161 documents found, page 1 of 17
The power of DNA and fingerprint databases
Oliveira, Manuela; Moreira, Sara; Dinis-Oliveira, Ricardo Jorge; Correia, Pedro; Criado Alonso, Maria Begoña; Madureira-Carvalho, ÁureaBackground: Recent advancements in various scientific fields (e.g., next-generation DNA sequencing, AI-driven biometrics, rapid DNA, enhanced fingerprint systems, cloud-based digital forensics) resulted in the emergence of different branches within Forensic Sciences, which provide comprehensive support to the justice system [1-3]. The present work specifically focuses on two areas of criminalistics: Forensic Ge...
Cyberattacks on critical infrastructures: the role of Forensic Sciences in prev...
Morgado, Miguel; Malafaya, Carla; Oliveira, Manuela; Fernandes, Luís; Madureira-Carvalho, Áurea; Azevedo, RuiBackground: Critical infrastructures (e.g., national security, energy systems, transport systems/supply chain, health, and telecommunications) (fig. 1) have been the target of constant cyber-attacks that debilitate the population's sense of security and have had profound economic, social, and public safety impacts [1,2]. Also, cyber-physical systems in smart cities face complex challenges that require robust cy...
Under pressure leadership: ethical challenges and critical decisions in Forensi...
Noël, Gustavo; Oliveira, Manuela; Marques Fernandes, LuísBackground: Leadership in forensic science is essential for ensuring the quality, ethical rigor and reliability of decisions relating to forensic investigations [1]. Forensic experts often encounter ethical dilemmas, institutional pressures, judicial expectations [2], as well as workplace-related factors (management, supervision, backlogs, high number of cases) or personal related factors (family, medical, fina...
Forensic Sciences and refugee children: identification and family reunification...
Morgado, Maria; Madureira-Carvalho, Áurea; Oliveira, Manuela; Marques Fernandes, LuísBackground: Armed conflicts, ethnic persecution, and humanitarian disasters (Fig. 1) have led to the displacement of millions of people, including many children who, during these journeys, are often separated from their parents or guardians [1-3]. Forensic sciences have proved to be fundamental in identifying unaccompanied minors and reuniting families, using techniques such as forensic genetics, biometrics, an...
The role of Forensic Anthropology in identifying human commingled remains: a li...
Lacerda, Ivo; Rodrigues, Joaquim; Morais Caldas, Inês; Madureira-Carvalho, Áurea; Oliveira, ManuelaBackground: Forensic Anthropology is a critical tool in war crimes investigations, particularly in analyzing mass graves where human remains are often commingled and fragmented. It enables victims' identification while supporting human rights violations documentation [1-3]. This review focuses on the Minimum Number of Individuals (MNI), a central method for analyzing such remains. Objective: To examine the role...
Forensic Anthropology: assessing reliability and sources of bias
Rodrigues, Joaquim; Lacerda, Ivo; Caldas, Inês; Madureira-Carvalho, Áurea; Oliveira, ManuelaBackground: Forensic anthropology is critical in human identification, mainly in extreme situations (e.g., mass disasters when other methods fail or in criminal cases where the victim's body is in an advanced decomposition state) [1]. Forensic anthropology has legal and medico-legal implications for individuals’ identification. The methods used ensure that the conclusions are coherent, reliable and subject to b...
The upcoming problematic of 3D-printed firearms: analysis of European news reports
Carrusca, Maria; Oliveira, Manuela; Marques Fernandes, LuísBackground: Initially emerging in North America, 3D-printed firearms have become a growing security concern in Europe. The increasing availability of open-source blueprints, as well as accessibility to 3D printers and improved composite materials, have enabled individuals to manufacture firearms with minimal control or technical expertise. Their danger lies in the rapid and unregulated nature of production, com...
Ozone: eliminating pathogens and safeguarding evidence in forensic sciences and...
Gomes, Guilherme; Oliveira, Manuela; Marques Fernandes, Luís; Antunes, WilsonBackground: Microbial contamination poses significant risks to biodiversity, food safety, and public health (Fig. 1) [1]. Traditional microbicide methods that rely on harmful chemicals are associated with risks to environmental health (e.g., toxicity to non-target organisms and resistance to pathogens) [2-4]. In forensics, microbial exposure decomposes biological evidence, staining or altering documents and tex...
Acadian heritage in french-canadian museums as cultural & creative industries
Oliveira, ManuelaThis study examines the socioeconomic influence of Acadian history museums on the urban fabric of “la Francophonie”. The focus is on France, Canadian Quebec and French communities in the British Canadian provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and PrinceEdward Island. The study, influenced by concepts such as the Creative and the Experience Economy, portrays museums as cultural and creative industries, with the...
An overview of the recent advances in antimicrobial resistance
Oliveira, Manuela; Antunes, Wilson; Mota, Salete; Carvalho, Áurea Madureira; Oliveira, Ricardo Jorge Dinis; Silva,Diana Dias daAntimicrobial resistance (AMR), frequently considered a major global public health threat, requires a comprehensive understanding of its emergence, mechanisms, advances, and implications. AMR’s epidemiological landscape is characterized by its widespread prevalence and constantly evolving patterns, with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) creating new challenges every day. The most common mechanisms underlyin...