{"title":"Examination of customized questioned digital documents","authors":"Oluwasola Mary Adedayo PhD, Martin S. Olivier PhD","doi":"10.1111/1556-4029.15703","DOIUrl":"10.1111/1556-4029.15703","url":null,"abstract":"<p>With the increasing trend of digitization of business processes and personal communication across the globe, digital documents of intrinsic value continue to be created. Whereas the questioned document examination (QDE) field of forensic science deals with the examination of “physical” documents potentially disputed in a court of law, there are no developed approaches for handling questioned digital documents (QDDs). Although techniques that address related problems such as identifying document types and image forensics exist, concrete strategies for analyzing questioned “digital” documents still need to be developed. This paper focuses on developing methods to examine QDDs that are customized from a database, due to the versatile use of customized documents in many areas. As a basis for our approach, we make the case for the need to develop analysis techniques for a digital counterpart of QDE which we term Questioned Digital Document Examination (QDDE). We posit that there is a benefit in considering digital aspects of forensic science disciplines where the questions answered by the discipline are clear, from a digital perspective. The paper describes some of the aspects that can be considered in the domain of question digital document examination. In designing methods for QDDE, we discuss the process of document recreation and describe the feasibility of our recreation process in different scenarios. Our experiments show that an alternative approach of considering digital aspects from a well-defined physical domain is worthwhile. It also supports the practical application of our approach in examining documents customized from a database.</p>","PeriodicalId":15743,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic sciences","volume":"70 2","pages":"550-565"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/1556-4029.15703","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143367115","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Impact of bifenthrin and clothianidin on blow fly (Diptera: Calliphoridae) oviposition patterns under laboratory and field conditions","authors":"Teomie S. Rivera-Miranda MSc, Krystal R. Hans PhD","doi":"10.1111/1556-4029.15708","DOIUrl":"10.1111/1556-4029.15708","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) can detect decomposing remains and begin colonizing the resource through oviposition soon after. The estimated time between colonization and insect evidence collection is referred to as the time of colonization (TOC). Forensic entomologists use the TOC to help estimate the minimum postmortem interval (mPMI), or the time between death and the discovery of remains. The presence of insecticides can influence blow fly behaviors, including oviposition. This study aimed to investigate how different concentrations of two insecticides, bifenthrin and clothianidin, affected blow fly oviposition both under laboratory and field conditions. In the laboratory experiments, <i>Lucilia sericata</i> (Meigen) and <i>Phormia regina</i> (Meigen) blow flies were exposed to beef liver treated with varying concentrations of bifenthrin or clothianidin. In the field, stillborn pig carcasses were treated with the same concentrations and time to oviposition was assessed and oviposition site preference observed. Insecticides have the potential to deter insect activity. Therefore, we hypothesized that insecticide exposure would result in delayed oviposition, altered site preferences, and increased mortality due to their modes of action. Statistical analyses indicated that the insecticides had no significant effects on the time to oviposition in the laboratory experiments, although species- and insecticide-specific effects were observed. Clothianidin, however, significantly affected mortality rates in both species. During field trials, bifenthrin significantly delayed oviposition, while clothianidin inhibited oviposition at the high concentration. These findings offer valuable insights for improving entomological evidence analysis in criminal investigations where insecticide exposure is suspected.</p>","PeriodicalId":15743,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic sciences","volume":"70 2","pages":"627-638"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/1556-4029.15708","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143191579","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xiao-Peng Liu MA, Mu-Wen Liang MA, Bin Du PhD, Ya-Bin Zhao PhD, Zhao-Yang Tong PhD
{"title":"Improve the visualization effect of fingerprint immunolabeling based on biotin-avidin system","authors":"Xiao-Peng Liu MA, Mu-Wen Liang MA, Bin Du PhD, Ya-Bin Zhao PhD, Zhao-Yang Tong PhD","doi":"10.1111/1556-4029.15707","DOIUrl":"10.1111/1556-4029.15707","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Immunolabeling based on fluorescence is a new technique that has been recently applied in the field of forensic science. In this paper, a new immunofluorescence method based on signal amplification was applied to develop fingermarks and improve the quality of pattern recognition with clear ridge details and high contrast. The high affinity between biotin and avidin and the one-to-many binding mode can connect several fluorescent groups together to achieve a signal amplification effect. The results indicated that the fluorescence intensity of the fingermark sample, as displayed by the biotin-avidin signal amplification system (BAS), was nearly three times higher than that revealed by previous immunolabeling methods based on fluorescence. Specifically, more fluorescent chromophores were bound to the friction ridges in BAS. Two proteins were selected as experimental target proteins for fingermark immunofluorescence visualization to optimize the visualization effect. The results showed that compared to keratin 1, dermcidin as the target protein in BAS achieved a more desirable effect, with 88.9% of the experimental samples left on nonporous objects having identification value. This method provides new insights for the development of fingermark spectra and is expected to become an effective and safe technology in the field of forensic science.</p>","PeriodicalId":15743,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic sciences","volume":"70 2","pages":"696-703"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143076764","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hongjin Choi MSc, Nokyeon Kwon MSc, Jiwon Kim MSc, Dasom Park MSc, Jimin Cheon MSc, Sungwook Hong PhD
{"title":"Methods to prevent overdevelopment of fingermarks with 1,2-indanedione/zinc","authors":"Hongjin Choi MSc, Nokyeon Kwon MSc, Jiwon Kim MSc, Dasom Park MSc, Jimin Cheon MSc, Sungwook Hong PhD","doi":"10.1111/1556-4029.15704","DOIUrl":"10.1111/1556-4029.15704","url":null,"abstract":"<p>A piece of paper submitted as evidence can both have fingermarks with a high and low amount of sweat. When such paper is treated with 1,2-indanedione/zinc and subsequently heated at 160°C for 10 s, fingermarks with high sweat content may become overdeveloped. Attempts to prevent overdevelopment by reducing the heating time to <10 s were ineffective. However, it was found that maintaining the heating time at 10 s and reducing the temperature to below 160°C effectively prevented overdevelopment. In forensic practice involving latent fingermarks on actual evidence, an effective enhancement technique involves initially placing approximately 15 sheets of paper between the sample and an iron preheated to 160°C, and then applying heat for 10 s. This is subsequently followed by a secondary heating without the paper. This procedure has proven effective in enhancing fingermarks with both high and low sweat contents.</p>","PeriodicalId":15743,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic sciences","volume":"70 2","pages":"704-708"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143076767","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ayal Aronson MSc, Roman Pertsev PhD, Ophir Levy PhD, Amit Cohen MSc
{"title":"A novel method for linking reciprocating saw blades, suspected of being used for theft, to a stolen catalytic converter by using toolmarks comparison techniques","authors":"Ayal Aronson MSc, Roman Pertsev PhD, Ophir Levy PhD, Amit Cohen MSc","doi":"10.1111/1556-4029.15705","DOIUrl":"10.1111/1556-4029.15705","url":null,"abstract":"<p>In recent years, there has been a significant increase in metal prices, particularly precious metals. Consequently, property crimes involving metal theft, including the theft of auto parts and catalytic converters, have also increased dramatically. The surge in catalytic converter thefts is linked to the use of precious metals, such as palladium, rhodium, and platinum, in their construction and their high price. A skilled thief can easily and quickly steal the catalytic converter by getting underneath the vehicle and, in a few moments, simply cut the exhaust pipes in front of and behind the catalytic converter using a common cutting tool, such as a reciprocating saw. Beyond the high price and the ease of committing the theft, police investigators experience difficulties finding forensic evidence that will incriminate the suspect. Furthermore, linking the cut items, such as the reciprocating saw, is not a simple challenge because of its mode of operation. The cyclic movement of the saw's blade, back and forth, removes a section of material. Therefore, examining a saw mark is mainly based on details relating to class characteristic features rather than individual characteristics. The authors seek to challenge this approach and demonstrate the feasibility of linking, using microscopic toolmarks comparison, cordless reciprocation saw, and the potential individual marks that may have resulted from the tip of its blade on the catalytic converter during the cutting action.</p>","PeriodicalId":15743,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic sciences","volume":"70 2","pages":"684-695"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143076761","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Casey A. Flint PhD, Jennifer Rhinesmith-Carranza PhD, Riley Bell BS, Jeffery K. Tomberlin PhD
{"title":"Development of the house fly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae), on pork tissue at two temperatures","authors":"Casey A. Flint PhD, Jennifer Rhinesmith-Carranza PhD, Riley Bell BS, Jeffery K. Tomberlin PhD","doi":"10.1111/1556-4029.15702","DOIUrl":"10.1111/1556-4029.15702","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The house fly, <i>Musca domestica</i>, L. (Diptera: Muscidae), is a filth fly that is often associated with criminal and civil investigations surrounding abuse, neglect, and death of humans and other vertebrates. However, development data, which are crucial for determining the age of immatures collected under forensically relevant circumstances, are limited. Given the lack of data and the recognition of population-specific growth patterns, the aim of this study was to generate data for development of a <i>M. domestica</i> population from Texas, USA, on decomposing lean pork at 24.0°C (i.e., approximate room temperature in Texas) and 37.0°C (i.e., approximate human body temperature). As expected, fly development significantly differed between temperatures with development at the higher temperature taking significantly less time (development from egg to adult emergence occurred c. 48.5% faster at 37.0°C than at 24.0°C). The value of this dataset is demonstrated through an applied comparison with previously published data for the house fly. Differences in development times across life stages for the studies are evident, with shorter time of colonization estimations using the data published by Wang et al. (2018), especially in later life stages. These data represent the first development dataset for the house fly on decomposing flesh in North America. Furthermore, the comparison with the previously published dataset demonstrate data from this study are of value for future forensic investigations in Texas or possibly other parts of the United States where this species is encountered, as they can be used to determine time of colonization.</p>","PeriodicalId":15743,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic sciences","volume":"70 2","pages":"619-626"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/1556-4029.15702","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143026231","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lauren N. Butaric PhD, Jessica L. Campbell PhD, Heather M. Garvin PhD
{"title":"Visual assessment for frontal sinus radiographic identifications: Documenting accuracy and exploring the effects of experience","authors":"Lauren N. Butaric PhD, Jessica L. Campbell PhD, Heather M. Garvin PhD","doi":"10.1111/1556-4029.15700","DOIUrl":"10.1111/1556-4029.15700","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Decedent positive identification via visual comparisons of frontal sinus radiographs is commonly used in the medicolegal field; however, only a handful of studies have empirically tested this method. This study aimed to test the accuracy of visual assessment in frontal sinus identifications across a large and experientially diverse participant sample. A Qualtrics survey presented participants with 25 pairs of cropped frontal sinus radiographs, asking them to determine if they matched and their confidence level. Radiographs were from the American Association of Orthodontics Legacy Collection. Eighteen radiographic pairs were of the same individual taken a year or more apart. Seven pairs were from different individuals (nonmatches). Euclidean distances were used to select challenging nonmatches with similar outlines. Participants were also asked questions about their profession, training, and experience. The overall accuracy of the 145 respondents (3625 comparisons) was 89.9%, with a median accuracy of 92.0%. The majority of respondents (64.58%) report zero radiographic identification experience. Incorrect responses were biased, with only 3.6% of nonmatches wrongly reported as matches (false positives). Statistical analyses revealed significant effects of profession, radiographic experience, and training on match accuracies and confidence levels (<i>p</i> < 0.05), with a significant correlation between accuracy and confidence level (<i>r</i><sub>s</sub> = 0.302, <i>p</i> < 0.001). These results support the use of frontal sinus visual comparisons in forensic identifications but highlight the importance of training and experience. In practice, accuracy rates are expected to exceed those reported here, given that identifications are made by medicolegal personnel using higher quality radiographs of the entire cranium.</p>","PeriodicalId":15743,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic sciences","volume":"70 2","pages":"415-429"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143019048","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
André L. R. Talhari MSc, Filipe G. M. Mauricio PhD, Bruna R. B. Gomes PhD, Caroline R. Carneiro PhD, Idio A. S. Filho PhD, Fabiane H. Veiga-Souza PhD, Ingrid T. Weber PhD
{"title":"An alternative approach to the detection of latent fingermarks using [Eu2(BDC)3(H2O)2], a luminescent non-toxic MOF powder","authors":"André L. R. Talhari MSc, Filipe G. M. Mauricio PhD, Bruna R. B. Gomes PhD, Caroline R. Carneiro PhD, Idio A. S. Filho PhD, Fabiane H. Veiga-Souza PhD, Ingrid T. Weber PhD","doi":"10.1111/1556-4029.15691","DOIUrl":"10.1111/1556-4029.15691","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Fingermarks are important forensic evidence for identifying people. In this work, luminescent MOF [Eu<sub>2</sub>(BDC)<sub>3</sub>(H<sub>2</sub>O)<sub>2</sub>] (herein referred as EuBDC) was tested as a potential latent fingermark (LF) luminescent developer powder and its acute toxicity evaluated following OECD protocol 423. The results showed that the powder can develop groomed LF on materials such as leather, plastic, metal, glass, cardboard, and aluminum. LFs aged up to 30 days, left on glass slides were developed and classified as level-3. The images presented high quality, enabling correct donor identification as well as through an Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) search. EuBDC also showed useful results as secondary technique for fixed cyanoacrylate LFs, especially on a reflective, multicolored and non-flat surfaces. Additionally, the EuBDC was tested on ungroomed fingermarks, developed on a split depletion series of successive deposits and compared to a commercially available luminescent powder. Development also occurred on ungroomed aged fingermarks; as a secondary technique for cyanoacrylate fuming; and on transparent adhesive tape when used as a suspension for the latter. Considering that development powders are frequently handled by Papilloscopists and that this may pose a health risk, the acute toxicity and of EuBDC and histopathological analysis were evaluated. The tests showed no signs of toxicity. Therefore, the EuBDC was classified in category 5 in the Globally Harmonized System classification, the least toxic category, with an LD<sub>50</sub> >5000 mg/Kg. The set of results shows that EuBDC powder has the potential use as a fingermark developer, as well as being suitable for applications for non-toxic material.</p>","PeriodicalId":15743,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic sciences","volume":"70 2","pages":"531-549"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143019046","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fabiano Riva PhD, Frederick Richard Broekhuis MSc, Michael Haag BSc, Lambertus Koene PhD, Wim Kerkhoff
{"title":"Long-range trajectory reconstructions using the point mass model","authors":"Fabiano Riva PhD, Frederick Richard Broekhuis MSc, Michael Haag BSc, Lambertus Koene PhD, Wim Kerkhoff","doi":"10.1111/1556-4029.15697","DOIUrl":"10.1111/1556-4029.15697","url":null,"abstract":"<p>In shooting incident reconstructions, forensic examiners usually deal with scenes involving short-range trajectories, typically ≤30 m. In situations such as this, a linear trajectory reconstruction model is appropriate. However, a forensic expert can also be asked to estimate a shooter's position by reconstructing a long-range trajectory where the bullet's path becomes arced as a result of gravity and the greater time in flight. In this study, the point mass model (PMM) was used, because it is accessible and considered sufficiently accurate. A computer program using PMM can perform long-range trajectory reconstructions starting from an impact point. The reconstruction results in an area where the shot is expected to be fired from, not a single location. This is caused by varying the input parameters of the PMM. The aim of this study is to assess the accuracy of the method and discuss the influence of the most relevant parameters. The model has been validated by comparing its performance with 20 handgun bullet trajectories that were determined using Doppler radar measurements over long ranges, i.e. from 500 m to 1800 m. Comparison between the area calculated using the model and the actual shooter position demonstrates the limits of these reconstructions, particularly at high incident angles. The differences between the reconstructed deflections and the deflections measured by the tracking radar are rather large. This phenomenon is caused by either measurement errors in the cross wind as a function of height or inaccuracy of the radar's deflection measurements.</p>","PeriodicalId":15743,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic sciences","volume":"70 2","pages":"514-530"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142960663","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Te Wai Pounamu T. Hona BBiomedSc (Hons), Carl N. Stephan PhD
{"title":"Correlations of facial soft tissue thicknesses with craniometric dimensions improve craniofacial identification estimates: Fact or fiction?","authors":"Te Wai Pounamu T. Hona BBiomedSc (Hons), Carl N. Stephan PhD","doi":"10.1111/1556-4029.15694","DOIUrl":"10.1111/1556-4029.15694","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Linear regression (LR) models that use cranial dimensions to estimate facial soft tissue thicknesses (FSTTs) have been posited by Simpson and Henneberg to assist craniofacial identification. For these regression equations to work well, the independent (craniometrics) and dependent (FSTTs) variables must be tightly correlated; however, such relationships have not been routinely demonstrated for adult humans. To examine the strength of these relationships further, this study employed magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to unambiguously measure cranial dimensions and FSTTs for 38 adult cadavers. This contrasts with prior published use of (a) spreading calipers to compress the face in an attempt to measure cranial dimensions through the soft tissues of the head and (b) needle puncture to measure the FSTT (a + b = legacy methods). To provide direct comparisons to prior work, this study also conducted legacy measurements for reproducibility tests. Previously published LR models were not supported by either the legacy or MR data. In the MR data, correlations between the cranial dimensions and FSTTs were generally weak with a mean absolute <i>r</i> = 0.13 and <i>r</i> range = −0.40 to 0.33. Compared to previously published arithmetic means, LR models did not improve FSTT estimates in the MR sample (SEE for LR = 5.5 mm; SEE for arithmetic mean = 5.2 mm). Using the latest MR imaging technologies, these results underscore prior warnings that cranial dimensions hold weak correlations with FSTTs and possess limited utility for improved FSTT estimation over and/or above arithmetic means.</p>","PeriodicalId":15743,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic sciences","volume":"70 2","pages":"430-445"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/1556-4029.15694","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142911291","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}