Science & Justice最新文献

{"title":"Martian microbes research and lessons learnt for forensic science","authors":"Max Coleman","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2024.02.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2024.02.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>A new method for looking for life outside the Earth is used as an example to demonstrate how ways of presenting complex scientific concepts to the general public, used in planetary science, could be used in forensic science. The work led to a pared down, practical definition of detectable Life for planetary exploration, <em>An organised system capable of processing energy sources to its advantage.</em> For nearly three quarters of Earth’s history the only lifeforms were microbes, which are the target for looking for extraterrestrial life. Microbes are microscopic and may be sparsely distributed, but their metabolic products can form large, durable rocks, much easier to find and which may contain the organisms or their remains.</p><p>There are similar challenges in presenting astrobiological and forensic science. Both may have to deal with very large or very small numbers which are not immediately comprehensible but can be understood by analogy. To increase the impact on the listener or reader, dramatic analogues are valuable, for example, referring to the mineralised microbial metabolic products as, “fossilised breath of bacteria” demands the audience's attention and engages them before more detailed explanations are given. The power of practical experiments or demonstrations is most important to reinforce what might otherwise be a fairly abstract concept. Surprisingly, most of these approaches can be made to work equally well in both spoken and written forms as well as in both sciences.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139927750","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":"Interpretation of a paint cross-transfer on a burglary scene – A case report","authors":"Florian Vanneste ,&nbsp;Yu Chen Lim-Hitchings ,&nbsp;Geneviève Massonnet ,&nbsp;Kyra Lunstroot","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2024.02.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2024.02.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In forensic paint examination, paint traces retrieved on a crime scene are regularly compared to painted objects seized from a suspect. Less often, traces are only observed on the seized objects and compared to a damaged painted object on the crime scene. In some specific cases, paint traces may be found both on the crime scene and on one or multiple seized painted objects. The latter may be the result of a cross-transfer that occurred during the illicit act. However, mere coincidence is another possible explanation for these observations and may not be neglected. Proper consideration of the relevant populations and sufficient analytical data permits the evaluation of the results given activity level propositions. This allows the forensic expert to present a transparent and well-balanced statement on the value of their findings concerning the disputed issues in court.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-02-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139927640","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":"Exploring the ethical dimensions in forensic entomology: From codes of conduct to professional accountability","authors":"Ashraf Mashaly ,&nbsp;Mohammed S. Al-Khalifa","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2024.02.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2024.02.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This article investigates a critical part of professional careers: adhering to a code of ethics that defines proper behavior within the context of one's specialized practice. It aims to improve the setting of forensic entomology work by highlighting the ethical issues that frequently emerge. The primary goal is to uncover common ethical issues involved in this field's everyday activities and provide informed advice on appropriate resolution options. This investigation dives into the complex interaction of religious beliefs, cultural aspects, and issues of ethics, evaluating their relevance in forensic entomology. It examines a wide range of ethical issues, from the ethics involved in collecting samples at crime scenes and morgues<!--> <!-->to the ethics created into scientific investigations, report writing, and court testimony. These guiding principles are critical in setting scientific standards and building public trust in forensic entomology's ability to provide exceptional services. Notably, regardless of whether the forensic entomology service provider is accredited by any validating organization, these ethical requirements remain critical, emphasizing their global application.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139879628","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":"The forensic imaging technique of age progression used within missing people cases: The Italian Missing Children association realizing age progression for Missing Child Kenya","authors":"Laura Donato ,&nbsp;Douglas H. Ubelaker ,&nbsp;Luigi Marsella ,&nbsp;Maryana Munyendo ,&nbsp;Michele Treglia ,&nbsp;Jessika Camatti ,&nbsp;Sara Dagoli ,&nbsp;Rossana Cecchi","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2024.02.002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scijus.2024.02.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The age progression technique allows to update identification photos of individuals who have been missing for years. This method is based on the study of the facial variation and on the dynamics of facial growth. Knowledge about changes in the distribution of facial fat and the tone of the cartilage allows realistic predictions of the facial appearance after many years. Beside these elements, age progression is also supported by similar characters between family members. This is why photos of the missing and family members are used to create an age progression, making the new identikit accurate.</p><p>Non-profit associations are crucial for the dissemination of information on the problem of missing persons. In Italy, the Italian Missing Children association provides for free an age progression service with the support of forensic anthropology. With the activation of a protocol, consisting of guidelines, and a form for the request for age progression by family members, the Italian Missing Children has started a collaboration with Missing Child Kenya. It allowed to disseminate up-to-date photos of the presumed current appearance of the missing children in Kenya. Thus, in the present study some cases are reported, in which age progression technique was applied.</p><p>The photos provided by Italian Missing Children were shown in video documentaries made by Missing Child Kenya, allowing to continue the dissemination of age progression photo during the Covid quarantines and to keep the population active in the search for the missing.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139732635","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":"Comparison of DNA recovery methods and locations from regularly-worn hooded jumpers before and after use by a second wearer","authors":"Georgina E. Meakin ,&nbsp;Guilherme S. Jacques ,&nbsp;Ruth M. Morgan","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2024.02.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2024.02.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Items of worn clothing are routinely examined for DNA in forensic casework, commonly with the expectation that at least some of the DNA will come from a wearer of the item, so-called ‘wearer DNA’. This study investigated DNA recovered from hooded jumpers that were regularly worn and laundered for four weeks and then subsequently worn by a different individual for four hours. This study also systematically investigated whether using different recovery methods or sampling locations on the jumpers might distinguish between DNA deposited by the regular and most recent wearers of clothing. Four volunteers each wore a new hooded jumper regularly (6 h/day, 2 days/week, washed at weekends) during two 4-week periods. At the end of each month, DNA was first recovered by cutting out and mini-taping the inside left cuff, half-collar, pocket and underarm fabric. The jumpers were then worn by a different individual for four hours, and DNA was again recovered by cutting out and mini-taping, but this time from the inside right cuff, half-collar, pocket and underarm fabric. All DNA samples (n = 128) were quantified and profiled. DNA quantities ranged from 0 to ∼40 ng with an outlier of ∼150 ng, and no significant differences were observed among recovery methods and sampling locations, nor whether one or two wearers had worn the jumpers. However, one volunteer consistently deposited significantly more DNA to their jumpers than two other volunteers, confirming the impact of ‘shedder status’ on DNA deposition during wearing of clothing. When jumpers were regularly worn by one wearer, the majority (72.7–83.3 %) of the samples for all wearers across both months comprised a major profile of the wearer with a minor profile of non-wearer alleles. When jumpers were then worn by a second wearer, the composition of the profiles obtained were generally reproducible across the recovery methods used, the sampling locations and the two replicates of the experiment for each pairing of wearers. However, profile compositions differed between wearer pairings. Overall, ∼60 % of profiles obtained gave a major profile of the regular wearer, whereas ∼30 % gave a major profile of the second wearer. The remaining profiles comprised other much less frequent observations of single-source profiles of each wearer and equal proportions of DNA from both wearers. Non-wearer DNA was also observed in the majority of samples, both before and after jumpers were worn by a second wearer. For one volunteer’s jumpers, a recurring non-wearer DNA profile was observed that could be attributed to their romantic partner, and this DNA persisted on the jumpers even after being worn by the second wearer. This study provides insight on the impact of shedder status, multiple wearers, different recovery methods and sampling locations on the quantities of DNA and compositions of DNA profiles recovered from authentically regularly-worn hooded jumpers. The findings also provide a preliminary dataset that can","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1355030624000066/pdfft?md5=1885630746fce66db765519d2c89d4c9&pid=1-s2.0-S1355030624000066-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139927749","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":"Study of the fingerprints of a Spanish sample for the determination of the hand and finger","authors":"Noemí Rivaldería ,&nbsp;Ariadna Moreno-Piedra ,&nbsp;Ainhoa Álvarez ,&nbsp;Esperanza Gutiérrez-Redomero","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2024.01.005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scijus.2024.01.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The individuality and permanence of fingerprints make of them a very useful feature in the identification of individuals. There are now automated computer programmes that allow a quick comparison between a fingermark and a database. However, in order to assess the strength of evidence in fingerprint identification, complementary information on the frequencies of the different morphological features of the dermopapillary ridges is required. This idea is used in this work as a starting point to evaluate the frequencies of the parameters used in the determination of the hand and finger in a large sample of 2600 fingerprints taken from 134 male and 127 female Spanish population. Based on these fingerprints, the frequencies of different categories of the following parameters were obtained: type of pattern, slope of the apex ridge, subtype of two-delta pattern, ridge tracing, major angle, major ridge count, bisector, rotation of the central ridge, assimilation to loops and slant. Moreover, the results have shown that these characters are useful for the determination of the hand in whorls (two-delta pattern) and loops (one-delta pattern), but not for the determination of the finger. The most useful and classificatory parameter when determining the hand of origin of a two-delta fingerprint is the slope of the apex ridge, and for the one-delta pattern, knowing the location of the delta allows the correct estimation of the hand of a fingerprint in more than 93% of the cases. The data presented in this paper are novel and can be used by latent print examiners to improve the statistical basis of their decisions in reaching conclusions.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1355030624000054/pdfft?md5=8254f34ee8d34541bf682be913ed8ad7&pid=1-s2.0-S1355030624000054-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139748768","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":"Effects of particle size, storage conditions, and chemical pretreatments on carbon and oxygen isotopic measurements of modern tooth enamel","authors":"Francesca Spencer ,&nbsp;Kirsten Verostick ,&nbsp;Alejandro Serna ,&nbsp;Chris Stantis ,&nbsp;Gabriel J. Bowen","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2024.01.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2024.01.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Isotopic analysis of human tooth enamel can provide life history information useful in forensic identification. These applications depend on the availability of reference data documenting isotopic values for individuals with known life history and on the comparability of data from reference and case work samples. Here we build on previous methodological research, which has largely focused on paleontological and archaeological samples, and conduct experiments using enamel from modern human teeth targeting three sample preparation variables (sample particle size, storage conditions, and chemical pretreatments). Our results suggest that differences in particle size affect the efficiency of sample reactions during pretreatment and analysis, with coarse particles giving reduced loss of enamel carbonate during acid pretreatments but producing slightly higher oxygen isotope values than fine particles during analysis. Data for samples stored in dry and ambient environments following pretreatment were indistinguishable, suggesting no exchange of oxygen between samples and ambient water vapor. Finally, chemical pretreatments with a range of commonly used reactants and conditions showed a pervasive, moderate oxygen isotope shift associated with acetic acid treatment, which may be caused by exchange of enamel hydroxyl groups with reagents or rinse waters. Collectively, the results emphasize the importance of methodological standardization to improve comparability and reduce potential for bias in the forensic application of tooth enamel isotope data.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-02-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139663968","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":"Cross-border forensic profiling of fraudulent identity and travel documents: A pilot project between France and Switzerland","authors":"Solène Lugon Moulin ,&nbsp;Emre Ertan ,&nbsp;Didier Martin ,&nbsp;Simon Baechler","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2024.01.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2024.01.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The serial character of document fraud and its connection to organised crime groups who produce, sell and/or use fraudulent documents is a challenge for security and crime fighting. As a response, the added value of forensic intelligence is increasingly recognised. Using a forensic profiling method and a dedicated system deployed in Switzerland, document examiners can detect series (i.e., documents that share a common source) of fraudulent documents conveniently and efficiently. This detection can trigger or orientate investigations, supports crime intelligence efforts, and facilitates cross-jurisdictional cooperation. This study aims to assess the suitability of the forensic profiling system for international purpose and the efficiency of the method to detect cross-border series. The forensic profiling system has been deployed in France in the framework of a cross-border pilot project conducted by the School of Criminal Justice from the University of Lausanne and the French National Police (Division Nationale de Lutte contre la Fraude Documentaire et à l'Identité) over the period July 2019–May 2020. Data from the Swiss and French forensic profiling systems were compared to each other to detect cross-border series. The study sought to create operating conditions as close as possible to the real-life conditions of the profiling systems. The results are extremely positive both quantitatively and qualitatively. They demonstrate the benefit of setting up a systematic exchange of forensic data issued from profiling systems for fraudulent identity documents between France and Switzerland, let alone between any other countries. The results open up a very promising prospect for a sustained operational implementation by the police services of both countries and the extension of the exchanges internationally.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1355030624000030/pdfft?md5=0a4647431b56b11a5c720fa06e78d947&pid=1-s2.0-S1355030624000030-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139663972","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":"Horizontal fire spread by foam-backed, polypropylene carpet","authors":"M Jones","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2024.01.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2024.01.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>An eight year old boy was badly injured by a fire in his bedroom in May 2005. He spent his ninth birthday in intensive care and died a month later. This case study discusses a missing link into the pattern of fire development which made it difficult to identify the point of ignition. An absence of burning to the floor and isolated areas of burning seemed incongruous with the general pattern of fire development. Several fire investigation texts suggest that carpet cannot spread fire by itself; those texts that do mention the possibility, do not describe the mechanism in detail, nor what evidence an investigator might expect to see after the fire.</p><p>Experimentation with samples of carpet gave good insight into the mechanism and its effects, thereby providing the missing link by which to connect the areas of burning and identify the point of origin. If elements of the mechanism described in this paper are known, a reader could discern enough from the many papers available to support a working hypothesis but as yet, there is no single paper that describes the phenomenon mechanistically from start to finish, especially to those who have not encountered elements of it before; hence, this paper presents some novel findings.</p><p><span>The test involved polypropylene fibre carpets with integral </span>polyurethane foam underlay, a very common type of carpet owing to its low cost and high durability. This is, therefore, an important mechanism of fire spread for fire investigators to be aware of and to understand. As this is a case study, rather than a research paper, the matters are dealt with empirically so the author cautions that when considering this mechanism in a new matter, the investigator should make their own tests of its validity.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139498320","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":"Considerations on the application of a mutation model for Y-STR interpretation","authors":"Roberto Puch-Solis ,&nbsp;Susan Pope ,&nbsp;Gillian Tully","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2024.01.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2024.01.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>If Y-STR profiling is to be more effective in criminal casework, the methods used to evaluate evidential weight require improvement. Many forensic scientists assign an evidential weight by estimating the number of times a Y-STR profile obtained from a questioned sample has been observed in YHRD datasets. More sophisticated models have been suggested but not yet implemented into routine casework, e.g. Andersen &amp; Balding <span>[1]</span>. Mutation is inherent to STR meiosis (or inheritance) and is encountered in practice. We evaluated a mutation model that can be incorporated into a method for assigning evidential weight to Y-STR profiles, an essential part of bringing any method into practice. Since an important part of implementation to casework is communication, the article is written in an accessible format for practitioners as well as statisticians.</p><p>The mutation component within the MUTEA model by Willems et al. <span>[2]</span> incorporates the potential for multistep mutations and a tendency for alleles to revert towards a central length, reflecting observed mutation data, e.g. <span>[3]</span>. We have estimated the parameters in this model and in a simplified symmetric version of this model, using sequence data from father/son pairs <span>[4]</span> and deep-rooted pedigrees <span>[5]</span>. Both datasets contain multistep mutations, which may have an effect on models based on simulations <span>[1]</span>.</p><p>We introduce Beta-Binomial and Beta-Geometric conjugate analyses for estimating rate and step parameters for the mutation models presented here, which require only summations and multiplications. We proved mathematically that the parameters can be estimated independently. We show the importance of reporting the variability of the parameters and not only a point estimate. The parameters can be easily incorporated into statistical models, and updated sequentially as more data becomes available. We recommend fuller publication of data to enable the development and evaluation of a wider range of mutation models.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1355030624000017/pdfft?md5=4d03837a44b9d2eeb745e53783c7eab3&pid=1-s2.0-S1355030624000017-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139508888","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}