Stable Isotope Forensics

The number-one guide, internationally, to all aspects of forensic isotope analysis, thoroughly updated and revised and featuring many new case studies This edition of the internationally acclaimed guide to forensic stable isotope analysis uses real-world examples to bridge discussions of the basic science, instrumentation and analytical techniques underlying forensic isotope profiling and its various technical applications. Case studies describe an array of applications, many of which were developed by the author himself. They include cases in which isotope profiling was used in murder, and drugs-related crime investigations, as well as for pharmaceutical and food authenticity control studies. Updated with coverage of exciting advances occurring in the field since the publication of the 1st edition, this 2nd edition explores innovative new techniques and applications in forensic isotope profiling, as well as key findings from original research. More than a simple update, though, this edition has been significantly revised in order to address serious problems that can arise from non-comparable and unfit-for-purpose stable isotope data. To that end, Part II has been virtually rewritten with greater emphasis now being placed on important quality control issues in stable isotope analysis in general and forensic stable isotope analysis in particular. Written in a highly accessible style that will appeal to practitioners, researchers and students alike Illustrates the many strengths and potential pitfalls of forensic stable isotope analysis Uses recent case examples to bridge underlying principles with technical applications Presents hands-on applications that let experienced researchers and forensic practitioners match problems with success stories Includes new chapters devoted to aspects of quality control and quality assurance, including scale normalisation, the identical treatment principle, hydrogen exchange and accreditation Stable Isotope Forensics, 2nd Edition is an important professional resource for forensic scientists, law enforcement officials, public prosecutors, defence attorneys, forensic anthropologists and others for whom isotope profiling has become an indispensable tool of the trade. It is also an excellent introduction to the field for senior undergraduate and graduate forensic science students. «All students of forensic criminology, and all law enforcement officers responsible for the investigation of serious crime , will want to study this book. Wolfram highlights the value, and future potential, of Stable Isotope Forensics as an emerging powerful tool in the investigation of crime.» —Roy McComb, Deputy Director, Specialist Investigations, National Crime Agency (NCA), UK “A single author text in these days is rare and the value of this book lies in the dedication and experience of the author which is evident in the clarity of prose, the honest illustration of evidence and the realistic practical application of the subject – it makes this a text of genuine scientific value.” – Prof Dame Sue Black, PhD, DBE, OBE, FRSE, Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, University of Dundee, UK

The definitive text for students of digital forensics, as well as professionals looking to deepen their understanding of an increasingly critical field Written by faculty members and associates of the world-renowned Norwegian Information Security Laboratory (NisLab) at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), this textbook takes a scientific approach to digital forensics ideally suited for university courses in digital forensics and information security. Each chapter was written by an accomplished expert in his or her field, many of them with extensive experience in law enforcement and industry. The author team comprises experts in digital forensics, cybercrime law, information security and related areas. Digital forensics is a key competency in meeting the growing risks of cybercrime, as well as for criminal investigation generally. Considering the astonishing pace at which new information technology – and new ways of exploiting information technology – is brought on line, researchers and practitioners regularly face new technical challenges, forcing them to continuously upgrade their investigatory skills. Designed to prepare the next generation to rise to those challenges, the material contained in Digital Forensics has been tested and refined by use in both graduate and undergraduate programs and subjected to formal evaluations for more than ten years. Encompasses all aspects of the field, including methodological, scientific, technical and legal matters Based on the latest research, it provides novel insights for students, including an informed look at the future of digital forensics Includes test questions from actual exam sets, multiple choice questions suitable for online use and numerous visuals, illustrations and case example images Features real-word examples and scenarios, including court cases and technical problems, as well as a rich library of academic references and references to online media Digital Forensics is an excellent introductory text for programs in computer science and computer engineering and for master degree programs in military and police education. It is also a valuable reference for legal practitioners, police officers, investigators, and forensic practitioners seeking to gain a deeper understanding of digital forensics and cybercrime.

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to radiogenic and stable isotope geochemistry. Beginning with a brief overview of nuclear physics and nuclear origins, it then reviews radioactive decay schemes and their use in geochronology. A following chapter covers the closely related techniques such as fission-track and carbon-14 dating. Subsequent chapters cover nucleosynthetic anomalies in meteorites and early solar system chronology and the use of radiogenic isotopes in understanding the evolution of the Earth’s mantle, crust, and oceans. Attention then turns to stable isotopes and after reviewing the basic principles involved, the book explores their use in topics as diverse as mantle evolution, archeology and paleontology, ore formation, and, particularly, paleoclimatology. A following chapter explores recent developments including unconventional stable isotopes, mass-independent fractionation, and isotopic ‘clumping’. The final chapter reviews the isotopic variation in the noble gases, which result from both radioactive decay and chemical fractionations.

Would your company be prepared in the event of: * Computer-driven espionage * A devastating virus attack * A hacker's unauthorized access * A breach of data security? As the sophistication of computer technology has grown, so has the rate of computer-related criminal activity. Subsequently, American corporations now lose billions of dollars a year to hacking, identity theft, and other computer attacks. More than ever, businesses and professionals responsible for the critical data of countless customers and employees need to anticipate and safeguard against computer intruders and attacks. The first book to successfully speak to the nontechnical professional in the fields of business and law on the topic of computer crime, Computer Forensics: An Essential Guide for Accountants, Lawyers, and Managers provides valuable advice on the hidden difficulties that can blindside companies and result in damaging costs. Written by industry expert Michael Sheetz, this important book provides readers with an honest look at the computer crimes that can annoy, interrupt–and devastate–a business. Readers are equipped not only with a solid understanding of how computers facilitate fraud and financial crime, but also how computers can be used to investigate, prosecute, and prevent these crimes. If you want to know how to protect your company from computer crimes but have a limited technical background, this book is for you. Get Computer Forensics: An Essential Guide for Accountants, Lawyers, and Managers and get prepared.

Molecular Forensics offers a comprehensive coverage of the increasingly important role that molecular analysis plays within forensic science. Starting with a broad introduction of modern forensic molecular technologies, the text covers key issues from the initial scenes of crime sampling to the use of evidential material in the prosecution of legal cases. The book also explores the questions raised by the growing debate on the applications of national DNA databases and the resulting challenges of developing, maintaining and curating such vast data structures. The broader range of applications to non-human cases is also discussed, as are the statistical pitfalls of using so-called unique data such as DNA profiles, and the ethical considerations of national DNA databases. An invaluable reference for students taking courses within the Forensic and Biomedical sciences, and also useful for practitioners in the field looking for a broad overview of the subject. Provides a comprehensive overview of modern forensic molecular technologies. Explores the growing debate on the applications of national DNA databases. Discusses the initial phases of investigation to the conclusion of cases involving molecular forensic analysis.

Statistical methodology plays a key role in ensuring that DNA evidence is collected, interpreted, analyzed and presented correctly. With the recent advances in computer technology, this methodology is more complex than ever before. There are a growing number of books in the area but none are devoted to the computational analysis of evidence. This book presents the methodology of statistical DNA forensics with an emphasis on the use of computational techniques to analyze and interpret forensic evidence.

A comprehensive practical guide to environmental forensics With real-world examples and advice on both scientific and legal issues, Practical Environmental Forensics stands on the front line of this new interdisciplinary approach to the environmental litigation process. Compiled by experts with decades of combined experience in teaching, research, consulting, and litigation, it is the first book to offer a comprehensive presentation of environmental forensics.The first section provides an introduction to the forensic process, a historical perspective on pollution, and related laws and insurance issues. The book continues with a review of the most commonly used technical approaches and methods employed to support forensic litigation case issues. A third section introduces essential environmental forensic support functions, including admissibility of evidence, expert case management, and the use of mediation methods in settling cases. Finally, the book explores the environmental forensic process through an extensive body of real case studies in which the authors have participated. This comprehensive guidebook includes: Guidance in the development and presentation of forensic opinions within the litigation process Stand-alone applications of historical research, groundwater contaminant modeling, chemical fingerprinting, toxicology, and risk assessment to environmental litigation Chemical and investigative forensic methods presented within the context of environmental forensic case histories Illustrative problem-solving as an invaluable teaching and learning resource Typical forensic cases grouped to illustrate the three main areas of environmental litigation: minimizing damages to clients, allocating damages between responsible parties, and resolution of insurance-related issues For engineers, scientists, attorneys, government regulators, financial and real estate professionals, and the broad spectrum of environmental consultants, this book is critical for all whose work involves environmental contamination.

A comprehensive guide, offering a toxicological approach to food forensics, that reviews the legal, economic, and biological issues of food fraud Food Forensics and Toxicology offers an introduction and examination of forensics as applied to food and foodstuffs. The author puts the focus on food adulteration and food fraud investigation. The text combines the legal/economic issues of food fraud with the biological and health impacts of consuming adulterated food. Comprehensive in scope, the book covers a wide-range of topics including food adulteration/fraud, food «fingerprinting» and traceability, food toxicants in the body, and the accidental or deliberate introduction of toxicants into food products. In addition, the author includes information on the myriad types of toxicants from a range of food sources and explores the measures used to identify and quantify their toxicity. This book is designed to be a valuable reference source for laboratories, food companies, regulatory bodies, and researchers who are dealing with food adulteration, food fraud, foodborne illness, micro-organisms, and related topics. Food Forensics and Toxicology is the must-have guide that: Takes a comprehensive toxicological approach to food forensics Combines the legal/economic issue of food fraud with the biological/health impacts of consuming adulterated food in one volume Discusses a wide range of toxicants (from foods based on plants, animals, aquatic and other sources) Provides an analytical approach that details a number of approaches and the optimum means of measuring toxicity in foodstuffs Food Forensics and Toxicology gives professionals in the field a comprehensive resource that joins information on the legal/economic issues of food fraud with the biological and health implications of adulterated food.

Veterinary Forensics, Second Edition is a practical reference on applying veterinary forensic findings in animal cruelty cases. Now providing a greater focus on findings in animals, the second edition continues to offer guidance with more detailed information on crime scene investigation, forensic testing and findings, handling evidence, and testifying in court. Key changes to the new edition include new chapters on abuse in large animals, poultry, and birds; a standalone chapter on entomology; a new section on large scale cruelty investigation; an expanded section on pain and suffering; more pathology information; and more photos, forms, and information throughout. Logs and workbooks from the book are available on a companion website at www.wiley.com/go/vetforensics, allowing readers to download, customize, and use these forms in forensics investigations. Veterinary Forensics is an essential resource for veterinarians, pathologists, attorneys, and investigators working on animal abuse cases.

Wildlife Forensics: Methods and Applications provides an accessible and practical approach to the key areas involved in this developing subject. The book contains case studies throughout the text that take the reader from the field, to the lab analysis to the court room, giving a complete insight into the path of forensic evidence and demonstrating how current techniques can be applied to wildlife forensics. The book contains approaches that wildlife forensic investigators and laboratory technicians can employ in investigations and provides the direction and practical advice required by legal and police professionals seeking to gain the evidence needed to prosecute wildlife crimes. The book will bring together in one text various aspects of wildlife forensics, including statistics, toxicology, pathology, entomology, morphological identification, and DNA analysis. This book will be an invaluable reference and will provide investigators, laboratory technicians and students in forensic Science/conservation biology classes with practical guidance and best methods for criminal investigations applied to wildlife crime. Includes practical techniques that wildlife forensic investigators and laboratory technicians can employ in investigations. Includes case studies to illustrate various key methods and applications. Brings together diverse areas of forensic science and demonstrates their application specifically to the field of wildlife crime. Contains methodology boxes to lead readers through the processes of individual techniques. Takes an applied approach to the subject to appeal to both students of the subject and practitioners in the field. Includes a broad introduction to what is meant by 'wildlife crime', how to approach a crime scene and collect evidence and includes chapters dedicated to the key techniques utilized in wildlife investigations. Includes chapters on wildlife forensic pathology; zooanthropological techniques; biological trace evidence analysis; the importance of bitemark evidence; plant and wildlife forensics; best practices and law enforcement.