Forensic Identification Research Articles

Forensic handwriting examination: An updated clinical review

ABSTRACT Handwriting is a unique property of an individual; no two individual has similar handwritings. Forensic handwriting examination is an important part of forensic document examination. Handwriting at crime scene provides evidence or clues about type of crime, nature of crime to the investigating officer and also find out identity of suspect or criminal. Handwriting examination involves the examination of various parameters in the writing which includes handwriting positions, surface used for handwriting, pen pressure, handwriting strokes, slants in writing, letter spacing, line quality, etc., handwriting examination is done based on the principle that no two individuals can write exactly alike. Forensic handwriting analysis is a pattern-based science that examines significant, repeated handwriting traits in questioned writing comparing and evaluating these traits in the known writing. If significant similarities are determined without differences, this may lead to a handwriting recognition. Nowadays, an automated computer-based identification and examination system are developed for forensic document examination which is more feasible to use a computer-assisted system in forensic identification of source issues related with questioned document analysis. Experimental eye-tracking is a technologically novel way of forensic handwriting examination. These studies may have future relevance in developing technology that can be linked to the computer in evaluating handwriting, especially in programming software that evaluates handwriting similar to the way a human examiner evaluates handwriting.

A Study of External Ear Morphological Variation in Central Indian Population for Genealogical Purposes

The study aims to determine the inheritance pattern of different morphological features of the external ear in three generations from five states of India to assess the similarities between P1, F1, and F2 generations. The research involved 62 families, each with 124 grandparents P1 (62 males and 62 females), 124 parents F1 (62 males and 62 females), and 82 F2 generations (53 males and 29 females), a total of 330 samples, ranging in age from 1 to 75 years. All the samples were collected from five different states of India: Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and Maharashtra. The external ear is distinct in terms of shape, size, and orientation. Its morphological variation aids in the determination of genetic inheritance. Fisher exact test was performed to assess the inter-generation association of morphological characteristics of the ear. Similar to other body characteristics, it is established that the auricle shape, lobule shape, and ear lobule attachment are also inherited. The associations of ear traits in three generations were studied, and the results might be used in forensic identification.

Estimated Age Calculation with Tooth Coronal Index (TCI) Method Using Orthopanthomography in Malang City Population

Age estimation is an important aspect in forensics because it plays a role in determining individual identity. In cases of forensic identification of bodies that are difficult to identify visually or in poor condition, radiography is the choice of non-invasive method that can be used for age estimation, one of which is panoramic radiography. The Tooth Coronal Index (TCI) method is one method that can be used to identify a person's biological age through panoramic radiography. The purpose of this study was to compare the chronological age with the biological age obtained from the measurement of the TCI method on the mandibular premolars using panoramic radiography in the Malang City population. TCI measurement was done by measuring the height of the pulp chamber (Coronal Height) and the height of the crown of the tooth (Coronal Pulp Cavity Height) vertically from the Cemento Enamel Junction (CEJ) on the mandibular premolars. Then the value is entered in the regression equation that has been determined to obtain an estimate of biological age. Then, the results of the estimated biological age are compared with their chronological age. At last, the difference between biological and chronological age is calculated to determine the approximate age. The mean difference between chronological age and biological age was ± 1.32 years and there is no significant difference between the biological age and the chronological age (p value 0.11). TCI method on the mandibular premolars using panoramic radiography can be used to estimate age in Malang City Population.

Role of Dental Evidences in Persons Forensic Identification in Nineveh Province

Aim of this Study: Underlining the method used in Ninevah as individual’s identification and to emphasize the importance of dental components for person identification. Methodology: ethically approved by the ethical research committee in the Nineveh Health Directorate/Ministry of Health. Modified questionnaire study formed to assess the role of forensic odontology in Ninevah and knowledge of the forensic medicine staff Result: Demographical section shows thirteen’s male group. In regard to specific unit positions in the FMD doctors form (15%), laboratory assistance (35%). In the specific knowledge questions about forensic medicine results where visual examination is the first step to identifying unclaimed bodies (45%), bone samples are the chosen answer (52%), in comparison to teeth (42.5%) used to estimate age. More than fifty percent claimed that forensic odontology is for dead person identification only. The respondents consider tooth structure to be the main part used (42.5%). More than 75% agreed that dentists have a great role in forensic odontology (33, 82.5%). The highest percentage gathers information from electronic sources: television, mobile phones, and radio (19, 47.5%). Thirty questions about forensic dentistry knowledge with one answer either yes or no or I don’t know. Twenty-one answers show the highest agreement of the respondents on YES, while 7 answers show the highest percent of applicants disagreeing with the questions. Conclusion: Forensic odontology provides a quick means of identification based on dental characteristics, treatment, and pathology in the context of comparative identification. Although FMD in Nineveh understands the significance of FD, they are not permitted to perform routine analyses of the remains; instead, they collect samples and send them to Baghdad, the primary center of forensic medicine.

Paternity testing using 21 STR Loci in a biotechnology approach: case of Rwandan Population

INTRODUCTION: We focused on a sample size of 141 unrelated Rwandan persons to genotype21 STR loci that were relied up in establishing allele frequencies, heterozygosity and power ofexclusion. This study aims at exploring allele frequencies on a representative sample from Rwandanpopulation to determine probability of paternity for sampled families basing on polymorphic STRsloci, using 21 autosomal-STR loci by Genetic Analyzer 3500X.METHODS: This was an experimental study and global filer TM Express PCR Amplification kit wasused to amplify 21 autosomal STR loci.RESULTS: The total number of observed alleles was 270; the largest number of different alleleswas seen in SE33 and D18S51 loci. The locus with the highest heterozygosity was SE33, while locusTH01 had the lowest heterozygosity. The heterozygosity of the 21 STR loci ranged from 71.3%(TH01) to 91.6% (SE33) with an average of 81.1% a good indicator of high genetic variability. Forall microsatellites analyzed the power of exclusion ranged from 43.4% (TH01) to 78.1% (SE33)with an average of 58.2%. For seven of eight cases examined in paternity test alleged father wasnot excluded as biological father of child. The results found in examination of case 8 indicated thatthe alleged father was not the biological father of the child.CONCLUSION: Based on calculated statistical parameters, the population of Rwanda may usethese 21 STR loci as a vital tool for forensic identification and paternity testing.

Comparison of Gravoply plate barcode embedding in Complete Denture Prosthesis (CDP) to lamination barcode embedding for forensic identification purposes

Background: Mass disasters often occur in Indonesia, thus require the rapid identification of victims. Teeth can be one of the primary identifiers besides fingerprints and DNA. It includes dentures worn by the victim. The Denture Marking System is a technique for labeling dentures to prevent it being swapped to another. Labeling usually uses embedded barcode, made from laminated paper or gravoply plate. Purpose: To compare Gravoply plate barcode to lamination barcode embedded in prothese for forensic identification. Methods: The type of research is a true experimental study with a posttest-only control group design. The sample size used in this study is 20 CDP samples divided into two test groups, one is Gravoply plate barcode and another one is laminated photo paper barcode. Results: 10 sampels of gravoply plate barcode can be read correctly, meanwhile 6 of laminated photo paper barcode showed incorrect reading and only 4 of total samples had correct result. Chi-Square test obtained p value (p<0,05) means there is significant difference between two embedding techniques. Conclusion: Embedding barcode in denture protheses for forensic identification is better using Gravoply plate rather than laminated photo paper.

Explore variation of salivary bacteria across time and geolocations.

Saliva is an informative body fluid that can be found at various crime scenes, and the salivary bacterial community has been revealed it is a potential auxiliary target for forensic identification. However, the variation of salivary bacterial community composition across time and geolocation needs to be explored. The study was designed to be carried out during the winter vacation that was across about 50days and eight geographic locations. The high throughput sequencing was performed with the V3-V4 region of the16S rRNA gene to explore salivary bacterial community composition. An overall slight fluctuation of the salivary bacteria was observed, which primarily occurred in the relative abundance of the salivary bacterial taxa. The results of principal coordinate analysis and hierarchical clustering showed samples were clustered by the individuals. All individuals could be correctly identified with the random forest model. In summation, although the relative abundance of salivary bacteria varied across the changes of time and geolocation, the individualized characteristic of salivary bacteria remained steady, which is beneficial for the salivary bacterial application in personal identification.

Anti-interference and non-destructive identification of textile fabrics using front-face excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy combined with multi-way chemometrics

The identification of trace textile fabrics discovered at crime scenes plays a crucial role in the case of forensic investigations. Additionally, in practical situations, fabrics may be contaminated, making identification more challenging. To address the aforementioned issue and promote the application of fabrics identification in forensic analysis, front-face excitation-emission matrix (FF-EEM) fluorescence spectra coupled with multi-way chemometric methods were proposed for the interference-free and non-destructive identification of textile fabrics. Common commercial dyes in the same color range under different materials (cotton, acrylic, and polyester) that cannot be visually distinguished were investigated, and several binary classification models for the identification of dye were established using partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). The identification of dyed fabrics in the presence of fluorescent interference was also taken into consideration. In each kind of pattern recognition model mentioned above, the classification accuracy (ACC) of the prediction set was 100%. The alternating trilinear decomposition (ATLD) algorithm was executed to separate mathematically and remove the interference, and the classification model based on the reconstructed spectra attained an accuracy of 100%. These findings indicate that FF-EEM technology combined with multi-way chemometric methods has broad prospects for forensic trace textile fabric identification, especially in the presence of interference.

Analysis of prescription eyewear for personal identification in forensic optometry

Prescription eyewear offers characteristics that describe the refractive errors associated with the wearer's visual acuity. When found at the crime scene as evidence, it can help to establish a link with the owner. Eyewear characteristics can be statistically measured, allowing for scientific validation of the evidence details beyond simply matching them to the owner. Personal effects such as clothing, hair characteristics, and appearances have, at times, immensely helped to corroborate identification characteristics. The role of eyewear for forensic identification has been unexplored; hence, it is essential to understand its potential to aid identification. The present study was done by identifying the prescription values, i.e., refractive errors of 694 volunteers, and statistically analyzing these to check their relation with sex and age. It was found that there was a significant relationship between refractive errors and age, but not sex. Eyewear can thus be used to narrow the identity, and eyewear characteristics can serve as an antemortem record for identification and comparison. Additionally, combined with another type of evidence, it provides greater statistical certainty for forensic applications.

Proteomic analysis discovers potential biomarkers of early traumatic axonal injury in the brainstem.

Application of Tandem Mass Tags (TMT)-based LC-MS/MS analysis to screen for differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in traumatic axonal injury (TAI) of the brainstem and to predict potential biomarkers and key molecular mechanisms of brainstem TAI. A modified impact acceleration injury model was used to establish a brainstem TAI model in Sprague-Dawley rats, and the model was evaluated in terms of both functional changes (vital sign measurements) andstructural changes (HE staining, silver-plating staining and β-APP immunohistochemical staining). TMT combined with LC-MS/MS was used to analyse the DEPs in brainstem tissues from TAI and Sham groups. The biological functions of DEPs and potential molecular mechanisms in the hyperacute phase of TAI were analysed by bioinformatics techniques, and candidate biomarkers were validated using western blotting and immunohistochemistry on brainstem tissues from animal models and humans. Based on the successful establishment of the brainstem TAI model in rats, TMT-based proteomics identified 65 DEPs, and bioinformatics analysis indicated that the hyperacute phase of TAI involves multiple stages of biological processes including inflammation, oxidative stress, energy metabolism, neuronal excitotoxicity and apoptosis. Three DEPs, CBR1, EPHX2 and CYP2U1, were selected as candidate biomarkers and all three proteins were found to be significantly expressed in brainstem tissue 30min-7days after TAI in both animal models and humans. Using TMT combined with LC-MS/MS analysis for proteomic study of early TAI in rat brainstem, we report for the first time that CBR1, EPHX2 and CYP2U1 can be used as biomarkers of early TAI in brainstem by means of western blotting and immunohistochemical staining, compensating for the limitations of silver-plating staining and β-APP immunohistochemical staining, especially in the case of very short survival time after TAI (shorter than 30min). A number of other proteins that also have a potential marker role are also presented, providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms, therapeutic targets and forensic identification of early TAI in brainstem.

GAIT Technology for Human Recognition using CNN

Gait is a distinctive biometric characteristic that can be detected from a distance; as a result, it has several uses in social security, forensic identification, and crime prevention. Existing gait identification techniques use a gait template, which makes it difficult to keep temporal information, or a gait sequence, which maintains pointless sequential limitations and loses the ability to portray a gait. Our technique, which is based on this deep set viewpoint, is immune to frame permutations and can seamlessly combine frames from many videos that were taken in various contexts, such as diversified watching, angles, various outfits, or various situations for transporting something. According to experiments, our single-model strategy obtains an average rank-1 accuracy of 96.1% on the CASIA-B gait dataset and an accuracy of 87.9% on the OU-MVLP gait dataset when used under typical walking conditions. Our model also demonstrates a great degree of robustness under numerous challenging circumstances. When carrying bags and wearing a coat while walking, it obtains accuracy on the CASIA-B of 90.8% and 70.3%, respectively, greatly surpassing the best approach currently in use. Additionally, the suggested method achieves a satisfactory level of accuracy even when there are few frames available in the test samples; for instance, it achieves 85.0% on the CASIA-B even with only 7 frames.

A web application for sex and stature estimation from radiographic proximal femur for a Thai population

In both forensic and archaeological domains, the discovery of incomplete human remains is a frequent occurrence. Nevertheless, the estimation of biological profiles from such remains presents a challenge due to the absence of crucial skeletal elements, such as the skull and pelvis. This study aimed to assess the utility of the proximal femur in the forensic identification process by creating a web application for osteometric analysis of the proximal femur. The aim was to determine the sex and stature of an individual from radiographs of the left anteroposterior femur. To accomplish this, an automated method was developed for acquiring linear measurements from radiographic images of the proximal femur using Python tools. The application of Hough techniques and Canny edge detection was utilized to generate linear femoral dimensions from radiographs. A total of 354 left femora were radiographed and measured by the algorithm. The sex classification model employed in this study was the Naïve Bayes algorithm (accuracy = 91.2 %). Results indicated that Gaussian process regression (GPR) was the most effective method for estimating stature (mean error = 4.68 cm, SD = 3.93 cm). The proposed web application holds the potential to serve as a valuable asset in the realm of forensic investigations in Thailand, particularly in the estimation of biological profiles from fragmentary skeletal remains.

Research status and outlook of deep learning in oral and maxillofacial medical imaging

Artificial intelligence, represented by deep learning, has received increasing attention in the field of oral and maxillofacial medical imaging, which has been widely studied in image analysis and image quality improvement. This narrative review provides an insight into the following applications of deep learning in oral and maxillofacial imaging: detection, recognition and segmentation of teeth and other anatomical structures, detection and diagnosis of oral and maxillofacial diseases, and forensic personal identification. In addition, the limitations of the studies and the directions for future development are summarized.

Forensic dentistry: a systematic review

Introduction: It was verified that the identifications carried out by forensic dentists in mass disasters reach about 70% of the identifications in the world. With the population increase in recent decades, mass disasters have increased, both in natural catastrophes and by anthropic action, making it imperative to increase the numbers of forensic identification methods, to accelerate the recognition of fatal victims and the teeth are the only elements that can be used for identification. Objective: It was to highlight the importance of professional specialist in forensic dentistry and their diligence in the investigative process, to increase the diligence of greater richness of details and optimized work for the recognition of the bodies. Methods: The systematic review rules of the PRISMA Platform were followed. The search was carried out from February to April 2023 in the Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, Scielo, and Google Scholar databases, using articles with different dates up to 2022. The quality of the studies was based on the GRADE instrument and the risk of bias was analyzed accordingly, according to the Cochrane instrument. Results and Conclusion: A total of 119 articles were found, 38 articles were evaluated and 32 were included and developed in this systematic review study. Considering the Cochrane tool for risk of bias, the overall assessment resulted in 28 studies with a high risk of bias and 32 studies that did not meet GRADE. the function of the forensic dentist in investigations of charred victims is notorious. The analysis performed by a professional with specific training in the field of dentistry is essential, and the importance of medical records, photographs, and radiographs for proper identification must also be considered. However, it is necessary to increase and improve the activities of forensic dentists in the work of recognition of charred bodies, being imperative to a set of factors for the elucidation of cases so that the identifications are complete. It is concluded that it is necessary to use several methods to optimize the practice of forensic dentistry, from cases of identification through the oral cavity, which was the beginning of the history of forensic identification in the field of dentistry, to the nowadays, its rise in history was analyzed for an effective elucidation of recognition of charred bodies.

Introducing the New Editorial Team

Introducing the New Editorial Team

Book Review: Challenging bias in forensic psychological assessment and testing. Theoretical and practical approaches to working with diverse populations

Book Review: Challenging bias in forensic psychological assessment and testing. Theoretical and practical approaches to working with diverse populations

The inconclusive category, entropy, and forensic firearm identification

There has been extensive recent discussion of the difficulty in estimating meaningful error rates in forensic firearms examinations, and other areas of pattern evidence. The 2016 President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) report was clear in criticizing many forensic disciplines as lacking the types of studies that would provide error rate measurements seen in other scientific fields. However, there is a substantial lack of consensus on the approach to measuring an “error rate” for fields such as forensic firearm examination that include in the conclusion scale the “inconclusive” category, as occurs in the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) Range of Conclusions and many other such fields. Many authors appear to assume the error rate calculated in the binary decision model is the only appropriate way to report errors, but there have been attempts made to adapt the error rate from the binary decision model to scientific fields in which the inconclusive category is viewed as a meaningful outcome of the examination process. In this study we present three neural networks of differing complexity and performance trained to classify the outlines of ejector marks on cartridge cases fired from different firearm models, as a model system for examining the performance of various metrics of error in systems using the inconclusive category. We also discuss an entropy, or information, based method to assess the similarity of classifications to ground truth that is applicable to range of conclusion scales, even when the inconclusive category is used.

The potential of microsatellite markers on the identification of various ethnic alleles in Indonesia

Indonesia is an archipelagic country with a high level of population diversity such as religion, ethnicity, culture and also genetic diversity. Environmental factors also have an impact on the genetic variation and diversity of the population, including high mobility and migration triggering the tendency for inter-ethnic marriages to occur. This environmental factor is one of the reasons for research based on DNA analysis on ethnicity in Indonesia for the purpose of forensic identification. One of the DNA analyzes for forensic identification is the microsatellite DNA analysis method with a high sensitivity level.

Utilization of Luminescent Carbon Nanodots from Soybean Husk Wastes for Fingerprint Identification using Tracker Software Spectrum Analysis

Visible fingerprints (FPs) play a crucial role in forensic identification, and luminescent carbon nanodots (C-Dots) have shown promise in enhancing their visibility. However, the optimal concentration of C-Dots for effective coating remains largely unexplored. This research aimed to determine the ideal C-Dots concentration for FPs identification. The fingerprint (FP) patterns of two subjects, L and P, were analyzed, revealing intensity peaks in 200 mm - 250 mm and 100 mm - 150 mm, respectively. The FP patterns were observed using a light microscope and Tracker software spectral analysis. The C-Dots samples were produced with variation in concentrations of (%W/V) 40%, 43.4%, and 47.6%. The spectrophotometer ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) test of the C-Dots showed absorption peaks at 270 nm and 330 nm wavelengths. The photoluminescence test indicated that the C-Dots have cyan luminescence. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) test showed that the C-Dots were amorphous. The spectrometer Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) test showed the presence of C = C functional groups. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images with 5000x magnification showed the surface morphology of the C-Dots mimicking crumpled papers. Using Tracker software, FPs were successfully differentiated, with the clearest visual FPs observed when using a C-Dots concentration of 43.4%. Thus, the optimal concentration of C-Dots for FP identification was 43.4%.

Evaluation of the creditability of forensic tests through competency tests

The paper aims to evaluate a round of Competence Tests with qualitative results (non-destructive tests) in the field of classical forensics. The purpose of organizing the competency test rounds is to evaluate the performance of the forensic laboratories. The performance of the laboratories is estimated by the statistical evaluation of the results obtained by each participant. In this particular case, the assignment of the values of the competence test objects (CTO) was carried out by the group of experts, and the Competence Test Scheme (CTS) was of the simultaneous participation type; also, the group of experts established the performance evaluation criteria. The results obtained by the participants were satisfactory.