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This study investigated the influence of question repetition and question type (answerable, unanswerable, or opinion seeking) on children's recall. A total of 136 children (5-, 7-, and 9-year-olds) watched a live 15-min presentation. One week later, the children were asked 20 questions that were repeated an additional two times within the interview. Accuracy of children's responses to unanswerable questions declined with repetition. Children were more likely to change a response to an unanswerable question than to an answerable question. Overall, children maintained the same answers to only three-quarters of the repeated questions. The most common pattern of change was for children to change their answer the second time a question was asked and then to maintain that answer when questioned again. The high percentage of changed answers within a single interview has important implications for forensic interviewing.

"His handwriting checks out and his prints look pretty good. Move him to the top of the list," orders the 13-year-old captain. His co-detective makes appropriate procedural notes. "Bring the next one up. Get a foot measurement and let Andre print him before we talk." In another corner of the room, two girls administer a solemn oath to one of six appropriately evasive "suspects" while a third helps herself to a sample of his hair for microscopic analysis. Fingerprinting, measurement, and microscopy centers set up throughout the classroom, are buzzing with activity as teams of amateur sleuths work to bring a criminal to justice. The scene described is from a forensic science activity the author designed for a weekend event at the Museum of Natural Science at Louisiana State University. Originally intended to demonstrate some of the basics of forensic science through a crime-solving activity aimed at middle level students, the author later found this activity translates easily to a regular classroom setting for holidays and the end of the year. A fair amount of preparation is necessary, but several grades can participate simultaneously, as can visiting parents.

Demonstrates how forensic science can be used as a framework for generating student interest and learning in chemistry and promoting critical thinking. The "Who Dunnit?" forensic science workshop was developed by undergraduate students and is one element of a two-week residential summer outreach program that seeks to develop interest in engineering among middle school girls. (Author/MM)

Uses forensic chemical science in an elementary setting and investigates how students apply knowledge to a real-world scenario. (YDS)

Describes how forensic science programs have boomed as students decide they want to be just like the stars of "The X-Files" and "CSI." (EV)

One of the most important review topics the author teaches in middle school is the use of metric measurement for problem solving and inquiry. For many years, she had students measuring various objects around the room using the tools of metric measurement. She dutifully taught hypothesizing, data collecting, and drawing conclusions. It was hands-on, but not very exciting. This year, the author set up crime scenes for the students to analyze as a practice for measuring and to use their problem-solving skills. In the activity described in this article, students use measuring equipment, collect data, and make inferences based on the evidence collected. Most of the students are fans of the CSI television programs, so this activity generates a lot of student enthusiasm.

Describes a project involving students in forensic science and crime prevention to improve their investigative skills using a DNA fingerprinting workshop and designing burglar alarms, investigating blood splatter patterns, investigating vehicle collisions, and researching crime prevention advice on the Internet. (YDS)

Modern techniques can generate highly discriminatory DNA profiles from minuscule biological samples, providing valuable information in criminal investigations and court proceedings. However, trace and touch DNA samples, due to their nature, often have lower success rates than other biological materials, such as blood. Further, forensically aware criminals can utilize gloves and meticulously clean the crime scene to remove DNA traces of themselves from contacted surfaces. Air sampling offers a novel approach to the collection of human DNA that has the potential to bypass some of these issues. This study reports on the results of research into the prevalence and persistence of human DNA in the air. The ability to collect human DNA from the air was investigated with the use of an AirPrep Cub Sampler ACD220 in different spaces, with and without the presence of individuals for various durations of sample collection. Results of this study demonstrate that level of occupation and sampling duration each have an influence on quantity and quality of DNA recovered from the air whereas the effects of orientation and distance of participants from the collection device as well as sequence of occupation remain unclear and require further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical analysis aimed at identifying post‐explosion residues is critical for investigating crimes or accidents involving explosives, establishing it as a vital area of forensic chemistry. In general, only trace amounts remain in samples analyzed for this purpose, making the presence of interferents a constant concern. Therefore, understanding the materials used from collection to sample preparation is essential for this type of analysis. This study focuses on organic contaminants in collection and laboratory materials analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), complementing a previous study by Mauricio et al. (2020), which addressed inorganic contaminants in materials used for similar purposes in ion chromatography (IC). No prior studies have specifically investigated the potential organic interferences introduced by various materials commonly used in forensic laboratories for sample pre‐processing, storage, and evidence collection in this context. Plastic films, bottle caps, disposable gloves, syringes, swabs, disposable cups, plastic tubes, and plastic pipettes were examined. GC/MS analyses revealed that certain materials, particularly syringe plungers, gloves, and plastic films, can interfere with the detection of post‐explosion residues from explosive emulsions and ANFO (ammonium nitrate‐fuel oil). These findings emphasize the importance of evaluating materials for potential interferences prior to sample collection and processing to minimize contamination risks. This study provides significant insights into how commonly used laboratory materials can impact forensic analysis, thereby enhancing the reliability of post‐explosion residue analysis and supporting more accurate forensic investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Law enforcement officers should now expect to encounter forms of digital evidence at most of their inquiries, and as a result ensure they are prepared to effectively deal with it. This should involve the production of a digital evidence strategy (DES) which describes those actions required of any investigative team to effectively identify, collect, examine, and evaluate any digital devices/data, while also defining the circumstances for when it is appropriate to conduct such tasks. To help officers to produce robust DESs this work provides a DES template which utilizes the “GAMEPLANS” acrostic to identify nine fundamental components that are required of all DESs—“G”–Grounds for investigation; “A”–Authorization; “M”–Method of investigation; “E”–Evaluation of the meaning of any findings; “P”–Proportionality; “L”–Logic; “A”–Agreement; “N”–Necessity; “S”–Scrutiny. Each of these components are described including the sub‐tasks that are contained within each, which any officer constructing a robust and effective DES must address (and provide evidence of having addressed). To support this, a DES template file is also provided, which can be utilized by officers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rodent scavenging of human remains is repeatedly documented in literature. However, most of this documentation is based on single‐case examples. While this information is valuable, it does not provide an in‐depth understanding of scavenger behavior in a single environment. Mouse scavenging data, in particular, lack larger sample sizes and data representing the full duration of scavenging activity. In documented cases, mice scavenge primarily the hands, the feet, and the head without significant progression into the rest of the body. At the Forensic Investigation Research Station in Whitewater, Colorado, deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus group) scavenged tissue from 11 human donors. Motion activated game cameras and regular field photography documented scavenging progression and deer mouse behavior. Deer mice generally showed a preference for skin and fat, rarely consuming enough muscle to expose bone. The most scavenged sections of the body were the limbs and deer mice generally ignored the hands, the feet, and the head, unlike previous documentation. In a few cases, deer mice consumed tissue on the limbs in a distinct trail pattern. Most of the scavenging began in spring. This sample greatly expands on the existing documentation of mice overall and contributes much needed data on the progression of scavenging. Scavengers can have a significant impact on a death scene, so detailed documentation of different scavengers in a variety of environments can prove useful in the investigation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Handwriting analysis is a valuable tool in forensic document examination, but the interpretation of observed findings can be complicated when individuals with neurological disorders are involved. The process of handwriting necessitates complex neuro‐muscular synchronization, which requires a much more intricate connection between the brain, muscles, and nerves than simply placing pen to paper. People with neurological illnesses, including Parkinson disease, Multiple System Atrophy, Alzheimer disease, and so on, may have trouble writing by hand. These illnesses can impair writing abilities physically and cognitively, resulting in inconsistencies or erratic handwriting that may be challenging to decipher. Because these illnesses impact a person's handwriting, it becomes challenging for document examiners to make an opinion about the handwriting of the author. A literature search was performed using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases to analyze the association between neurological disorders and handwriting and their implications for handwriting analysis. This review article explores the effects of neurological disorders on handwriting. It emphasizes the importance of examining and analyzing handwriting impacted by these illnesses with care and knowledge. Document examiners, forensic professionals, and investigators must comprehend these challenges brought on by neurological illnesses. In forensic settings, specialized training, expertise, and suitable forensic handwriting examination methods (collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting) should be adopted effectively in cases that involve people suffering from neurological disorders. This review majorly focuses on the analysis and interpretation stage of the forensic handwriting examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cosmetics such as makeup or other personal products are widely used and easily transferred upon physical contact. As such, they may be used as trace evidence to link people to each other or to places in criminal investigations. To maximize their probative value, it is important to understand the variability among representative market products and the way in which they transfer to, or persist on various surfaces. Additionally, it is required that analysis techniques be non‐destructive, readily available and relatively inexpensive. Raman spectroscopy and attenuated total reflectance—Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) are powerful tools for probing the chemistry of trace cosmetics. As well as fitting the criteria above, they offer the capability of studying a wide range of sample types with minimal prior preparation. The complementary information derived from these techniques can help analysts to understand and visualize spectral variability, potentially enabling discrimination between samples. However, the move from academic research toward forensic casework is not without challenges. In this article, we provide a focused exploration of the current state‐of‐the‐art in forensic cosmetic research; providing context for how we may begin to address these challenges to more effectively exploit cosmetic traces for criminal investigation. This article is categorized under:Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence > Emerging Technologies and MethodsForensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence > Trace Evidence [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Next generation sequencing (NGS) or massively parallel sequencing (MPS) is a high‐throughput technology that can be used to analyze DNA and RNA molecules with greater sensitivity, scalability, and speed than traditional Sanger sequencing. NGS systems are slowly gaining popularity in forensic science and may eventually become the future of forensic DNA analysis. The data generated can be utilized to conduct an array of forensic biology analyses such as short tandem repeats (STR) profiling, forensic genetic genealogy, predictive DNA phenotyping, and more. However, the adoption of NGS for forensic casework is associated with a lot of ethical, social, and legal concerns. This article provides a comprehensive review of NGS systems, data analysis, and forensic applications. It also provides policy considerations that aim to reduce harm and bias, while promoting informed consent, standardization, transparency, and accountability. This article is categorized under:Forensic Biology > Interpretation of Biological EvidenceForensic Biology > Ethical and Social ImplicationsForensic Biology > Forensic DNA Technologies [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatal fires pose complex challenges for responders due to the requirement to investigate all aspects of the fire using methods that maximize evidence recovery and integrity, including optimal and respectful recovery of the deceased. In this article, the authors consider the value of the inclusion of both forensic archeologists and forensic anthropologists in circumstances of fatal fire, identifying some of the challenges posed by these environments and what each can contribute. This article is categorized under:Crime Scene Investigation > Crime Scene ExaminationForensic Anthropology > Forensic ArchaeologyForensic Anthropology > Taphonomic Changes and the Environment [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Age estimation plays a crucial role in various fields, including forensic science and anthropology. This study aims to develop and validate DentAge, a deep‐learning model for automated age prediction using panoramic dental X‐ray images. DentAge was trained on a dataset comprising 21,007 panoramic dental X‐ray images sourced from a private dental center in Slovenia. The dataset included subjects aged 4 to 97 years with various dental conditions. Transfer learning was employed, initializing the model with ImageNet weights and fine‐tuning on the dental image dataset. The model was trained using stochastic gradient descent with momentum, and mean absolute error (MAE) served as the objective function. Across the test dataset, DentAge achieved an MAE of 3.12 years, demonstrating its efficacy in age prediction. Notably, the model performed well across different age groups, with MAEs ranging from 1.94 (age group [10–20]) to 13.40 years (age group [90–100]). Visual evaluation revealed factors contributing to prediction errors, including prosthetic restorations, tooth loss, and bone resorption. DentAge represents a significant advancement in automated age prediction within dentistry. The model's robust performance across diverse age groups and dental conditions underscores its potential utility in real‐world scenarios. Our model will be accessible to the public for further adjustments and validation, ensuring DentAge's effectiveness and trustworthiness in practical scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental conditions highly affect decomposition rates and therefore a forensic practitioner should consider context‐specific information when estimating the post mortem interval (PMI). Traditional methods of collecting environmental data, however, are time‐consuming and often impractical for large‐scale studies or routine forensic investigations. This study developed an automated computer method by employing the technology of geographic information systems (GIS) and Python programming language to provide contextual information for bodies found outdoors in Greece. The generated coding script underwent testing on 95 bodies in various stages of decomposition, which were examined between the years 1999 and 2022 at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the Forensic Medical Service of Thessaloniki. Using ArcGIS Pro software and publicly available online data, a multilayer map was developed. Individual layers included high‐resolution aerial images and data on the European Nature Information System ecosystem type, the Köppen–Geiger climatic type, the population density, the elevation, and the slope. Additionally, 99 national weather stations and their corresponding meteorological data were integrated. By leveraging the geographical coordinates of the recovery site of each case and information about the decedent's disappearance and recovery dates, this script automatically generates details from each of the above layers. Additionally, it calculates the accumulated degree days (ADD) and accumulated humidity days (AHD) values by extracting data from the nearest weather station. The GIS‐based approach enables rapid, objective, and reproducible taphonomic profile construction, which can greatly improve the reliability of PMI estimations. By utilizing this method, forensic practitioners can accurately evaluate environmental effects on decomposition, thus standardizing taphonomic profiling globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diester diterpenoid alkaloids (DDAs) are the main active ingredients of herbaceous perennial plants Aconitum. DDAs possess cardiotoxic and neurotoxic properties. Although most deaths caused by DDA poisoning are accidental, a few instances of suicide and homicide have been reported. Presented is a case of an acute aconitine (AC) poisoning following the ingestion of approximately 50 mL of homemade medicinal liquor. We described the clinical manifestations after poisoning and detailed postmortem changes, and detected the concentrations of AC and hypaconitine (HA) by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The decedent experienced a burning sensation in the gastrointestinal tract after poisoning, followed by flushing and paralysis of the face and limbs, and severe cardiac arrhythmia. An autopsy revealed cyanosis of the lips and nail beds; conjunctival hemorrhage in both eyes; pulmonary edema; tissue hemorrhage and congestion in multiple organs; and inflammatory cell infiltration in the stomach, duodenum, pancreas, and cardiac muscle. The concentrations of AC and HA were as follows: cardiac blood, 38.4 ng/mL and 7.1 ng/mL; pericardial fluid, 7.3 ng/mL and 41 ng/mL; urine, 28.1 ng/mL and 574 ng/mL; bile, 38.5 ng/mL and 108 ng/mL; gastric contents, 0.06 mg and 0.56 mg; liver tissue, 10.7 ng/g and 109.6 ng/g; and medicinal liquor, 0.568 mg/mL and 0.664 mg/mL, respectively. The clinical manifestations, anatomy findings, and quantitative data on the concentrations of AC and HA in body fluids and tissues will aid forensic investigations of deaths caused by acute AC poisoning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tape is a type of trace evidence commonly seen in forensic science. Little to no research has been published regarding the optimal storage material for pressure‐sensitive adhesive (PSA) tape. The purpose of this project was to determine the substrate with the least amount of interference for storing PSA tape. Interferences such as difficulty removing tape from the substrate or substrate components leaching into the adhesive can affect the analysis. This was a long‐term study in which samples were stored on various substrates for nearly 10 years. Ten different tape samples were placed on eight different substrates for a total of 80 samples. The substrates included typical materials currently used for tape storage as well as other, less common materials. The tape samples were evaluated for ease of removal at various time intervals. The adhesives from each tape were analyzed at similar time intervals by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In addition, the adhesives were analyzed by pyrolysis gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (PyGC‐MS), scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS), and x‐ray fluorescence (XRF) at the last time interval (112 months) and compared to the adhesive tape samples from the original rolls of tape to determine if there was any adverse effect from the substrates during storage. The FedEx backing was the only substrate that had no adverse effects regarding ease of removal. The substrates that had the least effect on the adhesive for both short‐term and long‐term storage included FedEx backings, adhesive sheet backings, and polyester transparency sheets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estimating biological sex is a crucial aspect of forensic anthropology, and is pivotal in forensic investigations. Presently, the most frequently adopted osteological sex estimation methods focus on the anterior pelvis, which is easily susceptible to postmortem damage, revealing a need for additional accurate methods. This study introduces a novel method for estimating adult sex through metric pelvic scar analysis, using a known skeletal sample (169 females; 51 males). Relationships between sex and scar dimensions were subjected to Kendall's tau‐B testing, and the strongest associated measurements were further analyzed using binary logistic regression to determine their predictive capacity. The final estimation method was tested on an additional known‐sex sample of 43 males and 43 females from the Spitalfields skeletal collection. All associations between biological sex and scar measurements were significant, with the preauricular sulcus and newly defined inferior interosseous cavity presenting the strongest relationships (τb 0.223–0.504). Individual regression models using the approximate volume of each feature predicted sex with over 80% accuracy, but when combined in a single regression model, the accuracy increased to an impressive 97.1%. When then applied to the validation sample, the final estimation model achieved an accuracy of 90.7%. These results highlight the high estimation accuracy achieved by simultaneously utilizing the approximate volume of the sulcus and the inferior cavity. This is not only highly accurate but also utilizes the sturdier posterior pelvis, making it a promising tool for forensic investigations and the wider field of osteology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context.--: Autopsies performed on COVID-19 patients have provided critical information about SARS-CoV-2's tropism, mechanisms of tissue injury, and spectrum of disease. Objective.--: To provide an updated database of postmortem disease in COVID-19 patients, assess relationships among clinical and pathologic variables, evaluate the accuracy of death certification, and correlate disease variables to causes of death. Design.--: The 272 postmortem examinations reported in this paper were submitted by 14 pathologists from 9 medical or forensic institutions across the United States. The study spans the eras of the 3 principal COVID-19 strains and incorporates surveyed demographic, clinical, and postmortem data from decedents infected with SARS-CoV-2, including primary and contributing causes of death. It is the largest database of its kind to date. Results.--: Demographics of the decedents reported here correspond well to national statistics. Primary causes of death as determined by autopsy and official death certificates were significantly correlated. When specifically cited disease conditions found at autopsy were correlated with COVID-19 versus non-COVID-19 deaths, only lung findings characteristic of SARS-CoV-2 infection or the absence of lung findings were significantly associated. Conclusions.--: Changes in hospitalization and disease likely stem from longer lifespans after COVID-19 diagnosis and alteration in treatment approaches. Although Omicron variants preferentially replicate in the upper airways, autopsied patients who died of COVID-19 in that time period showed the same lung damage as earlier decedents. Most importantly, findings suggest that there are still unelucidated risk factors for death from COVID-19 including possibly genetic susceptibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Any wrongful conviction causes severe violations to the individual, their loved ones, the criminal justice system, and the validity of justice. While Anglo-American countries have focused on wrongful convictions since the 1930s, some Asian contexts have only considered these unjust errors within the scope of their legal approaches since the 2010s. To investigate this issue, this paper conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) of the Scopus and Google Scholar databases, collecting 36 English peer-reviewed articles from 710 publications between 2010 and 2021. Our two primary goals include: 1) reviewing the scope and response of Asian countries to wrongful convictions and 2) identifying the main factors that led to these wrongful convictions. Findings indicate that almost all publications have focused on China and Japan as representatives of Eastern Asia. Very few studies discussed other Asian areas. Alongside five similarities with Western societies, such as 1) false confessions, 2) torture, 3) misconduct, 4) eyewitness identification errors, and 5) misused forensic science, political factors and criminal justice struggles reflect the unique issues underpinning Asia's wrongful convictions. Ultimately, our study calls for broader future research of a greater range of Asian countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The PowerPlex® 35GY System (Promega, USA) is an advanced eight-dye multiplex STR kit, incorporating twenty-three autosomal STR loci, eleven Y chromosome STR loci, one sex determining marker Amelogenin, and two quality indicators. This multiplex system includes 20 CODIS loci and up to 15 mini-STR loci with sizing values less than 250 bases. In this study, validation for PowerPlex® 35GY System was conducted following the guidelines of SWGDAM, encompassing sensitivity, precision, accuracy, concordance, species specificity, stutter, mixture, stability, and degraded DNA. The results from experiments demonstrated that the PowerPlex® 35GY System could effectively amplify DNA samples, with complete allele detection achieved at 125 pg. Moreover, over 90% of alleles from minor contributors were detected at a mixed ratio of 1:4. Additionally, the system was found to yield full profiles even in the presence of hematin, humic acid, and indigo. The PowerPlex® 35GY System demonstrated superior performance in the sensitivity and degraded DNA studies compared to a six-dye STR kit. Hence, it is evident that the PowerPlex® 35GY System is well-suited for forensic practice, whether in casework or for database samples. These findings provide strong support for the efficacy and reliability of the PowerPlex® 35GY System in forensic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the relationship between Total Body Score (TBS) and Accumulated Degree-Days (ADD) for estimating postmortem interval (PMI) using the decomposition quantification system by Megyesi et al. (Megyesi MS, Nawrocki SP, Haskell NH (2005) Using Accumulated Degree-Days to Estimate the Postmortem Interval from Decomposed Human Remains. J Forensic Sci 50:1–9. https://doi.org/10.1520/jfs2004017). Design: A systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using the QUADAS-2 scoring system. Statical tests, including I2 for heterogeneity assessment and subgroup analysis comparing human and pig proxies across different decomposition stages, were performed for meta-analysis. Results: The search identified 25 studies that underwent qualitative evaluation, all of which were included for quantitative analysis. The findings indicate that the TBS formula tends to overestimate ADD with a moderate mean difference of 0.5758 overall. Specifically, in pigs, ADD is overestimated significantly (1.1128), while there is a slight underestimation in humans (-0.0038). Across decomposition stages, fresh body (0.0066) and early decomposition (0.0338) show an insignificant overestimation, whereas advanced decomposition reveals a slight underestimation (-0.3378) and skeletonization indicates a substantial overestimation (1.6583). Conclusions: The relationship between TBS and ADD demonstrates high accuracy in humans during early decomposition stages, without differences in statistical significance. However, its accuracy diminishes as decomposition progresses, potentially leading to an overestimation of PMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Fingernails can act as important forensic evidence as they can be a source of DNA that may link the victim or accused to the crime scene and may also contain traces of drugs such as cocaine and heroin, in regular users. Moreover, previous studies have shown that analyzing fingernails with various techniques can reveal important information, such as age and sex. In this work, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy with chemometric tools has been used to estimate the age and sex from fingernails by analyzing 140 fingernail samples (70 males, and 70 females) collected from volunteers aged between 10 and 70 years old. The amide bands obtained from spectra confirmed the presence of keratin proteins in the samples. PCA and PLS-R were used for the classification of samples. For sex estimation, samples were divided into four categories based on age groups, followed by the differentiation of sex in each group. Similarly, for age estimation, all samples were divided into two sets based on male and female followed by differentiation of age groups in each set. The result showed that PLS-R was able to differentiate fingernail samples based on sex in groups G1, G2, G3, and G4 with R-square values of 0.972, 0.993, 0.991, and 0.996, respectively, and based on age in females, and males with R-square values of 0.93 and 0.97, respectively. External validation and blind tests were also performed which showed results with 100% accuracy. This approach has proved to be effective for the estimation of sex and age from fingernail samples. Highlights: • Estimation of age and sex using fingernails via ATR-FTIR and chemometrics. • PLS-R successfully estimated age and sex using fingernails with high R-square values. • Blind and external validation tests illustrated 100% accuracy. • The present approach is quick, and non-destructive with minimal or no sample preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, we surveyed forensic interviewers (N = 137) on their note-taking practices, perceptions of note-taking, and note-taking training. Many forensic interviewers surveyed (81%) reported that they take notes during forensic interviews. Of those, the most common reason for note-taking was to assist with remembering what the interviewee reported during the interview (89%) and to guide the formulation of follow-up questions (87%). Note-taking style was also reported upon, with most respondents indicating that they write down keywords that may be used again in the interview (78%), as well as short utterances or sentences related to the presenting narrative (61%). Finally, the majority (50%) of respondents who take notes reported always taking notes, although 29% reported taking notes most of the time. Of those respondents who reported not taking notes during forensic interviews, the majority listed the reasons as being that it distracts the child from the interview (85%) and causes them to break eye contact with the child (46%). Overall, many respondents endorsed the benefits of note-taking to the interviewing process, whereas a small minority reported some perceived risks or concerns with note-taking during interviews. Perhaps most notably, forensic interviewers, both of whom take notes and those who do not, reported low rates of note-taking training and a desire for more information on note-taking practices within the field. These results underscore the need for further research and best practice guidelines regarding note-taking during forensic interviews. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of the logistics industry and the continuous growth of e-commerce, effectively monitoring logistics warehouses has become increasingly important to ensure the security of goods and oversee activities within storage facilities. Although current surveillance systems provide a certain level of security for logistics warehouses, they still face issues such as data tampering, storage, and access management. These challenges can compromise the integrity of surveillance video data, making the system vulnerable to unauthorized access. To address these challenges, this paper proposes the implementation of blockchain-based security management and access control of video data in logistics warehouses. Specifically, the solution employs the Hyperledger Fabric consortium blockchain to execute smart contracts and store the hash values of video data, thereby detecting any tampering and enhancing the security and integrity of the data. Additionally, hybrid encryption technology is utilized to ensure the confidentiality of video data during transmission and storage. Furthermore, the solution leverages the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) for distributed video storage. This not only increases the redundancy and accessibility of data storage but also reduces the risk of single-point failures. A Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) mechanism is also introduced to strictly manage access permissions to video data, ensuring that only authorized users can access the data, thereby effectively preventing unauthorized access and data breaches. Through a comprehensive analysis of computational and communication costs and the evaluation of blockchain performance at 100 transactions per second for different transaction volumes using Hyperledger Caliper, the results demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed method. Compared to current research, this solution exhibits higher security, providing a new approach for the secure management and access control of video data in logistics warehouses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perceptual expertise is typically domain-specific and rarely generalises beyond an expert's domain of experience. Forensic feature-comparison examiners outperform the norm in domain-specific visual comparison, but emerging research suggests that they show advantages on other similar tasks outside their domain of expertise. For example, fingerprint examiners not only outperform novices in fingerprint comparison, but also in face comparison. Yet, the extent to which their skills generalise is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the generalisability of perceptual expertise amongst forensic examiners by comparing their performance to novices and other examiners within and outside their area of expertise. We recruited 85 experts from three forensic disciplines (face, fingerprint, and firearms) and asked them to complete four different visual comparison tasks: faces, fingerprints, firearms, and novel-objects. Examiners displayed domain-specific expertise: they outperformed novices and other examiners within their domain of visual comparison expertise. Yet, some of their skill also generalised: examiners also outperformed novices outside their area of expertise. However, while individual differences in examiners' performance within their domain of experience were associated with their performance in a novel comparison task, they were not related to their performance on tasks outside their expert domain. These results provide key insight into the domain-specific and domain-general contributions of forensic examiners' perceptual expertise. Forensic expertise lends some generalisable skill to other visual comparison tasks, but best performance is still seen within examiners' domain of expertise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study attempts to classify ear morphology for human identification in forensic investigations by distinguishing between the upper auricle and lobule areas. A three-dimensional homologous model of the ear was created using 414 ear images of males aged 17–93 years reconstructed from computed tomography scans of forensic autopsy cases. Morphological changes were visualized using principal component analysis and areas of significant individual differences within the entire ear were identified. The classification criterion images for the upper auricle (ten images) and lobule (12 images) were developed by combining multiple principal component values: components 1–5 for the upper auricle and 1–6 for the lobule. Three-dimensional ear images of the upper auricle and lobule areas from 414 subjects were categorized using a measurement method based on the minimum distance between 5,507 corresponding points. The results indicate the applicability of the criterion images for the morphological classification of ears in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forensic chemistry literature has grown exponentially, with many analytical techniques being used to provide valuable information to help solve criminal cases. Among them, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS), particularly MALDI MS imaging (MALDI MSI), has shown much potential in forensic applications. Due to its high specificity, MALDI MSI can analyze a wide variety of compounds in complex samples without extensive sample preparation, providing chemical profiles and spatial distributions of given analyte(s). This review introduces MALDI MS(I) to forensic scientists with a focus on its basic principles and the applications of MALDI MS(I) to the analysis of fingerprints, drugs of abuse, and their metabolites in hair, medicine samples, animal tissues, and inks in documents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Determining the postmortem interval (PMI) accurately remains a significant challenge in forensic sciences, especially for intervals greater than 5 years (late PMI). Traditional methods often fail due to the extensive degradation of soft tissues, necessitating reliance on bone material examinations. The precision in estimating PMIs diminishes with time, particularly for intervals between 1 and 5 years, dropping to about 50% accuracy. This study aims to address this issue by identifying key protein biomarkers through proteomics and machine learning, ultimately enhancing the accuracy of PMI estimation for intervals exceeding 15 years. Methods: Proteomic analysis was conducted using LC–MS/MS on skeletal remains, specifically focusing on the tibia and ribs. Protein identification was performed using two strategies: a tryptic-specific search and a semitryptic search, the latter being particularly beneficial in cases of natural protein degradation. The Random Forest algorithm was used to model protein abundance data, enabling the prediction of PMI. A thorough screening process, combining importance scores and SHAP values, was employed to identify the most informative proteins for model's training and accuracy. Results: A minimal set of three biomarkers—K1C13, PGS1, and CO3A1—was identified, significantly improving the prediction accuracy between PMIs of 15 and 20 years. The model, based on protein abundance data from semitryptic peptides in tibia samples, achieved sustained 100% accuracy across 100 iterations. In contrast, non-supervised methods like PCA and MCA did not yield comparable results. Additionally, the use of semitryptic peptides outperformed tryptic peptides, particularly in tibia proteomes, suggesting their potential reliability in late PMI prediction. Conclusions: Despite limitations such as sample size and PMI range, this study demonstrates the feasibility of combining proteomics and machine learning for accurate late PMI predictions. Future research should focus on broader PMI ranges and various bone types to further refine and standardize forensic proteomic methodologies for PMI estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: diatoms are unicellular algae that have been used for more than a century for forensic purposes to diagnose drowning, with more or less success depending on the historical era. Although many years have passed, scientific research on diatoms has never ceased, which testifies to their enduring allure in forensics. Of course, diatom research has evolved and expanded over time, changing with the availability of new techniques and technologies. The volume of articles and their production over a period of many years has resulted in old, current, and new knowledge on diatoms being scattered over a large number of books and articles. Objectives: the purpose of this narrative literature review is, therefore, to summarize all this information and bring it together in a single work that can be useful for those who are studying diatoms and their usefulness for forensics for the first time, for those who are looking for proven methods of analysis, and finally for those who are interested in exploring new frontiers of research. Methods: a comprehensive literature search that included all studies dealing with the applications of diatoms in forensic science was performed in the most popular electronic databases. Results: traditional methods have been complemented by molecular and imaging methods and, more recently, by artificial intelligence. In addition, new biological substrates have been found for the analysis of diatoms. Conclusions: all this has led, on the one hand, to the consolidation of a whole body of knowledge on diatoms, on which this forensic analysis is still based, and, on the other hand, has opened up numerous new research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, cases of antifreeze poisoning in companion animals, particularly cats, have surged in the Republic of Korea. Ethylene glycol (EG), the toxic primary component of antifreeze, is metabolized into glycolic acid (GA), leading to severe metabolic acidosis, acute kidney injury, and death. Traditional detection methods, although effective, are often time-consuming owing to complex sample preparation. This study involved a novel analytical method utilizing GC-MS for EG and LC-MS/MS for GA detection, which streamlined the detection process by eliminating the need for derivatization. The method was validated for accuracy and reliability, enabling the rapid and precise identification of EG and GA in biological samples. This study also included the successful application of this method in a case where initial exposure to antifreeze was not apparent, which highlighted the effectiveness of this method in diagnosing poisoning even in cases where clinical history is unclear. The development of this rapid diagnostic approach addresses the urgent need for the efficient detection of antifreeze poisoning, improving animal welfare and supporting forensic investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the domain of forensic science, the application of kinship identification and mixture deconvolution techniques are of critical importance, providing robust scientific evidence for the resolution of complex cases. Microhaplotypes, as the emerging class of genetic markers, have been widely studied in forensics due to their high polymorphisms and excellent stability. Results and discussion: In this research, a novel and high-efficient panel integrating 33 microhaplotype loci along with a sex-determining locus was developed by the next generation sequencing technology. In addition, we also assessed its forensic utility and delved into its capacity for kinship analysis and mixture deconvolution. The average effective number of alleles (Ae) of the 33 microhaplotype loci in the Guizhou Han population was 6.06, and the Ae values of 30 loci were greater than 5. The cumulative power of discrimination and cumulative power of exclusion values of the novel panel in the Guizhou Han population were 1-5.6 × 10− 43 and 1-1.6 × 10− 15, respectively. In the simulated kinship analysis, the panel could effectively distinguish between parent-child, full-sibling, half-sibling, grandfather-grandson, aunt-nephew and unrelated individuals, but uncertainty rates clearly increased when distinguishing between first cousins and unrelated individuals. For the mixtures, the novel panel had demonstrated excellent performance in estimating the number of contributors of mixtures with 1 to 5 contributors in combination with the machine learning methods. Conclusions: In summary, we have developed a small and high-efficient panel for forensic genetics, which could provide novel insights into forensic complex kinships testing and mixture deconvolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Methods Results Conclusions The reaction time‐based Concealed Information Test (RT‐CIT) can be used to reveal crime‐related memories based on an analysis of response latencies in a computerized task. While laboratory research shows high validity of the RT‐CIT in student samples, only very few studies have been conducted with forensic target groups.We investigated the applicability and validity of the RT‐CIT in prison inmates and examined the influence of a response deadline (RD) on RT‐CIT validity. In a within‐subjects design, participants memorized a criminal activity and subsequently underwent two identical RT‐CITs differing only in the length of the RD (2000 ms vs. 1000 ms). In the first experiment, the 2000 ms condition was always presented first and in the second experiment the order was switched.Results revealed large effect sizes and classification accuracies with both RDs and strong order effects with larger effects in the respective first RD conditions.In sum, the RT‐CIT has the potential for detecting concealed knowledge in forensic settings and even a relatively demanding RD of 1000 ms seems feasible for such samples. Further research should extend this investigation of the RT‐CIT in forensic settings, preferably investigating the effects of faking attempts and increasing the ecological validity of the research design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Postmortem interval (PMI) estimation remains an unresolved challenge in forensic science, necessitating practical, reliable and more accurate tools. This study aimed to develop a quantitative PMI estimation tool that effectively meets these needs. Focusing on the postmortem opacity development of the eye as a key marker for determining time since death, we propose an artificial intelligence‐based clinical PMI prediction system utilising computer vision, deep learning and machine learning methods. The AlexNet algorithm was utilised to extract deep features from the postmortem eye images. Extracted features were then processed by machine learning algorithms. For feature selection, Lasso and Relief techniques were employed, while SVM and KNN were applied for classifications. The results were validated using the leave‐one‐subject‐out method. The system was tested across different postmortem ranges, providing multi‐label predictions. The performance was evaluated using various metrics. The deep features exhibited effective performance in grading postmortem opacity development, achieving state‐of‐the‐art results. The accuracy scores were 0.96 and 0.97 for 3‐h intervals (i.e., 5‐class) and 5‐h intervals (i.e., 3‐class) experiments, respectively. The experimental results indicate that the proposed system represents a promising tool for PMI estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic cocaine analogs are designer drugs that recently emerged as non‐controlled substitutes for their parent drug. Among them, nitracaine is of particular concern for its psychoactive effect. In this work, we present a thorough characterization of the electrochemical behavior of nitracaine, with a final quantification performed by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) in ethanol/lithium perchlorate 0.1 M. The selectivity of the method and reproducibility of results were assessed. LOQ of 0.3 μg mL−1 and a linear dynamic range of up to 400 μg mL−1 were obtained. In addition, recoveries from 85 % to 101 % were achieved on both simulated and real samples. For nitracaine analysis in urine, a clean‐up and a preconcentration step by solid phase extraction (SPE) using the adsorbent Florisil have been developed and optimized through the Design of Experiments (DoE) strategy, thus achieving an enrichment factor of 20. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A traditional mug shot is a front and side view of a person from the shoulder up, taken by law enforcement. Forensic science is exploring the benefit of working with 3D data offered by new technologies, and there is an increasing need to work with 3D mug shots. Among the various available techniques, a multi-view photogrammetric approach achieves the highest accuracy in the shortest acquisition time. In this work, a multi-view photogrammetric system for facial reconstruction based on low-cost cameras is developed with the aims of verifying the performance of such cameras for the production of a 3D mug shot with submillimetre accuracy and assessing the improvement of facial matching using a 3D mug shot over traditional 2D mug shots. The tests were carried out in both a virtual and a real-world environment, using either a virtual or a 3D-printed 3D model. The outcome is a point cloud, which describes the face. The quantitative analysis of the errors was realized through the distances between the mesh of the acquired 3D model and the point cloud. A total of 80% of the points with a distance of less than ±1 mm was obtained. Finally, the performance on facial recognition of the 3D mug shot is evaluated against the traditional 2D mug shot using the NeoFace Watching software (NeoFACE) with a score increment of up to 0.42 points, especially in scenarios where the suspect is not captured from a frontal view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives. Burnout and occupational stress are significant issues among forensic professionals, impacting their well-being and job performance. This systematic review aims to provide an up-to-date overview of the occupational stress and burnout experienced by forensic personnel, exploring the profound and multifaceted impact on their physical, mental, professional, and interpersonal well-being. Methods. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines using Scopus and WOS databases to search for articles published from 1 January 2000 to 31 August 2024. The search used keywords related to burnout and forensic professions. Inclusion criteria were original articles in English and French, while reviews, book chapters, editorials, and notes were excluded. A total of 10 studies were included after eliminating duplicates and excluding irrelevant articles. Results. The review identified seven key findings. (1) High levels of occupational stress and burnout among forensic personnel necessitate effective stress management strategies and resilience training; (2) autopsy technicians in Romania experience burnout and alexithymia, particularly related to traumatic events involving children, highlighting the need for specialized support systems; (3) disparities in burnout and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were observed in autopsy technicians and resident doctors, suggesting tailored mental health resources; (4) organizational factors, such as peer support and compensation satisfaction, significantly impact burnout and secondary traumatic stress (STS) among sexual assault nurse examiners; (5) burnout among forensic physicians, both in Romania and Egypt, is linked to personality traits, job satisfaction, and socio-demographic factors; (6) pathologists face a range of health issues, including musculoskeletal problems and psychological disorders, underscoring the need for industry-specific health measures; and (7) the lack of wellness resources for forensic professionals calls for improved mental health support and training. Conclusions. The findings highlight the pervasive issue of burnout and stress among forensic professionals globally. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive stress management programs, tailored mental health resources, and organizational support. Future research should focus on developing and implementing effective interventions to enhance resilience and job satisfaction within this high-stress field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying unknown deceased individuals, especially those in advanced stages of decomposition, dismemberment, or burning, is a major medico-legal challenge. Forensic anthropologists play a crucial role in these cases due to the numerous characteristics that can be derived from bone remains. Their methods help evaluate the biological profile and individual characteristics, narrowing potential matches. This research investigates the identification methods used by forensic anthropologists in Medicolegal Institutes and Medical Examiner’s Offices in Brazil and the USA. Case reports from forensic anthropology institutes in Vitória, Rio de Janeiro, Porto Velho (Brazil), and New York City (USA) were analysed. In resolved cases, details such as the biological profile, trauma, decomposition extent, and individualization markers were documented. Statistical tests evaluated the association between these variables and identification outcomes. Conventional identification methods included dental analysis, DNA testing, and fingerprint analysis. Additionally, Bayesian methods, visual identification, prosthetics, and X-ray comparison proved useful. This study highlights that forensic anthropologists can employ a variety of methodologies beyond standard practices, enhancing the identification process in complex cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constructive alignment is an educational principle that aligns learning objectives, teaching activities, and assessment tasks to enhance student learning outcomes. In forensic learning, which integrates theoretical knowledge and practical skills, constructive alignment ensures that all components of the curriculum work cohesively to support student mastery of forensic medicine or forensic science. This article explores the concept of constructive alignment in forensic education, discussing its principles and providing examples to illustrate its application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]