West Midlands Student Regional FIRN Conference; De Montfort University; Oral abstracts

Evaluation of 3D Ballistic Imaging Techniques

Rachel Bolton-King (NTU) - Evaluation of 3D Ballistic Imaging Techniques

Traditionally, firearms identification has been undertaken using a low powered comparison macroscope with oblique lighting. However, the shadows cast can alter depending on the lighting conditions. As a result, there has been a move towards the incorporation of the third dimension (3D) of measurement; depth.

This poster summarises the comparative pilot study to review the most up-to-date 3D profiling and imaging systems for potential application in forensic firearms identification, a specialised field within the discipline of toolmark identification. Each technology under test employs a different scientific principle to capture topographic data i.e. focus-variation microscopy, confocal microscopy, point laser profilometry and vertical scanning interferometry.

To qualitatively establish the capabilities and limitations of each technology investigated, standard reference samples were used and a set of specific operational criteria devised for successful application in this field. The reference standard crucially centred on the National Institute of Standards and Technology ‘standard bullet’ (SRM 2460). This was to ensure that evaluation represented the practical examination of ballistic samples i.e. fired cartridge cases and bullets.

It is concluded that focus-variation microscopy has potentially the most promising approach for a forensic laboratory instrument, in terms of functionality and 3D imaging performance, and is worthy of further investigation.

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Emma Louise-Brooks and Sara Graham (DMU) – Evaluation of the effect of cleaning products on the results of presumptive testing and DNA profiling of blood

Blood is one of the most frequently encountered body-fluids at the crime-scene, being especially prevalent in violent crime types. Research has shown that in many cases, offenders attempt to clean blood from the scene using a variety of cleaning products and it is generally not known how these affect the results of DNA profiling or presumptive testing.

This research looks into the effect of a the cleaning process on the results of both the presumptive testing and the DNA profiling of blood spots deposited on carpet and cleaned with a number of products.

Presumptive testing was carried out using Kastle-Meyer reagent, a commonly used reagent within the evidence recovery process. Effects on the DNA profile were assessed using a conventional PCR and electrophoresis process in addition to the use of RT-PCR to determine PCR efficiency, which was used to assess potential inhibition.

Results have shown that a number of products caused adverse effects to both presumptive testing and/or to DNA profiling.

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Bansi Shah (Loughborough) – Vapour Phase Fingerprint Visualisation using SeO 2

Many techniques have been used to visualise fingerprints, one particular being the Gun-Blue method for revealing fingerprints on cartridge cases, in which the active compounds in the solution are selenious acid and a cupric salt in acid solution. When these components are reduced in the presence of metals such as brass, a copper-selenide coating (appears dark brown) is formed. In relation to fingerprints, any area of the metal which is greasy or oily (e.g. from a latent fingerprint) will not be reduced, thus revealing a transparent fingerprint against a dark background. Also previous work has been carried out by my supervisor Dr Paul. F. Kelly and his research team at Loughborough University on vapour phase fingerprint visualisation using S 2N­ 2 whereby when the S 2N 2­ is heated it flies as a smaller molecule and the fingerprint is visualised by polymeric (SN) x forming on the ridges.

This has led to my research on looking at vapour-phase fingerprint visualisation using selenium dioxide (SeO 2) by trying to link the two techniques above to create a novel fingerprint visualisation technique. SeO 2 is a white solid which sublimes readily at 315ºC and also appears to fly as a smaller molecule and re-polymerise onto a latent print, thus revealing a white fingerprint. On exposure to air (moisture), the SeO 2 is readily hydrated to give selenious acid which appears to be advantageous on certain metals like brass and copper due to the chemical process explained above. At this moment in time, I have been carrying out several experiments with the SeO 2­ by testing the technique with the two types of latent prints that exist (due to the different sweat glands): eccrine and sebaceous, different surfaces the latent fingerprints can be revealed on, how this technique is affected if latent prints are exposed to different temperatures and also what results are achieved if prints are left out in the open for different periods of time.

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Sarah Walker (Staffs) – The effect of tissue decomposition on human bite mark examination

The role of odontology in crime scene investigation has proven itself useful in a number of high profile cases and is becoming more accepted in global criminal justice systems. The question remains however, how long after death can a bite mark be useful evidentially?

This study was designed to investigate the effects of tissue decomposition on bite mark structures and to determine if there was time point at which the bite mark lost its physical evidential integrity.

Porcine skin samples (see images) were subjected to a consistent bite mark injury (inflicted by a dental cast) using the equipment shown in Figure 1. The skin specimens were then subjected to environmental variables. These environmental conditions were varied to alter the decomposition process; variables such as temperature, immersion in different water sources, burial in soils and being open to natural meteorological elements.

This was designed to investigate which environmental condition was most detrimental to the bite mark in terms of rate of tissue decomposition and its subsequent use as evidence for photography and measurement of the mark.

A dental cast was made by an odontologist and from this cast an overlay of the bite was scanned onto an acetate sheet. The experimental skin tissue was subjected to the bite mark and over the course of a 4 week period these skin specimens were removed from their environmental conditions and photographed on a daily basis using different light sources (infra red light, visible light, and ultra-violet light).

The original dental acetate overlay was placed over each of the experimental skin specimen photographs and the clarity of each bite mark and the effects of decomposition were examined and measured. This was achieved by determining which teeth and how many teeth impressions on the skin were still observable.

A variety of measurements of selected tooth impressions were made to assess whether decomposition affected the shape and size of these tooth marks.

Contrary to the existing literature, bite marks have a greater longevity than previously reported either anecdotally or in the paucity of literature available.

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Nicola Horridge (Staffs) – An Investigation into how the FTIR spectra of whole mammalian blood changes with its degradation

The analysis of whole blood by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has never been researched in a forensic context. The aim of this research was to develop a reliable and accurate technique in determining the age of blood found at a crime scene.

Each experiment lasted twelve days, with readings taken at set times during that period. It was predicted that the biggest changes in the spectra would occur earlier on. This was because, whilst the blood was wet, water and water vapour molecules would be present, but as the blood dried, the amount of these would decrease.

It was revealed that this prediction had been correct and so a further investigation was developed to analyse these changes in more detail. The method remained the same, but readings were taken every fifteen minutes for a two hour period.

The results showed that several components of the blood were unstable during the ‘drying period.’ This was visible as a peak shift on the spectra. However, the statistical analysis of these results showed that there were only a few significant differences within the results. This meant that the use of this technique as a way of aging post-mortem blood was not accurate enough.

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Lucie Hrubesova (Wolves) – Using dry fire extinguishing powder to develop fingerprints

There have been a few studies showing the potential of dry fire extinguisher powder as method for the development of latent fingerprints from fire scenes as well as non arson scenes. This study compares the quality of fingerprints developed by the dry fire extinguisher powder and other powders (aluminium powder and magnetic powder) on glass.

The quality of the developed fingerprints was determined by marking up minutia points. Fingerprints with the highest number of minutiae points were then statistically compared using one-way ANOVA statistical test followed by post hoc Bonferroni's test.

The study showed that there is no difference in the quality of fingerprints developed by the three powders, which suggested that the quality of fingerprints developed by dry powder is comparable with the most common powders used on glass. The potential advantage of using the dry powder would be an easy and quick application that does not require any special training.

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Amy McKnight (Staffs) – Investigation into The Effects Of Different Chemicals On Four Common Fibre Types Over Time

Fibre damage analysis is little researched, with even fewer publications reporting on chemical damage to fibres.

This report discusses the changes seen when 8 samples of different chemicals were placed on to 4 common fibre types.

The techniques adopted include a visual analysis, microscopic examination and FTIR ATR analysis.

While not all analyses produced definitive results, there were some obvious effects between certain chemicals and certain fibre types.

FTIR ATR analysis is a particularly useful tool for chemical damage to fibres, as it provides fibre surface information. However, some samples in this investigation were unable to be tested using FTIR. This meant the results achieved from the observations and microscopy provided the most information.

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Tara Store (Staffs) - Quantifying Elements of Individuals Engaged in Body Deposition Behaviour

Understanding the multi-component aspects to human body deposition following a crime will facilitate the search and recovery of clandestine burials. The intelligence available in specific cases may not be fully appreciated due to the paucity of understanding of the many parameters associated with the deposition of a body. These parameters include components such as; knowledge of the landscape, physical strength, season and climate, ease of access to the landscape and psychology of the offender.

This project aimed to investigate these components with an intention to isolate traits and commonalities that would assist the police in different situations.

A group of nine volunteers, both male and female, participated in a body deposition study in Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire. The field site itself was a Nature Reserve in a semi-rural location. Each volunteer was equipped with a Global Positioning Satellite tracing device, a video camera and a voice recorder. Volunteers were instructed to follow a psychological process known as the “Think Aloud” protocol throughout the study, which required individuals to verbalise their thoughts during the assigned task. The task was for each volunteer after dark in the summertime, to dispose of the “body” of a juvenile (weighing approximately 7 stones) on the site. The body was a realistic ‘dummy’ used for Fire and Rescue Service training. Volunteers were briefed and trained prior to the experiment, and were shown simple maps of the nature reserve. This was to acquaint the volunteers with the field site, since journal literature reports that familiarity is very important in these situations. In some cases, the volunteers were either already familiar with the area or chose to explore it independently prior to the experiment.

Preliminary data demonstrates that the volunteers were capable of travelling significant distances with the body during the experiment. Two of the volunteers exhibited ‘stashing behaviours’ during the study and this may suggest some unconscious competition among volunteers. Overall, the distances travelled to the final body deposition sites were unexpectedly higher compared to the reports in the scientific literature. The majority of the volunteers (78%) travelled over 200metres to their final deposition site. The preferred land-type chosen by volunteers appeared to be a wooded/forrested location in an attempt to immediately conceal the body without burial. In one case, the volunteer described using a landscape feature (a ditch) as a means of assisting the concealment. The volunteers could choose whether to dump, hide/conceal, or bury the “body” depending upon the feasibility at their final body deposition site.

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Lauren Holley (Staffs) – Extraction and Detection of 2, 4-Dinitrotoluene from Post Blast Debris

This project focussed on the extraction and detection of the explosive 2, 4-dinitrotoluene from materials commonly found in built up and urban areas. The materials subjected to this testing were glass, wood, brick and concrete. The analytical technique used for detection was gas chromatography coupled to a nitrogen phosphorus detector.

The findings from the pilot tests highlighted swabbing limitations in relation to porous materials; however a successful swabbing technique was developed for use on glass. A number of time trial experiments were subsequently run on this material to obtain data regarding the persistence of the explosive. A maximum time period for detecting 2, 4 – dinitrotoluene was then proposed.

A number of development tests specifically designed to optimize the extraction of 2, 4 - dinitrotoluene from the porous materials was additionally carried out. Extraction was achieved using headspace SPME GC-NPD analysis.

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Natalie Lavery (Staffs) – A comparison of Ground Penetrating Radar and Electrical Resistivity techniques for the detection of clandestine graves

The overall aim of this project was to compare the use of Ground Penetrating Radar and Electrical Resistivity in the detection of clandestine graves. The techniques were to be tested under various environmental conditions in order to determine the preferable method for further investigations of this type. There were four possible sites identified that contained simulated graves at known locations: Keele University, Staffordshire University Crime Scene House, Lincoln University and Bradford University. The Keele and Staffordshire University locations were utilised during this project as they were the most accessible and permission was granted at an early stage for access to the sites. GPR and resistivity measurements were taken over each simulated grave. Soil samples were taken for further lab analysis to calculate the soil porosity. Finally Accumulated Degree Days were calculated for each site to provide a comparable representation of the age of the burials at the time of testing. Results showed that GPR 3D time slices produced the most reliable estimations of the locations of the burials from each site. Taking into account target age and size and the soil type of the area it was shown that a simple check list of variables may be helpful to aid forensic investigators make the correct choice of search method for a suspected burial site.

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Nicola Cotterill (Wolves) – Analysis of degradation and fungi activity on buried human hair

The taphonomics of buried human hair is the study of decay and decomposition of hair from a human in a buried environment. Currently there have been few relevant studies in this area to establish if it can be used as a time of burial indicator in criminal cases. The main aim of the study was to see what soil types affect decomposition of human hair.

Replicates, containing human hair, buried in varying amounts of sharp sand and clay based soil. Hair degradation was analysed using light and scanning electron microscopy. Fungi were found to be associated with the hairs and were collected and cultured on MEA plates for 5 days at 25°C, and subcultured to obtain pure colonies and examined microscopically.

The results showed varying sharp sand and clay based soils had no difference in the overall degradation events of interred hairs. However results indicated soil chemistry may be causing degradation rather than microbial activity and the fungi were interacting with the hairs following chemical degradation.

Fungal analysis showed the presence of Mucor, Alternaria and Aspergillus on disinterred hairs. The most abundant fungus was Mucor which appeared in all samples. Aspergillus was seen mainly in the pure sand and soil and Alternaria was only found in the higher concentrations of soil and only observed before 12 weeks.

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Charlotte Orphanou (Staffs) – DNA analysis of contact lenses

If a contact lens was found at a crime scene a forensic scientist may see there is little information that can obtained from the lens. However contact lenses can provide an ideal substrate for exfoliated epithelial cells to adhere to during lens wear, therefore becoming a potential source of evidentiary DNA.

To date there is only one known case that has been published investigating the recovery of DNA from contact (corrective) lenses. However there are many studies that investigate the recovery of DNA from unusual and inert substrates.

The aim of this investigation was to determine whether DNA can successfully be recovered from contact lenses with the investigation of duration of contact lens wear, the effect of cosmetic and prescription lenses and the effect of exposure to the environment for 24 hours after wear. The methods utilised throughout this study were Qiagen extraction, quantification, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the D1S80 locus with gel electrophoresis and profiling with SGM+. The results determined that the longer contact lenses were worn for, the greater the quality of the DNA profiles produced, although overall the quality of the DNA profiles was poor. The yields of DNA from the contact lenses varied not only between the time periods investigated, but also between the participants. Cosmetic lenses yielded the greatest amounts of DNA overall, although did not produce any usable DNA profiles. Finally it was determined that contact lenses exposed to the environment for 24 hours produced partial profiles due to degradation.

It was concluded that contact lenses have the potential to provide a source of DNA for identification purposes; although further work would need to be completed in order to gain definitive conclusions as to the effect that the variable ‘duration of lens wear’ has on the quality of the DNA profile produced.

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Andrew Jones (Wolves) – The effects of Iron leeching within a historic landfill site observed through soil vegetation, sediment and water samples

The aim was to find out whether the illegal dumping of household, industrial and commercial waste when an obsolete landfill site was actively opens has caused adverse effects on the local environment, with particular reference to the leeching of orange iron rust.

Samples were taken form the historic ‘Slacky Lane’ Landfill Site along with points along a nearby stream to see whether the elements found are naturally occurring and if not whether they are being washed further downstream.. These were analysed using ICP to quantify water and dry ash vegetation samples, and XRF to quantify dried soil and soil sediment samples.

A detailed history of the local area during the landfills active timeline, gathered from the local archives will be used to assess whether the waste could have been from illegal industrial dumping from any of the local ironworks due to the high presence of iron on the landfill site now. The results indicate that the highest concentration of iron is found along the stream bank in soil and vegetations samples and the further up stream in the water samples. In conclusion with the results show the iron has leached through the landfill into the stream affecting vegetation, water and soil within the site.

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Sarah Taylor (Staffs) – Investigation into the effectiveness of cyanoacrylate fuming on the development of latent fingermarks on fresh and frozen pig skin samples over time

Several publications emphasise techniques which have been successful at detecting latent fingermarks on human skin, however the methods used to produce the results were not published. Pig skin was used as a medium for depositing fingermarks. Magnetic powders, cyanoacrylate fuming and basic yellow 40 dye were all used to enhance latent fingermarks deposited on pig skin samples. Magnetic powders were used on fresh pig skin samples and cyanoacrylate fumed samples, the results obtained were inconclusive as no fingermarks were detected. Pig skin samples were stored at room temperature and in a freezer for different periods of time, the samples were then fumed using cyanoacrylate and stained using basic yellow 40 dye. Fingermarks were successfully identified and a grading system was used to show the quality of fingermarks present. Statistical analysis was performed on the fingermark grades in order to highlight differences between the samples overtime. Statistical analysis performed suggested that fingermarks were not successfully developed 1 hour after deposition on fresh pig skin and 2 hours after deposition on frozen pig skin.

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Sheena Panchal (NTU) - Distribution of Bloodstains on witnesses and suspects of violent crime scenes

This research looks into the discipline of bloodstain pattern interpretation as the distribution of patterns at a crime scene can hold vital information for a reconstruction of evens. A number of different variables were implemented to elicit an analysis of bloodstain distribution at a violent crime scene resulting in a correlation between the spread of bloodstains discharged during a particular event. Preliminary experimentation deduced the characteristics from low impact velocity bloodstains on a flat horizontal surface for observational purposes. Other preliminary analysis was also carried out to test possible variables (eg. distance/ angles) and the extent to which they could be altered. Once the method to generate the bloodstains had been deployed careful bloodstain pattern analysis could be carried out, resulting in a noticeable difference between events that occurred and the stains visible on the potential witness/ perpetrator, giving a significant correlation. Additionally there was also a trend in the patterns found in terms of the amount of distribution for a particular angle.

A ‘blind trial’ was also put in place showing the analysis used throughout was effective and meaningful in terms of correlation. A witness statement provided by the perpetrator evidently proves that correlation exists due to the correspondence it had with the analysis carried out on the clothing. The area of origin for the bloodstains on the witness, found in the ‘blind trial’ could also be derived through methods of stringing. This was also able to be cross-referenced with stringing of the clothing recovered from the perpetrator and by doing so it became clear the two areas of impact undoubtedly merge together.

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Kirsty Lavery (Staffs) - Analysis, characterisation and forensic significance of soils from four different land use vegetation types in the Stoke on Trent area.

The overall aim of this project was to provide information on soil characteristics and composition in order to determine if, in a forensic context, trace samples of soil can be successfully matched to known areas of origin. Three methods were used in the comparison of the soil samples, which had been collected from four different land use vegetation (LUV) areas, in and around Stoke on Trent. Samples were taken from a woodland area, a lakeside, a canal embankment and a flowerbed. An overall visual inspection and microscopic analysis were carried out prior to the soils being analysed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). The FTIR spectra were unable to distinguish between the different samples in this study. However, with the results from both the visual analysis and the ICP – OES a successful match was made between three unknown trace samples and their bulk origins in a double blind test. This study has shown that following the multi technique approach used in this project soil comparison can be an important and successful aspect in a forensic investigation.

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Benjamin Carradine (Wolves) - The Effects of Constraints/Signature Boxes on Signatures

This project has investigated how signature boxes affect signatures. Literature on the effects constraints have on signatures is very mixed. Some source clams that there is an increase in pressure of the signature causing lesser fluency, more legible (like handwriting) and noticeable changes in spacing. Also, there will be a change in height to width of signature. Other sources state that the signature would be the same with no change in pressure.

The method was in two parts. The first part involved collecting thirty signatures from each volunteer, five signatures for five different sizes of boxes and five unconstrained signatures. The second part involved analysing the signatures using ‘Image Analysis’ software.

From each signature set from a volunteer, five constant ratios of proportionality were found. These were compared to the ratio of proportionality from the unconstrained signatures. The ratios of proportionality indicated that the signatures were affected by decreasing the area of the signature box. It has also been noted that volunteers sometimes failed to stay within the constraint or they misjudged the area available.

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Tom Noble (Loughborough) - Towards New Fluorescent Phosphorus Based Compounds for Explosives Detection

There remains increasing interest in the need to detect chemical explosives to preserve security both at home and overseas. Although a range of sensitive detection methods exist (canines, advanced analytical equipment) the ability to synthesise fluorescent based chemical sensors by simple synthetic procedures would be highly attractive. Currently there are very few examples of compounds that have been used e.g. small molecules, organic/inorganic polymers and porous materials. In this poster, we present our initial findings on a promising class of fluorescent metal phosphine complexes. Although this project is still very much in its infancy, our preliminary results suggest that with appropriate structural modifications, an improvement in the sensing properties towards nitroaromatics can be realised.

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Caroline Sabado (Derby) - Oral Streptococcus bacteria to age human saliva

Objectives Earlier studies have demonstrated the use of oral Streptococcus bacteria as a new marker for presence of saliva in forensic science. Streptococcus is unique to humans and the first to colonise oral cavity immediately after birth. The aim of this study was to determine whether Streptococcus bacteria could be used as a quantitatively reliable method to age human saliva.

Methods Saliva samples were collected from a male and female donor by passive drooling in a sterile glass vials. 0.1 Millilitre of each sample was cultured on Mitis Salivarius Agar enriched with 1% potassium tellurite solution. Streptococcus isolates were identified and quantified after incubating for 24 hrs and 48 hrs under aerobic conditions at 37 ºc. Data was analysed using linear regression and Student t test.

Results All four saliva samples had a number of viable oral streptococci greater than 1 x 10 4 CFUs/ml. Statistical analysis of CFUs/ml indicate a negative correlation (r = 0.94) between number of Streptococcus counts and time of delay before processing. The 24 hour incubation period had higher bacterial growth than 48 hour incubation period (p= 2.26E-14). No significant difference was found on both female samples (p > 0.05). A higher number of bacterial growth was found on a smoker sample than non smoker (p = 0.007). Finally, from this it was possible to successfully identify the age of unknown saliva.

Conclusion This suggests that with further research of oral Streptococcus bacteria to age human saliva may establish itself as a viable addition in forensic science.

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Sonica Devi (Derby) - Real World Detection of Cocaine at the picogram level in an urban environment

A gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) method is described capable as of detecting picogram levels of cocaine. The method was used to analyse for the presence of cocaine within samples taken from internal surfaces of six public telephone booths within the central Derby city area. Analytical separations were performed using a dimethylsilicone capillary column using a ramped temperature program. The selected detection method was electron impact ionisation using selected ions with m/z of 82and 182.Samples were collected by first swabbing the surface and then extracted using dichloromethane. Three swabbing approaches were used: a dry swab; one moistened with water and a third using a swab dipped in ethanol. The subsequent solutions were then analysed using GC-MS with a detection limit of 100 picograms for cocaine. The study showed the presence of cocaine from one booth out of the six tested. Within this booth several areas were separately swabbed and each indicated the presence of cocaine. An ethanol wetted swab gave cocaine at just 0.5 micrograms/mL from the coin slot region. This study shows the utility of GC-MS for reaL world detection of cocaine within an urban environment.

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Ben Watkins (Derby) - A study assessing the potential of 16S rRNA as a marker for species identification of amphibians

Wildlife forensics is a discipline concerned with the investigation of offences involving the harm of animal species whose conservation is enforced by law. The identification of the species involved is commonly achieved through analysis of variant regions within the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) due to its abundance within the cell. This has lead to the formation of DNA barcoding, which is identification using a standardized DNA region in the form of the cytochrome c oxidase (COI) gene. However, other mitochondrial regions may be more suitable such as cytochrome b (Cytb), 12S or 16S rRNA. This study assesses the potential of 16S rRNA as an identification marker for amphibians. A partial region of 16S rRNA 530 nucleotides in length was obtained for the endangered amphibian species Bufo calamita native to Britain by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and Sanger dideoxy sequencing. This fragment was aligned with sequences from the same and other amphibian species using Mega4.0 software to evaluate the extent of inter and intra species variation. The proportion of variable positions was found to be 44.0% across species and 1.1% within individuals of B. calamita. Therefore this suggests that the 16S region exhibits sufficient inter-species variation whilst maintaining a low enough intra-species variation to allow species identification of amphibians. In order to make a definitive conclusion on the strength of 16S as a species marker the COI and Cyt b genes would also need to examined for the same species of amphibians.

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Jayne Ayres (Derby) - Do Lip Prints Persist When Exposed to Precipitation

Over recent years, there has been much investigation into identification by marks that are left by the lips. Most of this research has been carried out using protective and permanent lipstick within a controlled laboratory environment; this means that there is very little research into lipstick prints that have been left in an outdoor environment and even less using lip gloss. Lip gloss is used to give shine to the lips with minimal colour; they differ from lipsticks in the fact that they have a more liquid consistency due to less wax being used during manufacture. Lip gloss was applied to the lips and then pressed onto the slide and held for 2 seconds. A series of 10 slides were taken, slide 1 having the most lip gloss and slide 10 having the least, this was carried out for 5 sets of slides. The slides were then placed outside within the weather station enclosure at the University of Derby Kedleston Road for a period of 4, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. The precipitation was also recorded to determine if it had a bearing on the deterioration of the lip print. After each set of slides were left outside for the required number of days, they were retrieved and photographed using flash photography. The lines and grooves of the lip prints were counted and compared to a control slide having no lip gloss present. Statistical analysis was carried out using ANOVA two-way without replication, this shows that there is a significant difference in the lines and grooves present with the biggest difference between days 21 and 28, due to the amount of precipitation over the 7 day period.

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Georgina Bond (NTU) - The use of powder suspensions at the crime scene with regards to the weather

The project aim was to investigate the use of powder suspensions at the crime scene in relation to the weather. The objectives included finding the best method of application; the most effect powder suspension; the effects of temperature; the development of fresh and aged fingerprints; if the weather affects fingerprints recovery; and how many days evidence can be recovered for.

The method consisted of placing donor fingerprints on three different surface types; plastic, metal and glass, and placing these articles in six different conditions; dry, wetted, fridge, freezer, outside and immediately outside. The articles were left for between 1-10 days and each day articles were developed with SPR and spray application method.

The results showed that the dry, fridge and freezer conditions produced the greatest fingerprint clarity throughout the experiment. The outside, wetted and immediately outside conditions gradually declined over time.

In conclusion, if SPR is to be used on items that have been subject to rain, development needs to occur within 5 days. If SPR is to be used on items in very cold conditions, such as frost, ice or snow, then results can still be obtained after 10 days.

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Rebecca McKeown (Wolves) – Development of a hair database

The purpose of this project was to establish a database of hairs from different parts of the body that can be used to ascertain whether it is possible to identify common features in the hair in relation to bodily location, sex, age ethnic grouping etc.

Hairs were taken from the human bodies of one male and one female donor from the abdomen, arm, buttocks, eyebrow, eyelash, feet, head, lower leg, pubic region, thigh, underarm from both subjects. In addition, any hairs present on moles were taken from the both donors and the back, chest and facial hairs were taken from the male donor. These were analysed by electron and light microscopy using a Nikon “Eclipse” ME600 light microscope and EVO 50 Scanning Electron Microscope (Zeiss) in the cool stage (Deben) . Photomicrographs of were used to measure varying facets of hair such as diameters, medulla, shaft, cortex, cuticle scale features. These measurements were used as the basis of identification of ten unknown hairs taken from the same donors. Only unknown hair nine (female foot) was correctly identified both by sex of owner and body area.

The investigation has proved that sex of a hair owner or the body area a hair comes from is extremely difficult to determine using diameters and hair images as there is too much variation between characteristics of hairs, even from the same person and same body area.

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Sharon Astleford (NTU) - Can hand size be determined by glove mark impressions?

Establishing links between a suspect and a crime scene is an area of forensic science that is constantly improving. The successful matching of fingerprints on a national automated fingerprint database has lead to criminals wearing gloves in an attempt to conceal their identity. These gloves leave prints and are recovered in a similar manner to fingerprints. The glove prints can divulge a lot of information about the material type, manufacturer and unique properties of the glove wear worn by a suspect. My study involved looking into whether it was possible to obtain a hand size from the glove print. It included establishing an optimum pressure for obtaining prints and making measurements of hands and prints and comparing the two. Distortions occurred due to pressure and restriction of the size of the glove. The resulting images showed hand sizes could be obtained from glove wear marks however regard would have to be given to the deformable nature of the hand which has been discussed in hand geometry biometric studies. The results show it is potentially possible to gain an indication of the size of hand from a glove print and provide another factor to link the wearer to a crime scene.

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Dave Coss (Derby) Novel method for the detection of accelerants on concrete

During the investigation of a fire for the investigators to arrive at a conclusion of arson as the cause of a fire, evidence that an accelerant was used at the scene can be vital. The aim of this study is to identify a method that can be used once an indication has been given by a canine on concrete, to recover the sample in a way that will allow for the laboratory to successfully identify any accelerants that may be present. Fuller’s Earth, a sedimentary clay which contains a high proportion of clay minerals of the smectite group, was used as an absorbent to test this hypothesis. The recovered samples were then analysed using GC-FID with the results showing conclusively that petrol can be detected using this method in both burnt and unburnt samples.

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Michelle Taylor (DMU) – Comparison of Mammalian and Synthetic blood with forensic considerations to Blood Spatter Analysis

Bloodstain patterns provide a commonly encountered type of evidence at scenes of violent crimes and often require the reconstruction of the patterns observed in order to fully understand what happened at the scene. It is important for forensic analysts in this field to fully understand the way in which blood acts on different surfaces and to have developed synthetic blood that can be used in crime scene reconstruction without presenting the ethical and medical problems that may be encountered with the use of animal blood replacements. Mammalian and synthetic bloods were tested using drop height trials and impact angle determination across paint surfaces that may be commonly encountered on walls at crime scenes. Blood was dropped onto an angled board calculated to produce bloodspots at known angles. Measurements of the drop height/width ratio and width/length ratio were used to demonstrate the way bloodspots formed on these observed surfaces, and subsequent statistical tests were used to show whether or not results were consistent with expected data. The results obtained showed that on certain surfaces (particularly gloss paint) the results produced by the synthetic blood were not consistent with the way in which mammalian blood acts, showing how further research can be done in order to allow the world of forensic science to fully understand and re-create crime scenes.

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Rachel Keeling (DMU) – Identification of counterfeit medicines

Counterfeit medicines are a global problem and are prevalent both in developed and developing countries. It is estimated that up to 1% of medicines in developed countries are counterfeit; this figure rises to 10% globally. Though in some developing countries, it is estimated that a third of all medicines are counterfeit.

This research aims to develop a novel method for the identification of counterfeit drugs, for both packaging and dosage form. A range of analytical techniques will be employed, including Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Ultraviolet (UV) Spectroscopy and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy.

Suspect samples of atenolol were obtained from Pakistan from different sources. These samples were then compared with genuine samples from the UK. Preliminary visual identification results indicate that at least one sample is potentially counterfeit. While UV results indicate that the Pakistani samples are sub-therapeutic. Further investigation is warranted to confirm this data.

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Leigh-Ann Green (Staffs) - The Analysis of the Effects of Five Accelerants on the Quality of Fingerprint Ridge Detail using Three Developing Methods and fibre characteristics using Three Methods of Analysis.

Due to the lack of information regarding the effects of heat and fire on both fingerprints and fibres, this project was done in order to utilize some of what has been done and to further enhance the knowledge of some basic effects of fire.

For the fingerprints, ten participants were required to deposit a series of fingerprints, each of which would be subjected to fire from five accelerants. These fingerprints were then developed using black powder, soot or aluminium powder and lifted. Each developed fingerprint was given a grade out of five according to a grading system and statistics applied to establish any differences in the data.

Results from this indicate that there is a statistical difference between the accelerants and the quality of the recovered prints, specifically singling out methylated spirit as the accelerant to gain poor results.

For the fibres, three common fibres were chosen and subjected to 0.5 ml of each of the five accelerants. Each fibre was analysed using Pyrolysis-gas chromatography, FTIR spectroscopy and microscopy. Microscopy involved looking at the width, shape, birefringence and sign of elongation of each fibre, before and after being subjected to fire. Observations of changes were noted.

Results from this indicate that microscopy and FTIR still allow the fibre to be analysed, whereas pyrolysis GC shows little helpful information in identifying burnt fibres.

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Linda Hall (Lincoln) - Does the attraction of Calliphora vicina to burnt pork in preference to non burnt pork affect Post Mortem Interval?

 Research by Goff and Avila (1998) suggests Calliphora vicina are attracted to and oviposit on burned cadavers up to four days earlier than on non burnt cadavers; could this therefore affect the estimation of the Post Mortem interval?

My research was to observe the attraction of Calliphora vicina to burned pork loin. Their individual preference for raw, versus burned pork loin, burned to each of the five Crow and Glassman Scales (CGS) of burn, was recorded, based on their olfactory response to an equally distributed airflow over the pork muscle through a Y-tube.

The response of adult Calliphora vicina was further observed for their preference between the first four GCS of burn, when compared to each other. The results showed a preference for burned pork, with the CGS levels one and two, having the highest preference.

The results support the research that Calliphora vicina are attracted to burned pork muscle and oviposition occurs on pork muscle burned up to CGS level two. This suggests that the possible early arrival of the Calliphora vicina should take into consideration when estimating PMI.

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