Use of gold nanoparticles as molecular intermediates for the detection of fingermarks

Among the numerous methods dedicated to the detection of latent fingermarks, the MultiMetal Deposition (MMD) offers, as a main advantage, the ability to be applied on a great number of porous and non-porous surfaces, e.g., paper, plastic, glass, latex, and polystyrene, even if wetted. While considered as a powerful and sensitive technique, MMD is often neglected, mainly because of operational limitations (siliconized vessels, restrictive pH domain, numerous immersion baths, ...). In this contribution, we propose a modification of the standard MMD method so that the procedure is simplified with a number of baths reduced to a minimum. To reach this goal, it was necessary to obtain a fully operable solution which could detect fingermarks in a single step. We chose to take advantage of the molecular recognition mechanisms by functionalizing the gold nanoparticles with a molecular host able to bind itself to gold while keeping the ability to trap molecules in solution. Cyclodextrins were chosen as they can be easily chemically modified to offer gold-binding abilities. Moreover, they are widely used as hosts for various molecular guests (dyes, luminescent molecules, ...). This new formulation has been tested on three different surfaces to attest the feasibility of this strategy. Successful results were obtained with detailed fingermarks offering a good contrast to allow their identification without the need to enhance the results (such as with a physical developer). If the new formulation behaves very similarly to the old one, in terms of experimental conditions, it offers the additional advantage to develop fingermarks after immersing them in only one bath. The goal is thus reached.     

Vacant But Not for Sale

Housing market speculation in previous years has resulted in an"empty apartment"phenomenonhouses and apartments are purchased as investments but left unoccupied.Various Chinese media outlets reported that about 64.5 million urban electricity meters read zero in the first six months of this year in empty apartments across the country.     

The Fight: Symbolic Expression and Validation of Masculinity in Working Class Tavern Culture

This study examines the role that masculinity plays in men’s decisions to participate in bar fights. The data were obtained via semi-structured interviews with adult, White males in Louisiana who had a history of fighting. We argue that specific elements of fighting events represent symbolic attempts at attaining and maintaining honor and status, which many men in working class culture equate with masculine identity. While winning fights was seen as important, participants suggest that willingness to fight in the right circumstances builds character, develops an honorable reputation, and prevents negative labels. We further argue that pursuit of symbolic masculinity is important to working class men, who possess fewer alternative avenues for achieving status than do those from higher social ranks.     

The nexus between vulnerabilities and violence in the Caribbean*

Abstract

This article analyses the nexus between the Caribbean’s manifold vulnerabilities and the direct and structural violence evident throughout the region’s history. It argues that Caribbean states are threatened not only by direct violence but also by the structural violence permeating in impoverished and marginalised sectors of the state–society complex. Both forms of violence are attributable to the historical legacy of colonisation, to US paternalism and hegemonic dominance in the post-colonial era, and to the persistence of the coloniality of power, even after Caribbean states won their independence from European imperial powers. Today, the region is, per capita, one of the most violent areas on the globe. Evidence of concatenated violence is growing across this region, demonstrating the difficulty small underdeveloped states have in addressing threats to their security, independence, economic viability, and continued existence in the intermestic environment within which they operate.     

Levelling Up?

‘Levelling up’ is the new UK government mantra to describe its ambitions for addressing longstanding local and regional inequalities and, especially, for tackling the problems of ‘left-behind’ places. This article examines the thinking behind this slogan and the associated policy agenda. We identify a danger of misdiagnosis leading to policies that do little to ameliorate conditions in the places that most need help. The government’s agenda appears, so far, to be driven by electoral calculation rather than a real engagement with tackling deep inequalities.