International Journal of Forensic Science

This communication critically examines the utility of three reagents, viz. cyanoacrylate, iodine and ruthenium tetroxide, which, in vapor state, develop latent fingerprints on a host of crime scene evidence.

Keywords: Criminalistics; Fingerprints; Latent impressions; Post-treatment; Vapors.

Tin is a silvery-white metal, naturally occurring as cassiterite. It is denoted by symbol Sn, has an atomic number 50 and atomic weight 118.71u. The two commonly found oxidation states of tin are Sn (IV) called stannic and Sn (II) called stannous with approximately equal stabilities. Tin has been extensively used for storing food and beverages, transportation, construction industries, in paints, as heat stabilizers, and biocides. Several anthropogenic and natural processes release tin and its compounds into the environment posing a severe toxicological threat to living beings. Several studies prove absorption and accumulation of tin in the various parts of the body such as lungs, kidney, and spleen resulting in impairment of respiratory system, degenerative changes in kidney, central nervous system and reproductive system. The clinical features of tin poisoning along with appropriate diagnosis has been discussed in this paper. The identification of tin and its compounds using various advanced analytical techniques will help in better dealing with the toxic effects of the same. Also, the hospitalization and post-hospitalization management will help to understand the proper care and treatment required by the patient.

Keywords: Tin toxicity; Poisoning; Tin; Biocides; Analytical techniques etc.

There are a host of chemical methods for detection and enhancement of latent fingerprints. Those which involve the use of metals or metal derivatives are reviewed in this communication.

Keywords: Fingerprints; Fluorescence; Metals; Photoluinescence

Lip prints are another one of the most crucial evidence found on the crime scene which can help to put the criminal behind the bars and exonerate the innocent. Till now not much studies had been put forward on lip print but the time is changing and now this evidence is also being considered as an important part of investigation. In this paper, we choose two different surfaces which are porous (paper, sponge and fabric) and non-porous (wood and glass) on these surfaces to decipher the prints most generally used physical method i.e. black and white powder and chemical method which is iodine fuming. The sample size is around 100 lip prints collected on the surfaces. These samples contain both the male and female mixed lip prints. After the examination of the lip prints through these different methods the result was on paper the prints were partially developed, on sponge the prints were not developed and on the fabric the prints were again partially developed whereas on non-porous surface the prints were completely developed and on the varnished wood the prints were not developed. Fordecipherment of the prints on porous surface black powder is used and on non-porous surface on glass white powder is used and on varnished wood iodine fuming is used. The best result is observed with white powder i.e. with 75% on glass as surface.

Keywords: Lip prints; Development of lip prints; Black powder method; Iodine fuming.

In view of the interesting results obtained by the complexes of vanadium metal, a series of oxovanadium (IV) complexes have been synthesized by the reactions of Schiff bases, derived from tere-phthalic acid, succinic acid, adipic acid and salicylaldehyde and 2-hydroxyacetophenone with oxovanadium (IV) sulphate in absolute ethanol. Complexes were well characterized on the basis of analytical data, magnetic susceptibility, UV-Vis and IR data. The X-band EPR spectra of all the complexes have been recorded in room and liquid nitrogen temperature. Powder X-ray diffraction pattern shows the particles are in nano range. Tentative structures of the complexes have been proposed. All the oxovanadium (IV) complexes have also been asayed for their antifungal activities against three fungi, viz. Aspergillus niger, Curvularia pallescens and Colletotrichum capsici.

Keywords: Oxovanadium (IV); Schiffbase; IR; UV-Vis; EPR; Powder X-ray diffraction; Antifungal activity.

A novel fingerprint powder composition based on methyl orange has been formulated. The other ingredients of formulation are boric acid and talcum powder. The formulation develops sharp and clear fingerprints on wide range of dry, smooth, non-porous surfaces such as glass, metallic spoon, plastic folder etc. This formulation is useful in detecting and developing weak and fragmented chance prints from scene of crime. The developed formulation is non-hazardous, non-toxic and cost-effective in nature.

Keywords: Latent fingerprints; Powder method; Methyl orange; Non-porous surfaces.

Aim of the present study was to examine the combined contribution of anthropology and diatomology for establishing the identity and cause of death through bones, recovered from dry pond in a farm. Detail analysis of the bone was performed to establish identity and cause of death. In addition to routine examination of bone marrow of humerus, pelvis, clavicle, sacrum, mandible, femur and tibia using anthropological methods, diatomological and toxicological examinations were also performed to estimate sex, age and stature and cause of death. In this case, nitric acid extracts of the intact femur and clavicle bone marrow were prepared and examined for the presence of diatoms. Various kinds of diatom frustules were recovered from marrow extracts, indicating that the cause of death was drowning. Poison was not detected in these bones during toxicological examination. Bones were without any injury mark. The use of diatom test was helpful in proving death due to drowning and excluding the possibility of death due to some other reason. Probably it would be accidental drowning as on the basis of back ground rationale. The application of anthropological and diatomological examinations significantly enhance the medicolegal investigation of bones. Anthropological data facilitated identification of individual and the diatom test established cause of death.

Keywords: Anthropology; Bones; Diatomology; Drowning; Diatom test.

Milk plays an important role in a diet of children, younger and old people due to its high nutrient and mineral content. In this study different milk samples were collected from different area of Kanpur and analyzed. Proximate composition of different samples was determined by using 1S-166 (Indian Standard specification of milk). In these samples fat content- 2.8–6.1%, protein content- 3.0–6.1% the total solid content ranged between 10.8–14.75% and ash content 0.61–0.71% were observed. Due to liquid food milk is adulterated easily as neutralizer, fertilizers/additives, thickening agent, preservative were analyzed in all samples.

Keywords: Ash; Fat; Proteins; milk samples.