The forensic examination of photographic equipment and materials

The scientific examination of cameras, negatives and photographic prints can provide valuable evidence. The methods used and examples of their value in criminal cases are given. The background and experience necessary to carry out this work is discussed.     

Detection of visible and latent fingerprints using micro-X-ray fluorescence elemental imaging

Using micro-X-ray fluorescence (MXRF), a novel means of detecting fingerprints was examined in which the prints were imaged based on their elemental composition. MXRF is a nondestructive technique. Although this method requires a priori knowledge about the approximate location of a print, it offers a new and complementary means for detecting fingerprints that are also left pristine for further analysis (including potential DNA extraction) or archiving purposes. Sebaceous fingerprints and those made after perspiring were detected based on elements such as potassium and chlorine present in the print residue. Unique prints were also detected including those containing lotion, saliva, banana, or sunscreen. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates the potential for visualizing fingerprints by MXRF on surfaces that can be problematic using current methods.     

Three-dimensional surface topography acquisition and analysis for firearm identification

In the last decade, computer-based systems for the comparison of microscopic firearms evidence have been the subject of considerable research work because of their expected capability of supporting the firearms examiner through the automated analysis of large amounts of evidence. The Integrated Ballistics Identification System, which is based on a two-dimensional representation of the specimen surface, has been widely adopted in forensic laboratories worldwide. More recently, some attempts to develop systems based on three-dimensional (3D) representations of the specimen surface have been made, both in the literature and as industrial products, such as BulletTRAX-3D, but fundamental limitations in achieving fully automated identification remain. This work analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of a 3D-based approach by proposing an approach and a prototype system for firearms evidence comparison that is based on the acquisition and analysis of the 3D surface topography of specimens, with particular reference to cartridge cases. The concept of 3D virtual comparison microscope is introduced, whose purpose is not to provide fully automated identification, but to show how the availability of 3D shape information can provide a whole new set of verification means, some of them being described and discussed in this work, specifically, visual enhancement tools and quantitative measurement of shape properties, for supporting, not replacing, the firearm examiner in reaching the final decision.     

Frequencies of morphological characteristics in two contemporary forensic collections: implications for identification

Positive identification relies on comparison of antemortem and postmortem data. Some identifications are based on morphological features such as fracture, pathological condition, and surgical hardware, despite little literature indicating the frequencies of such traits. This study examines whether such features are sufficiently rare as to be deemed individualizing. Data were collected on two modern North American skeletal collections (N=482 individuals). Presence/absence of features was scored by skeletal element and side. Results indicate that frequencies vary by geographic region (higher frequency of fractures and pathological conditions in New Mexico while individuals in Tennessee were more likely to have surgical interventions), many features such as fractures are remarkably common and that even suites of traits may not be individualizing. Caution is warranted when using written data rather than radiographic comparisons as the primary source of identification. The implications of these findings to missing person databases are also discussed.     

近红外显微分光光度法鉴别油漆的研究

本文借助显微分光光度计系统在近红外区域对几种“色觉”相似的油漆样品进行了光谱学分析。结果表明，近红外显微分光光度计能有效地鉴别颜色相似的油漆。该法准确、可靠，且不破坏检材．对实际检案有重要意义。     

103名中国汉族唇纹特征分析

本文分析了103名中国汉族人的唇纹特征,其中男性57人,女性46人,年龄范围为22～58岁。按照金子·丑之助提出的分类方法,对中国汉族人的唇纹进行了分类,并进行了统计分析,得出了中国汉族各型唇纹的分类,并且比较了唇纹的性别差异和上下唇之间的差异。中国人唇纹的类型男性以Ⅲ型为高,女性以Ⅰ型为高。     

MSCT及图像后处理在鼻骨骨折法医鉴定中的应用

目的探讨多层螺旋CT(MSCT)及图像后处理在鼻骨骨折法医学鉴定中的应用价值。方法采用MSCT对134例被鉴定人进行薄层扫描并行多平面重建(MPR)和表面遮盖成像(SSD)。比较MSCT与常规X线诊断结果。结果线型骨折55(41.04%)例,粉碎型骨折46例(34.33%),凹陷型骨折27例(20.15%),未见骨折6例(4.48%)。X线平片及CR片漏、误诊48例(35.82%)。MSCT正确诊断133例(99.25%)。两者诊断结果存在显著差异(χ2=45.0816,P<0.001)。结论MSCT及后处理图像应作为鼻骨骨折法医鉴定的主要依据。     

析对知识产权客体法律确认性的适度突破--变"法律确认"为"法律确认和法官确认"

因为知识产权客体的无形性,所以需要法律的特别确认,这是知识产权客体种类与物权客体种类认定的重要不同之处,这一特点在今天的信息社会已经显得有些滞后,难以满足不断出现新型知识产权客体的需要.为弥补这一缺陷,应进行制度创新,即变单纯法律确认为"法律确认为原则,法官确认为补充".所谓"法官确认"是指由法律界定知识产权客体种类认定的法定标准和法定程序,当有侵权行为发生时,权利人可请求法院依据该标准和程序对涉及的争议客体是否为知识产权客体依法作出认定.笔者认为,应将信息性、创造性、可复制性、实用性、私有性和有益性作为知识产权客体认定的法定标准.     

烧骨组织形态变化及DNA技术在个体识别中的应用

烧骨在火灾、焚尸、交通、爆炸等案件和事故的检材中具有特殊的地位。通过对不同条件焚烧下烧骨组织形态及DNA变化规律的研究,可为法医实践中烧骨的种属鉴定、性别及年龄判定提供准确的依据和标准,同时可利用残存的基因位点对烧骨残块进行个体识别和同一认定。烧骨DNA的提取方法及检测技术也在不断探索和改进。本文对烧骨在形态学、组织学和分子生物学水平研究进展以及烧骨评测的方法、技术进行概述,旨在为法医实践及进一步研究提供新的方法和思路。     

使用油红O显现潮湿纸张上的油脂手印

通过使用物理显影液(PD)和油红O(ORO)试剂在潮湿纸张上做了指纹显现效果的比对,发现ORO在热敏纸和白纸上比PD表现出更好的效果,但是牛皮纸上效果不明显。ORO很少破坏物证,可作为潮湿纸张上指纹显现的良好方法。