Science & Justice最新文献

{"title":"Open-access Measurement Uncertainty Calculator MUCalc and its application to the quantification of Etizolam in tablets using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)","authors":"Joyce K. Klu,&nbsp;Roberto Puch-Solis,&nbsp;Roy Mudie,&nbsp;Victoria Marland,&nbsp;Niamh Nic Daeid","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2024.11.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2024.11.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The assessment of measurement uncertainty of an analytic method is a requirement for forensic toxicologists and drug chemists. There are two main methods for estimating measurement uncertainty: the bottom-up and the top-down approaches. The bottom-up approach has been suggested in current practice guides including ‘Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM)’ published by ISO, and a guide to ‘Quantifying Uncertainty in Analytical Measurement’ published by EURACHEM. To support forensic practitioners needing to estimate measurement uncertainty, we have developed an open-access Measurement Uncertainty Calculator (MUCalc) based on a bottom-up approach. The software quantifies measurement uncertainty associated with sample homogeneity, method precision, calibration curve, calibration standard and sample preparation. These are then combined to estimate the combined and the expanded uncertainty. The calculations are carried out in accordance with standards set out by accreditation organisations such as ISO/IEC Guid 98, GUM, EURACHEM and UKAS. MUCalc is unique in the sense that it is a white box. It displays on screen all formulae and step-by-step guide calculations in an easy-to-follow approach. This makes it easy for users to understand and cross-examine every result generated by MUCalc. Such a transparent display of the workings of the calculation is essential for the purposes of disclosure within the legal domain. It also facilitates training in the calculation of measurement uncertainties. We demonstrate the use of MUCalc for estimating the uncertainty associated with the quantification of the concentration of etizolam, a benzodiazepine implicated in a large percentage of drug-related deaths in Scotland.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"65 1","pages":"Pages 70-81"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143044061","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Forensically useful mid-term and short-term temperature reconstruction for quasi-indoor death scenes","authors":"Jędrzej Wydra ,&nbsp;Łukasz Smaga ,&nbsp;Szymon Matuszewski","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2024.12.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2024.12.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>While estimating postmortem interval (PMI) ambient temperature plays a pivotal role, so its reconstruction is crucial for forensic scientists. The recommended procedure is to correct temperatures from the nearest meteorological station based on measurements from the death scene; typically applying linear regression. Recently, there have been attempts to use different algorithms, that can improve that correction, for example GAM algorithm. Unfortunately, the improvements are usually a consequence of using more dependent variables than just the temperature from the death scene (e.g. humidity), which is impractical.</div><div>This study develops practical new methods to accurately reconstruct ambient temperatures at a death scene, using just temperature measurements. Since the main difficulty preventing practitioners from using the correction protocol more frequently is likely the need to record temperatures on-site for at least several days, we searched for possibilities to shorten the measurement period. For this purpose, we tested two less popular algorithms to achieve this goal. The concurrent regression model (the model from the functional data analysis field) for the mid-term reconstruction (measurements lasting several days) and the functional model based on Fourier expansion for the short-term reconstruction (measurements lasting a few hours).</div><div>The algorithms’ performance was tested using data collected in six places: a roof and an attic of a heated building, an unheated garage inside the heated building, an unheated wooden shack, an uninhabited building, and an underground (the data logger was buried about 30 cm below the ground level). We classified these locations as quasi-indoor conditions, contrasting them with typical indoor conditions, where temperatures are nearly constant, and typical outdoor conditions, where there is no heat insulation.</div><div>The mid-term model reduced error compared to the linear regression, providing nearly perfect reconstruction for measurement periods longer than six days. More importantly, however, the accuracy of short-term reconstruction was also high. The short-term model closely matched the concurrent regression model’s performance after only four to five hours of measurements.</div><div>In practice, both methods are very similar to the standard procedure. The main difference is the change in the algorithm and its implementation. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that correction of weather station temperatures can provide fairly accurate temperature data for use in estimating PMI after only 4-5 h of measurements on a death scene.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"65 1","pages":"Pages 43-51"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143044060","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cell site analysis; testing understanding via internal consistency checks","authors":"Matt Tart,&nbsp;Robert Moore","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2024.12.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2024.12.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper is aimed at Cell Site Analysis Expert Witnesses. Ground Truth Data (GTD) are essential to validation exercises, but in the UK access to practitioner-generated Call Data Records (the traces considered by Cell Site Analysis experts) are restricted, reducing opportunities for practitioners to test their understanding against real-world data. This paper outlines methods by which casework material might be used to potentially detect issues within understanding of uncertainties (and therefore improve the reliability of analyses) by reviewing the properties of casework material in parallel with the casework assessment being conducted. Four case examples are given in which assessments of the reliability of understanding of uncertainties are tested (two examples for assessing Call Data Record GPRS time uncertainties, one for reliability of survey results and one for assessing the reliability of “geo” data from Encrochat examinations). The methods proposed are intended to provide a deeper layer of Quality Assurance; they are not intended to replace validation using GTD.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"65 1","pages":"Pages 27-34"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143044057","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A forensic perspective on geographical and temperature-driven differences in the development of Lucilia sericata (Meigen, 1826)","authors":"Siqi Liu ,&nbsp;Yanan Zhang ,&nbsp;Shipeng Shao ,&nbsp;Yundi Gao ,&nbsp;Ruonan Zhang ,&nbsp;Zhixiang Zhang ,&nbsp;Yinghui Wang ,&nbsp;Yu Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2024.12.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2024.12.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The age of the oldest immature insects present on a cadaver is typically used by forensic entomologists to estimate the minimum postmortem interval (PMI_min). The green bottle fly, <em>Lucilia sericata</em> (Meigen, 1826), known for its widespread distribution and necrophagy, is of considerable significance in forensic science. This study aimed to investigate potential regional developmental disparities between populations of <em>L. sericata</em> in China and to identify the origins of such variances. Developmental data of <em>L. sericata</em> populations from Shandong, Jiangsu, and Ningxia in China were analyzed under seven constant temperatures ranging from 16-34 °C, including developmental duration, pupal length, and thermobiological parameters. Findings showed that <em>L. sericata</em> from each of the three regions could complete their development within the temperature range of 16–34 °C. There was notable congruence in the total developmental period of <em>L. sericata</em> from different regions within the 22–28 °C range. However, at temperatures below 20 °C and exceeding 30 °C, discernible differences in developmental duration were observed between populations, and at 34 °C, the total developmental period showed statistical differences. Comparisons of pupal length indicate obvious regional differences, with an interplay between temperature and region suggesting a dual influence on <em>L. sericata</em> development. The thermobiological parameters revealed differences in the adaptability of <em>L. sericata</em> to temperature across different regions. In summary, the experimental results provide pivotal insights for applying regional <em>L. sericata</em> data in the estimation of PMI_min, and it is recommended that regional specificity and experimental operational discrepancies be taken into account in future estimations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"65 1","pages":"Pages 52-61"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143044054","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Establishing a Pan-European, multi-disciplinary taphonomic research Infrastructure: The ‘UK-Netherlands decomposition experimental research (UNDER) Group’","authors":"J. Brooks ,&nbsp;A. Jantzi ,&nbsp;K. Brown ,&nbsp;W. Birch ,&nbsp;L.Lijcklama a Nijeholt ,&nbsp;C. Rogers ,&nbsp;H. Mickleburgh ,&nbsp;P. Randolph-Quinney ,&nbsp;L. Kootker ,&nbsp;M. Aalders ,&nbsp;R.J. Oostra ,&nbsp;A. Williams ,&nbsp;C. Hiley ,&nbsp;J. Everett ,&nbsp;J.P. Cassella","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2024.12.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2024.12.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study unveils the establishment of the United Kingdom-Netherlands Decomposition Experimental Research (UNDER) working group, marking a pioneering initiative in practical Forensic Taphonomy within the UK. Our primary objective was to craft a cohesive multidisciplinary framework, designed to ethically orchestrate, execute, and assess human decomposition. Concurrently, we aimed to amass data through human burials, fostering collaboration among diverse forensic experts across Europe. The compilation of data collected over the year, elucidates the comprehensive utilisation of cadavers through a multifaceted scientific methodology. This paper discusses the triumphs, challenges, and innovative solutions encountered during this undertaking, providing a blueprint for forthcoming European research in Forensic Taphonomy. Our efforts support the comparability of longitudinal studies and give strategies to address the challenges posed by the scarcity and diversity of human donors in forensic science. Moreover, we propose the adoption of a dynamic scientific research management framework, which includes thorough identification, measurement, analysis, and application of solutions. Emphasis is also placed on adeptly managing business processes to ensure sustained relevance in both research and other stakeholders.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"65 1","pages":"Pages 62-69"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143044058","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"BM2: Council Information","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/S1355-0306(25)00010-3","DOIUrl":"10.1016/S1355-0306(25)00010-3","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"65 1","pages":"Page II"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143182185","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"BM1: Events Guide","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/S1355-0306(25)00009-7","DOIUrl":"10.1016/S1355-0306(25)00009-7","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"65 1","pages":"Page I"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143182184","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Calibration and Zeta Functions for the Wacom DTU1141b","authors":"Nikolaos Kalantzis ,&nbsp;George Pappas ,&nbsp;Sarah Fieldhouse","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2024.11.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2024.11.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To accurately examine and compare Digitally Captured Signature data, the provided data channels (X, Y, F and T) need to be expressed in comparable units. The Force channel data is routinely expressed in unnormalized Pressure Levels hindering the accurate comparison between data collected from different devices. The normalization method using the Zeta Function is used to calibrate and calculate the Zeta Functions of the Wacom DTU1141b.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"65 1","pages":"Pages 1-4"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143044056","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Authentic assessment in forensic science programmes: A UK-based survey of practitioners","authors":"Hilary J. Hamnett,&nbsp;Daniel S. Matthews","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2024.12.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2024.12.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Authentic assessment is becoming increasingly common in higher education, and it can be achieved in forensic science programmes by asking students to complete realistic workplace tasks. We argue that preparing students for the forensic science workplace also means preparing them for the ongoing training and assessment they will experience. Using an online questionnaire of 60 practitioners, we surveyed the assessment methods that are used in forensic science workplaces to assess theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Just over half of the participants (52 %) were from the UK. The most common form of assessment for practical skills was observation by another scientist (reported by <em>n</em> = 44, 76 % of participants), followed by competency testing (reported by <em>n</em> = 27, 47 % of participants). The most common form of assessment for theoretical knowledge was as part of practical skills or competency testing (<em>n</em> = 40, 69 % of participants), followed by practice statement(s) or report(s) (<em>n</em> = 32, 55 % of participants). We then audited the assessment regime for our BSc (Hons) Forensic Science programme to identify any gaps, and established the main one as a lack of observed competency testing. We encourage those running forensic science programmes to conduct a similar audit and consider addressing any gaps, whilst being cognisant that not all assessments have to be authentic, and that our graduates may enter a range of careers, so require transferable skills.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"65 1","pages":"Pages 35-42"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143044055","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Earth observation technology’s alignment with OHCHR indicators for strengthening human rights breach investigations and adjudication","authors":"Seonaid Rapach ,&nbsp;Annalisa Riccardi ,&nbsp;Rhonda Wheate","doi":"10.1016/j.scijus.2024.09.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scijus.2024.09.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Human rights investigations demand reliable data sources to substantiate alleged events, and satellite imagery offers diverse options crucial for evidential support. This paper delineates how Earth Observation (EO) imagery can be tailored to align with the requirements outlined by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) indicators, facilitating stakeholders in optimising their studies with applicable technological applications. To streamline EO technology, the paper categorises it into six primary payloads capable of observing such events: multispectral visible. multispectral infrared, passive microwave, hyperspectral, synthetic aperture radar, and meteorological datasets. Given variations in versatility across applications, the study further segregates each into ’full’ and ’partial’ applications. As shown here, EO data is an emerging form of digital evidence in legal proceedings for human rights breaches. The paper outlines the current trends in court cases and then outlines future opportunities for applications, based on the OHCHR taxonomy. This paper encourages investigators to fully consider the range of EO technology available, and the likely challenges to its relevance and admissibility, in such proceedings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49565,"journal":{"name":"Science & Justice","volume":"64 6","pages":"Pages 710-727"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142657657","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}