Elain: Innovative transfer of a federal-industry network

ELAIN is an automation project for the processing of export-license applications by the Bureau of Export Administration of the Department of Commerce (DOC). The project is unusual in that it was implemented by administrators without going through normal approval channels. The relationships between the change agent and the agency participants can best be described by Havelock's diffusion-adoption model, which depicts the execution as a one-way relationship from sender to receiver. The more complex models that were examined do not apply because this project was inauguated and furthered by bureaucrats, as opposed to the more usual participation of political appointees. The ELAIN system uses commercial valueadded telecommunications vendors to trasfer the information between the exporters and DOC. Industry used its own funds to develop the necessary special features, with repayment possible only if exporters used their sevices, paying fees for this convenience. No precedent for this type of arrangement was found, hence it is considered to be a social invention as well as an innovation.     

Beware of the possibility of fingerprinting techniques transferring DNA

Fingerprinting brushes have the potential to collect and transfer DNA during powdering. Squirrel-hair fingerprint brushes exposed to specific sets of saliva stains and brushes used in routine casework were tested for their ability to collect and transfer DNA containing material using standard DNA extraction procedures and AmpFlSTR Profiler Plus amplification and typing procedures. The tests found that the risk of transferring DNA during powdering and having a detrimental impact on the analysis increases if the examiner powders over either biological stains (such as blood or saliva) or very fresh prints and uses more sensitive PCR amplification and typing procedures. We advocate caution when powdering prints from which DNA may also be collected and provide options for consideration to limit the risk of transferred DNA contamination while fingerprinting.     

Juvenile sex offenders: a group on its own?

There is some debate about whether sex offenders are similar to non-sex offenders. It is known that sex and non-sex offenders are heterogeneous groups. Comparative studies must take this heterogeneity into account. Based on an aggregated database, a study was conducted among adjudicated juvenile (sex) offenders. The sample consisted of juvenile male sex and non-sex offenders who had been subjected to a psychological assessment at the request of the judge or district attorney. The central question focused on the differences between juvenile sex offenders, in particular rapists and sexual assaulters (n = 57), child molesters (n = 55), and non-sex offenders: violent (n = 85) and nonviolent offenders (n = 80). The results demonstrated that sex offenders differ from non-sex offenders with regard to demographic characteristics, problem behavior, and personality traits. Some reference is made regarding future research.     

A survey of reported synthesis of methaqualone and some positional and structural isomers.

Methaqualone (2-methyl-3-o-tolyl-4(3H)-quinazolinone) is the illicit synthetic drug of choice amongst South African drug users. Historically police and forensic investigation has proven that all methaqualone seized by the South African Police Service originates from illicit manufacturing sites both inside, and outside South Africa's borders. From a drug enforcement, and forensic point of view it is, thus, of utmost importance that the various synthetic routes available to the illicit "chemist" are fully documented and understood. This is a prerequisite for effective illicit laboratory investigation, as well as chemical and precursor monitoring. This paper gives a brief introduction to the current status with regard to methaqualone use and production in South Africa, as well as an extensive review of the synthesis of methaqualone and selected isomers reported since 1946. A table summarizing synthetic routes reported in 32 reference sources is provided.     

Human rights and development: the case of local government transformation in South Africa

Local governments throughout the world are assuming a more important role in economic development of their communities as an increasing number of governments begin to decentralise powers and functions. As these lower levels of government seek sustainable local economic development (LED) strategies the human rights approach towards development becomes pertinent as globalisation accelerates. This article proposes an emphasis on socio‐economic rights as the basis for sustainable LED in developing countries. The article is based on the experience of South African local government in the period after 1994, leading up to the first democratic local government elections on 5 December 2000. Proceeding from the view that the promotion of human rights is necessary for the promotion of economic development, the article critically assesses the role of local government in the promotion of LED through a rights‐based approach. It is argued that the identification in the South African Constitution of local government with basic service provision (recently emphasised by a Constitutional court judgement) will place socio‐economic rights at the centre of LED strategies in South Africa. It is argued that this is indeed the most appropriate cornerstone of LED in South Africa. However, the transformation process that leads the country towards its progressive Constitution needs to be maintained and this article identifies five broad areas for transformation that may still be needed to entrench an adequate human rights culture within the sphere of local governance. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Developmental Patterns in Adolescent Attachment to Mother,Father and Sibling

The aim of this study was to examine the development of quality of attachment of adolescents to their parents and siblings during adolescence and the role that gender differences play in this development, using latent growth curve analysis. In 288 families, adolescents reported on their attachment relationships with their parents and siblings. Quality of attachment changes during adolescence, and these changes are influenced by both gender of the adolescent and gender of the attachment figure. Results showed that change in mean level of quality of attachment to mother appeared to be nonlinear for boys, whereas mean level of attachment of adolescent girls to their mothers showed a linear decline. Results for attachment to father were opposite, with a linear decline in quality for boys, and a nonlinear development for girls. Quality of attachment to sibling showed differential development depending on gender composition of the sibling dyad.