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Forensic soil analysis is crucial in criminal investigations, necessitating robust analytical methodologies for an accurate discrimination of soil types and origins. This study explored the discrimination efficiency of thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetric analyses of Inceptisol, reddish Oxisol, and yellowish Oxisol soils from Brazil’s Cerrado region. Ninety air-dried soil samples collected at various locations underwent thermal analysis, focusing on mass loss of gibbsite, goethite, and kaolinite at specific temperatures. The log-transformed data were submitted to principal component analysis, nonmetric multidimensional scaling, and cluster analysis. The thermogravimetry emerged as a highly discriminatory tool, effectively delineating between soil types, and even detecting spatial variations. In contrast, the differential scanning calorimetry exhibited limited discriminatory power. The findings underscore the thermogravimetric potential as a valuable technique in soil forensics, providing critical insights into composition and spatial variations essential for criminal investigations. This study highlights the need for further research to explore synergies with complementary techniques, aiming to enhance forensic discrimination across diverse soil types and geographic contexts. The objective representation of results in this abstract emphasizes the significance of thermogravimetry in advancing forensic analysis of soil vestiges.

Forensic soil analysis is crucial in criminal investigations, necessitating robust analytical methodologies for an accurate discrimination of soil types and origins. This study explored the discrimination efficiency of thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetric analyses of Inceptisol, reddish Oxisol, and yellowish Oxisol soils from Brazil's Cerrado region. Ninety air-dried soil samples collected at various locations underwent thermal analysis, focusing on mass loss of gibbsite, goethite, and kaolinite at specific temperatures. The log-transformed data were submitted to principal component analysis, nonmetric multidimensional scaling, and cluster analysis. The thermogravimetry emerged as a highly discriminatory tool, effectively delineating between soil types, and even detecting spatial variations. In contrast, the differential scanning calorimetry exhibited limited discriminatory power. The findings underscore the thermogravimetric potential as a valuable technique in soil forensics, providing critical insights into composition and spatial variations essential for criminal investigations. This study highlights the need for further research to explore synergies with complementary techniques, aiming to enhance forensic discrimination across diverse soil types and geographic contexts. The objective representation of results in this abstract emphasizes the significance of thermogravimetry in advancing forensic analysis of soil vestiges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Papers were evaluated and trends and gaps in the use of hyperspectral imaging (HSI) in forensic science were described. • Document examination was the most prominent area exploring HSI. • VIS and NIR-HSI were the predominant techniques for forensic evidence characterization. • Chemometric tools are crucial to extract most important information from the samples. Analysis of evidence is a challenge. Crime scene materials are complex, diverse, sometimes of an unknown nature. Forensic science provides the most critical applications for their examination. Chemical tests, analytical methods, and techniques to process the evidence must be carefully selected by the forensic scientist. Ideally, it may be interpreted, analyzed, and judged in the original context of the crime scene. In this sense, hyperspectral imaging (HSI) has been employed as an analytical tool that maintains the integrity of the samples/objects for multiple and sequential analysis and for counter-proof exams. This paper is an overview of forensic science trends for the application of HSI techniques in the last ten years (2011–2021). The examination of documents was the main area of exploration, followed by bloodstain analysis aging process; trace analysis of explosives and gunshot residue. Chemometric tools were also addressed since they are crucial to obtain the most important information from the samples. There are great challenges in applying HSI in forensic science, but there have been clear technological and scientific advances, and a solid foundation has been built for the use of HSI in real-life cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relevance of the study is conditioned by the presence of problems of forensic analysis of documents and the great importance of practical application of computer technology for the production of such documents. The purpose of the study is to investigate the prospects of using modern computer technology in the production of special documents and to assess the prospects for studying such documents using modern forensic methods. The basis of the methodological approach is a qualitative combination of methods of system analysis of modern criminalistics in the field of document research with an analytical investigation of the prospects for the use of computer equipment for the production of documents for their further criminal use. The results obtained should be considered the definition of the main types of forgery of documents and criteria for the use of modern computer equipment for the production of documents for the purpose of their further use in criminal intentions; the formulation of the main goals and objectives of performing methods of forensic analysis of documents made using computer equipment. The findings and the conclusions formulated on their basis are of significant importance for employees of modern forensic institutions, whose duties include performing a forensic analysis of documents produced using computer equipment, which is essential for solving crimes committed using modern computer and electronic equipment and preventing computer and electronic terrorism in everyday life

Shooting distances are utilized, among other forensic input, to position shooters and victims at the crime scene. Shooting distance estimation is done, mainly under the knowledge or assumption, that no intervening object has been present between the target and the muzzle. In the analysis of clothing items of victims that have been involved in a shootout, it is assumed that most of the marks and materials are left on the outer layers of clothing. The outer layers, not the inner layers, are the first objects the bullet meets. Consequently, undergarments are often disregarded for shooting distance estimation as they are not assumed to contain sufficient information in the form of marks or materials. In light of the above, it is the standard operating procedure in some forensic laboratories not to examine underwear. In this case report, the forensic examiners started by the implementation of standard operating procedures, thus examining only the outer layers of clothing of the victims. A thorough visual examination of the various clothing items led a forensic examiner to decide to extend the standard operating procedures, and try and examine an undergarment of one of the victims as well. The interpretation of examination products led to different scene reconstruction, one that may have led to a different interpretation of evidence. In this case, simply sticking to standard operating procedures might have led to less accurate crime scene reconstruction. This case report comes to stress the importance of thorough inspection of forensic exhibits, and scientific and critical thinking about different scenarios. Moreover, it demonstrates how the case‐by‐case approach in shooting distance estimation may add meaningful information, and eventually—bring us even closer to the truth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Law / Teise is the property of Vilnius University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The authors have clarified perspectives for further development of criminalistics in Ukraine under the influence of integration processes of this science from Forensic Science. The genesis of the national model of criminalistics has been briefly studied; a comparative analysis of its content with Forensic Science has been accomplished; and the ways of further development of the system of criminalistics and related sciences in Ukraine have been defined considering the global tendencies of convergence of different models of this field of scientific knowledge. It has been emphasized that the use of the terms of “Criminalistics”, “Forensic Sciences” and “Criminal Investigation” is explained not just by the specifics of terminology in different countries, but primarily due to differences in defining the nature and internal content of these disciplines. According to the authors, the integration of tactical and technical criminalistics tools and methods of combating crime is quite acceptable and not only significantly enriches the arsenal of criminalistics, but determines its existence as an independent science. Such an approach allows us to consider criminalistics not just as one of the many sections of Forensic Sciences, but to single out it as one of the most comprehensive sciences that integrates all other forensic disciplines. The domestic model of criminalistics, in contrast to Forensic Science, represents the issues of a legal nature (criminalistics tactics and methodology), which makes it a science of dual (synthetic) nature. The integration processes observed in the development of criminalistics and Forensic Science are gradually leading to the convergence of these sciences in content. Given this, it is impractical to take further steps to disintegrate criminalistics in Ukraine by separating forensic expertise into a separate science. Otherwise, there will be a complete depletion of the natural and technical component of criminalistics, which may result in the disappearance of this science in general.

The article analyzes the conceptual principles, opinions and ideas for understanding the essence of forensic science private theory, namely: forensic prevention concept is considered. The empirical prerequisites for the emergence and development of forensic research have been investigated: accumulation of empirical facts in the theory of forensic science and other sciences, manifestation of integration processes. Theoretical and applied foundations of expert prevention private theory are formulated.

Blood in the form of stains is one of the most frequently encountered fluid in crime scene. Estimation of the time since deposition (TSD) is of great importance to guide the police investigation and the clarification of criminal offences. The time elapsed since deposition is usually estimated by modelling the physicochemical degradation of blood biomolecules over time. This work shows an ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and chemometrics study to estimate TSD of bloodstains on various surfaces and under different ambient conditions (indoor and outdoor). For a period from 0 to 212 days, a total of 960 stains were analyzed. Most of the eleven partial least squares regression (PLSR) models obtained showed a good prediction capacity, with a Residual Predictive Deviation (RPD) value higher than 3, and R2 higher than 0.90. Models for non-rigid supports showed better predictive capacity than those for rigid ones. A non-rigid surface model including the various non-rigid surfaces and ambient conditions was elaborated, which might be the most useful one from the criminalistic point of view. These results show that this technique can be a rapid, robust, and trustable tool for in situ determination of the TSD of bloodstains at crime scenes. • A successful global model including various surfaces and ambient conditions was elaborated to determine bloodstain TSD. • This model extends the time range, and improves the predictive capability as compared to previous related ones. • It is possible to accurately determining the TSD of a bloodstain, irrespective of the surface and ambient conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Hungarian Law Enforcement / Magyar Rendészet is the property of National University of Public Service and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The present commentary reviews the considerations of the famous American criminalist Paul Kirk in his seminal publication of 'The Ontogeny of Criminalistics,' written sixty years ago, regarding the status of forensic science and its fundamental principles. Professor Kirk aimed to examine forensic science as an independent scientific discipline, resulting in the identification of six key topics: 1) The need for fundamental principles; 2) the distinction between 'identification' and 'individualization;' 3) the qualifying elements of a profession; 4) the qualifying aspects of a science; 5) the need for a research-oriented basis; 6) the need for application of statistics and probability. In particular, Kirk deemed the nature of the progress made during his time as technical, practical, and transient at the cost of being fundamental, theoretical, and permanent. Predominantly, it is still the case today, with a post-effect fragmentation of forensic science into a myriad of ultra-specialized subdisciplines and applications. The lack of proper articulation of the most fundamental principles of forensic science was one of Kirk's most pressing concerns. The Sydney Declaration aimed to recapture the current fundamental (ontological and epistemological) status of forensic science, resulting in the redefinition of forensic science and its prime object of study, the trace , and in the consolidation of seven principles. The present commentary attempts to address Kirk's arguments in the Ontogeny in the context of the principles of the Declaration, with particular emphasis on the fundamental principles as well as Kirk's distinction between 'identification' and 'individualization,' which is considered critical to understanding the overall scope of forensic science. • Paul Kirk's 1963 commentary 'The Ontogeny of Criminalistics' is still relevant nowadays. • Kirk's principles and scope of forensic science are examined through the Sydney Declaration. • Progress is still mostly technical and practical rather than fundamental and theoretical. • Kirk's principle alone is inadequate to cover the potential and scope of forensic science. • Kirk's 'science of individualization' ought to be replaced with the 'science of traces'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper looks at the world’s systems and models of criminalistics and forensic science. Comparison of the conceptual foundations and technological subsystems of forensic knowledge of the Austro-German, Roman and Anglo-Saxon schools (the concept of «Forensic Science») reveals an important pattern in the development of criminalistics and forensic science in Russia. The indicated vectors and prospects for further evolution of national criminalistics and forensic science point to a clear trend towards differentiation of specialized knowledge by branches, objects, methods and levels of investigation. The strengths and weaknesses of the western and Russian systems of forensic knowledge are demonstrated. Conclusions and recommendations are put forward regarding the modernization of both the structure and the theoretical and methodological framework of criminalistics and forensic science in Russia.

Data on the physical characteristics of North African hashish are scarce. This article exploits hashish seizure data collected over an 8‐year period (2011–2018) in Algeria in order to establish a physical profile of North African hashish. The collected data were subjected to statistical analysis in order to characterize the three main forms in which North African hashish is packaged, namely hashish bags, hashish packets, and hashish units (slab bars). The study revealed that 82% of hashish bags weigh 25 kg that hashish bags are made either as a handbag or as a back bag that they are most often wrapped with woven plastic. Two hashish bag configurations were identified—Bag‐Packet‐Unit (79%) and Bag‐Unit (21%)—and 81% of the total studied bags featured logos. Hashish packets contain the units, which are wrapped with three to five different types of packaging to constitute packets of 0.5 kg (65%) or 1 kg (32%), with two different configurations including 100‐ or 250‐g units. Hashish packets are mainly covered with adhesive tape, and only 18% of them feature inscriptions. Hashish units are found in three different shapes: slab bar (most common), soap bar, and egg‐shaped bar. Sixty‐five percent of the North African hashish slab bars have a weight of 100 g; other weights are 250 g (20%), 90 g (10%), and 200 g (2%). Most of the 90–100 g units have a light brown color, and 200–250 g units are dark brown in color. Sixty‐four percent of hashish units contain logos. Five logo classes were identified: letters (37%), numbers (27%), symbols (23%), animals (11%), and, more recently, "paper logos" at just 2%, exclusively reserved for high‐quality hashish and entirely intended for the European market. The findings of this work allow for the establishment of a profiling platform of hashish seizures in this region and can be generalized to all countries that report this region as the primary source of seized hashish within their territory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Algeria, large quantities of hashish are seized every year. This study aimed to investigate the total content of major cannabinoids in the illicit seized hashish in Algeria over an 8‐year period (2011–2018) in order to establish the chemical profile of North African hashish. A total of 3265 hashish samples were analyzed using a validated high‐performance liquid chromatography–diode array detection (HPLC‐DAD) method, allowing the simultaneous quantification of both the acidic and the neutral forms of Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabinol (CBN). The results revealed a slight upward trend in the mean THC content, from 7.0% in 2011 to 9.4% in 2018, with an overall mean value of 8.4%. The overall means of CBD and CBN content were 3.5% and 0.8%, respectively. The number of high‐potency hashish samples gradually increased to reach 6% in 2018. Two distinct hashish chemotypes were identified: the highly populated chemotype II, corresponding to the traditional medium‐potency hashish ([THC + CBN]/CBD ~ 2.16), and chemotype I, containing hashish samples of relatively high THC levels and low levels of CBD (ratio ~ 4.90). Both chemotypes I and II were characterized in the ternary plot, and the proportions (THC:CBD:CBN) were about 85%:13%:2% and 60%:35%:5%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When receiving a stabbed tire for examination, forensic toolmark examiners can determine whether a suspect tool was used in a specific crime based on class‐characteristics and individual‐characteristics marks that have been left by the tool on the tire. This study discusses friction marks and their forensic value during the examination of a punctured tire. The term friction mark refers to the noticeable mark around the penetration area on a tire's surface. Tires designed to create high friction when contacting a road. Due to this design, friction is created between the stabbing tool shank and the sides of the hole. As a result of this friction, the shank of the stabbing tool wears the outer layer of tire around the hole. This leaves a friction mark whose general shape reflects the cross‐sectional shape of the stabbing tool's shank. This phenomenon was observed and named by Locke (7) in his evaluation of tire puncture marks with knives. This article demonstrates the same phenomenon with other types of stabbing tools. Test stabs were produced with different tools representing a variety of cross‐sectional shapes of shanks, and the resulting friction marks were photo‐documented and discussed. Correlations between the various cross‐sectional shapes and their corresponding friction marks are shown. Based on friction mark examination, the examiner: (i) can infer suspect tool shank cross‐sectional shape with the evaluation of the friction mark shape and (ii) can deduce the maximum dimensions of the shank. This examination simplifies and accelerates the forensic comparison procedure and the investigation time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unregulated cacti from the genus Echinopsis are used recreationally as mescaline‐containing alternatives to the outlawed peyote. Echinopsis‐derived plant materials appear in a variety of nondescript forms, making rapid assessment of whether they are mescaline‐containing materials or simply innocuous plant‐derived food products, very challenging. Reported here is a DART‐HRMS approach for the rapid detection of mescaline in whole plant material and a validated method for the quantification of mescaline in cactus tissue, using mescaline‐d9 as the internal standard. Calibration curves exhibited R2 values of ≥0.995, and the method exhibited a LLOQ and a linear range of 1 ppm and 1–100 ppm, respectively. Application of the method to commercially available Echinopsis spp. yielded results consistent with previous studies performed by GC‐ and LC‐MS, with mescaline levels of <2% dry weight in all cases. Therefore, DART‐HRMS is a suitable technique for the rapid screening of mescaline and its subsequent quantification within complex plant‐derived matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the authors' perspective on the issues of the genesis of scientific ideas concerning organizational aspects of forensic practice, and specifically systems for ensuring its quality and effectiveness. Key stages in the transformation of the concept of scientific organization of labor into the system of international quality standards and their influence on the organization of forensic practice are examined. Further highlighted are Professor R.S. Belkin's outstanding contributions to establishing the theoretical principles of quality management and their dialectical development in forensic expertology.

Marc Bischoff received his PhD from the University of Lausanne, Institute of Police Science and Criminology, and later became the head of the Institute. His final examination paper for his doctorate degree constitutes a toolmark analysis and comparison between a suspected axe and questioned cuttings of wood trunks. Bischoff uses the scientific method to test the hypothesis he formulated. Dated 1916, this report includes his notes, measurements, photomicrographs of the questioned toolmarks and the test impressions, detailed sketches, technical discussion, results, and conclusions. Recognizing the historical value of Bischoff's work, it seemed important to get it translated. Photocopies of Bischoff's original work were obtained. The case report, translated from French, is presented here along with a brief history of the Firearm and Toolmark Identification field and Bischoff's role in the beginning of this field. Bischoff's work stands as testimony to the long tradition of the field of forensic toolmark analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overview of recently defended PhD dissertationы on the problems of forensic science and criminalistics.

There have been several signifi cant advances in Raman spectroscopy instrument technology during the past few decades, including the introduction of several new laser sources, the development of holographic gratings, effi cient Rayleigh line rejection fi lters, and CCD array detectors, and the advent of FT-Raman spectrometers. In view of these developments, Raman spectroscopy is now a fully mature analytical technique on par with its counterpart, infrared spectroscopy. The latter technique experienced a quantum leap in use in the forensic science laboratory following the introduction of inexpensive FT-IR spectrometers in the 1980s, but forensic scientists have been slower to embrace Raman spectroscopy. This may stem in part from the perception that fl uorescence prevents its use for many samples. However, a more signifi cant factor may be insuffi cient understanding of the unique capabilities of Raman spectroscopy, including how it can provide information not accessible using other methods. This promising technique is fi nally making some inroads into the forensic science laboratory, and this will continue as forensic scientists gain a greater appreciation of its features and merits. To facilitate this process, this article presents a comprehensive review of Raman spectroscopy, with an emphasis on how and why this underutilized cousin to infrared spectroscopy can be a very valuable tool for the analysis of a wide variety of evidentiary materials. Owing to the wide scope of this review, it is presented in two parts. Most forensic scientists are not very familiar with inelastic scattering and Part I of this article describes the principles and instrumentation of Raman spectroscopy. Forensic scientists, however, are generally more knowledgeable about infrared spectroscopy, and a comparison of the spectral data produced by these two related vibrational methods for various categories of analytes is also presented and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There have been several signifi cant advances in Raman spectroscopy instrumentation during the past few decades, and this method is now a fully mature analytical technique on par with its counterpart, infrared spectroscopy. The latter method experienced a quantum leap in use in the forensic science laboratory following the introduction of inexpensive FT-IR spectrometers in the 1980s, but forensic scientists have been slower to embrace Raman spectroscopy. However, this promising technique is fi nally making some inroads into the forensic science laboratory, and to facilitate this process, this article presents a comprehensive review of Raman spectroscopy; it emphasizes how and why this underutilized method can be a very valuable tool for the analysis of a wide variety of evidentiary materials. Part I of this article described the principles of Raman spectroscopy, including theory, instrumentation, and a comparison of spectral data obtained using infrared and Raman methods for various analytes. Part II discusses how different analytical conditions can affect Raman spectra, and what bearing this and other factors may have on spectral interpretation; it also presents a review of the literature describing applications of Raman spectroscopy for the examination of various types of evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Previous research by the authors on an animal model showed that bloodstains can contain additional information about their somatic origin in the form of wound cells. Bloodstains produced by a gunshot wound to the head were distinguished from bloodstains produced by a gunshot wound to the chest by testing the stains for a brain microRNA marker. In this study, the effectiveness of the technique was examined on blood drops shed externally from a stab wound to the liver of rat carcasses. Specifically, investigations were conducted on the liver microRNA marker, rno‐mir‐122‐3p, with the QIAGEN miScript System, and PCR analysis. Between the two stabbing methods used, 67% of the scalpel blades and 57% of the blood drops tested positive for rno‐mir‐122‐3p; however, other samples tested negative giving inconclusive results as to the wound‐of‐origin. The amount of the liver cells in the bloodstains appeared to be related to the extent of trauma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper relates to the application of a novel spray formulation for developing latent fingermarks on a wide range of crime scene evidences. The formulation is based on a xanthene dye, rose Bengal, and a phase transfer catalyst, t-tetrabutylammonium iodide. It takes just 2-3 minutes to develop optimum on a broad spectrum of fingerprint evidences of non-porous, semi porous and porous substrates. It also detects fingerprints on items that are white and multi-colored, and smooth and rough. In addition, it develops fingerprints on a variety of adhesive tapes, including duct tape, which is used by suicide bombers to wrap explosives on their bodies. It also detects impressions on such items that have been exposed to water and high temperatures. The spray solution is prepared in water. The ingredients of the formulation are non-toxic, cheap and easily procurable.

To address questions on the activity that led to the deposition of biological traces in a particular case, general information on the probabilities of transfer, persistence and recovery of cellular material in relevant scenarios is necessary. These figures may be derived from experimental data described in forensic literature when conditions relevant to the case were included. The experimental methodology regarding sampling, DNA extraction, DNA typing and profile interpretation that were used to generate these published data may differ from those applied in the case and thus the applicability of the literature data may be questioned. To assess the level of variability that different laboratories obtain when similar exhibits are analysed, we performed an inter-laboratory study between four partner laboratories. Five sets of 20 cable ties bound by different volunteers were distributed to the participating laboratories and sampled and processed according to the in-house protocols. Differences were found for the amount of retrieved DNA, as well as for the reportability and composition of the DNA profiles. These differences also resulted in different probabilities of transfer, persistence and recovery for each laboratory. Nevertheless, when applied to a case example, these differences resulted in similar assignments of weight of evidence given activity-level propositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of applications on mobile devices is gradually becoming a new norm in everyday life, and crime scene investigation is unlikely to escape this reality. The article assesses the current state of research and practices by means of literature reviews, semistructured interviews, and a survey conducted among crime scene investigators from Canada and Switzerland. Attempts at finding a particular strategy to guide the development, usage, and evaluation of applications that can assist crime scene investigation prove to be rather challenging. Therefore, the article proposes a typology for these applications, as well as criteria for evaluating their relevance, reliability, and answer to operational requirements. The study of five applications illustrates the evaluation process. Far away from the revolution announced by some stakeholders, it is required to pursue scientific and pragmatic research to set the theoretical foundations that will allow a significant contribution of applications to crime scene investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a bloodstain pattern analysis, one of the essential tasks is to distinguish between different kinds of applied forces as well as to estimate their level of intensity. In this study, high-speed digital imaging has been used to analyze the formation of cast-off patterns generated by a simulated backswing with a blood-bearing object. For this purpose, 0.5 mL blood was applied evenly over the last 5 cm of a blade simulant. Bloodstains were created through the controlled acceleration of a backswing at different speed levels between 1.1 m/sec and 3.8 m/sec. The flight dynamics of blood droplets were captured with an Olympus® i-Speed 3 high-speed digital camera with a Nikon® AF Nikkor 50 mm f/1.8 D lens and analyzed using the Olympus i-Speed 3 Viewer software. The video analysis showed that, during the backswing, blood droplets would move toward the lower end of the knifepoint and would be tangentially thrown off. These droplets impacted on the horizontal surface according to the arc of the swing. An increase in velocity led to longer cast-off patterns with distinct morphological characteristics. Under laboratory conditions, bloodstain pattern analysis allows certain conclusions about the intensity of a backswing and provides instructions on the position of the offender. However, due to the number of unknown variables at a crime scene, such interpretation of cast-off patterns is extremely limited and should be performed with extreme caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thoughts on the continuing legacy of Rafail Samuilovich Belkin are shared by his colleague and contemporary who worked for many years in the system of forensic science organizations of the Ministry of Justice.

Nocturnal flight of blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is a controversial issue in forensic entomology. We performed two field experiments to investigate the diurnal and nocturnal activity of six blow fly species in a rainforest fragment in Brazil. Initially, nocturnal (17:30–05:30) versus diurnal (05:30–17:30) flight activity was investigated. Only 3.9% of adults were collected at night, mostly the native species Mesembrinella bicolor, and nocturnal oviposition did not occur. In the second experiment, collection of adults took place at the following intervals: 05:30–08:30, 08:30–11:30, 11:30–14:30, and 14:30–17:30. The proportions of adults did not differ significantly among the four diurnal intervals, except for Hemilucilia segmentaria, which was captured more frequently in the early morning. Calliphoridae has predominantly diurnal behavior, not laying eggs in darkness. The association of the native species M. bicolor, Hemilucilia semidiaphana, and H. segmentaria to forested areas reinforces the forensic relevance of data on their flight pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manufactured fibers derived from natural origins include viscose rayon, azlon, and polylactic acid ( PLA). A 2-year study was conducted to document any changes these fibers undergo as a result of exposure to various environmental conditions. Fabric swatches representing each fiber type were exposed to freshwater, saltwater, heat, cold, ultraviolet light, or composter conditions. Fibers from the swatches were periodically analyzed using polarized light microscopy and Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy. Fiber solubility and melting-point behavior were measured every 6 months. Except for the complete degradation of viscose rayon in the composter, saltwater, and freshwater environs, no changes in the optical properties, infrared spectra, solubility, or melting points of the remaining fibers in any of the environments were observed. However, microscopic morphological changes were observed in fibers from two azlon swatches submerged in freshwater and saltwater, two PLA swatches exposed to ultraviolet light, and two viscose rayon swatches exposed to ultraviolet light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to possible secondary transfer of gunshot residue ( GSR) onto a suspect in police custody prior to sampling, a baseline must be created for the amount of GSR present. With an increase of 'lead free' ammunition, testing for both gunpowder and primer GSR is relevant. Seventy samples were collected using carbon-coated adhesive stubs from four Pittsburgh Police Stations and vehicles to investigate these locations as sources of secondary GSR contamination. These seventy samples were analyzed for primer GSR using scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry. One primer GSR particle was detected; no sample was classified as positive for primer GSR. These same samples were then analyzed for gunpowder GSR using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry to test for akardite II, ethylcentralite, diphenylamine, N-nitrosodiphenylamine, 2-nitrodiphenylamine, and 4-nitrodiphenylamine. Ethylcentralite was quantifiable in two test samples. These results suggest there is a negligible potential for secondary transfer of primer and gunpowder GSR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of secondary DNA transfer has been previously established. However, the transfer of DNA through an intermediary has not been revisited with more sensitive current technologies implemented to increase the likelihood of obtaining results from low-template/low-quality samples. This study evaluated whether this increased sensitivity could lead to the detection of interpretable secondary DNA transfer profiles. After two minutes of hand to hand contact, participants immediately handled assigned knives. Swabbings of the knives with detectable amounts of DNA were amplified with the Identifiler® Plus Amplification Kit and injected on a 3130xl. DNA typing results indicated that secondary DNA transfer was detected in 85% of the samples. In five samples, the secondary contributor was either the only contributor or the major contributor identified despite never coming into direct contact with the knife. This study demonstrates the risk of assuming that DNA recovered from an object resulted from direct contact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bolt cutters are known as cutting tools which are used for cutting hard objects and materials, such as padlocks and bars. Bolt cutter blades leave their imprint on the cut objects. When receiving a cut object from a crime scene, forensic toolmarks examiners can determine whether the suspected cutting tool was used in a specific crime or not based on class characteristic marks and individual marks that the bolt cutter blades leave on the cut object. The paper presents preliminary results of a study on ten bolt cutters and suggests a quick preliminary examination—the comparison between the blade thickness and the width of the imprint left by the tool on the cut object. Based on the comparison result, if there is not a match, the examiner can eliminate the feasibility of the use of the suspected cutting tool in a specific crime. This examination simplifies and accelerates the comparison procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the wake of terrorist attacks using anthrax and ricin, white powder is often encountered in cases of malicious mischief and terrorist threats. Wheat flour is a common white powder encountered in such criminal investigations. We used DNA analysis to investigate wheat flour samples for identification and discrimination as trace evidence. Species identification of commercially available wheat flour was carried out by sequencing a partial region of the ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase large subunit gene ( rbcL). Samples were discriminated using short tandem repeat (STR) analysis. The rbcL sequences of all wheat flour samples were identical and showed a high level of similarity to known wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) sequences. Furthermore, flours had characteristic patterns in STR analyses, with specific cultivars showing distinctive patterns. These results suggested that the identification of wheat flour species is possible using rbcL sequencing, and that STR analysis is useful for discriminating between samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the second part of this survey, the ability of micro-Raman spectroscopy to discriminate 180 fiber samples of blue, black, and red cottons, wools, and acrylics was compared to that gathered with the traditional methods for the examination of textile fibers in a forensic context (including light microscopy methods, UV-vis microspectrophotometry and thin-layer chromatography). This study shows that the Raman technique plays a complementary and useful role to obtain further discriminations after the application of light microscopy methods and UV-vis microspectrophotometry and assure the nondestructive nature of the analytical sequence. These additional discriminations were observed despite the lower discriminating powers of Raman data considered individually, compared to those of light microscopy and UV-vis MSP. This study also confirms that an instrument equipped with several laser lines is necessary for an efficient use as applied to the examination of textile fibers in a forensic setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When the forensic toolmarks laboratory receives for examination and comparison a tool that is suspected of having been involved in a crime, the expert performs tests designed to determine whether or not the specific tool generates the same toolmarks as those found at the crime scene. This is performed by testing tool striation on a piece of soft metal, such as lead, and examining the marks left by the tool. Studies have shown that wax may be an optimal material for this purpose. This study examines the use of wax at different temperatures and shows that quality of results is better when the wax is cooled (recommended temperature is -18°C). At this temperature, the wax is flexible enough but does not smear and is not sticky. This makes the obtained marks clearer and of better quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bismuth oxychloride (Bi OCl) was the first viable synthetic pearl pigment developed 50 years ago. It was only used for a limited time period in automotive paint (model years 1998-2000), serving to produce luster for a single Chrysler black metallic color. Identification of this pigment in an unknown automotive paint can thus facilitate determination of the vehicle of origin. Bismuth oxychloride imparts effects similar to those produced by silver/white mica pearlescent pigments, and such a pigment was used together with bismuth oxychloride in at least one original equipment manufacturer ( OEM) basecoat. Silver/white micas are now used primarily in white pearl tricoat systems. This article describes the identification of bismuth oxychloride and silver/white mica pearlescent pigments in automotive finishes using FT- IR spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence ( XRF) spectrometry, and SEM/ EDS analysis. Data for some cadmium pigments, which were used in automotive paint several decades ago, are also presented as they produce infrared absorptions similar to that of bismuth oxychloride. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bloodstain pattern analysis to determine the wound-of-origin of bloodstains is problematic with nonspecific patterns. In this proof-of-concept study, the authors examined a molecular approach to correlate bloodstains with injuries using the rat as a model. Specifically, investigations were conducted on the rat brain marker, rno-miR-124-3p, with the QIAGEN miScript System and real-time PCR analysis. Rno-miR-124-3p was detected in brain homogenates diluted 100,000 times; in 3-week-old, room temperature stored, simulated brain-blood stains; and in bloodstains from head gunshot wounds collected with swabs and subsequently frozen for 9-18 months; however, rno-miR-124-3p was not detected in whole blood. Proof-of-principle was demonstrated by the ability to distinguish bloodstains from a gunshot wound to the head versus bloodstains from a gunshot wound to the chest, by the testing of otherwise identical bloodstains from the two patterns for the presence of the marker. The results suggest a viable approach to a longstanding problem in casework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chrome Yellow ( PbCr O4· xPbSO4) was a common pigment in U. S. automobile OEM finishes for more than three decades, but in the early 1990s its use was discontinued. One of its main replacements was Bismuth Vanadate ( Bi VO4· nBi2 Mo O6, n = 0-2), which was commercially introduced in 1985, as this inorganic pigment also produces a very bright hue and has excellent outdoor durability. This paper describes the in situ identification of Bismuth Vanadate in automotive finishes using FT- IR and dispersive Raman spectroscopy and XRF spectrometry. Some differentiation of commercial formulations of this pigment is possible based on far-infrared absorptions, Raman data, and elemental analysis. The spectral differences arise from the presence or absence of molybdenum, the use of two crystal polymorphs of Bi VO4, and differences in pigment stabilizers. Bismuth Vanadate is usually not used alone, and it is typically found with Isoindoline Yellow, hydrous ferric oxide, rutile, Isoindolinone Yellow 3 R, or various combinations of these. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple method for quantification of contrast in a fingerprint is proposed. Contrast is defined as the average difference in intensity of pixels between valleys and ridges in a fingerprint. It is quantified from a scanner-acquired image of the fingerprint using a histogram function of Adobe Photoshop. The method was validated with black inked prints and marks developed with aluminum powder. Moreover, we tested resistance of the method to rater-dependent errors and dependence of the measurements on the resolution of an image and the model of the scanner. For both groups of fingerprints, the method gave coherent and easily interpretable quantitative values for contrast. There were no significant differences between measurements performed by different raters and by the same rater in a test-retest procedure. However, the method was found to be instrument dependent, as measurements were significantly affected by image resolution and the model of the scanner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the articulation of a novel forensic object—the ‘crime scene’—and its corresponding expert—the investigating officer. Through a detailed engagement with the work of the late nineteenth-century Austrian jurist and criminalist Hans Gross, it analyses the dynamic and reflexive nature of this model of ‘CSI’, emphasising the material, physical, psychological and instrumental means through which the crime scene as a delineated space, and its investigator as a disciplined agent operating within it, jointly came into being. It has a further, historiographic, aim: to move away from the commonplace emphasis in histories of forensics on fin-de-siècle criminology and toward its comparatively under-explored contemporary, criminalistics. In so doing, it opens up new ways of thinking about the crime scene as a defining feature of our present-day forensic culture that recognise its historical contingency and the complex processes at work in its creation and development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Forensic scientists are often asked to physically compare duct tape samples found in association with criminal activity. This study was designed to statistically evaluate the error and accuracy rates associated with duct tape physical end matching. The experimental design consisted of a blind study in which three researchers independently analyzed eight types of tape subjected to four methods of separation. The lowest mean accuracy observed was 98.15%, the highest mean false-positive rate observed was 3.33%, and the highest mean false-negative rate was 2.67%. Overall, high accuracy with low false-positive and false-negative error rates were observed. This study confirms the use of physical end matching in identifying duct tape samples as matching or nonmatching and that the differences between analysts, brands, tape grades, tape color, and methods of separation have varying contributions to misidentifications and inconclusive results. This study also demonstrates the importance of peer review in duct tape analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]