xii, 57 p. : ill. (some col.) A print copy of this thesis is available through the UO Libraries. Search the library catalog for the location and call number. / The goals of this study are to assess a) the role of mass and velocity on the size of entrance wounds, b) the presence or absence and types of exit wounds, and c) the role of gender in choosing to commit suicide with a firearm. The results of an ANOVA revealed that the combination of a bullet’s mass and the relative velocity of the weapon is the most significant factor in entrance wound size. A logistic regression found that mass plays the most significant role in the presence of an exit wound. When considered separately, velocity had a more significant effect on exit type than did mass. The study also found that being male increases the odds that a firearm will be chosen to commit suicide. Handguns and the head were the most common choices for weapon and wound location, respectively, in both firearm suicides and homicides. / Committee in charge: Dr. John Lukacs, Chairperson; Dr. Andrew Karduna, Member; Dr. David Levin, Member

Firearm fatalities in South Africa are responsible for a very large number of fatalities. For purposes of judicial administration, determination of manner of death, in particular, differentiating between homicidal, accidental and suicidal death, is one of the primary objectives in fatal shooting investigations. Determining the muzzle-target distance can assist in establishing the manner of death, since contact gunshot wounds are seldom seen in cases of homicidal or accidental death. It has been reported that muzzle-target distance can be confirmed by detection of blood back spatter on the inner and outer surfaces of the weapons. To determine whether this phenomenon was being used to assist the forensiometric analysis of fatalities, a study was undertaken whereby weapons used to inflict fatal contact gunshot wounds in victims presenting at the Pretoria MLL, were requested for biological analysis during the period June 2002 to June 2003. Of the 123 cases identified, only 30 firearms were delivered to the FSL for analysis. Blood was found on the inside of barrels in 70% of cases, and the outer surface in 40%. These figures do not correlate well with international studies. The very low retrieval rate of weapons for analysis precludes the use of an important forensiometric tool in medico-legal investigation of firearm related fatalities in Pretoria. The urgent need to develop adequate protocols with respect to police handling of weapons is hereby confirmed. / Dissertation (MSc(Medical Criminalistics))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Forensic Medicine / unrestricted

Gunshot residue (GSR) is the term used to describe the particles originating from different parts of the firearm and ammunition during the discharge. A fast and practical field tool to detect the presence of GSR can assist law enforcement in the accurate identification of subjects. A novel field sampling device is presented for the first time for the fast detection and quantitation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The capillary microextraction of volatiles (CMV) is a headspace sampling technique that provides fast results (< 2 min. sampling time) and is reported as a versatile and high-efficiency sampling tool. The CMV device can be coupled to a Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) instrument by installation of a thermal separation probe in the injection port of the GC. An analytical method using the CMV device was developed for the detection of 17 compounds commonly found in polluted environments. The acceptability of the CMV as a field sampling method for the detection of VOCs is demonstrated by following the criteria established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) compendium method TO-17. The CMV device was used, for the first time, for the detection of VOCs on swabs from the hands of shooters, and non-shooters and spent cartridges from different types of ammunition (i.e., pistol, rifle, and shotgun). The proposed method consists in the headspace extraction of VOCs in smokeless powders present in the propellant of ammunition. The sensitivity of this method was demonstrated with method detection limits (MDLs) 4-26 ng for diphenylamine (DPA), nitroglycerine (NG), 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT), and ethyl centralite (EC). In addition, a fast method was developed for the detection of the inorganic components (i.e., Ba, Pb, and Sb) characteristic of GSR presence by Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS). Advantages of LIBS include fast analysis (~ 12 seconds per sample) and good sensitivity, with expected MDLs in the range of 0.1-20 ng for target elements. Statistical analysis of the results using both techniques was performed to determine any correlation between the variables analyzed. This work demonstrates that the information collected from the analysis of organic components has the potential to improve the detection of GSR.

A ciência forense moderna caminha lado a lado com a pesquisa científica. Os cientistas forenses se deparam diariamente com vários casos que requerem a análise de resíduos provenientes de disparos de arma de fogo (gunshot residues - GSR). Este trabalho contempla o desenvolvimento de uma metodologia para determinar assinaturas químicas de disparos de arma de fogo, medindo-se as concentrações de Pb, Ba e Sb presentes nos resíduos provenientes destes disparos depositados nas proximidades do orifício de entrada de projéteis, baseada na técnica de espectrometria de massas de alta resolução com fonte de plasma indutivamente acoplado (ICP-MS). Foram realizados disparos em cinco tipos de tecidos-alvos e coletados testemunhos em regiões próximas ao orifício de entrada dos projéteis. Os resultados demonstraram que o método possibilitou identificar e distinguir os resíduos de revólver calibre .38 ao de pistolas calibres .40 e 9 mm. O uso de gráficos ternários como ferramenta de análise dos dados coletados, permitiu identificar padrões específicos de distribuição de amostras em branco e dos resíduos depositados após disparos de revólveres e pistolas. A metodologia possibilitou a atribuição da origem dos disparos por meio de confirmação dos resíduos coletados também das mãos dos atiradores. Como conseqüência a metodologia representa um grande avanço nos procedimentos da polícia e visa adicionar uma contribuição valiosa às investigações forenses. / The modern forensic science goes hand in hand with scientific research. The forensic scientists are faced every day with many cases requiring the analysis of residues from firing gun (gunshot residues GSR). This works describes the development of a methodology to determine chemical signatures of shots from a firearm, by measuring the concentrations of Pb, Ba e Sb in the residues from these shots deposited near the entrance hole of bullets, based on the technique with high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HRICP-MS). Shots were performed on five types of target-fabrics and collected testimonies from regions close to the entrance hole of projectiles. The results showed that the method enabled us to identify and distinguish the residues of the .38 caliber revolver and pistols .40 and 9mm caliber. The use of ternary graphs as a tool for data analysis helped to identify specific patterns of distribution of blank samples and gunshot residues deposited after firing revolvers and pistols. The methodology enabled the assignment of the origin of the shot through the confirmation of the residues collected also from the hands of shooters. As a result the methodology in police procedures and aims to add a valuable contribution to forensic investigations.

A ciência forense moderna caminha lado a lado com a pesquisa científica. Os cientistas forenses se deparam diariamente com vários casos que requerem a análise de resíduos provenientes de disparos de arma de fogo (gunshot residues - GSR). Este trabalho contempla o desenvolvimento de uma metodologia para determinar assinaturas químicas de disparos de arma de fogo, medindo-se as concentrações de Pb, Ba e Sb presentes nos resíduos provenientes destes disparos depositados nas proximidades do orifício de entrada de projéteis, baseada na técnica de espectrometria de massas de alta resolução com fonte de plasma indutivamente acoplado (ICP-MS). Foram realizados disparos em cinco tipos de tecidos-alvos e coletados testemunhos em regiões próximas ao orifício de entrada dos projéteis. Os resultados demonstraram que o método possibilitou identificar e distinguir os resíduos de revólver calibre .38 ao de pistolas calibres .40 e 9 mm. O uso de gráficos ternários como ferramenta de análise dos dados coletados, permitiu identificar padrões específicos de distribuição de amostras em branco e dos resíduos depositados após disparos de revólveres e pistolas. A metodologia possibilitou a atribuição da origem dos disparos por meio de confirmação dos resíduos coletados também das mãos dos atiradores. Como conseqüência a metodologia representa um grande avanço nos procedimentos da polícia e visa adicionar uma contribuição valiosa às investigações forenses. / The modern forensic science goes hand in hand with scientific research. The forensic scientists are faced every day with many cases requiring the analysis of residues from firing gun (gunshot residues GSR). This works describes the development of a methodology to determine chemical signatures of shots from a firearm, by measuring the concentrations of Pb, Ba e Sb in the residues from these shots deposited near the entrance hole of bullets, based on the technique with high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HRICP-MS). Shots were performed on five types of target-fabrics and collected testimonies from regions close to the entrance hole of projectiles. The results showed that the method enabled us to identify and distinguish the residues of the .38 caliber revolver and pistols .40 and 9mm caliber. The use of ternary graphs as a tool for data analysis helped to identify specific patterns of distribution of blank samples and gunshot residues deposited after firing revolvers and pistols. The methodology enabled the assignment of the origin of the shot through the confirmation of the residues collected also from the hands of shooters. As a result the methodology in police procedures and aims to add a valuable contribution to forensic investigations.

Purpose To evaluate costs associated with hospitalization due to Firearm-Related Violence and Injuries (FREVI) in the United States over the last decade, 2001-2009. We explored the following research questions: 1. Is there an increase in the prevalence of firearm injuries over the last decade (2001-2009)? 2. What are the demographic patterns that characterize FREVIs in the U.S (i.e., age, sex, racial and ethnic variations, urban/rural locations)? 3. What are the costs associated with firearm-related hospitalizations in the US? Methods This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. A stratified sample of 54,875 hospital discharges were extracted from the National Inpatient Sample Database (NIS-HCUP) using E-Codes (ICD-9) for FREVI. We performed trend analyses to determine the cost and prevalence of the firearm related injuries. Results An estimated 268,639 firearm-related hospital discharges were observed from 2001-2009. Homicidal intent was the leading cause of FREVI, followed by accidents. Hispanic and blacks were more likely to become injured by firearms as compared to whites. Young adults aged 18-34 were more prone to firearm injuries than children and the elderly. Male sex, urban residence and being black or Hispanic were the main risk factors for firearm-related hospitalizations. The average cost of firearm-related hospitalization to the United States is $60,000 every hour, $17,700 per firearm injury related admission, and total of $5.28 billion for the last decade. The prevalence of FREVI and cost trends remained constant over the last decade. Conclusion Firearm Related Violence and Injuries (FREVI), and associated costs remain a major source of hospital-related expenditures in the United States. The constant trend in number of firearm injuries per year over the last decade suggests the absence of effective policy measures to curtail firearm injuries

The overall aim of this study is to explore the subjective experiences of psychotherapeutic interventions and the sense-making process in a group of persons paralysed as a consequence of violence-related gunshot injury. An available and purposive sample of ten participants was selected from public and private hospitals in and around Johannesburg, and from the Association for the Physically Disabled in South Africa. Three females and seven males, between the ages of 26 and 43 years, took part in the research. The participants had all suffered penetrative damage to the spinal cord in the thoracic region as a result of violence related gunshot injury, and are therefore classified as having paraplegia The participants' gunshot injuries had been sustained in incidents ranging from attempted hijacking and armed robbery, to being caught in crime-related crossfire. In-depth interviews were conducted with the participants. A narrative approach was used to examine participants' unique stories, utilising a systematic form of narrative analysis. The thesis consists of three articles, namely 1) The subjective experience of psychotherapeutic interventions in the rehabilitation of persons paralysed as a result of violence-related gunshot injuries; 2) Making sense of paraplegia caused by violence-related gunshot injury; and 3) Therapeutic guidelines for the management of persons paralysed as a result of violence-related gunshot injuries. The findings of article 1 reveal that paraplegic persons had both positive and negative experiences during their hospital rehabilitation. Ultimately, however, positive experiences compensated for negative experiences. This suggests that in the absence of psychotherapeutic interventions, psychosocial adjustment may possibly not be facilitated. The second article indicates that although several barriers prevented participants from making sense of their trauma, meaningful relationships, spiritual growth and a greater appreciation of the value of life were still possible. in the final article guidelines were put forward that include meeting the holistic and adjustment needs of paraplegic persons. Future research is suggested and limitations acknowledged. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

This dissertation will focus on the extraction of volatile organic compounds associated with gunshot residue from articles of clothing, followed by analysis with mass spectrometry. During the discharge of a weapon, a cloud of volatile organic gunshot residue (OGSR) is dispersed around a firearm. This will create a high probability of transfer between the OGSR and the clothing of individuals who are near a discharged weapon. The first part of this dissertation will be the development of a method for removal of volatile OGSR from articles of clothing. Extraction of OGSR will be completed by solid phase microextraction (SPME), followed by separation and analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Many parameters will require optimization for proper extraction of OGSR from articles of clothing. Following development of a SPME procedure, figures of merit were determined such as linearity and limits of detection/quantification, obtaining levels of detection of 0.206 ng/cm2 on a 100 cm2 cotton cloth. Applications of this extraction method were investigated including the determination of the distance OGSR travels from a discharged weapon and the extraction of OGSR with different clothing materials by SPME. The second part of this dissertation will focus on the development of an on-line solvent extraction method for removal of OGSR from articles of clothing, followed by analysis with paper spray mass spectrometry. Issues using SPME of certain types of clothing materials required the development of an alternative method for removal of OGSR from articles of clothing. Use of an on-line solvent extraction technique of OGSR from articles of clothing followed by analysis with paper spray mass spectrometry allowed for detection of OGSR at comparable levels to a headspace SPME procedure. Use of paper spray with an ion trap mass spectrometer permitted the soft ionization of OGSR compounds followed by tandem mass spectrometry to obtain structural information. Extraction of OGSR from articles of clothing has potential to determine if an individual was present during the discharge of a firearm. Extraction of OGSR from articles of clothing will provide an alternative to traditional methods of gunshot residue analysis currently in use.

The overall aim of this study is to explore the subjective experiences of psychotherapeutic interventions and the sense-making process in a group of persons paralysed as a consequence of violence-related gunshot injury. An available and purposive sample of ten participants was selected from public and private hospitals in and around Johannesburg, and from the Association for the Physically Disabled in South Africa. Three females and seven males, between the ages of 26 and 43 years, took part in the research. The participants had all suffered penetrative damage to the spinal cord in the thoracic region as a result of violence related gunshot injury, and are therefore classified as having paraplegia The participants' gunshot injuries had been sustained in incidents ranging from attempted hijacking and armed robbery, to being caught in crime-related crossfire. In-depth interviews were conducted with the participants. A narrative approach was used to examine participants' unique stories, utilising a systematic form of narrative analysis. The thesis consists of three articles, namely 1) The subjective experience of psychotherapeutic interventions in the rehabilitation of persons paralysed as a result of violence-related gunshot injuries; 2) Making sense of paraplegia caused by violence-related gunshot injury; and 3) Therapeutic guidelines for the management of persons paralysed as a result of violence-related gunshot injuries. The findings of article 1 reveal that paraplegic persons had both positive and negative experiences during their hospital rehabilitation. Ultimately, however, positive experiences compensated for negative experiences. This suggests that in the absence of psychotherapeutic interventions, psychosocial adjustment may possibly not be facilitated. The second article indicates that although several barriers prevented participants from making sense of their trauma, meaningful relationships, spiritual growth and a greater appreciation of the value of life were still possible. in the final article guidelines were put forward that include meeting the holistic and adjustment needs of paraplegic persons. Future research is suggested and limitations acknowledged. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karolinska institutet, 2007. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.