Adolescent depression in a school-based community sample: Preliminary findings on contributing social factors

A two wave survey carried out on a large community sample of adolescents with increased risk for problems with social functioning is described. In this paper we report the prevalence of depression in this population and social factors that contribute to it. The prevalence of depression is twice that in other studies. Stress is both a risk and causal factor in depression while relatively low social self-efficacy moderately increases risk. Being female is a risk factor for depression. The perception of parents and siblings as a source of support appears to be a key factor in protection from the onset of depression.Received M.D. from Queen's University. Research interests include developmental experiences that influence adolescent and adult social functioning, and mechanisms of mortality rates in post coronary depressed subjects.Received Ph.D. from University of Waterloo. Research interests are risk factors affecting depression in adolescents and young adults and social factors associated with chronic pain.Received Ph.D. from McMaster University. Research interests are psycho-social factors that influence adolescent well being, measurement of clinical competence, and research design.Received M.A. from McMaster University.     

A Comparison of Thresholding Methods for Forensic Reconstruction Studies Using Fluorescent Powder Proxies for Trace Materials

Image segmentation is a fundamental precursor to quantitative image analysis. At present, no standardised methodology exists for segmenting images of fluorescent proxies for trace evidence. Experiments evaluated (i) whether manual segmentation is reproducible within and between examiners (with three participants repeatedly tracing three images) (ii) whether manually defining a threshold level offers accurate and reproducible results (with 20 examiners segmenting 10 images), and (iii) whether a global thresholding algorithm might perform with similar accuracy, while offering improved reproducibility and efficiency (16 algorithms tested). Statistically significant differences were seen between examiners’ traced outputs. Manually thresholding produced good accuracy on average (within ±1% of the expected values), but poor reproducibility (with multiple outliers). Three algorithms (Yen, MaxEntropy, and RenyiEntropy) offered similar accuracy, with improved reproducibility and efficiency. Together, these findings suggest that appropriate algorithms could perform thresholding tasks as part of a robust workflow for reconstruction studies employing fluorescent proxies for trace evidence.     

Intelligence-sharing in the context of policing transnational serious and organized crime: a note on policy and practice in an Australian setting

ABSTRACT

An increasingly globalised world brings with it unprecedented complexities in international intelligence sharing. The continual integration of international markets and services, amid the ongoing disruption of digital technologies, is driving the need for greater collaboration and cooperation between countries. The flows of people, goods, ideas and information are increasing each year in tandem with the global reach of terrorism. Global reliance on the internet for commerce and communication also exposes countries and organizations to cyber-attack. Significant increases in borderless crime, the rising incidence of global political fragility, and shifts in multi-jurisdictional crime all compel law enforcement, intelligence and security agencies to continually re-evaluate existing approaches and policies. The ability of police to attack transnational organized crime at its source, or at a transit point that offers opportunities for effective disruption, is now more important than ever. This essay describes a study conducted by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute that identified a number of crucial issues with Australia’s criminal intelligence efforts offshore. It explains why it is important to foster a culture of offshore criminal intelligence, looks at challenges associated with the current system, and suggests ways to overcome those challenges. The research confirms that Australia’s efforts to collect and disseminate criminal intelligence, as distinct from routine international liaison, is ripe for improvement.