Ideology Justifies Morality: Political Beliefs Predict Moral Foundations

Moral Foundations Theory (MFT) is employed as a causal explanation of ideology that posits political attitudes are products of moral intuitions. Prior theoretical models, however, suggest the opposite causal path, that is, that moral judgments are driven by political beliefs. In both instances, however, extant research has assumed rather than explicitly tested for causality. So do moral intuitions drive political beliefs or do political beliefs drive moral intuitions? We empirically address this question using data from two panel studies and one nationally representative study, and find consistent evidence supporting the hypothesis that ideology predicts moral intuitions. The findings have significant implications for MFT as a theory of ideology, and also about the consequences of political beliefs for shaping how individuals rationalize what is right and what is wrong.     

How Does Race Affect Perceptions of Police Trustworthiness?

While race is often discussed in relation to police, there is still little empirical evidence on the role of race in shaping citizens’ evaluations of government performance. Using an experimental design, this study examines how different levels of police performance affect perceptions of police trustworthiness and to which degree observed effects vary by individual race and across communities with different racial makeups. Specifically, we study the effect of different levels of performance on perceived trustworthiness in two communities—one predominantly African American and one predominantly White—and replicate across two samples: a sample consisting of primarily White participants and another consisting of only African American participants. Results indicate that the interaction between the racial composition of a community and individual race plays a critical role in shaping the effects of performance among White participants, who appeared more sensitive to community context than African American participants. Implications for research and practice are discussed.     

Forensic age estimation on digital X-ray images: Medial epiphyses of the clavicle and first rib ossification in relation to chronological age

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in forensic sciences about forensic age estimation in living subjects by means of radiological methods. This research was conducted on digital thorax X-rays to test the usefulness of some radiological changes in the clavicle and first rib. The sample consisted in a total of 123 subjects of Spanish origin (61 men and 62 women; age range: 5-75 years). From all subjects, a thorax posterior-anterior radiograph was obtained in digital format. Scoring for fusion of medial epiphyses of the clavicle was carried out by Schmeling's system and ossification of the costal cartilage of the first rib by Michelson's system. Degree of ossification and epiphyseal fusion were analyzed in relation with known age and sex of these subjects. The results give a minimum age of >20 years for full fusion of the medial epiphysis of the clavicle (Stages 4 and 5). Concerning the first rib, all subjects with the final Stage 3 of ossification were above 25 years of age. These results suggest that the first rib ossification might become an additional method to the ones so far recommended for forensic age estimation in subjects around 21. New research would be desirable to confirm this suggestion.     

A comparative research of two lifting methods: electrostatic lifter and gelatin lifter

Two-dimensional dust shoeprints are often of very high resolution and contain unique features. Lifting these prints in the most effective method may contribute much to preserving these fine details. A research was conducted by experts from Israel and Switzerland to compare gelatin lifters and electrostatic lifters for lifting shoeprints. Several substrates were chosen, and on each material a set of dry dust shoeprints was made. A set of wet prints was made on paper as well. The shoeprints were approximately of the same quality, and the only variable was the nature of the material. On substrates indifferent to the method used, the preferable sequence was tested. Gelatin lifter was superior on most substrates and for wet prints. The superior sequence for using both methods is electrostatic lifting followed by gelatin lifter.     

Forensic medical estimation of acute blood loss based on morphologic and functional changes in the internal organs

The objective of the present work was to obtain histological and morphometric characteristics of internal organs available for forensic medical examination from 236 corpses of subjects aged between 23 to 48 years whose death was caused by acute blood loss following a mechanical injury and concomitant alcohol or drug intoxication. Diagnostic signs of acute blood loss have been identified that can be used by forensic medical experts to estimate the length of the terminal period and reveal characteristic features of blood loss associated with alcohol and drug intoxication.     

The methodological basis of expert assessment of unfavourable outcomes of the stomatological treatment in the framework of civil law proceedings

The authors discuss peculiarities of the performance of forensic medical expertise in the cases of unfavourable outcomes of the stomatological treatment. The methodological basis of expert assessment has been created to be applied in situations related to the unfavourable outcomes of dental care.     

On the state of the budgetary funding of government forensic medical expert institutions in the Russian Federation

The data on the budgetary funding of state-owned forensic medical bureaus in the Russian Federation for the period from 2005 to 2008 were collected and analysed. The results of the overall estimation and parameters characterizing the level of funding of these expert facilities are presented. Selected state forensic medical bureaus have been ranked based on the level of their financial support.     

The problems of differential diagnostics and forensic medical expertise of various forms of craniocerebral injuries

The problem of differential diagnostics and forensic medical expertise of various forms of craniocerebral injuries is discussed. It is concluded that clinical and laboratory studies are insufficient to objectively estimate the results of the examination. The authors emphasize the importance of searching for new and more informative diagnostic techniques.     

A new algorithm for the establishment of blood relationship based on the application of the dermatoglyphic technique

An original classification of dermatoglyphic features is proposed taking into consideration their inter-relations in conjunction with the new principles of comparative studies. A new and improved algorithm for the establishment of blood relationship has been developed based on the application of the dermatoglyphic technique. The method is recommended for the use in forensic medical expertise for the purpose of estimation of the probability of paternity, maternity, and substitution of children. Moreover, it may find application for the indirect (via establishment of blood relationship) identification of personality of an unknown subject.