Science & Justice最新文献

{"title":"Assessing the influence of variables on vehicle speed determination through reverse projection analysis","authors":"Walter E Bruehs ,&nbsp;Dorothy Stout","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101369","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101369","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Reverse projection photogrammetry has long been established as a forensic tool for estimating height and, more recently, vehicle speed from video. Previous work has demonstrated its feasibility under controlled daytime conditions using digital video recorders (DVRs). This study extends that foundation by systematically evaluating how additional variables specifically headlight bloom as a marker, and frame rate variability in network video recorders (NVRs) and cloud-based consumer systems might affect the accuracy of speed determination. Vehicle speeds were independently documented using Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) and in-dash speedometer recordings, providing complementary ground truth: LIDAR offered precise point-in-time measures, while the speedometer delivered a continuous average across the test interval. Together, these methods established a baseline for comparison against photogrammetric calculations.</div><div>Structured experiments were conducted at a closed test track, with multiple DVR, NVR, and cloud devices recording daytime and nighttime runs at varying speeds. Speed was estimated by measuring vehicle position (or headlight bloom at night) via reverse projection photogrammetry and calculating elapsed time using frame counts or, when necessary, frame analysis tools. Results showed that higher and more stable frame rates reduced uncertainty, while consumer cloud systems and some NVRs introduced dropped or inconsistent frames, producing errors outside the expected margin. Conversely, headlight bloom proved to be a reliable nighttime surrogate for vehicle position.</div><div>These findings demonstrate that reverse projection photogrammetry provides a reliable means of estimating vehicle speed when recorder timing is properly accounted for and understood. By quantifying sources of uncertainty across diverse recording systems and lighting conditions, this research strengthens the evidentiary basis for using video-derived speed estimates in forensic analysis and supports their defensible application in casework.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"66 1","pages":"Article 101369"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145684544","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}

{"title":"NIST recommended square footage for forensic laboratories compared with actual facilities: Size matters","authors":"M.M. Houck ,&nbsp;P.J. Speaker ,&nbsp;A. Tessarolo","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101376","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101376","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Trends in modern forensic laboratory construction reveal a significant increase in square footage per staff member compared to older facilities. This expansion stems from a blend of operational, regulatory, and architectural factors, rather than solely sustainability goals. The growing scientific scope, more rigorous accreditation standards, and the critical need for flexibility and secure evidence handling all contribute to these rising spatial requirements. While high-performance building frameworks like LEED can introduce additional design considerations, particularly for mechanical systems and circulation, sustainability is best understood as one influence among many. This technical note, drawing on Project FORESIGHT benchmarking data and NIST facility planning guidance, outlines the primary drivers of laboratory size in new construction and offers practical recommendations for facility planners aiming to align space allocation with forensic function.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"66 1","pages":"Article 101376"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145789551","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}

{"title":"Prelim 3: Contents","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/S1355-0306(25)00170-4","DOIUrl":"10.1016/S1355-0306(25)00170-4","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"66 1","pages":"Article 101386"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145924703","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}

{"title":"BM2: Council Information","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/S1355-0306(25)00173-X","DOIUrl":"10.1016/S1355-0306(25)00173-X","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"66 1","pages":"Article 101389"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145924752","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}

{"title":"A bibliometric analysis of detection methods for clandestine graves in the context of human rights violations","authors":"Maira García-Jaramillo ,&nbsp;Carlos Martín Molina ,&nbsp;Fabian León-Vargas ,&nbsp;Leonardo Torres ,&nbsp;Alejandra Baena","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101373","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101373","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The detection of clandestine graves is a critical task in forensic science, particularly in contexts of armed conflict, human rights violations, and organised crime. This study presents a bibliometric analysis of the scientific literature on clandestine grave detection published between 1996 and 2024, using Scopus as the primary data source. A total of 187 peer-reviewed publications were analysed through bibliometric indicators and visualization techniques, including co-occurrence and network analysis. The most prolific authors, institutions, countries, journals, and thematic trends were identified. Geophysical methods, particularly Ground Penetrating Radar and Electrical Resistivity Tomography, alongside forensic approaches such as volatile organic compounds detection and drone technology, have emerged as key techniques. Collaboration analysis highlights strong international networks, notably involving Keele University in the United Kingdom and several Latin American universities. However, regional disparities and underrepresentation of some conflict-affected regions persist in the literature. The study concludes by identifying research gaps and proposing directions for future interdisciplinary research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"66 1","pages":"Article 101373"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145789553","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}

{"title":"Forensic significance of condom traces in sexual assault investigations: A systematic review","authors":"Saule A. Mussabekova ,&nbsp;Nunzianda Frascione ,&nbsp;Laura B. Assylbayeva","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101341","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101341","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This systematic review examines the forensic value of condom residue detection in biological samples, particularly in sexual assault investigations where DNA evidence is absent. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across seven databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, Google Scholar), two trial registers (<span><span>ClinicalTrials.gov</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>, WHO ICTRP), and four grey literature sources (PQDT, WorldCat, OATD, F1000). Studies published in English from January 1, 2020, to February 28, 2025, were screened using predefined PICO(S) criteria. Eight eligible studies involving human matrices were included. The analytical techniques assessed included DRIFTS-FTIR, ATR-FTIR, Py-GC/MS, GC–MS, and sfPESI-MS. DRIFTS-FTIR demonstrated strong spectral resolution for detecting PDMS-based silicone lubricants, while ATR-FTIR achieved 100 % classification accuracy under controlled laboratory conditions. The combination of spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques (e.g., ATR-FTIR + GC–MS) yielded more reliable and confirmatory results. The risk of bias was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool for experimental studies and the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for case reports. Key limitations included small sample sizes, variability in collection protocols, and the lack of validated field methods. Overall, the findings highlight the need for methodological integration and standardisation in forensic lubricant trace analysis. PROSPERO registration: CRD420251004301. No external funding was received.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"65 6","pages":"Article 101341"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145221458","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}

{"title":"Comparative analysis of fingermark development on biodegradable and traditional plastic garbage bags","authors":"Nienke Guijt ,&nbsp;Annemieke van Dam","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101350","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101350","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The escalating plastic waste crisis has increased the need for sustainable alternatives. Biodegradable plastics have emerged as a promising solution and are now frequently encountered at crime scenes. Although many studies have been published on the development of fingermarks on conventional plastics, limited research has been conducted on them on bioplastics. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of various fingermark development techniques on biodegradable (d2w) plastic garbage bags compared to traditional (Dumil) plastic garbage bags. Fingermarks were deposited on one of the two types of plastics and developed with one of the following methods: magnetic powder (MP), wet powder (WP), cyanoacrylate fuming (CAF) with Basic Yellow 40, or Vacuum Metal Deposition (VMD). After deposition, fingermarks were left to age for eight different time periods upon development, ranging from fresh (24 h) up to 50 days (about 1 and a half months). Results demonstrated that high-quality fingermarks could be obtained using wet powder and cyanoacrylate fuming, specifically on biodegradable plastics. The effectiveness of magnetic powder on both types of plastic declined over time, while vacuum metal deposition showed inconsistent results. Overall, in this study, fingermarks on biodegradable plastics exhibited more ridge detail than those on traditional plastics. The inability to achieve uniform zinc evaporation during vacuum metal deposition development may explain the differences in fingermark development between the plastic types. This research underscores the need for forensic methodologies for biodegradable plastics to ensure reliable evidence collection in criminal investigations. Further studies are essential to enhance fingermark development techniques for these emerging materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"65 6","pages":"Article 101350"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145528434","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}

{"title":"Breaking barriers: The admissibility of forensic evidence in US courts and the struggles with cutting-edge science","authors":"Ali Md. Ayub ,&nbsp;Ferdous Robayet Syed ,&nbsp;Haiqing Peng","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101355","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101355","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This article critically examines two key scientific reports—Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward and Forensic Science in Criminal Courts: Ensuring Scientific Validity of Feature-Comparison Methods—with a particular focus on their implications for the judiciary’s gatekeeping role in determining the admissibility of forensic evidence. It explores how U.S. courts address the validity and reliability of forensic methods in light of these landmark reports. Through an analysis of contemporary scholarship, judicial decisions, and legal standards, the study identifies significant obstacles to integrating the reports’ insights. These include inconsistencies in judicial practice, resistance from stakeholders, gaps in evidentiary standards, adversarial legal constraints, and a lack of scientific literacy among judges and attorneys. The authors argue that, as the ultimate arbiters of forensic evidence, courts must adopt strategies to incorporate scientific advancements, ensuring that unreliable forensic methods are excluded from judicial proceedings. This would incentivize the scientific community to standardize forensic methodologies across disciplines. Addressing these challenges requires legal reforms, the development of best practice guidelines, and enhanced judicial and legal education through interdisciplinary collaboration.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"65 6","pages":"Article 101355"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145528435","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}

{"title":"What is the best way to present likelihood ratios? A review of past research and recommendations for future research","authors":"Geoffrey Stewart Morrison ,&nbsp;Agnes S. Bali ,&nbsp;Kristy A. Martire ,&nbsp;Rebecca Hofstein Grady ,&nbsp;William C. Thompson","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101342","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101342","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As a first step in addressing the research question “What is the best way for forensic practitioners to present likelihood ratios so as to maximize their understandability for legal-decision makers?”, this paper reviews existing empirical literature on the comprehension of likelihood ratios by laypersons. The existing literature tends to research understanding of expressions of strength of evidence in general, rather than focusing specifically on likelihood ratios. We review the literature with respect to the CASOC indicators of comprehension (particularly <em>sensitivity</em>, <em>orthodoxy</em>, and <em>coherence</em>), and compare different formats that have been used to express likelihood ratios: numerical likelihood-ratios values, numerical random-match probabilities, and verbal strength-of-support statements (none of the studies that we reviewed tested comprehension of verbal likelihood ratios). We also critically review the studies with respect to methodology, and consider additional factors that could potentially assist with communication of the meaning of likelihood ratios. We conclude that the existing literature does not answer our research question, but, based on our review, we provide recommendations for the methodology of future research aimed at addressing our research question.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"65 6","pages":"Article 101342"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145623856","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}

{"title":"Extended reality in forensic sciences: An integrative review","authors":"Michael Joseph Dino ,&nbsp;Patrick Tracy Balbin ,&nbsp;Chloe Margalaux R. Villafuerte ,&nbsp;Mayelle S. Magat-Pangilinan ,&nbsp;John David ,&nbsp;Princess Alyssa Tee ,&nbsp;Lothes Samante ,&nbsp;Vincent Acena ,&nbsp;Michael Salinas ,&nbsp;Emily Daquioag ,&nbsp;Banjelyn Lazaro","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101339","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101339","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The use of extended reality (XR), an umbrella term encompassing alternative reality technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality, has become increasingly prevalent in various fields of literature over the last few decades. However, there is a limited understanding of XR utilization and integration in forensic science. This integrative review synthesized existing evidence on how XR is being utilized in forensic science. We performed literature searches in four databases and identified 21 articles published between 2010 and 2023 for final analysis. Bibliometric information indicates that most publications (81 %) were published between 2019 and 2023, predominantly in European regions (67 %), in non-forensic journals. Methodologically, qualitative approaches (67 %) were common in evaluating XR usability. Its applications are clustered into either practice (57 %) or education (43 %) domains. Virtual reality (67 %) was more prevalent in XR environments than augmented or mixed realities. Head-mounted devices are the main XR system used in forensic science. While XR offers promising practical and educational applications in forensic science, these findings underscore the need for more robust evidence and the development of transparent, repeatable, and standardized protocols that align with decision-making and accountability in forensic science.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"65 6","pages":"Article 101339"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145221546","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}