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The importance of non-human DNA in the forensic field has increased greatly in recent years, together with the type of applications. The molecular species identification of animal and botanical material may be crucial both for wildlife trafficking and crime scene investigation. However, especially for forensic botany, several challenges slow down the implementation of the discipline in the routine. Although the importance of molecular analysis of animal origin samples is widely recognized and the same value is acknowledged to the botanical counterpart, the latter does not find the same degree of application. The availability of molecular methods, especially useful in cases where the material is fragmented, scarce or spoiled preventing the morphological identification, is not well known. This work is intended to reaffirm the relevance of non-human forensic genetics (NHFG), highlighting differences, benefits and pitfalls of the current most common molecular analysis workflow for animal and botanical samples, giving a practical guide. A flowchart describing the analysis paths, divided in three major working areas (inspection and sampling, molecular analysis, data processing and interpretation), is provided. More real casework examples of the utility of non-human evidence in forensic investigations should be shared by the scientific community, especially for plants. Moreover, concrete efforts to encourage initiatives in order to promote quality and standardization in the NHFG field are also needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Body disposal methods complicate homicide investigations, obscuring links between both demographic factors and crime scene behaviors. This study is a comprehensive empirical assessment of offender and victim demographics, alongside crime scene behaviors, in relation to body disposal methods in homicides. This was done through the examination of 326 homicide cases involving 403 offenders and 334 victims through regression analyses. Key findings revealed significant associations between body disposal methods and factors such as victim gender, substance use by victims and offenders, and offenders’ prior sexual offense records. Additionally, the cause of death, location, and cleaning or destruction of evidence were predictive of disposal methods taking place. Notably, the presence of sexual elements appeared to influence only a small number of factors, being victim gender and crime scene cleaning. These results suggest enhanced investigative training on recognizing crime scene and victim characteristics may aid in refining investigative approaches and hypotheses. The findings also suggest that distinguishing between sexual and non-sexual homicides may not be crucial, allowing for more streamlined investigations and better resource allocation. This research advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration to improve investigative accuracy, highlighting the pivotal role of understanding the interconnectedness of behaviors in understanding body disposal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was conducted to confirm the characteristics in sexual homicide and to explore variables that effectively differentiate sexual homicide and nonsexual homicide. Further, newer methods that have received attention in criminology, such as the machine learning method, were used to explore the ideal algorithm for classifying sexual homicide and patterns for sexual homicide in Korea. To do this, 542 homicide cases were analyzed utilizing eight algorithms, and the classification performance of each algorithm was analyzed along with the importance of variables. The results of the analysis revealed that the Naive Bayes, K‐Nearest Neighbors, and RF algorithms demonstrate good classification accuracy, and generally, factors such as relationships, marriage, planning, personal weapons, and overkill were identified as crucial variables that distinguish sexual homicide in Korea. In addition, the crime scene information of the crime occurring in the dark (at night) and body disposal were found to have high importance. The current study proposes ways to enhance the efficacy of crime investigation and advance the research on sexual homicides in Korea through a more scientific understanding of sexual homicide that has not been thoroughly explored domestically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Forensic Science & Technology is the property of Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs), originally intended to be used as cigarette substitutes, have evolved into discreet devices for consuming drugs other than nicotine (DOTNs). Presented are the results of an exploratory survey in which information regarding demographics, e-cig device type, DOTN use, frequency and context of use was collected. The average reported age of respondents was 27.4 years of age (SD = 12.0), and respondents predominantly identified as male (73%). Vape pens (disposable or refillable) were the most reported device across all DOTN classes. Cannabinoids were the most reported class of DOTN used, for both lifetime and past 30-day use. Other DOTNs reported included herbal supplements, amphetamines, caffeine, kratom, vitamins, opiates, DMT, fentanyl, and ketamine. Combinations of DOTNs used in e-cigs and trends in poly-substance use were reported. The most commonly reported context was vaping alone, followed by with friends, at home, and at social events; less commonly reported contexts included when driving, at work, and at school. Results from this study are useful for developing future national surveys to consider a comprehensive substance use-focused strategy that includes vaping, building awareness of DOTN e-cig use, and highlighting public safety issues in driving impairment, crime scene investigations, and death investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article addresses aspects related to the tactical framework for arranging and carrying out the crime scene investigation forensic activity, with reference to the basic rules that govern the implementation of this evidentiary procedure, the conditions and limits imposed by the legislative framework for the technical-scientific investigation of the crime scene, thus so as to ensure the reliability of the evidence in the criminal process. At the end of the work, conclusions and proposals for the Ferenda law are formulated to adjust the regulation in the matter and ensure a predictable and accessible legal framework for all litigants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular biology is a complex, abstract, subject that can be challenging for higher education students to comprehend. The current manuscript describes the design, implementation, and evaluation of two immersive VR simulations of a DNA lab and a crime scene investigation (CSI) for a forensic molecular biology course in the context of the "TESLA" Erasmus+ project. It illustrates the instructional design and technical aspects of the VR simulations' development. The experimental study employed a comparative quantitative research design. The guiding research questions examined how instructional modalities (online vs. face-to-face) affect learners' perceptions of VR-based training in higher education and the key factors influencing learners' intention for their adoption. Forty-six (n = 46) undergraduate students completed a 17-item questionnaire, which served as the main data collection instrument. Results demonstrate that both online and face-to-face VR-based instruction can effectively convey core concepts, thus challenging the traditional notion that face-to-face interaction is inherently superior. Its implications underscore the potential of VR simulations to supplement or even substitute traditional teaching methods, particularly for complex science subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The K-9 Unit of the Bali Regional Police is an elite unit specializing in using sniffer dogs to assist in various police operations, ranging from apprehending criminals and detecting narcotics, to search and rescue (SAR) operations. The ability of sniffer dogs to detect narcotics and explosives is crucial in crime prevention and control efforts. In Bali, an international tourist destination, the threat of narcotics smuggling is very high. Specially trained sniffer dogs can quickly identify the presence of these illegal substances in various locations, such as airports, seaports, and entertainment venues. This study aims to identify and analyze the role of the K-9 Unit of the Bali Regional Police in the process of crime disclosure. Through a qualitative approach with a case study method, data were collected through interviews, observations, and literature studies. Through methods of observation, interviews, and literature study, this research is expected to provide a comprehensive and in-depth overview of the role of the K-9 Unit of the Bali Regional Police. The K-9 Unit of the Bali Regional Police has a significant contribution to disclosing crimes by providing technical assistance using sniffer dogs, which have proven effective in crime scene investigation and have a direct impact on solving criminal cases. Factors affecting the effectiveness of this unit include public demand, environmental conditions, and the availability of human and animal resources. To optimize its role, it is necessary to enhance training, facilities, coordination with related parties, and regular evaluation of the unit's performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decomposition of a body, and the associated gaseous and liquid discharges emanating from it, attract gravid female blow flies which lay their eggs in or on the body. After the eggs have hatched, the emerging larvae start feeding on the body. As decomposition progresses, the blow fly larvae often migrate away, typically in a random manner in search of favourable conditions for pupation. In this paper, we report on a rarely described phenomenon of unidirectional mass migration of blow fly larvae and postulate on the factors which may drive this process. A decomposition trial utilising a 60-kg pig carcass, deployed in the summer months in Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, South Africa, was conducted in 2022. On the fifth day of the trial, simultaneous unidirectional mass dispersal of blow fly larvae was observed. The larvae moved downhill in a southeasterly direction, following the flow of decomposition fluids oozing out from the pig carcass. The 'larval migration stream' had a length of approximately 1.5 m with a width of 40 cm, tapering to 17 cm at the terminal point. The larval migration stream consisted of the larvae of Chrysomya albiceps and Chrysomya chloropyga. This study demonstrates the importance of understanding the timing and pattern of dispersal of post-feeding blow fly larvae in each geographical region. This is crucial as the minimum post-mortem interval can be miscalculated if older immature insects dispersing from the corpse are not considered and collected during crime scene investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Research into the community composition and succession of blowflies can provide valuable insights into the timing and environmental conditions of colonization events, enhancing the accuracy of forensic analyses. Blowfly species diversity and distribution are influenced by various environmental factors such as season, habitat, and geographical location, which in turn affect their behavior and colonization patterns. The researchers surveyed blowfly populations across four distinct regions over the course of a year, examining how factors like season, habitat, and location influenced the blowfly community. The findings showed significant seasonal variations, emphasizing the impact of environmental conditions on blowfly behavior and colonization patterns. This research provides important regional data on forensically relevant blowfly species, which can help improve the accuracy of estimating the time and circumstances of death during criminal investigations. By enhancing our understanding of blowfly ecology, this work also contributes to broader scientific knowledge about decomposition processes and the role of insects in ecosystem functioning, ultimately benefiting crime scene investigations and advancing the field of forensic science. The study of blowfly (Diptera: Calliphoridae) biodiversity and distribution is crucial for forensic investigations. Abiotic and biotic factors, such as season and habitat type, have a significant impact on blowfly populations. However, only a few forensic entomology studies have been conducted in South Korea, particularly in the Gyeongsangnam-do region. To address this, an extensive year-long survey was conducted to analyze the compositions, habitat preferences, distribution, and seasonal abundance of forensically relevant blowflies in urban and forested habitats of Gyeongsangnam-do, with sampling conducted twice a month using mouse carcass-baited traps set for 48 h each time. A total of 3470 adult blowflies were recorded, encompassing five genera and 13 species, with a noted absence of specimens during the winter months. The predominant species was Lucilia porphyrina, accounting for 37.2% of the total sample, followed by Chrysomya pinguis (27.6%), Lucilia sericata (7.6%), and Lucilia illustris (7.1%). The species composition was consistent across all surveyed regions; however, seasonal variation in species diversity was evident, with a peak in spring and a decline in summer. Notably, certain species exhibited clear preferences for either urban (Calliphora calliphoroides and L. sericata) or forested habitats (L. porphyrina and Ch. pinguis). This pioneering study elucidates the diverse blowfly communities in Gyeongsangnam-do, highlighting significant seasonal and habitat-dependent variations. These findings enrich our understanding of blowfly ecology in this region, offering valuable insights for forensic applications and underscoring the necessity for ongoing entomological surveillance and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract\nHighlightsThis study examined the effectiveness of an interactive VR-based platform (IVR-CSI) for crime scene investigation training in forensic science education. The IVR-CSI utilized real-case scenarios and head-mounted displays. University students majoring in criminal investigation (N = 71) participated, with 36 using IVR-CSI and 35 in the control group with traditional training. Pre-test, post-test, and delayed test assessments to measure learning achievements, situational interest, and cognitive load. Statistical analysis revealed that the experimental group demonstrated significantly better immediate learning outcomes and retained knowledge more effectively over time compared to the control group. The IVR-CSI also elicited higher situational interest across most dimensions, particularly in novelty, exploration intention, attention demand, and instant enjoyment. Importantly, IVR-CSI did not increase students’ intrinsic and extraneous cognitive load but enhanced their germane cognitive load. These results highlight the positive impact of IVR-CSI on CSI training, offering valuable insights for enhancing professional training programs and instructional methods in this field.The IVR-CSI platform was developed using virtual reality and real cases in forensic science education.Experimental group showed better learning outcomes and knowledge retention than control group.IVR-CSI increased situational interest dimensions such as novelty, enjoyment, and exploration.Using IVR-CSI did not increase the intrinsic/extraneous load but improved the germane load.This study shows the potential of VR to enhance professional skill training in CSI via situated learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community colleges serve a substantial percentage of college-age students in the United States, many of whom arrive with negative attitudes toward mathematics, despite there being many STEM-related fields available to community college graduates. The current paper summarizes the creation of a day-long activity that assists students in developing applied mathematical skills in a format that aligns with the experiential learning theory. Students at a community college in Texas are learning math by engaging with a popular topic, crime scene investigation, through an annual event, established in 2017, called NVCsi. Students interact with hands-on activities that combine forensics, mathematics, and other disciplines. The implementation of the event is described so that other colleges can develop their own experiential learning event. Planned data collection for future event cycles are described, as are limitations and constraints of the NVCsi event with a discussion of planned modifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of University of Anbar for Pure Science is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Like student-centred learning, andragogy is concerned with adult learning through self- directed learning, active participation, and collaborative problem-solving. While andragogy has been extensively recognised as a viable method for adult learning, its application presents several obstacles in higher-level education institutions. This article aims to demonstrate how to design and implement this andragogical strategy, particularly in Forensic Science programs. Specifically, this article discusses an andragogical approach to conducting a crime scene investigation as a course assignment. This activity starting with strategizing the teaching plan with students, setting up the crime scene, crime scene reconstruction, presentation of the investigation results, peer evaluation, and getting the student feedback. This activity is often used in Forensic Science programmes to provide students with hands-on experience in processing a crime scene, collecting evidence, and analysing evidence. Typically, instructors prepare crime scenes for students to investigate. Instead of providing a pre-constructed crime scene, students are given the opportunity to create and produce their own crime scenes. This indirectly demands dedication, group cooperation, and wisdom in applying all their knowledge and experience in Forensic Science. This activity provides space for creative thinking among students, especially in creating crime scenes, evaluating evidence materials, and reconstructing crime incidents using the obtained evidence. This article also highlights the need for obtaining student feedback, as well as the knowledge generated, and challenges faced by educators in applying andragogy in learning activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fingerprints hold evidential value for individual identification; a sensitive, efficient, and convenient method for visualizing latent fingermarks (LFMs) is of great importance in the field of crime scene investigation. In this study, we proposed an aggregation-induced emission atomization technique (AIE-AT) to obtain high-quality fingermark images. Six volunteers made over 1566 fingerprint samples on 17 different objects. The quality of fingermark development was evaluated using grayscale analysis for quantitative assessment, combining the fluency of fingermark ridges and the degree of level 2 and level 3 features. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were employed to explore the effectiveness of AIE molecule C27H19N3SO in developing fingermarks, its applicability to objects, and its individual selectivity. Additionally, the stability of the AIE molecule was examined. Comparative experimental results demonstrated the high stability of the AIE molecule, making it suitable for long-term preservation. The grayscale ratio of the ridges and furrows was at least 2, with high brightness contrast, the level 2 and level 3 features were clearly observable. The AIE-AT proved to be effective for developing fingermarks on nonporous, porous, and semiporous objects. It exhibited low selectivity on suspects who leave fingermarks and showed better development effects on challenging objects, as well as efficient extraction capability for in situ fingermarks. In summary, AIE-AT can efficiently develop latent fingermarks on common objects and even challenging ones. It locates the latent fingermarks for further accurate extraction of touch exfoliated cells in situ, providing technical support for the visualization of fingermarks and the localization for extraction of touch DNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 150 mock jurors viewed bloodstain pattern analysis evidence. • Split into two groups, the test group also viewed a 3D flythrough of the scene. • The test group had significantly better knowledge retention. • There was no significant difference in emotion and confidence between the groups. There are numerous crime scene investigation applications of 3D scanning that have been previously documented. This paper documents the application of a 3D point cloud in the presentation of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis evidence to mock jurors. 150 mock jurors viewed a presentation of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis evidence from a murder trial in the UK. After viewing the evidence, the participants were tested on their knowledge of the evidence and repeated the test again 2 weeks later; to simulate criminal trial conditions; whereby there is a time lapse between the initial viewing of evidential material and deliberation. This paper found that the mock jurors who additionally viewed a 3D flythrough of a point cloud of the crime scene, better retained knowledge of the evidence over time, reported a greater ability to visualise the crime scene and had higher levels of interest in the evidence. Crucially, the 3D flythrough group did not report different levels of confidence in the accuracy of their memories of the evidence, nor different levels of emotional arousal to the group that viewed the evidence without the 3D presentation. Together, these findings suggest that 3D scanning of crime scenes, and the resultant point cloud's presentation to jurors, could add further value to the justice system when spatial information, such as Bloodstain Pattern Analysis evidence, is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Crime scene investigation training and education has to address specific problem solving and psychomotor skills. • AR technology could improve current training and education approaches when used as a supplementary tool. • Potential challenges and considerations are highlighted that are to be explored before implementing AR technology. The role of the crime scene investigator is complex, and investigators need to be able to conduct multiple frequently performed tasks. Appropriate training and education are critical to impart the crime scene investigator with the necessary capabilities. For a range of reasons, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for multi-disciplinary capabilities, training and education requirements have evolved in recent times to be more flexible and accessible. The skills of a crime scene investigator can be broadly categorised into two types of fundamental skills: decision-making and psychomotor skills. Both these skills need to be taught and assessed within training and education programs. The most common approach to impart these skills is by incorporating a crime scene simulation facility; however, not everyone has access to these facilities. Furthermore, crime scene staff often undertake refresher courses and are required to complete proficiency assessments. Conducting these activities in a dedicated crime scene simulation facility is time consuming and costly. Virtual tools have been developed in recent years to address this, but these tools only assess decision-making skills and not psychomotor skills. This paper argues that the implementation of augmented reality (AR) technology should be considered in crime scene investigator training and university education, because it can provide significant advantages when paired with conventional methods of training and education. When appropriately managed, AR can provide an avenue of training where both decision-making and psychomotor skills can be addressed simultaneously, while providing a more flexible and accessible approach. The implementation of AR has the potential to significantly improve the standards of teaching, resulting in better equipped crime scene investigators. The paper will explore how AR has the potential to improve accessibility of training, increase safety, enhance the student experience, enhance collaboration and feedback through connectivity and potentially reduce cost. This paper will also provide an insight into what would need to be considered before implementing AR technology into crime scene investigation training and education alongside current approaches. It is argued that the inclusion of AR into the current training and education arsenal provides significant benefits that are worthy of exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigation of a crime scene is an interrelated system of procedural actions aimed at the detection, fixation, seizure, and examination of traces of an offense. This investigation may ultimately lead to the prosecution of offenders. As new digital technology emerges, law enforcement and emergency responders must carefully deliberate the introduction of new equipment and software to ensure scientific integrity and legal admissibility of the technology. The usability of drones has increased dramatically over the past two decades, making them an effective tool in various areas of public activity and leading to a significant number of scientific developments. Such technologies have become an everyday and integral part of society due to rapid technological development, computerization, mobility, safety, ease, reliability, affordability and economic benefits. Despite these attractive benefits, drones are characterized by operational limitations due to several critical issues in terms of autonomy of f light, trajectory planning, battery life, f light time, and payload capacity. Thus, the main purpose of this study is to provide practical recommendations for the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) in the investigation of offenses. The provisions and practical recommendations presented in this article are relevant in the context of the use of modern technology for inspecting crime scenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA analysis of traces from commonly found objects like knives, smartphones, tapes and garbage bags related to crime in aquatic environments is challenging for forensic DNA laboratories. The amount of recovered DNA may be affected by the water environment, time in the water, method for recovery, transport and storage routines of the objects before the objects arrive in the laboratory. The present study evaluated the effect of four storage conditions on the DNA retrieved from bloodstains, touch DNA, fingerprints and hairs, initially deposited on knives, smartphones, packing tapes, duct tapes and garbage bags, and submerged in lake water for three time periods. After retrieval, the objects were stored either through air-drying at room temperature, freezing at −30 °C, in nitrogen gas or in lake water. The results showed that the submersion time strongly influenced the amount and degradation of DNA, especially after the longest submersion time (21 days). A significant variation was observed in success for STR profiling, while mtDNA profiling was less affected by the submersion time interval and storage conditions. This study illustrates that retrieval from water as soon as possible and immediate storage through air-drying or freezing before DNA analysis is beneficial for the outcome of DNA profiling in crime scene investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors present four special cases of electric current action on the body, rarely encountered in medico-legal practice. The first case, a violent death caused by atmospheric electric current (lightning), presents the particularity of skin lesions typical for this rare form of electrocution. The second case presents a "hidden" electrical mark, produced by direct, bipolar (biphasic) contact with an electrical conductor, not initially evident by medico-legal and forensic investigation conducted at the crime scene, although there was a clear history of electrocution. The electrical mark was discovered at autopsy in an atypical, hidden area on the vestibular side of the lips. The third case, an electrocution by voltaic arc, also rarely seen in medico-legal and forensic practice, attracts attention due to the particularities of skin lesions (metalization). The fourth case is a suicide by electrocution with unisolated electrical conductors tied to the right hand and left leg and plugged into the electrical network. The improvised electrical installation was equipped with a switch that was operated by the suicidal person with his right hand. The conclusion is that, although electrocution is a common cause of violent death, it must be treated with great care both by the criminalist and the forensic pathologist, since some particular, atypical aspects can lead to confusion and diagnostic errors. In such cases, the close collaboration between forensics and legal medicine is essential, each of the specialists providing important information for the correct instrumentation of the case and for finding out the truth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For any criminal prosecution officer, the crime scene investigation is one of the most important criminal prosecution actions and in most cases, it is also the starting point of investigations. Here, the traces left by the offender can be discovered, they can be visible or less visible, left due to negligence, haste, fear or on purpose. The traces, waiting to be discovered, form a significant part of the object of the forensic investigation. Being created in the environment through the actions of those involved in the commission of the offense, the traces contain a lot of information, including individual features of the perpetrator, and in turn are waiting to be discovered for the identification of the last. A hasty decision, a wrong step is able to compromise the deciphering of the crime scene and consequently the identification of the perpetrator. There is no such thing as a perfect crime, and in this initial work, the experience and knowledge of the criminal prosecution officer are essential to help him search, have a broad view and best understand the information he has already obtained. Professional experience is a condition of activation of the imagination, which will help him restoring the event of the offense in the form of its forensic characteristic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of the crime scene in criminal procedural evidence is unanimously recognized both by criminal procedural science, respectively by criminalistics, and by jurisprudence. It is not for nothing that the changes caused by the evolution of the criminal phenomenon determine new approaches from the judicial bodies, approaches that are often provided by criminalistics, and in many cases determined including the modification of the relevant criminal procedural legislation. At the same time, we cannot overlook that in addition to the evidentiary importance of the crime scene in solving the material object of the criminal cases, it was often also of interest for solving immediate problems such as coercive procedural measures. Measures that include detention. Or, the interconnection between the circumstances found on the crime scene and the possibility of the judicial bodies to apply detention was noticed not only by researchers in the field but also by the legislative forum, which mostly allows the possibility of detaining people suspected of committing crimes due to circumstances found on the crime scene. The way in which, however, these provisions are applied in practice, in turn, is interdependent with the criminalistic means of identification and, respectively, administration of the evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fingerprints are unique patterns used as biometric keys because they allow an individual to be unambiguously identified, making their application in the forensic field a common practice. The design of a system that can match the details of different images is still an open problem, especially when applied to large databases or, to real-time applications in forensic scenarios using mobile devices. Fingerprints collected at a crime scene are often manually processed to find those that are relevant to solving the crime. This work proposes an efficient methodology that can be applied in real time to reduce the manual work in crime scene investigations that consumes time and human resources. The proposed methodology includes four steps: (i) image pre-processing using oriented Gabor filters; (ii) the extraction of minutiae using a variant of the Crossing Numbers method which include a novel ROI definition through convex hull and erosion followed by replacing two or more very close minutiae with an average minutiae; (iii) the creation of a model that represents each minutia through the characteristics of a set of polygons including neighboring minutiae; (iv) the individual search of a match for each minutia in different images using metrics on the absolute and relative errors. While in the literature most methodologies look to validate the entire fingerprint model, connecting the minutiae or using minutiae triplets, we validate each minutia individually using n-vertex polygons whose vertices are neighbor minutiae that surround the reference. Our method also reveals robustness against false minutiae since several polygons are used to represent the same minutia, there is a possibility that even if there are false minutia, the true polygon is present and identified; in addition, our method is immune to rotations and translations. The results show that the proposed methodology can be applied in real time in standard hardware implementation, with images of arbitrary orientations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Estimation of the post-mortem interval (PMI) is a crucial aspect in crime scene investigation. PMI is defined as the time between the moment of death and the moment of finding the dead body. A combination of methods for estimating the PMI in forensic casework is internationally mostly used. Supravital muscle reaction (SMR) is one of those methods. SMR is an idiomuscular contraction and can be provoked by mechanical stimulation. Objectives: A field study was carried out with the aim to investigate whether a reflex hammer can be used as tool for triggering an idiomuscular contraction and, furthermore, to determine if a learning period has to be taken into account by a forensic physician for appropriate application of a reflex hammer to trigger SMR. Methods: From January 2017 to January 2022, four forensic physicians used this SMR by mechanically stimulating the musculus brachioradialis and musculus biceps brachii. In total, 332 cases were included with a PMI less than 24 h. The cases were divided in chronological clusters of 20 cases. The ratio of the number of positive SMR versus the total number stimulations per forensic physician was used as a measure of accuracy of a reflex hammer for triggering SMR. The distribution of the data was analyzed by comparing the clusters in chronological order to assess whether a learning curve applies. Results: In 55.7%, a muscle reaction could be provoked by mechanical stimulation. Comparable outcome of SMR between the participating physicians was observed after 40 stimulations. Conclusion: A reflex hammer is usable for provoking SMR. A learning period has to be taken in to account during the first forty cases per forensic physician. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ants have been documented as part of the entomo-sarcosaprophagous community. They have been known to alter the process of carcass decomposition due to their ability to feed on fly eggs/larvae and create post-mortem skin injuries. However, studies on the impact of ants on decomposing carcasses are scarce, especially within the Western Cape Province of South Africa. This study was part of a research project that utilized two (2) neonate pig carcasses in each month of the year to establish baseline data on the insect species associated with decomposing carcasses in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. In the early spring (September 2020), mid-autumn (May 2021), and mid-winter (July 2021) trials respectively, several individuals of Crematogaster cf. liengmei colonized the pig carcasses shortly after deployment. There, they fed on the flesh of the carcasses and further inflicted bite marks and conspicuous post-mortem skin lesions. Following the reduction in the presence of Crematogaster cf. liengmei specifically in the mid-winter trial, non-vital bleeding was observed as a consequence of the skin lesions. In the early spring, mid- and late autumn (May 2021), and early (June 2021) and mid-winter trials respectively, Crematogaster cf. liengmei prevented the formation of large maggot masses, principally through the predation of fly eggs, larvae, and adults. The observations recorded in this study are of considerable importance in forensic investigations as the effect of the necrophagous behavior of Crematogaster cf. liengmei on decomposing remains can be misinterpreted by inexperienced investigators during crime scene investigations and may alter post-mortem interval estimations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Burned corpses are of medicolegal importance as circumstances may suggest means that are used for committing or concealing homicidal death or death occurring due to accidental causes. Postmortem burns, which may include homicidal burns (torch murder) or burns used to conceal the crime, are committed with the motive of identity destruction, transposing the cause and manner of death and destruction of evidence. The present study aimed to analyse the cases of postmortem burns in the context of the cause of death, manner of death and circumstances pertaining to death. This is a retrospective study performed in the Government Medical College & Hospital, Aurangabad (MH), India, between 1 January 2009 - 31 December 2016. Cases involving burn injuries were examined in detail by autopsy reports, toxicological analyses, crime scene investigation and police records submitted at the Institute's office. A careful examination of vitality signs of burns, soot deposition in the lower respiratory tract and the presence of other fatal injuries was performed for each case. Cases exposed to fire before death were all excluded. Similarly, bodies being charred to such an extent to prevent distinguishing the vitality of burns were also excluded. Postmortem burns were recorded in 13 cases (0.46%) of deceased bodies to cover homicides. Females were reported to be more commonly involved and more in a household environment. Head injury was the most common cause of death, followed by death due to asphyxia due to any means. The findings of the present study reinforce the fact that burning cannot always effectively destroy the evidence, hindering the perpetrator from covering up the crime. Apart from the evidence at autopsy, a transdisciplinary approach must be initiated with detailed crime scene investigation, toxicology, ascertaining the cause of death with analyses of fatal injuries and contributory data for identification of the deceased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Varied hypothetico-deductive reasoning styles impact trace search and collection. • CSIs could benefit from external knowledge for investigation's many decision points. • There is no clear consensus over how much information CSIs should receive. • CSIs need better tools to aid in reasoning processes and improve CSI outcomes. Crime scene investigations are highly complex environments that require the CSI to engage in complex decision-making. CSIs must rely on personal experience, context information, and scientific knowledge about the fundamental principles of forensic science to both find and correctly interpret ambiguous traces and accurately reconstruct a scene. Differences in CSI decision making can arise in multiple stages of a crime scene investigation. Given its crucial role in forensic investigation, CSI decision-making must be further studied to understand how differences may arise during the stages of a crime scene investigation. The following exploratory research project is a first step at comparing how crime scene investigations of violent robberies are conducted between 25 crime scene investigators from nine countries across the world. Through a mock crime scene and semi-structured interview, we observed that CSIs have adopted a variety of investigation approaches. The results show that CSIs have different working strategies and make different decisions when it comes to the construction of relevant hypotheses, their search strategy, and the collection of traces. These different decisions may, amongst other factors, be due to the use of prior information, a CSI's knowledge and experience, and the perceived goal of their investigation. We suggest the development of more practical guidelines to aid CSIs through a hypothetico-deductive reasoning process, where (a) CSIs are supported in the correct use of contextual information, (b) outside knowledge and expertise are integrated into this process, and (c) CSIs are guided in the evaluation of the utility of their traces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, published in the Pakistan Journal of Criminology, discusses the emerging field of digital criminology and its integration with criminal investigations in Pakistan. It highlights the legal developments in response to technology, such as the passing of the European Artificial Intelligence Act and the Computer Emergency Response Team Rules in Pakistan. The article emphasizes the importance of digital forensics in criminal prosecutions and provides recommendations for its implementation, including training for law enforcement, standardization of digital forensic labs, and integration of cybersecurity mechanisms with the criminal justice system. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for indigenous measurement of cybercrime in Pakistan. [Extracted from the article]

Surprisingly, the high accuracies previously reported, exceeding 95%, dropped significantly when faced with the more demanding conditions of the forensic scenario, plummeting to as low as 65%. In essence, while facial recognition systems have shown impressive performance in ideal conditions, our study indicates a substantial decrease in accuracy when faced with the complexities and challenges typical of real-world forensic scenarios, highlighting the need for further advancements to bridge this gap. Recent advancements in machine learning and computer vision have shown facial recognition systems achieving accuracies that surpass human performance in controlled settings but fingerprint analysis is proved more accurate in all aspects. To investigate this, we created a large-scale synthetic facial dataset and designed a controlled facial lineup that mimics conditions encountered in real forensic situations. This approach allowed us to systematically assess facial recognition under various challenging real-world conditions. Using both our synthetic dataset and a well-known dataset of actual faces, we tested the accuracy of two widely used neural-based facial recognition systems. Comparative and Analytical method is applied for present Research. Artificial intelligence could help humans in accuracy and speeding up the process of investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Legal Theory / Jogelméleti Szemle / Zeitschrift für Rechtstheorie is the property of Journal of Legal Theory / Jogelmeleti Szemle / Zeitschrift fur Rechtstheorie and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Zbornik Radova Pravnog Fakulteta u Nisu is the property of Law Faculty in Nis and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article offers information on a teacher's experience with inquiry-based learning and the Genius Hour project. Topics include the challenge of guiding students to choose inquiry topics, the use of multi-genre projects to explore personal identity, and the importance of providing students with opportunities for true inquiry experiences.

The article analyzes the increasingly important role of video surveillance cameras in the administration of the evidentiary procedure of crime scene investigation, especially in the case of crimes of great violence. The study evokes the contemporary tendency of investigators to turn to the recordings of public or private surveillance systems, highlighting the advantages of using these modern technologies in the technical-scientific investigation of the crime scene, but also the legal limits of using these invasive methods in the private life of individuals, with express references to the jurisprudence of the European litigation courts in the matter of respecting personal data. In the end, brief conclusions are presented on the balance between the necessity of finding the truth in the criminal process and ensuring the respect of fundamental human rights, being formulated proposals for lege ferenda to improve the legal framework for the regulation of the matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The diagnosis of anaphylaxis comprehensively depends on both situational information and laboratory investigations. For this purpose, serum tryptase concentration is examined as an indicator of systemic mast cell mediator release, linked to an underlying anaphylactic process. Increased levels of tryptase may occur in some events different from anaphylaxis, but usually information from crime scene investigations is lacking and autoptic findings are not specific. For legal reasons, it is required to achieve a definite diagnosis of mast cell degranulation that can lead to a certain diagnosis of death from anaphylaxis. Immunohistochemistry seems to be a relatively simple, reliable, and easily repeatable method that can assist the forensic pathologist in the differential diagnosis of death from anaphylaxis. Materials and Methods: This work provides an overview of the current literature on immunohistochemical methods useful in the determination process of anaphylactic-related deaths. A systematic search, according to the PRISMA statement, was performed in databases to identify studies investigating immunohistochemical targets related to anaphylaxis death. Results: This work underscores the importance of anaphylaxis mediators such as tryptase, CD117, and chymase in the immunohistochemical analysis of anaphylactic deaths. Conclusions: According to the reviewed literature, the diagnosis of death due to anaphylaxis should depend not just on the suspicion of an anaphylactic reaction but also on confirming mast cell degranulation through the identification of IHC positivity for inflammatory mediators, particularly in the respiratory tract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interpersonal violence is a rising issue in global society and new approaches are being sought to combat the problem. Within this context, expanding forensic techniques to better document violent crime scenes is critical for improving and acquiring legal evidence, such as proving or tracing contact between victims and suspects. This project aims to demonstrate the potential for forensic investigations in the context of interpersonal violence using a field-based reflective spectroscopy approach. For this, a common cosmetic, Wet'N'Wild "Color Icon" blush in the shade "Pearlescent Pink", was mineralogically characterized using transmission electron microscopy and powder X-ray diffraction and subsequently investigated via reflective spectroscopy on a variety of common substrates. Differing amounts of the cosmetic product, ranging from 0.001 g to 0.075 g, were applied to a variety of substrates using a simple push method to simulate forcible contact and material transfer. Substrates included a pine wood block; (calcareous) sand from Tulum, Mexico; Ottawa sand; tile; Pergo wood; linoleum; closet material; carpets; and fabrics. The reflective spectra of cosmetic–substrate combinations were measured via an ASD FieldSpec 4 Hi-Res spectroradiometer. The Wet'N'Wild cosmetic was reliably detected on various substrates relevant to crime scenes. Minor amounts (as low as 0.02 mg/mm2) could be detected, and average limits of detection of 0.03 mg/mm2) were achieved; however, a calcareous sand (Tulum) had a high level of detection (>0.38 mg/mm2), suggesting that further investigation is needed for more complex sand substrates. The use of the ASD spectroradiometer as a forensic tool within the context of crime scene documentation shows promise. Future work should expand the characterization of cosmetic materials across a broad range of substrates and consider systematic studies of specific population groups. Furthermore, combining this approach with hyperspectral imaging at crime scenes is a promising future direction for crime scene documentation. This work therefore demonstrates a novel method for investigating cosmetics within the context of interpersonal violence and provides a foundation for future laboratory and field work using the ASD FieldSpec 4 and hyperspectral imaging systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital media devices such as smartphones, cameras, and notebooks are becoming increasingly popular. Through digital platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, and others, people share digital images, videos, and audio in large quantities. Especially in a crime scene investigation, digital evidence plays a crucial role in a courtroom. Manipulating video content with high-quality software tools is easier, which helps fabricate video content more efficiently. It is therefore necessary to develop an authenticating method for detecting and verifying manipulated videos. The objective of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the passive methods for detecting video forgeries. This survey has the primary goal of studying and analyzing the existing passive techniques for detecting video forgeries. First, an overview of the basic information needed to understand video forgery detection is presented. Later, it provides an in-depth understanding of the techniques used in the spatial, temporal, and spatio-temporal domain analysis of videos, datasets used, and their limitations are reviewed. In the following sections, standard benchmark video forgery datasets and the generalized architecture for passive video forgery detection techniques are discussed in more depth. Finally, identifying loopholes in existing surveys so detecting forged videos much more effectively in the future are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water contamination is a growing concern in society. New environmental laws are being enacted to define intolerable human activities, and their enforcement is increasingly supported by forensic science. However, water contamination is a broader security issue that is not only caused by illegal human behavior. Risk‐based approaches are needed to prevent (re)occurrence of incidents and minimize their negative consequences. This can be achieved through the formalization of a monitoring process producing intelligence (i.e., actionable knowledge), crucial to detect recurring incidents, and guiding decision‐makers in their choice of preventive and responsive actions. In this perspective, forensic science has a key role to play in integrating vestiges from water‐contaminating activities (i.e., traces) in such a problem‐solving process. Information conveyed by traces allows detecting similarities among contamination events (i.e., patterns), inferring common causes, and better understanding of mechanisms and consequences of water contamination. The different stages of the process will be described and illustrated through a real case example. Current barriers to the implementation of such a process are then discussed, showing how systemic issues and complexity may prevent the establishment of links across contamination events, thus negatively impacting the generation of intelligence. To overcome these obstacles, we underline the importance to initiate local and size‐limited approaches by implementing relatively simple and flexible systems. New knowledge can be used to improve local situations and help stakeholders to understand the benefits of such a process; then, by a bottom‐up iterative learning process, the approach can be given a greater ambition at a larger scale. This article is categorized under:Forensic Science in Action/Crime Scene Investigation > Special Situations and InvestigationsCrime Scene Investigation > From Traces to Intelligence and EvidenceForensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence > Forensic Food and Environment Analysis [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crime scene investigation (CSI) is the complex act of reconstructing the dynamics that led to a crime and the circumstances of its perpetration. Crystallizing the CSI is a difficult task for the forensic pathologist; however, it is often requested by the public prosecutor and many judicial cases remain unsolved precisely for this reason. Recent years have seen an improvement in the ability of 3D scanning technology to obtain dense surface scans of large-scale spaces, for surveying, engineering, archaeology, and medical purposes such as forensics. The applications of this new technology are growing every day: forensic measurement of wounds in clinical reports, for example, reconstruction of traffic accidents, bullet trajectory studies in gunshot wounds, and 3D bloodstain pattern analysis. A retrospective analysis was conducted across all crime scene investigations performed by the forensic staff of the Department of Forensic Pathology of the University of Catania from January 2019 to June 2022. Inclusion criteria were the use of a laser scanner (LS), the use of a camera, a full investigative scene, and collection of circumstantial data thanks to the help of the judicial police. Cases in which the LS was not used were excluded. Out of 200 CSIs, 5 were included in the present study. In case number 1, the use of the LS made it possible to create a complete scale plan of the crime scene in a few hours, allowing a ship to be quickly returned to the judicial police officer. In case 2 (fall from a height), the LS clarified the suicidal intent of the deceased. In case number 3 it was possible to reconstruct a crime scene after many years. In case 4, the LS provided a great contribution in making a differential diagnosis between suicide and homicide. In case 5, the LS was fundamental for the COVID team in planning the study of COVID-19 pathways and areas within a hospital with the aim of reduction of nosocomial transmission. In conclusion, the use of the LS allowed the forensic staff to crystallize the investigative scene, making it a useful tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Van Tip Dergisi is the property of Yuzuncu Yil University, Faculty of Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The identification and recovery of suspected human biofluid evidence can present a bottleneck in the crime scene investigation workflow. Crime Scene Investigators typically deploy one of a number of presumptive enhancement reagents, depending on what they perceive an analyte to be; the selection of this reagent is largely based on the context of suspected evidence and their professional experience. Positively identified samples are then recovered to a forensic laboratory where confirmatory testing is carried out by large lab-based instruments, such as through mass-spectrometry-based techniques. This work proposes a proof-of-concept study into the use of a small, robust and portable ion mobility spectrometry device that can analyse samples in situ, detecting, identifying and discriminating commonly encountered body fluids from interferences. This analysis exploits the detection and identification of characteristic volatile organic compounds generated by gentle heating, at ambient temperature and pressure, and categorises samples using machine learning, providing investigators with instant identification. The device is shown to be capable of producing characteristic mobility spectra using a dual micro disc pump configuration which separates blood and urine from three visually similar interferences using an unsupervised PCA model with no misclassified samples. The device has the potential to reduce the need for potentially contaminating and destructive presumptive tests, and address the bottleneck created by the time-consuming and laborious detection, recovery and analysis workflow currently employed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decomposition of animal bodies is a process defined by specific stages, described by the state of the body and participation of certain guilds of invertebrates and microorganisms. While the participation of invertebrates in decomposing is well-studied and actively used in crime scene investigations, information on bacteria and fungi from the scene is rarely collected or used in the identification of important factors such as estimated time of death. Modern molecular techniques such as DNA metabarcoding allow the identification and quantification of the composition of microbial communities. In this study, we used DNA metabarcoding to monitor fungal succession during the decomposition of juvenile pigs in grasslands of New Jersey, USA. Our findings show that decomposition stages differ in a diversity of fungal communities. In particular, we noted increased fungal species richness in the more advanced stages of decomposition (e.g., bloat and decay stages), with unique fungal taxa becoming active with the progression of decay. Overall, our findings improve knowledge of how fungi contribute to forensically relevant decomposition and could help with the assessment of crime scenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In forensic science, scientific problem‐solving is characterized by the recognition of traces as part of iterative reasoning processes to assign meaning to those traces in order to interpret and reconstruct events. Through a set of fundamental principles, the Sydney Declaration presents a foundation of forensic science through the lens of a scientist. The distinction between a scientist and a technician may require clarification—where a prototypical technician follows a prescribed set of 'standard operating procedures' and may be limited in the interpretation of the resultant data, the scientist utilizes knowledge, skills, experience and imagination to identify the issue at hand and develop lines of inquiry for testing and interpretation. This case report draws on the Sydney Declaration in order to highlight the importance of learning about events from careful consideration of both obvious and less obvious traces. A case involving the assault of a police officer is examined to illustrate the use of the Principles: the problem originally defined by investigators at the scene and later by prosecutors resulted in incorrect analysis and interpretation of traces, hampering efforts at an accurate reconstruction of events. This exercise serves to demonstrate that in order to engage in scientific problem‐solving, it is necessary to apply observation and reasoning in forensic investigations in order to yield an outcome that can be clearly articulated. The overarching goal is to support the drive to improve forensic science practice, education, and research through a case illustrating the value of the principles of the Sydney Declaration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last two decades, forensic pathology and crime scene investigations have seen a rapid increase in examination tools due to the implementation of several imaging techniques, e.g., CT and MR scanning, surface scanning and photogrammetry. These tools encompass relatively simple visualization tools to powerful instruments for performing virtual 3D crime scene reconstructions. A multi-modality and multiscale approach to a crime scene, where 3D models of victims and the crime scene are combined, offers several advantages. A permanent documentation of all evidence in a single 3D environment can be used during the investigation phases (e.g., for testing hypotheses) or during the court procedures (e.g., to visualize the scene and the victim in a more intuitive manner). Advanced computational approaches to understand what might have happened during a crime can also be applied by, e.g., performing a virtual animation of the victim in the actual context, which can provide important information about possible dynamics during the event. Here, we present an overview of the different techniques and modalities used in forensic pathology in conjunction with crime scene investigations. Based on our experiences, the advantages and challenges of an image-based multi-modality approach will be discussed, including how their use may introduce new visualization modalities in court, e.g., virtual reality (VR) and 3D printing. Finally, considerations about future directions in research will be mentioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

FORENSIC CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION IS A FUNDAMENTAL ELEMENT OF THE JUSTICE INVESTIGATION PROCESS. IT IS OFTEN THE FIRST STAGE AT WHICH EVIDENCE IS COLLECTED, DOCUMENTED AND ANALYSED, AND THE QUALITY OF THIS INVESTIGATION CAN HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THE SUBSEQUENT SUCCESS OF SOLVING THE CASE. TO FULLY UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS EVIDENTIAL PROCESS, WE NEED TO FOCUS ON THE CONTEXT AND MOTIVATIONS BEHIND THE CRIME SCENE FORENSIC INVESTIGATION. TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACHES HAVE BROUGHT SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS TO THE FIELD, ALLOWING INVESTIGATORS TO OBTAIN MORE ACCURATE EVIDENCE AND SOLVE CASES MORE EFFICIENTLY. TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS HAVE BROUGHT WITH THEM THE EXPANDED USE OF ADVANCED IMAGING TECHNIQUES, DNA AND BIOMETRICS ANALYSIS, COMPUTER SIMULATIONS AND MORE, PROVIDING INVESTIGATIONS WITH A RICHER ARSENAL OF TOOLS. ONE OF THE MOST OBVIOUS PURPOSES OF CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION IS THE IDENTIFICATION AND APPREHENSION OF OFFENDERS. BY COLLECTING EVIDENCE, INCLUDING PHYSICAL TRACES, BIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE AND INTELLIGENCE, FORENSIC SCIENTISTS HELP ESTABLISH THE IDENTITY OF SUSPECTED CRIMINALS, WHICH FACILITATES THE PROSECUTION PROCESS. THE QUALITY OF EVIDENCE COLLECTED AND DOCUMENTED AT THE SCENE HAS A DIRECT IMPACT ON THE JUDICIAL PROCESS. WEAK OR INADEQUATE EVIDENCE CAN LEAD TO FAILURES IN COURT, WHILE STRONG AND WELL-MANAGED EVIDENCE CAN STRENGTHEN THE CASE FOR THE PROSECUTION OR DEFENCE. THIS UNDERLINES THE IMPORTANCE OF CRIME SCENE FORENSICS IN ENSURING A FAIR AND JUST TRIAL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Magyar Állatorvosok Lapja is the property of Herman Otto Intezet Nonprofit Kft. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)