Assessing the relationship between maternal cigarette smoking during pregnancy and age at first police contact

Several types of pre- and perinatal risk factors, such as maternal cigarette smoking, are related to various manifestations of life-course-persistent criminal offending. Studies have reported evidence of a relationship between maternal prenatal cigarette smoking and antisocial/criminal behavior. All of these studies, however, used white male samles, thus limiting the generalizability of research findings. In an attempt to overcome this problem, we employ data from the Philadelphia portion of the National Collaborative Perinatal Project to examine the possible link between maternal prenatal cigarette smoking and the age at first police contact in a cohort of African-American males and females followed through age 17. Logistic regression analysis indicates that maternal prenatal cigarette smoking has a significant effect on the age at first police contact, even with controls for a variety of other risk factors. Although maternal cigarette smoking significantly predicted early onset among males but not females, odds ratios suggest that the effect is quite similar across genders. Future research directions are addressed.     

Challenges in digital forensics

Abstract

Various terms have been used to describe the intersection between computing technology and violations of the law-including computer crime, electronic crime, and cybercrime. While there remains little agreement on terminology, most experts agree that the use of electronic devices to commit crime has increased dramatically and is now commonplace. It is the role of the digital investigator to bring cybercriminals to justice. Cybercrime however differs from traditional crime and presents a variety of unique challenges including the variety of electronic devices available, amount of data produced by these devices, the absence of standard practices and guidelines for analyzing that data, the lack qualified personnel to perform investigations and the lack of resources to provide on-going training. This paper examines these challenges     

Noise Trauma Induced by a Mousetrap—Sound Pressure Level Measurement of Vole Captive Bolt Devices

Abstract: While ballistic parameters of vole captive bolt devices have been reported, there is no investigation on their hazardous potential to cause noise trauma. The aim of this experimental study was to measure the sound pressure levels of vole captive bolt devices. Two different shooting devices were examined with a modular precision sound level meter on an outdoor firing range. Measurements were taken in a semi‐circular configuration with measuring points 0° in front of the muzzle, 90° at right angle of the muzzle, and 180° behind the shooting device. Distances between muzzle and microphone were 0.5, 1, 2, 10, and 20 m. Sound pressure levels exceeded 130 dB(C) at any measuring point within the 20‐m area. Highest measurements (more than 172 dB[C]) were taken in the 0° direction at the 0.5‐m distance for both shooting devices proving the hazardous potential of these gadgets to cause noise trauma.     

A Call for Help: Women Offenders' Reflections on Trauma Care

Female prisoners have extensive trauma histories and complex treatment needs that contribute to their criminality, yet trauma screening and treatment is not widespread in prisons. This article examines qualitative data gathered from face-to-face interviews with 31 female offenders in Canadian prisons. Using a grounded theory approach we demonstrate an unmet need for trauma-specific services for female offenders. These services go beyond trauma-informed practice and treat the psychological and behavioral sequelae of trauma exposure (e.g., mental illness and addictions) to facilitate recovery. The findings suggest that women in prison want and need specific treatment for trauma exposure. Integrating trauma-specific services involves a cultural shift within the prison environment that might be achieved by positioning trauma within the risk–need–responsivity model as an additional risk factor for criminality. Although counter to the public health perspective that trauma is a health concern, it is a way to ensure that trauma becomes part of the battery of care in corrections so that the needs of traumatized women are addressed while they are in custody. This was a unique opportunity to learn about what women would like to help deal with their experiences of trauma.     

电子数据搜查、扣押的法律规制

我国2012年修正的《刑事诉讼法》将电子数据增列为证据的法定种类,这要求我国刑事诉讼法学界对电子数据的相关问题,如电子证据的搜查与扣押,出示与质证,审查判断等问题进行深入研究。与传统证据相比,电子数据具有以下四大特征:存储内容的海量性、形态的易变性、变动的可察觉性以及内容的难以直接感知性。电子数据的以上特征对电子数据的搜查、扣押提出了更加严格的要求:首先,在搜查、扣押之前,侦查机关必须申请司法机关签发令状;在搜查、扣押过程中,无论是对电子设备的搜查、扣押还是此后对电子设备中存储的电子数据的进一步搜查,都必须受到令状原则有关合理根据和特定性要求的约束。其次,侦查机关搜查、扣押电子数据之后,必须允许辩护方对被搜查、扣押的电子数据进行查看、审查和复制,从而防止侦查机关滥用权力,保护辩护方的合法权利。另外,为保障电子数据的客观性和原始性,还必须建立严密的证据保管链制度。我国在以上方面都存在严重问题,在有些方面甚至完全空白,立法机关在未来修正《刑事诉讼法》时必须进行完善与重构。     

移动设备电子搜查的制度挑战与程序规制——以英美法为比较对象

评估执法的正当需求和手机用户的合法权益成为移动互联网时代的程序规制命题。移动设备搜查对警察权力的重要性和公民权利保护的重要性日益凸显,应当将移动设备视为人们具有合理信赖的一个信息隐私空间。英国、美国的手机搜查规范上的域内不统一导致搜查实践的多样态、公民权利的保护缺陷。但其应对证据的移动电子化的基本思路——根据信息种类或其他变量进行立法,区别对待搜查条件——对中国相关搜查问题的解释和解决具有镜鉴意义。我国需要考虑确立获得搜查批准的原则,通过类型化规则给执法提供明确指导,并且明确搜查后的系列权利保障,进行电子搜查规则的适时调整与动态平衡。     

Why We Need Postmortem Analysis of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices

The prevalence of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) is increasing. However, postmortem analysis of CIEDs is not performed routinely. Fourteen consecutive CIEDs were analyzed. The indication for and date of implantation, technical data, CIED reprogramming, heart rhythm disturbances, patient demographics and medical consultations were investigated. Death during the first year after implantation was seen in 54%, whereof 71% consulted a physician within 10 days before death. The time of death was attributed to a particular day in 29%. There was a relationship between CIEDs and cause/manner of death in 50%. Although limited by a small sample size, this study advocates the routine postmortem CIED analysis for forensic and clinical purposes in selected cases. Patients with CIEDs seem to show an increased risk of death during the first year after implantation. The analysis of CIEDs can be helpful in evaluating the time/cause/manner of death.     

Unexpected sudden death from coronary sinus thrombosis. An unusual complication of central venous catheterization

Coronary sinus thrombosis is an unusual but potentially serious complication of the use of central venous devices. We report a fatal case of coronary sinus thrombosis in relation to a malpositioned central venous catheter. The death occurred very soon following the beginning of symptoms and the cause could not be suspected. Direct trauma of the catheter on the coronary sinus endothelium seems the most probable cause of the thrombosis.     

Medical devices; retention in class III and effective date of requirement for premarket approval for three preamendments class III devices--FDA. Proposed rule; opportunity to request a change in classification

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing to retain in class III, three preamendments class III medical devices, and is proposing to require the filing of a premarket approval application (PMA) or a notice of completion of a product development protocol (PDP) for these devices. FDA believes that the suction antichoke device, the tongs antichoke device, and the implanted neuromuscular stimulator device should remain in class III because insufficient information exists to determine that special controls would provide reasonable assurance of their safety and effectiveness, and/or these devices present a potential unreasonable risk of illness or injury. The agency is summarizing its proposed findings regarding the degree of risk of illness or injury designed to be eliminated or reduced by requiring the devices to meet the statute's approval requirements and the benefits to the public from the use of the devices. In addition, FDA is announcing the opportunity for interested persons to request the agency to change the classification of any of the devices based on new information.     

Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Service (CHAMPUS); prosthetic devices. Office of the Secretary, DoD. Final rule

This final rule implements Section 702 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998, which authorizes purchase of prosthetic devices, as determined by the Secretary of Defense, to be necessary because of significant conditions resulting from trauma, congenital anomalies, or disease. The Act changes the existing limited provisions for prosthetic devices, expanding coverage to include the cost sharing of other prostheses, e.g., noses, ears and fingers.     

Subjective effect of September 11, 2001 among pregnant women: is cumulative history of interpersonal violence important?

Prior history of trauma may sensitize individuals to subsequent trauma, including terrorist attacks. Using a convenience sample of secondary, cross-sectional data, pregnant women were grouped based on lifetime interpersonal violence history. Cumulative risk theory was used to evaluate the association of lifetime interpersonal violence history and subjective impact of the September 11, 2001 (9/11) terrorists attacks. Using hierarchical linear regression, cumulative risk theory was partially supported. Women with a history of only one type of interpfersonal violence reported greater effect of 9/11 than did women without a history, but women with both types of violence did not report a greater effect of 9/11 compared to women endorsing history of one type. These data corroborate the literature in that level of exposure to terrorist-related trauma predicts subjective reaction to the attacks. Future research with a larger sample and standardized instruments is warranted.     

Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing for offence-related trauma in a mentally disordered sexual offender

Abstract

Research demonstrates a high incidence of offence-related trauma in mentally disordered offenders convicted of violent and sexual offences. The adaptive information processing (AIP) model offers a theoretical framework for understanding the hypothesised relationship between offence-related trauma and reoffending. Evidence suggests that for a sub-population of offenders presenting with offence-related trauma: (1) therapy may retraumatise them, and (2) unresolved trauma severely blocks the positive benefits of talking therapies. Thus, it is postulated that traumatised violent and sexual offenders may be released into the community when they are still at risk of reoffending. A single case study is presented, which describes the application of eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) for a sexual offender presenting with offence-related trauma, whose offences occurred in the context of serious mental disorder. The identification of offence-related trauma and subsequent resolution of trauma symptomatology are discussed in regard to effective offender rehabilitation. Furthermore, the idiosyncratic nature of offence-related trauma and the application of the standard EMDR protocol for a single traumatic event are considered.     

Medical devices; exemptions from premarket notification and reserved devices; class I--FDA. Notice

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is publishing a list of class I devices, subject to certain limitations, that will be exempt from premarket notification requirements on February 19, 1998. FDA is also publishing a list of those class I devices that FDA believes will remain subject to premarket notification requirements because they meet the new statutory criteria for premarket notification requirements. These lists do not include class I devices that have been previously exempted by regulation from the premarket notification requirements. FDA is taking this action in order to meet a requirement of the Food and Drug Administration Modernization Act of 1997 (the FDAMA). The agency requests comments on whether the list of class I devices that will remain subject to the premarket notification requirements should be modified.     

Market introduction of innovative high risk medical devices: towards a recast of the directive concerning medical devices

The European Conformity (CE) marking grants early market introduction to innovative high risk medical devices based on safety and device performance only, without any requirement to demonstrate clinical efficacy or effectiveness. Hence healthcare providers, patients and payers are informed neither about the added clinical value compared to an existing medical device nor about the risks incurred by using such innovations. In addition there is a lack of coherence and uniformity of approach in the assessment of high risk medical devices. These gaps may put the health and safety of patients in danger. The European Commission, in concert with Competent Authorities, industry, Notified Bodies, and other stakeholders, is working on a "recast" of the directives regulating medical devices. This article identifies and discusses the critical points of the pre-market clinical evaluation of innovative high-risk medical devices in the European legal framework and compares it with the USA.     

An Analysis of Advertisements: A Lens for Viewing the Social Exclusion of Women in Police Imagery

This study examines whether there are differential relationships among trauma exposure, familial risk and protective factors, substance abuse, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among incarcerated and non-incarcerated women. A case-control method was used to match 100 incarcerated women with 100 women in the general population. Incarcerated women had a significantly higher risk of trauma exposure as compared with controls, with odds ranging from 1.7 to 3.7. When group was controlled, exposure to sexual or physical trauma significantly increased the odds of PTSD (odds ratio = 5.0; p < .05), as did substance use in response to traumatic distress (odds ratio = 8.9; p < .001). Family-related characteristics did not appear to moderate this relationship. The findings suggest that incarcerated women are at high risk for PTSD given their high rates of trauma exposure and apparent lack of appropriate coping mechanisms; the results support the use of trauma-specific interventions for this population.     

电子物证检验

目的阐述电子物证检验技术的专业内容和组成,以及开展电子物证检验的作用和重要意义;方法研究美国、欧洲和国内电子证据及其检验鉴定的数据资料,结合国内物证检验技术发展现状和需求,论证电子物证检验技术;结果提出了电子物证检验定义、检验对象、技术方法、特点作用以及尽快在国内建立电子物证检验专业等观点;结论电子物证检验是关于识别、发现、提取、保存、恢复、展示、分析和鉴定电子设备中存在的电子信息(电子证据)的科学技术,其检验结果可以作案件侦查线索或法庭证据。开展电子物证检验可以有效提高犯罪侦查效率。     

Identification of Opioids and Related Substances using Handheld Raman Spectrometers

This study describes the performance of handheld Raman devices for detecting one hundred opioids and related substances including fentanyl and several analogs. Using a single “parent” device, signatures (spectra) with excellent signal-to-noise ratios were generated using <5 mg of most compounds. The signatures were added to a method (library), which was electronically transferred to three “daughter” devices. The devices were able to discriminate different salt forms and isomers. On average, the daughter devices yielded a true-positive rate of 97.3% for generating an alarm for opioids and were 93.3% effective for correctly identifying the opioid. The devices yielded true-negative, false-positive and false-negative rates of 100%, 0%, and 2.7%, respectively, where false negatives were due to weak signal and fluorescence. These data demonstrate that the parent-daughter electronic transfer method was successful and effective, which permits the ability to develop methods in the laboratory that can be seamlessly pushed out to field devices.     

眼球钝挫伤后视网膜脱离的司法鉴定

目的分析眼球钝挫伤后视网膜脱离在法医临床学眼损伤及伤残鉴定中的致伤原因及因果关系。方法研究112例眼球钝挫伤后视网膜脱离案例,对其中视网膜裂孔类型、外伤至视网膜脱离时间、合并其他损伤或疾病进行分析。结果本组案例锯齿缘离断4.28%,黄斑裂孔12.50%,其他部位的裂孔(<90°)56.25%,巨大裂孔(>90°)5.00%,未发现裂孔的增殖性玻璃体视网膜病变(PVR)性视网膜脱离11.6%,其中45眼有不同程度的PVR。外伤至视网膜脱离的时间以1周～2个月为常见(61.60%)。合并中高度近视者83.93%,合并玻璃体混浊者52.68%。外伤与视网膜脱离存在直接因果关系者41.07%,存在间接因果关系者52.68%,外伤与视网膜脱离难以联系者6.25%。结论视网膜脱离与多种危险因素有关,外伤与视网膜脱离之间因果关系的分析是法医学眼损伤及伤残鉴定的重要内容。     

Announcement

The process of calibrating a tachograph makes use of a mechanical head drive unit and an electronic clock tester. Both these devices should be checked against a standard at 6-month intervals. The design of such a substandard, based on a highly stable 1 MHz crystal oscillator, is described.     

Biparietal Thinning: Accidental Death by a Fall from Standing Height

Biparietal thinning resulting in bilateral and symmetrical resorption and loss of thickness of the parietal bones is an uncommon to rare condition in the anthropological and clinical literature. This enigmatic condition of unknown etiology was first reported in the 18th century and has been variously described as a nonmetric trait, anatomical variant, anomaly, and pathology. Biparietal thinning presents grossly and radiographically as oval‐shaped depressions in 0.25–0.8% and 0.4–0.5% of individuals and with a higher frequency in females over the age of 60 years. A review of the literature revealed only one example of cranial trauma associated with biparietal thinning and none of fatal trauma associated with this condition. This case reports a rare example of fatal trauma in an elderly man that resulted from a backward fall from a standing height and highlights the increased risk of craniocerebral trauma in individuals with this condition.