Genetic diversity and forensic evaluation of 10 STR loci in Lodz region of Poland

Allele frequency data and forensic efficiency parameters for 10 STR loci: D3S1358, vWA, D16S539, D2S1338, D8S1179, D21S11, D18S51, D19S433, TH01 and FGA, were estimated from a sample of 207 unrelated individuals in Lodz region of Poland.     

The classification and discrimination of glass fragments using non destructive energy dispersive X-ray microfluorescence

Frequency of analytical characteristics is best estimated on glass recovered at random. However, as such data were not available to us, we decided to use control windows for this estimation. In order to use such a database, one has to establish that the recovered fragment comes from a window. Therefore, elemental analysis was used both for classification and discrimination of glass fragments. Several articles have been published on the subject, but most methods alter the glass sample. The use of non destructive energy dispersive X-ray microfluorescence (microXRF) for the analysis of small glass fragments has been evaluated in this context. The refractive index (RI) has also been measured in order to evaluate the complementarity of techniques. Classification of fragments has been achieved using Fisher's linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and neural networks (NN). Discrimination was based on Hotelling's T2 test. Only pairs that were not differentiated by RI followed by the Welch test were studied. The results show that neural network and linear discriminant analysis using qualitative and semi-quantitative data establishes a classification of glass specimens with a high degree of reliability. For discrimination, 119 windows collected from crime scene were compared: using RI it was possible to distinguish 6892 pairs. Out of 129 remaining pairs, 112 were distinguished by microXRF.     

STR data for 09 autosomal STR markers from Rio Grande do Sul (southern Brazil)

Allele frequencies for 09 STR autosomal loci (D3S1358, D5S818, D7S820, D8S1179, D13S317, D18S51, D21S11, FGA and VWA) included in the AmpFlSTR Profiler Plus were obtained from a sample of unrelated individuals from Rio Grande do Sul (southern Brazil).     

Building bridges between the parole officer and the families of serious juvenile offenders: a preliminary report on a family-based parole program

Responding to a model of juvenile offender case supervision that called for a new intervention paradigm to guide the work of probation and parole officers, the present article reports on the use of a family-based parole initiative known as the Growing Up FAST program. Developed in part as a tool for use within this new intervention paradigm, the Growing Up FAST parole program targets serious youthful offenders who have been released from juvenile correctional facilities and their families. Based on elements contained within the "what works" literature and the Balanced and Restorative Justice model, this program recognizes the central role that field staff can play in rehabilitation efforts. Demographic information and formative data regarding the first set of families to participate in this program are presented, then program limitations and lessons learned as part of the initial offering of this parole initiative are discussed.     

Study of unusual phenomenon of contact firing on gelatine block using .38 Special revolver--forensic importance

Gunshot wounds in suicide cases are self-inflicted wounds. Self-inflicted wounds in suicide cases are usually caused by contact firing and are of great forensic significance. Evaluation of contact wound may be associated with difficulties if the bore gets obstruction prior to firing. This paper investigates the phenomenon and interprets the results of test firing conducted on 20% gelatine block at 10 degrees C, using .38 Special revolver with obstruction of a bullet in the bore. Test firings were conducted in three different muzzle-target contact conditions keeping the muzzle pressed against the gel block in each case. The physical evidence and the wound ballistic parameter namely bullet track, remaining velocity of the bullets and volume of permanent cavity have been studied. When compared with the results of contact firing conducted with the same firearm without having any bore obstruction under similar conditions, it has been found that the physical evidence and the wound ballistic parameters would be helpful for interpretation of such unusual incidents for forensic inference.     

"Ancient" protocols for the crime scene? Similarities and differences between forensic genetics and ancient DNA analysis

We provide a short overview on some current issues in the fields of forensic genetics and ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis. We discuss about the existence of the possible points of contact between the two disciplines, in terms of open problems and the inherent approach to their solution. We mainly focus on the problem of results authentication, its theoretical and technical aspects.     

The many faces of access: reasons for medically nonurgent emergency department visits

Investigating why people use the hospital emergency department (ED) for visits considered medically nonurgent can enhance our understanding of people's expectations of health care services, of their conceptions of prudent lay judgment, and of difficulties in negotiating the logistics of primary care services. This study identified reasons for such ED use from users' perspectives in both pediatric and adult visits. Respondents were asked to explain what brought them to the ED and to define an emergency. The study was conducted in two northeastern U.S. hospital EDs. The analysis drew on a convenience sample of 408 (331 pediatric, 77 adult users) face-to-face interviews that employed both open- and closed-ended questions. Findings indicate most patients had medical insurance and a regular place of care and most arrived by car or taxi. Twelve main themes emerged under three main categories: conceptions of needs, appropriateness, and preference for the ED. The findings indicate that various reasons for ED use may be construed as access issues. These include beliefs regarding limited availability of after-hour consultation services and of timely appointments at one's primary care site. Drawing on the findings, a typology that distinguishes between groups of users according to their preference for the ED, a level of congruence between their own reason and their definition of an emergency was developed. The typology suggests that people's concerns that influence their decision to come to the ED cannot be solved simply by expanding primary care services or by educational interventions. Its application yields recommendations for services and interventions.