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The Application of Reflected Infrared Photography in Forensic Science
No full textUloga fotografije u forenzici nije samo dokumentiranje mjesta događaja, već otkrivanje i dokumentiranje nevidljivih i slabo vidljivih tragova, a može biti i dokazno sredstvo kad tragove nije moguće fizički izuzeti s mjesta događaja. U tome kontekstu posebno je važna infracrvena (IC) fotografija koja omogućuje vizualizaciju tragova na temelju njihovih različitih svojstava apsorpcije, reflektiranja i transmisije IC zračenja. Stoga je cilj ovoga rada stremio analizirati dostupna tehnička rješenja za snimanje IC fotografija te mogućnosti njihove primjene u forenzici.
Pretragom podatkovne baze Web of Science u razdoblju od 2000. do 2019. pronađena su 23 rada koja se bave primjenom IC fotografije u forenzici. Pokazano je da je IC fotografija prikladna za otkrivanje i/ili poboljšanje vidljivosti raznih vrsta tragova. Uspješno je primijenjena na tragovima krvi na tamnim i raznobojnim površinama, kao i na površinama koje su prebojene ili zahvaćene vatrom. Također ju je bilo moguće primijeniti za otkrivanje tragova barutnih čestica na tamnim materijalima te za poboljšavanje vidljivosti tragova papilarnih linija na raznobojnim pozadinama. Istraživanja pokazuju i primjenjivost u otkrivanju i dokumentiranju loše vidljivih, preinačenih i laserski uklonjenih tetovaža, modrica i tragova ugriza, a katkad i u dokumentiranju nalaza obdukcije.
Za snimanje IC fotografija nisu potrebna velika ulaganja, nego je dostatno s DSLR fotoaparata ukloniti filtar koji blokira IC zračenje te uporabiti jedan od filtara koji blokiraju svjetlost iz vidljivoga spektra. Iako se način snimanja ne razlikuje puno od standardne fotografije, brojna svojstva materijala utječu na rezultate, pa je ishod često neizvjestan i ne postoje univerzalno primjenjive postavke.The role of forensic photography is not only to document the crime scene but also to detect and document
poorly visible and latent evidence. Moreover, it might have evidential value when it is not possible
to collect the evidence physically. In that context, infrared (IR) photography plays an essential role in
the visualization of the evidence, using the differences in the absorptive, reflective, and transmissive
properties of the material. Therefore, this research aimed to analyze available technical set-ups for IR
photography, as well as the application of IR photography in forensic science.
By searching the Web of Science database for the period from 2000 to 2019, 23 papers dealing with the
application of IR photography in forensic sciences were found. The studies showed that IR photography
was suitable for the detection and enhancement of various evidence. It could be used for bloodstains on
dark and multicolored surfaces, beneath painted surfaces, and on surfaces affected with the fire. It could
be employed to detect gunshot residue on dark materials and to enhance the visibility of fingermarks
on multicolored surfaces. Research also shows the applicability of IR photography for identifying and
documenting poorly visible, modified and laser-removed tattoos, bruises and bite marks, as well as for
documenting autopsy findings in some instances.
IR photography does not take a lot of investments as it is sufficient to remove the IR blocking filter
from the DLSR camera and to add a filter that blocks visible light. Although the shooting method is not
much different from standard photography, many material properties affect the results. So, the outcome
is often uncertain, and there are no universally applicable settings
The role of forensic science in investigations of criminal offences
No full textPravilno poduzimanje izvidnih radnji ključno je u odlučivanju o pokretanju ili obustavi kaznene prijave. Kada se izvidnim radnjama potvrdi postojanje kazneno djela koji se progoni po službenoj dužnosti, državni odvjetnik dužan je pokrenuti kriminalistiko istraživanje koje, najčešće i po nalogu državnog odvjetnika, radi policija. Poznavanje nekih od taktičkih i tehničkih metoda forenzičnih znanosti poboljšava postupanje policije na mjestu događaja, obavljanje policijskih poslova pri izvršavanju izvida kaznenih djela i pravilno odnošenje s tragovima koji sačinjavaju dokaze u daljnjem sudskom procesu.Proper undertaking investigative actions is crucial in deciding on the initiation or termination of criminal charges. Where the investigation of criminal offences confirms the existence of a criminal offense that is prosecuted ex officio, the public prosecutor is obliged to initiate criminal investigation research, and usually on the order of Attorney General, which is done by the police. Knowing some of the tactical and technical methods of forensic science improves policing in carrying out inquiries of the police at the scene, police work in the execution of criminal investigation and the proper care of clues that make up the criminal evidence in a further trial
Demistification of shroud of Turin
No full textTorinskim platnom naziva se lanena tkanina na kojoj se nalaze obrisi ljudskog tijela koji sugeriraju da je u nju bilo umotano tijelo osobe podlegle ozljedama nastalima uslijed mučenja. Katolici diljem svijeta smatraju da se radi o tkanini u koju je bilo umotano tijelo Isusa Krista nakon mučenja i smrti na križu. Brojne rasprave, te znanstveni i logički dokazi do sada nisu uspjeli potvrditi niti opovrgnuti vjerovanje da se radi o sepulkralnoj tkanini Isusa Krista. Unatoč značajnom tehnološkom napretku od otkrića Platna, obrise i ostale značajke koje su pronađene na Platnu, znanstvenici nisu uspjeli replicirati, ali su za veći broj njih uspjeli pronaći logična objašnjenja. Također, postoje brojne sličnosti i razlike s biblijskim izvještajima koje ostavljaju i vjernicima i skepticima priliku za raspravu i traženje istine.
Cilj ovoga rada jest prikazati činjenice koje su znanstveno utvrđene u pokušajima odgovaranja na pitanje autentičnosti Platna.The Shroud of Turin is a linen cloth with the outlines of the human body, which suggest that the body of a person who suffered injuries caused by torture was wrapped in it. Catholics around the world believe that this is the cloth in which the body of Jesus Christ was wrapped after torture and death on the cross. Numerous discussions, as well as scientific and logical evidence, have so far failed to confirm or refute the belief that this is the sepulchral cloth of Jesus Christ. Despite significant technological advances since the discovery of the Shroud, scientists have not been able to replicate the outlines and other features discovered on it, but have been able to find logical explanations for a number of them. In addition, there are numerous similarities and differences with Biblical reports that give both believers and skeptics the opportunity to argue and seek the truth.
The aim of this paper is to present the facts that have been scientifically established in attempts to answer the question of the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin
Sex estimation from handprints in a Croatian population sample: developing a tool for sex identification in criminal investigations
No full textAim: To test if handprint measurements show sexual dimorphism in the Croatian population, and to develop population-specific sex estimation standards.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 adult volunteers from a Croatian population (50 males and 50 females) aged between 20 and 45 years. Using a fingerprint ink, we collected handprints of both hands on a paper sheet. We scanned handprints and took 13 measurements. Bilateral asymmetry and sexual dimorphism of the measurements was analyzed and sex estimation models were developed using linear discriminant analysis.
Results: All measurements exhibited statistically significant sexual dimorphism (P<0.001). Univariate discriminant functions provided sexing accuracy from 75% to 92%. The highest accuracy rate (92%) and the lowest sexing bias (0%) was obtained using the handprint breadth. A multivariate discriminant function could estimate sex with 93% accuracy, but with more pronounced sexing bias (10%).
Conclusion: We showed that handprint measurements could be used for sex estimation in the Croatian population with a high accuracy level. Therefore, they could serve as a valuable tool for biological profiling of perpetrators in criminal investigations when other evidence is not conclusive
Evaluation of metric methods for sex estimation on human sternum
No full textCilj: Izračunati točnost procjene spola na prsnim kostima muškaraca i žena srednjovjekovne hrvatske populacije s pomoću diskriminantnih funkcija izrađenih za modernu hrvatsku populaciju, ispitati postoji li razlika između mjera prsne kosti uzorka suvremene i srednjovjekovne hrvatske populacije, ispitati mogu li se diskriminantne funkcije za modernu hrvatsku populaciju primijeniti na srednjovjekovnu.
Metode: Osteometrijska mjerenja na 57 kostura, od kojih 34 muškarca i 23 žene, čiji je spol prethodno određen analizom DNK-a. Mjere prsne kosti 21 očuvanog kostura uvrštene su u diskriminantne jednadžbe za modernu hrvatsku populaciju kako bi se dobila točnost procjene spola za muškarce, žene te njihov ukupan broj na uzorku srednjovjekovne hrvatske populacije.
Rezultati: Mjere koje su pokazale najveću točnost klasifikacije za muškarce i žene su B, SA i mjera DF, a za žene mjere MW i B. Za većinu mjera radi se o malom uzorku, zbog čega je točnost klasifikacije relativno niska. Nema statistički značajne razlike između modernog i srednjovjekovnog hrvatskog uzorka, osim za mjeru CSW1. Uzorak je bio dovoljan za procjenu točnosti spola, ali ne i za izradu standarda za srednjovjekovnu populaciju.
Zaključak: Diskriminantne funkcije za modernu hrvatsku populaciju nisu primjenjive, te ih nije preporučljivo primjenjivati na srednjovjekovnu hrvatsku populaciju.Aim: The main aims of this study are: to calculate accuracy of sex estimation on human sternum of medieval Croatian population by using discriminant functions made for modern Croatian population; to examine whether there is a difference between sternum measures of the contemporary and medieval Croation samples; to evaluate whether discriminant functions for modern Croatian population can be applied to medieval one.
Methods: Osteometric measurements on 57 skeletons, 34 where male and 23 female, of which the sex was previously determined by DNA analysis. The sternum measures of 21 preserved skeletons were inserted in the discriminant functions made for the modern Croatian population to obtain sexing accuracy for men, women and total of medieval Croatian population sample.
Results: The measures that showed the highest classification rates for men and women were B, SA and DF measurements, and for women MW and B measurements. For most measurements the sample is small, therefore the classification accuracy is relatively low. There was no statistically significant difference between the modern and medieval Croatian sample, except for CSW1 measurements. The sample was sufficient for calculating accuracy of sex estimation, but not for making standards for medieval population.
Conclusion: Discriminant functions for modern Croatian population are not applicable, and it is not advisable to use them on the medieval Croatian population
Critical infrastructure of the city of Split
No full textVažan aspekt svake države je kritična infrastruktura, njena struktura i funkcioniranje je od ključne važnosti za sigurnost države i njenih građana. Cilj ovog rada bio je ispitati upoznatost građana Grada Splita s kritičnom infrastrukturom, te ih upoznati s tim pojmom, ali i glavnim problemima kritične infrastrukture u samom gradu. Kao jedan od glavnih problema u Gradu Splitu naveden problem prometne infrastrukture koji je najuočljiviji u ljetnim mjesecima kada traje turistička sezona. Također je kao primjer slabe organizacije sustava uzet i požar koji je zahvatio Split i okolicu 2017. godine. U svrhu istraživanja provedena je anketa nad građanima koja je dala pravu sliku o njihovoj upućenosti u temu.An important aspect of every country is its critical infrastructure. It is of most importnance for the country and its citizens that it is functioning properly. The main goal of this paper was to see how well the citizens of Split are familiar with the concept of critical infrastructure as well as introduce them to the term. But also to get to know what the main problems of critical infrastructure are in the City of Split. Transport infrastructure in Split is one of the main issues that the city is dealing with, especially during the summer months when it hit its peak of tourist season. Also, Split and its surroundings were hit with a devastating wildfire in the summer of 2017. Which is one of the best examples of poor organisation of the authorities. On the purpose of the research for this paper an online poll was given to the citizens of Split to see how well they are informed with the subject
Toxicological and forensic significance of caffeine -determination of caffeine concentration in various beverages
No full textCilj: Cilj ovog rada je kroz pregled literature opisati kemijska svojstva i toksikološki učinak kofeina uz osvrt na njegov forenzični značaj. Eksperimentalnom dijelu rada cilj je UV-VIS spektrometrijom odrediti koncentraciju kofeina u 19 odabranih uzoraka čajeva, osvježavajućih bezalkoholnih i energetskih pića dostupnih na hrvatskom tržištu. Također, potrebno je ispitati slažu li se dobivene koncentracije kofeina sa zakonski propisanim maksimalnim sadržajem kofeina u određenom tipu napitka.
Metode: Pomoću standardnih otopina kofeina poznatih koncentracija i njihovih apsorbancija izmjerenih UV-VIS spektrometrom pri valnoj duljini 274 nm, konstruiran je baždarni dijagram i određena njegova jednadžba pravca. Infuzija uzoraka čaja izvršena je u destiliranoj vodi, nakon čega je smjesa filtrirana, a filtrat miješan s kloroformom u lijevku za odjeljivanje. Uzorci osvježavajućih bezalkoholnim i energetskih pića degazirani su zagrijavanjem do ključanja i nakon toga ekstrahirani kloroformom u lijevku za odjeljivanje. Tako dobiven ekstrakt je razrijeđen, te mu je UV-VIS spektrometrom mjerena apsorbancija pri valnoj duljini od 274 nm. Koncentracije kofeina u uzorcima izračunate su s pomoću jednadžbe pravca baždarnog dijagrama i faktora razrijeđenja ekstrakata.
Rezultati: Rezultati ovog istraživanja su sukladni do sada provedenim sličnim istraživanjima. Uzorci crnih čajeva sadrže veće koncentracije kofeina u odnosu na zelene, dok čajevi skupno imaju više određene koncentracije od ostalih analiziranih napitaka. Energetska pića sadrže veću koncentraciju kofeina u odnosu na osvježavajuće bezalkoholne napitke kod kojih dijetalne inačice određenih napitaka imaju manju koncentraciju kofeina od svojih originalnih varijanti. Dva uzorka energetskih pića pokazala su veću koncentraciju kofeina od one preporučene. Ostali uzorci sadrže koncentracije kofeina u granicama zakonski dozvoljenog, a na deklaracijama proizvoda navode se sve propisane informacije.
Zaključak: Budući da je kofein najčešće konzumirana psihoaktivna tvar, njegov toksikološki utjecaj na ljudski organizam dobro je istražen. Forenzični značaj kofeina je malen, ali je potrebno povećati svijest o negativnom utjecaju i mogućoj zlouporabi, na tržištu lako dostupnog, čistog kofeina. Metoda određivanja koncentracije UV-VIS spektometrijom izuzetno je jednostavna, brza, jeftina i pouzdana. Ipak, postupak ekstrakcije nije pokazao dobru ponovljivost zbog čega ga kroz buduća istraživanjima treba dodatno prilagoditi smanjenjem broja koraka u protokolu i mogućeg utjecaja ljudskog faktora na rezultate.Objective: The aim of this paper is to describe the chemical properties and toxicological effect of caffeine through a review of the literature with reference to its forensic significance. The aim of the experimental part of the paper is to determine the concentration of caffeine in 19 selected samples of teas, refreshing soft and energy drinks available on the Croatian market by UV-VIS spectrometry. Also, it is necessary to examine whether the obtained concentrations of caffeine comply with the legally prescribed maximum caffeine content in a particular type of beverage.
Methods: Using standard solutions of caffeine of known concentrations and their absorbances measured by UV-VIS spectrometer at a wavelength of 274 nm, a calibration diagram was constructed and its equation was determined. The tea samples were infused in distilled water, after which the mixture was filtered and the filtrate mixed with chloroform in a separatory funnel. Samples of refreshing soft and energy drinks were degassed by heating to boiling and then extracted with chloroform in a separatory funnel. The extract thus obtained was diluted and its absorbance was measured by UV-VIS spectrometer at a wavelength of 274 nm. Caffeine concentrations in the samples were calculated using the calibration equation and the extract dilution factor.
Results: The results of this research are consistent with similar research conducted so far. Samples of black teas contain higher concentrations of caffeine compared to green ones, while teas collectively have higher specific concentrations than other beverages analyzed. Energy drinks contain a higher concentration of caffeine compared to refreshing soft drinks in which the dietary versions of certain beverages have a lower concentration of caffeine than their original variants. Two samples of energy drinks showed a higher concentration of caffeine than the recommended one. Other samples contain concentrations of caffeine within the limits allowed by law, and all prescribed informations are stated on product declarations.
Conclusion: Since caffeine is the most commonly consumed psychoactive substance, its toxicological impact on the human body has been well investigated. The forensic significance of caffeine is small, but there is a need to increase awareness of the negative impact and possible misuse of pure caffeine which is easily available on the market. The method of determining the concentration by UV-VIS spectrometry is extremely simple, fast, cheap and reliable. However, the extraction process did not show good repeatability, which is why it should be further adjusted through future research by reducing the number of steps in the protocol and the possible influence of the human factor on the results
Analysis of crime scene investigation process in cases of murder-suicide-accident trilemma
No full textNa svakom mjestu događaja sa smrtno stradalom osobom potrebno je izvršiti očevid s posebnom
pažnjom. Sve tragovi na žrtvi i u njenoj okolini je potrebno analizirati kao i žrtvin način života i
hobije kako bi se dobila šira slika o smrtno stradaloj osobi. Zaključke nikada ne treba izvoditi iz
površnih pregleda jer nekada stvari nisu onakve kakve se čine na prvi pogled. Uz pomoć sudskih
medicinara i stručnjaka iz različitih tehničkih ili prirodnih znanosti, kada je slučaj zamršen i javi
se pitanje trileme, istražitelji dolaze do zaključaka da li se na tom mjestu događaja dogodilo
ubojstvo ili je ipak riječ o samoubojstvu ili nesretnom slučaju.Any crime scene involving a casualty should be examined with special attentiveness. Trace
evidence found on and around the victim, as well as the victims' lifestyle and hobbies should be
analyzed to get the bigger picture of the deceased person. Conclusions should never be drawn from
superficial examinations since often things are not as they seem at the first glance. When a case is
complicated and the question of a trilemma arises, the help of forensic experts specialized in
various technical and natural sciences is necessary for investigators to come to a conclusion as to
whether a homicide occurred at the scene or whether it was a suicide or an accident
Artificially deformed skull or craniosynostosis? – the challenges of differential diagnostics in physical anthropology
No full textCILJ: Istraživanje razlika između morfoloških značajki lubanje kod patoloških promjena (kraniosinostoza) i umjetnih deformacija lubanje na primjeru lubanje pronađenoj na nalazištu Solin – Smiljanjovac u grobu 110.
METODE: Priprema i analiza koštanih ostataka pronađenih u grobu 110 temelji se u prvom koraku od pranja, sušenja i stavljanja koštanog materijala u anatomski položaj. Procjenjuje se stupanj očuvanosti koštanih ostataka, boja kostiju, spol i doživljena dob. Lubanja se klasificira s obzirom na vanjsku morfologiju svoda i uspoređuju se karakteristike umjetno deformirane lubanje s patološkim stanjem kraniosinostoze.
REZULTATI: Stupanj očuvanosti koštanih ostataka ocijenjen je ocjenom 3, a kosti su svijetlo žute boje. Dob u trenutku smrti procjenjuje se na 25 – 35 godina, a na temelju morfologije lubanje, donje čeljusti i dugih kostiju zaključuje se kako se radi o koštanim ostacima ženske osobe. S obzirom na vanjsku morfologiju svoda lubanje svrstana je u kategoriju kružno – kose deformacije, a usporedbom karakteristika umjetno deformirane lubanje i patološkog stanja kraniosinostoze svrstana je pod umjetno deformiranu lubanju.
ZAKLJUČAK: Lubanja pronađena na području salonitanske nekropole pravi je primjer korištenja prakse umjetne deformacije lubanje, a ne patološkog stanja kraniosinostoze.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the differences between the morphological characteristics of the skull in pathological changes (craniosynostosis) and artificial deformations of the skull on the example of the skull found at the Solin - Smiljanjovac site in grave 110.
METHODS: The preparation and analysis of bone remains found in grave 110 is based on the first step of washing, drying, and placing the bone material in an anatomical position. The degree of preservation of bone remains, bone color, sex and age are assessed. The skull is classified according to the external morphology of the arch and the characteristics of the artificially deformed skull are compared with the pathological condition of craniosynostosis.
RESULTS: The degree of preservation of bone remains was rated 3, and the bones are light yellow. Age at the time of death is estimated at 25-35 years, and based on the morphology of the skull, lower jaw, and long bones, it is concluded that these are the bone remains of a woman. Considering the external morphology of the skull arch, it is classified in the category of circular - oblique deformations, and by comparing the characteristics of the artificially deformed skull and the pathological condition of craniosynostosis, it is classified as an artificially deformed skull.
CONCLUSION: The skull found in the area of the Salonitan necropolis is a real example of the use of the practice of artificial deformation of the skull, and not the pathological condition of craniosynostosis
New technologies in national security
No full textNacionalna sigurnost je djelatnost koja je organizirana kako bi zaštitila nacionalne interese i mehanizme koji su potrebni da bi se nacionalni interesi ostvarili. Nacionalni interesi se odreĊuju unutar svake drţave donošenjem Strategije nacionalne sigurnosti. Gledajući razvoj novih tehnologija i njihov utjecaj na stanje nacionalne sigurnosti dolazimo do pojma biometrije.
Biometrija se moţe definirati kao model identifikacije osobe, baziran na fiziĉkim karakteristikama ili karakteristikama ponašanja, a odnosi se na nešto što osoba posjeduje ili što osoba zna kako bi izvršila osobnu identifikaciju. Imamo dvije vrste biometrije: fiziĉku i biometriju ponašanja. Fiziĉka biometrija je dio biometrije koja se bavi uzorkovanjem fizionomije ljudskoga tijela i njegovim jedinstvenim karakteristikama (ĉitanje DNK zapisa, skeniranje roţnice i šarenice, prepoznavanje lica, geometrija šake, provjera vena, otisak prsta). Biometrija ponašanja opisuje fizikalne karakteristike (kao kretanje u prostoru, glas, izgled...) ĉovjeĉjeg tijela koje su dijelom jedinstvene za svaku osobu( glas, rukopis, dinamika tipkanja, dinamika hoda, dinamika mirisa). Danas gotovo da i ne postoji segment društva u kojem se ne pojavljuje biometrija. Sustavi za videonadzor danas su vrlo popularni u svijetu te imaju široku primjenu (kod kuće, na radnom mjestu, u javnim ustanovama itd.). Svrha sustava videonadzora je dostizanje visokog stupanja sigurnosti. S druge strane, nerado se dogaĊa da sustav videonadzora kod ljudi budi strah i sumnju. GDPR om je ureĊeno pod kojim uvjetima se smije koristiti isti. Sustav videonadzora koristi se za nadgledavanje javnih prostora poput prometa i prometnih ĉvorova, graniĉnih prijelaza, pješaĉkih zona, središta gradova, kvartova, parkirališta, parkova i sliĉno.National security is an activity organized to protect national interests and the mechanisms needed to achieve national interests. National interests are determined within each country by adopting a National Security Strategy. Looking at the development of new technologies and their impact on the state of national security, we come to the concept of biometrics. Biometrics can be defined as a model of identification of a person, based on physical or behavioral characteristics, and refers to something that a person possesses or what a person knows in order to perform personal identification. There are two types of biometrics: physical and behavioral biometrics. Physical biometrics is a part of biometrics that deals with the sampling of the physiognomy of the human body and its unique characteristics (reading DNA records, scanning the cornea and iris, facial recognition, fist geometry, vein testing, fingerprint). Behavioral biometrics describes the physical characteristics (such as movement in space, voice, appearance and so on) of the human body that are partly unique to each person (voice, handwriting, typing dynamics, dynamic of walking, smell dynamics). Today, there is hardly any segment of society where biometrics do not occur. Video surveillance systems are very popular in the world today and their usage is widely used (at home, in the workplace, in public institutions, etc.). The purpose of the video surveillance system is to achieve a high degree of security. On the other hand, video surveillance systems are reluctant to cause fear and doubt in people. The GDPR regulates under what conditions the same can be used. The video surveillance system is used to monitor public spaces such as traffic and traffic nodes, border crossings, pedestrian zones, city centers, neighborhoods, parking lots, parks and similar