Three-dimensional computer-assisted craniometrics: a comparison of the uncertainty in measurement induced by surface reconstruction performed by two computer programs

Digital investigation of anthropological material through computed tomography (CT) offers several new opportunities in morphometrics. However, an object measured with computer-assisted methods does not necessarily exactly match the original one. The scanning and surface reconstruction of the object induce some alterations, and data acquisition is prone to measurement uncertainty. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the intra- and inter-observers variations in medical CT scan measurements of a known-size phantom and two dry crania. Two software packages, AMIRA and Treatment and Increased Vision for Medical Imaging (TIVMI), which use different techniques of surface reconstructions, were compared. The mean difference between the measurements was lower for TIVMI, using an objective algorithm based on the half-maximum height (HMH) protocol in three dimensions (3D). AMIRA can induce up to a 4% error in known measurements and 5% uncertainty in dry skull measurements. This study emphasises the risk of object shape alteration in each step of its digitisation.     

Single-metal deposition (SMD) as a latent fingermark enhancement technique: an alternative to multimetal deposition (MMD)

This paper proposes an alternative solution to multimetal deposition (MMD) for the development of latent fingermarks on non-porous and porous surfaces. MMD offers a good sensitivity, however it is very time-consuming and requires many reagents to be carried out. Single-metal deposition (SMD) replaces the silver enhancement of the gold colloids by a gold enhancement procedure. This reduces the number of baths by one as well as the number of reagents and their cost, utilizes reagents with a longer shelf life, and most importantly reduces the labor-intensity of the procedure. It offers quasi-identical results to MMD and thus makes a very attractive alternative.     

The loss of that which never was: Evaluating changes to the senior management of the Public Health Agency of Canada

In the fall of 2014, the Government of Canada formally split the role of the Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) into two positions: the CPHO and the President of the Public Health Agency of Canada. Despite concerns raised by the public health community, these changes are consistent with the CPHO's authority. However, the nature of responsible government means that the CPHO cannot simultaneously serve as an independent advocate for policies and programs that might prevent disease and as a senior advisor to the government of the day.     

Les enjeux de l'évaluation de la performance : Dépasser les mythes

Since the 1990s, most Western countries have equipped themselves with frameworks and tools to measure health organizations and systems' performance. Paradoxically, several theoretical, methodological and usage issues remain unresolved. Conceptually, the notion of performance is vague and not well rooted in theory. From a methodological perspective, we are faced with numerous measures that don't always meet reliability, validity and usefulness criteria and don't help to grasp the complexity of the concept. Finally, the assessment results are not fully used to continuously improve performance. This article focuses on analyzing these issues by deconstructing the myths that slow down the development of better‐suited frameworks to meet decision‐makers' needs. It also proposes innovations based on the global and integrated assessment model of health systems.     

The International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia: Judgements in 2005

The year of 2005 was a productive one for the InternationalCriminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY), which rendereda total of ten judgements. The present article, concentratingon the key facts of the case and on novel development in internationalcriminal and humanitarian law, reviews—in chronologicalorder—the judgements of the ICTY Trial Chambers and ofthe Appeals Chamber.     

La collaboration internationale: un element essentiel dans la conception des programmes de formation en sécurité aeroportuaire

Sommaire: Cet article explique la façon dont les informations provenant de la coopération internationale sur la prévention du terrorisme influencent le design des programmes de formation des agents de contrôle préembarquement à 1'Administration canadienne de la sûireté du transport aerien (acsta). 11 expose comment l'integration de ces informations a conduit au développement d'une méthodologie de formation qui suit les principes de la formation par compétences. Cette réflexion marque Ie cinquiéme anniversaire de la fondation de I'acsta et le sixiéme des attentats du 11 septembre 2001. Les auteurs présentent les grands enjeux de la sécurité aéroportuaire, les contraintes et opportunités du contexte international, ainsi que les méthodologies et stratégies utilisées dans le programme de formation. Abstract: This article describes how information provided by the international community influences the design of training programs for airport security officers at the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (catsa). It explains how the integration of this information was instrumental in selecting a training program that follows the principles of a competency‐based methodology. This review coincides with the fourth anniversary of the creation of catsa and the fifth of the tragedy of September 11th, 2001. The authors identify major airport security issues, opportunities and constraints dictated by the international context, and the main strategic and methodological alternatives.