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Hanson I, Fenn J. A review of the contributions of forensic archaeology and anthropology to the process of disaster victim identification. J Forensic Sci 2024. [PMID: 38886927 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Forensic archaeology and anthropology have developed significantly over past decades and now provide considerable assistance to the investigation process of disaster victim recovery and identification. In what are often chaotic death and crime scenes, the formal process of utilizing archaeological methods can bring control, order, and ensure systematic search. Procedures assist in defining scene extent, locating victims and evidence, rule out areas for consideration, and provide standardized recording and quality assurance through dedicated use of standardized forms (pro formas). Combined archaeological and anthropological search methods maximize opportunities to recovery the missing through identifying remains, mapping distributions, and providing accounting of victims at the scene. Anthropological assistance in examinations contributes to individual assessment, resolving commingling and fragmentation issues, and utilizing DNA sampling methods and matching data to reassociate and account for the missing. Utilization of archaeology, anthropology, and DNA matching data provides scope to review crime scene recovery and determine requirements and potential for further survey and retrieval. Adopting the most suitable methods for a particular context can maximize recovery, efficiency, and resource use. Case studies demonstrate the utility of archaeological methods in a range of scenarios. They exemplify the success of multidisciplinary analysis in providing evidence of the sequence of events, the timing of events, the impact of taphonomic processes, the location and accounting of victims, and the demonstration of systematic scene search. The considerations provided in this article, utilizing archaeology and anthropology processes, may assist investigators in planning and implementing responses to mass fatalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Hanson
- Department of Humanities and Law, Bournemouth University, Poole, Dorset, UK
| | - James Fenn
- TERRA Search Promise, 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization, Arlington, Virginia, USA
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2
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Koziczak A. Signatures as an object of autoforgery (self-forgery). ARCHIVES OF FORENSIC MEDICINE AND CRIMINOLOGY 2024; 73:257-271. [PMID: 38662467 DOI: 10.4467/16891716amsik.23.013.18688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The study presents the results of research aimed at isolating the graphic features most frequently and least frequently modified by people committing autoforgery (self-forgery) of signatures in situations where the appearance of their natural signatures is not known to the recipient. The research covered a total of over 12,000 signatures from 200 individuals. The most successful attempts at autoforgery of legible and illegible signatures of each test subject were selected for the final evaluation. It was found that autoforgery changes are most often focused on the most striking features of the signatures, such as the structure of letters in the initial part of the signature, size, readability, impulse, and slope. Secondary features, more difficult to notice or those whose existence the writers are not aware of (such as the presence or absence of additions, the arrangement of letters in relation to each other, the shape and direction of signature lines, the format of legible signatures) are usually omitted in autoforgery activities. Detecting autoforgery can be a big challenge for experts, because in practice, any significant differences between the questioned signature and comparative signatures are often mistakenly considered to be the result of forgery. Therefore, in order to detect autoforgery, it is necessary to analyze the structure of easily noticeable features that most influence the so-called pictorial effect of the signature in combination with the unattractive features that remain unchanged in most cases of autoforgery. The more characteristic the latter are, the more their consistency in the questioned and comparative material proves self-forgery, regardless of the differences in the primary features. In the case of a forged signature, the opposite is true: the most easily noticeable features of the signature are imitated by the forger, and the differences occur mainly in secondary features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Koziczak
- Institute of Law and Economics, Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz, Poland
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3
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Villa C, Lynnerup N, Jacobsen C. A Virtual, 3D Multimodal Approach to Victim and Crime Scene Reconstruction. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2764. [PMID: 37685302 PMCID: PMC10486680 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13172764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last two decades, forensic pathology and crime scene investigations have seen a rapid increase in examination tools due to the implementation of several imaging techniques, e.g., CT and MR scanning, surface scanning and photogrammetry. These tools encompass relatively simple visualization tools to powerful instruments for performing virtual 3D crime scene reconstructions. A multi-modality and multiscale approach to a crime scene, where 3D models of victims and the crime scene are combined, offers several advantages. A permanent documentation of all evidence in a single 3D environment can be used during the investigation phases (e.g., for testing hypotheses) or during the court procedures (e.g., to visualize the scene and the victim in a more intuitive manner). Advanced computational approaches to understand what might have happened during a crime can also be applied by, e.g., performing a virtual animation of the victim in the actual context, which can provide important information about possible dynamics during the event. Here, we present an overview of the different techniques and modalities used in forensic pathology in conjunction with crime scene investigations. Based on our experiences, the advantages and challenges of an image-based multi-modality approach will be discussed, including how their use may introduce new visualization modalities in court, e.g., virtual reality (VR) and 3D printing. Finally, considerations about future directions in research will be mentioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Villa
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Frederik V’s Vej 11, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (N.L.); (C.J.)
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Georgiou A, Masters P, Johnson S, Feetham L. UAV-assisted real-time evidence detection in outdoor crime scene investigations. J Forensic Sci 2022; 67:1221-1232. [PMID: 35262192 PMCID: PMC9311223 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Nowadays, a plethora of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) designs that significantly vary in size, shape, operating flight altitude, and flight range have been developed to provide multidimensional capabilities across a wide range of military and civil applications. In the field of forensic and police applications, drones are becoming increasingly used instead of helicopters to assist field officers to search for vulnerable missing persons or to target criminals in crime hotspots, and also to provide high‐quality data for the documentation and reconstruction of the forensic scene or to facilitate evidence detection. This paper aims to examine the contribution of UAVs in real‐time evidence detection in outdoor crime scene investigations. It should be highlighted that the project innovates by providing a quantitative comparative analysis of UAV‐based and traditional search methods through the simulation of a crime scene investigation for evidence detection. The first experimental phase tested the usefulness of UAVs as a forensic detection tool by posing the dilemma of humans or drones. The second phase examined the ability of the drone to reproduce the obtained performance results in different terrains, while the third phase tested the accuracy in detection by subjecting the drone‐recorded videos to computer vision techniques. The experimental results indicate that drone deployment in evidence detection can provide increased accuracy and speed of detection over a range of terrain types. Additionally, it was found that real‐time object detection based on computer vision techniques could be the key enabler of drone‐based investigations if interoperability between drones and these techniques is achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Argyrios Georgiou
- Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield University, Defence Academy of the UK, Wiltshire, UK
| | - Peter Masters
- Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield University, Defence Academy of the UK, Wiltshire, UK
| | - Stephen Johnson
- Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield University, Defence Academy of the UK, Wiltshire, UK
| | - Luke Feetham
- Cranfield University, Defence Academy of the UK, Wiltshire, UK
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5
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Cunha RR, Arrabal CT, Dantas MM, Bassaneli HR. Laser scanner and drone photogrammetry: A statistical comparison between 3-dimensional models and its impacts on outdoor crime scene registration. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 330:111100. [PMID: 34856522 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.111100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This work evaluated the accuracy of 3D models generated by a DJI Mavic Pro drone with 3DF Zephyr software photogrammetry. The models were compared to models generated by a Trimble X7 laser scanner. The tests were performed in the outdoor area of a vehicle parking inbound to simulate the characteristics of a crime scene. Ground control points (GCPs) were distributed in ten positions within the surroundings. In manual flight, the drone performed nadiral photographs from one side to the other side and with an elliptical 45° center pointed. Three altitudes where tested: 10 m, 20 m and 40 m. The Trimble X7 laser scanner performed six scans and generated one set of point clouds. Drone photogrammetry returned eligible data for distances of 20 m and 40 m with errors of ~0.25 mm. To increase the overlay in the photogrammetry procedure, all photographs from distances of 10-40 m were processed, returning an error of ~0.53 mm. The results of the measured distances, which were manually picked from the GCPs, from the 3D-scanned model and photogrammetric 3D models were then statistically analyzed. The Trimble X7 laser scanner showed an average error of 3 cm, which was approximately equivalent to the results obtained with all images or when using a known scale value for the drone photographs, presenting no significant differences among the evaluated methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claude Thiago Arrabal
- Superintendência da Polícia Técnico Científica do Estado de São Paulo SPTC, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Mourão Dantas
- Superintendência da Polícia Técnico Científica do Estado de São Paulo SPTC, SP, Brazil
| | - Hélio Rodrigues Bassaneli
- Universidade Estadual Paulista UNESP - Centro Nacional de Monitoramento de Desastres Naturais - CEMADEN
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6
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Liu Z. Extraction and mapping of component information of ancient buildings in Huizhou based on UAV technology. ECOL INFORM 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoinf.2021.101437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Riva F, Buck U, Buße K, Hermsen R, Mattijssen EJAT, Kerkhoff W. Error estimation on extracorporeal trajectory determination from body scans. Int J Legal Med 2021; 136:729-737. [PMID: 34424386 PMCID: PMC9005399 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-021-02676-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study explores the magnitude of two sources of error that are introduced when extracorporeal bullet trajectories are based on post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) and/or surface scanning of a body. The first source of error is caused by an altered gravitational pull on soft tissue, which is introduced when a body is scanned in another position than it had when hit. The second source of error is introduced when scanned images are translated into a virtual representation of the victim’s body. To study the combined magnitude of these errors, virtual shooting trajectories with known vertical angles through five “victims” (live test persons) were simulated. The positions of the simulated wounds on the bodies were marked, with the victims in upright positions. Next, the victims were scanned in supine position, using 3D surface scanning, similar to a body’s position when scanned during a PMCT. Seven experts, used to working with 3D data, were asked to determine the bullet trajectories based on the virtual representations of the bodies. The errors between the known and determined trajectories were analysed and discussed. The results of this study give a feel for the magnitude of the introduced errors and can be used to reconstruct actual shooting incidents using PMCT data.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Riva
- Centre Universitaire Romand de Medecine Legale Lausanne-Geneva, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland. .,Ecole Des Sciences Criminelles, Université de Lausanne, Batochime, CH 1015, Lausanne-Dorigny, Switzerland. .,Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - U Buck
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Technical Accident Service, Canton Police Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - K Buße
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - R Hermsen
- Netherlands Forensic Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | | | - W Kerkhoff
- Netherlands Forensic Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands
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8
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Rocke B, Ruffell A, Donnelly L. Drone aerial imagery for the simulation of a neonate burial based on the geoforensic search strategy (GSS). J Forensic Sci 2021; 66:1506-1519. [PMID: 33576508 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A woman reporting the homicide and burial of an infant in 2004 prompted the creation of an experimental simulated neonate grave shortly before the real search commenced. The real case, documented here, did not use aerial imagery, but used ground-penetrating radar (calibrated to the test site described here) to identify two locations that were probed for gas release and the deployment of victim recovery dogs. We suggest technological advances in remotely sensed aerial imagery that have developed since 2004 will demonstrate their use in focusing such searches by informing a Geoforensic Search Strategy (GSS) and suggesting locations accessible by a perpetrator to identify a burial location using the still-existent analogue site. To test this, in the spring of 2020 a DJI Mavic Pro drone was flown over the control site containing the simulated 2004 burial. Aerial image processing included the creation of orthomosaics, Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Visual Atmospheric Resistance Index (VARI), and photogrammetry. Conventional ground-based geophysical surveys using ground-penetrating radar, guided by this new type of information integrated into the GSS, confirmed that anomalies seen in drone data were the 16-year-old burial. We test this strategy using both the original simulated burial in Northern Ireland and further evaluate it in two recent simulated graves in the United States in more complex scenarios, but with successful results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Rocke
- School of Natural and Built Environment, The Queen's University, Belfast, UK
| | - Alastair Ruffell
- School of Natural and Built Environment, The Queen's University, Belfast, UK
| | - Laurance Donnelly
- International Union of Geological Sciences, Initiative on Forensic Geology, Lancashire, UK
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9
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Bauer J, Moormann D, Strametz R, Groneberg DA. Development of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) networks delivering early defibrillation for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) in areas lacking timely access to emergency medical services (EMS) in Germany: a comparative economic study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e043791. [PMID: 33483448 PMCID: PMC7825255 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study wants to assess the cost-effectiveness of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) equipped with automated external defibrillators (AED) in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA). Especially in rural areas with longer response times of emergency medical services (EMS) early lay defibrillation could lead to a significant higher survival in OHCA. PARTICIPANTS 3296 emergency medical stations in Germany. SETTING Rural areas in Germany. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Three UAV networks providing 80%, 90% or 100% coverage for rural areas lacking timely access to EMS (ie, time-to-defibrillation: >10 min) were developed using a location allocation analysis. For each UAV network, primary outcome was the cost-effectiveness using the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) calculated by the ratio of financial costs to additional life years gained compared with current EMS. RESULTS Current EMS with 3926 emergency stations was able to gain 1224 life years on annual average in the study area. The UAV network providing 100% coverage consisted of 1933 UAV with average annual costs of €43.5 million and 1845 additional life years gained on annual average (ICER: €23 568). The UAV network providing 90% coverage consisted of 1074 UAV with average annual costs of €24.2 million and 1661 additional life years gained on annual average (ICER: €14 548). The UAV network providing 80% coverage consisted of 798 UAV with average annual costs of €18.0 million and 1477 additional life years gained on annual average (ICER: €12 158). CONCLUSION These results reveal the relevant life-saving potential of all modelled UAV networks. Furthermore, all analysed UAV networks could be deemed cost-effective. However, real-life applications are needed to validate the findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Bauer
- Division of Health Services Research, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Goethe-Universitat Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Dieter Moormann
- Institute for Flight System Dynamics, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Reinhard Strametz
- Wiesbaden Business School, RheinMain University of Applied Sciences, Wiesbaden, Hessen, Germany
| | - David A Groneberg
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Goethe-Universitat Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Hessen, Germany
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10
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Abate D, Sturdy Colls C, Moyssi N, Karsili D, Faka M, Anilir A, Manolis S. Optimizing search strategies in mass grave location through the combination of digital technologies. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2020; 1:95-107. [PMID: 32411961 PMCID: PMC7219194 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2019.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Efforts to locate missing persons resulting from conflict often centre of excavation. Although this approach is the only way to definitively confirm the presence of human remains, it can be costly and labour-intensive, particularly when large areas need to be searched. This paper discusses a wide range of emerging non-invasive digital methods implemented with a view to locating burials and mass graves and increase the excavation recovery rate of the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus (CMP). Aerial and terrestrial survey and subsequent 3D modelling were combined with geophysical survey in order to record sites, two of which were excavated to ground-truth the findings. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of these techniques in defining the search parameters of potential burial sites and prioritizing features for investigation. The nature of the collaboration between archaeologists, digital technologists, and forensic experts allowed mutual trust to be built between all parties, whilst also testing the effectiveness of the methods employed.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Abate
- Centre of Archaeology, Staffordshire University, Stoke on Trent, United Kingdom.,Science and Technology in Archaeology and Culture Research Centre (STARC), The Cyprus Institute, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - C Sturdy Colls
- Centre of Archaeology, Staffordshire University, Stoke on Trent, United Kingdom
| | - N Moyssi
- Committee for Missing Persons in Cyprus, Cyprus
| | - D Karsili
- Committee for Missing Persons in Cyprus, Cyprus
| | - M Faka
- Science and Technology in Archaeology and Culture Research Centre (STARC), The Cyprus Institute, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - A Anilir
- Committee for Missing Persons in Cyprus, Cyprus
| | - S Manolis
- Committee for Missing Persons in Cyprus, Cyprus
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11
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Geomatic techniques in forensic science: A review. Sci Justice 2020; 60:99-107. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2019.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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12
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Braun J, Gertz SD, Furer A, Bader T, Frenkel H, Chen J, Glassberg E, Nachman D. The promising future of drones in prehospital medical care and its application to battlefield medicine. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2019; 87:S28-S34. [PMID: 31246903 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000002221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly referred to as drones, have been made widely available in recent years leading to an exponential growth in their roles and applications. The rapidly developing field of medical drones is on the verge of revolutionizing prehospital medicine enabling advanced health care delivery to once-inaccessible patients. The aim of this review is to clarify the basic technical properties of currently available medical drones and review recent advances and their usefulness in military and civilian health care missions. A thorough search was conducted using conventional medical literature databases and nonmedical popular search engines. The results indicate increasingly rapid incorporation of unmanned aerial vehicles into search and rescue missions, telemedicine assignments, medical supply routes, public health surveillance, and disaster management. Medical drones appear to be of great benefit for improving survivability of deployed forces on and off the battlefield. The emerging aerial medical delivery systems appear to provide particularly promising solutions for bridging some of the many serious gaps between third world health care systems and their western counterparts and between major metropolitan centers and distant rural communities. The global nature of drone-based health care delivery needs points to a need for an international effort between collaborating civilian and military medical forces to harness the currently available resources and novel emerging technologies for broader lifesaving capabilities. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Braun
- From the Military Track of Medicine, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School (J.B., S.D.G. A.F., T.B., H.F., J.C., D.N.) Jerusalem, Israel; The Institute for Research in Military Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps. (S.D.G., T.B., D.N.); the Saul and Joyce Brandman Cardiovascular Research Hub, Institute for Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (S.D.G.); the Medical Innovation Branch, Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps (A.F.); the Headquarters of the Surgeon General, Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps (T.B., H.F.), Ramat Gan, Israel; the Trauma & Combat Medicine Branch, Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps (J.C.), Ramat Gan, Israel; the Medical Services Command, Israel Defence Forces Medical Corps, Bar Ilan University Faculty of Medicine, Safed, Israel and The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (E.G.), Bethesda, Maryland; and the Department of Internal Medicine A, Hadassah University Hospital (D.N.), Jerusalem, Israel
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13
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A Low Cost Approach to Disturbed Soil Detection Using Low Altitude Digital Imagery from an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. DRONES 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/drones3020050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Until recently, clandestine burial investigations relied upon witness statements to determine target search areas of soil and vegetation disturbance. Due to this, remote sensing technologies are increasingly used to detect fresh clandestine graves. However, despite the increased capabilities of remote sensing, clandestine burial searches remain resourcefully intensive as the police have little access to the technology when it is required. In contrast to this, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology is increasingly popular amongst law enforcement worldwide. As such, this paper explores the use of digital imagery collected from a low cost UAV for the aided detection of disturbed soil sites indicative of fresh clandestine graves. This is done by assessing the unaltered UAV video output using image processing tools to detect sites of disturbance, therefore highlighting previously unrecognised capabilities of police UAVs. This preliminary investigation provides a low cost rapid approach to detecting fresh clandestine graves, further supporting the use of UAV technology by UK police.
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14
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15
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Edelman GJ, Aalders MC. Photogrammetry using visible, infrared, hyperspectral and thermal imaging of crime scenes. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 292:181-189. [PMID: 30321744 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Photogrammetry is a method for obtaining virtual 3D models of objects and scenes. The technique is increasingly used to record the crime scene in its original, undisturbed state for mapping, analytical and reconstruction purposes. Recently, it was shown that it is possible to visualize and/or chemically analyze latent traces by using advanced cameras which either operate in wavelength ranges beyond the visible range, and/or are able to obtain spectrally resolved images. The combination of these advanced cameras and photogrammetric techniques enables the 3D registration of valuable information. We successfully explored the feasibility to obtain visible, infrared, hyperspectral and thermal 3D registrations of simulated crime scenes using photogrammetry, and demonstrate the possibilities and practical challenges for use in forensic practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- G J Edelman
- Netherlands Forensic Institute, P.O. Box 24044, 2490 AA The Hague, The Netherlands.
| | - M C Aalders
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Academic Medical Center, P.O. Box 22700, 1100 DE Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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16
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The application of low-altitude near-infrared aerial photography for detecting clandestine burials using a UAV and low-cost unmodified digital camera. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 289:408-418. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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17
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Abstract
Abstract
Face databases have assumed an important role in a variety of clinical and applied research domains. However, the number of datasets accessible to the scientific community is limited and the knowledge of their existence may be concealed from a wider range of specialists. In the present paper we introduce a sizeable dataset of 3D facial scans - FIDENTIS 3D Face Database (F3D-FD or FIDENTIS Database), which is accompanied by basic demographic and descriptive data. The database is structured according to recorded subjects, and comprises single-scan entries as well as a smaller number of multiscan entries. The multi-scan entries vary in the time passed between recording sessions and in the devices employed to collect the 3D data. The total number of 2476 individuals puts our database within the category of large-scale databases. The 3D scans are accessible through a web-based interface at www. fidentis.cz. A licensed version of the database is available to interested parties upon signing a license agreement. Because of its varied composition, and low target-specificity the database has capacity to be of great assistance for the worldwide research community.
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18
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Urbanová P, Vojtíšek T, Frišhons J, Šandor O, Jurda M, Krajsa J. Applying 3D prints to reconstructing postmortem craniofacial features damaged by devastating head injuries. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2018; 33:48-52. [PMID: 29803084 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2018.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Postmortem facial identification is one of the most common techniques for establishing a deceased person's identity. In victims suffering from devastating cranial injuries, the feasibility of facial identification tasks can be compromised by damage to or disfigurement of the identifying cranial features. Although there are several reconstructive approaches, which help experts to restore the essence of person's physical appearance, thus enhancing the chances of recognition, only a few of them involve restoring the fractured cranial bones as the foundation for the reconstructed soft tissues. Here, we propose a technique based on replacement of heavily damaged hard tissues with generic prosthetics manufactured by 3D printing. Our approach does not require medical imaging technologies or other costly lab equipment. It is simple, affordable and relatively labor-efficient. The deceased's reconstructed craniofacial features can be subsequently assessed, photographed, drawn or otherwise reproduced in order to help determine his or her identity. In addition, the imagery can be displayed, published or broadcasted in media without concerns of being overly graphic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Urbanová
- Laboratory of Morphology and Forensic Anthropology, Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Tomáš Vojtíšek
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, St. Anne's Faculty Hospital, Tvrdého 2a, 662 99 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Jan Frišhons
- Department of Forensic Medicine, St. Anne's Faculty Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Tvrdého 2a, Brno 662 99, Czech Republic.
| | - Ondřej Šandor
- Institute of Pathologic Morphology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého třída 1946/1, Brno 612 42, Czech Republic.
| | - Mikoláš Jurda
- Laboratory of Morphology and Forensic Anthropology, Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Krajsa
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, St. Anne's Faculty Hospital, Tvrdého 2a, 662 99 Brno, Czech Republic.
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