Browsing by Author "Shortland, A."

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    Cuticular hydrocarbon analysis for the identification, ageing and geographical variations of forensically important blowflies
    (2022-02) Kula, Canan; Moore, H E; Drijfhout, F P; Shortland, A.
    Calliphoridae (blowflies) are important for forensic entomology as they are often the first group of insects to inhabit decomposing remains. To estimate the minimum post-mortem interval (PMImin), blowfly samples are collected from the crime scene and identified, and then the age needs to be determined for each species. Accurate species identification is crucial, as varied species have different life-stage timings. Previous studies on Diptera have shown the possibility of using cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) analysis to aid species identification, ageing and ultimately calculating PMImin. However, since prior research was conducted at constant temperatures, the effect of fluctuating temperature on chemical profiles and the stability of CHCs in the field remains unclear. This thesis aims to examine the CHC profiles of Lucilia sericata and Calliphora vicina reared outdoors in the United Kingdom, Germany and Turkey in terms of species, age and inter-population differences. The first study investigates whether the stability of the CHC profiles of two colonies reared outdoors can be used to identify species-specific characteristics. The second examines the effects of fluctuating and constant temperatures on the CHC profiles of the life cycle stages and the use of their chemical profiles for age estimations. The final study aims to determine the differences in CHC profiles of the same species living in different habitats and whether they can be used to distinguish populations. The CHC profiles of the samples were extracted and analysed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The statistical interpretation was carried out using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The results showed that CHC profiles differed significantly between developmental stages by species, age, rearing temperature and geographical location. This study highlights that despite environmental factors affecting the stability of CHC compositions, the CHC analysis can be used as a complementary tool for identifying and ageing the species. Furthermore, the effects of ambient temperature and geographical variation on CHC profiles may be useful for determining inter-population variations.
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    First World War Grave Concentration on the Western Front: Hooge Crater Cemetery, Belgium
    (2021-04) Martin, Victoria; Shortland, A.; Harrison, K; Braekmans, D
    The First World War took place between 1914 and 1918, with conflict occurring in Europe and across the globe. By the end of the War, the bodies of the British and Commonwealth dead were scattered across France and Belgium. It was decided to move single graves or small cemeteries into bigger cemeteries that were being built by the Imperial War Graves Commission. This process was called “concentration”, and involved searching the battlefields for graves, then excavating and attempting to identify the bodies present, prior to their reburial in a concentration cemetery. This thesis focuses on the concentration process and specifically examines a sample of graves from Hooge Crater Cemetery, Belgium. The main research aim is to understand the range of errors that occurred during concentration and identification, and how prolific they were. A historical and literature review was completed, followed by the analysis of data from 109 graves from Hooge Crater Cemetery that were re-exhumed in 1920. This proved that within the sample, a high number of errors occurred in the original concentration work. Following this, 163 burial returns containing the details of 1013 graves from Hooge Crater Cemetery were selected for detailed analysis. The information from these burial returns was gathered and reviewed, and where possible was plotted onto First World War trench maps. This data provides new insights into where and when bodies were concentrated, the type of methods used for identification and how these methods changed over time. The research presented here demonstrates that identification rates varied, and were influenced by several factors including burial location, quantity of body present, time of concentration and primary identification method used. Overall, this thesis expands our knowledge of First World War grave concentration, including how the battlefields were searched and how bodes were identified.
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    Technology and conservation of Chinese painted enamels
    (2021-07) Norris, Dana; Shortland, A.; Braekmans, D
    Chinese painted enamels are studied in this thesis with the goal of improving their conservation. To do this the material was studied through elemental analysis using two X-ray Fluorescence techniques and Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray spectrometry. All three techniques used in this study are non-destructive. The analytical sample set includes 131 examples dating from the inception of the technique in the early 18th century to modern production in the 21st century. Characterisation is used in this thesis to compare the compositions of each Chinese painted enamel colour to related artistic traditions including Chinese glass, cloisonné, overglaze enamels on porcelain, Limoges painted enamels and a late 17th century German painted enamel. Research on related materials was done with the aim of identifying the technological predecessors and exchanges for each colour in the palette. The results illuminate complexity in the development of the technique, which draws heavily on both Chinese and European technology. Manufacturing techniques, construction and degradation are documented through examination of artworks in museum collections, providing insight on the technical art history of the medium and its inherent vulnerabilities. Observations on condition have been used to recognise trends in degradation and link them to specific agents of decay and innate weaknesses from manufacturing. The results show that Chinese painted enamels are particularly vulnerable to physical force which occurs during handling and inappropriate support while on display or in storage. To mitigate future damage, recommendations on environmental conditions are made regarding temperature, humidity, and light levels.