OSAC Lexicon

A quality assurance measure to assess the functionality of the probabilistic genotyping software following a minor change such as reformatting of output reports. This would typically involve functional testing of the software verifying it is performing tasks as expected and comparing results to previously validated versions of the software using the same data or sample set where possible

The ongoing process of evaluating a forensic service providers ability to perform work. Examples include observation-based evaluations, intralaboratory comparisons, interlaboratory comparisons, and proficiency testing.

A skeletal defect that occurred when bone is in a biomechanically fresh (visco-elastic) state with no evidence of an osteological reaction.

Property, including clothing, jewelry, wallets, and other items found near/associated with an individual.

Property, including clothing, jewelry, wallets, and other items found near/associated with an individual.

The association of a set of remains to a known individual.

The association of a set of remains to a known individual.

Equipment worn to minimize exposure to a variety of hazards such as body fluids, irritants, or contaminants. Examples of PPE: gloves, foot and eye protection, respirators, and full-body suits. NOTE PPE may also help to minimize contamination and/or alteration of the scene. 

Equipment worn to minimize exposure to a variety of hazards such as body-fluids, irritants, or contaminants (e.g., gloves, foot and eye protection, respirators, and full body suits).

Equipment worn for protection from discipline-specific environmental hazards, e.g., biological, radiological, chemical. For disaster canine applications in a rubble search, helmet, gloves, long pants/long sleeves, and safety toe/steel shank boots, which must be worn by the canine handler. Canine handler must also have eye protection and knee pads on hand, as they may be required by the hosting task force/agency.

Behavioral qualities of the canine that are relatively constant and reliable, and frame or affect the canine handler's response across contexts.

Positron emission tomography.

Surface topography measurement method whereby an optical microscope with illumination of aknown effective wavelength is integrated with an interferometric attachment and producesmultiple successive optical images with interferometric fringes from which the profile or arealsurface topography image is calculated.

PhastGel IEF media are precast homogeneous or gradient polyacrylamide gels containing Pharmalyte as carrier ampholyte.

1 This term is used as an example only, and does not constitute an endorsement of this product by the AAFS Standards Board.

Is a self-contained electrophoresis unit, that consists of a separation-control unit for system control.

1 This term is used as an example only, and does not constitute an endorsement of this product by the AAFS Standards Board.

Any delayed emission of optical radiation which appears 10 ns or longer after the excitation. (CIE S 017/E:2011 ILV)

A standard two-dimensional image illuminated and captured in the visible wave lengths (380 to 780 nm). This definition is specific to this standard other references may refer to images captured using non-visible wavelengths converted to visible wavelengths as photographic images, but they are not so classified for purposes of this standard. A photographic image is conveyed in a Type-10 record (unless it is an iris image conveyed in Type-17, or a friction ridge image conveyed in one of Types 4, 13, 14, 15, or 19). A non-photographic image is conveyed in a Type-22 record. Original source images are conveyed in Type-20 records and non-biometric associated context images are conveyed in Type-21 records, regardless of the format or source of the image.

Luminescence produced by the absorption of radiant flux; distinguished from ordinary reflection by a time delay and, usually, a shift toward longer wavelengths (see fluorescence and phosphorescence). (CIE S 017/E:2011 ILV)

Surface topography measurement method in computer vision for measuring the surface normals ofa surface by observing that surface under different lighting conditions. Given sufficient independentlight sources, the surface normals, and thus surface geometry, can be determined for every positionon the surface.

A criterion used to guide the selection of species for comparative analysis and species determination; the selection of species is based on genetic relatedness.

Branch of biology that focuses on the reconstruction of evolutionary history and patterns of relationships among organisms.

A branching diagram that illustrates putative relationships amongst organisms. 

NOTE Phylograms are typically generated using genetic sequences and/or morphological characters.

A tree-like branching diagram that depicts the hypothesized evolutionary history among a group of organisms. The tips of the branches represent groups of descendant taxa, whereas the intersections between branches represent common ancestors.

Any external storage material of the voice signal and content information in eitheranalog or digital form. Examples include reel-to-reel recording tape, cassette tape,Compact Disc, and phonograph record.

Ink jet technology where the electrically stimulated deformation of a crystal causes the expulsion of the droplets from the ink chamber. (SWGDOC E06)