Refining the relevant population in forensic voice comparison – A response to Hicks et alii (2015) The importance of distinguishing information from evidence/observations when formulating propositions
Hicks et alii [Sci. Just. 55 (2015) 520–525. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scijus.2015.06.008] propose that forensic speech scientists not use the accent of the speaker of questioned identity to refine the relevant population. This proposal is based on a lack of understanding of the realities of forensic voice comparison. If it were implemented, it would make data-based forensic voice comparison analysis within the likelihood ratio framework virtually impossible. We argue that it would also lead forensic speech scientists to present invalid unreliable strength of evidence statements, and not allow them to conduct the tests...
Source: Science and Justice - July 18, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Geoffrey Stewart Morrison, Ewald Enzinger, Cuiling Zhang Tags: Letter to the Editor Source Type: research
Numerical likelihood ratios outputted by LR systems are often based on extrapolation: When to stop extrapolating?
A recent trend in forensic science is the development of objective, automated systems for the comparison of trace and reference material that give as output numerical likelihood ratios (LRs). For well discriminating LR systems, often the probability of the evidence given one or the other hypothesis depends on the density from the tail of a probability distribution. The models for probability distributions are trained by data. Since there is no proof of the applicability of the models beyond the data range, LR systems are sensitive to extrapolation errors. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - July 6, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Peter Vergeer, Andrew van Es, Arent de Jongh, Ivo Alberink, Reinoud Stoel Source Type: research
Preliminary classification of characteristic organic gunshot residue compounds
For the first time, a classification system for organic gunshot residue (OGSR) compounds with respect to the confirmation of OGSR materials is presented. There are 136 compounds considered to be associated with OGSR that have been highlighted in the literature. Many of these compounds could be classified as being ubiquitous in the environment and thus their detection as characteristic components of OGSR could cause issues with the interpretation of chemical ballistic evidence. The proposed system aims to address this problem by classifying OGSR compounds based on their forensic relevance with respect to the confirmation of...
Source: Science and Justice - July 5, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Ellen Goudsmits, George P. Sharples, Jason W. Birkett Source Type: research
Editorial Board
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Source: Science and Justice - June 30, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research
BM1: Events Guide
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Source: Science and Justice - June 30, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research
BM2: Council Information
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Source: Science and Justice - June 30, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research
Comparative performance of AmpFLSTR ® Identifiler® Plus PCR amplification kit and QIAGEN® Investigator® IDplex Plus kit
In this study, we performed a direct comparison between the two kits using serial dilutions of two control DNA samples and 60 randomly selected casework samples, including samples tak en from improvised explosive devices and terrorist raids. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - June 29, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Dalad Mattayat, Thitika Kitpipit, Sukanya Phetpeng, Watee Asawutmangkul, Phuvadol Thanakiatkrai Source Type: research
Comparative performance of AmpFLSTR® Identifiler® Plus PCR amplification kit and QIAGEN® Investigator® IDplex Plus kit
In this study, we performed a direct comparison between the two kits using serial dilutions of two control DNA samples and 60 randomly selected casework samples, including samples taken from improvised explosive devices and terrorist raids. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - June 29, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Dalad Mattayat, Thitika Kitpipit, Sukanya Phetpeng, Watee Asawutmangkul, Phuvadol Thanakiatkrai Source Type: research
Aiding the interpretation of forensic gait analysis: Development of a features of gait database
Forensic gait analysis is the use of gait and features of gait to assist in the process of identification, and it has now been presented in court for this purpose for 15years [1]. Based on the experience of the authors and their colleagues, its use has increased during the last five years, with many police forces now considering forensic gait analysis as a forensic option, particularly with major crimes. Gait is the manner or style in which a locomotor activity, such as walking or running, is undertaken [2]. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - June 24, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Ivan Birch, Claire Gwinnett, Jeremy Walker Source Type: research
Evaluation of macroscopic changes and the efficiency of DNA profiling from burnt teeth
Identification of human remains subjected to incineration is extremely challenging. Our study evaluates the macroscopic changes and efficiency of DNA profiling in burnt teeth under controlled temperature and time conditions. 28 teeth were exposed to temperatures between 100 and 700 °C for a duration of 1–15min. Two non-burnt teeth were used as control. Macroscopic changes were evaluated and recorded. DNA was extracted using a silica-based methodology. Efficiency of DNA profiling was assessed through Quantitative PCR for STRs. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - June 20, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Joe Adserias Garriga, Douglas H. Ubelaker, Sara C. Zapico Tags: Technical note Source Type: research
Evaluation of macroscopic changes and the efficiency of DNA profiling from burnt teeth
Identification of human remains subjected to incineration is extremely challenging. Our study evaluates the macroscopic changes and efficiency of DNA profiling in burnt teeth under controlled temperature and time conditions. 28 teeth were exposed to temperatures between 100 and 700°C for a duration of 1–15min. Two non-burnt teeth were used as control. Macroscopic changes were evaluated and recorded. DNA was extracted using a silica-based methodology. Efficiency of DNA profiling was assessed through Quantitative PCR for STRs. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - June 20, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Joe Adserias Garriga, Douglas H. Ubelaker, Sara C. Zapico Tags: Technical note Source Type: research
