9th INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON FORENSIC SCIENCES
   Sep 29th - Oct 2nd 2009
   Piešťany, Slovak republic
    Organised by Slovak Criminalistic Society and Institute of Forensic Science of Slovak Police Forces
Agenda
Social (photos)
Contacts
Links

  Kriminalistický a expertízny
  ústav PZ
  Sklabinská 1
  852 01 Bratislava
  SLOVAKIA
  tel.: 00421 9610 57500
  fax: 00421 9610 59058


Scientific Program - Lectures


1. BIOLOGY
mRNA profiling as a new method for body fluid identification

RNDr. Barbora Sviežená, PhD., Mgr. Andrej Choma, PhD.
Department of Biology and DNA Analysis, Institute of Forensic Science, Bratislava
Mgr. Lívia Zatkalíková, Mgr. Martina Ďuriančíková
Department of Biology and DNA Analysis, Institute of Forensic Science, Slovenská Ľupča

Abstract:
Identification of the biological source of a stain is an important issue in forensic casework, that may also help in predicting the success of a DNA analysis and interpreting DNA results. mRNA profiling is a novel method established for identification of blood, saliva, semen, vaginal secretions and menstrual blood. In EDNAP mRNA profiling exercise we have tried to introduce this method in our labs.

2. BIOLOGY
Blood Stained Soils comparison from Turkey and Pakistan for DNA Degradation and Inorganic analysis by Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectroscopy

Shahzad, M S1., Ozlem Bulbul, Mujgan Cengiz2, Salih Cengiz
1) Institute of Legal Medicine, Istanbul University, Turkey
2) Department of Medical Biology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University

Abstract:
Soil can provide important information to criminal investigations as transfer evidence because many criminal cases take place under circumstances such that soil transfers to a criminal or victim. Thus soil can be a good source of evidence especially in murder cases when its stained with the blood. Blood stained soil samples can be obtained after some incident. For this purpose study of the soil types, rate of decomposition and ability of soils to pertain different biological materials is necessary. Different soils types (garden, graveyard, canal bank and construction area) from Pakistan and Turkey were stained with blood and samples were collected systematically after specified intervals. Rapid, inexpensive, large-scale DNA extraction method involving minimal purification was developed that is applicable to various soil types. DNA was quantized using Spectrophotometer and was confirmed by Agarose gel Electrophoresis. DNA extracted from different soils in different periods showed a remarkable decrease in yield as well as degradation in every extraction. DNA obtained was also suitable for PCR amplification using various DNA targets presents in Promega Powerplex® 16 System kit. Statistical analysis using SPSS was performed to know the homogeneity, comparison of soils for their ability to capture DNA for different time period. Significant results were obtained when graphs were plotted for decrease in yield versus time for soils obtained from different origin. On the other hand, inorganic analysis and comparison by ICP-MS shows the inorganic composition of soils from different origins. Again the significant results from differentiation of elemental composition by ICP-MS were obtained when blood stained soils were compared with negative soils (soils with no blood on it).

3. BIOLOGY
New possibilities of collection and archiving biological samples – FTA® cards

RNDr. Jana Hájková, Dynex s.r.o., Na Čihadle 32, Praha 6, CZ
Bc. Jiří Myšinský, Laboratory of Forensic Genetics,Tvrdého 2a, Brno,CZ
Mgr.Tomáš Pexa, Laboratory of Forensic Genetics,Tvrdého 2a, Brno,CZ
MUDr. Michal Zelený, PhD., Institute of Forensic Medicine, Tvrdého 2a, Brno, CZ
Prof. MUDr. Miroslav Hirt, CSc., Institute of Forensic Medicine, Tvrdého 2a, Brno, CZ

Abstract:
Unique technology of Whatman company used for FTA cards manufacturing enables safe and long-term archiving of biological samples. Study which has tested the influence of biological, chemical and physical effects on stability of material fixed on the FTA card have proved extreme resistance of FTA cards together with high level of protection of fixed biological material. FTA cards are suitable for collection and archiving different kinds of biological material (blood, saliva, sperm, tissue homogenates, purified DNA, plant homogenates, microbial cultures, amniotic fluid). Some sorts of FTA cards contain colour indicator which changes from pink to white colour after sampling saliva for example. Thanks to this visualization the person collecting biological material has also got a feed back of correct sample collection, especially in case of buccal swabs. The way how to use this collection kit is very easy. Using the foam applicator you swab required material and transfer it to the FTA card. FTA cards are treated with special chemicals which lyse cells, denature proteins and protect the nucleic acid against nucleases, oxidative damage and UV light influence. These chemicals also inactivate microorganisms and avoid the growths of others. FTA cards also effectively inactivate pathogens so handling with them is safe. First part of the DNA isolation from collected material starts already after transferring this material to the FTA card – cell lysis. In this moment you can archivate or process the sample immediately. FTA cards storage does not require large space or special conditions. Biological material sampled on FTA cards is stable for years stored in paper envelopes at room temperature (study of the manufacturer features troublefree obtaining of full DNA profile from bood sample stored on the FTA card for 14 years and from buccal swab stored on the FTA card for 5 years. There is no need to equipe the forensic labs with deep-freezing boxes and the expenses on energy and space are also lower. The usage of FTA cards in the forensic region is widespread all over the world. In Europe, FTA cards are used for biological samples collection by police authorities of 9 countries (France, Italy, Spain, Norway, Sveden, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Luxembourg). Several private and police genetic labs have got positive experiences with this type of collection kit, some of them for more than 4 years. Next to cost saving of consumables and chemicals for FTA cards processing there is also marked time saving necessary for processing the cards. Thanks to their character and easy way-of-use, FTA cards are outstanding instrument for crime scene technicians, genetic experts and medical examiners. Due to easy handling, excellent character and suitability for automated processes these collection kits are on the first place among others. They are easy to use, simply and fast processed and you get quality results. Usage of FTA cards also reduces personnel and material costs.

4. BIOLOGY
Message from the 10 th century hidden in the ancient DNA.

Pavel Čapek1, Pavla Coufalova1, Roman Hradil1, Nada Profantova2 , Petra Stranska2
1 Institute of Criminalistics Prague, Departement of Genetics, Czech Republic
2 Institute of Archaelogy of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, V.V.I

Abstract:
Analysis of the ancient DNA from human tissues such as bones or teeth or from any other degraded biological material from long deceased individuals is highly challenging for many forensic geneticists that deal with such a project. There are several techniques that have been published in the last decade that could be used to solve this puzzle, however in most of the cases the methodology needs to be „slightly“ changed according to material that is analysed. We have tested and compared several DNA extraction methods from the bone/tooth samples from the 10th century (Klecany I, II - archaeological sites/burial-ground dated to the 10th century). One of the methods tested showed the biggest yield of the DNA and therefore was used in the DNA extraction for the rest of the samples mentioned above. The DNA extraction was followed by successful STR typing. The other goal of this project is to perform the kinship analysis of the samples from the Klecany locality. We believe that such a robust method could be used for any other problematic samples that forensic geneticists have to deal with in their everyday life.

5. CRIME SCENE
New aspects using criminalistics documentations.

Metenko Jozef, doc., JUDr., PhD.,
Head - Chair of criminalistics and forensic science Department, Academy of the Police Force, Bratislava, Slovakia. tlf.: ++ 421 9610 57517, e-mail: metenko@minv.sk

Abstract:
In this paper the author attempts to briefly characterize the content and scope of criminalistics and forensic methods in connection with their relations, applications and technologies. He analyses the marginal possibilities to explanation their place, importance and relatives in the system of criminalistic too. These are recognized in the uncovering and clarifying activities performed by police officers. He demonstrates the ground conditions under which such crime reveals and documentation is effective with criminalistics methods.

6. CHEMISTRY
Chromatographic Techniques in Combination with Mass Spectrometry and its Use for Ultratrace Analysis of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals

Svetlana Hrouzková, Michal Kirchnerb and Ján Hrouzek aInstitute of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Radlinského 9,812 37 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
Hermes LabSystems, Ltd.
Púchovská 12, SK -831 06 Bratislava, Slovak Republic

Abstract: Mass Spectrometry (MS) is an analytical technique used to identify and quantify the compounds in a sample by their characteristic mass spectral pattern. Mass spectrometry is often combined with a separation technology such as GC or LC to form powerful GC/MS and LC/MS systems for analyzing complex mixtures and identifying the components. Gas Chromatography (GC) is an analytical technique for separating components in a mixture or sample. It is the most widespread technique in environmental and food analysis, commonly used to test for pesticides, volatile organic compounds and semivolatiles. Liquid Chromatography (LC) is another technique for separating sample components. It is suited for analyzing nonvolatile and thermally fragile molecules. Specific LC analyses include polar or moderately polar pesticides and herbicides, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons and other contaminates not suited for GC. Many man-made and industrial chemicals are capable of interfering with the proper function of estrogen, androgen and thyroid hormones in humans and animals and thus affect developing organisms; they can result in abnormalities in reproduction, growth, development and can disorder the immune system. These damaging substances are called endocrine disruptors. Negative effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are relevant at concentrations often low ppb and ppt levels, thus selection of such compounds and subsequent screening requires more sensitive and selective instrumental analytical techniques with sufficiently low limits of determinations. Analytical techniques as gas chromatography and liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (MS) can provide sufficient selectivity and sensitivity analyzing EDCs in complex matrices. Acknowledgement: This work was partly supported by the Slovak Grant Agency (project No. 1/0390/09).

7. CHEMISTRY
Scanning electron microscopy in forensic chemistry, always a challenge

Violeta Ciofu, MSc inspector, prof. dr. Dionezie Bojin
Forensic Science Institute, General Inspectorate of Romanian Police, Bucharest, Romania

8. DOCUMENT EXAMINATION
New analytical methods for investigation of fraud documents

Karoly Agnes, Gal, T., Sandor, J.
Institute for Forensic Sciences, Budapest, Hungary, www.bszki.hu

Abstract:
In connection with investigation of fraud, counterfeiting, blackmail and anonymous letter cases, forensic experts frequently have to find out, whether the document was altered after signing. In these cases the sequence of crossing printed line and pen ink line could be determined to resolve whether the signature or the printed text was written on the document first?’ Microscopy-based FTIR-ATR and Raman techniques are simple, fast, non-destructive methods, which provide an objective result leaving the documents intact. Apply these techniques different types’ of printer toners and pen inks can be distinguished by their chemical fingerprints. If the printed text overlaps or intersects with the signature on the document, the alteration may be investigated by examining the areas of intersections. In these cases both FTIR-ATR and Raman microscopic method are suitable to determine the sequence of the crossed lines by measuring the surface layer at the line crossing point of the documents. Our new invention is the application of microscopy-based Raman technique to investigate the chronological sequence of dry toners and pen inks on the documents even if there are no intersecting lines. Applications of these methods make the investigation of questioned documents easier and more reliable for forensic experts in criminal cases.

9. DOCUMENT EXAMINATION
Capillary electrophoresis and its application to the discrimination of inkjet printing inks

M. Szafarska1, R. Wietecha-Posłuszny1, M. Woźniakiewicz1, P. Kościelniak1,2
1 Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Chemistry, Laboratory for Forensic Chemistry,
3 Ingardena St., 30-060 Kraków, Poland
2 Institute of Forensic Research,9 Westerplatte St., 31-033 Kraków, Poland

Abstract:
The discrimination of inkjet printing inks is often a subject of the forensic examination. Thus, the method of inkjet printing inks analysis by capillary electrophoresis was developed and successfully applied to the inks extracted from paper. In the investigation, the P/ACE MDQ Capillary Electrophoresis System (Beckman-Coulter) with diode array detector was used. The background electrolyte was composed of 40mM borate, 20mM SDS and 10% (v/v) acetonitrile. The separation process was conducted in a polyimide-coated fused silica capillary (Beckman) (50 mm I.D., 60 cm total / 50 cm effective length) with +30kV applied and at constant temperature of 25°C. The usefulness of the optimized method was confirmed by separation of: (a) three colours of HP printing inks, (b) five different manufacturers of inks (HP, Epson, Brother, Lexmark and Canon), and (c) four different models of HP printers. It was found that proposed method allowed an effective differentiation of particular inks according to characteristic peaks (migration time) and their specific shapes. By comparison of recorded UV-Vis spectra the identification of main dyes was also possible. The received results proved that the proposed procedure is a useful tool which could be applied to discrimination and group identification of dyes originating from inkjet printing inks. Consequently, the method developed can find application to forensic purposes including, for instance, examination of the authenticity of documents printed by such a kind of inks.

10. DOCUMENT EXAMINATION
Polish Biometric Passport

Robert Duchnowski
National Police, Warsaw 4th District HQ
Krzysztof Krassowski, Ireneusz Sołtyszewski, Department of Criminalistics and Forensic Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland

Abstract:
Biometric passports have been introduced in Poland back in 2006, bearing digital face image only, and recently ( middle 2009 ), the second biometric factor – digitalized fingerprint – has been added as mandatory requirement for all the new passports issued by Polish authorities. It is commonly agreed that introduction of biometrics into travel documents, supported by extensive changes in both national and international legislation ( EU ) allowed to reach new advanced level of document’s security and facilitated a lot border control actions, enabling appropriate agencies to fight more effectively crimes like international terrorism and organized crime ( e.g. drugs trafficking ). Still, it has to be recognized that even though the biometric travel documents are difficult to forge, the effective criminal activities may continue in this field with a swift shift in the attention from the document protection measures – either biometric or non-biometric – to the process of issuance. There are existing possibilities of theft of blank passports, theft of true identities to be presented when applying for passport, theft of breader documents necessary for passport applications and finally misconduct of the personnel involved in the passport issuance process. The ultimate threat to be recognized by the authorities is a perfectly secure biometric passport with fully or partly false identity of it’s legitimate holder. The present paper discusses the issue on the basis of Polish biometric passport and identifies threats that are necessary to be considered also from the point of view of modern criminalistics – to provide necessary measures enabling relevant authorities to take appropriate actions in order to tackle the whole issue.

11. DOCUMENT EXAMINATION
Security standard trends in Slovak travel documents.

Ing. Adriana Jabconová
Document Examination Department, Institute of Forensic Science, Bratislava, Slovakia

Abstract:
The presentation provides an overview of development of Slovak travel documents from the point of view of the security standard, gradual quality improvement, security paper, design and colour development. The presentation is focused on the most characteristic security features used by the production and on attributes of security features based on the technology of their production. The weak points of the documents, breaking the technological barriers leading to the production of counterfeits and alterations are also shown. The ways of forgery and alteration are demonstrated on particular cases from expertise activities of department.

12. EXPLOSIVES
Homemade Explosives: Case Studies, Theory, Research and Prevention

Igor N. Barilik
Faculty of Law, Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic, visiting School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
Ján Pustelník, Pyrotechnic Squad Košice, the Police Corps of the Slovak Republic

Abstract:
The issue of youth relations with explosives is neglected in the literature and the research is limited only to specific topics. However, from time to time media reports in various parts of the world are describing youth casualties and injuries inflicted from failed attempts to construct or set off a bomb. Similarly, we will depict a few headline-news incidents, which have been dealt with police explosives technicians throughout Slovakia in recent years and we will outline the characteristics of the abused substances from the chemical perspective. The field experiences show us that young school-age boys and young male adults are the most vulnerable groups, which we address in this research. However, we perceive the case studies as insufficient grounds for scientific statements regarding the scope and seriousness of the problem in our society. At the present time it is unfeasible to estimate the volume of occurrences of such actions. General prosecution statistical data are too broad for scoping home production of explosives. With only more serious accidents being reported and dealt with, the other cases are moreover rarely recorded, so police cannot establish how many homemade bombs might have been produced. We will also present the results of a survey of 200 Slovak male pupils targeting the youth apprehension of the issue. This has revealed that a considerable number of surveyed pupils were aware of home production of explosives in some way; however they may not have been well informed about potential dangers. We conclude the presentation with a proposal for preventive interventions, drawing upon the findings of the survey and implications of the environmental and developmental prevention theories. As we perceive preventing pyrotechnic-related criminality and its possible serious consequences as partly a duty of law enforcement, we believe this is a field where the profession of police explosives technician might serve as a well-founded, experienced and irreplaceable support of any comprehensive preventive efforts.

13. EXPLOSIVES
Explosions in Slovak Republic 2008

Ing. Miroslav Turčan
Department of Pyrotechnics, Institute of Forensic Science, Slovenská Ľupča

14. FIREARMS
Scientifically defensible criteria for the identification of striated toolmarks and firearm traces by AFTE“

Ing. Igor Szegényi, Mgr. Gabriel Zöld, G., Ing. Ján Zemeník
Department of Ballistics, Institute of Forensic Science, Bratislava

15. FORENSIC TRACES
Assessment of the Age of the Forensic Traces

dr. J. Moszczyński, dr K. Krassowski, dr I. Sołtyszewski,
Department of Criminalistics and Forensic Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland

Abstract:
Assessment of the age of forensic traces is both important and difficult issue, that one can meet not only in criminal, but in civil cases as well. For example challenging the actual age of the revealed trace by claiming it was made either before or after criminal incident is one of the popular criminal defense strategies. In civil cases on the other hand, it can be important to establish e.g. when exactly the disputed document has been produced. The present paper provides information regarding possibilities of assessment of the age of various types of forensic traces. It has to be said that although there are significant limitations in this matter, even the assessments based on probability can be helpful for the final determination of the cases. The paper contains detailed information on the specific traces, like fingerprints, handwriting or biological traces and discusses particular difficulties and challenges for the forensic experts assessing their age.

16. FORENSIC TRACES
GSR particles – possibility of their casual occurrence in the Czech environment

Ivana Turková
Institute of Criminalistics Prague

Abstract:
Evaluation of GSR analysis is connected with questions of possible random contamination of suspected people from environment. When only several characteristic particles are found on the shooter hands of a suspect person, we cannot exclude the possibility of contamination from environment. We do not know whether these particles come from the shot or e.g. from a handrail on a bus. The main aim of this research project was to confirm or exclude the possibility of random GSR contamination from places with larger people occurrence. Prague was selected for monitoring as a place with statistically biggest occurrence of guns among inhabitants. Selected areas have been monitored at regular time intervals in duration of 3 years. More than 600 samples were analyzed.

17. FORENSIC TRACES
Latent earprints identification

Slobodan Oklevski, MSc inspector
Sector for crime identification, Department of crime technique, Skopje, Macedonia

Abstract:
The identification of earprints is not a new method. In the Republic of Macedonia in 2009 we have made the first two earprint identifications in cooperation with Forensic Institute from Bratislava and Bucharest. For us, the great importance is the way how we are dealing with the prints obtained from the crime scene and the way how we made anthropometric analysis regarding the specific 3d anatomical structure of the external ear. The perpetrator is placing his ear on the surface of the front door to hear if someone is in the flat, and than he brokes in. The method of earprint identification, |according to Cor Van der Lugt is excellent method to begin with the earprint analysis and comparison. He suggested two methods, the first is method of puzzle where you have to make a combination of four rectangular from the earprint and latent earprint(2x2), and the second one is overlaying method. In the Department of crime technique in Skopje, we have a successful first expertise of earprint identification using different method which is one step further of the two previous. This method is based on comparative anthropometric analysis of latent and earprint with use of common anatomical characteristics, and individual anatomical features of different type of deviations which were present on the ear print. But we must pay special attention on the way of transforming of 3d external ear in 2d print, when the ear is placed on the surface, and the way how to take earprints from the suspect, because it is the main deficiency. We strongly recommend this method of identification and we also recommend his implementation in every legal system.

18. FORENSIC TRACES
Sharing of Biometric Data Internationally

Kim Legg
Fingerprint Examiner, Identification Branch, Forensic Support & Specialized, INTERPOL.

19. FORENSIC TRACES
Search for Missing Persons and Identification of Unknown Human Remains – the Polish Perspective

dr. I. Sołtyszewski, dr K. Krassowski, prof. B. Młodziejowski
Department of Criminalistics and Forensic Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland

Abstract:
The search for missing persons is quite specific task of the law enforcement agencies in any country. It requires not only knowledge of certain procedures to follow, but also very interdisciplinary approach, accumulating psychological, legal and practical life experience. In recent years the number of cases regarding missing persons reported to the law enforcement institutions is constantly growing. Probably it covers not only the criminal cases, but also incidents like suicide, misadventure, natural death and conscious leavings. The persons, whose identification cannot be established, are yet another issue. This category covers e.g. elderly people suffering from memory problems and all cases of various mental disorders. According to the available statistical data, the number of revealed and reported human remains that cannot be identified grows as well, at least since 1989. The present paper discusses methodology of search process for missing persons and process of identification of unknown human remains on the basis of application of modern tools of the forensic science in Poland.

20. FORENSIC TRACES
Implementation of Prüm Treaty and Principles of Availability in the areas of the fingerprints and DNA in Slovak Republic.

Ing. Zuzana Némethová
Fingerprint Identification Department, Institute of Forensic Science, Bratislava

Abstract:
Prevention of and fight against crime 2008 Action grant has given Slovak Republic a tool to fulfil new EU legislation. The objective of the project is the technical implementation of Prüm Treaty and Principle of Availability (PoA) in the areas of Fingerprints and DNA. Project supports and contributes to communication flows among law enforcement agencies of Slovak Republic and other Member States of EU. Accelerates the exchange of fingerprint´s and DNA´s information in interoperable manner, which shall contribute to a high level of security for EU´s citizens by preventing and combating crime.

21. FORENSIC TRACES
Marine Crime in Europe - Identification of stolen boats and engines.

Wolfgang Benner
Wasserschutzpolizei – Station Konstanz, Germany

22. FORENSIC TRACES
Implementation of the knowledge obtained from ENFSI EWG Marks – benefit of forensic information system, matching staples to a stapler.

Ing. Miroslav Ondrejka
Tool Marks Department, Institute of Forensic Science, Košice

23. FORENSIC TRACES
GLScan - useful tool for fingerprint and shoeprint examination.

Mgr. Zuzana Deščíková
Fingerprint Identification Department, Institute of Forensic Science, Bratislava
Ing. Marta Svítková
Department of Fingerprint and Traceologic Identification, Institute of Forensic Science, Bratislava

24. FORENSIC TRACES
SUV – Special Utility Vehicle.

Ing. Jozef Kováčik
Department of Data Analysis and Forensic Documentation, Institute of Forensic Science, Bratislava

25. FORENSIC TRACES
100 years of Dactyloscopy in Poland – The way forward

Paweł Rybicki
Centralne Laboratorium Kryminalistyczne, Warszawa, Poland

26. TOXICOLOGY
Cannabis – the new aspects of the production, analysis and drug intake

PharmDr. Jiři Zapletal
Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, Institute of Forensic Science, Slovenská Ľupča

Abstract:
Cannabis as old drug is still under progress and development. Due the last years changes in the production, analysis and drug intake come. Consequences bring driving under influence, behaviour of the school pupils and young employees.

27. TOXICOLOGY
Innovative extraction method for isolation of psychotropic drugs from human hair

Renata Wietecha-Posłuszny1, Aneta Garbacik1,
Michał Woźniakiewicz1, Paweł Kościelniak1,2
1 Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Chemistry, Laboratory for Forensic Chemistry,
3 Ingardena St., 30-060 Kraków, Poland
2 Institute of Forensic Research,9 Westerplatte St., 31-033 Kraków, Poland

Abstract:
The aim of this research was to develop a new extraction method of model basic drugs belonging to tricyclic antidepressants (nordoxepin, nortriptyline, imipramine, amitriptyline, doxepin, desipramine) from human hair. The method was thought to be applied to forensic and clinical purposes. The analytical procedure proposed encompasses the application of microwave irradiation. It is based on simultaneous alkaline (NaOH water solution) microwave-assisted hydrolysis (MAH) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of hair samples. Extracts are analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). 23 factorial experimental plan was used in order to find the optimum conditions for hydrolysis and extraction procedures. Concentration of NaOH (0.6; 0.8; 1.0 M) and time of microwave irradiation (20, 30, 40 min) were chosen as major factors influencing the isolation process. The temperature and the composition of extracting solvent were adopted from the previous work [1]. The mixture of n-hexane and isoamyl alcohol (99:1,v/v) was used as the extraction solvent and the process was performed at 60?C. Extraction lasting 30 min with 0.8 NaOH was found to be more effective than commonly used alkaline digestion (0.8 M NaOH, 80oC, 30 min) followed by liquid-liquid extraction with the same solvent. The average extraction yield of all drugs enabled to determine them in hair samples within therapeutic concentration range.

28. UNIPOL, s.r.o.
Use of 14 bit mobile X-ray

Mikuláš Fekete

29. FORENSIC TECHNOLOGY
Ballistics Information Sharing

Heaney, T.

Abstract: Guns, gangs and drugs are tightly linked with organized crime. Many geographical borders are porous to the movement of criminal activity. Tracking, tracing and controlling the movement of firearms has become a global concern. Many law enforcement agencies are looking for solutions to combat international firearms related crime. Forensic laboratories manage large amounts of ballistics intelligence data which can help other Law Enforcement Agencies. A number of International law enforcement agencies have started sharing ballistics information in order to reduce organized crime. Furthermore, Interpol has established a server in Lyon to facilitate the exchange of data between International organizations. This program, known as IBIN (Interpol Ballistic Information Network), provides a data communication link to allow IBIS users to share ballistics data. This presentation will discuss how high quality ballistic images and information can be shared between international agencies in real time. This process saves months of time associated with the legal procedures in exchanging data. The presentation will also cover how sensitive information surrounding crime scene information can be restricted without compromising forensic comparisons.

30. EDAX B.V.
X-RAY microanalysis in forensic practice uses

Andreas Wittkopp, Harrrie van der Putten

31. TESCAN
Scanning Electron Microscopes - Tool for Forensic Applications

Abstract:
The forensic community utilizes large number of investigation methods using wide range of tools. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) proved to be a very important tool in recent forensic science due to its wide range of applications but it is seldom used to its full potential. The scanning electron microscope has the ability to image the surface of a specimen from very low magnifications up to very high magnifications. Very large depth of focus and low vacuum operations are another benefits for using SEM in forensic applications. Combination of SEM and Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (EDX) offers analytical tool for GSR analysis and other chemical identifications. Focused Ion Beam technology offers investigation of data hidden under the surface, reveal the sample’s characteristic and structure.

32. IMIX
Video solution in the law enforcement and forensic world

Henk, J.

33. KVANT, s.r.o
EVIDENCE - Districts Extension

Peter Varga

Abstract:
Institute of Forensic Science of Slovak Police Corps and company Kvant developed Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) called “Evidence”. It was introduced as the main information system of Institute of Forensic Science this year. New approach to this information system is being developed. Evidence district extension will cover all police districts in Slovakia. New features like: feedback for police technician, trace quality evaluation, new reports and many more are introduced in this extension.

34. PROMEGA Corp.
Development of a New STR System to Meet the Changing Needs of the European DNA-Typing Community

Vokurková Chocová M., Storts D., Sprecher C., McLaren B., Rabbach D., Krenke B., McCombs E.
Promega Corporation, 2800 Woods Hollow Road, Madison, WI, USA martina.vokurkova@promega.com

Abstract:
The Treaty of Prüm encourages cross-border data sharing and cooperation. With over 6 million profiles currently stored in European databases, and the number expected to increase, the likelihood of random matches will undoubtedly increase as well. To improve the overall power of discrimination as well as provide standardization across Europe, the ENFSI and EDNAP committees have made a recommendation to extend the current European Standard Set (ESS) for STR systems. We will discuss the PowerPlex® European Systems, which comply with the new recommendation. The kits are based on five-color-technology and allow co-amplification and detection of the current commonly tested loci, plus the 5 new recommended loci. These kits will be offered in multiple formats, including the option to detect SE33, to accommodate various requirements and/or preferences. Additionally, the kits have increased tolerance to common inhibitors and increased sensitivity to obtain full profiles from low-level DNA and are robust enough to genotype degraded DNA samples through the use of mini STR loci. In this presentation we will present the design of these systems and data on overall performance, including sensitivity and resistance to inhibitors. The PowerPlex® European Systems will be a useful tool in database sharing and standardization throughout Europe.

35. PPZ SYSTEM, s.r.o
Forensic Coding Kits, SelectaDNA Spray, SelectaDNA Gel

Martin Poliak