The paper looks at the increasingly pertinent issue of interdisciplinary analysis in forensic casework. Integrated psychological and linguistic evaluations in cases relating to extremism and terrorism prevention are used as an example to compare the possibilities of mono- and multidisciplinary analysis. A comprehensive (integrated) approach is demonstrated to have clear
advantages in application to the analysis of information materials. This approach helps to identify the special (linguistic, psychological, etc.) features of those language and psychological phenomena
that constitute the various aspects of the objective element of so-called «crimes of speech». The priority status of such evaluations has been highlighted by the Interdepartmental Commission for
the Prevention of Extremism in the Russian Federation. A integrated approach to the evaluation of information materials is actively implemented by forensic science organizations in other countries
(Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus and Uzbekistan)

In law enforcement and in scientific research the category of authenticity is used both for theoretical conceptualization and in practical contexts. However, the lack of a universally accepted
definition undermines the utility of this concept in the production of evidence, as well as development of scientific resources and databases. The paper offers an initial attempt to define authenticity in the context of law enforcement and examines the most significant tools of authenticity analysis and verification: the civil law notary authentication and forensic identification

The paper examines the statutory regulation of expertise rendered in support of antitrust investigations. The legal nature of expert inquiry conducted in such cases is demonstrated to be similar to that provided by forensic expert witnesses. Recommendations are offered for ways to improve the statutory regulation of expertise provided in support of antitrust investigations. The recommendations address such questions as selection of experts, their rights enshrined in the competition law, as well as their liability for submitting a knowingly false expert opinion

A short historical survey was carried out to compare different statistical approaches used in the field of forensics for the evaluation of individual features or sets of features, as well as the results of comparative examinations. Some advantages and disadvantages of each approach are considered, and the most appropriate trend is suggested for the improvement of statistical and mathematical tools of evidence interpretation in forensic practice

The current situation with the use of terms and definitions in the practice of computer forensics is examined. The author argues for the need to develop and issue a dedicated national standard: GOST R 5742902017 «Computer Forensic Science. Terms and Definitions». Problems with the drafting of the GOST are discussed, and pathways for further development of the computer forensics concept base are mapped out

The paper offers a critical analysis of a methodology for determining combustion temperature and time in fire-exposed wood based on its char layer parameters. It demonstrates the possibility of using the charring rates for large cross section structural members (beams and columns) made of coniferous timber, as specified in SP 64.13330.2011, for the purposes of forensic fire investigation

The paper discusses the basic categories of concept, subject, objectives, and objects specific to the forensic examination of melee and throwing weapons. The concept of forensic examination of melee and throwing weapons is articulated based on the definition of the forensic theory of
melee and throwing weapons, as well as general principles of criminalistics and modern weapons science. Examination objectives are divided into three groups: classification, diagnostic, and grouplevel
identification. The paper concludes with a brief overview of the relationship of this forensic discipline with other sciences and its future development prospects

A classification of bamboo fibers is discussed, along with the appropriate use of relevant terminology and standardized notions. The paper presents the results of a study conducted on chemical bamboo-based fibers using microscopy (bright-field and polarized light microscopy), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and microchemical analysis. The findings show that manufactured fibers derived from bamboo using the viscose processing method are identified as viscose fibers. The term «bamboo
fibers» is only applicable to natural plant fibers extracted from bamboo culm

Examination of leather items (clutches, man-purses, suitcases, and briefcases) using methods of forensic biology and merchandise investigation revealed their outer parts to be made of crocodile and alligator belly skin, and their lining – of textiles and leather from cattle and small domestic ruminants. The diagnostic features of crocodilian skin structures are also listed.

One type of forensic examination most commonly requested in the investigation of banking fraud is forensic accounting analysis, which includes forensic financing audit. The paper examines special considerations in requesting and conducting this type of forensic analysis, as well as its objectives. Selected case studies illustrate the possibilities of forensic financing audit of official and unofficial (off-the-books) financial records of a criminal association, as well as the scope of a forensic accountant's competence in determining the revenue or size of the premium received for conducting illegal banking transactions.

The articles examines the key stages of on-site investigations (building inspections) conducted by forensic engineers. Typical challenges facing forensic practitioners are identified, and solution approaches are offered. This includes recommendations for possible courses of action to
resolve specific issues

The expert witness report plays a crucial part in any type of forensic investigation; forensic engineering and land surveying are no exception. This article focuses on relevance as a major criterion in the evaluation of a forensic expert’s report. The author identifies the main factors that shape the characteristics of this type of evidence that ensure the relevance of expert opinion in criminal, civil, or administrative proceedings

The paper examines the possibilities of using forestry regulations, including the Rules of Reforestation adopted on June 29, 2016 by Decree No. 375 of the Ministry of Natural Resources and
Environment of the Russian Federation, for the assessment of remediation costs by environmental forensic scientists

The growing role of forensic examinations in establishing the circumstances of the disruption of human or natural habitats prompts the development of environmental forensics as an
independent branch of forensic practice. Special considerations when commissioning and conducting such examinations have to do with the temporal progression of the latency period of environmental
crimes, which in turn affects investigative performance. A survey conducted among environmental forensics practitioners provided the basis for the analysis of situations in which an environmental
forensics examination may be requested; specific questions relating to case processing and types of evidence submitted for examination are also discussed. The most serious operational obstacle in the
majority of environmental crime investigations is the extended lead time required for the completion of forensics inquiry. The author proposes specific solutions to the organizational and methodological
problems arising in the course of these investigations

The article considers the prerequisites and conditions for the establishment of environmental forensics as a new branch of forensic science in the Republic of Belarus. The authors advocate conducting this type of examinations at special competency centers, such as the Scientific and Practical Center (SPC) of the State Forensic Examination Committee of the Republic of Belarus

This section presents translated abstracts of selected papers that appeared in the following periodicals: Journal of Forensic Sciences (JFS), Volume 62, Issues 2 and 3, 2017 (American Academy
of Forensic Sciences), published by Wiley (USA), [available online at www. onlinelibrary.wiley.com]; Science & Justice, Volume 57, Issues 1, 2 and 4, 2017 (Journal of the Chartered Society of Forensic
Sciences), published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd (UK) [contents lists available at: www.sciencedirect.com; journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/scijus]; Problems of Forensic Sciences (PFS), Volume 105, 2016, Institute of Forensic Research in Kraków (Poland), [available online at www.forensicscience. pl]; Forensic Science International (FSI), Volumes 270 and 272, 2017, Elsevier Ireland Ltd (Netherlands) ([available online at www.sciencedirect.com, journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/forsciint]; Journal of the American Society of Questioned Document Examiners (JASQDE), Volume 19, No.
1, 2, 2016, American Society of Questioned Document Examiners, Inc. (USA), [contents lists available online at: www.asqde.org/journal/journal.html].

The paper reflects on the outcomes of the most recent conference of the International Association of Forensic Sciences (IAFS) held in Toronto, Canada. The meeting of delegates from all continents was organized around the theme «Inter-Professional Collaboration in Forensic Science», with the aim of exploring forensic scientists' responses to the challenges of the modern world. The meeting outcomes are analyzed in terms of valuable insights for the development of forensic practices
in Russia through the strengthening of multidisciplinary methodological approaches

The paper reports on the outcomes of the 19TH Annual Meeting of the ENFSI Working Group for Forensic Speech and Audio Analysis that took place in Portugal in September 2017

The paper presents the outcomes of the 6th Meeting of the ENFSI APST expert working group that took place in Budapest (Hungary) on April 5–7, 2017, and was hosted by the Hungarian Institute for Forensic Sciences

The paper sums up the outcomes of the 17th Annual Meeting of the European Fingerprint Working Group (EFP-WG) that took place on September 12–15, 2017 in Pontoise, France.

The paper reports on the outcomes of the 24th Annual Meeting of the Firearms/GSR Expert Working Group of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) that was held in October 2017 in Finland.

The paper presents the outcomes of the seminar «Integrated Forensic Ballistics and Medical Examinations» hosted October 16–20, 2017 by the RFCFS of the Russian Ministry of Justice in Moscow