The quantification of fingerprint quality using a relative contrast index

Research into fingermark enhancement techniques has traditionally used visual comparisons and qualitative methods to assess their effectiveness based on the quality of the developed fingermark. However, with increasing research into the optimisation of these techniques the need for a quantitative evaluative method has arisen. Parameters for acceptable fingerprint quality are not well defined and generally encompass clear, sharp edges and high levels of contrast between the fingermark ridges and background material. Using these current parameters, a conclusive measurement of fingerprint quality and thus the effectiveness of development techniques cannot be achieved.This study presents a model through which an aspect of fingerprint quality can be objectively and impartially measured based on a relative contrast index, constructed through measuring the reflective intensity of the fingermark ridges against the background material. Using a fibre-optic spectrophotometer attached to a microscope with axial illumination, the intensity counts of the ridge detail and background material were measured and a logarithmic contrast index constructed. The microscope and spectrophotometer parameters were experimentally tested using a standard colour resolution chart with known reflective properties. The protocol was successfully applied to four sample groups: black inked fingerprints on white paper; latent fingermarks on white paper developed separately with ninhydrin and physical developer; and fingermarks in blood deposited on white tiles and enhanced with amido black. The contrast indices obtained quantitatively reflect the level of contrast and provide an indication of fingerprint quality through a numerical representation rather than previous qualitative methods. It has been suggested that the proposed method of fingerprint quantification may be viable for application in the forensic research arena as it allows the definitive measurement of contrast to aid the evaluation of fingermark detection and enhancement techniques.     

Managing incidental findings in human subjects research: analysis and recommendations.

No consensus yet exists on how to handle incidental findings (IFs) in human subjects research. Yet empirical studies document IFs in a wide range of research studies, where IFs are findings beyond the aims of the study that are of potential health or reproductive importance to the individual research participant. This paper reports recommendations of a two-year project group funded by NIH to study how to manage IFs in genetic and genomic research, as well as imaging research. We conclude that researchers have an obligation to address the possibility of discovering IFs in their protocol and communications with the IRB, and in their consent forms and communications with research participants. Researchers should establish a pathway for handling IFs and communicate that to the IRB and research participants. We recommend a pathway and categorize IFs into those that must be disclosed to research participants, those that may be disclosed, and those that should not be disclosed.     

Der Feinstaubschleier lichtet sich – rechtlich II – zugleich Anmerkung zum Urteil des Bundesverwaltungsgerichts vom 27.9.2007 – 7 C 36.07

Zusammenfassung Nur selten schafft es eine verwaltungsgerichtliche Entscheidung an die erste Stelle der ARD-Tagesschau um 20 Uhr. Dem Urteil des BVerwG vom 27.9.2007 ist das gelungen. Es liefert die Antwort auf eine Frage, die sich mancher TV-Zuschauer und Zeitungsleser seit der ersten H?lfte des Jahres 2005 gestellt haben mag. Einer aufgeregten Medienberichterstattung war damals zu entnehmen, dass der gerade verbindlich gewordene Feinstaubgrenzwert vielerorts überschritten werde und davon Betroffene Erkrankungen des Herz-Kreislauf-Systems und der Atemwege, ja sogar eine Verkürzung ihrer Lebenserwartung zu befürchten h?tten. Die Frage die sich stellte: Was kann ein Betroffener dagegen unternehmen?     

Genehmigung für die Errichtung und den Betrieb einer Off-Road-Anlage; in die Kommissionsliste aufgenomme FFH-Gebiete

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Two examples of null alleles at the D19S433 locus due to the same 4 bp deletion in the presumptive primer binding site of the AmpFlSTR Identifiler kit

Two cases of allelic loss at the D19S433 locus after multiplex PCR with the AmpFlSTR Identifiler kit (Applied Biosystems) are described. In both cases the failure of PCR resulted in genetic inconsistencies due to opposite homozygosity. After singleplex PCR with published primers additional alleles were observed and Mendelian inheritance was restored. These PCR products were sequenced and in both cases the same 4 bp deletion near the 3′ end of the repeat region was detected in two alleles of different length. The frequency of these null alleles (two events in 1026 allelic transfers) amounts to 0.0019 (95% confidence limits: 0.0002-0.0070).     

The toxicological examination of the victims of the British Air Tours Boeing 737 accident at Manchester in 1985

The results of toxicological analyses of the body fluids of the victims from the accident involving the British Air Tours Boeing 737 in August 1985 are presented for carboxyhemoglobin, cyanide, and volatiles. All the victims except one had raised concentrations of carbon monoxide. All the victims had raised concentrations of cyanide. All the victims showed the presence of volatile substances in the blood. Autopsies revealed that all the victims had carbon particles in the trachea and bronchi. Thus, all the victims must have inhaled fire products in the burning aircraft cabin. Six victims had concentrations of carbon monoxide or cyanide in the blood that were neither fatal nor incapacitating; therefore, it is reasonable to suggest that these six victims survived for a comparatively short time and that there may have been other causes, in addition to toxic fumes, for their deaths. The other 48 victims must have survived long enough in the fire to accumulate incapacitating or fatal concentrations of carbon monoxide or cyanide or both. The effects of these substances found in the blood of each of the 48 victims must have combined to produce an insurmountable impediment to escape from the aircraft.