Pub Date : 2025-07-01Epub Date: 2025-02-05DOI: 10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100410
Magdy Kharoshah , Maram Aabdulghani AlFarayedhi , Abdullah AlBouijan , Noua AlOtaibi , AbdulRahman Waheed AlDossary , Ibrahim AlAboudi , Sahar Issa
Background
Numerous nations have released studies on lethal firearm injuries. Nonetheless, there has been little documentation of their occurrence and pattern in various parts of Saudi Arabia and other Arab Countries.
Methods
The present study was conducted to investigate fatal firearm injuries in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, during 2013–2023. All investigated victims were referred to the mortuary of the Forensic Medicine Department, Dammam.
Results
The study investigated all firearm deaths in Dammam. Most of the victims were Saudi Nationals. Homicidal victims (N = 88) surpassed the suicidal cases (N = 24). Rifled weapons were the most common weapon used in both groups. Head wounds were much more common in suicides (70.8 %) compared to homicides (34.1 %) (p = 0.001). Toxicological findings confirmed more Cannabis in homicide cases and more Ethanol in suicide cases.
Conclusions
The current findings were contradictory to the pattern seen in other countries where suicides were the predominant group.
{"title":"Firearm fatalities in Dammam: A forensic retrospective study","authors":"Magdy Kharoshah , Maram Aabdulghani AlFarayedhi , Abdullah AlBouijan , Noua AlOtaibi , AbdulRahman Waheed AlDossary , Ibrahim AlAboudi , Sahar Issa","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100410","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100410","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Numerous nations have released studies on lethal firearm injuries. Nonetheless, there has been little documentation of their occurrence and pattern in various parts of Saudi Arabia and other Arab Countries.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The present study was conducted to investigate fatal firearm injuries in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, during 2013–2023. All investigated victims were referred to the mortuary of the Forensic Medicine Department, Dammam.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The study investigated all firearm deaths in Dammam. Most of the victims were Saudi Nationals. Homicidal victims (N = 88) surpassed the suicidal cases (N = 24). Rifled weapons were the most common weapon used in both groups. Head wounds were much more common in suicides (70.8 %) compared to homicides (34.1 %) (p = 0.001). Toxicological findings confirmed more Cannabis in homicide cases and more Ethanol in suicide cases.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The current findings were contradictory to the pattern seen in other countries where suicides were the predominant group.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100410"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143377828","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-01Epub Date: 2024-12-27DOI: 10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100404
Jamie K. Pringle , Andrew Binley , Kristopher D. Wisniewski , Ben Davenward , Vivienne G. Heaton , Georgina E. Handley
Cold case searches for the missing can be challenging, especially when the convicted perpetrator may or may not be giving forensic investigators truthful information. This paper reports on a cold case search for a teenage girl who was reported missing during the mid-2000s in north-west England, with this being the second area searched following the disclosure of information by a suspect prison cellmate. The disused search area had many uses, including an animal sanctuary after the girl went missing. Initial police ground searches proved unsuccessful in locating the victim. Geoforensic search aims was to use geophysics to identify potential burial position(s) within the search site priority areas to be then forensically investigated. A multi-phased geoforensic search was conducted, initially forensic botany removed vegetation back to when the girl went missing, electromagnetic induction (EMI) surveys then identified potential burial areas, before ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys were also collected in other areas to identify near-surface buried object positions. The EMI and GPR identified priority targets were then forensically excavated, with several isolated animal burials recovered and a drainage pipe identified to be cause of other geophysical targets, which gave confidence that any burials onsite could be identified geophysically. No case-relevant material was found. The case presented suggests these geoforensic approaches provide assurances to rule out forensic search locations, saving time and costs in such cold case investigations.
{"title":"Cold case report: Geoforensic brownfield site search for murder victim based on prison informant lead","authors":"Jamie K. Pringle , Andrew Binley , Kristopher D. Wisniewski , Ben Davenward , Vivienne G. Heaton , Georgina E. Handley","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100404","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100404","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cold case searches for the missing can be challenging, especially when the convicted perpetrator may or may not be giving forensic investigators truthful information. This paper reports on a cold case search for a teenage girl who was reported missing during the mid-2000s in north-west England, with this being the second area searched following the disclosure of information by a suspect prison cellmate. The disused search area had many uses, including an animal sanctuary after the girl went missing. Initial police ground searches proved unsuccessful in locating the victim. Geoforensic search aims was to use geophysics to identify potential burial position(s) within the search site priority areas to be then forensically investigated. A multi-phased geoforensic search was conducted, initially forensic botany removed vegetation back to when the girl went missing, electromagnetic induction (EMI) surveys then identified potential burial areas, before ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys were also collected in other areas to identify near-surface buried object positions. The EMI and GPR identified priority targets were then forensically excavated, with several isolated animal burials recovered and a drainage pipe identified to be cause of other geophysical targets, which gave confidence that any burials onsite could be identified geophysically. No case-relevant material was found. The case presented suggests these geoforensic approaches provide assurances to rule out forensic search locations, saving time and costs in such cold case investigations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100404"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143136033","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-01Epub Date: 2025-04-11DOI: 10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100415
Nana Ushine , Isao Nishiumi , Higuchi Aki , Aki Tanaka , Ayano Mori , Nanami Tsuchiya , Shin-ichi Hayama
Habouki is a tool used in Japanese tea ceremonies consisting of a bundle of feathers from birds of prey and waterfowl. Habouki often include feathers from avian species that are legally protected. In this study, we examined three types of Habouki (Zabaki, Tsukamibane, and Mitsubane) suspected of containing feathers from legally protected species and conducted species identification through feather morphological examination and molecular analysis. Morphological examinations and molecular biological analyses targeting cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 region were conducted using the barbs of Habouki feathers. Genetic analysis revealed that Zabaki contained feathers from Aquila chrysaetos (genetic difference between Habouki feather and the control sample; 0.02 %), Tsukamibane contained Cygnus columbianus (0.16 %), and Mitsubane contained Ciconia boyciana (0.05 %). In the morphological examinations based on shape, color, and size, the Zabaki feather was presumed to be the rectrices of the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), the Tsukamibane feather was the tertials of Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus) and Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus), and the Mitsubane feather was the secondary and tertial feathers of the Japanese White Stork (Ciconia boyciana). Habouki are currently not being produced. To safeguard the continuity of Japanese tea ceremony culture, it is crucial to protect Habouki and prevent illegal activities such as poaching. When determining whether feathers belong to rare species, it is recommended to conduct feather morphological examinations rather than molecular biological examinations, which destroy Habouki.
{"title":"Species identification of avian feathers in Japanese Habouki using feather morphological and molecular testing","authors":"Nana Ushine , Isao Nishiumi , Higuchi Aki , Aki Tanaka , Ayano Mori , Nanami Tsuchiya , Shin-ichi Hayama","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100415","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100415","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Habouki is a tool used in Japanese tea ceremonies consisting of a bundle of feathers from birds of prey and waterfowl. Habouki often include feathers from avian species that are legally protected. In this study, we examined three types of Habouki (Zabaki, Tsukamibane, and Mitsubane) suspected of containing feathers from legally protected species and conducted species identification through feather morphological examination and molecular analysis. Morphological examinations and molecular biological analyses targeting cytochrome <em>c</em> oxidase subunit 1 region were conducted using the barbs of Habouki feathers. Genetic analysis revealed that Zabaki contained feathers from <em>Aquila chrysaetos</em> (genetic difference between Habouki feather and the control sample; 0.02 %), Tsukamibane contained <em>Cygnus columbianus</em> (0.16 %), and Mitsubane contained <em>Ciconia boyciana</em> (0.05 %). In the morphological examinations based on shape, color, and size, the Zabaki feather was presumed to be the rectrices of the Golden Eagle (<em>Aquila chrysaetos</em>), the Tsukamibane feather was the tertials of Whooper Swan (<em>Cygnus cygnus</em>) and Tundra Swan (<em>Cygnus columbianus</em>), and the Mitsubane feather was the secondary and tertial feathers of the Japanese White Stork (<em>Ciconia boyciana</em>). Habouki are currently not being produced. To safeguard the continuity of Japanese tea ceremony culture, it is crucial to protect Habouki and prevent illegal activities such as poaching. When determining whether feathers belong to rare species, it is recommended to conduct feather morphological examinations rather than molecular biological examinations, which destroy Habouki.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100415"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143839010","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-01Epub Date: 2025-04-18DOI: 10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100416
Aylin Yalçın Sarıbey , Fatma Nida Ocak
The aim of examining the forward spatter bloodstain patterns of gunshot wounds is to accurately describe the relationship between the victim, the culprit, and the crime scene. The purpose of this study is to determine the approximate location of the blood source, i.e. the victim, at the crime scene by using an image processing and numerical modeling approach. To achieve this, an experimental setup is designed with cardstocks and a cow blood-soaked sponge. In total, twenty forward spatter patterns are obtained onto cardstocks after successful shootings. In the post-processing phase, ellipses on the cardstocks are detected by processing the forward spatters in MATLAB. To achieve this, ellipse properties are identified for calculating the impact angles. The impact angles are then utilized as inputs to the tangent method within the program to estimate the Area of Origin (AOx). For visualization, 2D and 3D images are generated. In conclusion, it is observed that the program works the best in determining the AOx, for the scenarios where the real AOx distances (blood source to target distances) are 35 cm, 50 cm, and 100 cm respectively. The program’s weakness while determining AOx for the source distance of 5 cm is also reported. It is necessary to improve the program for short blood source-to-target distances and long shooting distances. It can be concluded that image quality is also a key factor for post-processing as it might mislead the results with visible ellipses.
{"title":"Forward Spatter Bloodstain Pattern Analysis: AO Estimation Using Image Processing and Numerical Modeling","authors":"Aylin Yalçın Sarıbey , Fatma Nida Ocak","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100416","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100416","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The aim of examining the forward spatter bloodstain patterns of gunshot wounds is to accurately describe the relationship between the victim, the culprit, and the crime scene. The purpose of this study is to determine the approximate location of the blood source, i.e. the victim, at the crime scene by using an image processing and numerical modeling approach. To achieve this, an experimental setup is designed with cardstocks and a cow blood-soaked sponge. In total, twenty forward spatter patterns are obtained onto cardstocks after successful shootings. In the post-processing phase, ellipses on the cardstocks are detected by processing the forward spatters in MATLAB. To achieve this, ellipse properties are identified for calculating the impact angles. The impact angles are then utilized as inputs to the tangent method within the program to estimate the Area of Origin (<em>AO</em><sub><em>x</em></sub>). For visualization, 2D and 3D images are generated. In conclusion, it is observed that the program works the best in determining the <em>AO</em><sub><em>x</em></sub>, for the scenarios where the real <em>AO</em><sub><em>x</em></sub> distances (blood source to target distances) are 35 cm, 50 cm, and 100 cm respectively. The program’s weakness while determining <em>AO</em><sub><em>x</em></sub> for the source distance of 5 cm is also reported. It is necessary to improve the program for short blood source-to-target distances and long shooting distances. It can be concluded that image quality is also a key factor for post-processing as it might mislead the results with visible ellipses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100416"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143859125","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sex estimation from skeletal remains is an essential task in forensic anthropology. Traditional morphological analysis, while effective, can be time-consuming and subject to inter-observer variability. This study evaluates artificial intelligence (AI)-based methods, specifically object detection and instance segmentation, for sex estimation using the foramen magnum (FM). A total of 600 adult dry skull images (300 males, 300 females) were labeled and augmented to create a dataset of 2280 images, which was split into training (92 %), validation (5 %), and test (3 %) sets. The models were trained using Roboflow and assessed based on sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV), with additional validation performed on 30 independent skulls. The object detection model demonstrated strong performance, achieving high precision (95.0 %) and recall (100.0 %) in training, with precision values of 93.0 % and 89.0 % in validation and test sets, respectively, while maintaining 100.0 % recall across datasets. In the independent test set, the model achieved 75.0 %specificity. The instance segmentation method yielded lower performance, with specificity of 68.75 %. The overall accuracy of the object detection method was 65.68 % (95 % CI: 46.19 % - 81.64 %), outperforming the instance segmentation method, which achieved an accuracy of 62.69 % (95 % CI: 43.22 % - 79.55 %). Although AI-based methods, particularly object detection, show potential for forensic sex estimation from foramen magnum, the results indicate that their accuracy remains lower than traditional morphometric approaches. Future research should focus on integrating additional cranial features and expanding the training dataset to enhance model reliability and generalizability.
{"title":"Enhancing forensic sex identification through AI-based analysis of the foramen magnum","authors":"Sirinart Chomean , Natipong Chatthai , Napakorn Sangchay , Chollanot Kaset","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100411","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100411","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sex estimation from skeletal remains is an essential task in forensic anthropology. Traditional morphological analysis, while effective, can be time-consuming and subject to inter-observer variability. This study evaluates artificial intelligence (AI)-based methods, specifically object detection and instance segmentation, for sex estimation using the foramen magnum (FM). A total of 600 adult dry skull images (300 males, 300 females) were labeled and augmented to create a dataset of 2280 images, which was split into training (92 %), validation (5 %), and test (3 %) sets. The models were trained using Roboflow and assessed based on sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV), with additional validation performed on 30 independent skulls. The object detection model demonstrated strong performance, achieving high precision (95.0 %) and recall (100.0 %) in training, with precision values of 93.0 % and 89.0 % in validation and test sets, respectively, while maintaining 100.0 % recall across datasets. In the independent test set, the model achieved 75.0 %specificity. The instance segmentation method yielded lower performance, with specificity of 68.75 %. The overall accuracy of the object detection method was 65.68 % (95 % CI: 46.19 % - 81.64 %), outperforming the instance segmentation method, which achieved an accuracy of 62.69 % (95 % CI: 43.22 % - 79.55 %). Although AI-based methods, particularly object detection, show potential for forensic sex estimation from foramen magnum, the results indicate that their accuracy remains lower than traditional morphometric approaches. Future research should focus on integrating additional cranial features and expanding the training dataset to enhance model reliability and generalizability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100411"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143388442","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-01Epub Date: 2025-01-26DOI: 10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100409
Corine Müller, Elie Pascolo Tièche, Martin Zieger
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests are used in forensic examinations of sexual offences to indicate the presence of seminal fluid. Based on a retrospective analysis of 484 forensic samples collected in sexual assault cases, we observed a significant enrichment of potentially misleading tests for seminal fluid, for samples collected post-mortem. Reduced reliability of PSA testing for the indication of the presence of ejaculate in samples collected post-mortem has already been reported previously. However, previous studies either included only a small number of rectal samples, particularly from female cadavers, or were based on vaginal swabs. In our study, 34 female and 67 male rectal swab samples collected post-mortem were analysed. The rate of positive SERATEC® PSA Semiquant tests was 33 % for women and 67 % for men. Using male specific qPCR, male DNA was detected in only one of the female samples, indicating a high false-positive rate for both sexes when using SERATEC® PSA Semiquant tests as indicators for the presence of seminal liquid post mortem. Different degrees of decomposition showed no significant correlation with the PSA positivity rate. As expected, a significant correlation between the sex of the deceased individuals and the PSA test result could be demonstrated. The study demonstrates the very limited probative value of PSA as a marker for seminal fluid post mortem.
{"title":"PSA is not suitable as a reliable marker for seminal fluid in rectal samples collected post-mortem","authors":"Corine Müller, Elie Pascolo Tièche, Martin Zieger","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100409","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100409","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests are used in forensic examinations of sexual offences to indicate the presence of seminal fluid. Based on a retrospective analysis of 484 forensic samples collected in sexual assault cases, we observed a significant enrichment of potentially misleading tests for seminal fluid, for samples collected post-mortem. Reduced reliability of PSA testing for the indication of the presence of ejaculate in samples collected post-mortem has already been reported previously. However, previous studies either included only a small number of rectal samples, particularly from female cadavers, or were based on vaginal swabs. In our study, 34 female and 67 male rectal swab samples collected post-mortem were analysed. The rate of positive SERATEC® PSA Semiquant tests was 33 % for women and 67 % for men. Using male specific qPCR, male DNA was detected in only one of the female samples, indicating a high false-positive rate for both sexes when using SERATEC® PSA Semiquant tests as indicators for the presence of seminal liquid post mortem. Different degrees of decomposition showed no significant correlation with the PSA positivity rate. As expected, a significant correlation between the sex of the deceased individuals and the PSA test result could be demonstrated. The study demonstrates the very limited probative value of PSA as a marker for seminal fluid post mortem.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100409"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143136038","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-01Epub Date: 2024-12-15DOI: 10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100399
Praveena Prabhakaran , Shankar M. Bakkannavar , Vinod C. Nayak , Vinutha R. Bhat
In forensic science, fingerprint analysis remains one of the most reliable methods for identifying individuals. However, this becomes challenging when dealing with decomposed bodies. Although various techniques are available, there is still a lack of a methodology that yields results quickly, particularly for retrieving and rehydrating mummified fingertips. Mummified tissue presents unique challenges for fingerprinting due to its rigidity, shrinkage, and other features that obscure epidermal ridge detail. This article overviews the rehydration solutions currently used to restore fingerprint details. These solutions include sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, ethanol, and recent advancements such as citric acid and specialized tissue conditioners. The efficacy of each solution is discussed in terms of effectiveness and the time required for rehydration. By summarizing these approaches, this article aims to inform forensic practitioners of the available techniques for rehydration and explore future prospects in this field.
{"title":"A review on rehydrating solutions for fingertips in dried decomposed bodies","authors":"Praveena Prabhakaran , Shankar M. Bakkannavar , Vinod C. Nayak , Vinutha R. Bhat","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100399","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100399","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In forensic science, fingerprint analysis remains one of the most reliable methods for identifying individuals. However, this becomes challenging when dealing with decomposed bodies. Although various techniques are available, there is still a lack of a methodology that yields results quickly, particularly for retrieving and rehydrating mummified fingertips. Mummified tissue presents unique challenges for fingerprinting due to its rigidity, shrinkage, and other features that obscure epidermal ridge detail. This article overviews the rehydration solutions currently used to restore fingerprint details. These solutions include sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, ethanol, and recent advancements such as citric acid and specialized tissue conditioners. The efficacy of each solution is discussed in terms of effectiveness and the time required for rehydration. By summarizing these approaches, this article aims to inform forensic practitioners of the available techniques for rehydration and explore future prospects in this field.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100399"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143136036","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-01Epub Date: 2025-05-11DOI: 10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100417
R. Thamizh Mani , Vikram Palimar , Mamatha Shivananda Pai , T.S. Shwetha , M. Nirmal Krishnan
Forensic linguistics has evolved from manual textual analysis to machine learning (ML)-driven methodologies, fundamentally transforming its role in criminal investigations. This narrative review clarifies three core objectives: (1) tracing the field’s historical trajectory from early manual techniques to computational innovations, (2) systematically comparing the accuracy, efficiency, and reliability of manual versus ML-based approaches, and (3) identifying persistent challenges in ML integration, including algorithmic bias and legal admissibility. By synthesizing 77 studies, the analysis reveals that ML algorithms—notably deep learning and computational stylometry—outperform manual methods in processing large datasets rapidly and identifying subtle linguistic patterns (e.g., authorship attribution accuracy increased by 34 % in ML models). However, manual analysis retains superiority in interpreting cultural nuances and contextual subtleties, underscoring the need for hybrid frameworks that merge human expertise with computational scalability. The study’s novel contribution lies in its empirical demonstration of ML’s transformative potential while critiquing overreliance on automated systems without ethical safeguards. Key challenges, such as biased training data and opaque algorithmic decision-making, highlight unresolved barriers to courtroom admissibility. The review concludes by advocating for standardized validation protocols and interdisciplinary collaboration to advance forensic linguistics into an era of ethically grounded, AI-augmented justice. This dual emphasis on technological innovation and critical oversight positions the field to address evolving demands for precision and interpretability in legal evidence analysis. By addressing these issues, the field is well-positioned to advance as an indispensable and ethically grounded tool in pursuing justice.
{"title":"An evolution of forensic linguistics: From manual analysis to machine learning – A narrative review","authors":"R. Thamizh Mani , Vikram Palimar , Mamatha Shivananda Pai , T.S. Shwetha , M. Nirmal Krishnan","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100417","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100417","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Forensic linguistics has evolved from manual textual analysis to machine learning (ML)-driven methodologies, fundamentally transforming its role in criminal investigations. This narrative review clarifies three core objectives: (1) tracing the field’s historical trajectory from early manual techniques to computational innovations, (2) systematically comparing the accuracy, efficiency, and reliability of manual versus ML-based approaches, and (3) identifying persistent challenges in ML integration, including algorithmic bias and legal admissibility. By synthesizing 77 studies, the analysis reveals that ML algorithms—notably deep learning and computational stylometry—outperform manual methods in processing large datasets rapidly and identifying subtle linguistic patterns (e.g., authorship attribution accuracy increased by 34 % in ML models). However, manual analysis retains superiority in interpreting cultural nuances and contextual subtleties, underscoring the need for hybrid frameworks that merge human expertise with computational scalability. The study’s novel contribution lies in its empirical demonstration of ML’s transformative potential while critiquing overreliance on automated systems without ethical safeguards. Key challenges, such as biased training data and opaque algorithmic decision-making, highlight unresolved barriers to courtroom admissibility. The review concludes by advocating for standardized validation protocols and interdisciplinary collaboration to advance forensic linguistics into an era of ethically grounded, AI-augmented justice. This dual emphasis on technological innovation and critical oversight positions the field to address evolving demands for precision and interpretability in legal evidence analysis. By addressing these issues, the field is well-positioned to advance as an indispensable and ethically grounded tool in pursuing justice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100417"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143948161","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-12-01Epub Date: 2024-06-17DOI: 10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100375
Karen Rafaela Gonçalves de Araújo , André Luis Fabris , Luiz Ferreira Neves Junior , Alexandre Learth Soares , Jose Luiz Costa , Mauricio Yonamine
Purpose
While illicit opioids have not been historically significant in Brazil, these numbers have increased in the last few years. This change in the drug scenario is mainly associated with synthetic opioids, a class of new psychoactive substances (NPS). In this context, the present article describes detailed information about the recent cases of synthetic opioids seized in Brazil, especially the nitazenes group.
Methods
All the analyses were carried out by the Superintendence of the Technical-Scientific Police - Narcotics Control Center (STSP-NCC) in São Paulo, between July 2022 and April 2023. The synthetic opioids were mainly found in herbal fragments.
Results
Nitazenes, were the most frequent drugs detected in the seizures that took place in the State of São Paulo. There was a total of 140 cases of opioids seizures and 95 % out of those belonging to the nitazene group, while only 5 % consisted of other opioids (morphine and fentanyl). Nitazenes were found 28.6 % isolated and 71.4 % mixed with other active compounds, being MDMB-4en-PINACA the most prevalent (30 % of the samples). Non-nitazenes were found 27.1 % mixed and 72.9 % isolated. Nitazenes and non-nitazene opioids were not found in association in any sample.
Conclusion
This is the first consistent report of nitazene opioids apprehensions in Brazil. Also, as far as we know, it is the first report in which nitazenes were detected in the form of herbal fragments. The effect of smoking a potent opioid together with synthetic cannabinoids is unpredictable and most users cannot be aware of what they are using.
{"title":"Synthetic illicit opioids in Brazil: Nitazenes arrival","authors":"Karen Rafaela Gonçalves de Araújo , André Luis Fabris , Luiz Ferreira Neves Junior , Alexandre Learth Soares , Jose Luiz Costa , Mauricio Yonamine","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100375","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100375","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>While illicit opioids have not been historically significant in Brazil, these numbers have increased in the last few years. This change in the drug scenario is mainly associated with synthetic opioids, a class of new psychoactive substances (NPS). In this context, the present article describes detailed information about the recent cases of synthetic opioids seized in Brazil, especially the nitazenes group.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>All the analyses were carried out by the Superintendence of the Technical-Scientific Police - Narcotics Control Center (STSP-NCC) in São Paulo, between July 2022 and April 2023. The synthetic opioids were mainly found in herbal fragments.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Nitazenes, were the most frequent drugs detected in the seizures that took place in the State of São Paulo. There was a total of 140 cases of opioids seizures and 95 % out of those belonging to the nitazene group, while only 5 % consisted of other opioids (morphine and fentanyl). Nitazenes were found 28.6 % isolated and 71.4 % mixed with other active compounds, being MDMB-4en-PINACA the most prevalent (30 % of the samples). Non-nitazenes were found 27.1 % mixed and 72.9 % isolated. Nitazenes and non-nitazene opioids were not found in association in any sample.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>This is the first consistent report of nitazene opioids apprehensions in Brazil. Also, as far as we know, it is the first report in which nitazenes were detected in the form of herbal fragments. The effect of smoking a potent opioid together with synthetic cannabinoids is unpredictable and most users cannot be aware of what they are using.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100375"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2665910724000240/pdfft?md5=a7c5b03c933404fb9b0a5a77194b8d6a&pid=1-s2.0-S2665910724000240-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141433783","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-12-01Epub Date: 2024-06-17DOI: 10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100377
Suraj Garg, Akanksha Sharma, Vishal Sharma
Illegal activities associated with deforestation for the lumber and furniture industries pose significant threats to plant and animal biodiversity, as well as natural resources. Accurate identification of wood sources is vital, yet traditional laboratory techniques often fall short in precisely determining the chemical composition of samples for classification. This study aims to leverage ATR-FTIR spectroscopy alongside machine learning algorithms to construct a robust model for discerning the geographical origins of wood samples from India. By systematically comparing various machine learning classifiers, we address the limitations of subjective visual interpretation and evaluate their accuracy using wood spectral data. Logistic regression emerges as the most effective classifier for distinguishing Eucalyptus (75 % accuracy), Dalbergia (68 % accuracy), and Populus (81.5 % accuracy) species. Through a methodology encompassing data pre-processing, classifier selection, and performance evaluation, this research offers promising tools for combating challenges posed by illegal wood trafficking and transportation. The outcomes hold significant potential for enhancing wildlife crime prevention efforts by facilitating the tracing illicit timber sources, apprehension of perpetrators, and implementation of preventive measures.
{"title":"Geographical profiling of wood samples via ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and machine learning algorithms: Application in wood forensics","authors":"Suraj Garg, Akanksha Sharma, Vishal Sharma","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100377","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100377","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Illegal activities associated with deforestation for the lumber and furniture industries pose significant threats to plant and animal biodiversity, as well as natural resources. Accurate identification of wood sources is vital, yet traditional laboratory techniques often fall short in precisely determining the chemical composition of samples for classification. This study aims to leverage ATR-FTIR spectroscopy alongside machine learning algorithms to construct a robust model for discerning the geographical origins of wood samples from India. By systematically comparing various machine learning classifiers, we address the limitations of subjective visual interpretation and evaluate their accuracy using wood spectral data. Logistic regression emerges as the most effective classifier for distinguishing <em>Eucalyptus</em> (75 % accuracy), <em>Dalbergia</em> (68 % accuracy), and <em>Populus</em> (81.5 % accuracy) species. Through a methodology encompassing data pre-processing, classifier selection, and performance evaluation, this research offers promising tools for combating challenges posed by illegal wood trafficking and transportation. The outcomes hold significant potential for enhancing wildlife crime prevention efforts by facilitating the tracing illicit timber sources, apprehension of perpetrators, and implementation of preventive measures.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100377"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2665910724000264/pdfft?md5=26dfecbc023552b2528478c376f4ff33&pid=1-s2.0-S2665910724000264-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141433781","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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