FORENSIC BY TASTE........

Forensics research needs boost in universities

2012-12-04T14:50:00.000+05:30

Forensics research needs boost in universities
T. R. Baggi

FORENSIC science is an integral part of sciences. However, it is facing a serious identity crisis in the country, because scientific management or laboratory management principles have never been applied to forensic science laboratories. There is no awareness at all in the field of science and technology about forensic studies. The allocation of funds for its growth, both in universities and forensic science laboratories, is abysmally low, whereas modern forensics has to work in the frontier areas of science, using cutting edge technologies, if it has to deliver meaningful contribution to the criminal justice system.

In most developed countries, almost all universities have full-fledged forensic science programmes, starting from undergraduate level to Ph.D. India has only three universities at Sagar, Patiala and Dharwad that offer such programmes at their respective departments which are being funded by the UGC as ‘low-priority’ departments.

The forensic community in India seems to be totally cut off from the mainstream of science and technology, both academically and professionally. Forensic science is a multidisciplinary subject and it has to draw the knowledge, expertise and inspiration from all pure and applied sciences to effectively apply to crime prevention and crime investigation. Forensic science cannot function effectively if it works in isolation from the scientific culture and work under the umbrella of police and other law enforcement agencies. It is a curious paradox that while India has made giant strides in the field of agricultural, pharmaceutical, nuclear, medical, computer and space sciences, forensic science has remained static and technologically way behind by couple of decades when compared to other developed countries.

Also, there is a misconception that other institutions cannot carry out research work in forensic science. It is a multidisciplinary endeavour needing advanced technologies and hence universities and other research institutions can carry out path-breaking research in forensic science, as is the case in most of the advanced countries. Leave alone the advanced innovative forensic research, forensic laboratories are not even able to adapt to routine analytical methodologies developed abroad decades ago.

Due to serious limitations of staff, infrastructure and abnormally large number of cases, forensic scientists are not able to show their optimal performance. As a result, performance has plummeted to a level much below the internationally accepted parameters. Modern forensic science activity, be it routine work or research, demands resources. If we expect accurate, meaningful and fast solutions from forensic laboratories for complex investigations, there are no cheap options. We have to invest lot of funds for highly qualified, experienced and competent human resources, and infrastructural facilities like buildings, instrumentation and library, etc. Forensic science should be brought under the ambit of mainstream science and technology. Greater accountability and rigorous monitoring should be there through appraisals, assessments and expert reviews by multidisciplinary expert members from different institutions.

While funds can be made available by the government, human resources professionals should be recruited from universities who can storm forensic science laboratories with new ideas and can face the challenges of new crime scenarios.

In the present set-up, research in forensic science is almost negligible. Growth charts of forensic science laboratories, especially concerning workforce, have been totally static. There are no provisions of infusion of young blood through the lateral entry system. The funding position with respect to infrastructural facilities, when compared to international laboratories, is astoundingly low. Added to the blockade of human resources and infrastructural development, commensurate to the needs of forensic work of international standard, forensic laboratories are fraught with highest level of bureaucracy, blocking the innovativeness and risk-taking ventures which are so essential for forensic investigations, research and development.

The Research Fellowships Scheme of the Department of Forensic Science, Government of India, has been suspended almost four years ago. The internship/attachment facilities at CFSLs have been stopped for some time now. These negative measures are a set back to forensic science students. Thanks to media hype, which has created a lot of interest among the youth in recent years, for creating a very high demand for forensic science courses.

To foster the growth of forensic science in the country, the government and scientific institutions in general and universities and forensic science laboratories in particular should synchronously work by adopting an integrated approach towards forensic science education, routine forensic work and research and development. Inter-institutional collaboration will help promote the growth of forensic science. Whole forensic science set-up in universities and government laboratories needs total overhaul at all levels. This can be done by providing liberal funding to all agencies concerned and improving the availability of human resources, boosting the infrastructure to an excellent status, promoting research, integrating forensic science, both in the professional laboratories and universities, with the main stream science and technology, and giving complete scientific autonomy free from bureaucracy and non-interference from the police or administrators.

The author is former Director, Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, Hyderabad, and currently is the Academic Coordinator (Forensic Science), Department of Chemistry, University College of Science, Osmania University, Hyderabad

"How to get Published" (courtsey T&F group)

2012-11-20T13:51:00.000+05:30

"How to get published" video!

A great introduction for international researchers. This presentation is aimed at postgraduate students and academics new to the complex world of getting published in international peer-reviewed journals.

... The author services page was extremely helpful for me because I was a first time contributor the author guides were extremely helpful. In addition, other supplemental material and links available on this page are also beneficial in giving information pertaining to different queries that are there in the mind of the author."

Digital Forensics: What footprints we leave behind?

2012-08-30T12:44:00.001+05:30

Digital Forensics: What Footprints Do You Leave Online? http://www.forensicscience.org/digital-forensics-what-footprints-do-you-leave-online/

Interesting Read.........

2012-08-30T12:42:00.001+05:30

The Poisoner’s Handbook http://www.forensicscience.org/the-poisoners-handbook-tales-of-early-forensic-science/

Internet WebPages as Evidence.......

2012-08-29T10:26:00.001+05:30

Authenticating Internet Web Pages as Evidence: a New Approach http://articles.forensicfocus.com/2012/07/13/authenticating-internet-web-pages-as-evidence-a-new-approach/

The Fingerprint Sourcebook (SWGFAST)

2011-07-25T09:29:00.000+05:30

The Fingerprint Sourcebook aims to be the definitive resource on the science of fingerprint identification. The Sourcebook was prepared by the International Association for Identification and topics covered include the anatomy and physiology of friction ridge skin (the uniquely ridged skin found on the palms and soles); techniques for recording exemplars from both living and deceased subjects; the FBI's Automated Fingerprint Identifications Systems (AFIS); latent print development, preservation and documentation; equipment and laboratory quality assurance; perceptual, cognitive and psychological factors in expert identifications; and legal issues.

http://www.nij.gov/pubs-sum/225320.htm

Fighting viruses, defending the net

2011-07-20T10:16:00.000+05:30

Forensic Science Education: Its Relevance in Indian Context

2011-07-06T11:22:00.000+05:30

University News

Forensic Science - Forensic Anthropology

2011-06-21T12:31:00.000+05:30

A video Lecture on Forensic Anthropology

Forensic Statistics: Where are We and Where are We Going?

2011-06-21T12:07:00.000+05:30

Forensic Statistics: Where are We and Where are We Going?

Richard Gill

James Watson on how he discovered DNA

2011-06-21T11:57:00.000+05:30

A very intresting talk on "How Stats Fool Juries"

2011-06-21T11:40:00.000+05:30

Forensic Art.........

2011-06-21T11:14:00.000+05:30

Forensic Art video from the University of Florida Archives from 1984>

How to Improve Your PowerPoint Slides with the Rule of Thirds

2010-05-27T08:53:00.000+05:30

This week I found a not so old but int resting article on "rule of thirds" that summarizes how to improve our powerpoint slides

just have a look, if you really want to improve your presentations

rule of thirds powerpoint

rest next week!!!!!!!!!

Fingerprint Books

2010-04-27T17:41:00.000+05:30

Hi there, this week I am going to post some rare (but free) books written by the pioneers of the fingerprint field.
Although these e-books are freely available at clpex.com, but I am posting direct links from which you can download very easily. All are in pdf format.
Many people see fingerprint science as old fashioned and sort of obsolete (only in India) and this field is not the first choice for research as well. So, this effort is especially for our freshers as well as researchers just to make them feel that this field is one of the most exciting realms of forensic science.

1895, Sir Francis Galton, "Finger Print Directories"
1900, Sir Edward R. Henry, "Classification and Uses of Finger Prints"
1892, Sir Francis Galton, "Finger Prints"
1893, Sir Francis Galton, "Decipherment of Blurred Fingerprints"
1905, Dr. Henry Faulds, "Guide to Finger- Print Identification"
1908, Sir Francis Galton, "Memories Of My Life"
1912, Dr. Henry Faulds, "Dactylography, or The Study of Finger-Prints"
1915, Dr. Henry Faulds, "A Manual of Practical Dactylography"
1916, Sir William Herschel, "The Origins of Finger-Printing"

1957, FBI, "The Science of Fingerprints; Classification and Uses"

Download them and enjoy!
Cheers

Secret to good presentations

2010-04-10T18:30:00.000+05:30

Hi folks,
I have been very busy lately but its time to update my blog
Everyone of us give presentation, whether at postgraduate level or doctorate level or any other level of life.
We want to give effective presentations whether on the academic front or on any other public front.
Here's a website, which tells all the secrets to be a effective public speaker giving fantastic presentations.

Presentation Zen

Just follow this website, hope you will not be disappointed.
Enjoy while i come with more!

PowerPoint Presentations Templates

2010-03-11T12:28:00.001+05:30

“Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson - 1803-1882, Poet and Essayist

During the last few, during many presentations be it of class room level or the conference level, students (academicians as well) thrive hard to make their presentations effective. Templates for power point presentations are an important element, audience and speaker always want something new

In this article, i giving a link in which there are more than 50 templates for power point presentation, which you can use in your presentations and make them worth.

Here is the link, its its in few parts and are zipped, but very easy to download
CD 1
CD 2
CD 3
CD 4
CD 5

There is another link on how to present effectively and comfortably
Effective Presentation Tips

Here, is an update
Eight Secrets for Impeccable Presentations
Download here

enjoy the power point
and happy presentations!

Scientific poster(s) services for students and researchers

2010-03-01T09:54:00.000+05:30

I have been visiting a few scientific conferences in which a common problem is being noticed time and again. Lack of awareness amongst the students regarding design of their research posters.
So, this time i have decided to give you all links to some good websites which can help us out in making excellent research presentations.
One of the most elaborate links which gives us enough information is here
Poster advice

Some commercial organizations also give you services like poster presentations. Although, all are based in United States but still they give free downloadable templates , which we can use and personalize accordingly
link 1
link 2
link 3

All these organizations charge a hefty amount of money, but in case you want to make your research posters look more professional, you can contact us and we will design your research posters to your liking, get them printed and mailed to your address at very nominal charges. In addition, we will also be able to give scientific tips to make your presentations better than ever.
You can contact me at gagandeepsingh2@gmail.com for all you queries.

Presentation at IWRABF, 2010 (Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Allahabad)

2010-02-18T10:06:00.003+05:30

Presentation on Poroscopy at Allahabad, India

CHEMISTRY at its best

2010-02-13T11:41:00.000+05:30

Hi Folks,
We all know chemistry is mother of all sciences and we often encounter simple situations while doing research, literature survey like search for chemical structure, molecular weight.
There are certain tools available on the net which can help us to perform these simple tasks with relative ease.
I am listing some links about all aspects of chemistry information we might require for our research purposes

Chem Diagrams
ChemSpider
Chemistry Computing
Chemistry Web Book

ACD/ChemSketch 12.0 Freeware Link

Just give it a try, Surely these are good

Learning SCIENCE by Scitable

2010-02-07T09:08:00.000+05:30

A free science library and personal learning tool brought to you by Nature Publishing Group, the world's leading publisher of science.

Scitable currently concentrates on genetics, the study of evolution, variation, and the rich complexity of living organisms. As you cultivate your understanding of modern genetics on Scitable, you will explore not only what we know about genetics and the ways it impacts our society, but also the data and evidence that supports our knowledge.

This is a very very good source if you want to learn something about science.

Here's a link, just try it

you will not be disappointed

SCITABLE

microPHOTOGRAPHIC Marvels

2010-01-31T17:44:00.000+05:30

Of course its sunday and a day to just put your legs up and think about life, but just read this one
For all the scientific researchers, photography fascinates all of us in one way or the another. One really catchy aspect of the photography in scientific respect is of photomicrography.
Here's a link for all of us who are really intrested and curious about the scientific photography at really the smallest possible level
check it out, i am sure you will definitely like it
eye of science

ENJOY!

Searching the deep web (things you could not find by normal internet search)

2010-01-28T17:58:00.002+05:30

Search engines such as Google, Yahoo or Alta Vista index over a trillion pages on the World Wide Web, but many of the results from queries can be useless or irrelevant. There is, however, another part of the web that common search engines don't reach. The "deep web" (also know as the "hidden web", "invisible web" or "Deepnet") is estimated to be many times larger than the "surface web".
The deep web contains information that isn't indexed by a search engine. For instance, databases generate results on the fly, and do not have searchable pages. The deep web also holds academic studies and papers, scientific research, government publications, electronic books, bulletin boards, mailing lists, online card catalogs, articles, directories, many subscription journals, archived videos, images and more.

There are multiple ways to find information on the deep web. It isn't hard, and anyone can do it.

Just try these few links and get amazed by what we can find

GENERAL SEARCH
Archive
Clusty

DATABASE SEARCH
Complete Planet
Geniusfind

REFERENCE MATERIAL SEARCH
Library Spot
Infomine
IPL

Sometimes abbreviations do matter...........

2010-01-27T15:21:00.000+05:30

Whenever we write some research paper, sometimes while doing the most exhaustive part i.e. adding references, we have to include the abbreviated form of the journal names. Here are few links, which might help you with the problem in case you face it. I have tried to give number of links so that the range of inclusion of almost all the journals increases manifold.

Abbreviations 1
Abbreviations 2
For biological journals
CAS Core Journal List
Web of Science

I hope it helps a little bit!
CHEERS

Next Level of PUBMED

2010-01-22T17:05:00.004+05:30

PUBMED is probably the most used and authenticated search engine for searching literature in biological and physical sciences.
PubMed is a free search engine for accessing the MEDLINE database of citations, abstracts and some full text articles on life sciences and biomedical topics. The United States National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health maintains PubMed as part of the Entrez information retrieval system (source: Wikipedia).
Although, we can get a lot of search results and abstracts but sometimes we need summary of results for a particular keyword. For example if a search for keyword "fluorescent in-situ hybridization" , we can get results in the PubMed but what if we need to know the summary of all the results i.e. how many papers, authors classified in a proper way.
Here is a website that comes as solution to all the problems "THE MEDSUM: The Medline Summary tool" (Thanks to M.J. Galsworthy). MEDSUM provides a literature-summary interface to PubMed. It can generate "profiles" of authors or journals; or it can be used for status-of-literature data generation for review papers or grant applications.

Just give it a try, you can access this website at
MEDSUM

Its a very simple online tool to use but still if you want a tutorial, heres a link for that also
MEDSUM TUTORIAL

Hope you use the system and enjoy your research
till next time
Cheers