blowflies being the first insects to arrive. Within minutes, blowflies can lay eggs on a decomposing body, and the larvae will feed once they hatch. The life cycles of blowflies are analyzed to help determine an estimated post-mortem interval (PMI), which is crucial in investigations, as it can help establish a timeline. Various factors, such as temperature and access to the body, can cause delays in the oviposition of blowflies. A delay in …
Dna Extraction And Species Determination Of Historic Museum Pelt Samples, Selin Ates
Dna Extraction And Species Determination Of Historic Museum Pelt Samples, Selin Ates
Student Theses
The identity of the fur covering the sculpture named Object in the Museum of Modern Art has remained a mystery since its creation in 1936 by Meret Oppenheim. DNA testing can possibly provide an answer, but to preserve the integrity of the sculpture, only a very small piece of the fur can be sampled. Prior to testing Object, testing using museum samples was performed to determine whether DNA of a sufficient quantity and quality can be extracted and sequenced. Several DNA extraction and sample washing methods were tested to examine the effects on the DNA of museum pelts aged …
Advancement Of Wrongful Conviction Prevention Strategies In Forensic Science, Isabella Pinto
Advancement Of Wrongful Conviction Prevention Strategies In Forensic Science, Isabella Pinto
Honors Projects
The National Registry of Exonerations (NRE) has identified 1,051 of its logged cases to involve forensic evidence in some way, nearly one-third of the total 3,600 exonerations in its database. Analysis of the NRE and Innocence Project databases revealed the most common factors in forensic-related wrongful convictions: expert testimony, flawed methodologies (most of which are no longer in use), and statistical misinterpretations of results. The majority of scholars agree that oversight in forensic casework must be improved in order to meaningfully resolve issues. Creation of commissions in each state would address all of the identified errors, though not a catch-all …
Investigation Into The Microbiome Of Blow Fly Eggs Using Microseqtm Id, Samantha S. Davis, Drusilla Sheridan, Jennifer Rosati
Investigation Into The Microbiome Of Blow Fly Eggs Using Microseqtm Id, Samantha S. Davis, Drusilla Sheridan, Jennifer Rosati
Undergraduate Research
There is little published research characterizing the microbiome associated with blow fly eggs and how they may affect the colonization behaviors of certain blow fly species. Once deposited, blow fly eggs are rapidly introduced to a diverse range of microorganisms, which can vary depending on the species of blow fly, the environment, and the decomposition stage of the substrate (Junqueira et al., 2017). Since blow flies are among the first insects to colonize decomposing remains, the microbial communities present on their eggs could serve as key indicators of the decomposition stage at the time of egg-laying, thus providing a potential …
A Qualitative Nmr And Histological Analysis Of Adipocere Formation In Different Aqueous Environments Using Sus Scrofa Models, Mia M. Sorrentino
A Qualitative Nmr And Histological Analysis Of Adipocere Formation In Different Aqueous Environments Using Sus Scrofa Models, Mia M. Sorrentino
Student Theses
Adipocere is a wax-like crust that has the potential to form over corpses in moist, humid, and anaerobic environments, preserving them in a process similar to that of mummification. The substance can be identified within 3-6 months postmortem and is characterized by the ratio of saturated fatty acids to unsaturated fatty acids. Palmitic acid and stearic acid are the most abundant in comparison to myristic and oleic acids. The goal of this study was to investigate factors affecting adipocere formation in different aqueous environments. Pork belly samples were submerged in water samples collected from different places around New York City …
Passive Dna Transfer To Fidget Blasters Stored In Cars, Rachel Chan
Passive Dna Transfer To Fidget Blasters Stored In Cars, Rachel Chan
Student Theses
This study evaluated the amount of detectable DNA accumulated on clean plastic fidget blasters, used to simulate firearms, over a seven-day storage period inside a vehicle. Twelve volunteers were asked to place one fidget blaster each in the glove box and underneath the driver’s seat from behind. After the seven-day period, the volunteers returned the fidget blasters, donated a reference sample, and filled out a questionnaire. The grip, slide, and trigger were swabbed for DNA and extracted. The extracts were quantified to determine the concentration of human DNA, and if the samples met the PCR threshold to be genotyped. The …
The Chemistry Of Decomposition: The Mechanisms To Decay The Human Body, Lydia J. Buxa
The Chemistry Of Decomposition: The Mechanisms To Decay The Human Body, Lydia J. Buxa
Senior Honors Theses
Taphonomic analysis separates decomposition into four major stages: fresh, early decomposition, advanced decomposition, and skeletonization. It is easy to demarcate the observable changes to the body, but it is far more difficult to know what underlying biochemical processes are occurring. Fresh decomposition begins with algor mortis, livor mortis, and rigor mortis, which sets the stage for the major workforces of decomposition: autolysis and putrefaction. The external signs of decomposition appear in early decomposition, which can be attributed to the breakdown of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. This also leads to major changes in the moisture levels during advanced decomposition, …
Identification Of Areas Of Weakness In Forensic Footwear Research, Kathryn Roy
Identification Of Areas Of Weakness In Forensic Footwear Research, Kathryn Roy
Honors Projects
Forensic footwear examinations have been carried out for almost a century, but the foundational validity of identifying a questioned impression to a particular shoe has been questioned by the National Research Council and the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. The focus of this paper was to identify the current weaknesses present in forensic footwear impression research. Additionally, a future experiment was proposed to address these concerns and improve the foundational validity of footwear impression comparisons. A total of 15 footwear research studies varying in methodology and content were analyzed and contrasted. From this, a lack of studies …
Are Blow Flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) Active Nocturnally In South Georgia?, Breana R. Manning
Are Blow Flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) Active Nocturnally In South Georgia?, Breana R. Manning
Honors College Theses
Medicolegal forensic entomology uses insect colonization of remains to estimate minimum post-mortem intervals (mPMI). Blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are among the earliest colonizers, yet their nocturnal activity remains poorly understood. This study aimed to determine whether blow flies are active at night and whether artificial light influences their behavior. Using baited bottle traps in both artificially lit and unlit environments near Georgia Southern University, flies were collected over two trials in fall 2024. Of the 1,843 blow flies collected, only six were captured at night (0.003%), suggesting minimal nocturnal activity. Lucilia coeruleiviridis preferred unlit environments. In contrast, Cochliomyia macellaria was …
Accurate Body Weight Class Prediction From Mirna And Gene Expression In Blood And Saliva Samples, Kimberly Lettner
Accurate Body Weight Class Prediction From Mirna And Gene Expression In Blood And Saliva Samples, Kimberly Lettner
Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects
miRNA interference on protein abundance related to glucose uptake and lipid production has been evaluated in biomedical research and linked to metabolic disorders like severe obesity. The direct regulation of protein abundance caused by miRNAs on a person’s metabolism can lead to an increased weight and overall size. Body size, measured by BMI, provides additional physical descriptions that can be combined with hair color, eye color, age, and skin pigment to aid investigations of unidentified remains or unknown suspects not found in a database. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the miRNA expression of target biomarkers in dried …
Investigating Concealments In Infanticide: Incidents And Forensic Entomological Implications, Gillian L. Johnson
Investigating Concealments In Infanticide: Incidents And Forensic Entomological Implications, Gillian L. Johnson
College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations
Forensic entomology plays a critical role in estimating the minimum postmortem interval (mPMIs), based on insect evidence. When victims are concealed, this can complicate mPMI estimates. Utilizing data from the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) from 2018 to 2021, I found that victims of infanticides and neonaticides are often concealed. I first investigated the demographics of offenders and victims, how often victims are concealed, and the most common means of concealment. I found that victims of infanticide were likely to be concealed 5% of the time, and neonaticides 50% of the time. Next, I investigated how concealment alters insect …