Avoiding overstating the strength of forensic evidence: Shrunk likelihood ratios/Bayes factors
When strength of forensic evidence is quantified using sample data and statistical models, a concern may be raised as to whether the output of a model overestimates the strength of evidence. This is particularly the case when the amount of sample data is small, and hence sampling variability is high. This concern is related to concern about precision. This paper describes, explores, and tests three procedures which shrink the value of the likelihood ratio or Bayes factor toward the neutral value of one. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - January 9, 2018 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Geoffrey Stewart Morrison, Norman Poh Source Type: research
The use of a quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model to predict GABA-A receptor binding of newly emerging benzodiazepines
The illicit market for new psychoactive substances is forever expanding. Benzodiazepines and their derivatives are one of a number of groups of these substances and thus far their number has grown year upon year. For both forensic and clinical purposes it is important to be able to rapidly understand these emerging substances. However as a consequence of the illicit nature of these compounds, there is a deficiency in the pharmacological data available for these ‘new’ benzodiazepines. In order to further understand the pharmacology of ‘new’ benzodiazepines we utilised a quantitative structure-activity relationship (...
Source: Science and Justice - January 8, 2018 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Laura Waters, Kieran R. Manchester, Peter D. Maskell, Caroline Haegeman, Shozeb Haider Source Type: research
IFC: Editorial Board
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Source: Science and Justice - January 1, 2018 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research
BM1: Events Guide
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Source: Science and Justice - January 1, 2018 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research
BM2: Council Information
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Source: Science and Justice - January 1, 2018 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research
The detection of metallic residues in skin stab wounds by means of SEM-EDS: A pilot study
In this study, Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) was applied to the study of cadaveric stab wounds performed with kitchen knives composed of iron, chromium and nickel, in order to verify the presence of metallic residues on the wound's edge. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - December 30, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Elisa Palazzo, Alberto Amadasi, Michele Boracchi, Guendalina Gentile, Francesca Maciocco, Matteo Marchesi, Riccardo Zoja Source Type: research
Single source DNA profile recovery from single cells isolated from skin and fabric from touch DNA mixtures in mock physical assaults
The ability to obtain DNA profiles from trace biological evidence is routinely demonstrated with so-called ‘touch DNA evidence’, which is generally perceived to be the result of DNA obtained from shed skin cells transferred from a donor's hands to an object or person during direct physical contact. Current methods for the recovery of trace DNA employ swabs or adhesive tape to sample an area of intere st. While of practical utility, such ‘blind-swabbing’ approaches will necessarily co-sample cellular material from the different individuals whose cells are present on the item, even though the individuals' cells are p...
Source: Science and Justice - December 27, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Katherine Farash, Erin K. Hanson, Jack Ballantyne Source Type: research
Changes in illicit cocaine hydrochloride processing identified and revealed through multivariate analysis of cocaine signature data
For nearly 30years, the methods utilized in illicit cocaine hydrochloride production have remained relatively consistent. Cocaine hydrochloride is typically produced one kilogram at a time. As a result, each individual kilogram is unique and distinct from other kilograms in any particular seizure based on the total alkaloid profile, occluded solvent profile, and isotopic signature. Additionally, multi-kilogram cocaine seizures are often comprised of cocaine from several different coca growing regions. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - December 23, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Jennifer R. Mallette, John F. Casale, Valerie L. Colley, David R. Morello, James Jordan Source Type: research
Editorial
There's never a dull moment in the field of forensic science, with the constant evolution of the nature of criminal activity and the rapid technological and legal responses to fighting crime. This creates a fascinating environment for academic debate and interdisciplinary research, and Science and Justice continues to support this through the publication of high-quality research spanning the full range of issues relevant to the application of science to the law. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - December 13, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Lisa L. Smith Source Type: research
The suitability of visual taphonomic methods for digital photographs: An experimental approach with pig carcasses in a tropical climate
In the context of increased scrutiny of the methods in forensic sciences, it is essential to ensure that the approaches used in forensic taphonomy to measure decomposition and estimate the postmortem interval are underpinned by robust evidence-based data. Digital photographs are an important source of documentation in forensic taphonomic investigations but the suitability of the current approaches for photographs, rather than real-time remains, is poorly studied which can undermine accurate forensic conclusions. (Source: Science and Justice)
Source: Science and Justice - December 9, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Agathe Rib éreau-Gayon, Carolyn Rando, Ruth M. Morgan, David O. Carter Source Type: research
