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23 pages, 22920 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Utilizing Drone-Based Ground-Penetrating Radar for Crime Investigations in Localizing and Identifying Clandestine Graves

by Louise Lijcklama à Nijeholt, Tasha Yara Kronshorst, Kees van Teeffelen, Benjamin van Manen, Roeland Emaus, Jaap Knotter and Abeje Mersha

Sensors 2023, 23(16), 7119; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23167119 - 11 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2925

Abstract

The decomposition of a body is influenced by burial conditions, making it crucial to understand the impact of different conditions for accurate grave detection. Geophysical techniques using drones have gained popularity in locating clandestine graves, offering non-invasive methods for detecting surface and subsurface [...] Read more.

The decomposition of a body is influenced by burial conditions, making it crucial to understand the impact of different conditions for accurate grave detection. Geophysical techniques using drones have gained popularity in locating clandestine graves, offering non-invasive methods for detecting surface and subsurface irregularities. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is an effective technology for identifying potential grave locations without disturbance. This research aimed to prototype a drone system integrating GPR to assist in grave localization and to develop software for data management. Initial experiments compared GPR with other technologies, demonstrating its valuable applicability. It is suitable for various decomposition stages and soil types, although certain soil compositions have limitations. The research used the DJI M600 Pro drone and a drone-based GPR system enhanced by the real-time kinematic (RTK) global positioning system (GPS) for precision and autonomy. Tests with simulated graves and cadavers validated the system’s performance, evaluating optimal altitude, speed, and obstacle avoidance techniques. Furthermore, global and local planning algorithms ensured efficient and obstacle-free flight paths. The results highlighted the potential of the drone-based GPR system in locating clandestine graves while minimizing disturbance, contributing to the development of effective tools for forensic investigations and crime scene analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Analysis and Sensing at the (Crime) Scene or Location of Interest)

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10 pages, 1920 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Towards Onsite Age Estimation of Semen Stains Using Fluorescence Spectroscopy

by Nihad Achetib, Caren C. Leemberg, Mathijs M. P. Geurts, Paul R. Bloemen, Richard M. van den Elzen, Maurice C. G. Aalders and Annemieke van Dam

Sensors 2023, 23(13), 6148; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23136148 - 4 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2086

Abstract

The age estimation of biological traces is one of the holy grails in forensic investigations. We developed a method for the age estimation of semen stains using fluorescence spectroscopy in conjunction with a stoichiometric ageing model. The model describes the degradation and generation [...] Read more.

The age estimation of biological traces is one of the holy grails in forensic investigations. We developed a method for the age estimation of semen stains using fluorescence spectroscopy in conjunction with a stoichiometric ageing model. The model describes the degradation and generation rate of proteins and fluorescent oxidation products (FOX) over time. The previously used fluorimeter is a large benchtop device and requires system optimization for forensic applications. In situ applications have the advantage that measurements can be performed directly at the crime scene, without additional sampling or storage steps. Therefore, a portable fiber-based fluorimeter was developed, consisting of two optimized light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and two spectrometers to allow the fluorescence protein and FOX measurements. The handheld fiber can be used without touching the traces, avoiding the destruction or contamination of the trace. In this study, we have measured the ageing kinetics of semen stains over time using both our portable fluorimeter and a laboratory benchtop fluorimeter and compared their accuracies for the age estimation of semen stains. Successful age estimation was possible up to 11 days, with a mean absolute error of 1.0 days and 0.9 days for the portable and the benchtop fluorimeters, respectively. These results demonstrate the potential of using the portable fluorimeter for in situ applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Analysis and Sensing at the (Crime) Scene or Location of Interest)

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10 pages, 3441 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of a Commercial Electronic Nose Based on Carbon Nanotube Chemiresistors

by Ruud Peters, Niels Beijer, Bauke van ‘t Hul, Brigitte Bruijns, Sandra Munniks and Jaap Knotter

Sensors 2023, 23(11), 5302; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23115302 - 2 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2358

Abstract

Recently a hand-held, carbon-nanotube-based electronic nose became available on the market. Such an electronic nose could be interesting for applications in the food industry, health monitoring, environmental monitoring, and security services. However, not much is known about the performance of such an electronic [...] Read more.

Recently a hand-held, carbon-nanotube-based electronic nose became available on the market. Such an electronic nose could be interesting for applications in the food industry, health monitoring, environmental monitoring, and security services. However, not much is known about the performance of such an electronic nose. In a series of measurements, the instrument was exposed to low ppm vapor concentrations of four volatile organic compounds with different scent profiles and polarities. Detection limits, linearity of response, repeatability, reproducibility, and scent patterns were determined. The results indicate detection limits in the range of 0.1–0.5 ppm and a linear signal response in the range of 0.5–8.0 ppm. The repeatability of the scent patterns at compound concentrations of 2 ppm allowed the identification of the tested volatiles based on their scent pattern. However, the reproducibility was not sufficient, since different scent profiles were produced on different measurement days. In addition, it was noted that the response of the instrument diminished over time (over several months) possibly by sensor poisoning. The latter two aspects limit the use of the current instrument and make future improvements necessary. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Analysis and Sensing at the (Crime) Scene or Location of Interest)

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15 pages, 2081 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Introducing a Rapid DNA Analysis Procedure for Crime Scene Samples Outside of the Laboratory—A Field Experiment

by Rosanne de Roo, Anna Mapes, Merel van Cooten, Britt van Hooff, Sander Kneppers, Bas Kokshoorn, Thalassa Valkenburg and Christianne de Poot

Sensors 2023, 23(8), 4153; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23084153 - 21 Apr 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5549

Abstract

Technological innovations enable rapid DNA analysis implementation possibilities. Concordantly, rapid DNA devices are being used in practice. However, the effects of implementing rapid DNA technologies in the crime scene investigation procedure have only been evaluated to a limited extent. In this study a [...] Read more.

Technological innovations enable rapid DNA analysis implementation possibilities. Concordantly, rapid DNA devices are being used in practice. However, the effects of implementing rapid DNA technologies in the crime scene investigation procedure have only been evaluated to a limited extent. In this study a field experiment was set up comparing 47 real crime scene cases following a rapid DNA analysis procedure outside of the laboratory (decentral), with 50 cases following the regular DNA analysis procedure at the forensic laboratory. The impact on duration of the investigative process, and on the quality of the analyzed trace results (97 blood and 38 saliva traces) was measured. The results of the study show that the duration of the investigation process has been significantly reduced in cases where the decentral rapid DNA procedure was deployed, compared to cases where the regular procedure was used. Most of the delay in the regular process lies in the procedural steps during the police investigation, not in the DNA analysis, which highlights the importance of an effective work process and having sufficient capacity available. This study also shows that rapid DNA techniques are less sensitive than regular DNA analysis equipment. The device used in this study was only to a limited extent suitable for the analysis of saliva traces secured at the crime scene and can mainly be used for the analysis of visible blood traces with an expected high DNA quantity of a single donor. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Analysis and Sensing at the (Crime) Scene or Location of Interest)

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17 pages, 2971 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rapid and On-Scene Chemical Identification of Intact Explosives with Portable Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Multivariate Data Analysis

by Irene M. van Damme, Pol Mestres-Fitó, Henk-Jan Ramaker, Annemieke W. C. Hulsbergen, Antoine E. D. M. van der Heijden, Ruben F. Kranenburg and Arian C. van Asten

Sensors 2023, 23(8), 3804; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23083804 - 7 Apr 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3324

Abstract

There is an ongoing forensic and security need for rapid, on-scene, easy-to-use, non-invasive chemical identification of intact energetic materials at pre-explosion crime scenes. Recent technological advances in instrument miniaturization, wireless transfer and cloud storage of digital data, and multivariate data analysis have created [...] Read more.

There is an ongoing forensic and security need for rapid, on-scene, easy-to-use, non-invasive chemical identification of intact energetic materials at pre-explosion crime scenes. Recent technological advances in instrument miniaturization, wireless transfer and cloud storage of digital data, and multivariate data analysis have created new and very promising options for the use of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy in forensic science. This study shows that in addition to drugs of abuse, portable NIR spectroscopy with multivariate data analysis also offers excellent opportunities to identify intact energetic materials and mixtures. NIR is able to characterize a broad range of chemicals of interest in forensic explosive investigations, covering both organic and inorganic compounds. NIR characterization of actual forensic casework samples convincingly shows that this technique can handle the chemical diversity encountered in forensic explosive investigations. The detailed chemical information contained in the 1350–2550 nm NIR reflectance spectrum allows for correct compound identification within a given class of energetic materials, including nitro-aromatics, nitro-amines, nitrate esters, and peroxides. In addition, the detailed characterization of mixtures of energetic materials, such as plastic formulations containing PETN (pentaerythritol tetranitrate) and RDX (trinitro triazinane), is feasible. The results presented illustrate that the NIR spectra of energetic compounds and mixtures are sufficiently selective to prevent false-positive results for a broad range of food-related products, household chemicals, raw materials used for the production of home-made explosives, drugs of abuse, and products that are sometimes used to create hoax improvised explosive devices. However, for frequently encountered pyrotechnic mixtures, such as black powder, flash powder, and smokeless powder, and some basic inorganic raw materials, the application of NIR spectroscopy remains challenging. Another challenge is presented by casework samples of contaminated, aged, and degraded energetic materials or poor-quality HMEs (home-made explosives), for which the spectral signature deviates significantly from the reference spectra, potentially leading to false-negative outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Analysis and Sensing at the (Crime) Scene or Location of Interest)

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19 pages, 14986 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Contactless Size Reference in Forensic Photography—Design and Verification of the Novel FreeRef-1 System

by Luuk A. H. Schiks, Maura Cook, Laurentius R. Lipman, Arjan P. van Dijke, Kim Hutchinson, Paul van den Hoven and Arjo J. Loeve

Sensors 2023, 23(8), 3790; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23083790 - 7 Apr 2023

Viewed by 2306

Abstract

In photographs of evidence in forensic investigations, physical size references (e.g., rulers or stickers) are often placed next to a trace to allow us to take measurements from photos. However, this is laborious and introduces contamination risks. The FreeRef-1 system is a contactless [...] Read more.

In photographs of evidence in forensic investigations, physical size references (e.g., rulers or stickers) are often placed next to a trace to allow us to take measurements from photos. However, this is laborious and introduces contamination risks. The FreeRef-1 system is a contactless size reference system that allows us to take forensic photographs without having to be close to the evidence, and allows photographing under large angles without losing accuracy. The FreeRef-1 system performance was assessed using technical verification tests, inter-observer checks and user tests with forensic professionals. The results show that the measurements taken with photos using the FreeRef-1 system were at least as accurate as those taken using conventional techniques. Furthermore, with the FreeRef-1 system, even photographs taken under strongly oblique angles provided accurate measurements. The results suggest that the FreeRef-1 system will facilitate photographing evidence even in hard-to-reach places, such as under tables and on walls and ceilings, while increasing the accuracy and speed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Analysis and Sensing at the (Crime) Scene or Location of Interest)

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Review

Jump to: Research

16 pages, 3834 KiB

Open AccessReview

Use of Lateral Flow Assays in Forensics

by Brigitte Bruijns, Roald Tiggelaar, Jaap Knotter and Annemieke van Dam

Sensors 2023, 23(13), 6201; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23136201 - 6 Jul 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2822

Abstract

Already for some decades lateral flow assays (LFAs) are ‘common use’ devices in our daily life. Also, for forensic use LFAs are developed, such as for the analysis of illicit drugs and DNA, but also for the detection of explosives and body fluid [...] Read more.

Already for some decades lateral flow assays (LFAs) are ‘common use’ devices in our daily life. Also, for forensic use LFAs are developed, such as for the analysis of illicit drugs and DNA, but also for the detection of explosives and body fluid identification. Despite their advantages, including ease-of-use, LFAs are not yet frequently applied at a crime scene. This review describes (academic) developments of LFAs for forensic applications, focusing on biological and chemical applications, whereby the main advantages and disadvantages of LFAs for the different forensic applications are summarized. Additionally, a critical review is provided, discussing why LFAs are not frequently applied within the forensic field and highlighting the steps that are needed to bring LFAs to the forensic market. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Analysis and Sensing at the (Crime) Scene or Location of Interest)

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38 pages, 7124 KiB

Open AccessReview

On the Application of Microfluidic-Based Technologies in Forensics: A Review

by Hanieh Bazyar

Sensors 2023, 23(13), 5856; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23135856 - 24 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3232

Abstract

Microfluidic technology is a powerful tool to enable the rapid, accurate, and on-site analysis of forensically relevant evidence on a crime scene. This review paper provides a summary on the application of this technology in various forensic investigation fields spanning from forensic serology [...] Read more.

Microfluidic technology is a powerful tool to enable the rapid, accurate, and on-site analysis of forensically relevant evidence on a crime scene. This review paper provides a summary on the application of this technology in various forensic investigation fields spanning from forensic serology and human identification to discriminating and analyzing diverse classes of drugs and explosives. Each aspect is further explained by providing a short summary on general forensic workflow and investigations for body fluid identification as well as through the analysis of drugs and explosives. Microfluidic technology, including fabrication methodologies, materials, and working modules, are touched upon. Finally, the current shortcomings on the implementation of the microfluidic technology in the forensic field are discussed along with the future perspectives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Analysis and Sensing at the (Crime) Scene or Location of Interest)

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21 pages, 15394 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Systematic Review on Commercially Available Integrated Systems for Forensic DNA Analysis

by Brigitte Bruijns, Jaap Knotter and Roald Tiggelaar

Sensors 2023, 23(3), 1075; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23031075 - 17 Jan 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4630

Abstract

This systematic review describes and discusses three commercially available integrated systems for forensic DNA analysis, i.e., ParaDNA, RapidHIT, and ANDE. A variety of aspects, such as performance, time-to-result, ease-of-use, portability, and costs (per analysis run) of these three (modified) rapid DNA analysis systems, [...] Read more.

This systematic review describes and discusses three commercially available integrated systems for forensic DNA analysis, i.e., ParaDNA, RapidHIT, and ANDE. A variety of aspects, such as performance, time-to-result, ease-of-use, portability, and costs (per analysis run) of these three (modified) rapid DNA analysis systems, are considered. Despite their advantages and developmental progress, major steps still have to be made before rapid systems can be broadly applied at crime scenes for full DNA profiling. Aspects in particular that need (further) improvement are portability, performance, the possibility to analyze a (wider) variety of (complex) forensic samples, and (cartridge) costs. Moreover, steps forward regarding ease-of-use and time-to-result will benefit the broader use of commercial rapid DNA systems. In fact, it would be a profit if rapid DNA systems could be used for full DNA profile generation as well as indicative analyses that can give direction to forensic investigators which will speed up investigations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Analysis and Sensing at the (Crime) Scene or Location of Interest)

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