Predictive Analytics and Risk Assessment: A Logical Response to Intimate Partner Homicide

Lee E. Ross*

Rapid Detection, Virtualization, and Photographing of Latent Dry Saliva Stains on Difficult Surfaces: A Field-Based Approach Using a Portable Laser Device (447 nm)

John Zheng Wang*

Rapid detection and visualization of human saliva stains is one of the challenging tasks in forensic cases, such as murder, rape, sexual assault, and child abuse. A more challenging question is to detect dry saliva stains from certain difficult surfaces, e.g. kitchen paper towels, bitten apples, or bath towels because these item surfaces are considered as absorptive, textured, and fragile materials, rendering saliva either to be evaporated or soaked quickly. The forensic value of such an attempted method lies in the fact that once saliva is detected and visualized, the sampling area can be swapped for a DNA identification. Therefore, a novel examination approach is much needed for both field and lab applications. In this paper, a quasi-experimental study was reported to detect, visualize, and photograph latent dry saliva stains on a piece of kitchen paper towel, a bitten apple, and a piece of bath towel using a new brand of a laser detector (447 nm). The preliminary results indicated that the laser method could produce a high quality of images of saliva existence almost simultaneously. Further, the portable laser device allows for a non-destructive, non-contact, and non-invasive examination. In sum, this work progresses toward the ultimate goal of rapidly detecting and visualizing human saliva on difficult surfaces in a real-time manner that would otherwise remain undetected using other traditional development methods.

Fingerprint Geometric Analysis

Andres J. Washington
Department of Forensic Medicine and Deontology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University

A Rare Case of Death Caused by Memorial Structure: Discussion for Prevention

Aleksandar Apostolov*

This article presents a case study examining how a notion of safety provision must come to be considered by Bulgarian municipal cemetery managers in relation to memorial structures. It aims in assisting analysis of the primary processes by which safety guidance is discussed and integrated within the authorities in management of the memorial parks environment. A case of death from compression of a woman’s body by a memorial structure and consecutive forensic medical examination at the Department of Forensic Medicine at University Hospital „Aleksandrovska” – Sofia, Bulgaria is presented. Consideration of literature references on the topic of policy and law impositions in Bulgaria and the European Union member states are also taken into account. In conclusion, the article implies that a simple proclamation of rules and guidance concerning memorial safety should be negotiated and accepted by public authorities as good practice.

Requirement of Consent to DNA Testing: A Case for Reform in Nigeria