OSAC Lexicon

Any finely divided solid material that is 420 microns or smaller in diameter (material passing a U.S. No. 40 Standard Sieve) and presents a fire or explosion hazard when dispersed and ignited in air.

An instrument that samples air and indicates whether there are ignitible vapors or gases present.

Any liquid that has a closed-cup flash point at or above 37.8C (100F). (See also 3.3.89, Flammable Liquid.)

A chemical process of oxidation that occurs at a rate fast enough to produce heat and usually light in the form of either a glow or flame.

a typically rapid redox chemical reaction between a fuel and an oxidizer that produces heat and usually light

The heat, gases, volatilized liquids and solids, particulate matter, and ash generated by combustion.

A simple file format for tabular data where individual values are separated by a comma (or other designated delimiter).

The intermixing of biological material representing multiple individuals.

A document or group of documents that have been written by the same individual. 

NOTE The term “common authorship” is sometimes used, but it is deprecated because authorship is becoming recognized as the originator of the words/ideas, as opposed to the physical writing of a document.

An algorithm that allows signals with a large dynamic range to be transmitted overfacilities with a smaller dynamic range. It is used in telephony (see -law and A-law)and some other types of communications

Pertaining to items that contain the same type(s) of characteristic or features, singularly or in combination.

Pertaining to handwritten items that contain the same type(s) of writing and similar characters, words, and combinations. Contemporaneousness and writing instruments may also be factors. (SWGDOC E01)

An identification technique involving the direct comparison of antemortem and postmortem medical imaging to include radiographs, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and other modalities.

An identification technique involving the direct comparison of antemortem and postmortem medical imaging to include radiographs, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and other modalities.

a written report that includes an assessment of the significance of the comparative results from the analysis of two or more items to determine whether the items could have originated from the same or different sources.  

A qualitative conclusion of any comparison performed to assess the degree of similarity or difference between DNA data (e.g., inclusion or exclusion).

The process of examining two or more DNA data sets to assess the degree of similarity or difference.

The process of examining two or more DNA data sets to assess the degree of similarity or difference.

The process of examining two or more DNA data sets to assess the degree of similarity or difference.

A comparison is made of the properties of the item found through analysis with the known or recorded properties of others whose identity is unquestioned. (based on Huber, 1959)

The process of examining two or more DNA data sets to assess the degree of similarity or difference.

The search for and detection of similarities and dissimilarities in observed data between friction ridge impressions.

The search for and detection of similarities and dissimilarities in observed data between friction ridge impressions.

The search for and detection of similarities and dissimilarities in observed data between friction ridge impressions.

The search for and detection of similarities and dissimilarities in observed data between friction ridge impressions.

A series of computational steps which seeks to assess both the level of geometric similarity (similarity of toolmarks) and the degree of certainty that the observed similarity results from a common origin. A comparison algorithm makes use of a scoring function or similarity score.

Software that implements a comparison algorithm and may also include database, search, and visualization functionality.

Possessing and demonstrating the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform a specific task.

The demonstration of technical skills and knowledge necessary to perform forensic DNA analysis successfully.

Demonstrated and documented ability of an individual to perform assigned work in a discipline or subdiscipline, in accordance with a laboratory's technical procedures and training manuals, before the performance of independent casework.

Possessing and demonstrating the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform a specific forensic document examination task, as per ANSI standards.

evaluation of the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) in the standard practices necessary to conduct examinations in a discipline or category of testing prior to performing independent casework.

A test designed to establish that an individual has demonstrated achievement of technical skills and met minimum standards of knowledge necessary to perform forensic DNA analysis.

Evaluation of a persons knowledge and ability to perform work before authorization to do so independently.

Also referenced in ANSI/ASB Standard 099 Standard for Footwear/Tire Examination Proficiency Testing Program.

A test used to demonstrate an individual's ability to successfully conduct an examination(s) prior toperforming casework.

A person having suitable or sufficient skill, knowledge, experience to train canines and canine handlers.

An individual who has successfully completed their FSP’s training program and has demonstrated to the FSP that they possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the tasks required of their current position.

An ignition source that has sufficient energy and is capable of transferring that energy to the fuel long enough to raise the fuel to its ignition temperature. (See 19.4.2.)