Conference Presentations by Tiffany B Saul
This study examines the maximum number of days in which postmortem biometric data can be successf... more This study examines the maximum number of days in which postmortem biometric data can be successfully matched to an individual using digital technologies. The project also evaluates how the image quality and ability to obtain sufficient match scores to make a positive identification decreases over time. Digital facial photographs, iris scans, and fingerprints were collected from the donated remains of thirteen (n=13) individuals at The University of Tennessee Anthropology Research Facility. The results of this study show that biometrics do remain viable over time, depending upon seasonality and environmental conditions. Temperature, precipitation, and insect activity were the primary factors affecting the retention of biometric information in decomposing human remains. This study builds upon previous work of the authors and continues to support the utility of physiological biometrics for identification of decomposed human remains.
Biometric identifiers are measurable, unique characteristics that are used to classify both livin... more Biometric identifiers are measurable, unique characteristics that are used to classify both living and deceased individuals. This study examines the effects of decomposition upon the ability to capture biometric information from three physiological characters: facial photographs, fingerprints, and iris scans. This study examines the maximum number of days in which usable biometric data can be successfully collected using digital technologies and how the recognition performance decreases over time. For the purposes of this study, usable data refers to images that are able to correctly identify the individual through a digital biometric program by matching the captured images with images taken upon the initial receipt of the donated individual. This study was conducted in conjunction with Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Tennessee Anthropological Research Facility between the months of April and June. Digital facial photographs, iris scans, and fingerprints from the donated remains of eight (n=8) individuals were obtained daily until usable data could no longer be captured. The individuals were placed supine and mostly uncovered with the exception of wire mesh placed over the hands to prevent scavenger activity. The left iris of all individuals was hydrated with 0.4mL of sterile saline solution ten minutes prior to iris scanning to determine if this would increase the quality of images compared to the untreated right iris. No other preparations were made to the remains prior to data collection.
With daily high temperatures ranging between 59°F (15°C) and 84°F (28.89°C) during the spring trial (n=4), usable data was obtained for an average of four days. However, the early summer trial (n=4) included high temperatures between 81°F (27.22°C) and 91°F (32.77°C) and the number of days usable data could be captured was reduced to two. Overall, fingerprints proved to be the most reliable biometric data, producing usable data longer than iris scans or facial images (four days for fingerprints, two for facial, and one day for iris images). Insect activity, bloating, and color changes due to decomposition prohibited the capture of usable facial images after an average of two days (regardless of season), while dehydration, clouding, and collapse of the cornea prevented capture of usable iris scans after an average of two days in the spring and only one in the summer. Additionally, hydration of the left iris did not lead to an improvement in the quality of iris images when compared with the right iris.
This study demonstrated that digitally captured biometric data can be used within two to four days postmortem to identify individuals, compared to existing antemortem biometric data. For some modalities such as iris recognition, it has been generally believed, but never studied, that iris biometrics are only viable within the first 24 hours; however, the results of this study show that they remain viable for a longer period of time, depending upon environmental conditions. When scavenger activity is inhibited, fingerprints persist longer than facial and iris identifiers; however, temperature, precipitation, and insect activity were the primary factors affecting the retention of biometric information in decomposing human remains. While this study is an initial step in determining the utility of physiological biometric identifiers during the decomposition process, biometric research has the potential to make important contributions to forensic anthropology and the law enforcement, military, and medicolegal communities.
The Thompson Village site (40HY5) in Henry County, TN was excavated in 1939 prior to its inundati... more The Thompson Village site (40HY5) in Henry County, TN was excavated in 1939 prior to its inundation by Kentucky Lake. Those investigations resulted in the recovery of one of Tennessee’s most unusual artifacts: the skull of an adult male embellished with a deliberately-carved pattern across the forehead. The skull has long enjoyed notoriety in the collection of the McClung Museum, and was published in /Tennessee Archaeologist/ in 1974. This presentation discusses new examinations of the Henry County skull, beginning with the results of a fresh skeletal assessment. We then use cross-cultural data to identify evidence and motivations for cranial carving. Finally, we present iconographic and historic evidence that may inform our understanding of this unique artifact.
"Repatriation and reburial of artifacts are a necessary part of archaeology, thus thorough docume... more "Repatriation and reburial of artifacts are a necessary part of archaeology, thus thorough documentation is imperative. Technologies such as portable X-Ray Fluorescence and 3D scanners allow non-destructive data collection and infinite curation of artifacts. We examined marine shell artifacts from a late Mississippian site in eastern Tennessee using both types of instruments. This allowed us to record data that will be used to determine origins of the marine shell and construct a database that will serve current and future archaeologists. The 3D scans allow these artifacts to live on as a virtual collection for future researchers and the public.
"
This presentation represents the preliminary findings of an on-going study to determine if: (1) o... more This presentation represents the preliminary findings of an on-going study to determine if: (1) oral and labial devices produce discernable wear and/or damage to the dentition; (2) if this wear and damage occurs in a repetitive pattern among individuals; and, (3) if this wear and damage can be used to assist in the identification of skeletal remains. This study was primarily conducted using online surveys. One survey was created for participants with fixed or removable oral or labial devices. A second survey was developed for dental professionals, including dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants. Both surveys were used to collect data regarding the types of devices that may create dental wear and damage, as well as determine the observable nature of this wear and damage to both the patient and the dental professional. Both dental professionals (n=8) and lay participants (n=31) reported observations regarding wear on teeth caused by oral devices. Seventy-one percent of lay participants reported observing wear or damage to teeth and soft tissue as result of an oral or labial device. The devices reportedly causing wear or damage included cosmetic and therapeutic dental devices, as well as oral piercings. One hundred percent of dental professionals surveyed reported observations of tooth and soft tissue changes caused by oral devices. The number of patients represented by the dental professionals totaled 31,952. Of these patients, it was reported that approximately 40% have some type of fixed or removable oral device.
This preliminary report also utilized a case study to demonstrate the effects of oral piercings upon the dentition. The subject of this case study had a metal tongue ring for approximately seven years. The piercing was removed six years prior to the study; however, the effects of the piercing upon the dentition were clear and observable. The individual suffered severe enamel erosion on the lingual surfaces of both anterior and posterior teeth. Significant chipping in both anterior and posterior teeth was also observed. The subject reported an extraction of a molar due to damage sustained from the piercing, as well. In addition to these findings, another piercing under the lower lip induced significant gum erosion that was also observable. The subject had soft tissue scarring of the tongue and upper chin resulting from the piercings. The details of the damage observed upon the dentition and soft tissue were recorded in the dental record provided by the subject’s dental care provider, as well. damage observed in the dentition of skeletal remains could be matched with thorough dental records.
The preliminary findings of this study suggest there is potential for the use of observable wear patterns on the dentition created by oral and labial devices to assist in the identification of human skeletal remains. It is important to note that dental professionals must be diligent in documenting the types of wear and/or damage present on patients’ teeth, as well as the possible causes. All eight dental professionals surveyed reported patients with oral or labial piercings; however, only six reported that they note this information in their patients’ records. At minimum, dental wear and osseous changes may allow the forensic anthropologist to speculate that the unidentified had a specific oral or labial device. However, through detailed observation and documentation by the dental care provider, wear and damage observed in the dentition of skeletal remains could be matched with thorough dental records.
Fernvale (40WM51) is a multi-component archaeological site in Middle Tennessee. Located just west... more Fernvale (40WM51) is a multi-component archaeological site in Middle Tennessee. Located just west of Nashville, Tennessee, the site spans the Late Archaic (5000-3000 BCE) through Mississippian (800-1500 CE) periods. Excavation and analysis of the site occurred between 1985 and 1987. The upland setting is atypical of most well-known cemetery sites in the Cumberland River Basin, which are usually located closer to rivers or tributaries. The cemetery size of 31 individuals is much smaller than most comparable sites, in which burials typically number in the hundreds. Since initial excavation and analysis, there have been speculations made regarding the practice of trophy taking by the population represented at the Fernvale site. This study examines whether evidence exists to support the idea that human bone trophies were taken from individuals buried at Fernvale in antiquity. Represented individuals were inventoried to assess the absence of elements or presence of additional remains. Each skeleton was examined for evidence of perimortem dismemberment, such as cut marks or hack marks. Analyses were performed to identify any antemortem or perimortem traumas such as imbedded projectile points, scalping cut marks, and blunt or sharp force traumas, all of which commonly co-occur with trophy taking. Finally, taphonomic effects were evaluated, particularly forms of human disturbances in antiquity and recent past decades, to eliminate taphonomic factors and their influence upon the interpretation.
The multicomponent Fernvale Site (40WM51), in Williamson County, Tennessee, yielded a small human... more The multicomponent Fernvale Site (40WM51), in Williamson County, Tennessee, yielded a small human skeletal sample from the partial excavation of an Archaic Period cemetery at the site. This bioarchaeological analysis examines nutritional health, pathology and disease, skeletal markers of occupational or lifestyle stress, and dental health. In particular, we assess: 1) trophy-taking in two adult individuals, 2) unusual dental wear and robust cranial muscle markings, and 3) strongly-developed lower extremities, unusual frequency of the cervical fossa of Allen, and degenerative joint disease of the spine. These results are contextualized as a representation of the living population of this prehistoric community.
Book Chapters by Tiffany B Saul
"Skeletal Trauma Analysis: Case Studies in Context" pp. 118-129. Edited by Nicholas V. Passalacqua and Christopher W. Rainwater, 2015
Although much has been published on physical abuse, such as reoccurring trauma with children – pa... more Although much has been published on physical abuse, such as reoccurring trauma with children – particularly healed fractures of the skull, ribs, and long bones– a review of the literature produced no unequivocal skeletal evidence of violent sexual assault. Current forensic procedures for demonstrating sexual assault rely heavily upon soft tissue and bodily fluid evidence. Living individuals are able to provide details of assaults and information about the assailant, and medical personnel are trained to observe and record soft tissue injuries to the skin and genital area. However, in decomposed remains, it is this lack of soft tissue and fluids that makes establishing evidence of violent sexual assault highly unlikely. While a few researchers point to skeletal injuries typically found in association with sexual assault, such as dislocated hip joints or long bone fractures, the majority of the available literature focuses upon evidence of abuse with no specific indicators of sexual abuse or assault upon the skeleton. The forensic case described in this chapter represents the first published example where the victim’s bones clearly demonstrate a violent sexual assault.
Articles by Tiffany B Saul
CLA: College of Liberal Arts Magazine (pp. 28-30), 2013
A culmination of unique experiences as a graduate student at Middle Tennessee State University fa... more A culmination of unique experiences as a graduate student at Middle Tennessee State University facilitated the production of this paper. By highlighting the encouragement from mentors in various departments, the author showcases her interdisciplinary training in both biology and anthropology.
Critical Conversations: An Interdisciplinary Journal (Journal of the Tennessee Board of Regents), 2014
The Forensic Institute for Research and Education (FIRE) at Middle Tennessee State University (MT... more The Forensic Institute for Research and Education (FIRE) at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) uses forensic science as a catalyst for student success. The enthusiasm of the faculty mentor aids in attracting students to the field and the mentor’s confidence in the students’ abilities to succeed motivate them to perform at levels often beyond their own expectations. FIRE created the Forensic Anthropology Search and Recovery (FASR) Team, which includes 15 students that assist law enforcement personnel and medical examiners with skeletal crime cases. This activity requires professionalism and challenges students to move beyond their own self-imposed boundaries. They begin to see themselves in professional roles, which inspires them tobehave accordingly. Excitement begets motivation; motivation brings about action; and action produces success and an eagerness to explore previously unimagined possibilities. Forensic science at MTSU has facilitated student success in community service, teaching, and research.
Dissertation by Tiffany B Saul
Isotope analyses of human remains have been conducted with growing frequency over the past thirty... more Isotope analyses of human remains have been conducted with growing frequency over the past thirty years in anthropology, in both archaeological and forensic contexts. Analyses of isotope ratios of elements such as carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen, and strontium from teeth, bones, and hair have provided information regarding individual diet and geographic movement during different life stages. Hair grows at a predictable rate and provides a serial recording of diet and travel history for the weeks and months just prior to death. What has not been systematically studied is whether postmortem decompositional changes to the body have an effect upon isotope ratios in hair. Hair has been used in conjunction with tap water to create isoscapes, or isotope mapping models, that allow prediction of geographic history from analysis of the isotope ratios of hair. These models have been developed using clean modern samples from salons and do not reflect the typical condition of hair found in archaeological or forensic contexts. If the isotope ratios of human hair are to be used reliably in both archaeological and forensic settings, it is essential to understand the effects of taphonomy on isotope signatures, and whether these signatures persist and reflect those seen during life.
This research was conducted at the Anthropology Research Facility in Knoxville, Tennessee, an outdoor laboratory for the study of human decomposition. Body donors with known residence histories (n=44) plus two additional donors at the Forensic Anthropology Research Facility in San Marcos, Texas, were enrolled in the study, and carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen, and strontium isotopes from human hair samples of these donors were analyzed. Postmortem exposure times for the study ranged from 22 days to more than three years. Results of the study revealed that carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios in human hair, commonly used to make dietary inferences, undergo little change over time and are more reliable than hydrogen, oxygen, and strontium isotope ratios, which are impacted by the depositional environment. This study revealed that isotope ratios of human hair can change postmortem and are influenced by geographic placement location, surface or burial placement, and duration of exposure.
Papers by Tiffany B Saul
Forensic Anthropology, 2021
Stable isotope analysis of postmortem hair is performed in order to make inferences about an indi... more Stable isotope analysis of postmortem hair is performed in order to make inferences about an individual’s diet and geographic travel history prior to death. During analysis and interpretation, investigators assume that the hair collected from a postmortem environment has not been altered by exposure conditions and that the isotopic “signatures” of hair prior to exposure are preserved in postmortem samples. In order to confidently make inferences from postmortem hair samples, it is necessary to know whether their isotope ratios undergo postmortem changes. To address this question, post-exposure hair samples (n = 44) were collected from known body donors at the Anthropology Research Facility in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA, at various time points ranging from 22 to 1,140 days of exposure. These samples were analyzed for carbon (δ13C), nitrogen (δ15N), hydrogen (δ2H), and oxygen (δ18O) isotope ratios, and the results were compared with pre-exposure hair samples collected from the same don...
Oxford Bibliographies Online Datasets
Case studies in context, 2015
Although much has been published on physical abuse, such as reoccurring trauma with children – pa... more Although much has been published on physical abuse, such as reoccurring trauma with children – particularly healed fractures of the skull, ribs, and long bones– a review of the literature produced no unequivocal skeletal evidence of violent sexual assault. Current forensic procedures for demonstrating sexual assault rely heavily upon soft tissue and bodily fluid evidence. Living individuals are able to provide details of assaults and information about the assailant, and medical personnel are trained to observe and record soft tissue injuries to the skin and genital area. However, in decomposed remains, it is this lack of soft tissue and fluids that makes establishing evidence of violent sexual assault highly unlikely. While a few researchers point to skeletal injuries typically found in association with sexual assault, such as dislocated hip joints or long bone fractures, the majority of the available literature focuses upon evidence of abuse with no specific indicators of sexual abuse or assault upon the skeleton. The forensic case described in this chapter represents the first published example where the victim’s bones clearly demonstrate a violent sexual assault.
To my parents G'nell and Bill Bivens, I dedicate this work. Whatever I become and whenever I succ... more To my parents G'nell and Bill Bivens, I dedicate this work. Whatever I become and whenever I succeed, it will always be because you believed. I love you both.
2019 IEEE 10th International Conference on Biometrics Theory, Applications and Systems (BTAS), 2019
Although viable tools are available for the identification of unknown deceased individuals, recog... more Although viable tools are available for the identification of unknown deceased individuals, recognition rates with these methods are greatly impacted by the degree to which decomposition has occurred. Therefore, identifying highly decomposed remains poses a major challenge. This paper analyzes the effect of facial decomposition on the recognition rates of several facial recognition commercial-off-the-shelf systems and research-grade systems, as well as algorithms contained in a custom recognition library. The custom dataset of facial images used in the experiment is composed of 42 subjects at stages of decomposition ranging from recently deceased to later stages where the soft tissues are severely decomposed and facial features are deformed. It is shown that an algorithm’s ability to correctly detect a decomposing face is a crucial first step that not all face models can accurately handle. However, some of the evaluated Convolution Neural Network (CNN)–inspired methods provide promi...
2016 IEEE 8th International Conference on Biometrics Theory, Applications and Systems (BTAS), 2016
Uploads
Conference Presentations by Tiffany B Saul
With daily high temperatures ranging between 59°F (15°C) and 84°F (28.89°C) during the spring trial (n=4), usable data was obtained for an average of four days. However, the early summer trial (n=4) included high temperatures between 81°F (27.22°C) and 91°F (32.77°C) and the number of days usable data could be captured was reduced to two. Overall, fingerprints proved to be the most reliable biometric data, producing usable data longer than iris scans or facial images (four days for fingerprints, two for facial, and one day for iris images). Insect activity, bloating, and color changes due to decomposition prohibited the capture of usable facial images after an average of two days (regardless of season), while dehydration, clouding, and collapse of the cornea prevented capture of usable iris scans after an average of two days in the spring and only one in the summer. Additionally, hydration of the left iris did not lead to an improvement in the quality of iris images when compared with the right iris.
This study demonstrated that digitally captured biometric data can be used within two to four days postmortem to identify individuals, compared to existing antemortem biometric data. For some modalities such as iris recognition, it has been generally believed, but never studied, that iris biometrics are only viable within the first 24 hours; however, the results of this study show that they remain viable for a longer period of time, depending upon environmental conditions. When scavenger activity is inhibited, fingerprints persist longer than facial and iris identifiers; however, temperature, precipitation, and insect activity were the primary factors affecting the retention of biometric information in decomposing human remains. While this study is an initial step in determining the utility of physiological biometric identifiers during the decomposition process, biometric research has the potential to make important contributions to forensic anthropology and the law enforcement, military, and medicolegal communities.
"
This preliminary report also utilized a case study to demonstrate the effects of oral piercings upon the dentition. The subject of this case study had a metal tongue ring for approximately seven years. The piercing was removed six years prior to the study; however, the effects of the piercing upon the dentition were clear and observable. The individual suffered severe enamel erosion on the lingual surfaces of both anterior and posterior teeth. Significant chipping in both anterior and posterior teeth was also observed. The subject reported an extraction of a molar due to damage sustained from the piercing, as well. In addition to these findings, another piercing under the lower lip induced significant gum erosion that was also observable. The subject had soft tissue scarring of the tongue and upper chin resulting from the piercings. The details of the damage observed upon the dentition and soft tissue were recorded in the dental record provided by the subject’s dental care provider, as well. damage observed in the dentition of skeletal remains could be matched with thorough dental records.
The preliminary findings of this study suggest there is potential for the use of observable wear patterns on the dentition created by oral and labial devices to assist in the identification of human skeletal remains. It is important to note that dental professionals must be diligent in documenting the types of wear and/or damage present on patients’ teeth, as well as the possible causes. All eight dental professionals surveyed reported patients with oral or labial piercings; however, only six reported that they note this information in their patients’ records. At minimum, dental wear and osseous changes may allow the forensic anthropologist to speculate that the unidentified had a specific oral or labial device. However, through detailed observation and documentation by the dental care provider, wear and damage observed in the dentition of skeletal remains could be matched with thorough dental records.
Book Chapters by Tiffany B Saul
Articles by Tiffany B Saul
Dissertation by Tiffany B Saul
This research was conducted at the Anthropology Research Facility in Knoxville, Tennessee, an outdoor laboratory for the study of human decomposition. Body donors with known residence histories (n=44) plus two additional donors at the Forensic Anthropology Research Facility in San Marcos, Texas, were enrolled in the study, and carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen, and strontium isotopes from human hair samples of these donors were analyzed. Postmortem exposure times for the study ranged from 22 days to more than three years. Results of the study revealed that carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios in human hair, commonly used to make dietary inferences, undergo little change over time and are more reliable than hydrogen, oxygen, and strontium isotope ratios, which are impacted by the depositional environment. This study revealed that isotope ratios of human hair can change postmortem and are influenced by geographic placement location, surface or burial placement, and duration of exposure.
Papers by Tiffany B Saul
With daily high temperatures ranging between 59°F (15°C) and 84°F (28.89°C) during the spring trial (n=4), usable data was obtained for an average of four days. However, the early summer trial (n=4) included high temperatures between 81°F (27.22°C) and 91°F (32.77°C) and the number of days usable data could be captured was reduced to two. Overall, fingerprints proved to be the most reliable biometric data, producing usable data longer than iris scans or facial images (four days for fingerprints, two for facial, and one day for iris images). Insect activity, bloating, and color changes due to decomposition prohibited the capture of usable facial images after an average of two days (regardless of season), while dehydration, clouding, and collapse of the cornea prevented capture of usable iris scans after an average of two days in the spring and only one in the summer. Additionally, hydration of the left iris did not lead to an improvement in the quality of iris images when compared with the right iris.
This study demonstrated that digitally captured biometric data can be used within two to four days postmortem to identify individuals, compared to existing antemortem biometric data. For some modalities such as iris recognition, it has been generally believed, but never studied, that iris biometrics are only viable within the first 24 hours; however, the results of this study show that they remain viable for a longer period of time, depending upon environmental conditions. When scavenger activity is inhibited, fingerprints persist longer than facial and iris identifiers; however, temperature, precipitation, and insect activity were the primary factors affecting the retention of biometric information in decomposing human remains. While this study is an initial step in determining the utility of physiological biometric identifiers during the decomposition process, biometric research has the potential to make important contributions to forensic anthropology and the law enforcement, military, and medicolegal communities.
"
This preliminary report also utilized a case study to demonstrate the effects of oral piercings upon the dentition. The subject of this case study had a metal tongue ring for approximately seven years. The piercing was removed six years prior to the study; however, the effects of the piercing upon the dentition were clear and observable. The individual suffered severe enamel erosion on the lingual surfaces of both anterior and posterior teeth. Significant chipping in both anterior and posterior teeth was also observed. The subject reported an extraction of a molar due to damage sustained from the piercing, as well. In addition to these findings, another piercing under the lower lip induced significant gum erosion that was also observable. The subject had soft tissue scarring of the tongue and upper chin resulting from the piercings. The details of the damage observed upon the dentition and soft tissue were recorded in the dental record provided by the subject’s dental care provider, as well. damage observed in the dentition of skeletal remains could be matched with thorough dental records.
The preliminary findings of this study suggest there is potential for the use of observable wear patterns on the dentition created by oral and labial devices to assist in the identification of human skeletal remains. It is important to note that dental professionals must be diligent in documenting the types of wear and/or damage present on patients’ teeth, as well as the possible causes. All eight dental professionals surveyed reported patients with oral or labial piercings; however, only six reported that they note this information in their patients’ records. At minimum, dental wear and osseous changes may allow the forensic anthropologist to speculate that the unidentified had a specific oral or labial device. However, through detailed observation and documentation by the dental care provider, wear and damage observed in the dentition of skeletal remains could be matched with thorough dental records.
This research was conducted at the Anthropology Research Facility in Knoxville, Tennessee, an outdoor laboratory for the study of human decomposition. Body donors with known residence histories (n=44) plus two additional donors at the Forensic Anthropology Research Facility in San Marcos, Texas, were enrolled in the study, and carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen, and strontium isotopes from human hair samples of these donors were analyzed. Postmortem exposure times for the study ranged from 22 days to more than three years. Results of the study revealed that carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios in human hair, commonly used to make dietary inferences, undergo little change over time and are more reliable than hydrogen, oxygen, and strontium isotope ratios, which are impacted by the depositional environment. This study revealed that isotope ratios of human hair can change postmortem and are influenced by geographic placement location, surface or burial placement, and duration of exposure.