Pub Date : 2026-01-31DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2026.100663
Alfonso Pellegrino , Alessandro Stasi
This bibliometric review examines 147 Scopus-indexed publications (1993–Oct 2025) on investigative genetic genealogy (IGG) to map growth, influential actors, venues, and thematic structure. Research output accelerated after the 2018 Golden State Killer inflection and is geographically concentrated in the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Sweden, and Australia. Science mapping identifies three core clusters—population-genetic foundations, kinship algorithms and laboratory pipelines, and governance/ethics—whose intersection centers on SNP-based assays and genealogical databases. Persistent gaps include limited multi-site validation, proprietary matching algorithms that resist audit, and ancestry-skewed database coverage that raises equity concerns. We recommend multi-laboratory benchmark studies, auditable matching interfaces, coverage-aware performance metrics, and cross-domain collaborations to align technical innovation with transparency, fairness, and public trust.
{"title":"A bibliometric analysis of investigative genetic genealogy in academic literature: Trends, networks, and emerging themes","authors":"Alfonso Pellegrino , Alessandro Stasi","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2026.100663","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2026.100663","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This bibliometric review examines 147 Scopus-indexed publications (1993–Oct 2025) on investigative genetic genealogy (IGG) to map growth, influential actors, venues, and thematic structure. Research output accelerated after the 2018 Golden State Killer inflection and is geographically concentrated in the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Sweden, and Australia. Science mapping identifies three core clusters—population-genetic foundations, kinship algorithms and laboratory pipelines, and governance/ethics—whose intersection centers on SNP-based assays and genealogical databases. Persistent gaps include limited multi-site validation, proprietary matching algorithms that resist audit, and ancestry-skewed database coverage that raises equity concerns. We recommend multi-laboratory benchmark studies, auditable matching interfaces, coverage-aware performance metrics, and cross-domain collaborations to align technical innovation with transparency, fairness, and public trust.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100663"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146078275","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 : 2026-01-30DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2026.100660
Anders Eriksson , Teresa Stachowicz-Stencel , Knut Wester
We describe here possibly the first two cases of alleged Shaken Baby Syndome (SBS) in Poland, based solely on “triad findings” (encephalopathy symptoms, subdural hemorrhage/SDH, and retinal hemorrhages/RH), but without signs of relevant trauma. Case #1, a 7-week-old infant girl, is suggested to represent a case of rebleeding in a birth-related SDH. In case #2, a 13-week-old infant boy, we claim that the triad findings were related to benign external hydrocephalus (BEH). Unjustified belief that triad findings are always caused by violent shaking may, apart from the obvious legal and social effects, in case #2 also have contributed to delayed adequate treatment of increased intracranial pressure and subsequent signs of permanent brain damage.
We discuss also the traditional SBS hypothesis and its lack of solid scientific evidence, and the uneven geographical acceptance of and belief in this unvalidated hypothesis.
{"title":"Spread of “triad diagnostics” in suspected Shaken Baby Syndrome","authors":"Anders Eriksson , Teresa Stachowicz-Stencel , Knut Wester","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2026.100660","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2026.100660","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We describe here possibly the first two cases of alleged Shaken Baby Syndome (SBS) in Poland, based solely on “triad findings” (encephalopathy symptoms, subdural hemorrhage/SDH, and retinal hemorrhages/RH), but without signs of relevant trauma. Case #1, a 7-week-old infant girl, is suggested to represent a case of rebleeding in a birth-related SDH. In case #2, a 13-week-old infant boy, we claim that the triad findings were related to benign external hydrocephalus (BEH). Unjustified belief that triad findings are always caused by violent shaking may, apart from the obvious legal and social effects, in case #2 also have contributed to delayed adequate treatment of increased intracranial pressure and subsequent signs of permanent brain damage.</div><div>We discuss also the traditional SBS hypothesis and its lack of solid scientific evidence, and the uneven geographical acceptance of and belief in this unvalidated hypothesis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100660"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146078274","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 : 2026-01-23DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2026.100661
Gabrielle DiEmma , Jillian Conte , Kimberlee S. Moran , Karen S. Scott
During a salvage archaeology project in 2016–2017, several hundred human remains were recovered from the site of the former First Baptist Church of Philadelphia (FBCP) burial ground, also known as LaGrange Place. This case study focused on two individuals, a child (G-009) and an adult female (G-033), recovered with intact hair masses from the FBCP cemetery. Hair samples from both individuals were studied microscopically and chemically using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) multi-elemental analyses. ICP-OES analysis focused on the parts per million (ppm) or milligram per liter (mg/L) concentration of 14 elements, including major and trace elements found in hair and soil (calcium [Ca], chromium [Cr], copper [Cu], iron [Fe], potassium [K], magnesium [Mg], manganese [Mn], sodium [Na], nickel [Ni], phosphorus [P], zinc [Zn]) and three heavy metal toxins (arsenic [As], cadmium [Cd], lead [Pb]). Periodic table semiquantitative heatmap analysis via ICP-MS was also conducted. Elemental analysis revealed the G-009 and G-033 hair samples were chemically distinct from each other and from the soil samples collected at the excavation site. The heatmap results suggest that while burial has a significant effect on the mineral content of hair, hair retains elemental distributions unique to the individual even after centuries of direct soil exposure. Therefore, the mineral composition of both the hair and soil in archaeological contexts should be analyzed to provide insight into the types of environmental exposure experienced by individuals ante- and postmortem.
{"title":"Elemental analysis of archaeological hair compared to soil composition: A case study of a child and adult female from LaGrange Place, PA","authors":"Gabrielle DiEmma , Jillian Conte , Kimberlee S. Moran , Karen S. Scott","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2026.100661","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2026.100661","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>During a salvage archaeology project in 2016–2017, several hundred human remains were recovered from the site of the former First Baptist Church of Philadelphia (FBCP) burial ground, also known as LaGrange Place. This case study focused on two individuals, a child (G-009) and an adult female (G-033), recovered with intact hair masses from the FBCP cemetery. Hair samples from both individuals were studied microscopically and chemically using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) multi-elemental analyses. ICP-OES analysis focused on the parts per million (ppm) or milligram per liter (mg/L) concentration of 14 elements, including major and trace elements found in hair and soil (calcium [Ca], chromium [Cr], copper [Cu], iron [Fe], potassium [K], magnesium [Mg], manganese [Mn], sodium [Na], nickel [Ni], phosphorus [P], zinc [Zn]) and three heavy metal toxins (arsenic [As], cadmium [Cd], lead [Pb]). Periodic table semiquantitative heatmap analysis via ICP-MS was also conducted. Elemental analysis revealed the G-009 and G-033 hair samples were chemically distinct from each other and from the soil samples collected at the excavation site. The heatmap results suggest that while burial has a significant effect on the mineral content of hair, hair retains elemental distributions unique to the individual even after centuries of direct soil exposure. Therefore, the mineral composition of both the hair and soil in archaeological contexts should be analyzed to provide insight into the types of environmental exposure experienced by individuals ante- and postmortem.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100661"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023603","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 : 2026-01-14DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100657
Itiel E. Dror
Linear Sequential Unmasking (LSU-E) is a method of managing the flow of information so as to improve decision making and minimize cognitive bias in expert domains. This article examines the specific factors determining the (in)efficiency of LSU-E. Central to this evaluation is the “bias danger zone,” where decisions involve human judgement, complex data near decision thresholds, and strong directional bias. In these situations, LSU-E reduces bias by prioritizing information based on its objectivity, relevance, and biasability. However, research indicates that the sequencing of information, a core component of LSU-E, is not always effective. LSU-E's (in)efficiency depends on whether the experts perceive specific information as exceptionally strong or weak. Overpowering information can dominate a decision regardless of its position in the sequence, whereas weak information may be disregarded even if presented early. As part of a broader “Context Management Toolbox,” LSU-E must be deployed proportionately and with an understanding of these boundary conditions. Recognizing these factors is critical for forensic science to successfully navigate contextual contamination through appropriate and effective countermeasures.
{"title":"Navigating the bias danger zone: Evaluating the (in)Efficiency of Linear Sequential Unmasking (LSU-E) as a bias countermeasure","authors":"Itiel E. Dror","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100657","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100657","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Linear Sequential Unmasking (LSU-E) is a method of managing the flow of information so as to improve decision making and minimize cognitive bias in expert domains. This article examines the specific factors determining the (in)efficiency of LSU-E. Central to this evaluation is the “bias danger zone,” where decisions involve human judgement, complex data near decision thresholds, and strong directional bias. In these situations, LSU-E reduces bias by prioritizing information based on its objectivity, relevance, and biasability. However, research indicates that the sequencing of information, a core component of LSU-E, is not always effective. LSU-E's (in)efficiency depends on whether the experts perceive specific information as exceptionally strong or weak. Overpowering information can dominate a decision regardless of its position in the sequence, whereas weak information may be disregarded even if presented early. As part of a broader “Context Management Toolbox,” LSU-E must be deployed proportionately and with an understanding of these boundary conditions. Recognizing these factors is critical for forensic science to successfully navigate contextual contamination through appropriate and effective countermeasures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100657"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145978040","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 : 2026-01-14DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2026.100658
Adele Quigley-McBride , Paola A. Prada-Tiedemann , Fred Helfers
The present study evaluated the performance of professional canine–handler teams on narcotics detection certification trials conducted under single-blind and double-blind conditions. Across six years of annual testing (2012–2017), we analyzed 667 first-attempt trials and 132 second-attempt trials from 133 distinct canine-handler teams. Teams demonstrated high accuracy under single-blind conditions (94% pass rate for vehicle searches and 100% for luggage searches), but performance dropped substantially under double-blind conditions (72% pass rate for vehicle searches and 88% for luggage searches), where neither handlers nor evaluators knew the number or location of the target odors. Many teams that failed an initial double-blind trial passed on a second attempt, suggesting that at least some observed deficits in performance may be easily remedied with additional practice participating in double-blind trials. A follow-up survey of 20 handlers indicated generally positive perceptions of double-blind testing—although double-blind trials are more difficult, handlers believe that these types of trials increase their confidence, improve training strategies, and more closely reflect real-world scenarios. Incorporating routine double-blind exercises into certification and maintenance training may provide agencies with a reliable means of preparing teams for unpredictable real-world scenarios. Thus, double-blind testing represents a straightforward, cost-efficient strategy for enhancing the accuracy, credibility, and overall integrity of canine detection.
{"title":"Strengthening operational performance in canine detection teams with double-blind certification testing","authors":"Adele Quigley-McBride , Paola A. Prada-Tiedemann , Fred Helfers","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2026.100658","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2026.100658","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The present study evaluated the performance of professional canine–handler teams on narcotics detection certification trials conducted under single-blind and double-blind conditions. Across six years of annual testing (2012–2017), we analyzed 667 first-attempt trials and 132 second-attempt trials from 133 distinct canine-handler teams. Teams demonstrated high accuracy under single-blind conditions (94% pass rate for vehicle searches and 100% for luggage searches), but performance dropped substantially under double-blind conditions (72% pass rate for vehicle searches and 88% for luggage searches), where neither handlers nor evaluators knew the number or location of the target odors. Many teams that failed an initial double-blind trial passed on a second attempt, suggesting that at least some observed deficits in performance may be easily remedied with additional practice participating in double-blind trials. A follow-up survey of 20 handlers indicated generally positive perceptions of double-blind testing—although double-blind trials are more difficult, handlers believe that these types of trials increase their confidence, improve training strategies, and more closely reflect real-world scenarios. Incorporating routine double-blind exercises into certification and maintenance training may provide agencies with a reliable means of preparing teams for unpredictable real-world scenarios. Thus, double-blind testing represents a straightforward, cost-efficient strategy for enhancing the accuracy, credibility, and overall integrity of canine detection.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100658"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145978042","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}
To evaluate postmortem pancreatic autolysis as a histological marker of the early postmortem interval (PMI) in routine forensic autopsy, with particular emphasis on regional differences within the pancreas and application in a tropical setting.
Methods
We studied 30 forensic autopsy cases with known PMI <24 h. From each pancreas, tissue from the head, body, and tail was sampled, fixed in formalin, processed routinely, and stained with hematoxylin–eosin. For each region, the proportion of parenchyma exhibiting characteristic autolytic changes was visually estimated as the percentage of autolysis. Spearman's correlation and simple linear regression were used to assess associations between PMI and autolysis.
Results
The PMI ranged from 1 to 17 h (mean 6.4 h). PMI showed a significant positive correlation with autolysis in the head (ρ = 0.508), body (ρ = 0.561), tail (ρ = 0.566) and mean autolysis (ρ = 0.535) (all p ≤ 0.002). Correlations were stronger in traumatic deaths than in non-traumatic deaths. Simple linear regression with PMI as the predictor explained 19.5 % of the variance in mean percent autolysis (R2 = 0.195). Autolysis was first appreciable at approximately 2 h postmortem, and >50 % autolysis was not observed below 5 h.
Conclusions
Pancreatic autolysis provides useful information in the early PMI but lacks precision as a stand-alone estimator. It is best used as a practical histological adjunct within a multimodal, evidence-based approach to PMI estimation, especially in warm, humid environments.
{"title":"Postmortem pancreatic autolysis as a histological marker of early postmortem interval: a forensic autopsy study in a tropical setting","authors":"Sunon Sripirom, Vichan Peonim, Wisarn Worasuwannarak","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2026.100659","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2026.100659","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To evaluate postmortem pancreatic autolysis as a histological marker of the early postmortem interval (PMI) in routine forensic autopsy, with particular emphasis on regional differences within the pancreas and application in a tropical setting.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We studied 30 forensic autopsy cases with known PMI <24 h. From each pancreas, tissue from the head, body, and tail was sampled, fixed in formalin, processed routinely, and stained with hematoxylin–eosin. For each region, the proportion of parenchyma exhibiting characteristic autolytic changes was visually estimated as the percentage of autolysis. Spearman's correlation and simple linear regression were used to assess associations between PMI and autolysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The PMI ranged from 1 to 17 h (mean 6.4 h). PMI showed a significant positive correlation with autolysis in the head (ρ = 0.508), body (ρ = 0.561), tail (ρ = 0.566) and mean autolysis (ρ = 0.535) (all p ≤ 0.002). Correlations were stronger in traumatic deaths than in non-traumatic deaths. Simple linear regression with PMI as the predictor explained 19.5 % of the variance in mean percent autolysis (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.195). Autolysis was first appreciable at approximately 2 h postmortem, and >50 % autolysis was not observed below 5 h.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Pancreatic autolysis provides useful information in the early PMI but lacks precision as a stand-alone estimator. It is best used as a practical histological adjunct within a multimodal, evidence-based approach to PMI estimation, especially in warm, humid environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100659"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145978041","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 : 2026-01-06DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100653
Pedro Henríquez-Valido , Aitor Brito-Mayor , Amelia Rodríguez-Rodríguez , Jacob Morales , Jonathan Santana , Idaira Brito-Abrante , Jean-Bernard Huchet
This experimental study explores entomological succession in mortuary contexts in caves, using the funeral practices of the indigenous populations of the Canary Islands as a model. A pig carcass was deposited in a cave shortly after its death and monitored for a year. The resulting entomological record closely matches the archaeoentomological data from Canarian burial caves. The experiment documented all stages of cadaveric succession and revealed insect species capable of adapting to the low light conditions of caves, including Calliphoridae. Other Diptera families were recovered: Piophilidae, Muscidae, Phoridae, Fanniidae, Sarcophagidae and Drosopholidae. Coleoptera evidences were also recorded: Nitulidae, Cleridae, Dermestidae, Histeridae, Tenebrionidae, Cryptophagidae, Ptinidae and Scarabaeidae. Other orders were documented: Hymenoptera (Formicidae), Lepidoptera (Pyralidae), Blattodea, Hemiptera and Siphonaptera. It is noteworthy that many of the insects identified match those found in archaeological contexts. A central contribution is the demonstration that Calliphoridae can complete their life cycle under near-total darkness, challenging a long-standing assumption in taphonomy and forensic entomology. The data also suggest the existence of consistent patterns of entomological activity in primary funerary contexts, and call into question the desiccation of the cadaver documented by other authors. This pioneering study of experimental funerary archaeoentomology provides a comparative framework for interpreting insect evidence in archaeological deposits in arid, enclosed or low-light environments such as natural caves, catacombs or hypogea.
{"title":"Decomposing in the dark. Experimental approaches to funerary archaeoentomology in volcanic caves","authors":"Pedro Henríquez-Valido , Aitor Brito-Mayor , Amelia Rodríguez-Rodríguez , Jacob Morales , Jonathan Santana , Idaira Brito-Abrante , Jean-Bernard Huchet","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100653","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100653","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This experimental study explores entomological succession in mortuary contexts in caves, using the funeral practices of the indigenous populations of the Canary Islands as a model. A pig carcass was deposited in a cave shortly after its death and monitored for a year. The resulting entomological record closely matches the archaeoentomological data from Canarian burial caves. The experiment documented all stages of cadaveric succession and revealed insect species capable of adapting to the low light conditions of caves, including Calliphoridae. Other Diptera families were recovered: Piophilidae, Muscidae, Phoridae, Fanniidae, Sarcophagidae and Drosopholidae. Coleoptera evidences were also recorded: Nitulidae, Cleridae, Dermestidae, Histeridae, Tenebrionidae, Cryptophagidae, Ptinidae and Scarabaeidae. Other orders were documented: Hymenoptera (Formicidae), Lepidoptera (Pyralidae), Blattodea, Hemiptera and Siphonaptera. It is noteworthy that many of the insects identified match those found in archaeological contexts. A central contribution is the demonstration that Calliphoridae can complete their life cycle under near-total darkness, challenging a long-standing assumption in taphonomy and forensic entomology. The data also suggest the existence of consistent patterns of entomological activity in primary funerary contexts, and call into question the desiccation of the cadaver documented by other authors. This pioneering study of experimental funerary archaeoentomology provides a comparative framework for interpreting insect evidence in archaeological deposits in arid, enclosed or low-light environments such as natural caves, catacombs or hypogea.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100653"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145927426","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 : 2026-01-06DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100655
Mamdouh Kamal Zaki , Zahraa Khalifa Sobh
Quality assurance in medicolegal (ML) reporting is essential to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with legal and scientific standards. Since forensic opinions significantly influence judicial decisions, it is crucial to uphold high standards. In the Arab region, there are notable differences in forensic medicine practices among countries, emphasizing the urgent need for unified standards. Therefore, this initiative aims to improve the quality of ML reporting by proposing a standardized training and auditing framework based on international best practices, tailored to the realities of Arab forensic institutions. A key part of this article is developing a training framework grounded in best practices to unify forensic medical examiner competencies and reduce variability. At the same time, a specialized auditing framework has been created for senior forensic leaders to improve institutional accountability. This includes implementing a structured auditing protocol that uses newly adopted standardized checklists to assess report quality and detect non-conformities. Additionally, institutional leaders are encouraged to systematically investigate the root causes of substandard opinions within their organizations using Root Cause Analysis (RCA) methodology. Identifying these root causes offers opportunities for improvement. We recommend implementing this initiative through a Training of Trainers (TOT) model. This method enables institutional leaders and senior practitioners to disseminate standardized practices across all levels effectively. The multiplying effects of this initiative are vital for enhancing quality assurance and promoting continuous improvement within forensic practice across Arab countries.
{"title":"Enhancing quality assurance in forensic medicolegal opinions: A standardized training and auditing framework for Arab countries","authors":"Mamdouh Kamal Zaki , Zahraa Khalifa Sobh","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100655","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100655","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Quality assurance in medicolegal (ML) reporting is essential to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with legal and scientific standards. Since forensic opinions significantly influence judicial decisions, it is crucial to uphold high standards. In the Arab region, there are notable differences in forensic medicine practices among countries, emphasizing the urgent need for unified standards. Therefore, this initiative aims to improve the quality of ML reporting by proposing a standardized training and auditing framework based on international best practices, tailored to the realities of Arab forensic institutions. A key part of this article is developing a training framework grounded in best practices to unify forensic medical examiner competencies and reduce variability. At the same time, a specialized auditing framework has been created for senior forensic leaders to improve institutional accountability. This includes implementing a structured auditing protocol that uses newly adopted standardized checklists to assess report quality and detect non-conformities. Additionally, institutional leaders are encouraged to systematically investigate the root causes of substandard opinions within their organizations using Root Cause Analysis (RCA) methodology. Identifying these root causes offers opportunities for improvement. We recommend implementing this initiative through a Training of Trainers (TOT) model. This method enables institutional leaders and senior practitioners to disseminate standardized practices across all levels effectively. The multiplying effects of this initiative are vital for enhancing quality assurance and promoting continuous improvement within forensic practice across Arab countries.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100655"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145927488","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 : 2025-12-19DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100654
Roland N. Auer, Keith Button, Stephen Cordner, Johan Duflou, Bernard Echenne, Vineta Fellman, Steven Gabaeff, John Galaznik, Saadi Ghatan, Ulf Högberg, John C. Hunsaker III, William Lee III, Niels Lynøe, Julie Mack , Evan Matshes, Tommie Olofsson, Matthew Orde, Guillaume Sébire, James Tibballs, Carola G. Vinuesa, Anna Ybo
{"title":"Call for transparency regarding diagnostic certainty in Abusive Head Trauma","authors":"Roland N. Auer, Keith Button, Stephen Cordner, Johan Duflou, Bernard Echenne, Vineta Fellman, Steven Gabaeff, John Galaznik, Saadi Ghatan, Ulf Högberg, John C. Hunsaker III, William Lee III, Niels Lynøe, Julie Mack , Evan Matshes, Tommie Olofsson, Matthew Orde, Guillaume Sébire, James Tibballs, Carola G. Vinuesa, Anna Ybo","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100654","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100654","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100654"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145771852","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}
扫码关注我们
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：
京公网安备 11010802042870号