Evaluation Of Charcoal Strip Extraction Efficiency Under Varying Substrate Conditions,
2024
Virginia Commonwealth University
Evaluation Of Charcoal Strip Extraction Efficiency Under Varying Substrate Conditions, Abby Wester
Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects
The ability of a forensic examiner to identify the presence of ignitable liquids (ILs) in fire debris collected from the area of origin of a fire is an essential component for determining intent in fire investigations. However, this relies on an effective extraction method that provides a complete picture of what is present in the debris. In this study, eight substrate materials underwent three different treatments: a low-volume of substrate that was unburned, a low-volume of substrate that was burned, and a high-volume of substrate that was unburned. Each sample was spiked with a 1:1 mixture of gasoline and diesel …
Discrimination Of Blue Denim Fibers Utilizing Physical Characteristics, Optical Properties, Fluorescence Microscopy, Ultraviolet-Visible Microspectrophotometry, And Microchemical Testing,
2024
Virginia Commonwealth University
Discrimination Of Blue Denim Fibers Utilizing Physical Characteristics, Optical Properties, Fluorescence Microscopy, Ultraviolet-Visible Microspectrophotometry, And Microchemical Testing, Elkin Howard
Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects
Cotton, the most common natural fiber, has numerous uses in the textile industry. This fiber type is ubiquitous in forensic casework due to its prevalence, particularly in blue jeans. The abundance of blue cotton in society and its limited variations in features can diminish the probative value of its presence on items of evidence. While a pair of blue jeans may be constructed with a combination of natural and manufactured fibers, the most likely fiber type to be transferred between sources is cotton. In this study, a comprehensive analytical approach to blue jean fiber analysis was explored to determine if …
Cellular Autofluorescence Signatures For Determining Time Since Deposition Of Whole Blood,
2024
Virginia Commonwealth University
Cellular Autofluorescence Signatures For Determining Time Since Deposition Of Whole Blood, Hannah Lamer
Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects
Knowledge of the relative window of time that evidentiary biological material was deposited at a crime scene, referred to as the time since deposition (TSD), would help investigators determine which evidentiary items are most probative and assist with scene reconstruction. One commonly encountered body fluid at a crime scene is blood. Various methods for estimating TSD of bloodstains have been developed, but none to date have been validated for use in the forensic laboratory. Recently, flow cytometry measurements of cellular autofluorescence and size/structure have been investigated as a signature for TSD of saliva and touch epidermal cells. This study assessed …
Overcoming The Effects Of Oily Contaminants On Dna Extraction Efficiency Using Dna Iq™ System,
2024
Virginia Commonwealth University
Overcoming The Effects Of Oily Contaminants On Dna Extraction Efficiency Using Dna Iq™ System, Elizabeth G. Gillece
Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects
In forensic science DNA extraction and purification are crucial to DNA analysis as evidentiary items vary in DNA quantity and quality. In casework the goal to is maximize DNA yield, remove PCR inhibitors, and develop a full profile while preserving evidence. Extraction methods are developed to target the DNA for optimal isolation. Solid-phase extraction is advantageous as it can extract DNA from a variety of tissue types, it is amenable to automation, and it provides quick and efficient purification of DNA. Solid-phase extraction methods may have complications with contaminants that hinder the quantity and quality of the DNA recovered. In …
A Novel Dual Configuration Dart/Uhplc-Ms/Ms System For The Rapid Analysis Of Psilocybin-Containing Mushrooms And Other Seized-Drug Submissions,
2024
Virginia Commonwealth University
A Novel Dual Configuration Dart/Uhplc-Ms/Ms System For The Rapid Analysis Of Psilocybin-Containing Mushrooms And Other Seized-Drug Submissions, Aron R. Jaffe
Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects
The use and availability of controlled substances is highly dynamic. When a classical or novel psychoactive substance becomes popular, an influx of seized-drug evidence submissions closely follows, contributing to an ever-growing backlog of exhibits awaiting identification. The need for inclusive, rapid, and robust analytical methods is apparent, as demonstrated by recent growth in hallucinogen use. Psilocybin and psilocin, among other entheogens, have become increasingly popular and an increase of psilocybin mushroom seizures by law enforcement has followed. The structural similarity and thermal lability of many entheogens preclude their identification using many conventional analysis techniques. A DART and UHPLC were interchangeably …
Using The Microbiome To Assess The Health Status Of The Individuals Recovered From The East Marshall Street Well,
2024
Virginia Commonwealth University
Using The Microbiome To Assess The Health Status Of The Individuals Recovered From The East Marshall Street Well, Arian Karim
Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects
In 1994, during the construction of the Kontos Building on the Medical College of Virginia Campus, a well on East Marshall Street was discovered to contain artifacts and human remains of African descent. Upon archaeological analysis by the Smithsonian, the ancestral remains can be dated back to the mid-19th century, when grave robbing and the use of cadavers for anatomical purposes [BS1] in medical schools were common. The human oral microbiome is the second largest human microbiota, containing over 600 species of organisms. Dysbiosis of the oral microbiome can lead to the overgrowth of pathogenic species, resulting in illness and …
Temporal Discrimination Of Lucilia Sericata Pupae Using Dart- Tof-Ms And Statistical Analysis,
2024
Virginia Commonwealth University
Temporal Discrimination Of Lucilia Sericata Pupae Using Dart- Tof-Ms And Statistical Analysis, Nguyen-Khoa N. Pham
Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects
Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is a forensically important blow fly species. These flies have been extensively studied as they are one of the earliest colonizers of corpses. Adult females blow flies lay approximately 200-2,300 eggs, which upon hatching will feed off the body as they metamorphosize from first to second, and third instars. The third instar larvae then migrate away from the body in a stage known as pre-pupa, and develop into the puparial stage. The adults emerge from the pupa stage, leaving behind their empty puparium. These developmental stages are used by forensic entomologists to determine a minimum postmortem …
Quantitation And Visualization Of Epithelial Cells On Cartridge Cases,
2024
Virginia Commonwealth University
Quantitation And Visualization Of Epithelial Cells On Cartridge Cases, Paige Kibler, Christopher Ehrhardt, Katherine M. Philpott, Jody H. West, Stephanie Walcott
Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects
Fired cartridge cases are a common type of evidence submitted to forensic DNA profiling but are challenging to analyze because they usually contain only trace amounts of biological material. As such, there is a significant need in caseworking units for new screening techniques to determine if biological material is present and is in high enough quantity to attempt DNA profiling. The goal of this study was to test a new method for quickly visualizing biological material on cartridge cases. Biological deposits were created by handling fired and unfired cartridge cases through a series of conditions. The biological material was collected …
Further Optimization Of A Simplified Protocol For Tooth Sample Preparation For Analysis Using The Applied Biosystems™ Rapidhit™ Id Instrument,
2024
Virginia Commonwealth University
Further Optimization Of A Simplified Protocol For Tooth Sample Preparation For Analysis Using The Applied Biosystems™ Rapidhit™ Id Instrument, Yen H. Dang
Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects
Due to the destructive nature of mass casualty incidents (MCIs) or mass fatality events (MFEs), tooth samples are often one of the only viable sources for Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) because of the incredible integrity of the enamel layer surrounding the tooth. However, the resilient structure of the tooth requires harsh chemicals and a labor-intensive sample preparation protocol to ensure successful STR profile development. Considering this difficulty, one of the promising resolutions is the Applied Biosystems RapidHIT™ ID ID platform, which is a fully automated system that is designed to perform cell lysis, DNA isolation, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, …
Comparing Bone Histology, Topography, And Other Physical Attributes To The Presence Of Viable Dna After Interval Cremation,
2023
CUNY John Jay College
Comparing Bone Histology, Topography, And Other Physical Attributes To The Presence Of Viable Dna After Interval Cremation, Eldad Cano Jr
Student Theses
This research aims to compare the resulting characteristics caused by thermal exposure to bone samples – such as physical composition, microscopic histology, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis – to the qualitative and quantitative DNA analysis within the samples. By using kilns to cremate sus scrofa domesticus bone samples at five different temperatures, cortical and cancellous bones of the tibia, humerus, femur, and fibula will be analyzed and compared to determine any correlation with these factors and the presence of viable DNA. This contribution to research within the realm of forensic anthropology can grant a better understanding of how bone …
Who Owns Children’S Dna?,
2023
UC Davis School of Law
Who Owns Children’S Dna?, Nila Bala
Michigan Law Review
In recent years, DNA has become increasingly easy to collect, test, and sequence, making it far more accessible to law enforcement. While legal scholars have examined this phenomenon generally, this Article examines the control and use of children’s DNA, asking who ultimately owns children’s DNA. I explore two common ways parents—currently considered “owners” of children’s DNA— might turn over children’s DNA to law enforcement: (1) “consensual” searches and (2) direct-to-consumer testing. My fundamental thesis is that parental consent is an insufficient safeguard to protect a child’s DNA from law enforcement. At present, the law leaves parents in complete control of …
Dna Analysis: The Answer For Unsolved Cases?,
2023
Concordia University St. Paul
Dna Analysis: The Answer For Unsolved Cases?, Sarah Hetchler
Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Leadership
DNA analysis has become a crucial part of solving cases. It has developed significantly since its creation in the mid-1980s. The longing for answers within unsolved cases is historically lengthy, leaving traces of distrust and injustice. Criminologists offer a potential solution to the mess created by connecting DNA analysis to protect victims and communities. DNA evidence and analysis can assist in solving cases and provide answers for exonerees. Like public genealogy websites, law enforcement agencies must acknowledge new methods to solve issues. Not only could law enforcement agencies solve and arrest suspects through DNA analysis, but DNA could also provide …
Cheiloscopy Examination And Classification Of Lip Prints With And Without Parafunctional Oral Habits: A Cross-Sectional Observation Study,
2023
Old Dominion University
Cheiloscopy Examination And Classification Of Lip Prints With And Without Parafunctional Oral Habits: A Cross-Sectional Observation Study, Emily Smith Regan
Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations
Problem: Lip prints are unique and have potential for use as a human identifier. The purpose of this study was to observe possible cheiloscopy differences of individuals with and without parafunctional oral habits. Additionally, inter-rater reliability (IRR) of lip print examiners was observed. Methods: This IRB approved blinded cross-sectional observational study collected lip prints from sixty-six individuals using lipstick and adhesive tape to transfer lip prints to white bond paper for viewing purposes. Each set of included lip prints was divided into quadrants and dichotomized as those with or without an oral parafunctional habit. Each quadrant sample was manually analyzed …
Advancements In Technology Empower Loss Prevention Professionals In Security Investigations,
2023
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Advancements In Technology Empower Loss Prevention Professionals In Security Investigations, Alan Saquella
Publications
In recent years, the field of security investigations has witnessed a profound transformation, owing to the rapid integration of technology. Loss Prevention professionals have been at the forefront of this revolution, harnessing advanced tools and capabilities that have greatly enhanced their effectiveness in preventing and resolving criminal activities. This article explores how the use of technology, including drones, cameras, AI, video analytics, and intelligence software, has reshaped security investigations and how staying on the cutting edge of these advancements is crucial for the future of this field.
Quality Management And Oversight Of Texas Forensic Science Service Providers,
2023
CUNY Graduate Center
Quality Management And Oversight Of Texas Forensic Science Service Providers, Sarah P. Chu
Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects
Forensic science oversight in the U.S. largely relies upon voluntary third-party forensic laboratory accreditation programs. Without a national system of regulation and given the highly fragmented local systems of control, few forensic science service providers (FSSPs) are subject to regulatory oversight beyond their third-party accreditors. Texas is unique in its establishment of a robust statewide oversight system and a strong governmental culture of transparency, permitting this study of forensic quality management. This study consisted of two parts. The first part of this dissertation characterized and analyzed quality incident reports (QIRs) published by the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Laboratory …
Understanding The Use Of Artificial Intelligence In Cybercrime,
2023
Virginia Tech
Understanding The Use Of Artificial Intelligence In Cybercrime, Katalin Parti, Thomas Dearden, Sinyong Choi
International Journal of Cybersecurity Intelligence & Cybercrime
Artificial intelligence is one of the newest innovations which offenders exploit to satisfy their criminal desires. Although understanding cybercrime that is associated with this relatively new technology is essential in developing proper preventive measures, little has been done to examine this area. Therefore, this paper provides an overview of the two articles featured in the special issue of the International Journal of Cybersecurity Intelligence and Cybercrime, one about deepfakes in the metaverse and the other about social engineering attacks. The articles were written by the winners of the student paper competition at the 2023 International White Hat Conference.
Victimization By Deepfake In The Metaverse: Building A Practical Management Framework,
2023
Boston University
Victimization By Deepfake In The Metaverse: Building A Practical Management Framework, Julia Stavola, Kyung-Shick Choi
International Journal of Cybersecurity Intelligence & Cybercrime
Deepfake is digitally altered media aimed to deceive online users for political favor, monetary gain, extortion, and more. Deepfakes are the prevalent issues of impersonation, privacy, and fake news that cause substantial damage to individuals, groups, and organizations. The metaverse is an emerging 3-dimensional virtual platform led by AI and blockchain technology where users freely interact with each other. The purpose of this study is to identify the use of illicit deep fakes which can potentially contribute to cybercrime victimization in the metaverse. The data will be derived from expert interviews (n=8) and online open sources to design a framework …
Harnessing Large Language Models To Simulate Realistic Human Responses To Social Engineering Attacks: A Case Study,
2023
Cornell University
Harnessing Large Language Models To Simulate Realistic Human Responses To Social Engineering Attacks: A Case Study, Mohammad Asfour, Juan Carlos Murillo
International Journal of Cybersecurity Intelligence & Cybercrime
The research publication, “Generative Agents: Interactive Simulacra of Human Behavior,” by Stanford and Google in 2023 established that large language models (LLMs) such as GPT-4 can generate interactive agents with credible and emergent human-like behaviors. However, their application in simulating human responses in cybersecurity scenarios, particularly in social engineering attacks, remains unexplored. In addressing that gap, this study explores the potential of LLMs, specifically the Open AI GPT-4 model, to simulate a broad spectrum of human responses to social engineering attacks that exploit human social behaviors, framing our primary research question: How does the simulated behavior of human targets, based …
A Manual For The Recovery Of Cbrne (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, And Explosive) Contaminated Human Remains,
2023
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
A Manual For The Recovery Of Cbrne (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, And Explosive) Contaminated Human Remains, Patrick Barchett
Department of Anthropology: Theses and Student Research
Despite many international agreements and treaties prohibiting the use of CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive) weaponry, the proliferation of contaminated human remains displays the historic and continued use of inhumane war efforts. Due to the complications of recovery, contaminated human remains are often left unrecovered and unidentified. This thesis works to create a framework for the recovery of contaminated human remains for organizations with a focus on creating safe and sustainable working environments for those conducting the recovery. Much of this thesis assumes the remains are being recovered from interred mass graves. This thesis provides an introduction to …
Investigation Into The Utility Of The Submaxillary Gland Androgen-Regulated Protein 3b (Smr3b) As A Normalizing Factor In Oral Fluid,
2023
CUNY John Jay College
Investigation Into The Utility Of The Submaxillary Gland Androgen-Regulated Protein 3b (Smr3b) As A Normalizing Factor In Oral Fluid, Alejandro Ocampo
Student Theses
Oral fluid is a biological sample of increasing interest in clinical and forensic toxicology. This matrix is easy to obtain, it shows a low biohazard risk, and it reflects recent drug exposure. However, the interpretation of its quantitative values is limited, due to the high inter- and intraindividual variability. The investigation of normalization factors in this biological matrix may improve the interpretation value of oral fluid. This study investigated the potential of two signature peptides from the submaxillary gland androgen-regulated protein 3B (SMR3B) as normalization factors in oral fluid. SMR3B was digested in trypsin and the signature peptides SMR3B-1 and …
