Editorial Board
(Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - June 17, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research
BM1: Events Guide
(Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - June 17, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research
BM2: Council Information
(Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - June 17, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research
Shoeprint retrieval: Core point alignment for pattern comparison
Purpose: Shoeprint recognition has been widely used as forensic evidence in criminal cases. The purpose of this study is to propose a shoeprint retrieval method based on core point alignment for pattern analysis.Method: The proposed method firstly detects contour points in a black-and-white shoeprint image. These reliable contour points are selected to simulate the left and right sidelines of the shoeprint by a curve fitting method. Subsequently, the most concave points along the left and right sidelines can determine the core point of the shoeprint, thereby partitioning the shoeprint into circular regions. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - June 16, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Chih-Ying Gwo, Chia-Hung Wei Source Type: research
A method for rapid sampling and characterization of smokeless powder using sorbent-coated wire mesh and direct analysis in real time - mass spectrometry (DART-MS)
Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are often used by terrorists and criminals to create public panic and destruction, necessitating rapid investigative information. However, backlogs in many forensic laboratories resulting in part from time-consuming GC-MS and LC-MS techniques prevent prompt analytical information. Direct analysis in real time - mass spectrometry (DART-MS) is a promising analytical technique that can address this challenge in the forensic science community by permitting rapid trace analysis of energetic materials. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - June 15, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Frederick Li, Joseph Tice, Brian D. Musselman, Adam B. Hall Tags: Technical note Source Type: research
Laser ablation coupled with DAPNe-NSI-MS applied to redacted documents
Laser ablation has been applied to redacted documents, where the text has been concealed by other ink. This technique strips the redacting ink revealing the text that was once redacted. Once removed, a nanomanipulation technique is used to extract the ink of the underlying text where mass spectrometry is then implemented to analyze its ink chemistry. In order to facilitate microscopy with direct analyte-probed nanoextraction coupled to nanospray ionization mass spectrometry (DAPNe-NSI-MS), laser ablation must be executed prior to ink extraction. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - June 10, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Vivian Huynh, Zachary J. Sasiene, Phillip M. Mach, Teresa D. Golden, Guido F. Verbeck Source Type: research
Discussion on how to implement a verbal scale in a forensic laboratory: Benefits, pitfalls and suggestions to avoid misunderstandings
In a recently published guideline for evaluative reporting in forensic science, the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) recommended the use of the likelihood ratio for the measurement of the value of forensic results. As a device to communicate the probative value of the results, the ENFSI guideline mentions the possibility to define and use a verbal scale, which should be unified within a forensic institution. This paper summarizes discussions held between scientists of our institution to develop and implement such a verbal scale. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - June 1, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Raymond Marquis, Alex Biedermann, Liv Cadola, Christophe Champod, Line Gueissaz, Genevi ève Massonnet, Williams David Mazzella, Franco Taroni, Tacha Hicks Source Type: research
An investigation into effective methodologies for latent fingerprint enhancement on items recovered from fire
This study presents a comparative evaluation of soot removal and fingerprint enhancement techniques, following fire(s) to ascertain optimal process efficacy for recovering fingerprints. Two car burns and a cremation oven were used to determine the temperature range. Temperatures of 300, 450 and 600 °C were used in simulated, controlled fires wherein cars had prints deposited on rear view mirrors. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - May 23, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Sarah Jane Gardner, Thomas H. Cordingley, Sean C. Francis Source Type: research
Special issue on measuring and reporting the precision of forensic likelihood ratios: Introduction to the debate
The present paper introduces the Science & Justice virtual special issue on measuring and reporting the precision of forensic likelihood ratios — whether this should be done, and if so how. The focus is on precision (aka reliability) as opposed to accuracy (aka validity). The topic is controversial and different authors are expected to express a range of nuanced opinions. The present paper frames the debate, explaining the underlying prob lem and referencing classes of solutions proposed in the existing literature. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - May 23, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Geoffrey Stewart Morrison Source Type: research
An investigation into effective methodologies for latent fingerprint enhancement on items recovered from fire
This study presents a comparative evaluation of soot removal and fingerprint enhancement techniques, following fire(s) to ascertain optimal process efficacy for recovering fingerprints. Two car burns and a cremation oven were used to determine the temperature range. Temperatures of 300, 450 and 600°C were used in simulated, controlled fires wherein cars had prints deposited on rear view mirrors. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - May 23, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Sarah Jane Gardner, Thomas H. Cordingley, Sean C. Francis Source Type: research
Special issue on measuring and reporting the precision of forensic likelihood ratios: Introduction to the debate
The present paper introduces the Science & Justice virtual special issue on measuring and reporting the precision of forensic likelihood ratios — whether this should be done, and if so how. The focus is on precision (aka reliability) as opposed to accuracy (aka validity). The topic is controversial and different authors are expected to express a range of nuanced opinions. The present paper frames the debate, explaining the underlying problem and referencing classes of solutions proposed in the existing literature. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - May 23, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Geoffrey Stewart Morrison Source Type: research
