Using Synchrotron Infrared Spectroscopy and X-ray Fluorescence Microscopy to Explore Fingermark Chemistry

The recovery of fingermark evidence from a crime scene can be vital to forensic investigations. Despite the wide variety of current detection methods, many fingermarks are never recovered. This thesis describes the use of synchrotron-sourced X-ray fluorescence microscopy and infrared spectroscopy to investigate the spatial distribution and relative amounts of organic and inorganic materials in latent fingermarks. The findings will help improve fingermark detection methods and assist with the interpretation of fingermark evidence

The application of Augmented Reality (AR) in the Architecture Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry

Augmented Reality (AR) as a concept has been in use for many years and prevalence of new mobile technologies, such as smartphones and handheld devices, have facilitated the concept of AR becoming fully realized. Various fields are exploiting the increasing feasibilities the concept of AR can offer; one of these being the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. This paper introduces a research project that investigates benefits and limitations of AR for use in AEC industry. It starts with a brief background to the research before presenting a critical literature review, which forms the basis for the development and design of an AR experiment and a questionnaire for participants in the study. Results are provided with an in-depth discussion on their possible significance, before a conclusion is presented. The results suggest that although the participants believed that AR can offer a wide range of benefits to different tasks and at different stages of a project, it seems more beneficial to some specific tasks or at some specific stages than the others. Using the specific findings of this study future research in this field is proposed in different areas

Luminescence detection of latent fingermarks on non-porous surfaces with heavy-metal-free quantum dots

Current and proposed nanoparticle-based techniques for development of latent fingermarks suffer a number of drawbacks such as complicated, multi-step and time-consuming procedures, batch-to-batch variability, expensive reagents, large background noise and toxicity. Here, we introduce a promising green development technique based on heavy-metal-free quantum dots for the detection of latent fingermarks on non-porous surfaces. Red-near infrared luminescent CuInS2/ZnS core/shell quantum dots in aqueous solution were produced in large scales using a simple, fast, water-based method with N-acetylcysteine as a biocompatible surfactant to coat the particles. The coated quantum dots were applied to the successful development of latent fingermarks deposited on a variety of surfaces, including highly patterned polymer banknotes and the sticky side of adhesive tape