Page 105 - Veritas Vol 3, Issue 2

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1. With reference to ADD:
Since temperature is the major factor which affects decomposition rate, the

PMI can be estimated with reference to Accumulated Degree Days [ADD]. It

refers to the sum of average daily temperature usually in°C for a given number
of days with reference to a threshold temperature. Usually 0°C is considered as
the threshold temperature for decomposition study. In these calculations of

ADD and estimation of PMI, any temperature below 0°C threshold is

considered as 0 [freezing temperature inhibits bacterial growth].

2. By quantifying the degree of decomposition using scoring system:
PMI can be estimated by quantifying the degree of decomposition

using scoring system based on certain features
such as discoloration, bloating, purging and amount of soft tissues remaining.

Different scoring system is designated to different areas of body Which gives a
summed score called Total Body Score or TBS. With the help of this score an

analyst can estimate ADD. If you have Total Body Score the ADD can be find
out using the following equation. PMI can be estimated with the reference to

ADD.
ADD = 10(0.002 TBS TBS + 1.81) ± 388.16

Advancements in Forensic Taphonomy:

Although automation is not a new idea in the field of forensic sciences, there is
currently no integrated system available for gathering a variety of data on a

wide range of variables in forensic taphonomy research, and certainly not one
that provides a truly quantifiable way to monitor the decomposition process.

Developments in this area have been essential for comprehending postmortem
procedures and supporting law enforcement inquiries. Among the most recent

developments are:

Microbial Forensics: It is becoming more and more crucial to comprehend how
bacteria function in the processes of degradation. Scholars are investigating the

microbial communities linked to decomposition in order to devise more precise
techniques for postmortem interval estimation.

VERITAS VOLUME: 3, ISSUE: 2 WRITER: SAJAN SAHADEVAN