6^thInternational Conference on Forensic Research & Technology September 18- 19, 2017 Houston, Texas, USA

GSR particles from the surroundings of bullet hole have been characterized as a function of primer type and particle distribution. SEM images were used to verify size and shape of the GSR particles and EDS to verify the elemental composition in a single particle. Th e same specimens are further subjected to Time of Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF SIMS) and X-ray Photon Spectroscopy (XPS) analysis with a view to identify the respective surface chemistry, molecular nature and molecular mass of the GSR particles. Both inorganic and organic components of GSR in the elemental and combined form can be identifi ed using SIMS. Th e study was helpful in distinguishing between real GSR particle derived from a particular fi rearm and those derived from environmental contamination for forensic investigations. Shooting distance, type of fi rearm and nature of the incidents have been studied from the from characterization results.

Ebru Celikel Cankaya, PhD has her expertise in the general area of computer  security. She has been working on ways to improve lossless compression of text,

as well as implementing novel cryptographic algorithms by bringing together some known algorithms together to exploit their individual benefi ts. Dr. Cankaya has been teaching at University of Texas at Dallas and has been nominated/ recipient of several teaching awards.

In an effort to establish a standard for responsive networking systems, we provide a survey of available tools and their applications for network forensics, as well as discuss the accessibility of these solutions to implement. Our paper investigates four network security tools in detail: Fail2ban, Netdata, Nmap, and HoneyDrive3 to test run on experimental setup. We compare these tools with respect to 7 fundamental forensics criteria as logging, automated threat response, active monitoring, capability to prevent attack,activity detection, notifi cation of malicious activity, and security auditing. The results of these experiments are compared for further evaluation. We rank results based on the percentage of coverage for the full set of 7 forensics criteria.We also emphasize how the utilization of the relevant solutions could have aided in mitigating past threats

Mukwevho E is working as a Professor of Biochemistry at the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, at the NWU in South Africa. He has graduated for his PhD from University of Cape Town in June, 2010. He teaches Biochemistry in both undergraduate and postgraduate, especially Metabolism and Analytical Biochemistry.He has also obtained Certifi cates in Project Management and in Financial Management from UCT, both in 2012. He is currently registered for MBA with NWU Graduate Business School.

AMPK is known to control glucose and lipid metabolism, two main candidates critical in the development of type-2 diabetes (T2D). Studies have shown that AMPK can be activated by adiponectin. Patients suff ering from T2D are known to have low adiponectin concentration in their blood plasma. In this study, we have assessed one of the anti-diabetic compounds oleanolic acid (OA), if it could produce desirable eff ect in upregulating adiponectin concentration and the subsequent regulation of AMPK. Sprague dawley rats were fed with high fructose diet (HFD) to induce T2D, and the rats that developed insulin resistance were considered as diseased, they were then treated with OA. Analysis of adiponectin concentration in blood plasma was done, AMPK gene expression and subsequent genes that play vital role in glucose and lipid metabolism (GLUT-4 and CPT-1) in skeletal muscle tissue was also performed. Th e results showed 1.19 fold increases in blood plasma adiponectin concentration aft er OA administration. Furthermore,AMPK gene expression showed 3.98 fold increase and GLUT-4 gene expression was increased by 1.5 fold whereas CTP-1 gene expression was increased by 1.59 fold. Th ese results clearly indicate that OA produced good eff ects in ameliorating insulin resistance since it was able to upregulate all the genes and adiponectin concentration which are well known to be abnormally suppressed in a situation of T2D. In conclusion, these studies further confi rms that OA can be used as an eff ective therapeutic agent to ameliorate T2D and these studies also suggest that OA’s mechanism of action could be through AMPK pathway

Diane I Scaduto earned her PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology from Baylor College of Medicine in 2011 and has been passionate about DNA ever since. She is currently an active Member of the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP), the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) and is certifi ed as a Molecular Biology Expert with the College of American Pathology (CAP). In 2017, she established DISR DNA Consultants, where she provides genetic counseling to physicians and patients, as well as forensic consulting and expert testimony in high profi le cases, including but not limited to The State of Texas v. Philippe Padieu case numbers 219-82276-07, 219-82277-07, 219-82278-07, 219-82279-07, 219-82280-07, and 219-82705-07 (219th Judicial District Court, Collin County, TX, 2009).

Current forensic workfl ows prematurely truncate the full power of genomics. By using techniques that pre-date the Human Genome Project and require multiple rounds of analysis to produce mediocre genetic profi les, the forensic community is failing to grasp the full potential and magnitude of current technologies. Despite the name, “next generation sequencing” (NGS), this technology has been around for over a decade and the future of forensic genomics is here. Next-generation sequencing is the “now generation” and it is transforming the capabilities of human identifi cation laboratories. Th ese platforms enable simultaneous analysis of forensically relevant genetic markers to improve effi ciency, capacity and resolution, bringing modern science in placeof outmoded DNA fi ngerprinting and STR profi ling. With NGS, forensic scientists have access to a greater number of informativeloci, superior analysis of degraded samples, higher resolution sequencing and greater overall throughput with library multiplexing. These advances will help solve more cases in a shorter amount of time and will produce investigative leads for cases that would have reached dead ends. Like every previous advancements, in DNA technology, there will be legislative, admissibility, constitutional and perception issues. We could easily fail to realize the benefi ts of NGS if, as a community, we don’t recognize the concerns that sequencing presents to those who have never trusted government’s possession of their genetic identity. Regardless, as NGS emerges as a technology readily applicable to forensics, we will only leverage its benefi ts to solve crimes and prevent victimization to the extent that we can pave the way for its adoption through solid education and advocacy.

Ekezie Jervas is a Senior Lecturer at the Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria, and former Head of the Department of Anatomy. He attended Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria where he obtained PhD in Anatomy in 2012. He obtained his MSc in Human Anatomy in 2006 and BSc Human Anatomy in 2000 from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. He holds a Professional Certifi cate and Professional Diploma in Biomedical Engineering in 2008 from Nigerian Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Technology (NIBET). His is a fellow of College of Biomedical Engineering and Technology (FCEBT). His research interest include bio-anthropology/forensics, musculoskeletal system/ disorder, gait analysis in humans and human performance measurement in health and diseases. He is an Editorial Board Member of Anthropology open access journal (ANTPOJ), International Journal of Forensic Sciences, Forensic Research & Criminology International Journal. He is also Editorial Board Member of 2425 publishers which consists of 4 journals: Medica Press, Clinica Press, Life Science Press and Medica, Clinica and Life Science Imaging. He has over 55 academic publications in peer reviewed journals to his credit. He was the Chairman of the local organizing committee of the 11th Scientifi c Conference of the Society for Clinical and Experimental Anatomists of Nigerian, 2012. He was also the Chairman Scientifi c Committee of the 1st and 2nd International Congress on Health Sciences and Technology, 2016 and 2017 respectively.

Introduction: Th e morphology of the human face varies with individuals and even more with populations and ethnic groups.

Objectives: Th is study aims to determine the mean values of some craniofacial angles of Igala males and females from standardized facial profi le photographs and to compare them with each other and with norms of diff erent ethnic groups proposed by other researchers.

Materials & Methods: Standardized photographs of 1116 Igala subjects, comprising 558 males and 558 females were used for this study. Th e following angles were measured: nasofrontal, nasomental, nasofacial, nasolabial and angle of facial convexity.

Results: Four of the facial angles studied showed sexual dimorphism except the nasolabial angle. Of the four craniofacial angles that have signifi cant sexual diff erences, the males had a higher value only in the nasofacial angle. Nasofacial angle (NFa) had the highest index of sexual dimorphism. Th e mean value of nasolabial angle (Cm-Sn-Ls) as well as facial convexity angle (G-Sn-Pg) found in the Igala is less than that reported in other populations.

Conclusion: Th e result of this study will be useful in orthodontics, anatomical modeling, forensic identifi cation purposes and in plastic surgery to compare the pre- and post-operative results.

Vantsawa P A is an Animal Physiologist with specialty in Animal Nutrition. His research interest is in Animal Biotechnology. He has attended local and internationalworkshops on Biotechnology. Currently, he is teaching Biotechnology courses at Post-g raduate level.

DNA fingerprinting is a laboratory technique used to establish link between biological evidence and a suspect in a criminal investigation. A DNA sample taken from a crime scene is compared with a DNA sample from a suspect. Because nearly every cell in a person’s body contains the same complete set of DNA, the DNA isolated from dried blood, semen or even a hair found at a crime or suicide bombing scene can be compared to a DNA sample earlier collected from the suspect and can prove who the criminal is just the same as the fi ngerprint of the suspect. Borno state of recent has witnessed an infl ux of Boko Haram returnees from neighboring countries like Cameroun Chad and Niger. Th ere has been increase in the spate of suicide bombings in the IDP camps scattered in various locations in Borno state. Because of the diffi culty of ascertaining those responsible for the bombings, DNA profi ling of all the residence in all the camps will help in identifying those responsible for the bombings through DNA fi ngerprinting. Th is paper will examine the methods of collection of blood samples and profi ling of the residence of the IDP camps using DNA fingerprinting with the view of profi ling their blood samples for future use. In a situation where there are suicide bombings, blood samples at the scene when fetched will undergo screening using DNA fi ngerprinting and through matching with the existing profi le, the culprit can easily be identified. Th e paper will also look at the possibilities of extending this to larger societies especially the returnees from Libya and other countries linked with terrorism.

Yilwa V M is a Lecturer and Researcher in Genetics, Plant Breeding and Biotechnology. Even though her degree and research work has been in genetics and plant breeding, she has interest in forensic science. Her focus is to develop an interest in the minds of young scientists for forensic science, which may eventually materialize into the development of a fully equipped and functional forensic laboratory

Forensic science is a tool that could be used to solve human problems, which may be threatening the development of a nation. As such, this paper seeks to analyze the prospect of adopting forensic science as a tool that could be utilized to bring about peace-by bringing closure to distressed families, and justice–by identifying and prosecuting guilty persons, which are necessary tools, for the development of a nation. However, the developing world is faced with challenges that have to be surmounted if forensic science will ever see the light of day in such countries. Th e paper discusses some of the challenges facing the developing world. Th ese challenges include funding, awareness/education and training. Th e paper also looks at the prospects and way forward for forensic science in developing communities.

Background: Gang rape is one of the most conspicuous forms of violence, has reached epidemic proportions in South Africa. It prevalent in all spheres of society and all women are potential victims.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of gang rapes in Mthatha region of South Africa.

Methods: Th is one-year retrospective study focused on all cases of gang rape reported by complainants over 16 years at Sinawe Rape Crisis Center in Umtata General Hospital during January 2008 to December 2008. Recorded details included the age, addresses, number of perpetrators, relation with perpetrator and physical violence.

Result: Th ere were 379 cases of rape recorded. Of this, 63 (16.6%) were gang rapes. Majority 181 (47.8%) were between the age of 16 and 20 years. Th e highest number 30 (47.6%) were in the area of Mthatha followed by Tsolo 9 (14.3%), Engocobo 9 (14.3%), and Libode 7 (11.1%). In majority 47 (74.6%) of victims had two perpetrators, 10 (15.8%) had three perpetrators, and 3 (4.8%) had four perpetrators. Most of the perpetrators 44 (69.8%) were not known to the victims. Most of the gang rapes were part of robbery and took place at victim’s house.

Conclusion: Th ere is a high prevalence of gang rape in Mthatha area of South Africa.