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The evolution of digital media has increased the number of crimes committed using digital equipment. This has led to the evolution of the computer forensics area to digital forensics (DF). Such an area aims to analyze information through its main phases of identification, collection, organization, and presentation (reporting). As this area has evolved, many techniques have been developed, mainly focusing on the formalization of terminologies and concepts for providing a common vocabulary comprehension. This has demanded efforts on several initiatives, such as the definition of ontologies, which are a means to identify the main concepts of a given area. Hence, the existing literature provides several ontologies developed for supporting the DF area. Therefore, to identify and analyze the existing ontologies for DF, this paper presents a systematic literature review (SLR) in which primary studies in the literature are studied. This SLR resulted in the identification of ontology building methodologies, ontology types, feasibility points, evaluation/assessment methods, and DF phases and subareas ontologies have supported. These results were based on the analysis of 29 ontologies that aided in answering six research questions. Another contribution of this paper is a set of recommendations on further ontology-based support of DF investigation, which can guide researchers and practitioners in covering existing research gaps.

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Sarcophaga (=Parasarcophaga) (Liopygia) ruficornis (Fabricius, 1794) is a species of medical-veterinary and forensic importance, as its immatures cause myiasis in humans and animals and colonize carcasses and cadavers. Therefore, investigations into the biology and morphology of this species, with a particular focus on pupae that constitute ≥50% of the developmental period for the immatures, are pertinent. Although there are biological and morphological studies of pupae, the intrapuparial development at different temperatures has not yet been analysed. Therefore, the present study aimed to describe how temperature (22, 27 and 32 ± 1°C) affects the development and morphology of S. (L.) ruficornis pupae at 60 ± 10% relative humidity and a 12-h photoperiod. Ten pupae were collected, euthanized and fixed every 4 h from pupariation until 24 h and every 8 h until the emergence of the first adult. Emergence occurred at 440, 272 and 232 h at 22, 27 and 32°C, with 590, 380 and 330 pupae, respectively. The highest mortality occurred at 32°C. Eight periods were defined, and sex was determined in pharate adult stage; in addition, 40 key morphological characteristics to estimate pupal age were presented. These findings can serve as a basis for studies on the biology and morphology of the pupa of S. (L.) ruficornis, particularly in bionomics, control and forensics, helping researchers and experts.

Sarcophaga (=Parasarcophaga) (Liopygia) ruficornis (Fabricius, 1794) é uma espécie de importância médico­veterinária e forense, pois seus imaturos causam miíase em humanos e animais e colonizam carcaças e cadáveres. Portanto, são pertinentes as investigações sobre a biologia e morfologia dessa espécie, com foco especial nas pupas que constituem ≥50% do período de desenvolvimento dos imaturos. Embora existam estudos biológicos e morfológicos das pupas, o desenvolvimento intrapuparial em diferentes temperaturas ainda não foi analisado. Logo, o presente estudo teve como objetivo descrever como a temperatura (22, 27 e 32 ± 1°C) afeta o desenvolvimento e a morfologia das pupas de S. (L.) ruficornis a 60 ± 10% de umidade relativa e fotoperíodo de 12 horas. Dez pupas foram coletadas, eutanasiadas e fixadas a cada quatro horas desde a pupariação até 24 horas e a cada oito horas até a emergência do primeiro adulto. A emergência ocorreu em 440, 272 e 232 horas a 22, 27 e 32°C, com 590, 380 e 330 pupas, respectivamente. A maior mortalidade ocorreu a 32°C. Foram definidos oito períodos e o sexo foi determinado na fase de adulto farato; além disso, foram apresentadas 40 características morfológicas importantes para estimar a idade das pupas. Essas descobertas podem servir de base para estudos sobre a biologia e a morfologia da pupa de S. (L.) ruficornis, especialmente em bionomia, controle e ciência forense, ajudando pesquisadores e especialistas.

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Musca domestica (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera: Muscidae), popularly known as "housefly", is a highly synanthropic species, with economic, medical-sanitary, veterinary, and forensic importance. It is able to cause damage to health, transmit pathogenic agents, cause infection in domestic animals, and, in its immature stage, cause secondary myiasis. The scavenging habit of its immature stages makes these flies pioneers in colonizing both human and animal carcasses, from the initial stages of corpse decomposition to the final stages. Intrapuparial development studies of all stages of the biological cycle of these insects help estimate pupal age, being useful to forensic entomology to aid in determining the minimum postmortem interval (minPMI). This study describes, morphologically, the external structures of the pupae, under temperatures of 23, 27, and 30 ±â€…1 °C aiming to identify the characteristics that define their developmental stages and estimation of the pupae age of M. domestica. The whole experiment was carried out under laboratory conditions, with relative humidity 60 ±â€…10% and 12 hours of photoperiod. The process of pupariation and pupation including pre-pupae phases were observed; larvae pupae apolysis; early cryptocephalic pupae; late cryptocephalic pupae; phanerocephalic pupae; pharate adult, discriminated by eye color (transparent eyes, pink eyes, and red eyes); and the emergency of adults, which occurred in the intervals of 162-180; 138-144, and 96-102 hr, respectively, being described throughout the metamorphosis of the external morphological characteristics of the pupal stage of M. domestica.

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Forensic and humanitarian interventions deployed to address migrant death in US southwestern border states have become increasingly prevalent over the past four decades. In this paper we address two persistent issues specific to the Texas-Mexico border context. First, we present the first comprehensive geospatial analysis of migrant deaths in South Texas, establishing a twelve-year (2009-2020) mortality profile. And second, we introduce the concept of necrosilences and its implications to both forensic and humanitarian work and usage of geospatial tools. We applied ANOVA, spatial statistics, and cluster analysis to test the relationships of migrant mortality point locations throughout South Texas, an area comprised of ten counties with some of the highest reported migrant deaths in the state. Our findings demonstrated that unidentified human remains that corresponded to migrants were found most consistently in jurisdictions inland from the Mexican border. Further, the map visualizations highlighted vast areas seemingly devoid of migrant deaths. These "empty" areas are emblematic of necrosilences. That is, instances where there is a lack of access or accounting rather than no death incidences. We conclude by discussing the importance of visualizing necrosilences.

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Currently, the use of algorithms and computer vision systems for metrological purposes has increased in different areas of knowledge to reduce human error and process deviations, consequently increasing reliability and reducing measurement uncertainties. This study presents a model for estimating the uncertainty of Feret's diameter (DF ) measurements of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images from regular and irregular gunshot residue (GSR) particles at different magnifications. The data were extracted using the automatic measurement algorithm developed by the Brazilian Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (Inmetro). The proposed uncertainty model was based on the recommendations of the guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement (GUM). The gold standard technique to identify and detect GSR particles is the SEM coupled to energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), which was used in the study. The low uncertainty values obtained in this study are justified by the refinement of the measurements performed at each stage of digital image procedures. The proposed uncertainty model contributes in an innovative way to the metrological evaluation of regular and irregular GSR particles at different images magnifications. The correct morphometry definition of these particles allows to study their distinction from other possible sources of GSR and, above all, their correlation with the type of ammunition used when firing the firearm. These measurement uncertainty calculations can be applied to any object images acquired by SEM, which provides more confidence in the results of measurements of the object of interest.

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An old electroplating plant in Sepetiba Bay discharged metal-enriched wastes into the surrounding mangroves for 30 years (from the 1960s to 1990s), resulting in a hotspot zone of legacy sediments highly concentrated in toxic trace metals. This study applies Cu and Pb isotope systems to investigate the contributions of past punctual sources relative to emerging modern diffuse sources. The electroplating activity imprinted particular isotopic signatures (average δ65CuSRM-976: 0.4 ‰ and 206Pb/207Pb: 1.14) distinct from the natural baseline and urban fluvial sediments. The isotopic compositions of tidal flat sediments show intermediate isotope compositions reflecting the mixing of Cu and Pb from the hotspot zone and terrigenous materials carried by rivers. Oyster isotope fingerprints match legacy sediments, attesting that anthropogenic Cu and Pb are bioavailable to the biota. These findings confirm the interest in combining two or more metal isotope systems to discriminate between modern and past metal source emissions in coastal environments.

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This study presents the development of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) background threshold values (BTVs) that statistically characterize ambient background conditions for surface waters in undeveloped and developed landscapes of the Pajarito Plateau in the Rio Grande Basin of New Mexico. Between 2009 and 2018, surface water data were collected at 45 locations under a variety of flow conditions and regimes. A total of 163 samples were collected, with roughly 1/3 of samples and locations being in undeveloped areas (n = 53 from 17 locations), and the remainder being in developed areas (n = 110 from 28 locations). While there are areas on the Pajarito Plateau where PCB point sources are known or likely to have contributed to PCBs in soils, PCB BTVs calculated for undeveloped portions of watersheds (upstream of areas where PCB point sources are known or likely to have contributed to PCBs in soils, and therefore not affected by PCB sources within the watershed) are well above New Mexico's human health organism-only (HH-OO) water quality criterion (0.64 ng/L). Background threshold values are even higher in developed areas upstream of managed soil sites, suggesting that in developed areas, both diffuse ambient PCB sources (e.g., atmospheric deposition) and localized urban sources (e.g., building materials, paints, and electrical equipment) contribute to PCBs in those watersheds. These findings indicate that New Mexico's current HH-OO water quality criterion for PCBs cannot practicably be met due to ambient conditions. It is also impracticable to meet the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) criterion continuous concentration (CCC) of 14 ng/L in developed background areas, where the BTV is approximately 1.5 times the CCC. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:1307-1319. © 2022 SETAC.

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Although banned in several countries worldwide, dog fighting has remained a challenge, particularly on criminal investigation, recognition, and prosecution. Besides animal cruelty, dog fighting has been controlled mostly by criminal organizations and accompanied by illegal gambling and drug trafficking. While such competitions may be impaired by advances of legislation on animal welfare and media coverage, international organized crime has been migrating to less regulated and enforced countries. The case herein reported a flagrant dog fighting investigation in an international event involving 27 Pitbull dogs in Mairiporã, located 50 km outside São Paulo City, Brazil. An international network of dog fighting was revealed at the tournament, along with presence of organizers from USA, Mexico, and Peru. Proof was obtained on-site about other similar past and future competitions in other Latin American countries. Dogs were rescued, thoroughly examined for signs of animal cruelty, surveyed for potential diseases, and tested positive for visceral canine leishmaniasis. The process conducted by the state hearing resulted in the highest criminal sentence attributed to animal cruelty in Brazil to date, serving as jurisprudence for future prosecutions. Forensic veterinary medicine was essential in this case as a specialty for police and court assistance, leading to detailed and undeniable report of animal cruelty.

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Resumo: A intervenção de assistentes sociais em situações de abuso sexual intrafamiliar carece de sistematização, contemplando as mediações históricas fundamentais que perfazem as particularidades dessa atuação. A presente análise faz aproximações à interlocução do Direito e do Serviço Social, na especificidade das exigências das Varas da Família e dos desafios postos à perícia social em Serviço Social na complexidade da violência sexual, sexualidade e família. Os achados da análise empreendida apontam que é pela apreensão da sociabilidade familiar que podem emergir aspectos da violência e suas manifestações.

Abstract: The intervention made by social workers in situations of intrafamilial sexual abuse lacks a systematization that takes into account the fundamental historic mediations that characterize the particularities of such circunstances. This analysis establishes links between the Law and Social Work, in the specificities required by Family Matter Courts and the challenges presented to Forensics in Social Work within the complexity of sexual violence, sexuality and family. Findings from the analysis show that aspects of violence and its manifestations can surface when we apprehend family sociability,

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When DNA profile comparisons between a crime scene trace and a reference sample generate correspondence, the match probability has to be estimated, so that evaluation of the strength of the forensic DNA evidence can be made. The random match probability estimations require information on allele frequencies and an adjustment factor, referred to as theta (θ) or Fst, a co-ancestry correction factor for subpopulation effects. The θ value has been standardized for urban and isolated populations, but inconsistencies have been reported when it is specifically calculated for smaller and isolated populations, including Amerindian populations. Notably, attempts to characterize forensic markers of these minor populations have been extensively limited and more conservative estimates of the correction factor may be generated for each of them. Therefore, we estimate allele frequencies of 21 autosomal STR markers used for forensic testing and calculated relevant forensic parameters for the set. In addition, we featured the possible structure of five Brazilian Amerindian populations that have been genetically isolated for centuries so we could obtain the appropriate θ value for them. The sample consisted of 319 individuals: (1) 121 Kaingang, from two communities: Ivaí (KIV=61) and Rio das Cobras (KRC=60); and (2) 198 Guaranis from three communities: Mbya from Rio das Cobras (GRC=51), Guarani Ñandeva (GND=71) and Guarani Kaiowá (GKW=76). Between Guarani populations low (Rst=0.0402, p < 10-4) to high (Rst=0.1557, p < 10-5) differentiation was found. Regarding Guarani and Kaingang populations, intermediate (Rst=0.0590, p < 10-5) to high (Rst=0.1604, p < 10-5) differentiation was found. The two Kaingang populations showed very low differentiation between them (Rst=0.0017, p = 0.27), which justifies the union of both genetic data for forensic databases and calculations. The combined power of discrimination (PD) and the combined power of exclusion (PE) were calculated for each population, demonstrating the usefulness of this set of markers in forensic and kinship analysis regarding these populations. Considering the demographic heterogeneity of Amerindian populations in general, the Fst mean value (0.03) was evaluated regarding 43 different indigenous populations from the Americas, including Guaranis and Kaingangs. This result confirms the adequacy of the standardized θ value for the forensic random match probability estimations involving Amerindian populations.

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La acumulación de animales en los hogares es un tema emergente en el contexto de One Health, caracterizado como un trastorno mental, en el que el acaparador tiene dificultades para deshacerse de sus animales. El entorno en el que viven los animales suele ser insalubre, lo que favorece el desarrollo de enfermedades y el deterioro del bienestar animal, infringiendo los derechos legales. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar cinco hogares del municipio de Botucatu, en los que había más de diez animales. Se realizaron visitas y se recogieron heces de animales para la investigación de endoparásitos mediante los métodos coproparasitológicos de flotación simple para detectar huevos de helmintos y mediante el método de centrifugación-flotación en sulfato de zinc para detectar ooquistes y quistes de protozoos. También se aplicó un protocolo de peritaje para evaluar el bienestar de los animales, según una adaptación del protocolo de Hammerschmidt, en el que el bienestar se clasifica en niveles: muy alto, alto, regular, bajo y muy bajo. También se realizó una entrevista para identificar las características de los acaparadores.  La presencia de Ancylostoma spp., Cystoisospora sp. y Giardia spp. se observó principalmente en las heces. En cuanto al bienestar de los animales, se identificaron tres residencias con una clasificación regular y una con un nivel alto. En las entr

The accumulation of animals in homes is an emerging topic in the context of One Health, characterized as a mental disorder, in which the hoarder has difficulties in getting rid of his animals. The environment in which animals live is usually unhealthy, favoring the development of diseases and compromising animal welfare, infringing legal rights. The present study aimed to evaluate five residences in the municipality of Botucatu in which there were more than ten animals. Visits were made, and animal feces were collected for endoparasites research by the coproparasitological methods of simple flotation to detect helminth eggs and by the method of centrifugation-flotation in zinc sulfate to detect protozoan oocysts and cysts. An expertise protocol was also applied to evaluate animal welfare, according to an adaptation of the Hammerschmidt protocol, in which welfare is classified into levels: very high, high, regular, low, and very low. An interview was also conducted to identify characteristics of the hoarders.  The presence of Ancylostoma spp., Cystoisospora sp. and Giardia spp. was verified by fecal examination. Regarding animal welfare, three residences were identified as regular, and one as high. In the interviews we observed a predominance of male hoarders, 60% were married, and there was a predominance of dog hoarding. The justifications for the accumulation were un

O acúmulo de animais nos domicílios humanos é um tópico emergente no contexto de Saúde Única, caracterizado como um transtorno mental, no qual o indivíduo possui dificuldades em se desfazer de seus animais. O ambiente em que os animais habitam costuma ser insalubre, favorecendo o desenvolvimento de doenças e o comprometimento do bem-estar animal, infringindo direitos legais. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar cinco residências no município de Botucatu, nas quais haviam mais de dez animais. Foram realizadas visitas nessas residências e feita a colheita de fezes dos animais para pesquisar parasitas como:  Ancylostoma spp., Cystoisospora sp., Toxocara sp., Trichuris spp. e Giardia spp., além disso aplicou-se um protocolo de perícia para avaliar o Bem-Estar Animal, segundo a adaptação do protocolo desenvolvido por Hammerschmidt (12) no qual o Bem-Estar é classificado em: muito alto, alto, regular, baixo e muito baixo, além disso foi elaborada uma entrevista para identificar fatores epidemiológicos sobre os acumuladores de animais.  Foi constatado, por meio de exames coproparasitológicos, principalmente a presença de Ancylostoma spp., Cystoisospora sp. e Giardia spp., em relação ao Bem-estar Animal identificou-se três residências com classificação regular e uma com classificação alto. Já nas entrevistas constatamos o predomínio do sexo masculino, sendo qu

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O acúmulo de animais nos domicílios humanos é um tópico emergente no contexto de Saúde Única, caracterizado como um transtorno mental, no qual o indivíduo possui dificuldades em se desfazer de seus animais. O ambiente em que os animais habitam costuma ser insalubre, favorecendo o desenvolvimento de doenças e o comprometimento do bem-estar animal, infringindo direitos legais. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar cinco residências no município de Botucatu, nas quais haviam mais de dez animais. Foram realizadas visitas nessas residências e feita a colheita de fezes dos animais para pesquisar parasitas como: Ancylostoma spp., Cystoisospora sp., Toxocara sp., Trichuris spp. e Giardia spp., além disso aplicou-se um protocolo de perícia para avaliar o Bem-Estar Animal, segundo a adaptação do protocolo desenvolvido por Hammerschmidt (12) no qual o Bem-Estar é classificado em: muito alto, alto, regular, baixo e muito baixo, além disso foi elaborada uma entrevista para identificar fatores epidemiológicos sobre os acumuladores de animais. Foi constatado, por meio de exames coproparasitológicos, principalmente a presença de Ancylostoma spp., Cystoisospora sp. e Giardia spp., em relação ao Bem-estar Animal identificou-se três residências com classificação regular e uma com classificação alto. Já nas entrevistas constatamos o predomínio do sexo masculino, sendo que 60% dos entrevistados eram casados e havia o predomínio do acúmulo de cães e as justificativas para o acúmulo recairam sobre a reprodução indesejada e questões afetivas. Destacamos a importância do médico veterinário para intervir nessas situações, devido ao conhecimento sanitário relacionado à saúde pública, sobretudo em relação as doenças zoonóticas que podem estar presentes nesses ambientes, além do conhecimento que sobre Medicina Veterinária Legal com a intenção de identificar possíveis infrações que possam estar sendo cometidas e consequentemente afetando o Bem-Estar animal. Por fim, ressalta-se a necessidade da abordagem multiprofissional do assunto possibilitando que haja um ambiente em que tanto o animal como os humanos possam desfrutar de condições adequadas de saúde.(AU)

The accumulation of animals in homes is an emerging topic in the context of One Health, characterized as a mental disorder, in which the hoarder has difficulties in getting rid of his animals. The environment in which animals live is usually unhealthy, favoring the development of diseases and compromising animal welfare, infringing legal rights. The present study aimed to evaluate five residences in the municipality of Botucatu in which there were more than ten animals. Visits were made, and animal feces were collected for endoparasites research by the coproparasitological methods of simple flotation to detect helminth eggs and by the method of centrifugation-flotation in zinc sulfate to detect protozoan oocysts and cysts. An expertise protocol was also applied to evaluate animal welfare, according to an adaptation of the Hammerschmidt protocol, in which welfare is classified into levels: very high, high, regular, low, and very low. An interview was also conducted to identify characteristics of the hoarders. The presence of Ancylostoma spp., Cystoisospora sp. and Giardia spp. was verified by fecal examination. Regarding animal welfare, three residences were identified as regular, and one as high. In the interviews we observed a predominance of male hoarders, 60% were married, and there was a predominance of dog hoarding. The justifications for the accumulation were unwanted reproduction and affective issues. We highlight the importance of the veterinarian to intervene in these situations, by the knowledge, as to the zoo-sanitary management related mainly to public health, especially in relation to zoonotic diseases that may be present in these environments, in addition to the knowledge about Veterinary Forensic Medicine, to identify possible infractions that may be being committed and consequently affecting the welfare of animals. We emphasize the need for a multiprofessional approach to the subject in order to create a favorable environment in which both animals and humans can have quality of life, avoiding the occurrence of diseases for both(AU)

La acumulación de animales en los hogares es un tema emergente en el contexto de One Health, caracterizado como un trastorno mental, en el que el acaparador tiene dificultades para deshacerse de sus animales. El entorno en el que viven los animales suele ser insalubre, lo que favorece el desarrollo de enfermedades y el deterioro del bienestar animal, infringiendo los derechos legales. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar cinco hogares del municipio de Botucatu, en los que había más de diez animales. Se realizaron visitas y se recogieron heces de animales para la investigación de endoparásitos mediante los métodos coproparasitológicos de flotación simple para detectar huevos de helmintos y mediante el método de centrifugación-flotación en sulfato de zinc para detectar ooquistes y quistes de protozoos. También se aplicó un protocolo de peritaje para evaluar el bienestar de los animales, según una adaptación del protocolo de Hammerschmidt, en el que el bienestar se clasifica en niveles: muy alto, alto, regular, bajo y muy bajo. También se realizó una entrevista para identificar las características de los acaparadores. La presencia de Ancylostoma spp., Cystoisospora sp. y Giardia spp. se observó principalmente en las heces. En cuanto al bienestar de los animales, se identificaron tres residencias con una clasificación regular y una con un nivel alto. En las entrevistas se observó un predominio de acumuladores masculinos, el 60% estaban casados y había un predominio de acumulación de perros. Las justificaciones de la acumulación eran la reproducción no deseada y las cuestiones afectivas. Destaca la importancia del veterinario para intervenir en estas situaciones, por el conocimiento, en cuanto a la gestión zoo-sanitaria relacionada principalmente con la salud pública, sobre todo en relación con las enfermedades zoonóticas que pueden estar presentes en estos entornos, además del conocimiento que, sobre la Medicina Forense Veterinaria, para identificar las posibles infracciones que se puedan estar cometiendo y que consecuentemente afecten al bienestar de los animales. Destacamos la necesidad de un enfoque multiprofesional sobre el tema abordado, que permita un entorno favorable en el que tanto los animales como los humanos puedan tener calidad de vida, evitando la aparición de enfermedades para ambos.(AU)

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Natural and synthetic alkaloids are widely used for several applications, ranging from clinical purposes to criminal activities. Presumptive color tests are considered a leading tool to reveal on-scene substance identification via rapid chemical reactions that result in visual color changes. Colorimetric tests are popular due to their inherent simplicity, low cost, promptitude and portability; however, in many cases the results of such tests may not be predictable, partly because of the interference from similar species. In this proof-of-concept study, we present a paper-based microfluidic optoelectronic tongue - the so-called µOPTO - comprised of 6 indicators in lieu of one specific test and capable of discriminating 8 different alkaloid drugs (i.e. scopolamine, atropine, cocaine, morphine, ephedrine, caffeine, dipyrone and alprazolam) used for recreational, criminal and medical purposes. The wax printing method was employed to fabricate the microfluidic analytical device with six circular spots for reagent accommodation connected to a centered spot to enable simultaneous reactions with one sample injection. Digital images were obtained using an ordinary flatbed scanner, and the RGB information from before and after sample exposure was extracted using appropriate software. The color changes related to each spot were used to build differential maps with a unique fingerprint for each drug. The chemometric tools (i.e. PCA and HCA) showed suitable discrimination of all studied alkaloids in different quantities. To demonstrate a practical application, different alcoholic beverages spiked with scopolamine - a famous substance that causes drug abuse - were analyzed using the optoelectronic tongue. The results showed that small quantities of the drug were identified in different beverages, demonstrating that our device has the potential to be used in situ to prevent ingestion of contaminated samples.

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Cross-population applicability of osteological and dental methods is a known issue in forensic anthropology, but very little is known about whether differences between populations are due to ancestry, environment effects, or even the statistical approach utilized for developing the methods. This study wishes to add to the discussion of population-specificity of dental age estimation methods and examine the impact of their statistical basis on their accuracy and precision. These parameters were estimated by testing 12 different dental age estimation techniques on a sample of 182 panoramic radiographs of children between the ages of 6 and 15 years (110 girls and 72 boys) from the city of Mérida in Yucatán, México. None of the 12 methods selected is based on Mexican samples. Dental maturation was scored following and methods tested employed two dental scoring schemes: Moorrees, Fanning, and Hunt's (MFH) 13-/14-stage system and Demirjian's 8-stage system. Results show that methods derived from more geographically specific groups do not fare better or worse than methods developed on more diverse and inclusive international samples, even if no methods specific to Mexicans were tested. While some of the methods performed very well, and they were not based on a Mexican sample, this suggests that population-specific dental age estimation methods may be relatively unimportant or that population differences in dental maturation are very small. Other issues seemed to have a greater impact on accuracy and precision, such as age dependency, inclusion of the third molar in age assessments, age truncation and age heaping in reference samples, the dental scoring scheme used, and how predicted age is calculated mathematically. As such, findings in this study suggest that validation tests of age estimation methods may not be a useful or reliable means to assess population differences and that these differences need to be more systematically assessed if an argument is to be made for the increased accuracy and precision of population-specific methods. The statistical basis of dental prediction methods seems to have a more significant role in their accuracy and precision outside of their reference sample.

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The frontal sinuses are potential evidences for human identification because of the inherent distinctiveness of their morphology. Over the last decades, several techniques emerged to enable the visualization and analysis of the frontal sinuses via bi- and three-dimensional imaging. This systematic review aimed to compile different methodological approaches found in the scientific literature to contribute to human identification. Three examiners revisited the scientific literature in order to find imaging techniques for the visualization of the frontal sinuses applied to human identification. The standard search strings built-up from a PICO question identified 404 unique articles in the following databases Medline/Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, Lilacs and Scielo. Based on eligibility criteria applied during title, abstract and full-text reading, the sample reduced to 19 articles. The articles were published between 1987 and 2019 by research groups from 10 different countries. Computed tomography was used in 37% of the techniques, while the remaining (63%) techniques used skull radiographs. The techniques were highly heterogeneous and varied between metric analysis, direct image superimposition and morphology code-based systems. The authors considered their techniques useful for human identification and reported accuracy rates from 13 to 100%. Most of the studies revealed low risk of bias. More advantages were related with the techniques based on direct image superimpositions and three-dimensional visualization. Forensic experts must be aware of the use of frontal sinuses for human identification, especially when three-dimensional images are available as ante-mortem and post-mortem evidences for superimposition and comparison.

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Material characterization is essential to the provenance of graphic arts. Non-destructive analytical techniques are increasingly required in the authentication process of cultural heritage. This work presents a suite of portable, non-destructive, and complementary analytical techniques, energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence (EDXRF), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies, and brightfield microscopy, applied to the analysis of historical photographs depicting São Paulo city architecture, whose registration date and process of fabrication are unknown. The EDXRF analysis emphasizes the use of typical POP (printing-out paper) photograph with baryta (BaSO4 ) coated paper substrate while the FTIR and microscopy analyses confirm the presence of collodion and a gelatin-based baryta layer. This photographic process was widely employed by professional photographers from 1889 to 1930, when it was gradually abandoned in commercial use. This time interval (1889-1930) is consistent with the information surveyed on the photographic collection. In conclusion, employing complementary techniques (elemental and molecular spectroscopies and image magnification) is essential in identifying the manufacturing materials of cultural heritage material, which is the basis of contemporary authentication procedures. These data provide to curators and historians fundamental information for cataloging, adding subsidies for the correct storage and preservation ("heritage appreciation"). Still, for professional photographers, they present information on the manufacturing processes of historical photographs. The data from the present study also emphasize its perspective of use in graphic arts to aid connoisseurship in identifying forgeries during provenance and authentication studies.

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Veterinarians have a fundamental role to play in the detection of animal abuse and domestic violence cases. Therefore, it is essential that veterinary colleges provide appropriate training in animal welfare and veterinary forensics. The aim of this article is to characterize the perception and knowledge of veterinary students about training in veterinary forensics, animal welfare and the association between animal abuse and human violence. An online survey was made available to veterinary students at 227 veterinary colleges in Brazil and 22 in Colombia. The Chi-square test of independence was performed to compare responses of Brazilian and Colombian students for categorical survey items. Most of the surveyed students indicated that their college offered animal welfare training. However, only 21.8% (47/216) of the Colombian and 43.1% (216/523) of the Brazilian students mentioned that their veterinary colleges offered veterinary forensics training. Deficits in training in identification of non-accidental traumas, reporting of animal abuse and awareness of the association between interpersonal violence and animal abuse were identified in both countries. Despite this, more than 90% of students were aware of the relationship between these two crimes and in the importance of receiving compulsory training in animal abuse and veterinary forensics. Likewise, most of the respondents recognized that animal abuse includes both physical and mental abuse. The results highlight the need to improve education in animal welfare, animal abuse, human violence and veterinary forensics in veterinary colleges in Brazil and Colombia.

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Resumo O presente artigo visa apresentar, discutir e refletir a Psicologia do Trânsito sob o olhar de alguns marcos históricos. O primeiro período compreende desde o início da área no Brasil até a promulgação do Código de Trânsito Brasileiro de 1997; em um segundo momento são apresentados os avanços da área assim como sua consolidação e contribuição para um momento bastante promissor da Psicologia do Trânsito; tais avanços são discutidos em um terceiro período do artigo, que compreende de 2018 a 2021. Na sequência, são discutidos aspectos que têm impactado diretamente o trabalho dos profissionais da área da Psicologia do Trânsito como a pandemia do SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19), a Ação Direta de Inconstitucionalidade 3481 no Supremo Tribunal Federal e o Projeto de Lei nº 3267/19 (transformado na Lei Ordinária nº 14.071/2020) que alterou o Código de Trânsito Brasileiro desde que passou a vigorar em 12 de abril de 2021. São propostas reflexões sobre esses novos desafios e são discutidas alternativas para o trabalho na área, visando uma adequação às novas demandas e realidade. Espera-se oferecer ao leitor a possibilidade de refletir novos caminhos para a área que visem um fazer ético, de qualidade e cujo objetivo principal seja preservar vidas. (AU)

Abstract This article aims to present, discuss, and reflect upon Traffic Psychology from the perspective of some historical milestones in three different periods. The first period refers to the origins of the field in Brazil until the promulgation of the 1997 Brazilian Traffic Code. Then, it approaches the advances within the field, as well as its consolidation and contributions - which will be discussed in-depth in the third period, including the years from 2018 to 2021. The article also discusses aspects that have impacted the professional practice of Traffic psychologists, namely the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, the 3481 Direct Action of Unconstitutionality of the Supreme Court, and the 3267/19 Bill (Ordinary Law 14071/2020), transformed into the new Brazilian Traffic Code, published in 2020. This review reflects upon these new challenges, proposing alternatives for the field to adapt to the new demands and reality. With that, it seeks to stimulate reflections regarding possibilities for the field of Traffic Psychology, always grounded on an ethical and quality professional practice with the primary purpose of preserving lives. (AU)

Resumen Este artículo tiene como objetivo presentar, discutir y reflexionar sobre la Psicología del Tránsito desde algunos marcos históricos. Los períodos abarcan desde el comienzo del área en Brasil hasta el momento de la publicación del Código de Tránsito Brasileño de 1997, después se presentan los avances del área y su consolidación, que contribuyeron para un momento bastante prometedor de la Psicología del Tránsito, el cual se discute en el tercer período que abarca de 2018 a 2021. En seguida, se discuten aspectos que pueden impactar e impactaron directamente el trabajo de los profesionales de la Psicología del Tránsito, como la pandemia del SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19), la Acción Directa de Inconstitucionalidad del Supremo Tribunal Federal y el Proyecto de Ley 3267/19 (transformado en la Ley 14.071/2020) que alteró el Código de Tránsito Brasileño desde su vigencia el 12 de abril de 2021. Se proponen reflexiones sobre esos nuevos desafíos y se discuten alternativas para el trabajo en el área, con el objetivo de adecuarse a las nuevas demandas y nueva realidad. Se espera ofrecer al lector la posibilidad de reflexionar sobre nuevos caminos para el área, siempre pensando en un trabajo ético, de calidad y con el principal objetivo de preservar vidas. (AU)

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The facial analysis permits many investigations, some of the most important of which are craniofacial identification, facial recognition, and age and sex estimation. In forensics, photo-anthropometry describes the study of facial growth and allows the identification of patterns in facial skull development, for example, by using a group of cephalometric landmarks to estimate anthropological information. Previous works presented, as indirect applications, the use of photo-anthropometric measurements to estimate anthropological information such as age and sex. In several areas, automation of manual procedures has achieved advantages over and similar measurement confidence as a forensic expert. This manuscript presents an approach using photo-anthropometric indexes, generated from frontal faces cephalometric landmarks of the Brazilian population, to create an artificial neural network classifier that allows the estimation of anthropological information, in this specific case age and sex. This work is focused on four tasks: (i) sex estimation on ages from 5 to 22 years old, evaluating the interference of age on sex estimation; (ii) age estimation from photo-anthropometric indexes for four age intervals (1 year, 2 years, 4 years, and 5 years); (iii) age group estimation for thresholds of over 14 and over 18 years old; and; (iv) the provision of a new data set, available for academic purposes only, with a large and complete set of facial photo-anthropometric points marked and checked by forensic experts, measured from over 18,000 faces of individuals from Brazil over the last 4 years. The proposed binary classifier obtained significant results, using this new data set, for the sex estimation of individuals over 14 years old, achieving accuracy values higher than 0.85 by the F1 measure. For age estimation, the accuracy results are 0.72 for the F1 measure with an age interval of 5 years. For the age group estimation, the F1 measures of accuracy are higher than 0.93 and 0.83 for thresholds of 14 and 18 years, respectively.

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Abstract Forensic microbiology is a scientific area that has emerged with the need to investigate biocrimes, as in the case of intentional transmission of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The present exploratory work aimed to demonstrate how biomedical technology, such as phylogenetics and quantification of viral load and CD4+ T lymphocytes, can be used to produce technical evidence that brings more certainty in determining the authorship and materiality of these criminal behaviors.

Resumen La microbiología forense es un área científica que ha surgido con la necesidad de investigar los delitos biológicos, como en el caso de la transmisión intencional del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH). Este trabajo exploratorio tuvo como objetivo demostrar cómo la tecnología biomédica, como la filogenética y la cuantificación de la carga viral y los linfocitos T CD4+, puede usarse para producir evidencia técnica que brinde más certeza para determinar la autoría y la materialidad de estas conductas criminales.

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