A bibliometric analysis of detection methods for clandestine graves in the context of human rights violations

IF 1.8 4区医学 Q2 MEDICINE, LEGAL

Science & Justice Pub Date : 2026-01-01 Epub Date: 2025-12-06 DOI:10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101373

Maira García-Jaramillo , Carlos Martín Molina , Fabian León-Vargas , Leonardo Torres , Alejandra Baena

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Abstract

The detection of clandestine graves is a critical task in forensic science, particularly in contexts of armed conflict, human rights violations, and organised crime. This study presents a bibliometric analysis of the scientific literature on clandestine grave detection published between 1996 and 2024, using Scopus as the primary data source. A total of 187 peer-reviewed publications were analysed through bibliometric indicators and visualization techniques, including co-occurrence and network analysis. The most prolific authors, institutions, countries, journals, and thematic trends were identified. Geophysical methods, particularly Ground Penetrating Radar and Electrical Resistivity Tomography, alongside forensic approaches such as volatile organic compounds detection and drone technology, have emerged as key techniques. Collaboration analysis highlights strong international networks, notably involving Keele University in the United Kingdom and several Latin American universities. However, regional disparities and underrepresentation of some conflict-affected regions persist in the literature. The study concludes by identifying research gaps and proposing directions for future interdisciplinary research.

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在侵犯人权的情况下对秘密坟墓的侦查方法进行文献计量分析

发现秘密坟墓是法医学的一项关键任务，特别是在武装冲突、侵犯人权和有组织犯罪的背景下。本研究以Scopus为主要数据来源，对1996年至2024年间发表的关于秘密坟墓探测的科学文献进行了文献计量学分析。通过文献计量指标和可视化技术，包括共现分析和网络分析，共分析了187份同行评议出版物。确定了最多产的作者、机构、国家、期刊和主题趋势。地球物理方法，特别是探地雷达和电阻率层析成像，以及挥发性有机化合物检测和无人机技术等法医方法，已经成为关键技术。合作分析强调了强大的国际网络，特别是涉及英国基尔大学和几所拉丁美洲大学。然而，文献中仍然存在区域差异和一些受冲突影响地区的代表性不足。该研究通过确定研究差距并提出未来跨学科研究的方向来结束。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Science & Justice 医学-病理学

CiteScore

4.20

自引率

15.80%

发文量

审稿时长

81 days

期刊介绍： Science & Justice provides a forum to promote communication and publication of original articles, reviews and correspondence on subjects that spark debates within the Forensic Science Community and the criminal justice sector. The journal provides a medium whereby all aspects of applying science to legal proceedings can be debated and progressed. Science & Justice is published six times a year, and will be of interest primarily to practising forensic scientists and their colleagues in related fields. It is chiefly concerned with the publication of formal scientific papers, in keeping with its international learned status, but will not accept any article describing experimentation on animals which does not meet strict ethical standards. Promote communication and informed debate within the Forensic Science Community and the criminal justice sector. To promote the publication of learned and original research findings from all areas of the forensic sciences and by so doing to advance the profession. To promote the publication of case based material by way of case reviews. To promote the publication of conference proceedings which are of interest to the forensic science community. To provide a medium whereby all aspects of applying science to legal proceedings can be debated and progressed. To appeal to all those with an interest in the forensic sciences.