Scholarly & Professional Work

Stature Wars: Which Stature Estimation Methods are Most Applicable to Modern Populations?

Author: Elizabeth Therese Brandt

Link to Download Page: http://ecommons.txstate.edu/anthroptad/18/

Committee Members:

Dr. Floyd Jerome Melbye, Dr. Elizabeth Erhart, Dr. Martha Katherine Spradley

Abstract:

The primary focus of this thesis is a comparison of the mathematical and anatomical methods commonly used to estimate living stature to determine which method gives the most accurate and reliable results when working with modern skeletal individuals in a North American forensic setting. Four primary stature estimation methods are compared: the regression equations of Trotter and Gleser (1952, 1958), FORDISC 3 (Jantz and Ousley 2005), the Fully method (1956) and the revised Fully method (Raxter et al. 2006). The modern study sample (n = 233) is drawn from American Blacks and American Whites of the Bass and Maxwell Collections. A secondary focus of this thesis concerns the adjustment factor (2.5 cm) suggested by Trotter and Gleser (1952) for the conversion of cadaver stature to living stature. This study demonstrates that this adjustment factor is not appropriate for use on the current study sample. This study also indicates that adequate comparisons of the four stature estimation methods can be made in the absence of such a conversion.

Recommended Citation:

Brandt, Elizabeth Therese, "Stature Wars: Which Stature Estimation Methods are Most Applicable to Modern Populations?" (2009). Theses and Dissertations-Anthropology. Paper 18.

Estimating Sexual Dimorphism from Sternal Rib Ends

Author: Kristina Rhea Gavit

Link to Download Page: http://ecommons.txstate.edu/

Committee Members:

Dr. Floyd Jerome Melbye, Chair, Dr. Kerrie P Lewis, Dr. Martha Kate Spradley

Recommended Citation:

Gavit, Kristina Rhea, "Estimating Sexual Dimorphism from Sternal Rib Ends" (2009). Theses and Dissertations-Anthropology. Paper 13.

An Analysis of Decomposition Rates on Outdoor Surface Variations in Central Texas

Author: Carly Marie Shattuck

Link to Download Page: http://ecommons.txstate.edu/

Committee Members:

Dr. Floyd Jerome Melbye, Chair, Dr. Martha Katherine Spradley, Dr. Kerrie P. Lewis

Recommended Citation:

Shattuck, Carly Marie, "An Analysis of Decomposition Rates on Outdoor Surface Variations in Central Texas" (2009). Theses and Dissertations-Anthropology. Paper 21.

Taphonomy of Child-sized Remains in Shallow Grave and Surface Deposit Scenarios

Author: Paulyann Ihuoma Enwere

Link to Download Page: http://ecommons.txstate.edu/

Committee Members:

Dr. F. Jerome Melbye, Chair, Dr. Elizabeth Erhart, Dr. Michelle Hamilton

Abstract:

Forensic anthropologists occasionally encounter remains of children in various burial scenarios. These remains are often discovered in shallow grave or surface deposit environments, and are often covered with a blanket or sheet. This study examines these variables. The taphonomic processes in each of these settings occur at different rates; therefore, it is important to understand the effect on the estimation of the postmortem interval. This study involves a sample of child-size pig carcasses wrapped in baby blankets. Some of the pigs were buried in a shallow grave and periodically examined on-site to document stages in the taphonomic processes. One pig carcass was deposited on the surface and it was also examined for taphonomic changes, including scavenger activity that occurred. As expected, scavenger activity was present on the surface deposit carcass, but the depth of the shallow burials also permitted scavenger activity. Observations of the types of bones remaining and their distances from the graves, amount of commingling, and other taphonomic details were recorded and analyzed.

Recommended Citation:

Enwere, Paulyann Ihuoma, "Taphonomy of Child-sized Remains in Shallow Grave and Surface Deposit Scenarios" (2008). Theses and Dissertations-Anthropology. Paper 12.

Aquatic Decomposition in Chlorinated and Freshwater Environments

Author: Olivia Anne Alley

Link to Download Page: http://ecommons.txstate.edu/

Thesis Advisor:

Dr. F. Jerome Melbye

Committee Members:

Dr. Elizabeth Erhart, Dr. Turhon Murad

Recommended Citation:

Alley, Olivia Anne, "Aquatic Decomposition in Chlorinated and Freshwater Environments" (2007). Theses and Dissertations-Anthropology. Paper 3.

When the Bullet Hits the Bone: Patterns in Gunshot Trauma to the Infracranial Skeleton

Author: Katherine A. Chapman

Link to Download Page: http://ecommons.txstate.edu/

Thesis Advisor:

Dr. F. Jerome Melbye

Committee Members:

Elizabeth Erhart, Michelle Hamilton

Recommended Citation:

Chapman, Katharine A., "When the Bullet Hits the Bone: Patterns in Gunshot Trauma to the Infracranial Skeleton" (2007). Theses and Dissertations-Anthropology. Paper 4.

A Study on the Rate of Decomposition of Carrion in Closed Containers Placed in a Shaded Area Outdoors in Central Texas

Author: Margaret Anne Hyder

Link to Download Page: http://ecommons.txstate.edu/

Additional Files: Appendix E Photographs

Thesis Advisor:

Dr. F. Jerome Melbye

Committee Members:

Elizabeth Erhart, Michelle Hamilton

Recommended Citation:

Hyder, Margaret Anne, "A Study on the Rate of Decomposition of Carrion in Closed Containers Placed in a Shaded Area Outdoors in Central Texas" (2007). Theses and Dissertations-Anthropology. Paper 5.