Forensic Science International: Reports最新文献

{"title":"A review of practical approach in suspected infanticide deaths","authors":"Lii Jye Tan ,&nbsp;Beng Beng Ong ,&nbsp;Nur Syahrina Rahim ,&nbsp;Cai Ping Koh ,&nbsp;Mohammad Shafie Othman ,&nbsp;Zhao Peng Koo ,&nbsp;Shau-Kong Lai","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100420","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100420","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Determining stillbirth or livebirth in cases of infant abandonment is a complex and challenging task in autopsy practice. This distinction is crucial in determining whether the death is link to natural causes or potentially involves criminal implications. This review critically examines current methodologies in postmortem investigations of newborn deaths, emphasizing the importance of accurately distinguishing between stillbirth and livebirth. Our goal is to provide a thorough checklist for forensic practitioners by analyzing pathological, radiological, and biochemical parameters in suspected infanticide investigations. Enhancing the accuracy of these investigations not only aids the judicial process but also serves as a deterrent against newborn abandonment or infanticide. Ultimately, the implementation of stringent legal measures against newborn abandonment is expected to reduce the incidence of infanticide and improve neonatal survival rates.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100420"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144139335","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The effect of tooth loss on sexual dimorphism of South African mandible using geometric morphometrics","authors":"Tshegofatso Ramphaleng ,&nbsp;Brendon Billings ,&nbsp;Jason Hemingway","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100421","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100421","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The human mandible is one of several sexually dimorphic bones and provides moderate to high accuracy in the estimation of sex during forensic application. Mandibular morphology changes in response to aging and tooth loss and few studies have considered the effect of these factors on sex estimation. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of tooth loss on the accuracy of estimating the sex of the mandible. The sample includes 196 mandibles of South African Black people of African descent. Seventy-nine mandibles had full dentition and 117 had various degrees of tooth loss. Fixed and semi-sliding 3D landmarks were used to outline non-alveolar mandibular morphology. The alveolar region was scored for the presence or absence of antemortem tooth loss. Two-sample permutation tests assessed the presence of sexual dimorphism and discriminant analysis was used to illustrate sexual dimorphism and to estimate the accuracy of sex allocations. Mandibles with full dentition and tooth loss had higher sex allocation accuracies, but the difference was greater among those with tooth loss than observed in fully dentate mandibles. Males displayed a broader mandibular arch, ramus flexure, ante-gonial notches, and longer coronoid processes compared to females in both the dentate and edentate mandibles. The accuracy of sex estimation was comparable between the tooth loss sample (86.8 %) and the full dentition sample (85.4 %). Thus, mandibles with tooth loss exhibit sufficient sexual dimorphism to estimate sex accurately using both qualitative and quantitative methods in a South African population. (231)</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100421"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144134720","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Biological sex and stature estimations from dry sternum: A population-specific study in Northeastern Thais","authors":"Chanasorn Poodendaen ,&nbsp;Supawadee Klaikran ,&nbsp;Atithaya Maihong ,&nbsp;Narawadee Choompoo ,&nbsp;Suthat Duangchit ,&nbsp;Worrawit Boonthai ,&nbsp;Nareelak Tangsrisakda ,&nbsp;Supatcharee Arun ,&nbsp;Chadaporn Chaimontri ,&nbsp;Sitthichai Iamsaard","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100419","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100419","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Biological sex determination and stature estimation are crucial components to establish the biological profiling for human identification. The population-specific standards are still needed to apply for accurate assessment. Sternum has been demonstrated to have high sexual dimorphism in many populations, but has not yet been adequately studied in Northeastern Thais to be applied in cases where traditional bones are not available or fragmented. This study, therefore, aimed to develop the standard measurements in Northeastern Thai sternum.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and Methods</h3><div>The study examined 390 dry sterna (200 males, 190 females) collected from identified Thai skeletons. The length of manubrium, manubrium width, three corpus stern widths, and sternal body length were measured using a digital Vernier caliper. Logistic regression analysis was used for biological sex determination and the linear regression was employed to estimate the stature.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>All sternal parameters showed significant sexual dimorphism. The optimized multivariate model for biological sex determination using four sternal parameters achieved approximately 83.6 % classification accuracy. For stature estimation, the combined equation using three measurements revealed the strongest correlation (r = 0.588) with a Standard Error of Estimate (SEE) of 6.24 cm. Sex-specific equations showed the improved precision of male SEE = 5.871 cm and of female SEE = 5.798 cm, respectively.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study provided the standards for biological sex determination and stature estimation from sternal measurements. Dry sternum can be useful for sex dimorphism and stature evaluation in forensic identification for Northeastern Thai population when the classical bones like complete pelvis, skull, or long bones are unavailable.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100419"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144146773","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Technical note: Parameters of bloodstain pattern spatial reconstruction in manual vs. computer-aided data acquisition","authors":"Zack Kowalske ,&nbsp;David T. Snively ,&nbsp;Abdulrahman Oleiwi ,&nbsp;Graham Williams","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100418","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100418","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study compares the accuracy and precision of manual and computer-aided methods in bloodstain pattern analysis using equine blood under controlled conditions. Manual measurements by experienced analysts were compared to those obtained with FARO Zone 3D (FZ3D). Manual readings of single bloodstains showed higher variability and lower accuracy, while FZ3D improved angle calculations due to enhanced precision. Differences in determining the area of convergence and origin were minimal, but FZ3D offered greater workflow efficiency and data visualization. The findings highlight the need for independent validation of BPA methods and support integrating computer-aided techniques for more accurate, efficient forensic analyses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100418"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143935149","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An evolution of forensic linguistics: From manual analysis to machine learning – A narrative review","authors":"R. Thamizh Mani ,&nbsp;Vikram Palimar ,&nbsp;Mamatha Shivananda Pai ,&nbsp;T.S. Shwetha ,&nbsp;M. Nirmal Krishnan","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100417","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100417","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Forensic linguistics has evolved from manual textual analysis to machine learning (ML)-driven methodologies, fundamentally transforming its role in criminal investigations. This narrative review clarifies three core objectives: (1) tracing the field’s historical trajectory from early manual techniques to computational innovations, (2) systematically comparing the accuracy, efficiency, and reliability of manual versus ML-based approaches, and (3) identifying persistent challenges in ML integration, including algorithmic bias and legal admissibility. By synthesizing 77 studies, the analysis reveals that ML algorithms—notably deep learning and computational stylometry—outperform manual methods in processing large datasets rapidly and identifying subtle linguistic patterns (e.g., authorship attribution accuracy increased by 34 % in ML models). However, manual analysis retains superiority in interpreting cultural nuances and contextual subtleties, underscoring the need for hybrid frameworks that merge human expertise with computational scalability. The study’s novel contribution lies in its empirical demonstration of ML’s transformative potential while critiquing overreliance on automated systems without ethical safeguards. Key challenges, such as biased training data and opaque algorithmic decision-making, highlight unresolved barriers to courtroom admissibility. The review concludes by advocating for standardized validation protocols and interdisciplinary collaboration to advance forensic linguistics into an era of ethically grounded, AI-augmented justice. This dual emphasis on technological innovation and critical oversight positions the field to address evolving demands for precision and interpretability in legal evidence analysis. By addressing these issues, the field is well-positioned to advance as an indispensable and ethically grounded tool in pursuing justice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100417"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143948161","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Forward Spatter Bloodstain Pattern Analysis: AO Estimation Using Image Processing and Numerical Modeling","authors":"Aylin Yalçın Sarıbey ,&nbsp;Fatma Nida Ocak","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100416","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100416","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The aim of examining the forward spatter bloodstain patterns of gunshot wounds is to accurately describe the relationship between the victim, the culprit, and the crime scene. The purpose of this study is to determine the approximate location of the blood source, i.e. the victim, at the crime scene by using an image processing and numerical modeling approach. To achieve this, an experimental setup is designed with cardstocks and a cow blood-soaked sponge. In total, twenty forward spatter patterns are obtained onto cardstocks after successful shootings. In the post-processing phase, ellipses on the cardstocks are detected by processing the forward spatters in MATLAB. To achieve this, ellipse properties are identified for calculating the impact angles. The impact angles are then utilized as inputs to the tangent method within the program to estimate the Area of Origin (<em>AO</em>_<em>x</em>). For visualization, 2D and 3D images are generated. In conclusion, it is observed that the program works the best in determining the <em>AO</em>_<em>x</em>, for the scenarios where the real <em>AO</em>_<em>x</em> distances (blood source to target distances) are 35 cm, 50 cm, and 100 cm respectively. The program’s weakness while determining <em>AO</em>_<em>x</em> for the source distance of 5 cm is also reported. It is necessary to improve the program for short blood source-to-target distances and long shooting distances. It can be concluded that image quality is also a key factor for post-processing as it might mislead the results with visible ellipses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100416"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143859125","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Non-destructive sampling of poison frogs for toxin analysis in forensic casework","authors":"Irene Kuiper,&nbsp;Aleksandar Dragutinovic,&nbsp;Leo Peschier,&nbsp;Rene de Bruyn","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100414","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100414","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Poison frogs is the common name for several genera of frogs which occur naturally in Central- and South-America, Australia and Madagascar and which contain a wide variety of toxins. Their colourful appearance and minute size resulted in their extraction from their natural habitat for illegal trade, threatening population sizes. In order to fight this illegal trade, the poison frog’s ability to excrete environmentally acquired toxins via their skin can be used in criminal investigations. Since the frogs are not able to produce the toxins de novo, these alkaloid toxins have ultimately originated from their environment and are excreted through the skin, especially when stressed. Due to the reliance on a toxin-containing food source, we show that the presence of toxins in poison frogs can be used to distinguish between captive breeding and wild-capture in actual forensic case work. We describe the application of a gas chromatography-mass-spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis on non-destructively derived samples from living frogs in five seizures, the biological interpretation of presence and absence of toxins and the criminalistic interpretation of the findings given propositions of both the prosecutor and the defendant.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100414"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143868879","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Species identification of avian feathers in Japanese Habouki using feather morphological and molecular testing","authors":"Nana Ushine ,&nbsp;Isao Nishiumi ,&nbsp;Higuchi Aki ,&nbsp;Aki Tanaka ,&nbsp;Ayano Mori ,&nbsp;Nanami Tsuchiya ,&nbsp;Shin-ichi Hayama","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100415","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100415","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Habouki is a tool used in Japanese tea ceremonies consisting of a bundle of feathers from birds of prey and waterfowl. Habouki often include feathers from avian species that are legally protected. In this study, we examined three types of Habouki (Zabaki, Tsukamibane, and Mitsubane) suspected of containing feathers from legally protected species and conducted species identification through feather morphological examination and molecular analysis. Morphological examinations and molecular biological analyses targeting cytochrome <em>c</em> oxidase subunit 1 region were conducted using the barbs of Habouki feathers. Genetic analysis revealed that Zabaki contained feathers from <em>Aquila chrysaetos</em> (genetic difference between Habouki feather and the control sample; 0.02 %), Tsukamibane contained <em>Cygnus columbianus</em> (0.16 %), and Mitsubane contained <em>Ciconia boyciana</em> (0.05 %). In the morphological examinations based on shape, color, and size, the Zabaki feather was presumed to be the rectrices of the Golden Eagle (<em>Aquila chrysaetos</em>), the Tsukamibane feather was the tertials of Whooper Swan (<em>Cygnus cygnus</em>) and Tundra Swan (<em>Cygnus columbianus</em>), and the Mitsubane feather was the secondary and tertial feathers of the Japanese White Stork (<em>Ciconia boyciana</em>). Habouki are currently not being produced. To safeguard the continuity of Japanese tea ceremony culture, it is crucial to protect Habouki and prevent illegal activities such as poaching. When determining whether feathers belong to rare species, it is recommended to conduct feather morphological examinations rather than molecular biological examinations, which destroy Habouki.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100415"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143839010","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A proof-of-concept study into turmeric spice as an improvised fluorescent latent fingermark detection powder for limited resource jurisdictions","authors":"Thais Lópes ,&nbsp;Maame Gyamfuah Buckman ,&nbsp;Georgina Sauzier ,&nbsp;Rodrigo M. Barros ,&nbsp;Simon W. Lewis","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100413","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100413","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Latent fingermarks are a crucial form of physical evidence for crime scene investigations; however, limited-resource jurisdictions, such as some states in Brazil, face challenges in identifying fingermarks due to lower access to commercial fingermark developers. The study of unconventional and alternative techniques for fingermark detection that are low-cost, easily available, and sustainable in line with the UN SDGs presents great value for under-resourced jurisdictions. Household items and easily available materials such as spices fit perfectly in such contexts as improvised fingermark powders. Turmeric is a globally accessible culinary spice which contains high levels of the fluorescent compound curcumin. This research reports for the first time the application of turmeric spice powder as fluorescent dusting powder for latent fingermark detection. Turmeric spice powders from different sources were evaluated for their performance as dusting powders and were subsequently characterised by optical microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectrophotometry. All turmeric powders exhibited high fluorescence intensities and were demonstrated to be suitable as fluorescent fingermark powders without further processing, though specimens with homogeneous particle size distribution and pure turmeric composition performed better. These preliminary results indicate that turmeric is a suitable fingermark powder without further modification and is a potential alternative to commercial powders for jurisdictions with limited resources.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100413"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143792760","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Establishing a system of professional self-government of forensic scientists in Ukraine","authors":"Nataliia Martynenko","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100412","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100412","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The article highlights the experience of establishing and operation of the system of professional self-government of forensic scientists in the UK and France. The relevance of the issues studied in the article is due to the need to ensure strategic self-governance in the field of forensic science in Ukraine, which will involve all the main stakeholders. It is emphasized that there is a current need to reform forensic science activity. The author proposes a model of professional self-government of forensic scientists which will take into account: the system of subjects of forensic science activity operating in the state; the possibility of ensuring effective exercise of professional rights and protection of professional interests of forensic scientists, whether public or private, etc. The article substantiates the expediency of establishing the following organizational forms of self-government of forensic scientists: working groups of forensic scientists by type of forensic examination; the Council of Forensic Scientists of Ukraine; and the Congress of Forensic Scientists of Ukraine. It is proposed to name the professional self-governing organization that will unite all forensic scientists of Ukraine – the Forensic Science Academy of Ukraine. From this perspective, the author proposes amendments to the current Law of Ukraine “On Forensic Expertise”. The author concludes that organizations which exercise professional self-government of forensic scientists should lobby for the interests of their profession and perform a wide range of public functions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100412"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143592588","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}