Day 2 :
Keynote Forum
David J Dustin
Dustin Forensics, USA
Keynote: How laser scanning and hand held devices are changing scene?
Time : 09:30-10:00
Biography:
David J Dustin is the President of Dustin Forensics in Adairsville, GA. Mr. Dustin began his career in industrial automation field (robotics, programmable logic controllers, industrial laser engraving) and moved to project management. The project management phase included advanced installations of equipment at major manufacturing corporations in the US (Caterpillar, Michelin). Initially started as a hobby, he started a forensic animation company to create animations depicting/recreating everything from surgical procedures; vehicular related events (crashes) to Police involved shootings. A natural progression was to embrace 3D Laser Scanning. Since the integration of 3D Laser scanning, he has gone on to become a recognized expert in the areas of 3D Laser scanning for crime scenes as well as in the investigation of vehicular related events (vehicular homicide) working numerous high profile cases across the US. He is a certified trainer for Faro 3D Laser scanners, and is one of three forensic trainers in North America. Trainees include NCIS, US Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory (USACIL) as well as numerous Police and Sheriff’s agencies.
Abstract:
With the advent of laser scanning and the new hand held capture devices, forensic evidence capture has entered into a newrnera. Conventional capture methods and techniques are laborious and time consuming. The latest generation of 3D LaserrnScanners can capture millions of data points per seconds, scan in cramped spaces and are capable of scanning while invertedrnwhen evidence. Crime Scene Investigators and Technicians can now more accurately and quickly document scenes of all types.rnThe same technology is applicable to accident reconstruction as well and can assist in the prosecution of vehicular homicides. Thernlogical extension of Laser Scanning technology is presentation of the evidence at trial. This truly brings television’s CSI style ofrngraphics into any courtroom in the US. Evidence can be presented in a compelling, tactile manner. While the application of 3DrnLaser Scanning is relatively new to criminal prosecution, it is making significant inroads in our legal system. This presentation willrninclude case examples, capture methods as well as deliverable illustrations.
- Track 5: Forensic DNA Analysis
Track 6: Forenisc Chemistry
Track 7: Digital forensics
Track 8: Forensic Accounting
Session Introduction
Robert D Blackledge
Forensic Chemist Consultant, USA
Title: Symposium on The “Six Thinking Hats†Method of Removing Bias from Case Review by Robert D Blackledge, Forensic Chemist Consultant, USA
Time : 10:00-10:40
Biography:
Robert D Blackledge has received his BS (Chemistry) degree from The Citadel, Charleston, South Carolina, in 1960 and MS (Chemistry) from the University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, in 1962. Before starting with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Tallahassee Crime Lab in 1971, he has worked in forensic science for over thirty years. Breaks included eleven years with the US Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory-Europe and with “Aby’s” NCIS Lab from 1989 to 2006. He is the Author or Co-Author of over fifty journal articles and book chapters. He is the Editor of “Forensic Analysis on the Cutting Edge: New Methods for Trace Evidence Analysis”, Wiley-2007
Abstract:
A case review should occur prior to closing any major criminal investigation or taking a criminal case to trial. With no preconceived notions case review should consider all aspects of the investigation, all possible motives, subjects, interpretations of the evidence and ask if there are any investigation avenues that have not been pursued or pursued to a sufficient extent. Unfortunately, we have all had the experience at meetings where one or two individuals by the force of their rank, overbearing personalities, loud voices and strong, inflexible opinions dominate the discussion. These individuals remind me of my days in the military and the often-used entry in a fitness report: “This officer is often wrong, but is never in doubt”. Such situations are totally counterproductive as far as the desired goal of a thorough and completely unbiased case review and tend to skew the group’s objective assessment of sentinel events in the criminal justice system. There is a way of conducting meetings that prevent their domination by a few individuals, guarantee participation and insure the topic under discussion is considered in an unbiased manner. This method was introduced by Dr. Edward de Bono in his book, Six Thinking Hats. The “Six Hats” are visualization tools that help sidestep the ego and provide a path to non-judgmental decision making. The six “thinking hats” are different ways of looking at an issue that has to be decided. By giving each person a role (and each person eventually playing all of the roles), the method reduces the amount of personality-based conflict, encourages more participation and gives validation to many different ways to present the question. This presentation will provide a brief introduction of the visualization tools used in the book Six Thinking Hats and how their incorporation into the “Case Review” process can minimize the likelihood of Sentinel Events.
Khalid M. Lodhi
Fayetteville State University, USA
Title: Generating human DNA profile(s) from cell phones for forensic investigation
Time : 10:55-11:15
Biography:
Khalid Mahmud Lodhi, an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Fayetteville State University (FSU). In addition, he serves as the Director of the forensic science program. Dr. Lodhi started his forensic career at ReliaGene Technologies as a Senior Scientist, where he was a member of team who worked on forensic DNA database. He then joined Indianapolis Marion County Forensic Services Agency as a forensic scientist, where he investigated over 100 criminal cases involving DNA, and testified as an expert witness. Dr. Lodhi received several scholarships and prestigious awards to receive his education and career advancements such as NUFFIC/FAO fellowship, UNESCO research fellowship, Asia 21 Scholarship, Yoneyama Rotary Scholarship, Kenan Fellowship, and Fulbright Specialist award. Dr. Lodhi’s current research interest involve (1) the identification of one or more individual(s) using Low Copy Number DNA from a touched object; (2) innovative methods of forensic education, and (3) identification of one or more individual(s) from hematophagous insects. Dr. Lodhi supervises the research of graduate, undergraduate and high school students on these projects. He is the author of several high-ranking international peer reviewed journals. He is the member of American Academy of Forensic Sciences and International Association for Identification.
Abstract:
Cell phones were used to collect human DNA. Sufficient quantity and quality of human genomic DNA was obtained from the cell phones using Quantifiler® Human DNA Quantitation Kit (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA). Genetic profiles were developed from the DNA on the cell phones and were compared with the reference DNA profiles from the buccal cells of the cell phone owners. Complete STR profiles were generated from 33% (N=36) of the participants’ cell phones. In addition, 28% of cell phones had partial DNA profiles matched with the cell phone owners. While, 33% of the cell phones had unknown partial or complete profiles. Four of the unknown partial profiles had more than two alleles at the STR loci indicating multiple unknown cell phone users. The Y chromosome was detected at the Amelogenin locus from the DNA profiles generated from two females’ cell phones identifying unknown male contributor(s). Our study demonstrates that DNA collected from the cell phones can be used as reliable physical evidence in forensic investigations
Robert D. Blackledge
Forensic Chemist Consultant, USA
Title: National & University laboratories: An ignored Forensic science resource
Time : 11:15-11:35
Biography:
Robert D. Blackledge received a BS (Chem.) from The Citadel, Charleston, South Carolina, in 1960 and MS (chem.) from the University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, in 1962. Starting with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Tallahassee Crime Lab in 1971, he worked in forensic science for over thirty years. Breaks included eleven years with the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory-Europe, and with “Aby’s†NCIS Lab from 1989 to 2006. The author or co-author of over fifty journal articles and book chapters, he is the editor of, “Forensic Analysis on the Cutting Edge: New Methods for Trace Evidence Analysisâ€, Wiley-Interscience, 2007.
Abstract:
Billions of dollars of tax payers’ money is spent every year for the operation of national and university research laboratories. This is good! It is essential that the United States maintain its edge in technology. However, as far as the examination of forensic evidence (not just research), these resources are today being ignored by the forensic science community. This is not just bad! It is extremely wasteful and does not serve justice. This presentation will examine how this situation came about, how it may be remedied, and provide examples.
Biography:
Jerry Messman earned a PhD in analytical chemistry from the University of Maryland (College Park, Maryland USA). Jerry’s professional career in analytical chemistry and metrology began with the National Bureau of Standards (NBS), and continued with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), where he participated in the certification of diverse Standard Reference Material (SRM) chemical artifacts for trace metal concentrations and also optical SRM artifacts for the qualification of UV/VIS absorption spectrophotometers. As part of his current responsibilities for Stranaska Scientific LLC, Jerry also provides metrological consulting services to crime laboratories and the criminal defense legal community.
Abstract:
Metrology is an enabling infrastructural science that underscores science-based quality measurement systems in forensic chemical analysis and testing laboratories. It is an essential “rules” oriented requirement of laboratory accreditation, but if practiced from a “results” oriented perspective, even greater benefits can be derived. Chemical metrology can be the missing link in casework when trying to prove that quantitative forensic measurement data have the necessary scientific integrity and validity, and that chemical measurement results will be able to withstand intense scrutiny during courtroom testimony. A sound metrological cornerstone, and a clear understanding of metrological principles and concepts and their implementation, are essential for the successful operation of modern forensic science laboratories and their ability to earn and sustain public trust. This presentation will provide a basic introduction to metrology and its relevance to a select few of the many facets of the overall analytical measurement process. The key metrological concepts of calibration, traceability and measurement uncertainty will be described as they apply to chemical applications of quantitative forensic analysis. Examples will be presented to illustrate how knowledge and training in chemical metrology facilitates the recognition of scientific weaknesses in laboratory methods validation and instrument qualification as well as scientific deficiencies in commercial certificates for measurement standards, laboratory data and analysis reports
Irina Perepechina
Lomonosov Moscow State University, Russia
Title: Forensic aspects of decision theory application to court decisions using the results of DNA analysis: Mathematical model and empirical (sociological) data
Time : 11:55-12:15
Biography:
Irina Perepechina, Professor of Department of Criminalistics of Faculty of Law of Lomonosov Moscow State University. She has both medical and legal education, Ph.D degree (1990) and Doctor of Medicine degree (2003) in forensic medicine (genetic identification). Her scientific interests focus on forensic DNA analysis, DNA evidence interpretation, DNA database, DNA phenotyping, forensic serology; legal aspects, theory and methodology of forensic science/medical law. She has more than 140 scientific publications and manuals. A member of the International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG), INGO «Criminalists Congress»; in 1995-1999 - representative of Russian Federation in DNA WG of ENFSI. At the University Dr. Irina Perepechina lectures forensic medicine, criminalistics, forensic genetics, forensic science
Abstract:
The decision point concerning identity of a person is inevitable irrespective of the degree of reliability of the DNA identification and, therefore, accurate decision justification is of demand. Decision theory develops formal models of rational decision making under incomplete information and provides solid ground to recommendations on forensic DNA identification use in legal studies, as suggested by Goubko and Perepechina (2001). We report a revised model of forensic aspects of decision theory application to court decisions based on DNA information (conditionally assuming that the court's decision on a particular criminal case depends directly on the results of the DNA analysis). The refined mathematical model employs hypothesis of the rational behavior to reveal factors influencing decision-making, and to study border probability values, which can be assessed as sufficient for the judgment. The key element of the model is the empiric adoption the level of type I vs type II judgment errors by the society. Our analysis shows that under realistic values of model parameters contemporary DNA analysis methods provide enough level of reliability of DNA identification. To identify the model we develop a questionnaire and execute a poll.
P A Sermon
Nanomaterials Laboratory, UK
Title: Design of forensic nano-taggants with an unmistakable fingerprint
Time : 12:15-12:35
Biography:
Paul Sermon was a Professor of Chemistry at Brunel University and Professor of Physical Chemistry at the University of Surrey. He is now Professor of Nanomaterials at Brunel University where he has an active research group optimising nanomaterials for catalytic, medical and energy applications
Abstract:
Selected functionalised markers, tags and taggants with unmistakable fingerprints and useful optical, colorimetric and fluorometric properties can be incorporated into products and packaging to prevent and detect fraud or counterfeiting. They are forensically useful for banknotes, textiles, inks, cigarettes, spirits, medicines, pharmaceuticals, fuels, automotive parts and consumer goods. It is claimed that they have not been counterfeited and do not affect the product specification or introduce adulteration. They can also be used to define environmental forensics or explosive traceability. Some taggants are molecular (example volatiles for inclusion in illicit drugs); others are microscopic nanoengineered particles. These can be multi-layered, bar coded or emit from the UV to the IR. In these entire applications one requires taggant uniqueness and detectability. We describe here microscopic uniquely-labelled forensic taggants with tightly-defined compositions, a forensically-recognizable morphology, an optical response and tuneable transferability. We outline their use in forensic coatings to deter gun crime
Andrew Blyth
University of South Wales, UK
Title: Solid State Drives & USB Technology: The Challenges that we Face for Data-Recovery and Computer Forensics
Time : 12:35-12:55
Biography:
Professor Andrew Blyth completed his PhD in 1995 from the Computing Laboratory at Newcastle University, UK. He is the director of the Information Security Research Group at the University of South Wales, UK. He has published more than 30 conference/journal papers in the areas of computer network defence and computer forensics
Abstract:
Increasing Solid State Drives (SSD) and USB technology are being used in everything from Laptop, Tables, Washing Machines and Car Management Systems (CMS). The growth in the Internet of Things (IoT) is driving the utilization of SSD/USB technology into an increasingly wide variety of platforms. Within this paper we will explore the forensic and data recovery challenges that we now facing with current SSD/USB technology. In particular, attention will be paid to the security mechanism that SSD/USB technologies are utilizing to secure data from unwarranted tampering and modification. We will examine the driving factors that are driving the adoption of such technology and explore various strategies that we can utilize to mitigate such protection mechanisms. Finally within the paper we will explore various approaches that a forensic/data recovery analyst can utilize to extract data from SSD/USB devices even if physically damaged
Hiba Mohammed Ali Babiker
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Germany
Title: Genetic diversity and population structure of populations from Sudan based on 15 autosomal markers
Time : 13:40-14:00
Biography:
Hiba is a postdoctoral fellow at Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology since October 2014. She completed her doctorate degree in 2014 from Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology in Plön and Christian Albrechts University in Kiel, Germany. She earned her M.Sc. degree in biology from Uppsala University in Sweden in 2010. Prior to her masters she worked at the forensic Laboratory in Khartoum, Sudan as a Forensic DNA Analyst for the period 2003-2008. She obtained her B.Sc. degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from United Arab Emirates University in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates in 2002.
Abstract:
Studies of genetic variation in African populations have gained attention since evidence from both archeology and genetics confirmed that the genetic diversity in African populations is the highest compared to populations in other continents. Sudan is located in northeastern Africa, with substantial ethnic, cultural and linguistic diversity. It forms a major part of the Nile valley which is hypothesized to be a way out of Africa for human migrations. We sampled 498 individuals from 18 Sudanese populations representing different ethnic and linguistic groups and typed them using the 15 Identifiler microsatellite markers. The combined power of exclusion (PE) was 0.9999981, and the combined match probability was 1 in 7.4×1017. The genotype data from the Sudanese populations was combined with previously published genotype data from Egypt, Somalia and the Karamoja population from Uganda. The Somali population stands out genetically from the other northeast African populations. Individuals from northern Sudan showed similar clustering pattern as those from Egypt, and individuals from southern Sudan clustered with those from the Karamoja population. We conclude that the combination of the 15 STR loci is a useful and powerful tool for personal identification and parentage analysis in Sudan despite the levels of population structure. However, a larger set of markers is recommended for the detection of fine-scale population structure. Most of the genetic variation was observed within populations and the genetic difference between linguistic and geographic groups was not great, but it seems that, in Sudan, geography plays an important role in determining differences between the populations
Marcelo Firmino de Oliveira
Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Brasil
Title: Voltammetric detection of LSD using a chemically modified carbon paste electrode with Schiff base complex
Time : 14:00-14:20
Biography:
Marcelo Firmino de Oliveira has completed his PhD in analytical chemistry at the age of 30 years from Universidade Estadual Paulista – Instituto de Química, Brazil. He is a Professor of Analytical Chemistry at Universidade de São Paulo – Departamento de Química - FFCLRP, Brazil. He has published 50 papers in reputed journals. His workgroup has three master students, and four postdoctoral students.
Abstract:
The consumption of LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) continues to rise in Latin America, especially in Colombia and Brazil, according to the World Drug Report of 2014. Despite of various studies in the electrochemical detection for seized drugs, like cocaine, there is only one work about voltammetric detection of LSD in the literature. It is important to highlight the specificity obtained in this analytical technique through chemical modification in electrode surface. This study proposes a methodology with chemically modified carbon paste electrode using a Schiff base complex, [UO2(Ac-ophen)]•H2O, for voltammetric detection of LSD. The experimental procedure was carried out mixing graphite powder, modifier and paraffin (40:20:40/m:m) in an easy and fast way. We analyzed LSD by Differential Pulse Voltammetry, which is known by its high sensitivity for the analyte. The use of an aqueous system for the analyses is an innovation, so is the new application of this Schiff complex. For a potential range from -1.5 to 1.5 V in a scan rate of 10 mV s-1, there is an oxidation current peak related to a reaction between the modifier and the drug. After the optimization of all the experimental parameters, we constructed an analytical curve using the standard addition of LSD. The linear correlation coefficient was 0.992 and the values obtained for limits of detection and quantification were 168.2 and 559.5 ng mL-1, respectively. The results indicate this methodology is suitable for analyses in trace levels of LSD in seized samples.
V.R.Rathod
Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratories, India
Title: Identification of a missing person from small naturally preserve blood stain detected on stone
Time : 14:20-14:40
Biography:
Dr. V.R.Rathod has completed her Ph.D. from Mumbai University in the year 2008. She joined Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratories, Government of Maharashtra, Mumbai in the year 1994. She has visited several scene of crime and assisted investigating officer in various medico-legal cases. She is one of the pioneers in establishing DNA profiling techniques in the laboratory. She has published about 10 papers in reputed national and international journals. She has also presented her work in several national and international conferences. She has organized workshops on forensic and forensic awareness week for students. She has successfully analysed several medico-legal cases by using DNA.
Abstract:
A criminal while committing the act of crime tries to avoid being seen or heard. In the act of crime he tries to control his movement. But in the fear of being heard or seen, this controlled movement is not possible. The uncontrolled steps in the commission of crime may serve evidential material, like fingerprint, footprint, hair, fibres, clothes, blood/semen deposits, paint scratches etc. These materials can act as a mute witness against criminal and are impartial. The study of evidences has two purposes one is to determine guilt or innocence, second is to locate the accused or in other words, linking of the victims and the accused to the crime scene. The range and diversity of material evidence is indeed unlimited. It can be man-made or naturally occurring. In the present case, the person was murdered and his body was burnt beyond recognition. On the crime scene, burnt bones and a stone was found, on which small blood stain and few hairs were stuck. DNA profiling, the advanced technique for identification of an individual was applied. DNA was extracted from this naturally preserved blood stain and profiled. The DNA profiling of the son of missing person was also carried out. The Identifiler and Y-filer of son matched with the DNA profile of the blood stain detected on stone. Though whole body was destroyed but it was from the small naturally preserved blood stain, the missing person was identified.
Melek Erol
TUBITAK Marmara Research Center, Turkey
Title: Selectivity of amino acid reactive reagents and a magic way of development of latent finger marks
Time : 14:40-15:00
Biography:
Melek Erol has completed her PhD in Chemistry from Stevens Institute of Technology, NJ. She is currently a Chief Senior Researcher at Chemical Technology Institute, TUBITAK Marmara Research Center in Turkey. She has published 10 papers in reputed journals and has been working on the development of nanotechnology based products for defense and forensic science applications.
Abstract:
We report on the selectivity of several amino acids sensitive molecules towards different amino acids present in finger marks. Amino acid reactive reagents studies include lawsone, 5-hydroxy-1, 4-naphthoquinone (juglone), genipin and ninhydrin. Florescence or color formation of these active molecules when applied onto the amino acid spots on filter paper was compared as a function of amino acid concentration, temperature and time. Fluorescence spectra were collected at excitation wavelengths of 505-590 nm. The fluorescent character for the conditions of 10 mM amino acid concentration and 150ºC heat treatment was decreased in the following order: Genipin>juglone>lawsone>ninhydrin. Development of real fingerprints on paper surfaces using different active reagents will also be compared. Interestingly, in this study we have observed that the amino acid spots and latent fingermarks on paper surfaces were fluorescently developed when heated at 150º C without the use of any active reagents. The quality of the finger marks developed by heating at 150º C was comparable to the quality of the ones developed by DFO. Possible mechanisms of this magic way of fingermark development on paper surfaces will also be discussed
Jean-Marie van der Elst
TAS Forensics LLC, USA
Title: Financial forensics and loss of earnings determinations in uninjured scenarios: The increasing role for forensic industrial psychology in investigating and determining post-morbid uninjured scenarios in personal injury loss of earnings claims
Time : 15:00-15:20
Biography:
Jean-Marie van der Elst is currently enrolled for a DBA degree at FIT, Melbourne, USA. He holds a Masters Degree (Economics & Finance) from University of Port Elizabeth, South Africa, where he was a Lecturer in the Faculty of Economic Sciences before completing the SEP program at Columbia, NY. He has been a Treasurer at GMSA, Finance Director Tetra Pak UK, Switzerland & Russia, CFO RJR Russia and GM Coca-Cola Tanzania. He has founded TAS Forensics, developing a niche market for international financial forensic services and recently opened TAS Forensics LLC, Florida and he is a member of ACFEI. He facilitates settlements applying his unique blend of international academic, corporate and entrepreneurial skills & experience.
Abstract:
Forensic practices document established procedures for ascertaining and determing quantitatively-based loss of earnings in personal injury claims. These have similar charactersitics in many international markets where claims are lodged, depending on the applicable laws in existence. Typically claims are focussed on 3 areas. Investigation and determination of pre and post-morbid activities and earnings and the critical determination of uninjured activities and earnings, were it not for the accident or incident. Recent experience reveals the increasing role of forensic industrial psychology when investigating claimant’s activities and related earnings in the determination of uninjured scenarios. Claimants increasingly exagerate premorbid claims of their activities and hence earnings, leading to overstated and often unsubstantiated post-morbid uninjured claims. This trend is well worn, however as forensic accountants we have seen significant benefits from close cooperation with industrial psychologists when unpacking claims and related earnings prior to actually determining the numbers. This has necessitated a broader perspective and insight when investigating claims and has demanded an approach at least as lateral as the depth of professional expertise demands in our investigations. The courts and defendants demand a greater understanding and clarity of motivations behind the numbers supporting claimant losses. Given that uninjured scenarios often extend for many years into the future, these determinations are particularly material. The input of Industrial Psychologists is adding significant value to the role and efficiency of the forensic accountants in their understanding, investigations and determinations of losses
Majdah Alotaibi
University of Bath, United Kingdom
Title: To determine the geographical origin of street ketamine samples by using 13C and 15N stable isotope ratio analysis
Time : 15:20-15:40
Biography:
Majdah is lecturer assistant at University of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia and she is currently in her third year doing a PhD at University of Bath, UK. Her project is focusing on ‘’impurity profile of illicit drugs’’ using different techniques, HPLC, LC-MS/MS, NMR, ESI-MS and GC-MS
Abstract:
The anaesthetic ketamine is abused for its dissociative effects resulting in it being a controlled substance. There is a need to determine the sources of the abused ketamine, in particular whether it is being diverted from legitimate veterinary and clinical supplies or manufactured abroad and imported illegally. Element analysis by isotopic ratio was employed to help answer this question. Therefore, the isotopic ratio values of 11 street samples were compared with the available ketamine pharmaceutical products, VetalarTMV and Ketalar®, as well as an authentic ketamine HCl sample purchased from Sigma Aldrich. MATERIALS AND APPARATUS Eleven different ketamine samples obtained from different sources were subjected to isotopic ratio analysis, EA-IRMS analysis. VetalarTMV and Ketalar® were purchased as ketamine hydrochloride injections, ketamine HCl was purchased from Sigma-Aldrich. All % elemental data are traceable to The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) primary references, with 15N calibrated to reference IAEA-N1 ammonium sulfate and 13C calibrated to reference IAEA-CH-3 cellulose. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION We applied the EA-IRMS technique to obtain evidence for any of the seized and amnesty bin ketamine samples we are investigating having been diverted from hospital or veterinary supplies. The δ13C ‰ and δ15N ‰ values of these samples were therefore compared with the data from ketamine obtained from known geographical sources, specifically VetalarTMV (Germany), Ketalar® (Ireland), and authentic ketamine HCl (India). δ13C and δ15N of samples of interest were determined by EA-IRMS, avoiding any extraction step to nullify potential isotopic fractionation from the solvent. Based on the δ13C‰ and δ15N‰ (parts per thousand) values, 8 of the 11 samples can be grouped into three sets: I (seized samples), II (Bristol night club amnesty bin), and III (Glastonbury 2013 amnesty bin). The δ15N ‰ isotopic ratios of the 11 samples varied between 4.175 and 13.975‰. These results show that the seized ketamine samples had almost identical values of δ13C‰ and δ15N‰ and therefore might be from a single source. Similarly, all the Bristol night club samples could be grouped together. The VetalarTMV and Ketalar® samples had different δ15N‰, but very close δ13C‰ values which did not match any of the illicit samples. None of the illicit samples had an isotopic ratio fingerprint comparable to the purchased ketamine (Indian). Three samples from the Glastonbury 2013 amnesty bin appeared to have distinctive profiles. CONCLUSIONS This study shows the feasibility of using δ13C‰ and δ15N‰ values to link or discriminate between various ketamine samples. None of the illicit samples had isotopic ratio fingerprints equivalent (or even similar) to the VetalarTMV and Ketalar® samples, suggesting they had not been diverted from veterinary or hospital supplies, nor purchased from Sigma-Aldrich. Therefore, they are the products of illegal synthesis.
Edeaghe Ehikhamenor
University of Benin, Nigeria
Title: The DNA paternity law of Edo state
Time : 15:40-16:00
Biography:
Edeaghe Ehikhamenor is a senior lecturer at the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria, and the founder/national coordinator of Save Accident Victims Association of Nigeria (SAVAN) (www.savan.org) and pioneer project coordinator of Forensic Research and Development Center (FORDEC). He earned a bachelor of dental surgery, (BDS) a master’s in Pharmacology, and a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology from the University of Benin, and also had a short postdoctoral training on DNA analysis at Lakehead University, Ontario, Canada. He has extensive research experience on digital screening of alcohol and other psychoactive drugs with saliva and biological fluids to establish skills impairment on a driving simulator. He loves multitasking and crisscrossing from one discipline to another
Abstract:
All vulnerable individual such as the child, mother and father based on circumstances in that they found themselves. Eligibility for vulnerability: A child shall be considered vulnerable wherein the father whether married or unmarried to the mother denials biological fatherhood or paternity of the child in question. A child shall be considered vulnerable wherein the denials of the alleged father constitute lack of identification and denial of any form of welfare to sustain him or her. A father shall be considered vulnerable wherein he believes that he is been considered as the biological father of the child by the mother and the child based on his financial status, fame and leadership position in the society with intent to reap where they did not sole. Therefore the alleged father becomes a ready target for any greedy woman and child desperate to make him a father at all cost. A mother shall be considered vulnerable where the mother believes that the child or children in question is a product of herself and the alleged father but the father in question that is denied is compelling her to take a sole responsibility of upbringing of the child in question. Therefore the Edo state Government DNA Paternity test thereby makes it compulsory without any encumbrance for any of the party above (the child, the alleged father and the mother) to request for a compulsory DNA paternity test individually or together to expediently resolve the paternity dispute in a centre duly agreed by the party or with the aid of ministry of justice that can sometimes act as an umpire in the paternity dispute. The law makes it compulsory and indeed prohibitive for any of the party to use any reason what so ever to delay or denial doing the paternity test to establish prove of true paternity. Paternity is the legal establishment of the identity of a child’s father. Paternity can be done in a variety of circumstances such as: The child is born to a married couple; the child is born to an unmarried couple but the parent marries after the child is born and signs a legitimating form and the child is born to an unmarried couple who never marry. It is an unquestionable right of a child to know the biological father and DNA testing offers the best opportunity for now
J M R Jayasundara
Government Analyst’s Department, Sri Lanka
Title: It is an accidently or deliberately destroyed: Scientific findings of forensic documents examiner
Time : 16:15-16:35
Biography:
J M R Jayasundara has completed PG. Diploma in Forensic Document examination and computer forensic Central forensic science institute in 2004 Advance Training at Australia (Sydney, Canberra, Mel born, Federal Forensic Science Lab) Hong-Kong Govt. Forensic science Lab, American Academy of Forensic sciences INTERPOL Forensic science Lab (Lyon, France) Since 1994 Forensic Document Examiner in the Government Analysts Department ,Sri Lanka and also an Attorney –at-law , Visiting Lecture at University of Sri Jayewardenepura The Open University of Sri Lanka National Police Academy, Life member of Medico-legal Society of Sri Lanka. he has published more than 10 papers in reputed journals
Abstract:
Case: The magistrate Kandy central part of Sri Lanka has requested to examine and report whether the partially destroyed 2 piece of paper marked as B and C belong to the land registry marked as A or not?
Introduction: One day a suspicious incident was happened in Kandy land registrar’s office. The suspect was a lawyer who came to find some land title details on behalf of his client. While he was finding the details suddenly tore a tiny piece of paper from the particular registry and put it in to the mouth and chewed. One of the officer’ who was working there suddenly show the incident and he fought with the suspect and forcedly opened his mouth and toke out the chewed things and the suspect and the production was produced to the police station. The police investigators handed over the above mentioned production to the magistrate Kandy. The magistrate has sent the court production marked as A, B and C.
Methodology: The examination and comparison of the above mentioned material A, B and C by stereo microscope, VSC6000 and by other optical and analytical techniques have revealed that the toned ends of particular page of A (Land Registry) and B were matched exactly. And I have identified that the hand written figures on B (chewed piece of paper) and the hand written figures of remaining pages of A (the land registry) tally with each other
Conclusion: It is not an accident it is a deliberate action.
Elizabeth Iyamu-Ojo
University of Benin, Nigeria
Title: The requirement of consent to DNA testing: A case for reform in Nigeria
Time : 16:35-16:55
Biography:
Elizabeth Aiwekhoe Iyamu-Ojo is a Lecturer at the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State and is currently undergoing her PhD in the same institution with her thesis title as “Forensic Science as an Intervening Mechanism in the Nigerian Criminal Justice System.” She is the Director of Community Services of the Forensic Research and Development Committee (FORDEC), University of Benin and has published several papers in reputed journals.
Abstract:
The requirement of consent is a sine qua non to DNA testing generally. It is in the main premised on the need to uphold the right to privacy as well as the right to bodily self determination. The importance of DNA testing cannot be over emphasized as its use over the years has metamorphosed. With advancing technology, its use as a means of procuring evidence to establish paternity of a child, resolving some immigration issues, solving crime or indeed any other form of research has however been hindered by the requirement of consent. In Nigeria, there are increasing cases of absconding fathers who avoid parental responsibility by denying paternity and refusing consent to DNA testing. This calls to question the issue of the child’s right to information about his/her parentage for whatever reason may be advanced and the “Parents” right to privacy and bodily self determination exercised by withholding consent to DNA testing. This paper weighs the contrasting rights vis-a-vis the principle of “Best Interest of the Child” enshrined in the Nigerian Child’s Rights Act and concludes that it has become imperative in Nigeria to enact legislation compelling any or all parties involved in such a scenario or any other to subject themselves to mandatory DNA testing in protection of the child and finally suggests reform in the form of a proposed Bill for consideration by either the Edo State government or the Nigerian National Assembly.
Edeaghe Ehikhamenor
University of Benin, Nigeria
Title: Digital forensic as tool for fighting cyber crime in Nigeria
Time : 17:15-17:35
Biography:
Edeaghe Ehikhamenor is a senior lecturer at the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria, and the founder/national coordinator of Save Accident Victims Association of Nigeria (SAVAN) (www.savan.org) and pioneer project coordinator of Forensic Research and Development Center (FORDEC). He earned a bachelor of dental surgery, (BDS) a master’s in Pharmacology, and a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology from the University of Benin, and also had a short postdoctoral training on DNA analysis at Lakehead University, Ontario, Canada. He has extensive research experience on digital screening of alcohol and other psychoactive drugs with saliva and biological fluids to establish skills impairment on a driving simulator. He loves multitasking and crisscrossing from one discipline to another
Abstract:
The era of information computer technology (ICT) on a global level needs no introduction, but the spread to developing nations like Nigeria needs repeated academic analysis so as to sustain the momentum of knowledge and useful applications in all its ramification. With Nigeria continually advancing in Information Technology with provision of limitless benefit for individuals, businesses, commerce and industry, there is need for expository analysis at different level. Digital forensic is a major component of ICT. In recent years, digital forensics has emerged as an essential source of tools and approaches for facilitating digital preservation and curation, specifically for protecting and investigating evidence from the past. Institutional repositories and professionals with responsibilities for personal archives can benefit from forensics in addressing digital authenticity, accountability and accessibility. Digital forensic must have a definitive academic curriculum in our tertiary institutions so that skilled professionals can be able to handle sensitive and security issues and demonstrably protecting its evidential value. Forensic technology makes it possible to: identify privacy issues; establish a chain of custody for provenance; employ write protection for capture and transfer; and detect forgery or manipulation. It can extract and mine relevant metadata and content; enable efficient indexing and searching by curators; and facilitate audit control and granular access. The major motive for digital forensic is to fight Computer crime which is defined as criminal activity involving information technology infrastructure, which includes unauthorized access, illegal interception, data interference (unauthorized damaging deletion, deterioration, alteration or suppression of computer data), system interference, misuse of devices, forgery and electronic fraud. This paper attempts to provide an expository overview of digital forensic, with regards to the awareness, uses, benefits and challenges in our Nigeria
Wilson Akhiwu
Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria
Title: Improving digital forensics practice in Nigeria through academic initiatives
Time : 16:55-17:15
Biography:
Wilson Akhiwu is under Nigeria Police Force in Nigeria
Abstract:
Forensics practice in Nigeria is not a new phenomena with a lot of our law enforcement personnel and other individuals possessing the requisite qualifications but fully unable to practice in the country due to a variety of factors ranging from dearth of facilities, lack of awareness about forensics practice and its attendant benefits and little or no interest from the arms of government amongst others. In this paper, we report on an academic research initiative that produced the Forensics Research Group (FRG) and the Forensics Research and Development Centre (FORDEC), its objectives, membership spread and interestand initiatives put in place to partner other sectors in the study, awareness, propagation and practice of forensic science in Nigeria and especially digital forensics.
Harvey Hou
Alabama State University, USA
Title: Nanoforensics: Forensic application of nanotechnology in Illicit drug detection
Biography:
Harvey J.M. Hou has completed his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Peking University in China and postdoctoral studies at Rockefeller University. Currently, he is an Associate Professor of Forensic Science at Alabama State University. He has published 86 papers, including two books and 47 peer-reviewed journals, and served as an editorial board of Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology and Journal of Forensic Research. He has organized or co-organized 20 conferences/symposia since 2004. He is passionate about microbial forensics, nanoforensics, forensic drug analysis, DNA profiling, and firearm/explosive analysis.
Abstract:
In recent years nanotechnology has been increasingly proven to be a powerful tool in a number of areas including medicine, imaging, and energy sciences. Nanotechnology might have a potential to make significant positive contribution in forensic drug detection to solve crimes. We hypothesized that the nanoparticles and chemically modified nanoparticles may alter or enhance the spectroscopic signals of forensic drugs in fingerprint samples. The nanoparticle have unique and unified nanostructures and may specifically interact with forensic drugs via their well-controlled nanostructures. In this work we explored the spectroscopic properties of the nanoparticles and possible identification of the forensic drug cocaine in fingerprint samples using the comparison microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Six types of nanoparticles were used for the analysis of forensic drug cocaine, including gold nanoparticle (10 nm), gold nanoparticle (30 nm), silver nanoparticles (20 nm), and titanium oxide nanoparticles (15 nm). We also utilized four types of fingerprint powders for preparing fingerprint samples, including black powders, red fluorescent powders, orange fluorescent powders and green fluorescent powders. The experimental data indicated that the gold, silver, and titanium oxide nanoparticles exhibited different IR patterns, suggesting that FTIR is able to distinguish these three types of nanoparticles. For example, the silver nanoparticle have a broad linear absorption IR band between 4000 and 500 cm-1. The titanium oxide nanoparticles have two IR signals, a wide peak at 2900-3000 cm-1 and a sharp peak at 1620 cm-1. The gold nanoparticles showed three IR peaks at 3400, 1580, and 1390 cm-1. In the presence of the fingerprint powders, the forensic drug cocaine showed negligible IR signal. In contrast, the typical IR signals of cocaine at 2948 cm-1, 1714 cm-1, and 1324 cm-1 were observed in the presence of the gold and silver nanoparticle. This observation is stimulating and indicates that the detection of cocaine using nanoparticles is achievable. The reason for the enhancement of cocaine IR analysis in the presence of nanoparticle is likely due to the homogeneity of nanoparticles. We concluded that the nanoparticles promote the detection of the forensic drugs in fingerprint samples. Future work will be placed on the characterization of a variety of novel nanoparticles especially the chemically modified nanoparticles in analyzing forensic drugs including cocaine, methamphetamines, and marijuana using bioanalytical methodologies.