The laboratory perspective: Confirming the integrity of fingermark enhancement reagents.

Validation is particularly important in forensic science. Each process utilised by a forensic laboratory will undergo validation to ensure it is functioning as expected. Some pieces of equipment (hardware) will be simple to validate, and this will be conducted regularly.

Differentiation of Body Fluid Stains Using a Portable, Low-Cost Ion Mobility Spectrometry Device-A Pilot Study.

The identification and recovery of suspected human biofluid evidence can present a bottleneck in the crime scene investigation workflow. Crime Scene Investigators typically deploy one of a number of presumptive enhancement reagents, depending on what they perceive an analyte to be; the selection of this reagent is largely based on the context of suspected evidence and their professional experience. Positively identified samples are then recovered to a forensic laboratory where confirmatory testing is carried out by large lab-based instruments, such as through mass-spectrometry-based techniques.

Evaluation of photometric stereo and elastomeric sensor imaging for the non-destructive 3D analysis of questioned documents - A pilot study.

Photometric Stereo and Elastomeric Sensor Imaging were assessed for measuring the 3-dimensional (3D) morphology of questioned document samples. Photometric stereo is shown to be a powerful non-contact technique for revealing micron level detail of the samples examined. Elastomeric Sensor Imaging is shown to complement photometric stereo by yielding equivalent results.

A preliminary investigation of a two-step, non-invasive process to determine chronological deposition order of fingerprints and printed ink on paper.

While traditional techniques have long allowed forensic investigators to positively identify fingermarks on documents of interest, understanding the chronological sequence of events that led to their deposition is still seen as a 'holy grail' for forensic examinations. By way of example, the question of whether a mark is above or below printed text is crucial. The work herein reveals that a novel application of a recently established fingermark development technique readily allows such differentiation.

Towards the protection of ammunition headstamps during fingermark enhancement processing; a preliminary study.

Forensic recovery from fired ammunition casings remains one of the most challenging tasks during high-profile investigations. Often, the decision must be made between screening for DNA or fingerprints, and, in doing so, the impact these processes will have on the examination of ballistic markings imparted on the ammunition from the firearm itself. Traditionally, fingermark enhancement processes have yielded low success rates in their efforts to identify suspects by enhancing friction ridge detail left on the cartridge casings.

Sub-surface characterisation of latest-generation identification documents using optical coherence tomography.

The identification of individuals, particularly at international border crossings, coupled with the evolving sophistication of identity documents are issues that authorities must contend with. Particularly, the ability to distinguish legitimate from counterfeit documents, with high throughput, sensitivity, and selectivity is an ever-evolving challenge. Over the last decade, an increasing number of security features have been introduced by authorities in identification documents.

Changing Wheat Bran Structural Properties by Extrusion-Cooking on a Pilot and Industrial Scale: A Comparative Study.

Extrusion-cooking can be used to change the techno-functional and nutrition-related properties of wheat bran. In this study, pilot-scale (BC21) and industrial-scale (BC45) twin-screw extrusion-cooking using different types of extrusion (single-pass, double-pass and acid extrusion-cooking) and process parameters (temperature, moisture) were compared for their impact on wheat bran. When applying the same process settings, the higher strong water-binding capacity, extract viscosity and extractability displayed by bran extruded using the industrial set-up reflected a more considerable wheat bran structure degradation compared to pilot-scale extrusion-cooking.

The Effect of Wet Milling and Cryogenic Milling on the Structure and Physicochemical Properties of Wheat Bran.

Wheat bran consumption is associated with several health benefits, but its incorporation into food products remains low because of sensory and technofunctional issues. Besides, its full beneficial potential is probably not achieved because of its recalcitrant nature and inaccessible structure. Particle size reduction can affect both technofunctional and nutrition-related properties.

Extrusion-Cooking Modifies Physicochemical and Nutrition-Related Properties of Wheat Bran.

The potential of extrusion-cooking to change the physicochemical characteristics of wheat bran, increase its nutritional value and decrease its recalcitrance towards fermentation was investigated in this study. The conditions in a twin-screw extruder were varied by changing screw configuration, moisture content and barrel temperature. The former was not previously investigated in studies on bran extrusion.

The importance of dark adaptation for forensic examinations; an evaluation of the Crime-lite Eye™.

Forensic practitioners are recommended to dark adapt their eyes prior to conducting evidential searches in the dark. The dark adaptation process remains poorly standardised across the discipline, with little quantified regarding the benefits of such preparative steps. Herein, we report the findings of a study that recruited 50 participants to assess the effectiveness of the Crime-lite Eye™, a darkness adaptation device developed to assist forensic practitioners both in the laboratory and in field.

Transforming presumptive forensic testing: identification and age estimation of human bodily fluids.

The ability to achieve rapid, identification and age estimation of human bodily fluids can provide valuable information during the investigation of a crime. A novel direct analysis method now permits the rapid identification and age estimation of human bodily fluids for forensic analysis at crime scenes. A thermal desorption surface sampling probe was developed and coupled with a compact mass spectrometer for the direct analysis of volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles of human bodily fluids within two months and in different environmental conditions, without the need for prior sample preparation.

The use of longwave reflected UV imaging for the enhancement of cyanoacrylate developed fingermarks: A simple, safe and effective imaging tool.

Longwave ultraviolet reflection (LWUVR) imaging is reported as a simple, safe and non-invasive technique that significantly aids in the visualisation of cyanoacrylate developed latent fingermarks. The process can precede traditional cyanoacrylate dye staining and often removes the necessity to use these chemical contrast reagents, saving time, cost and eliminating mess. The non-destructive nature of the process and high resolution images that are obtained, builds upon issues that surround shorter-wavelength UV imaging.

Sequential processing strategies for fingermark visualisation on uncirculated £10 (Bank of England) polymer banknotes.

An investigation was undertaken to assess the relative effectiveness of five fingermark visualisation process sequences on new, uncirculated £10 polymer banknotes from the Bank of England (BoE). Each sequence was challenged with the visualisation of 64 natural fingermarks on eight banknotes, of which half were aged for 2-3days and half were aged for 12-13days (32 donors contributed in each set). The sequences investigated were; After each process was applied, fingermark development was assessed under primary viewing conditions appropriate to the technique (white light or fluorescence).

Perspective: A Definition for Whole-Grain Food Products-Recommendations from the Healthgrain Forum.

Whole grains are a key component of a healthy diet, and enabling consumers to easily choose foods with a high whole-grain content is an important step for better prevention of chronic disease. Several definitions exist for whole-grain foods, yet these do not account for the diversity of food products that contain cereals. With the goal of creating a relatively simple whole-grain food definition that aligns with whole-grain intake recommendations and can be applied across all product categories, the Healthgrain Forum, a not-for-profit consortium of academics and industry working with cereal foods, established a working group to gather input from academics and industry to develop guidance on labeling the whole-grain content of foods.

The adaptation of a 360° camera utilising an alternate light source (ALS) for the detection of biological fluids at crime scenes.

One of the most important and commonly encountered evidence types that can be recovered at crime scenes are biological fluids. Due to the ephemeral nature of biological fluids and the valuable DNA that they can contain, it is fundamental that these are documented extensively and recovered rapidly. Locating and identifying biological fluids can prove a challenging task but can aid in reconstructing a sequence of events.

DNA recovery from latent fingermarks treated with an infrared fluorescent fingerprint powder.

The effect of the infrared fluorescent fingermark visualisation powder, fpNatural 1™, on the recovery of both the quantity and quality of touch DNA from fingerprints deposited on glass slides, was investigated using qPCR and STR typing. Four donors each deposited replicate marks, which were either left untreated (n=5) or treated by dusting with fpNatural 1™ (n=5). Each sample was swabbed using the double swab technique, before being extracted using the EZNA Forensic DNA kit and then DNA quantitated before being subjected to DNA profile analysis.

Physicochemical properties and starch digestibility of whole grain sorghums, millet, quinoa and amaranth flours, as affected by starch and non-starch constituents.

Minor grains such as sorghum, millet, quinoa and amaranth can be alternatives to wheat and corn as ingredients for whole grain and gluten-free products. In this study, influences of starch structures and other grain constituents on physicochemical properties and starch digestibility of whole flours made from these grains were investigated. Starches were classified into two groups according to their amylopectin branch chain-length: (i) quinoa, amaranth, wheat (shorter chains); and (ii) sorghum, millet, corn (longer chains).

Sunlight-activated near-infrared phosphorescence as a viable means of latent fingermark visualisation.

The chromium-doped zinc gallogermanate, ZnGaGeO:0.5%Cr, was prepared and modified for use as a near-infrared (NIR) luminescent fingerprint dusting powder. The optical properties of this material are illustrated and have been shown to offer versatility and promise in terms of overcoming troublesome backgrounds during latent fingermark examination and imaging.

Fingermark visualisation on uncirculated £5 (Bank of England) polymer notes: Initial process comparison studies.

Experiments were conducted to investigate the effectiveness of a range of fingermark visualisation processes on brand new, uncirculated, £5 polymer banknotes (and their test note predecessors), as produced by the Bank of England (BoE). In the main study of this paper, a total of 14 individual processes were investigated on BoE £5 polymer banknotes, which included both 'Category A' processes (as recommended in the Home Office Fingermark Visualisation Manual) as well as recently developed processes, including fpNatural 2 powder (cuprorivaite) from Foster+Freeman and a vacuum metal deposition sequence that evaporates silver followed by zinc. Results from this preliminary investigation indicate that fpNatural 2, multimetal deposition, Wet Powder Black, iron oxide powder suspension and black magnetic powder are the most effective processes on these uncirculated £5 BoE polymer banknotes, when viewed under "primary viewing" conditions (white light or fluorescence).

Visualisation of latent fingermarks on polymer banknotes using copper vacuum metal deposition: A preliminary study.

The UK's recent move to polymer banknotes has seen some of the currently used fingermark enhancement techniques for currency potentially become redundant, due to the surface characteristics of the polymer substrates. Possessing a non-porous surface with some semi-porous properties, alternate processes are required for polymer banknotes. This preliminary investigation explored the recovery of fingermarks from polymer notes via vacuum metal deposition using elemental copper.

NIR-NIR fluorescence: A new genre of fingermark visualisation techniques.

A preliminary study reveals that finely divided cuprorivaite powder may be used to efficiently develop and subsequently image latent fingermarks across a range of highly patterned, coloured non-porous and semi-porous substrates using near infrared illumination and imaging. Problematic multi-coloured backgrounds provide very little interference under the illumination conditions used, and invoked fluorescence observed, when using this material. This is the first reported example of a NIR-NIR fluorophore for use within latent fingermark visualisation and offers the potential for application at the scene and in the laboratory.

Seeing into the infrared: a novel IR fluorescent fingerprint powder.

A preliminary study demonstrates that latent fingermarks across a range of highly patterned, coloured non-porous and semi-porous substrates may be clearly developed and imaged in the near infrared following a simple dusting method using finely divided spirulina platensis powder, a naturally occurring, non-toxic algae, used widely within the food industry. Troublesome printed/multicoloured backgrounds show less interference with the fluorescence observed using this material, unlike conventional luminescent powders which fluoresce in the visible spectrum alongside the background to which they are applied. The material shows promise for use both in the field and in the laboratory.

The recovery of latent text from thermal paper using a simple iodine treatment procedure.

Faded, or actively removed text on thermally printed paper samples may be enhanced and retrieved through the use of a simple iodine fuming procedure. The recovery of printed documentation evidence in this fashion is neither affected by prior fingerprint enhancement techniques (such as ninhydrin or DFO), nor by sample age. This method allows, for the first time, evidence to be obtained from completely faded thermal paper samples (receipts, for example) as well as allowing deliberately removed printed text (a consequence of solvent washing pre-treatment in latent fingerprint enhancement procedures) to be recovered.

Fingerprint and inkjet-trace imaging using disulfur dinitride.

Exposure of fingerprints to S(2)N(2) vapour results in the prints being visually imaged by polymeric (SN)(x) on an unprecedented range of media; in addition, the polymer forms in response to the interaction of S(2)N(2) with traces of inkjet inks, for example the minute amounts left by the contact between printed paper and an envelope.