Adaptation and evaluation of the PrepFiler™ DNA extraction technology in an automated forensic DNA analysis process with emphasis on DNA yield, inhibitor removal and contamination security

Within the initial step of the forensic DNA analysis process, the DNA extraction efficiency and especially the removal of potential PCR inhibitors is crucial for subsequent steps, e.g. quantification by real-time PCR and amplification of short tandem repeats (STRs). The protocol of the PrepFiler™ Forensic DNA Extraction Kit was optimized for the application on a Tecan liquid handling workstation Freedom EVO^® 150. This modified application of the PrepFiler™ technology was compared with respect to DNA yield, sensitivity and the ability to remove potential PCR inhibitors to an established routine method working on the same liquid handling workstation based on ChargeSwitch^® Technology (CST) from Invitrogen.     

An investigation on the secondary transfer of organic gunshot residues

Gunshot residues (GSR) are an important forensic trace in firearm-related events. Currently, routine GSR analyses focus on the detection and characterisation of the inorganic components (IGSR). The increasing prevalence of heavy metal-free ammunition challenges these current protocols and there is an increasing interest in how the organic components of GSR (OGSR) can provide complementary information. Similar to the situation with IGSR, OGSR compounds originally deposited on the shooter during the firing process may further be transferred onto another individual or surface. Hence, the aim of this study was to provide additional information regarding the risk of a secondary transfer of OGSR. Two scenarios were investigated, the first one related to the arrest process and the possibilities of a secondary transfer arising between a shooter onto a non-shooter (e.g. between a police officer and a person of interest (POI)). The second scenario concerned the transfer of OGSR onto the non-shooter after handling a firearm for few minutes without discharging it. One calibre was chosen, the .40 S&W calibre, used by several Australian State police forces. A secondary transfer was observed in all cases for the two scenarios investigated, for three compounds of interest: ethylcentralite (EC), diphenylamine (DPA), N-nitrosodiphenylamine (N-nDPA). The firearm handling scenario resulted in a larger secondary transfer to that of the arrest scenario. Overall, the amounts of OGSR detected on the non-shooter were generally lower than that detected on the shooter and controls after the arrest scenario. The results of this study provide complementary knowledge about OGSR, which can be further used to improve the current practice and the interpretation of OGSR evidence. In particular, it highlights that the secondary transfer proposition must be considered during the interpretation of forensic findings, especially when small amounts of OGSR target compounds are detected.     

无权处分行为与无权处分合同--兼析《合同法》第51条

无权处分是一个涉及无权处分人、相对人和财产权利人三层民事关系调整的复杂问题.本文通过具体分析比较物权行为模式和非物权行为模式下无极处分行为的含义及法律效果的不同,得出物权行为模式下的无权处分行为界定及效果更为合理,更利于民法体系内在的和谐,进而建议对无权处分合同效力重新认定,修改<合同法>第51条的规定.     

行政行为的可诉性标准探析

本文从内部行政行为的可诉性入手,针对行政行为的可诉性标准探讨了行政诉讼受案范围扩大的必然趋势。从司法最终救济和穷尽行政救济原则出发,探讨了合理界定行政权和司法权在行政诉讼中的地位和作用。     

教师申诉处理的司法救济 —— 基于 23 件行政诉讼案例的分析

申诉机制为行政诉讼介入教师与学校之间的争议处理提供了可能。但现行法律规定的局限,使得大量的争议无法进入行政诉讼;对部分争议的审查,自由裁量过大,欠缺公平性;以申诉处理决定为审查对象不利于定纷止争。应根据学校管理的特殊性,规定申诉作为行政诉讼的前置程序,明确将涉及教师基本权利且因管理而引发的争议纳入行政诉讼受案范围。在审查标准上,针对学校单方解聘、辞退、开除处分等处理决定,应适用程序审查兼实体审查原则;针对职称评审决定,应适用形式审查以及程序审查原则;对于所涉学术问题,如是否达到某一级职称之学术标准,则应尊重评审专家之意见。     

论恐怖主义案件的应急处置机制

恐怖主义案件具有突发性和高度危险性,处理此类案件的关键在于应急处置机制。由于应急处置工作的复杂性,在此问题上一直存在着诸多争议。恐怖案件的应急处置应以恐怖犯罪的构成作为切入点,包括事先科学筹谋措施,事中有效控制事态,事后及时汇总处置结果三个方面。     

浅议劳动争议的和谐处理

劳动争议是劳动者与用人单位之间的利益矛盾，是劳动关系不协调的表现，应通过和谐处理劳动争议，来建立稳定的劳动关系。     

Successful validation of a fully automated sample lysis workstation

The Netherlands Forensic Institute recently validated a fully automated system for sample lysis, the AutoLys workstation and AutoLys tubes, developed in collaboration with Hamilton Robotics. We have carried out the developmental validation of the AutoLys system and concluded it offers a solution to drastically reduce user-errors, increase DNA yields, gain in productivity, while maintaining quality. This article reports on the study setup and discusses the results of comparing the AutoLys workstation to the conventional (manual) method. The AutoLys system proved to successfully process all commonly found forensic sample types, producing high quality extracts, containing on average 12.1% more DNA than manually extracted samples (as determined by qPCR and STR-profiling). The optimized robotic protocol minimizes the risk on cross-contamination (no cross-contamination detected in over 500 samples tested) and retains the flexibility to adjust chemically relevant variables specific to a laboratory's individual requirements. The fully automated process enables complete sample-tracking, drastically reducing the risk on user-errors. The NFI is currently validating an on-deck magnetic bead-based purification of the lysates.     

The ASEAN naval build‐up: Implications for the regional order

This paper examines the ongoing ASEAN force modernization in the light of whether it is stabilizing or destabilizing for the region. Donald K. Emmerson's framework for analysing security regimes — the concentration or dispersion of power in achieving regional order — is employed as a basis for analysis. The paper comes to the conclusion that while the ASEAN arms build‐up will not have a destabilizing effect on the wider Asia‐Pacific regional order or balance, it could have serious implications for ASEAN and Southeast Asia. This is because while the actual increase in the number of weapon systems and platforms is not large, it still constitutes a significant increase in percentage terms, and even more so with regard to capability. Moreover, the ASEAN members are building up their forces at a time when there are no obvious military threats. They are in effect engaged in contingency planning. All these factors could be destabilizing for ASEAN's internal balance. As such, there is a need for ASEAN to address the arms build‐up, and introduce confidence‐building measures. One suggested forum for transparency measures is the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).     

“另案处理”监督机制探析

由于我国刑事诉讼法执行机制的立法缺位及《刑事诉讼规则》的效力低阶性,致使司法实务中缺失对＂另案处理＂的有效监督,文章对＂另案处理＂监督机制的可行性进行了探讨,指出应构建长效跟踪机制,延伸法律监督触角,强化＂另案处理＂的办理及监督机制。