[Simulation of the mechanisms of formation of stab and slash wounds by the finite element method].

The application of finite element analysis for the simulation of penetration of a blade with the broken tip through the skin made it possible to visualize the process of its destruction and to assess the trace-forming properties of the blade. The findings obtained in the present study confirm the results of previous attempts to consider the damage to tissues by pointed objects in terms of theoretical mechanics based on the theory of material cutting.

[Morphological characteristics of stab and slush injuries to the skin inflicted by the ragged-spine knife].

The objective of the present study was to identify morphological features of stab and slush injuries to the skin inflicted with the ragged-spine knife. Visual and stereoscopic examination of experimental skin injuries to the biodummies revealed a number of peculiar characteristics of such wounds. Their severity is shown to depend on such factors as pressure on the spine or the blade.

[Classification of bone injuries inflicted by the teeth of the carnivorous animals].

The morphological characteristics of a variety of bone injuries inflicted by the teeth of the carnivorous animals are presented. The results of their analysis provided a basis for the morphological classification of such traumas taking into consideration the current views of the mechanisms underlying the process of their formation.

[Classification of skin injuries inflicted by the teeth of the carnivorous animals].

The current approaches to the classification of skin injuries inflicted by the teeth of the carnivores on the human body are discussed. The new morphological classification is proposed taking into consideration the current views of the mechanisms underlying the formation of tooth marks on the integumental tissues of the victims of attacks by carnivorous animals. Morphological characteristics of skin injuries are briefly described in the framework of the new classification.

[About classification of injuries inflicted on humans by carnivorous animals].

The biological classification of living species is shown to be inapplicable for the purposes of forensic medical examination. A list of the families of carnivorous animals that may be of forensic medical significance is presented. Their working classification is proposed taking into account the size and behaviour of the animals as well as their body parts and organs with which they may inflict injuries to man in various situations. The main types of wounds caused by carnivores are considered.

[Characteristic of the damage caused to the clothes from woven fabric by a tiger's bite].

The tiger's teeth have been identified that may be of diagnostic value for the purpose of trace evidence analysis. The morphological features of the damage caused to the clothes from woven fabric by the tiger's bite are described. The knowledge of these features facilitates differential diagnostics between such damage and that inflicted by other blunt and sharp objects.

[The possibility of inflicting additional lesions in the wounds by small birds].

Structural characteristics of the beaks of small birds are discussed in the context of trace evidence analysis for the purpose of forensic medical examination. Special attention is given to the additional morphological changes that the birds may cause in the previously inflicted skin wounds. The possible mechanisms of such lesions are discussed. It is recommended that these observations be taken into consideration for the purpose of identification studies. The signs indicative of particular lesions that can be attributed to the small birds' activities are described.

[Characteristics of skin and bone injuries in the cadavers inflicted by rat teeth].

The authors describe the morphological picture of skin and bone injuries inflicted by rat bites. Analysis of traces left by rat incisors is presented. Mechanism of their action and conditions for the appearance of injuries on human cadavers is considered.

[Experience in using the "Termit-1" device for determining the time of death]. / Opyt primeneniia apparatno-programmnogo kompleksa "Termit-1" pri opredelenii davnosti nastupleniia smerti.

The operating principle and utilization of a Termit-1 complex (equipment and software) is described. Expert cases are presented and recommendations are offered.