Traditionally, pre-contact Native Americans have served as a biological reference for identifying modern Asian individuals in aspects of the biological profile due to their distantly shared genetic history, although this assumption remains largely untested. This study explores the craniomorphic variability between Asian and Asian-derived groups to ascertain whether they can be differentiated using population-specific models. Cranial and mandibular nonmetric trait data were recorded on pre-contact Native Americans (n=150) and compared within a statistical framework to cranial trait data for modern Thai (n=150) and Japanese (n=150) individuals. Chi-square analyses indicate that the groups exhibit statistically significant differences in their trait expressions. Of the 35 traits analyzed, 31 differ significantly between the groups. Binary logistic regression equations for differentiating the Japanese, Thai, and Native Americans are presented, and cross-validated correct classification rates range 60.0-90.0%. Further, the inclusion of sex into the logistic regression equations failed to improve their accuracies. The results indicate that the Native American and Asian groups are not skeletally homogenous due to divergent population histories, and that numerous cranial and mandibular nonmetric traits are resolute enough to detect differences within and between Asian and Asian-derived groups. Thus, this study highlights the utility of nonmetric traits in identifying individuals beyond the traditional African (“Black”), (“White”), and Asian groupings.

A reliable and robust laboratory method is essential for the forensic analysis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), particularly for low-template samples. Electropherogram peak heights are important to the identification of STR alleles, and these peak heights are prone to error. Since error can be introduced into the process during sample preparation, quantification, amplification, or analysis, validation studies are performed in an attempt to characterize the signal variation associated with the process. While current practices assess aspects of a method, such as sensitivity and reproducibility, the effects of daily laboratory alterations are often not considered. Additionally, samples used in a validation study may be prepared using serial dilutions. Therefore, understanding the extent to which error is propagated through the series and the effect it has on the results could help improve validation practices. This work aimed to assess the effect daily laboratory modifications have on the signal in a forensic electropherogram. Specifically, the variability in signal when different capillary and amplification kit lots were used was evaluated against the variability observed when a single sample was either injected or amplified multiple times. The variability was determined via the examination of peak heights, peak height ratios, stutter, and drop-out. The effect of serially diluting samples was examined via an in silico model of the dilution process, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and capillary injection. The peak heights from simulated serially diluted samples using the concentration of a stock DNA were compared to the peak heights from simulated samples that were quantified after the dilution series was generated and prior to amplification. The different capillary lots and amplifications were found to result in greater variation compared to the multiple injections. Additionally, when the stutter percentages obtained from using multiple kit lots were compared to those obtained using the same kit lot, differences in stutter percentage deviations resulted in different stutter thresholds. Drop-out rates were also different between the samples amplified with one kit versus the same samples amplified with multiple kit lots. Therefore, at a minimum, multiple amplifications should be run on multiple capillary lots during validation. Further, if available, the use of multiple kit lots is recommended, particularly in cases where stutter thresholds or drop-out models are used during interpretation. Creating validation samples via serial dilutions was also found to increase the variation observed in peak height in the simulated samples, suggesting that samples should be quantified post-dilution. In addition to characterizing the variability of several components of DNA analysis, an alternative quantification method was investigated in order to decrease the overall variability associated with the quantification process. This work sought to develop an electrochemical biosensor using a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) probe chemically adsorbed to a gold electrode. This would allow for the direct quantification of DNA and eliminate the need for qPCR and fluorescent-based oligonucleotide detection systems. The DNA probe was successfully adsorbed to the surface of the gold disk electrode, hybridized to a single-stranded complementary DNA sequence, and detected using square wave voltammetry. Additionally, the ability to control the amount of DNA chemisorbed to the electrode surface was investigated by varying the incubation time in the probe solution. The measured current increased as the incubation time increased from 15 minutes to one hour, after which it plateaued. The use of an electrochemical biosensor is a promising alternative to qPCR for the quantification of DNA, with one hour being the optimal incubation time in the probe solution.

The present study involves a multivariate assessment of the success of evidence recovery by searchers from various backgrounds and skill levels. Volunteers representing four experience levels (civilian volunteers, first year forensic anthropology graduate students, second year forensic anthropology graduate students, and first responders) conducted line searches of mock crime scenes, flagging items of forensic significance with pin flags. The groups were then briefly trained in human skeletal remains recovery, and implemented this training through a second set of mock scene searches. Recovery rates were compared across pre- and post-training trials and across searcher groups in order to determine the influence of searcher training and experience on search success. The results of this study reveal not only the percentage of evidence that was recovered by search teams, but exhibits the degree to which experience and training played a role in evidence recovery.

We present an unusual example of multiple mesosternal foramina (MMF). The alignment of the paired defects is unlike any previously described. Although single sternal defects are often encountered, paired defects are quite uncommon. This is the first documented example of bilateral paired defects in the sternum.

While side-scan sonar has become a valuable geophysical tool for forensic water searches, controlled research is paramount to determine the best practices for searches in aquatic environments as it provides a structured environment in which to investigate variables that influence the effectiveness of the technology and provides valuable experience for sonar operators. The purpose of this research is to conduct controlled research in order to evaluate the applicability of side-scan sonar to searches involving submerged firearms and proxy cadavers. In addition, the best practices for employing this technology in forensic searches in freshwater ponds and lakes in a humid, subtropical environment in Central Florida would be developed. Five street-level firearms were submerged in a pond, and two sets of three pig carcasses (Sus scrofa), utilized as proxies for human bodies, were staked to the bottom of a pond for this research. Transects were conducted over the firearms and the pig carcasses utilizing side-scan sonar. The first set of pig carcasses represented a child size (30-32 kg) and the second set a small adult size (51-54 kg). Results show that firearms were not detected due to the terrain and small size. However, this technology successfully located small to medium-sized proxy carcasses on a flat, sandy lake bottom when experienced operators were conducting the search. Conversely, vegetation obscured submerged bodies. While the smaller carcasses were difficult to detect throughout the data collection, medium-sized carcasses were easily discerned. Moreover, the medium-sized carcasses decomposed at the same rate as previous studies and were visible throughout each stage of decomposition. Finally, employing a 900 kHz frequency with a 20 m swath-width provided the best search parameters. Therefore, in the appropriate conditions, iv side-scan sonar is an effective tool for locating submerged bodies in freshwater lakes and ponds in a humid, subtropical environment.

This dissertation consists of five chapters, each of which focuses on various aspects of the forensic discipline of Firearms and Toolmarks. This dissertation for the most part attempts to highlight the exposure of projectiles to blood and the degradation over time of the fine detail, which is necessary for microscopic examination. This study should be of interest to students and qualified role-players in forensic science, the criminal justice system, the law community and the general population globally. Chapter 1 identifies the research problem and the necessary steps that were taken to ensure that the research methodol.ogy applied is relevant and reliable. Chapter 2 focuses on various factors that have to be considered in damage to bullets and investigation procedures that should be followed to ensure that physical evidence is preserved for submitting to a forensic science laboratory. Chapter 3 investigates the degradation effects of fired bullets exposed to various materials in a laboratory environment and the timelines associated with the degradation effects. Chapter 4 evaluates the examination procedures for fired bullets and the contributing factors that may influence the striation marks on bullets needed for microscopic examination. It also examines the scientific method used for firearm identification, and explores the admissibility of physical evidence in a court of law. The final chapter, Chapter 5 discusses the findings and recommendation of this research study. / Criminology / M. Tech. (Forensic Investigation)

Forensic accountants are occasionally called upon to assist in criminal law proceedings. The role of the forensic accountant in such proceedings is usually determined during the engagement of the forensic investigation to assist in the matter under investigation. During such investigations, various investigation techniques may be utilised by the forensic accountant in order to convey the facts and findings of the forensic investigation in a written report, drafted by the forensic accountant. When criminal prosecutions are instituted and the forensic accountant is called upon to act as an expert witness, such evidence is mostly based on the findings of the written report. Thus, in giving evidence, the forensic accountant must ensure that the testimony and evidence will be admissible in court and that the forensic accountant is found to be a credible witness. Although there are various legal standards that the forensic accountant must adhere to, the ICFP, which is the South African regulatory body for commercial forensic practitioners, is still in its infancy and has as yet not set any standards with which forensic accountants must comply with when assisting in criminal investigations or drafting written reports. The objective of this study is to highlight the role of the forensic accountant in criminal law proceedings. This objective is reached by clarification of the following: • the difference between a forensic accountant and an auditor; • the techniques available to the forensic accountant when conducting a forensic investigation; • the standards with which a forensic accountant‘s report should comply; and • the forensic accountant‘s role in testimony. The study illustrates the difference between a forensic accountant and an auditor and suggests a definition for a forensic accountant. The study furthermore explores various techniques that the forensic accountant may utilise during the investigation. The study also analyses the legal standards with which a forensic accountant must comply in order to ensure the admissibility of the written report and its findings. In order to achieve this, international regulatory standards applicable to forensic accountants are analysed and discussed. Finally, the role of the forensic accountant in court proceedings is examined. The illustrations in this study will be helpful in determining standards that could be implemented in South Africa to guide forensic accountants in their role in criminal law proceedings. / Thesis (MCom (Forensic accountancy))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Forensic accountants are occasionally called upon to assist in criminal law proceedings. The role of the forensic accountant in such proceedings is usually determined during the engagement of the forensic investigation to assist in the matter under investigation. During such investigations, various investigation techniques may be utilised by the forensic accountant in order to convey the facts and findings of the forensic investigation in a written report, drafted by the forensic accountant. When criminal prosecutions are instituted and the forensic accountant is called upon to act as an expert witness, such evidence is mostly based on the findings of the written report. Thus, in giving evidence, the forensic accountant must ensure that the testimony and evidence will be admissible in court and that the forensic accountant is found to be a credible witness. Although there are various legal standards that the forensic accountant must adhere to, the ICFP, which is the South African regulatory body for commercial forensic practitioners, is still in its infancy and has as yet not set any standards with which forensic accountants must comply with when assisting in criminal investigations or drafting written reports. The objective of this study is to highlight the role of the forensic accountant in criminal law proceedings. This objective is reached by clarification of the following: • the difference between a forensic accountant and an auditor; • the techniques available to the forensic accountant when conducting a forensic investigation; • the standards with which a forensic accountant‘s report should comply; and • the forensic accountant‘s role in testimony. The study illustrates the difference between a forensic accountant and an auditor and suggests a definition for a forensic accountant. The study furthermore explores various techniques that the forensic accountant may utilise during the investigation. The study also analyses the legal standards with which a forensic accountant must comply in order to ensure the admissibility of the written report and its findings. In order to achieve this, international regulatory standards applicable to forensic accountants are analysed and discussed. Finally, the role of the forensic accountant in court proceedings is examined. The illustrations in this study will be helpful in determining standards that could be implemented in South Africa to guide forensic accountants in their role in criminal law proceedings. / Thesis (MCom (Forensic accountancy))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

This dissertation consists of five chapters, each of which focuses on various aspects of the forensic discipline of Firearms and Toolmarks. This dissertation for the most part attempts to highlight the exposure of projectiles to blood and the degradation over time of the fine detail, which is necessary for microscopic examination. This study should be of interest to students and qualified role-players in forensic science, the criminal justice system, the law community and the general population globally. Chapter 1 identifies the research problem and the necessary steps that were taken to ensure that the research methodol.ogy applied is relevant and reliable. Chapter 2 focuses on various factors that have to be considered in damage to bullets and investigation procedures that should be followed to ensure that physical evidence is preserved for submitting to a forensic science laboratory. Chapter 3 investigates the degradation effects of fired bullets exposed to various materials in a laboratory environment and the timelines associated with the degradation effects. Chapter 4 evaluates the examination procedures for fired bullets and the contributing factors that may influence the striation marks on bullets needed for microscopic examination. It also examines the scientific method used for firearm identification, and explores the admissibility of physical evidence in a court of law. The final chapter, Chapter 5 discusses the findings and recommendation of this research study. / Criminology and Security Science / M. Tech. (Forensic Investigation)

Positive identification of a deceased individual is one of the major aspects of modem forensic death investigations. Incomplete or fragmented skeletal remains pose a problem for identification because the normal methods forensic anthropologists employ for compiling a biological profile of the decedent are of no use. Ancestry is an important aspect of the biological profile that, when known, can help narrow the focus of investigations by excluding many individuals from the search scope. This thesis describes molecular genetic methods which can be used to estimate ancestry in order to aid in forensic identification when other methods fail. The Y chromosome is one aspect of the genome shown to contain markers which are associated with the geographical origins of its possessor. The laboratory aspect of this research involved taking bone samples from humerii, extracting DNA from these samples and then sequencing a number of Y-SNPs in order to predict the biogeographical origins of each sample. Performing this research demonstrated the steps involved in this type of genetic ancestral analysis. At present, anthropology can only distinguish between major population groups. However, as research continues to be performed, the discriminatory power of molecular genetic ancestral analyses such as this has the potential to be further refined so that sub-populations may be distinguished between. This could be of great value if introduced into the forensic community.