Individualised and non-contact post-mortem interval determination of human bodies using visible and thermal 3D imaging.

ABSTRACT: Determining the time since death, i.e., post-mortem interval (PMI), often plays a key role in forensic investigations. The current standard PMI-estimation method empirically correlates rectal temperatures and PMIs, frequently necessitating subjective correction factors. To overcome this, we previously developed a thermodynamic finite-difference (TFD) algorithm, providing a rigorous method to simulate post-mortem temperatures of bodies assuming a straight posture. However, in forensic practice, bodies are often found in non-straight postures, potentially limiting applicability of this algorithm in these cases. Here, we develop an individualised approach, enabling PMI reconstruction for bodies in arbitrary postures, by combining photogrammetry and TFD modelling. Utilising thermal photogramme

SUBMITTER: Wilk LS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8517003 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature