Automated DNA casework workflow: A retrospective study of the first implementation of FIDL at the Netherlands Forensic Institute

FIDL is a fast and automated DNA identification line which represents a series of software solutions automating the process from raw capillary electrophoresis data to reporting. This retrospective study provides insight in the numbers of cases, turnaround time, results compared to the standard workflow and the benefits automation has in a large volume workflow.     

关于建设快速反应机制的系统思考

建设快速反应机制是现代警务的必然趋势,快速反应机制必须依靠统一指挥下的多警种整体作战优势。近年来快速反应机制建设有了很大提高。快速反应机制建设是一项战略的、长期的、综合的、复杂的系统工程,渗透到公安警务活动的各个环节。指挥系统是快速反应机制的核心内容,提高实战成效是快速反应机制的主要目的。     

固绿显现血手印方法的研究

固绿显现剂是一种血手印显现新试剂,该试剂对新鲜的或陈旧的血手印都有较好的显现效果,刺激性气味小,对人身体伤害小。该试剂的研发为现场血手印的显现提供了一种新的可供选择的方法。     

The Application of Voltammetric Analysis of Δ9‐THC for the Reduction of False Positive Results in the Analysis of Suspected Marijuana Plant Matter

The development of methodologies using inexpensive, fast, and reliable instrumention is desirable in illicit drug analysis. The purpose of this study was based on cyclic voltammetry technique to differentiate the electrochemical behavior of ?⁹‐THC, the psychoactive substance in marijuana, and five different extract plants to yield false positive results after analysis protocol for cannabinoids using thin‐layer chromatography and Fast Blue B salt. After applying a deposition potential of ?0.5 V in a glassy carbon working electrode, the results indicated an anodic peak current at 0.0 V versus Ag/AgCl after addition of ?⁹‐THC solution in the electrochemical cell, and limits of detection and quantification were 1.0 ng mL^?1 and 3.5 ng mL^?1, respectively. Other interfering plants showed distinct amperometric responses. This methodology was useful to detect ?⁹‐THC even in the presence of the Fast Blue B salt, which avoided false positive results for all the studied extract plants.     

Fast PCR amplification using AmpFlSTR Identifiler: Second report

At ISFG2007, an earlier conference, we presented reports on two fast PCR cycling methods using AmpFlSTR Identifiler. In our current study, which involved PCR amplification using AmpliTaq Gold Fast PCR Master Mix, UP, and a standard PCR thermal cycler rather than the Fast PCR thermal cycler, we succeeded in allele typing while reducing PCR running times by half (to approximately 90 min).     

Livestock livelihoods compromised: the dilemma of the Fast Track Land Reform and Resettlement Programme in Matabeleland South,Zimbabwe

This article attempts to unravel the rubric of livestock rearing in Southern Matabeleland in the aftermath of the Fast Track Land Reform and Resettlement Programme (FTLRRP). It also shows how livestock rearing has been placed high in livelihood rankings in this region. The article is based on a detailed ethnographic study of the impact of the FTLRRP in the decade 2000 to 2010 in Gwanda and Umzingwane districts, and is an extract of my PHD thesis entitled ‘Visible hectares, Vanishing livelihoods’. The broad argument of the thesis is that the land reform programme has achieved change of commercial land ownership patterns from ‘white’ to ‘black’ Zimbabweans. The programme however has not coupled that with the support necessary to improve the livelihoods of the majority of people in the region. One of the impediments is that the state-crafted ‘one size fits all’ resettlement model failed to take cognisance of the socio-economic and ecological conditions of different provinces in the country. Hence the argument in this article is that the FTLRRP could have improved livelihoods of people in this region if livestock rearing was given priority and support by the state.     

Is Political Consulting Going Digital?

Every four years consultants all over the world look at American presidential elections trying to unveil new techniques that can be adopted in their own countries. In 2012 databases and metrics become the cornerstone for a successful campaign and therefore, there is a need for new professionals, and for a new way of approaching the profession. The campaign for the re-election of Obama residential is a turning point not only for political communications but also for political consulting: digital revolution will open doors for a new generation of consultants not only in the United States, but also in Europe and South America.     

对当前公安执法监督的薄弱环节及加强执法监督有效性的思考

当前公安执法监督要解决的突出问题可概括为三个方面:一是端正执法思想的问题;二是提高执法质量的问题;三是增强监督预警的问题。我们要以突出执法监督为重点,建立执法监督的快速反应机制;破解端正执法思想和强化责任追究的难点,建立科学高效的评估和预警机制;针对“五条禁令”、“四个坚决”和涉案财物管理的热点,切实加大整治力度。     

Fast PCR amplification of AmpFlSTR Identifiler

To increase throughput for DNA typing, we examined fast PCR cycling using AmpFlSTR Identifiler by three methods. In this study, we reduced PCR running times by 1/3 to 2/3 (approximately 1-2 h). This means DNA typing, including PCR reactions, can be completed within a timeframe ranging from 90 min to 2 h and 30 min.     

Preparation and characterization of micro-bore wall-coated open-tubular capillaries with low phase ratios for fast-gas chromatography–mass spectrometry: Application to ignitable liquids and fire debris

Fast Gas Chromatography (GC) allows for analysis times that are a fraction of those seen in traditional capillary GC. Key modifications in fast GC include using narrow, highly efficient columns that can resolve mixtures using a shorter column length. Hence, a typical fast GC column has an inner diameter of 100–180 μm. However, to maintain phase ratios that are consistent with typical GC columns, the film thickness of fast GC stationary phases are also low (e.g., 0.1–0.18 μm). Unfortunately, decreased film thickness leads to columns with very low sample capacity and asymmetric peaks for analytes that are not sufficiently dilute. This paper describes micro-bore (50 μm i.d.) capillary columns with thick films (1.25 μm), and low phase ratios (10). These columns have greater sample capacity yet also achieve minimum plate heights as low as 110 μm. Hence, separation efficiency is much higher than would be obtained using standard GC columns. The capillary columns were prepared in-house using a simple static-coating procedure and their plate counts were determined under isothermal conditions. The columns were then evaluated using temperature programming for fast GC–MS analysis of ignitable liquids and their residues on fire debris exemplars. Temperature ramps of up to 75 °C min^?1 could be used and separations of ignitable liquids such as gasoline, E85 fuel, and lighter fluid (a medium petroleum distillate) were complete within 3 min. Lastly, simulated fire debris consisting of ignitable liquids burned on carpeting were extracted using passive headspace absorption-elution and the residues successfully classified.