Statistical analysis tools of mixture DNA samples: When the same software provides different results

The high complexity of the genetic analysis of crime scene samples is mainly related to the unknown number of contributors, low DNA quantity and quality, and associated stochastic effects. The difficulty and subjectivity of interpreting casework samples was the motto for the development of software to mitigate these conditions and allow the quantification of the genetic evidence. Currently, there are several tools for statistical analysis of mixture samples based on either qualitative or quantitative models. The first considers the electropherograms’ qualitative information, while the latter also considers the associated quantitative information. This work’s main goal was to evaluate the effect that parameters’ settings variation may have on the LR computation, specifically the drop-in frequency parameter. For that, a qualitative – LRmix Studio – and two quantitative software – STRmix™ and EuroForMix – were considered and an intra-software analysis was performed, using as input real casework samples. The drop-in frequency variation showed an impact, leading to differences higher than four units (log₁₀ scale) for some pairs of samples. In addition, for some cases, no comparisons were performed either because the tool computed a null LR value or displayed an error message. Thus, this work reinforces the importance of proper parameters’ modeling and estimation in forensic casework evaluation.     

同一个体发毛角蛋白电泳谱型的分析

用SDS -PAGGE对收集到的 2 0例人体表毛发 (头发、阴毛、腋毛、腿毛 )角蛋白组分进行了分析。结果表明 ,同一个体毛发角蛋白电泳谱型基本相同 ,用激光光密度仪对电泳凝胶板扫描后证实 ,同一个体毛发角蛋白组分相对百分含量也无明显差异 ;人头部不同部位 (顶部、左侧、右侧、额部、枕部 )头发角蛋白的电泳谱型和角蛋白组分相对百分含量也基本相同。同一个体毛发角蛋白组分的分析 ,可为法医物证学鉴定中的毛发个人识别提供重要的依据。     

Urban homicide: Still the same

We use 1984–1986 data to estimate lifetime risks of being murdered in each of 50 large American cities and then compare these projections to others made earlier from 1971–1972 and 1976–1977 data. We find strong constancy over time in the average urban resident's murder risk (essentially a 1 in 68 chance of eventually being slain). Moreover, we find a high stability in the dispersion of risk by region, race, and city size and in the relative rankings of the 50 cities by murder risk. We comment briefly about such recent phenomena as the proliferation of crack and the resumption of capital punishment.Throughout this paper, we use the words murder, homicide, killing, and slaying interchangeably, meaning in all cases murder and nonnegligent manslaughter as defined by the FBI.     

Entomological identification of the post-mortem colonization of wolf cadavers in different decomposition stages

Human-driven biodiversity loss is progressively becoming a problem with dramatic consequences for the conservation of vital ecosystems. The increasing number of illegal killings of the grey wolf (Canis lupus, Linnaeus, 1758), a threatened species, displays the need for investigation and prosecution of such offences. Forensic entomology makes use of the knowledge about necrophagous insects to estimate a minimum time-since-death interval of the deceased person or animal, which can give important information on a possible perpetrator. The cadaver fauna along five decomposition stages of wolves in Germany was investigated in the period 2014–2021. The insects from 70 wolf cadavers, originating from all over Germany, were provided by the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research Berlin. The accumulated degree day (ADD) model was applied for the post-mortem interval estimation on wolf cadavers for the first time. A total of 20 coleopteran species and 14 different dipteran species were discovered and identified. Almost 99 % of all insect specimens were from the order of Diptera, and beetles (Coleoptera) accounted for only 1 % of the cadaver fauna. The blowflies (Calliphoridae) are of particular importance for forensic issues, accounting for about 66 % of all families. Carrion beetles (Silphidae) were found as the second most abundant family (about 21 %). In addition, combining all cases, a steadily increasing insect species richness S was detected from early decay to advanced decay (fresh S = 8; bloated S = 12; active decay S = 21; advanced decay S = 34). In the following remains stage, the species number decreased again (S = 24). However, no significant difference in the number of species was found between the stages of decay when the cases were considered individually. The temporal pattern of insect appearance was found to be congruent with those of previous studies. Furthermore, a time of death was determined for each case and compared to the pathologist's estimates. This study provides insights into the arthropod fauna of wolf remains for the first time, applies the ADD-Model for post-mortem interval estimation, and discusses the suitability of forensic entomology for wildlife death investigations.     

Age of attainment of mineralization stages of the permanent dentition.

The ages at which the maxillary and mandibular teeth of 121 boys and 111 girls reached 14 mineralization stages were determined from serial cephalograms at the Burlington Growth Centre. The present data are more comprehensive than any previously available and can be applied to chronological age determinations in juveniles of indefinite age, and of specimens in anthropological and forensic investigations. The sexes differed in the age at which they attained the stages of mineralization, with the canines demonstrating the greatest difference. In each sex, the ages at identical stages were similar for the corresponding teeth in the maxilla and mandible. Variability in age was greater among the males, especially for the first premolars, and increased with age, except for the third molars. Variability in age of third molar mineralization was greater in females and diminished among both sexes at late stages of root formation.     

The ‘us vs them’ mentality: a comparison of police cadets at different stages of their training

ABSTRACT

Any depiction of police culture includes a strong ‘us versus them’ element, but research has been unable to satisfactorily explain its development and evolution. In particular, very few studies have focused on the training period, between when an individual chooses a police career and his/her first day as an officer. A total of 1,979 pre-university students from seven colleges in Quebec (Canada) completed a self-administered survey where they had to answer general questions about the police followed by specific questions about four realistic videos of fictional police interventions involving use of force. Unsurprisingly, the analysis suggests that students in Police Technology tend to think they are more supportive of the police and the use of force than students in other programs. However, students in Police Technology increasingly indicate that the majority of people would report a more negative opinion than they have, suggesting that police candidates increasingly disidentify with the rest of the population.     

The use of the andragogic model of education at different stages of studying the "forensic medicine" discipline

The technology of education for adult subjects, i.e. the scientifically-sound system of andragogic principles for the education of adults (both teachers and learners), is considered. Putting these principles into practice leads with a high degree of probability to the achievement of the sought goals of education. These principles as well as the andragogic educational model itself are recommended for a wider application to the system of education for senior students, junior physicians, and resident medical practitioners with a view to improving the efficacy of the educational process.     

Singing from the same sheet: computational melodic similarity measurement and copyright law

Musical plagiarism is an area of law that is not only of interest to lawyers but captures the curiosity of the public, induces apprehension in the composer and now intrigues the computer scientist. Attention increases in the case of celebrated artists when the revenue is likely to be significant, and when the allegation is one of a perceived similarity between the infringing and infringed works. Despite the broad interest and frequently high commercial significance of this issue, there has been little systematic research into what constitutes musical plagiarism from either a technical or perceptual perspective. This article discusses some suggestions made to date for introducing a technical measurement of musical similarity in copyright disputes before presenting our own computational system. The novelty of our proposal arises from an interdisciplinary approach combining computational, musicological, and psychological perspectives to emulate legal principles, mimic the reasonable listener as well as copy the type of evidence often presented in these cases.     

Domestic violence and high conflict are not the same: a gendered analysis

In child custody decision-making experiences of domestic violence and high conflict are not the same. Legislative reform has not yet been guided by the parent voice to inform differentiated responses that keep women and children safe. Available literature in child custody decision-making focuses on outcome research regarding children’s adjustment and well-being. Debates about types of post-separation arrangements have yet to find agreement in three under-researched areas: (a) high conflict, (b) domestic violence; and (c) children under four. Yet, Canadian legislation supports shared parenting arrangements that privilege the dominant, powerful parent in situations of domestic violence. Based on a Canadian study that explores the parent perspectives and experiences of child custody decision-making, this paper privileges a sub-group of participants; five women, all survivors of domestic violence; defined here as both physical violence and coercive control. Data collection includes one-on-one tape-recorded interviews. Thematic analysis reveals that shared parenting is neither the goal, nor does it meet the needs of these women. The findings illuminate the importance of differentiating parent experience as distinct groups, and reinforces the notion of the state’s role in the reproduction of gendered power. Legislative reform and collaborative community practices are critical to facilitate healthy differentiated responses.     

Men and women in the same prison: interpersonal needs and psychological health of prison inmates

The purpose of this study was to investigate the gender differences in the state of interpersonal needs and psychological health of male and female prison inmates who live in the same prison. The authors conducted in-person interviews with 118 male and 70 female inmates. The results show that women present a better interpersonal state and psychological health than do men. For both genders, the consequences of fulfilling or not fulfilling interpersonal needs-specifically, social loneliness and sexual satisfaction-are associated with psychological health. These findings suggest the importance of the state of prison inmates' interpersonal needs in promoting psychological health in the context of the prison, where these needs are generally difficult to be met. Making contacts possible between male and female inmates who are in the same prison might help them to better fulfill some of their interpersonal needs, especially those related to their sexual lives.     

The incest offender,power, and victimization: Scales on the same dragon

It is contended that incest is a specific case of a larger problem, that being inappropriate use of power, resulting in victimization of a weaker person. The article is primarily an exploration of ideas regarding root causes of such victimization. It is proposed that implied ownership is present in certain traditional family constellations in our society. It is further proposed that many factors, including this implied ownership, contribute to a profound lack of empathy on the part of the offender. Numbered among these factors are our individualistic, compartmentalized culture, developmental deficits, and overt choices on the part of the offender. Concluding comments call for further reflection and attention to the issues raised, with suggestions regarding important areas for focus and investigation.     

"同命"真该"同价"?——对死亡损害赔偿的民法思考

死亡损害赔偿并非对生命权本身的救济,而是对因侵害生命权所引起的各种现实利益损失的补偿.由于受害人个体情况的差异,赔偿的结果却千差万别,植根于"同命同价"思维的死亡损害赔偿定额化是对实质平等精神的背离,我国的死亡损害赔偿法不应追随定额化的赔偿模式,而应尽可能地对死亡损害赔偿额进行精细的个别化计算.     

On the detection of fingerprints by laser excited luminescence

Two surveys were carried out to determine the percentage of latent fingerprints detectable by their inherent luminescence under laser illumination. Less than one-fifth of 240 samples each containing four prints on paper gave luminescent prints. The luminescence from these was weak and only detectable under close scrutiny. Similar results were obtained for 120 samples each containing one print on glass. Forty-one of the samples showing no luminescence were sprayed, approximately one month after deposition, with a solution containing the fluorescent tagging agent 7-chloro-4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole (NBD chloride). After treatment with NBD chloride, 37 of these samples gave luminescent prints, many of which were intensely luminescent and contained good ridge detail.