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Title: PREVALENCE OF DENTAL PATHOLOGY IN A JUVENILE POPULATION FROM THE ANCIENT MAYA SITE OF ALTUN HA.
Creator: Lefebvre, Lindsey D., Schultz, John, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The present research seeks to assesses the presence and prevalence of two distinct dental pathologies: linear enamel hypoplasia and caries in an ancient Maya juvenile subsample from Altun Ha, Belize spanning the Preclassic (ca. 600 B.C.) through the Terminal Classic (ca. 900 A.D.) periods. Teeth offer a remarkable wealth of information about the human experience in the past. Developmental and post-eruption pathology can provide insight into cultural and evolutionary processes by illuminating...
Show moreThe present research seeks to assesses the presence and prevalence of two distinct dental pathologies: linear enamel hypoplasia and caries in an ancient Maya juvenile subsample from Altun Ha, Belize spanning the Preclassic (ca. 600 B.C.) through the Terminal Classic (ca. 900 A.D.) periods. Teeth offer a remarkable wealth of information about the human experience in the past. Developmental and post-eruption pathology can provide insight into cultural and evolutionary processes by illuminating social and biological factors such as diet, weaning, illness, and overall health that manifest in observable changes to the composition of teeth. In addition, growth and developmental stages of juveniles provide an ideal framework in which to qualify paleopathological research. From a biological standpoint, high ante-mortem resistance to physiological stress and post-mortem preservation make teeth ideal for analyses of pathology in archaeological contexts. For the analysis of the Altun Ha juvenile subsample, a cohort approach is used in the presentation and discussion of results. Discrete pathologies are analyzed based on age cohorts, individual, tooth type, tooth surface location, and archaeological time period. The results indicate an increase in prevalence of pathology concurrent with increasing dental age as well as a predisposition to pathology among specific tooth types and locations on the crown surface and within the dental arcade as well as temporal shifts in pathology prevalence. These analyses demonstrate the importance of assessing juveniles within the archaeological record with emphasis on the transitory developmental stages experienced by children.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFH2000383, ucf:45882
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000383

Title: COMPARATIVE HEADSTONE ANALYSIS AND PHOTOGRAMMETRY OF CEMETERIES IN ORANGE COUNTY, FLORIDA.
Creator: Robinson, Tyra, Schultz, John, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Headstones manifest an abundance of historic information and embody society's cultural and socioeconomic statuses over time. Cemetery research has been conducted throughout various regions in the United States, but very little has been focused on headstone analysis in the state of Florida. The purpose of this comparative research is to use a typology established by Meyers and Schultz to compare headstone attributes of Orange County, FL and establish a temporal correlation (2012). The analysis...
Show moreHeadstones manifest an abundance of historic information and embody society's cultural and socioeconomic statuses over time. Cemetery research has been conducted throughout various regions in the United States, but very little has been focused on headstone analysis in the state of Florida. The purpose of this comparative research is to use a typology established by Meyers and Schultz to compare headstone attributes of Orange County, FL and establish a temporal correlation (2012). The analysis of this study has the ability to highlight societal perceptions and ideals surrounding death and mortuary practices while providing a historical context specific to the state of Florida. Data was collected from two cemeteries in Orange County, representing the headstones of 853 individuals. The methodology of this study entailed visiting the cemeteries, photographing headstones, and noting headstone attributes. Following the model set forth in Meyers and Schultz, attributes taken into consideration for this project were stone type, shape, time period, and sex of the individual (2012). In addition to assessing headstone typology for historic cemeteries, the development of best practices for photogrammetry of headstones will be examined. The questions addressed in this research will hopefully illuminate mortuary trends in Central Florida and encourage future research and literature to shift its focus to include southern regions of the United States in terms of historical Cemetery context. Additionally, practices developed in photogrammetry can aid public archaeology conservation and restoration efforts of historic cemeteries that are endangered of being lost due to external circumstances.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFH2000301, ucf:45867
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000301

Title: DIGITIZATION PROTOCOLS AND APPLICATIONS FOR LASER SCANNING HUMAN BONE IN FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY.
Creator: Filiault, Matthew, Schultz, John, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: In medico-legal investigations involving unidentified skeletal remains, forensic anthropologists commonly assist law enforcement and medical examiners in their analysis and identification. The traditional documentation techniques employed by the forensic anthropologist during their analysis include notes, photographs, measurements and radiographic images. However, relevant visual information of the skeleton can be lacking in morphological details in 2D images. By creating a 3D representation...
Show moreIn medico-legal investigations involving unidentified skeletal remains, forensic anthropologists commonly assist law enforcement and medical examiners in their analysis and identification. The traditional documentation techniques employed by the forensic anthropologist during their analysis include notes, photographs, measurements and radiographic images. However, relevant visual information of the skeleton can be lacking in morphological details in 2D images. By creating a 3D representation of individual bones using a laser-scanner, it would be possible to overcome this limitation. Now that laser scanners have become increasingly affordable, this technology should be incorporated in the documentation methodologies of forensic anthropology laboratories. Unfortunately, this equipment is rarely used in forensic anthropology casework. The goal of this project is to investigate the possible visualization applications that can be created from digitized surface models of bone for use in medico-legal investigations. This research will be achieved in two phases. First, examples of human bone as well as replicas of bone will be scanned using a NextEngine™ laser scanner. In conjunction with this will be the exploration and documentation of protocols for scanning different bone types and processing the scan data for creating a 3D model. The second phase will investigate how the resulting 3D model can be used in lieu of the actual remains to achieve improved documentation methodologies through the use of several commercial computer graphics programs. The results demonstrate that an array of visual applications can be easily created from a 3D file of bone, including virtual curation, measurement, illustration and the virtual reconstruction of fragmented bone. Based on the findings of this project, the implementation of laser scanning technology is recommended for forensic anthropology labs to enhance documentation, analysis and presentation of human bone.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFH0004287, ucf:44907
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004287

Title: A PRELIMINARY STUDY FOR ESTIMATING POSTMORTEM INTERVAL OF FABRIC DEGRADATION IN CENTRAL FLORIDA.
Creator: Humbert, Lorraine, Schultz, John, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Forensic anthropologists rely on forensic evidence to estimate the postmortem interval of a decedent. This may include the study of the degree of deterioration of the human body, the life stage of insects, and the degradation of associated material evidence. Material evidence comes in many forms, and certain taphonomic processes will affect the material and must be considered when making inferences about a PMI. These include variables such as the characteristics of the soil, microorganisms,...
Show moreForensic anthropologists rely on forensic evidence to estimate the postmortem interval of a decedent. This may include the study of the degree of deterioration of the human body, the life stage of insects, and the degradation of associated material evidence. Material evidence comes in many forms, and certain taphonomic processes will affect the material and must be considered when making inferences about a PMI. These include variables such as the characteristics of the soil, microorganisms, and the presence of a decaying organic material. Previous research has undertaken studies in how fabric degrades over time; however, there is no standard methodology in use. The purpose of this research project is to establish a comprehensive scoring system and description standard after analyzing the degradation of four different fabric types. This will be useful for future studies in need of a standard methodology. In addition, the methods used in this project can be applied to actual forensic cases. After retrieval, the fabric type with the highest degradation was the cotton with about 1/3 of all cotton fabric swatches demonstrating more than 50% total degradation. For all fabric types, swatches that were positioned flat tended to degrade more than those that were positioned crumpled. Cotton fabric swatches degraded more in Trench 1 and Trench 2 than the Ground Surface, however, all other fabric types demonstrated slightly more degradation on the Ground Surface than the other two Areas. Soil moisture fluctuated the most on the Ground Surface while Trench 1 and Trench 2 were able to retain more water in the soil. Overall, cotton was the only fabric type to degrade significantly enough to show how it degrades over time, while the other fabric types have longer degradation intervals that must be studied further.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFH0004515, ucf:45220
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004515

Title: SURVEY OF COMPARATIVE HUMAN AND NON-HUMAN OSTEOLOGY: COMMON FLORIDA SPECIES.
Creator: Dewey, Jennifer, Schultz, John, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Forensic anthropologists are tasked with the responsibility of identifying human remains in a forensic context. This includes differentiating between human and non-human osteological remains, and further determining a species-specific identification when presented with non-human material. Previous research has provided manuals that are typically limited to one class of animal and includes either photographs or descriptions of cranial or post-cranial skeletal elements. Further, the available...
Show moreForensic anthropologists are tasked with the responsibility of identifying human remains in a forensic context. This includes differentiating between human and non-human osteological remains, and further determining a species-specific identification when presented with non-human material. Previous research has provided manuals that are typically limited to one class of animal and includes either photographs or descriptions of cranial or post-cranial skeletal elements. Further, the available resources generally cover a limited number of species from Florida's diverse habitat. Therefore, the intent of this thesis was to compile a comprehensive comparative osteological guide of local Florida species that addressed both cranial and postcranial skeletal elements. The first aspect of this research was to identify the most common Florida species typically analyzed in a medicolegal context. At the same time, represented examples were identified at the class level for birds, reptiles, and marine mammals. Next, the analysis consisted of detailed photographic documentation of cranial and post-cranial skeletal elements at three collections. The Anthropology Department teaching lab at UCF and the Biology Department Vertebrate Collection as well as the University of Florida's Zooarchaeology Comparative Collection. The images were then edited to highlight the most diagnostic features exhibited among the different taxonomic families. These results were then complied into a series of guidelines to aid in a family and species-specific identification to be used during an investigation when presented with a whole skeleton, a single skeletal element, or fragmentary remains.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFH0004518, ucf:45222
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004518

Title: GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY OF GREENWOOD CEMETERY, ORLANDO, FLORIDA.
Creator: Wardlaw, Dennis, Schultz, John, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Advances in geophysical and remote sensing technology, specifically with ground penetrating radar (GPR) and geographic information systems (GIS), have led to increased use for archaeological research within cemeteries. Because of its non-invasive manner and high resolution of subsurface anomalies, GPR is ideal for surveying areas with marked or unmarked graves within cemeteries. Using a GIS assists cemetery research by facilitating integration of datasets and projection of spatial data. What...
Show moreAdvances in geophysical and remote sensing technology, specifically with ground penetrating radar (GPR) and geographic information systems (GIS), have led to increased use for archaeological research within cemeteries. Because of its non-invasive manner and high resolution of subsurface anomalies, GPR is ideal for surveying areas with marked or unmarked graves within cemeteries. Using a GIS assists cemetery research by facilitating integration of datasets and projection of spatial data. What has not been attempted to this point is systematic attempting to correlate detection rates of marked graves using a GPR with the time frame of the grave while incorporating the data within a GIS. This research project is the first to correlate rates of detection with a GPR and the age of marked graves with the data integrated into a GIS platform. Greenwood Cemetery, located in downtown Orlando, FL, was chosen for the study. A total of 1738 graves (ranging in date from 1883-2008) were surveyed with a GPR and then paired with probe data to address whether there is a correlation between rates of detection and age of the surveyed grave. Further, the correlation between the rates of geophysical detection to an independent verification by a T-bar probe and the relationship between the depth and age of the grave by decade were examined. Finally, the problem of collating the relevant survey data was addressed by using a GIS for data integration. The results of the geophysical survey show a correlation between ages of graves and rates of detection. Older graves were detected less with a GPR compared to higher detection rates of more recent graves. The results also support the utility of pairing GPR with probe data for independent verification of findings but show no relationship between ages of grave and depth of burial. Finally, the integration of the survey data to a GIS helps to address the issue of data storage and management, the accuracy of the spatial data, and the ability of the data to be viewed and queried in meaningful ways.
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Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002864, ucf:48035
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002864

Title: MONITORING SHALLOW CONTROLLED GRAVES CONTAINING SMALL CADAVERS USING GROUND PENETRATING RADAR.
Creator: Fletcher, Joanna, Schultz, John, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) can be a useful geophysical instrument in the search and detection of clandestine graves in a forensic context. Controlled research in the field of forensic archaeology has demonstrated the applicability of this technology and is vital for improving GPR search methods. The objectives of this research was to evaluate the applicability of GPR, using 250 MHz and 500 MHz antennae, to locate shallow graves containing small pig cadavers in various burial scenarios...
Show moreGround-penetrating radar (GPR) can be a useful geophysical instrument in the search and detection of clandestine graves in a forensic context. Controlled research in the field of forensic archaeology has demonstrated the applicability of this technology and is vital for improving GPR search methods. The objectives of this research was to evaluate the applicability of GPR, using 250 MHz and 500 MHz antennae, to locate shallow graves containing small pig cadavers in various burial scenarios over a 12 month period. Data was collected on a controlled grid containing six graves at 0.5 m in depth: five graves containing pig carcasses and one control grave. The five graves containing the pig carcasses were devised to test a number of common forensic burial scenarios. The reflection profile data was processed using the computer program REFLEXW. The results demonstrate that the additional grave items did not always increase the detection of the grave for this monitoring period. Further, the low demarcation of the grave containing disturbed backfill illustrated that the hyperbolic reflection features were the result of the pig carcasses and not the disturbed soil. In terms of antenna performance, the 250 MHz data initially provided a higher resolution within the first few months. However, over time the higher detail provided by the 500 MHz data consistently resulted in easily discernable reflections.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0003592, ucf:48883
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003592

Title: MONITORING LONG-TERM CONTROLLED GRAVE SCENARIOS USING GROUND PENETRATING RADAR.
Creator: Hawkins, William, Schultz, John, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Geophysical techniques, such as ground-penetrating radar (GPR), have been successfully used by law enforcement agencies to locate graves and forensic evidence. However, more controlled research is needed to better understand the potential and limitations of this technology in the forensic context. The goal of this study was to determine the potential of GPR using both a 250 MHz and 500 MHz antennae to monitor eight controlled graves with six different burial scenarios using pig carcasses as...
Show moreGeophysical techniques, such as ground-penetrating radar (GPR), have been successfully used by law enforcement agencies to locate graves and forensic evidence. However, more controlled research is needed to better understand the potential and limitations of this technology in the forensic context. The goal of this study was to determine the potential of GPR using both a 250 MHz and 500 MHz antennae to monitor eight controlled graves with six different burial scenarios using pig carcasses as human proxy cadavers. In addition, a conductivity meter was employed to determine the applicability of using this technology to locate unmarked graves. For the conductivity meter, the data was processed using an EM38 program in conjunction with the SURFER program to display a conductivity contour map of the grid. For the GPR imagery, reflection profile data was processed using the program REFLEXW while horizontal slices were processed using the GPR-SLICE program. Results indicate that the conductivity meter is not a viable option in the detection of clandestine graves when other geophysical tools are available. For the GPR, results indicate that while graves can still be detected after a two-year period, there is a marked decrease in the response, or resolution, of the burial scenarios. Furthermore, burials with grave goods interred along with the carcasses were far more likely to be detected than burials that were interred with no accompanying grave goods. When comparing the performance of the two antennae, the 250 MHz antenna provided increased resolution for large cadavers buried in deep graves.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0003601, ucf:48859
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003601

Title: DETECTING VARIOUS BURIAL SCENARIOS IN A CONTROLLED SETTING USING GROUND-PENETRATING RADAR AND CONDUCTIVITY.
Creator: Martin, Michael, Schultz, John, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The use of geophysical tools to locate clandestine burials involving bodies has seen increasing popularity among forensic personnel. Often, these search methods are important to highlight certain areas where a body may or may not be located prior to utilizing invasive search techniques. Because of the success of these tools within real-life forensic searches, the use of controlled studies that monitor and detect cadavers over certain lengths of time have been increasingly utilized. However,...
Show moreThe use of geophysical tools to locate clandestine burials involving bodies has seen increasing popularity among forensic personnel. Often, these search methods are important to highlight certain areas where a body may or may not be located prior to utilizing invasive search techniques. Because of the success of these tools within real-life forensic searches, the use of controlled studies that monitor and detect cadavers over certain lengths of time have been increasingly utilized. However, these controlled studies have not monitored various burial scenarios that mimic real-life situations. This study focused on detecting and monitoring six burials containing pig carcasses used as proxies for human bodies and two control burials with a conductivity meter and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) with a 500-MHz and a 250-MHz antenna over a twelve month period. Each burial within this study represented a different forensic scenario that mimicked a real-life situation. Further, forensic use of GPR in both controlled settings as well as real-life searches have mainly focused on the use of a 500-MHz antenna. Therefore, this research also compared the use of a 250-MHz antenna with a 500-MHz antenna. Lastly, a number of GPR imagery options were utilized including reflection profiles and horizontal slices with various GPR software programs to compare the results obtained. Results obtained from the conductivity meter were compared to the results obtained by both antennae of the GPR. Overall, the use of multiple GPR imagery options provided increased resolution of the burial scenarios. Results showed that the conductivity meter was not a beneficial geophysical tool because none of the burial scenarios were detected. On the other hand, the use of GPR showed that the graves with objects added to the pig carcasses provided increased resolution compared to the graves containing only pig carcasses. Lastly, the 250-MHz antenna provided better resolution of the burial scenarios than the 500-MHz antenna due to easier discrimination of the forensic targets. Therefore, the use of a 250-MHz antenna would be a viable option to search for clandestine burials containing adult-sized bodies.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003067, ucf:48325
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003067

Title: DETECTING BURIED METALLIC WEAPONS IN A CONTROLLED SETTING USING A CONDUCTIVITY METER AND A GROUND-PENETRATING RADAR.
Creator: Dionne, Charles, Schultz, John, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Searching for buried metallic evidence at crime scenes or at potential disposal sites can be a daunting task for forensic personnel. In particular, it is common to search for a small firearm that was discarded or buried by the perpetrator. When performing forensic searches, it is recommended to first use non-invasive methods such as geophysical instruments to minimize damage to evidence and to the crime scene. Geophysical tools are used to pinpoint small areas of interest across a scene that...
Show moreSearching for buried metallic evidence at crime scenes or at potential disposal sites can be a daunting task for forensic personnel. In particular, it is common to search for a small firearm that was discarded or buried by the perpetrator. When performing forensic searches, it is recommended to first use non-invasive methods such as geophysical instruments to minimize damage to evidence and to the crime scene. Geophysical tools are used to pinpoint small areas of interest across a scene that will be invasively tested later. Prior to this project, there was no published research that tested the utility of the conductivity meter to search for metallic weapons such as firearms and blunt or sharp edged weapons. A sample comprised of 32 metallic weapons was buried in a controlled setting to test the applicability of a conductivity meter for forensic searches. Weapons were tested at multiple depths; once data collection was performed for one depth, the weapons were reburied 5cm deeper until they were no longer detected. Results obtained with conductivity meter were compared to results obtained by the ground-penetrating radar using different depths and transect intervals. The effects of several variables on detection such as weapon size, metallic composition, burial depth, and transect interval were analyzed in order to explore the limitations of each instrument. Results obtained from this controlled research can provide guidelines to help law enforcement in real-world searches.
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Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002597, ucf:48264
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002597

Title: CONTROLLED RESEARCH UTILIZING GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGIES IN THE SEARCH FOR BURIED FIREARMS AND MISCELLANEOUS WEAPONS.
Creator: Rezos, Mary, Schultz, John, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Incorporating geophysical technologies into forensic investigations has become a growing practice. Oftentimes, forensic professionals rely on basic metal detectors to assist their efforts during buried weapons searches, perhaps being used by someone with negligible or limited training, in turn slowing down investigation time and destroying the scene. This has created a need for research in the area of weapons searches, specifically to formulate guidelines for advanced geophysical methods that...
Show moreIncorporating geophysical technologies into forensic investigations has become a growing practice. Oftentimes, forensic professionals rely on basic metal detectors to assist their efforts during buried weapons searches, perhaps being used by someone with negligible or limited training, in turn slowing down investigation time and destroying the scene. This has created a need for research in the area of weapons searches, specifically to formulate guidelines for advanced geophysical methods that may be appropriate for locating weapons that have been discarded or buried by criminals attempting to conceal their involvement in a crime. This research project was the first to demonstrate the utility of geophysical technologies at a crime scene or a suspected weapon burial site by detecting and identifying specific types of buried metal targets, including an array of firearms. Controlled testing of 32 buried targets (including sixteen decommissioned street-level firearms, six pieces of assorted scrap metals, and ten blunt or bladed weapons) was conducted using a basic all-metal detector, an advanced metal detector, and a magnetic locator. Overall, a number of important conclusions were drawn from the research project. All forensic targets included in the project were detected with the basic all-metal detector, but only down to the shallower depths. The magnetic locator provided the deepest detection for the largest firearms, scrap metals, and miscellaneous weapons. However, not all forensic targets included in the project were detected due to the detection capabilities inherent to the magnetic locator (i.e. only detecting ferromagnetic items). The advanced metal detector was best suited for detecting the handguns and was able to detect most of the targets, excluding a number of items comprised of iron, down to deeper depths using the factory presets.
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Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002624, ucf:48222
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002624

Title: SEXUAL DIMORPHISM OF THE POSTERIOR PELVIS OF THE ROBERT J. TERRY ANATOMICAL COLLECTION AND THE WILLIAM M. BASS DONATED SKELETAL COLLECTION.
Creator: Novak, Lauren, Schultz, John, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Studies of sexual dimorphism of the sacrum have generally been conducted as part of broader population research or on living persons and cadavers, making the anthropological literature sparse. The greater sciatic notch and the preauricular sulcus of the ilium have both been found to show sexual dimorphism, although studies of these traits often have ambiguous definitions of characteristics and lack the standardization of measurements. This research was designed to reexamine and test the...
Show moreStudies of sexual dimorphism of the sacrum have generally been conducted as part of broader population research or on living persons and cadavers, making the anthropological literature sparse. The greater sciatic notch and the preauricular sulcus of the ilium have both been found to show sexual dimorphism, although studies of these traits often have ambiguous definitions of characteristics and lack the standardization of measurements. This research was designed to reexamine and test the accuracy of standard scoring systems and measurements of the posterior pelvis used to determine sex and to establish new formulae combining traits and measurements to accurately determine sex using logistic regression analysis. A series of metric measurements and morphological scores were recorded for 104 males and 106 females of both European- and African-American ancestry from the William M. Bass and Terry Collections. In order to reexamine previous research conducted on the posterior pelvis, standard ratios of metric measurements were analyzed to determine ranges and cut-off values for males and females in this sample. The ratio of ala width to the maximum transverse diameter of the sacral base and the ratio of the length and width of the sciatic notch have proven to be the most useful ratios in sex determination, though not as accurate as the formulae created using logistic regression. These data were also analyzed in SPSS using logistic regression to assess the usefulness of metric measurements and morphological scores of the posterior pelvis in sex determination. Using step-wise logistic regression, a combination of traits for both the sacrum and posterior ilium that are the most reliable and accurate for sex determination have been determined. The values for these selected traits can be incorporated into the log odds formulas which will classify an individual as male or female. The ultimate goal of this research was to provide physical anthropologists with logistic regression equations that can be used to estimate the sex of the posterior ilium and sacrum. Two equations ranging in accuracy from 79-84% were developed to determine sex of the posterior pelvis.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003157, ucf:48615
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003157

Title: INFLUENCE OF THE CSI EFFECT ON EDUCATION AND MASS MEDIA.
Creator: McManus, Sarah, Schultz, John, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Forensic science television shows, especially CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, have been said to influence the public's perception of how forensic science is used and create interest in studying forensic science and pursuing jobs in the field. This study investigates this claim through a variety of methods. First, definitions of the CSI effect are discussed, including how it was first used and mentioned in the media. Second, survey data from students in a forensic anthropology course regarding...
Show moreForensic science television shows, especially CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, have been said to influence the public's perception of how forensic science is used and create interest in studying forensic science and pursuing jobs in the field. This study investigates this claim through a variety of methods. First, definitions of the CSI effect are discussed, including how it was first used and mentioned in the media. Second, survey data from students in a forensic anthropology course regarding interest in forensic science media and educational and career choices are analyzed. Third, the number and debut dates of forensic science non-fiction books, novels, non-fiction television shows, and television dramas are investigated. Finally, a content analysis of the television show Bones is undertaken in order to understand how the forensic anthropology presented in this show differs from the actual practice of forensic anthropology. Results of this study indicate that, overall, students who wanted to pursue forensic science careers and graduate study did not watch more forensic science television shows and read more forensic science novels than those who did not want to pursue forensic science careers and graduate study. Also, based on the decreased interest in a number of forensic careers, it appears that respondents may have started the course with false perceptions regarding the actual job descriptions of these careers. Regarding the number and debut dates of forensic science media, this study found that the majority of non-fiction forensic anthropology books, non-fiction television shows, television dramas debuted after CSI appeared, corroborating the claim that CSI led to an increase in interest in forensic anthropology. In addition, this study found that while much of Bones is fictionalized for entertainment purposes, many of the techniques and analyses presented on the show have a peripheral basis in scientific methods.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003184, ucf:48596
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003184

Title: Testing the Capability of Close-Range Photogrammetry to Document Outdoor Forensic Scenes With Skeletal Remains Using Mock Scenarios.
Creator: Gidusko, Kevin, Schultz, John, Branting, Scott, Walker, John, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: More rigorous methodological protocols are needed to document outdoor forensic scenes containing skeletal remains. However, law enforcement protocols rarely provide specific guidelines for processing these scenes. Regardless, the need to preserve contextual information at crime scenes is of paramount importance and it is worth exploring new technological applications that will allow for better documentation. Close-range photogrammetry (CRP) is one option for outdoor scene documentation, more...
Show moreMore rigorous methodological protocols are needed to document outdoor forensic scenes containing skeletal remains. However, law enforcement protocols rarely provide specific guidelines for processing these scenes. Regardless, the need to preserve contextual information at crime scenes is of paramount importance and it is worth exploring new technological applications that will allow for better documentation. Close-range photogrammetry (CRP) is one option for outdoor scene documentation, more prominently utilized in archaeological contexts, that may provide forensic archaeologists with a tool to better document these scenarios via 3D modeling. To test the efficacy of CRP as documentation tool three mock scenarios representing common outdoor scenes were created using faux osteological material: a close scatter of osteological remains in a pine flatwood setting, a wide scatter of osteological remains in the same setting, and the partial excavation of skeletonized remains. Images were collected using a digital camera and processed using Agisoft Photoscan Professional. A series of variables were tested in successive iterations of data capture for each scenario to determine best practices for overall accuracy: camera images captured by hand versus fixed to a tripod, scale bar positioning, and number of images captured. Accuracy was determined via final root mean square error values and through a comparison between real-world to virtual measurements. Results show that CRP is a cost and time-effective method of documenting contextual data at a scene via the creation of 3D models and scaled orthomosaic images. This method is most useful for the documentation of excavations owing to the controlled and contrasted sub-surface in comparison to the subject material. The two scatter scenarios offered additional challenges due to the complexity of the ground covering, however models nonetheless provided accurate contextual detail and errors may be mitigated through proper data capture. There was little difference in the variables for image capture, scale bar placement, or number of images. Instead, the quality of images, image capture method, and post-processing operations proved to be more important. Due to the ease of use and the ability to convey best practices for data capture, the utilization of CRP for outdoor scene documentation is recommended as a valuable addition to current forensic documentation protocols. Future research should focus on the utilization of actual osteological material as a proxy for forensic scenarios as well as study the applicability of CRP to assist in documenting taphonomic modifications.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007182, ucf:52261
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007182

Title: Detecting Submerged Remains: Controlled Research Using Side-Scan Sonar to Detect Proxy Cadavers.
Creator: Healy, Carrie, Schultz, John, Dupras, Tosha, Walker, John, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: While side-scan sonar has become a valuable geophysical tool for forensic water searches, controlled research is paramount to determine the best practices for searches in aquatic environments as it provides a structured environment in which to investigate variables that influence the effectiveness of the technology and provides valuable experience for sonar operators. The purpose of this research is to conduct controlled research in order to evaluate the applicability of side-scan sonar to...
Show moreWhile side-scan sonar has become a valuable geophysical tool for forensic water searches, controlled research is paramount to determine the best practices for searches in aquatic environments as it provides a structured environment in which to investigate variables that influence the effectiveness of the technology and provides valuable experience for sonar operators. The purpose of this research is to conduct controlled research in order to evaluate the applicability of side-scan sonar to searches involving submerged firearms and proxy cadavers. In addition, the best practices for employing this technology in forensic searches in freshwater ponds and lakes in a humid, subtropical environment in Central Florida would be developed. Five street-level firearms were submerged in a pond, and two sets of three pig carcasses (Sus scrofa), utilized as proxies for human bodies, were staked to the bottom of a pond for this research. Transects were conducted over the firearms and the pig carcasses utilizing side-scan sonar. The first set of pig carcasses represented a child size (30-32 kg) and the second set a small adult size (51-54 kg). Results show that firearms were not detected due to the terrain and small size. However, this technology successfully located small to medium-sized proxy carcasses on a flat, sandy lake bottom when experienced operators were conducting the search. Conversely, vegetation obscured submerged bodies. While the smaller carcasses were difficult to detect throughout the data collection, medium-sized carcasses were easily discerned. Moreover, the medium-sized carcasses decomposed at the same rate as previous studies and were visible throughout each stage of decomposition. Finally, employing a 900 kHz frequency with a 20 m swath-width provided the best search parameters. Therefore, in the appropriate conditions,side-scan sonar is an effective tool for locating submerged bodies in freshwater lakes and ponds in a humid, subtropical environment.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004544, ucf:49257
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004544

Title: Developing Methods for the Estimation of Stature and their Use as a Proxy for Health among the Ancient Chachapoya of Peru.
Creator: Anzellini, Armando, Toyne, J. Marla, Schultz, John, Starbuck, John, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Population mean stature and patterns of health are often linked in anthropological studies, yet few studies control for the multifactorial nature of achieving adult standing height. This thesis explores the intersection of health and stature by analyzing the skeletal remains of 161 adult individuals from the archaeological site of Kuelap, in the eastern slopes of the northern Peruvian Andes, and also tests current biometric methods for estimating stature from skeletal remains. This Chachapoya...
Show morePopulation mean stature and patterns of health are often linked in anthropological studies, yet few studies control for the multifactorial nature of achieving adult standing height. This thesis explores the intersection of health and stature by analyzing the skeletal remains of 161 adult individuals from the archaeological site of Kuelap, in the eastern slopes of the northern Peruvian Andes, and also tests current biometric methods for estimating stature from skeletal remains. This Chachapoya site dates to the Late Intermediate Period (AD 900 (-) 1470) and Late Horizon (AD 1470 (-) 1536) and resides in the high altitude sub-tropical forests of the Andes. An anatomical method of stature estimation was applied to a subsample of 36 individuals and linear regression formulae were created, proving especially effective for the tibia and calcaneus in this sample. These new formulae produced more accurate results, regardless of sex, when compared to traditional estimates and suggest that sexually specific formulae are not necessary in studies of stature. However, sexual dimorphism in skeletal elements did produce an effective method of sex determination from individual appendicular elements and was tested successfully on commingled remains. This investigation produced valuable formulae for estimating both sex and stature from isolated remains in the Chachapoyas region. The results established that interregional variance in stature is consistent, but mean stature is strongly affected by environmental pressures. This study highlights the ineffectiveness of using stature to assess the relative health of geographically distinct populations, but demonstrates the possibility of culturally specific health interpretations. The formulae for sex and stature estimation created in this study have provided a glimpse of the intersection between culture, environment, and health in human biological diversity.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006069, ucf:50958
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006069

Title: A Spatial Analysis of Chachapoya Mortuary Practices at La Petaca, Chachapoyas, Peru.
Creator: Epstein, Lori, Toyne, J. Marla, Schultz, John, Walker, John, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Diversity of Chachapoya mortuary practices is not well understood archaeologically, even though the region has received some attention for the monumental constructions and visually striking mortuary complexes located high on open cliff faces. This may be due to the difficult accessibility and often poor state of preservation consistent with many Chachapoya mortuary and occupation sites. This thesis reconstructs mortuary practices at La Petaca in the Chachapoyas region of Peru, applying...
Show moreDiversity of Chachapoya mortuary practices is not well understood archaeologically, even though the region has received some attention for the monumental constructions and visually striking mortuary complexes located high on open cliff faces. This may be due to the difficult accessibility and often poor state of preservation consistent with many Chachapoya mortuary and occupation sites. This thesis reconstructs mortuary practices at La Petaca in the Chachapoyas region of Peru, applying paleodemographic and GIS methodological approaches to facilitate and improve the bioarchaeological study of commingled skeletal remains in an open, disturbed communal funerary context. Research focused on SUP CF-01, a natural cave context utilized as a group burial. The sample of human remains retrieved from SUP CF-01 (n= 8182) estimated an MNI of 43 adults and 12 juveniles, including a range of demographic categories. By employing a total station to record the cave structure, and a GIS to analyze the deposit of commingled remains, this thesis was able to measure the distances between paired elements and to explore possible post-depositional practices that could have created this commingled and disturbed deposit. This bioarchaeological analysis incorporating demographic and spatial analysis indicated that this collective burial was a primary context, and most likely a result of a gradual accumulation of complete bodies and movement of later skeletonized elements to make room for successive burials. When compared to other mortuary contexts at this complex, including a comparative secondary cave context and over 120 constructed mausoleums, it appears that all community members were included in the mortuary practices at this complex.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005609, ucf:50263
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005609

Title: Kaleidoscopic Community History: Theories of Databased Rhetorical History-Making.
Creator: Giroux, Amy, Chase, Diane, Schultz, John, Walker, John, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: To accurately describe the past, historians strive to learn the cultural ideologies of the time and place they study so their interpretations are situated in the context of that period and not in the present. This exploration of historical context becomes critical when researching marginalized groups, as evidence of their rhetorics and cultural logics are usually submerged within those of the dominant society. This project focuses on how factors, such as rhetor/audience perspective, influence...
Show moreTo accurately describe the past, historians strive to learn the cultural ideologies of the time and place they study so their interpretations are situated in the context of that period and not in the present. This exploration of historical context becomes critical when researching marginalized groups, as evidence of their rhetorics and cultural logics are usually submerged within those of the dominant society. This project focuses on how factors, such as rhetor/audience perspective, influence cross-cultural historical interpretation, and how a community history database can be designed to illuminate and affect these factors. Theories of contact zones and rhetorical listening were explored to determine their applicability both to history-making and to the creation of a community history database where cross-cultural, multi-vocal, historical narratives may be created, encountered, and extended. Contact zones are dynamic spaces where changing connections, accommodations, negotiations, and power struggles occur, and this concept can be applied to history-making, especially histories of marginalized groups. Rhetorical listening focuses on how perspective influences understanding the past, and listening principles are crucial to both historians and the consumers of history. Perspectives are grounded in cultural ideologies, and rhetorical listening focuses on how tropes, such as race and gender, describe and shape these perspectives. Becoming aware of tropes(-)both of self and other(-)can bring to view the commonalities and differences between cultures, and allow a better opportunity for cross-cultural understanding. Rhetorical listening steers the historian and the consumer of history towards looking at who is writing the history, and how both the rhetor and the audience's perspective may affect the outcome. These theories of contact zones and rhetorical listening influenced the design of the project database and website by bringing perspective to the forefront. The visualization of rhetor/audience tropes in conjunction with the co-creation of history were designed to help foster cross-cultural understanding.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005337, ucf:50472
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005337

Title: Integrating Differential Global Positioning Systems and Geographic Information Systems for Analysis and Mapping of Skeletal Dispersals.
Creator: Walter, Brittany, Schultz, John, Dupras, Tosha, Walker, John, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Scene mapping is an integral part of processing a forensic scene with scattered human remains. By utilizing the appropriate mapping technique, investigators can accurately document the location of human remains and maintain a precise geospatial record of this evidence at a scene. Global positioning system (GPS) units have been used for years to survey the spatial distribution of large-scale archaeological sites. However, differential global positioning (DGPS) unit now provide decreased...
Show moreScene mapping is an integral part of processing a forensic scene with scattered human remains. By utilizing the appropriate mapping technique, investigators can accurately document the location of human remains and maintain a precise geospatial record of this evidence at a scene. Global positioning system (GPS) units have been used for years to survey the spatial distribution of large-scale archaeological sites. However, differential global positioning (DGPS) unit now provide decreased positional error suitable for small-scale surveys, such as forensic scenes. Because of the lack of knowledge concerning this utility in mapping a scene, controlled research is necessary to determine the practicality of using DGPS in mapping scattered human remains in different environments. The purpose of this research is to quantify the accuracy of a DGPS unit for mapping skeletal dispersals and to determine the applicability of this utility in mapping dispersed remains. First, the accuracy of the DGPS unit was determined using known survey markers in different environments. Secondly, several simulated scenes were constructed and mapped in open, tree-covered, and structure-obstructed environments using the DGPS. Factors considered included the extent of the dispersal, data collection time, and the use of offsets. Data were differentially postprocessed and compared in a geographic information system (GIS) to evaluate the most efficient recordation methods. Results of this study show that the DGPS is a viable option for mapping human remains in open areas. Furthermore, guidelines for accurate scene mapping using a DGPS unit will be provided, along with a discussion concerning the integration of DGPS into GIS for scene analysis and presentation.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004632, ucf:49919
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004632

Title: TRENDS IN GRAVE MARKER ATTRIBUTES IN GREENWOOD CEMETERY: ORLANDO, FLORIDA.
Creator: Martin, Erin K, Schultz, John, Toyne, Marla, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Grave markers represent a significant amount of highly important information related to the cultural patterns of a society, as well as how these patterns have changed over time. Although, cemetery studies are popular in other regions of the United States, few studies regarding grave marker attributes have been conducted in Florida. The purpose of this research was to analyze and interpret temporal and demographic changes in grave marker attributes in Greenwood Cemetery in Orlando, Florida....
Show moreGrave markers represent a significant amount of highly important information related to the cultural patterns of a society, as well as how these patterns have changed over time. Although, cemetery studies are popular in other regions of the United States, few studies regarding grave marker attributes have been conducted in Florida. The purpose of this research was to analyze and interpret temporal and demographic changes in grave marker attributes in Greenwood Cemetery in Orlando, Florida. Another aspect of this research focused on the possible correlation between the age and inferred sex of the deceased individual in relation to the type of epitaph and iconography chosen to represent them in their mortuary context. Data was collected from 925 headstones within Greenwood Cemetery; these headstones further represent 1,102 individuals. Attributes analyzed include marker material, marker type, iconographic images, epitaph, memorial photographs, footstones and curbs. These attributes will be analyzed and compared to trends noted within a similar study conducted by Meyers and Schultz (2016), to allow for better interpretation of trends in grave marker attributes across a range of Florida cemeteries. Results indicate multiple trends. The popularity of marble headstones decreased greatly from 51% in Pre-1900 to only 8% from 2000 to 2017. Furthermore, the prevalence of epitaph and iconography categories vary greatly on both a temporal and demographic basis. Male infants are more likely than any other demographic group to be represented by a genealogical epitaph, at 41% representation. Ultimately, these trends illustrate important aspects of cultural changes related to mortuary practice and individual mortuary contexts within Orlando, Florida.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFH2000371, ucf:45790
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000371

bioarchaeology (8)	+ -
forensic anthropology (6)	+ -
diet (5)	+ -
GIS (4)	+ -
forensic archaeology (4)	+ -

stable isotope analysis (4)	+ -
Bioarchaeology (3)	+ -
Egypt (3)	+ -
Taphonomy (3)	+ -
paleopathology (3)	+ -
3D (2)	+ -
Anthropology (2)	+ -
Dakhleh Oasis (2)	+ -
Forensic (2)	+ -
Forensic Anthropology (2)	+ -
Forensic Archaeology (2)	+ -
Forensics (2)	+ -
GPR (2)	+ -
Histology (2)	+ -
LA-ICP-MS (2)	+ -
Lithuania (2)	+ -
Medieval (2)	+ -
Photogrammetry (2)	+ -
Sudan (2)	+ -
Trauma (2)	+ -
caries (2)	+ -
migration (2)	+ -
osteoarthritis (2)	+ -
stable isotopes (2)	+ -
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Honors Collection (7)	+ -

University of Central Florida (48)	+ -
Schultz, John (47)	+ -
Dupras, Tosha (22)	+ -
Williams, Lana (17)	+ -
Toyne, J. Marla (7)	+ -

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Walker, John (5)	+ -
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