Use In Forensic Investigations Research Articles

Hit and run: Forensic vehicle event reconstruction through driver-based cloud data from Progressive's snapshot application

Driving Insurance Applications (DIAs) have emerged as a valuable resource in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Automobile owners are storing extensive data on driving behaviors and patterns. This study pioneers the forensic analysis of Progressive's Snapshot application, focusing on the extraction and potential forensic use of data that remains inaccessible through the mobile application's interface. In our approach we focused on four research questions: How accurate is location and speed data collected by Progressive Snapshot?, What forensically relevant data can we extract from the Progressive Cloud that is unavailable to the user from the mobile application interface?, Can we employ anti-forensics techniques, specifically fake location data, to create false trip details?, Can we reconstruct a hit-and-run scenario from trip event details? To answer these questions, we developed PyShot, a Python-based open-source tool, to extract data from the Progressive cloud. Our tests confirmed Snapshot's accuracy in recording speed and location. Despite efforts to fake the Global Positioning System (GPS) location, the cloud still maintained accurate records. PyShot revealed more detailed driving data, like dangerous maneuvers and distracted driving, compared to the mobile application. This study also explores the forensic reconstruction of hit-and-run incidents, using a mannequin and focusing on Progressive's server data. Analyzing event categories, geographical coordinates, and timestamps provides insights into the capabilities and constraints of this application in forensic investigations. The findings offer valuable insights into the forensic capability of data retained by DIAs, contributing to their potential use in forensic investigations.

Comparative study of extraction and analysis of DNA from different temperatures using phenol chloroform method

The extraction of DNA from biological samples is a fundamental process in forensic investigations, providing invaluable information for the identification and profiling of individuals involved in criminal activities. Saliva is a commonly encountered biological fluid at crime scenes and can serve as a rich source of DNA evidence. This article focuses on the extraction of DNA from saliva samples and explores the methods and techniques employed in forensic investigations to optimize DNA recovery and maximize profiling success. Saliva samples were collected in saline in a swab tube and half of the samples were kept at 4C and half at Room Temperature (RT) to understand the temperature variance. After that, DNA extraction was done using the phenol-chloroform method. The quality and quantity of the extracted DNA are assessed using established techniques such as Gel electrophoresis and qPCR amplification. The results of the experiments reveal the efficiency and reliability of the DNA extraction method for saliva samples. DNA was successfully extracted from the set conditions. Although the DNA bands obtained from 4oC were more prominent compared to the samples kept at RT. The identification of optimal DNA extraction methods for saliva samples can contribute to the development of standardized protocols and guidelines for forensic DNA analysis. In conclusion, this article sheds light on the extraction of DNA from saliva samples for its use in forensic investigation. The outcomes of this study have the potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of forensic investigations. Further research in this field is warranted to explore emerging technologies and refine existing methodologies for DNA extraction from saliva samples in forensic contexts.

Developmental Validation of the Illumina Infinium Assay Using the Global Screening Array on the iScan System for Use in Forensic Laboratories

Microarray processing, which interrogates hundreds of thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the human genome, has recently gained traction in forensics due to its use in forensic genetic genealogy, which is based on analysis using SNPs to compare distant relatives in publicly curated databases for the purposes of developing investigative leads or identifying human remains. To date, there has been no published developmental validation of microarray processing using the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM) Validation Guidelines for DNA Analysis Methods and Federal Bureau of Investigation Quality Assurance Standards. Validation of these methods are warranted to identify samples suitable for microarray analysis and to assess the quality of the data obtained before upload to genealogical databases. In this study, we validated the Global Screening Array for use in forensic investigations according to SWGDAM guidelines, including the following studies: precision and accuracy, sensitivity, contamination, degradation, species specificity, mock case-type samples, mixtures, repeatability and reproducibility, and stability. Results indicated accurate genotype calls with SNP call rates >95% at DNA input as low as 0.20 ng. In addition to SNP call rate, we developed interpretation thresholds for signal intensity and heterozygosity to allow for sample quality assessment and identification of highly degraded and/or non-human DNA. This study demonstrates that high-quality data can be generated from multiple sample types, including mock forensic evidence that simulated the challenges that are often encountered in forensic cold cases.

Assessment of deep convolutional neural network models for species identification of forensically-important fly maggots based on images of posterior spiracles

Forensic entomology is the branch of forensic science that is related to using arthropod specimens found in legal issues. Fly maggots are one of crucial pieces of evidence that can be used for estimating post-mortem intervals worldwide. However, the species-level identification of fly maggots is difficult, time consuming, and requires specialized taxonomic training. In this work, a novel method for the identification of different forensically-important fly species is proposed using convolutional neural networks (CNNs). The data used for the experiment were obtained from a digital camera connected to a compound microscope. We compared the performance of four widely used models that vary in complexity of architecture to evaluate tradeoffs in accuracy and speed for species classification including ResNet-101, Densenet161, Vgg19_bn, and AlexNet. In the validation step, all of the studied models provided 100% accuracy for identifying maggots of 4 species including Chrysomya megacephala (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Chrysomya (Achoetandrus) rufifacies (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Lucilia cuprina (Diptera: Calliphoridae), and Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae) based on images of posterior spiracles. However, AlexNet showed the fastest speed to process the identification model and presented a good balance between performance and speed. Therefore, the AlexNet model was selected for the testing step. The results of the confusion matrix of AlexNet showed that misclassification was found between C. megacephala and C. (Achoetandrus) rufifacies as well as between C. megacephala and L. cuprina. No misclassification was found for M. domestica. In addition, we created a web-application platform called thefly.ai to help users identify species of fly maggots in their own images using our classification model. The results from this study can be applied to identify further species by using other types of images. This model can also be used in the development of identification features in mobile applications. This study is a crucial step for integrating information from biology and AI-technology to develop a novel platform for use in forensic investigation.

The Analysis of Glass from Portable Electronic Devices and Their Glass Accessories Using µ-XRF for Their Use in Forensic Investigations

The Analysis of Glass from Portable Electronic Devices and Their Glass Accessories Using µ-XRF for Their Use in Forensic Investigations

Use of voltammetric and chemometric tools to develop a sensor in forensic chemistry

The large number of drug seizures has required the development of electrochemical sensors and new analytical techniques involving portable sensors. Here, we have studied cocaine hydrochloride oxy-reduction on the surface of carbon paste electrodes chemically modified with [VIIO(salen)], and we have evaluated these electrodes as voltammetric sensors for forensic purposes. The modified working electrode for cocaine hydrochloride analysis presented the sensitivity was 1.2 µmol.L−1, and the mean limits of detection and quantification were 0.31 and 1.03 µmol.L−1, respectively. As for the possible interferents, the investigated analytes exhibited similar electrochemical activity, with different sensitivities. Supervised classification of the data for the detection of analytes by the SIMCA chemometric method revealed that the voltammetric methodology predicted cocaine in real samples seized by the police more effectively than the other analytes. Thus, the developed voltammetric sensor has potential use in forensic investigations.

Analysis of the corrosive effects of hydrochloric acid (HCl) on human bone: Preliminary microscopic study and observations for forensic purposes

The destruction of a corpse in caustic acid can cause complex forensic scenarios to deal with. Furthermore, the literature on the subject is poor, having been the few studies carried out only on animal bones. We carried out an experimental analysis on human cranial, ribs, vertebrae, and femur bone fragments. These samples were sent for dissolution by hydrochloric acid (HCl) at two different concentrations in the lab: 10% and 37%. We have performed macroscopic and microscopic histological and cytological observations at set time intervals: 3, 4, 19, 24, 48, and 72 h of immersion in acids. The purpose of the study was threefold: to investigate the temporal evolution of bone dissolution, evaluate the destructive effect of the two hydrochloric acids, and establish whether or not the human pattern of histological structure could be recognized. A more significant destructive action of HCl at 37% has been observed. In the 10% acid, the bone nature of the samples was demonstrable up to 24 h of immersion, but the human pattern of histological structure was already compromised at 19 h, being lost at 24 h. Instead, in the 37% acid, the bone nature of the sample was demonstrable only within 4 h of immersion, and the human pattern of histological structure was markedly compromised within 3 h. At 19 h of immersion, neither the recognition of the bone nor its human nature was feasible. These preliminary findings and observations may be of practical use in forensic investigations of bodies found in acidic substances, for which there is no scientific evidence to refer.

Comparative study of ATR and DRIFT infrared spectroscopy techniques in the analysis of soil samples

The primary goal of this investigation is to determine the feasibility of using vibrational spectroscopy techniques for the analysis of soil samples in order to characterize a specific area and hence create a soil map for use in forensic investigation. We compare spectra of “artifacts” which are exclusive to a single location or area rather than focus on the general intrinsic components of soil. Comparison of these artifacts may allow the creation of a map of different regions and thus allow matching of soil evidence to these regions (spectra). For this purpose, we compare the feasibility of two mid-infrared sampling techniques to discriminate among collected soil samples. The techniques used are Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) and Diffuse Reflectance Infrared spectroscopy (DRIFT). The data is analyzed and classified using multivariate statistical Linear and partial least squares discriminant analysis as well as principal component analysis. Although both ATR and DRIFT techniques show promising results in soil discrimination, the data shows that DRIFT is more sensitive in the application of soil discrimination. It is suggested that, to obtain better results both techniques should be coupled with multivariate statistical analysis of the collected data.

First report of the forensically important fly, Stearibia nigriceps (Diptera: Piophilidae) in South Korea: Confirmation of specimens from human corpses based on cytochrome c oxidase subunit I barcodes.

Piophilidae are a relatively small family of Diptera that is frequently associated with cadavers at advanced stages of decomposition and are, therefore, considered potentially useful forensic indicators. However, their use in forensic investigations is typically hampered by a deficiency in reliable identification tools. This is particularly evident in countries such as South Korea, where forensic entomology is still in its infancy and the diversity of forensically relevant insect taxa remains largely undocumented. In the present study, we used cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) barcodes to identify samples of piophilid larvae collected during medicolegal investigations performed in South Korea. A total of 174 COI sequences were obtained and have been made publicly available, thus augmenting the reference barcode library for forensically important Piophilidae species. Of the 174 sequenced samples, 172 were identified as Stearibia nigriceps (Meigen), whereas the two remaining samples may represent a previously unsequenced piophilid species. Stearibia nigriceps is recorded from South Korea for the first time, and our results suggest that it might be a particularly relevant forensic indicator in certain case types and scenarios in that country. The findings of this study highlight the utility of COI barcodes for achieving accurate identification of entomological samples, even by non-specialist forensic practitioners. They also contribute to the further development and consolidation of forensic entomology in South Korea and eastern Asia.

ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF BACTERIA ASSOCIATED WITH DECOMPOSING PIG (Sus scrofa) CARCASS

The emerging field of forensic biology has attempted to solve certain problems encountered when estimating post-mortem interval (PMI) by using predictable changes in the microbial and arthropod community structure. Pig (Sus scrofa) carcasses are widely used as animal models in clinical human studies. The objective of this study was to identify bacteria from the skin surface of pig carcass for possible use in forensic investigation. Three pigs (a suitable human substitute) were collected from a local farm and killed by suffocation and further place in a bush land for decomposition. 24hours later skin samples were collected and transported to the laboratory for the isolation of bacteria using standard pour plate techniques and identified using Bergey’s manual of systemic bacteriology. The experiment was conducted in February 2019 during the dry season of the year with an average temperature of 23.50c and relative humidity of 60.8% A total of fourteen (14) isolates were gotten from the pig carcass samples out of which four (4) were Gram-positive bacteria and the remaining ten (10) were Gram-negative. Staphylococcus spp. (28.6%) was the most abundant while Salmonella sp., Serratia sp., Klebsiella sp., Citrobacter sp. and Proteus sp. occurred at 14.3% each. This study focus on the type of bacteria communities during a decomposition process which will help provide baseline information in the application of forensic biology to determination of nature of death, abuse or neglect.

Photometric features and intense blue light emanation of Nd3+ doped SrTiO3 based nanophosphor for multi-functional applications

Abstract Herein, a series of SrTiO3:Nd3+ (1–11 mol %) nanophosphors has been prepared via a conventional hydrothermal route. Their anti-counterfeiting and latent fingerprint visualization applications are reported, which show important level-III features and unclonable tags. The cubic structure was confirmed by powdered X-ray diffraction studies with space group Pm-3m (No-221). The photoluminescence (PL) characterization results evinced that the nanophosphor emits intense blue light. The optimized nanophosphors were used to visualize latent fingerprints through recognizing level I-III ridges by a reduced background hindrance and can be utilized for visualizing latent fingerprints on difficult substrate surfaces with superior sensitivity, high contrast and selectivity. Further, a furthermost possible stochastic process to make unclonable anti-counterfeiting tags using optimized nanophosphor was designed to reduce counterfeit products. Therefore, it is believed that this optimized nanophosphor for visualization of latent fingerprints as well as unclonable anti-counterfeiting tags will find widespread use in forensic investigations and product safety applications.

Ficha de registro odontológico con fines forenses

La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo desarrollar una ficha de registro odontológico para su uso en investigaciones forenses. Se realizó un estudio de tipo exploratorio, descriptivo y correlacional, de corte transversal, no experimental y de campo. Como técnicas de recolección de datos se aplicó la observación y sus instrumentos fueron la lista de cotejo y las historias clínicas de las cuales se analizó la consistencia del llenado; otra técnica utilizada fue la encuesta con el cuestionario como instrumento. La población de estudio estuvo constituida por 150 estudiantes de los cuales se seleccionó una muestra de 108. Los resultados observados indicaron que la información ingresada en el historial clínico fue medianamente satisfactorios en la sección de datos intraorales (60,2%), los datos extraorales no satisfactorio (51,9%), el registro de exámenes complementarios no satisfactorios (63%), pues presentaron debilidades en el llenado de todas estas secciones. A partir de los resultados obtenidos en las evaluaciones se pudo determinar características y datos adecuados para la implementación de una ficha de registro odontológico aplicable en investigaciones de tipo forense.

Spatial and Seasonal Distribution of Forensically Important Blow Flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in Makhanda, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

The seasonal activity of adults of eight forensically important blow fly species [Calliphora croceipalpis (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Jaennicke, Lucilia sericata (Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), L. cuprina (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Chrysomya chloropyga (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Ch. albiceps (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Ch. marginalis (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Ch. putoria (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Ch. megacephala (Fabricius) (Diptera: Calliphoridae)] was quantified from collections in Makhanda, South Africa. Flies were collected in traps baited with chicken liver and placed in the field at eight locations for four consecutive days each fortnight for 14 mo. The seasonal distribution of each species compared well to published seasonal distributions of these blow flies elsewhere in South Africa, with evidence of year-to-year variation within seasons that might be explained by weather. This information is important for determining when and where certain species are likely to occur and will be of use in forensic investigations and myiasis management plans.

Gender determination using mandibular canine index in general population

Context: Gender determination of skeletal remains is part of archeological and medicolegal examination. In forensic investigations mandibular canines provide excellent material to identify gender as they are more likely to survive in disaster. Dimorphism in mandibular canines is of immense use in forensic investigation. Aim: The aim of study was to establish mandibular canine index (MCI) for gender determination in general population for age group of 18--30 years and to find out efficiency of MCI in establishing gender identity of individual. Setting and Study Design: Patients reporting to Department Of Oral Medicine and Radiology are selected for study after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 200 subjects in general population; (100 males and 100 females). Following parameters were considered in study; mesiodistal width of right and left mandibular canine, intercanine arch width and right and left MCI. All measurements were taken intraorally and then on dental casts of same individuals followed by MCI calculation. Statistical Analysis Used: In the entire study the P –value less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. The entire data were statistically analyzed by using (SPSS ver 16, IBM corporation, USA). Results: Using the MCI value, gender can be correctly predicted up to 81% in females and 85% in males. Overall, percentage accuracy of MCI in prediction of gender was 83%. The standard MCI value was 0.2661. Also, right canine was found to exhibit more dimorphism than left canine. Conclusion: It was evident from this study that MCI is a good tool for determining gender. It is quick, reliable, and inexpensive method. Along with other parameters it increases percentage accuracy of predicting gender.

Role of Dorsal Surface of Tongue in Personal Identification: A Review

Personal identification is essential for any forensic investigation. Due to diversification of the criminal activities and awareness about the technology, there is a need to develop new and innovative personal identification techniques to combat the worse encountered situations at the crime scene. Tongue prints are found to be other existing biometric tools and recognized as another feasible system for personal identity. The dorsal surface of tongue offers more individualistic characteristics with visible distribution of patterns and can be considered as another fingerprint. The individualistic nature of these patterns and indefinite differentiation between features offered the way to consider it as a tool for personal identification. In this study, an attempt has been made to review the available literature to bring into light the uniqueness of tongue prints and its biometric use in forensic investigation. The limitations of the tongue prints and its future aspects are also elucidated in this article.

Development, content validity and application feasibility of the data collection tool for forensic section in Iranian Integrated Road Traffic Injury Registry (IRTIR)

Background: The present study was conducted as part of the national project on developing Integrated Road Traffic Registry (IRTIR). The aim of this study was to develop and assess application feasibility and content validity of data collection tool for forensic section in IRTIR. Methods: Data collection tools were developed by information retrieved from literature review as well as the current tool used for traffic fatalities in Forensic Medicine Organization (FMO) and discussion in expert panel. For assessment of content validity, 15 experts in various fields of expertise such as forensic medicine, emergency medicine and neurosurgery, expressed their ideas and gave comments along with scoring the items on relevance, clarity, necessity and feasibility. The Content validity was calculated by the content validity index (CVI) and modified KAPPA. In order to evaluate the application feasibility of the tool, the information for ten traffic fatal cases were collected by forensic medicine specialists using the developed tool. Results: The content validity of the data collection tool was confirmed after two rounds of assessment and improvement. It also was found to be feasible for use in forensic investigations. According to the CVI and modified kappa value above 0.87 for all items. The final tool included in various areas of etiologic and prevention-related information. Conclusion: The present data collection tool for fatal road traffic accidents was more complete and accurate than the current data collection tool and was confirmed to be a valid tool and suitable to be used in the Iranian Integrated Road Traffic Injury Registry and similar settings.

Age estimation of Hispanic children using the London Atlas

PurposeTo test the accuracy of the London Atlas for age estimation of Hispanic children and to determine if there is any difference in age accuracy between Hispanic males and females. MethodsThe London Atlas was used to estimate age from panoramic radiographs of 17 males and 17 females for each year of age from six to 15.99 years, using the electronic patient database of a dental school. Exclusion criteria included gross pathology, hypodontia, hyperdontia, and previous orthodontic treatment. ResultsThere were 332 panoramic radiographs evaluated. In all age groups, 34 radiographs (from 17 males and 17 females) were reviewed, except for the age bracket 6–6.99 years, for which only 26 radiographs were available. The mean age estimated of the entire sample by the London Atlas (11.44 years) was greater than the mean chronological age (11.09 years), which was statistically significant (P<.001). The mean difference between chronological and estimated ages for males was .30 years and for females was .40 years, but the difference between sexes was not significant (P=.324). One hundred sixty-two radiographs (49%) were estimated to the exact age interval while 45 (14%) were under-estimated and 125 (38%) were over-estimated. Two hundred and forty radiographs (72%) were estimated to a value within one year of the actual age. ConclusionThere was no difference in age estimation prediction accuracy between Hispanic males and females but an age overestimation of three percent in the cohort was seen. The London Atlas accuracy is suitable for use in forensic investigation.

Time Radically Alters Ex Situ Evidentiary Soil 16S Bacterial Profiles Produced Via Next-Generation Sequencing,.

Previous research has revealed the potential of soil bacterial profiling for forensic purposes; however, investigators have not thoroughly examined fluctuations in microbial profiles from soil aged on evidence. In this research, soils collected from multiple habitats were placed on evidence items and sampled over time, and then bacterial profiles were generated via next-generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA locus. Bacterial abundance charts and nonmetric multidimensional scaling plots provided visual representation of bacterial profiles temporally, while supervised classification was used to statistically associate evidence to a source. The ex situ evidence soils displayed specific, consistent taxonomic changes as they aged, resulting in their drift in multidimensional space, but never toward a different habitat. Ninety-five percent of the 364 evidentiary profiles statistically classified to the correct habitat, with misclassification generally stemming from evidence type and increased age. Ultimately, understanding bacterial changes that occur temporally in ex situ soils should enhance their use in forensic investigations.

Post-flood damage data: requirements for disaster forensic investigation

Disaster forensic investigation analyses the unfolding of a disaster and attempts to identify its multiple causes of damage which can lead to (i) improved disaster prevention and management from lessons learnt, and (ii) more effective mitigation measures in the aftermath of a disaster. The way in which damage data are collected after a flood event as well as the types of collected data influences their usability within forensic investigations. In order to explore whether or not existing data can be used for disaster forensic analysis, the European Project IDEA (Improving Damage assessments to Enhance cost-benefit Analyses) is investigating existing gaps in damage information so as to identify possible paths towards improving data quality. This paper focuses in detail on a forensic analysis of the interlinked damage to economic activities and infrastructure in the Severn floods of 2007 in the UK. Besides investigating the usability of existing data, this research investigated: (i) the relative weight of direct and indirect costs to business and infrastructure companies; (ii) to what extent damage to infrastructure has impacted on indirect damage to businesses. Finally recommendations for improving the data for use in forensic investigation are offered.

Photoacoustic and Colorimetric Visualization of Latent Fingerprints.

There is a high demand on a simple, rapid, accurate, user-friendly, cost-effective, and nondestructive universal method for latent fingerprint (LFP) detection. Herein, we describe a combination imaging strategy for LFP visualization with high resolution using poly(styrene-alt-maleic anhydride)-b-polystyrene (PSMA-b-PS) functionalized gold nanoparticles (GNPs). This general approach integrates the merits of both colorimetric imaging and photoacoustic imaging. In comparison with the previous methods, our strategy is single-step and does not require the signal amplification by silver staining. The PSMA-b-PS functionalized GNPs have good stability, tunable color, and high affinity for universal secretions (proteins/polypeptides/amino acids), which makes our approach general and flexible for visualizing LFPs on different substrates (presumably with different colors) and from different people. Moreover, the unique optical property of GNPs enables the photoacoustic imaging of GNPs-deposited LFPs with high resolution. This allows observation of level 3 hyperfine features of LFPs such as the pores and ridge contours by photoacoustic imaging. This technique can potentially be used to identify chemicals within LFP residues. We believe that this dual-modality imaging of LFPs will find widespread use in forensic investigations and medical diagnostics.