Neck extension as a cause of SIDS

The intradural sagittal diameter at the second cervical vertebra (SD/C2) of 62 SIDS cases was measured myelographically. This SD/C2 proved to be dependent on body size, body weight, and age. A clear, age-dependent difference is to be found in the primarily narrow spinal canal. This parameter (SD/C2), which is more precisely defined in adults on the basis of clinical, radiological, and autopsical findings is assumed to have the value of 0.5 cm in the first 2 months, 0.6 cm in the third month, and 0.65 cm in the fourth month. The resulting potential danger to infants is dependent upon their position. The SD/C2, was significantly decreased in extension as compared to a neutral posture. With consideration of the primarily narrow spinal canal in the infant, there is, according to our measurements, a potential hazard for the infant in any further, significant shortening of the SD/C2. This is independent of the width of the spinal canal under maximal extension. We found individual cases in which the SD/C2 was decreased by almost 50% from the normal value in neutral position. No correlation was found between the primary width of the spinal canal and the degree of luminal reduction upon extension.     

Aging studies on fingerprint residues using thin-layer and high performance liquid chromatography

The chemical substances of perspiration found in latent fingerprint residue may hold the key for dating latent fingerprints. To study the chemical transformations of these components as a function of time and environment, fingerprint residues from four males and four females were analysed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Three major and two or three minor components were detected by both methods and the variation in the quantity of the major components with time was observed.     

Advance notice as a means of reducing relative deprivation

Considerable research has documented that global perceptions of proceduralv fairness are associated with reductions in relative deprivation (RD). Less research has examined the specific process elements that lead individuals to perceive procedural fairness. In view of this, several researchers have suggested that providing advance notice concerning a negative decision increases perceived justice and thereby lowers levels of RD. Unfortunately, the evidence for this causal relationship is currently limited and is based upon a small number of correlation and role-playing studies. Thus, the present paper reports on two experimental studies that investigate the causal relationship between advance notice and RD. Findings in Study 1 showed that advance notice impacted the cognitive aspects of RD but not the affective or behavioral aspects. However, some methodological limitations were identified. These were corrected and a second experiment was conducted. This time advance notice lowered both the cognitive and affective aspects of RD but still did not impact the behavioral measure. Results are discussed in terms of Tyler's (1987) group value model.     

The future of Fair Trade coffee: dilemmas facing Latin America's small-scale producers

Fair Trade has become a dynamic and successful dimension of an emerging counter-tendency to the neo-liberal globalisation regime. This study explores some of the dilemmas facing the Fair Trade movement as it seeks to broaden and deepen its impact among the rural poor of Latin America's coffee sector. We argue that the efforts to broaden Fair Trade's economic impact among poor, small-scale producers are creating challenges for deepening the political impact of a movement that is based on social justice and environmental sustainability. The study is based on two years' research and seven case studies of Mexican and Central American small-scale farmer cooperatives producing coffee for the Fair Trade market.     

Constraints in the police use of force: Implications of the just war tradition

The “just war” philosophy of Cicero, St. Augustine, and St. Thomas Aquinas has had momentous and provocative implications for modern political theory. The use of force by police is one theme through which the just war tradition can be utilized to demonstrate the extent of infusion for the concept in the Western political archetype. As police become constrained in their use of force, they are bound by the concepts inherent in the philosophy of the just war doctrine. The Supreme Court, likewise, has been influenced by the philosophy of the just war tradition in many of its decisions regarding the proper use of force by police.