A new perspective in the estimation of postmortem interval (PMI) based on vitreous

The relation between the potassium concentration in the vitreous humor, [K+], and the postmortem interval has been studied by several authors. Many formulae are available and they are based on a correlation test and linear regression using the PMI as the independent variable and [K+] as the dependent variable. The estimation of the confidence interval is based on this formulation. However, in forensic work, it is necessary to use [K+] as the independent variable to estimate the PMI. Although all authors have obtained the PMI by direct use of these formulae, it is, nevertheless, an inexact approach, which leads to false estimations. What is required is to change the variables, obtaining a new equation in which [K+] is considered as the independent variable and the PMI as the dependent. The regression line obtained from our data is [K+] = 5.35 + 0.22 PMI, by changing the variables we get PMI = 2.58[K+] - 9.30. When only nonhospital deaths are considered, the results are considerably improved. In this case, we get [K+] = 5.60 + 0.17 PMI and, consequently, PMI = 3.92[K+] - 19.04.     

IoT forensics: Exploiting unexplored log records from the HIKVISION file system

CCTV surveillance systems are IoT products that can be found almost everywhere. Their digital forensic analysis often plays a key role in solving crimes. However, it is common for these devices to use proprietary file systems, which frequently hinders a complete examination. HIKVISION is a well-known manufacturer of such devices that typically ships its products with its proprietary file system. The HIKVISION file system has been analyzed before but that research has focused on the recovery of video footage. In this paper, the HIKVISION file system is being revisited regarding the log records it stores. More specifically, these log records are thoroughly examined to uncover both their structure and meaning. These unexplored pieces of evidence remain unexploited by major commercial forensic software, yet they can contain critical information for an investigation. To further assist digital forensic examiners with their analysis, a Python utility, namely the Hikvision Log Analyzer, was developed as part of this study that can automate part of the process.     

“人权的终结”六论

作为意识形态的人权成功波及全球,而作为实践的人权却面临着巨大灾难和困境,这形成了鲜明的悖论。尽管权利是自由主义的卓越产物,但自由主义政治哲学和法律哲学却未能充分理解权利的运作。因此,本文提出一种新的人权谱系和人权哲学对自由主义人权理论予以替代。作者主要从人权与自然法的革命性特征,人权与主权的内在联系,人权普世主义与文化相对主义的相互依赖,以及人权在追求人的解放和自我实现过程中对主体的分裂和重构等方面展开论述。     

Timing Is Everything? Primacy and Recency Effects in Voter Mobilization Campaigns

The timing of message delivery in political campaigns is a key component of strategy. Yet studies that examine the impact of message timing on political behavior are surprisingly rare. Although one recent study finds that appeals delivered closer to Election Day will be most effective (Nickerson, American Journal of Political Science 51(2):269–282, 2007), methodological considerations render this conclusion tentative and suggest the impact of message timing remains an open question. In this paper I report the results of a randomized field experiment designed to compare the mobilization effects of nonpartisan messages delivered via commercial phone banks at different points during a campaign cycle. The results of the experiment, conducted during the November 2005 municipal elections in Rochester, New York, suggest calls delivered early on during a campaign cycle can also be effective.     

Irregular States or the Semiotics of Knight-Errantry

This article examines the transformation of the Order of St John (also known as the Knights of Malta) from a crusading and piratic entity (periodically in Jerusalem, Cyprus, Rhodes and Malta) into an irregular state actor without territory (in Rome). Specifically, it looks at the political rationales through which the Order has been historically constituted as an international subject and currently enacted as an “irregular state”, and evaluates the function of international legal discourse in making up for its missing territory, the supposedly ‘hard’ and ‘objective’ condition of statehood under international law.