Forensic Science International: Reports最新文献

{"title":"Epidermal ridge sweat pore density: A forensic approach to sex determination","authors":"Jaisleen Kaur,&nbsp;Meenal Dhall","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100378","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100378","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Determining the sex from an unidentified fingerprint recovered from a crime scene can assist in narrowing down the pool of potential suspects. The present study was conducted with the aim of determining sex using fingerprint epidermal ridge sweat pore density among the Indian population. For this purpose, plain prints from both the left and right thumbs were obtained from a total of 396 participants (191 males and 205 females), aged between 18 and 35 years, who were randomly selected for the study. Sweat pores were counted in a region of 3 × 3 mm². Data were analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Product and Service Solutions) version 26 for Windows and Microsoft Office Excel 365. The likelihood ratio (LR) was calculated to obtain the probability inferences of sex based on the number of sweat pores. Analysis revealed that a fingerprint containing ≤ 45 pores/9 mm² is more likely to be of male origin while one containing ≥ 49 pores/9 mm² is more likely to be of female origin. Moreover, the difference in the number of pores was found to be statistically significant between the two biological sexes. The methodology employed in this study helps demarcate a uniform region in all the samples thereby eliminating variability due to pattern type and recurving ridges.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100378"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2665910724000276/pdfft?md5=b3f88bdc307bc0f6d2961b465f17b57e&pid=1-s2.0-S2665910724000276-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141595583","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":"A preliminary evaluation of the effects of aquatic environments on the recovery of fingermarks on porous substrates","authors":"Amanda A. Frick ,&nbsp;Ian Yi Liang Lim ,&nbsp;Paola A. Magni","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100387","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100387","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Latent fingermark detection can become increasingly difficult in the weeks following deposition, due to chemical and physical changes influenced by environment. There has been increased research interest into ageing mechanisms of fingermark residue, however these studies have typically been conducted in dry, indoors conditions. Less information is available regarding degradation processes that may occur in scenarios involving water and the potential longevity of porous substrates under such conditions. A pilot study was conducted to investigate the performances of Oil Red O (ORO) and physical developer (PD) on samples submerged in different aquatic environments in a laboratory setting. Charged fingermarks from three donors were deposited on copy paper and immersed in either salt water or freshwater; still or with water flow. Samples were treated at multiple intervals (1, 12, 20 and 40 days) after submersion. Results showed that high quality of development could be achieved up to 40 days after immersion. The overall performances of ORO and PD were generally unaffected in the early stages of the study. Physical and chemical degradation of both latent residue and substrate were observed, which were increased by salt and water movement. While PD appeared to be less affected by potential chemical changes, it was less effective than ORO due to substrate degradation in moving salt water. These results present the first steps towards better understanding the practical effects of degradation processes specific to fingermarks on porous substrates underwater.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100387"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2665910724000367/pdfft?md5=8dd39d955eb7e5b7874585aa0f6ed265&pid=1-s2.0-S2665910724000367-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142241637","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":"Medico-legal analysis of the correlation between head trauma and aneurysm rupture: A case report","authors":"Emanuele Capasso,&nbsp;Gaetano Di Donna,&nbsp;Roberto Cortese,&nbsp;Verdiana De Caro,&nbsp;Fabio Policino","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100390","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100390","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We present the case of a 54 years old man who was found in a state of confusion and a forehead wound. Transported to the closest E.R., a brain CT scan showed massive subarachnoid hemorrhage and an angiographic exam showed a ruptured aneurysm of the cavernous siphon. Death occurred 4 days after admission. The autopsy showed the presence of a linear wound on the forehead which was considered a sharp force injury. The aneurysm rupture was therefore considered as a consequence of the head trauma associated to the frontal wound. In the medico-legal analysis of the case primary importance was given to the distinction between potential homicide, suicide or accident. In the end, based on the morphological features of the forehead wound, this case was defined as of potentially homicidal nature, so that the responsible of stab wound should be considered accountable for the man’s death.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100390"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142532121","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":"Survey of bloodstain pattern analysts regarding pattern classifications on assorted fabrics","authors":"Dylan J. Drazdik ,&nbsp;David M. Hammond ,&nbsp;Travis J. Worst ,&nbsp;Crystal M. Oechsle","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100394","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100394","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Because bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) on absorbent surfaces, such as fabrics, is far more complex than its application on hard, nonporous surfaces, pattern type may be interpreted differently between fabric substrates and by analysts with more or less experience. Four bloodstain pattern types (impact spatter, transfer, drip stains, and cast-off) were created on seven fabrics (cotton, satin polyester, rayon, blended polyester/spandex, blended nylon/spandex, blended modal/polyester/spandex, and terry cloth), foamboard, or butcher paper and then photographed. A survey questionnaire that asked respondents to classify 16 patterns as to general pattern type, specific pattern type, and directionality was developed and disseminated among bloodstain pattern analysts. Respondents (n = 32, divided into five experience levels) classified the bloodstains differently based upon amounts of training and experience, the pattern type, and the substrate type. The ability to accurately classify the specific pattern type overall (p-value &lt; 0.0002) as wells as on fabric (p-value &lt; 0.001) was dependent upon respondent experience level. The more experienced respondents were less likely to specifically classify patterns than the less experienced respondents (p-value &lt; 0.001). Furthermore, the ability to accurately classify the specific pattern type was dependent upon whether the pattern had been created on fabric or some other substrate (p-value &lt; 0.0000000001). However, if the proper morphology was present in the stain, it was found that BPA on certain fabrics was possible. This finding supports the need for further research and the development of guidelines and standards for bloodstain pattern analysis on fabric materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100394"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142702571","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":"Results of the 2023 rapid DNA multi-laboratory study – I-Chip","authors":"Erica L. Romsos ,&nbsp;Lilliana I. Moreno ,&nbsp;Douglas R. Hares","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100395","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100395","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Identical sensitivity and mixture sample sets were provided to six external laboratories to evaluate the recent enhancements to the Rapid DNA technology for crime scene-type samples. Data were returned to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National Institute of Standards and Technology for review and analysis. Manual interpretation (modified Rapid DNA analysis) was conducted on all samples to assess the success of genotyping for both full profiles and the 20 Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) core STR loci using 18 total cellular DNA input amounts ranging from 102.4 ng to 0.025 ng. Two-person and three-person mixtures at varying ratios for two total DNA inputs were analyzed and observed allele percentages were compared to expected allele percentages.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100395"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143151045","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":"Large hole artifacts in the formalin-fixed brain from a drowning case with head lacerations: A forensic autopsy case","authors":"Tadashi Hosoya ,&nbsp;Kazuki Harada ,&nbsp;Jun Kanetake","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100379","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100379","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>A man in his forties with two lacerations in the occiput was found in a river. A forensic autopsy revealed that the cause of death was drowning, and the blood ethanol concentration was 1.5 mg/mL. The whole brain was fixed with formalin for 15 days using the standard immersion method to evaluate this. The fixed brains showed large holes in the deep white matter as artifacts. Research suggests that formalin-fixed brains from drowning cases tend to have “Swiss cheese-like” holes in the deep white matter. However, this study is the first to report a case that focuses on large holes as artifacts. The holes in the fixed brain may have been caused by postmortem invasion of freshwater indigenous bacteria and gas formation.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100379"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2665910724000288/pdfft?md5=b6df228aa2a06aeccf32551105653565&pid=1-s2.0-S2665910724000288-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141595584","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":"Effect of leather tanning process on stable isotopes and radiocarbon in tissues of Persian leopard: Preliminary results","authors":"Kateřina Pachnerová Brabcová ,&nbsp;Nikola Pravdíková ,&nbsp;Kateřina Čápová ,&nbsp;Jaroslava Frouzová ,&nbsp;Kristýna Hebenstreitová ,&nbsp;Kateřina Jandová ,&nbsp;Jaroslav Kukla ,&nbsp;Eliška Rajmonová ,&nbsp;Ondřej Salaba ,&nbsp;Ivo Světlík ,&nbsp;Dominik Šmok ,&nbsp;Jakub Trubač ,&nbsp;Jitka Kufnerová","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100398","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100398","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The international trade in animals and their parts is a multi-billion-dollar industry. Legal trade in wild animals and their derivatives is based on sustainable practices, ensuring that specimens are taken in quantities that do not threaten population stability. Unregulated or illegal international trade can jeopardise the survival of certain species by depleting wild populations. Forensic analysis is crucial in distinguishing between legal and illegal trade, particularly by determining the geographical origin or age of a specimen through methods such as stable isotope and radiocarbon analysis. The tanning process, which converts mammalian raw hides into valuable fur skins, involves the use of aggressive chemical reagents. These reagents, if absorbed by the hair or skin, can alter the original isotopic signatures, complicating forensic efforts. The extent of these alterations is not yet fully understood. The novelty of our approach lies in the fact that, for the first time, we have measured the step-by-step changes in isotopic composition throughout each individual phase of the tanning process. Previous studies have typically focused only on raw hides and final products. Additionally, we compared different tanning methods applied to a single hide. Using a leopard skin, we documented potential isotopic shifts in ¹⁴C, ²H, ¹⁸O, ¹⁵N and ¹³C during the tanning process, employing accelerated mass spectrometry and stable isotope mass spectrometry. Our preliminary findings suggest that the tanning process induces slight shifts in both stable and radioactive isotope ratios.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100398"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143151046","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":"SynTissue® as a surrogate material for the human scalp","authors":"Geoffrey T. Desmoulin ,&nbsp;Marc-André Nolette ,&nbsp;Theodore E. Milner","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100373","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100373","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Synthetic skin produced by SynDaver®, currently used primarily in medical testing and training applications, may be suitable as a surrogate for human skin in forensic investigations. To determine how accurately the company's synthetic skin, SynTissue®, could mimic the mechanical properties of human skin, tests were conducted to measure its elastic modulus and resistance to laceration. Test results were compared to published data acquired from tensile tests conducted on human scalp and impacts with blunt objects on porcine heads. The stress vs strain relation for SynTissue® 8 N corresponded closely to that of the human scalp. Deformations similar to skin lacerations were observed when SynTissue® was subjected to blunt object impacts, at forces in the range of those reported for lacerations of cadaver and porcine heads. However, the published data are insufficient to unequivocally assess the suitability of SynTissue® for forensic investigations of lacerations. Moreover, there are features of the SynTissue® impact deformations that can provide useful information even if the laceration threshold turns out to be lower than that of human skin.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100373"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2665910724000227/pdfft?md5=30832e22840d4fd0a38dca4c69900dee&pid=1-s2.0-S2665910724000227-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141394387","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":"Discriminant function for grouping subjects into legal age of 12 and 14 years using maturity indices of seven mandibular teeth on panoramic radiograph – A cross sectional study","authors":"Rachana Prabhu ,&nbsp;Laxmikanth Chatra ,&nbsp;Yashaswini","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100381","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100381","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In forensic science, accurate age estimation becomes crucial, especially in cases where information about the deceased is unavailable. The legal categorization of children into age groups, notably at 12 and 14 years, holds significant importance in various legal and social contexts. Despite the importance of such categorizations, the existing literature lacks ample studies addressing the specific classification of children into these legal age groups. This study aims to identify the key variables that distinguish between the categories of 12 and 14 years of age. Additionally, it seeks to calculate and compare the sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy of the discriminant function in accurately determining the required age. The oral panoramic radiographs (OPGs) of 3058 children aged between 5 and 16 years from six South Indian states were evaluated. The dataset was divided into train and test data sets. Dental maturity for each individual was estimated by considering the number of fully developed permanent mandibular teeth on the left side and the normalized measurement of the open apices of all seven teeth. Linear discriminant functions for the age groups of 12 and 14 years were computed using the training data. The discriminant functions for the 12-year age group demonstrated an accuracy of, 78.0 %, while those for the 14-year age group achieved an accuracy of .71.2 %. The sensitivity and specificity of the discriminant functions for the 12-year age group were 74.5 % and, 84.6 %, respectively. In the case of the 14-year age group, the sensitivity and specificity were 72.5 % and 70.0 %, respectively. This study concludes that the discriminant functions utilized herein exhibited commendable performance in accurately classifying individuals within the specified age groups of 12 and 14 years.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100381"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2665910724000306/pdfft?md5=7be8846e58f6947e036dc8cc9ceda21e&pid=1-s2.0-S2665910724000306-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141950546","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":"Missing persons of post-conflict countries: Assessing dental identification through a questionnaire-based study in Syria","authors":"Rawad Qaq ,&nbsp;Scheila Mânica ,&nbsp;Sean McAleer","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100393","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100393","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Locating and identifying missing persons is crucial to protecting human rights and rebuilding war-torn countries like Syria. Biological identity primarily relies on DNA, fingerprints, or dentition. However, post-conflict countries with high deaths, limited databases, insufficient resources, and a reduced or a lack of forensic expertise make this effort more challenging. Teeth are a practical and cost-effective means to identify human remains, particularly when acceptable dental records are available. Still, the application of comparative dental analysis in conflict scenarios needs to be more explored.</div><div>A survey study in Syria examined whether post-conflict countries could employ comparative dental identification of missing individuals. The attitudes and perceptions of four groups (the public and dentists, forensic odontologists, dental schools, and the Syrian Dental Association) were determined using questionnaires and analysed for the first two groups. Most respondents (&gt;90 %) indicated that addressing disappearance is crucial for post-conflict reconstruction and considered it unachievable without international support and only 20 % had confidence in this support. Issues hindering human identification reported by a high percentage of dentists and forensic odontologists and included education in Forensic Odontology (92 %), expertise in the field (70 %), awareness (90 %), the availability of <em>antemortem</em> records (92.3 %) and political and security influence (50 %). Responses from over 80 % of the public, 50 % of the dentists and 92 % of the forensic odontologists indicated that comparative dental identification in Syria may not be feasible.</div><div>The results of this study provide strong evidence of the challenges in identifying missing persons using teeth in developing nations, particularly those affected by conflicts. They include the lack of <em>antemortem</em> records and forensic expertise. The international community is urged to support post-conflict nations including Syria.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100393"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142658513","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}