Comparing the Scoring of Human Decomposition from Digital Images to Scoring Using On‐site Observations

When in forensic casework or empirical research in‐person assessment of human decomposition is not possible, the sensible substitution is color photographic images. To date, no research has confirmed the utility of color photographic images as a proxy for in situ observation of the level of decomposition. Sixteen observers scored photographs of 13 human cadavers in varying decomposition stages (PMI 2–186 days) using the Total Body Score system (total n = 929 observations). The on‐site TBS was compared with recorded observations from digital color images using a paired samples t‐test. The average difference between on‐site and photographic observations was ?0.20 (t = ?1.679, df = 928, p = 0.094). Individually, only two observers, both students with <1 year of experience, demonstrated TBS statistically significantly different than the on‐site value, suggesting that with experience, observations of human decomposition based on digital images can be substituted for assessments based on observation of the corpse in situ , when necessary.     

Proposed modification of a school-wide bully prevention program to support all children

Bullying prevention programs in the United States are being implemented in schools from kindergarten through high school to reduce rates of bullying behaviors. The bully prevention in positive behavior support (PBIS) model is an evidence-based, whole school intervention program. The PBIS model trains teachers, school staff, and administrators to model and provide positive reinforcement for children to decrease bullying amongst peers. This article addresses gaps in the current bullying prevention research by exploring challenges and potential modifications to the PBIS model based on staff perspectives of specific student needs. Utilizing focus group methodology, administrators, teachers, and support staff in a northeastern urban elementary school identified challenges experienced by students who were English language learners, impulsive, shy or sensitive, and female. The findings highlight the critical nature of school–parent relationships in addressing student, family, and cultural factors that influence the successful implementation of bullying prevention programs.     

Age Estimation of Infants Through Metric Analysis of Developing Anterior Deciduous Teeth

This study provides regression equations for estimation of age of infants from the dimensions of their developing deciduous teeth. The sample comprises 97 individuals of known sex and age (62 boys, 35 girls), aged between 2 days and 1,081 days. The age‐estimation equations were obtained for the sexes combined, as well as for each sex separately, thus including “sex” as an independent variable. The values of the correlations and determination coefficients obtained for each regression equation indicate good fits for most of the equations obtained. The “sex” factor was statistically significant when included as an independent variable in seven of the regression equations. However, the “sex” factor provided an advantage for age estimation in only three of the equations, compared to those that did not include “sex” as a factor. These data suggest that the ages of infants can be accurately estimated from measurements of their developing deciduous teeth.     

Criminal law theory and criminal code reform

M.A., University of Tartu 1979; Ph.D., All-Union Institute of Criminology (Moscow) 1986; LL.M., Columbia University 1993.     

Justice and intergenerational relations: An introduction

Gerontologists have rarely considered the concept of social justice in their research. Instead, related but more specific questions about the social situation of the aged have been posed. This paper provides an overview of existing social psychological literature on justice and intergenerational relations as a context for the five other papers contained in this issue. The importance of intergenerational justice within the family, particularly when there is a caretaking relationship, is stressed. As well, the policy implications of a concern with intergenerational justice are considered. The Paper concludes with a recommendation that gerontology and social justice research be integrated more frequently in order to enrich both fields of study.     

Women,ordination and the church

Margaret Ann Franklin (ed), The Force of the Feminine (Allen & Unwin) Sydney, 1986; Margaret Ann Franklin and Ruth Sturmey Jones (eds), Opening the Cage (Allen & Unwin) Sydney, 1987; Kate Nelson and Dominica Nelson (eds), Sweet Mothers, Sweet Maids (Penguin) Ringwood, 1986; Karen Armstrong, The Gospel According to Woman (Elm Tree) London, 1986; Kerreen Reiger, The Daughters of Eve and Mary: Women in the Modern World, Occasional Paper No. 6, IPOFAC, Mission of St James & St John, Melbourne, 1987.     

Healthcare fraud and quality of care: a patient-centered approach

This Article explores the intersection between quality of care and healthcare fraud by examining the extent to which quality-related fraud settlements benefit patients. The author argues that, although the protection of beneficiary health and welfare often is invoked by the federal government as one of the reasons for undertaking anti-fraud efforts, such considerations do not appear to play a large role in many of the settlements that are negotiated. While returning funds to the federal Treasury helps to ensure that the federal healthcare programs remain solvent and continue to serve beneficiaries in the aggregate, it may not adequately address harm to individual patients. Thus, the author concludes it may be time to explore new models of fraud settlements that can provide adequate compensation to the patients who may have suffered harm.