A quantitative differentiation method for plastic bags by wide angle X-ray diffraction for tracing the source of illegal drugs

Thirty-three shopping bags, commonly encountered in the packaging of drug doses, were characterized by wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD). Using this single technique, without sample preparation, nearly all the considered samples could be differentiated, achieving a discriminating power of 0.992. The rather large degree of variability existing in grocery bags, even though they are mass produced, was shown, confirming that these items can be useful in tracing the source of illicit drug doses.     

Evidence of Haldol (haloperidol) long-term intoxication

A case of intoxication by haloperidol is reported. Haloperidol is a butyrophenone derivative commonly used in many hospital units as an antipsychotic agent. Adverse reactions due to haloperidol intoxication include drowsiness, blurred vision, extrapyramidal effects, tardive dyskinesia, tachycardia, hypotension and muscular rigidity. In August 2008, a 49 year-old female nurse started feeling various symptoms such as muscular rigidity, drowsiness and buccal dyskinesia. After 3 months, she was hospitalized for the worsening of these symptoms. Four months later, she showed once more the same symptoms. Two open water bottles from which the nurse used to drink in the hospital were confiscated and analyzed. Moreover, the nurse was asked to give a sample of her hair for executing the inherent toxicological analyses. Haloperidol was found in both bottles 1 and 2 at a concentration of 31.5 μg/mL and 43.6 μg/mL, respectively. Based on segmental hair analysis, it was deduced that the nurse consumed haloperidol in the approximate period from August 2008 to March 2009. The higher levels of haloperidol in hair were found in accordance with the periods of most severe appearance of symptoms, requiring the hospitalization of the nurse. The analysis of preservatives and excipients led us to conclude that the pharmaceutical drug was probably added to the water bottles as "Haldol 2mg/mL oral solution".     

Improving state legitimacy? The role of anti-corruption agencies in fragile and conflict-affected states

Anti-corruption reforms in fragile and conflict-affected states are considered as a policy imperative by international actors engaged in statebuilding. The establishment of anti-corruption agencies is often the preferred implementation strategy. The main rationale is that anti-corruption agencies demonstrate a government’s commitment to fight corruption, and should thus improve state legitimacy within a context of weak governance. In practice, several intervening factors condition the legitimacy effect of anti-corruption agencies, including the types and systems of corruption prevalent in a specific context, the perceptions of corruption towards specific parts of government, and how citizens attribute the successes or failures of these agencies to the state. More broadly, these intervening factors also challenge the predominant assumption of a positive linear relationship between anti-corruption reforms, increased state legitimacy, and greater stability in fragile and conflict-affected states.     

Cuts and tears on a paper towel: a case report on an unusual examination of damage

The examination of damage to a paper towel, an item of evidence in a murder case, is described. Simulations performed with selected tools and the observation of the lacerations present on the towel permitted to infer that they were originated by cleaning of a pointed and sharp implement. Some marks, considered characteristic of scissors, were detected on the exhibit. This experimental outcome resulted critical in challenging the declarations of the suspect. A rather significant analogy between damage examination on paper towels and on textiles was established.     

Suicidal behavior by burns among adolescents in Kurdistan, Iran: a social tragedy

The aim of this study was to identify the epidemiologic features and current etiological factors of suicidal behavior by burns among adolescents in Kurdistan, Iran. A prospective population-based study was carried out on patients with suicidal behaviors by burns requiring hospitalization among adolescents during 2000-2001 in Kurdistan, Iran. Sociodemographic and etiological factors were obtained through interviews with each patient or with family, relatives, or friends of the patient. Of 54 hospitalized burn patients aged 13-19 years, 40 (74.1%) patients were hospitalized because of suicidal behaviors by burns (6 males and 34 females). The incidence rate of these behaviors was 18.1 per 100,000 person-years (P-Y) and varied by gender (the incidence rates for females and males were 31.6 and 5.3 per 100,000 P-Y, respectively, p(2) = .000004). Most of the patients (60%) were single, 70% were homemakers, and 60% were either illiterate or had a low level of education. The most common precipitating factors for suicidal behaviors by burns were a quarrel with a family member or relative (47.5%) and marital conflict (17.5%). Most of the patients who were able to communicate regretted their suicidal behaviors (85.7%). Adolescents in Kurdistan are at higher risk of suicidal behaviors by burns compared to adolescents in other areas of Iran. Factors likely to be associated with suicidal behaviors by burns include lower socioeconomic status and family problems. These factors should be investigated further to better elucidate the etiology of these events. It also is necessary to implement prevention programs and strategies known to be effective to reduce the incidence of suicide in this region.     

Do Leadership Training and Development Make a Difference in the Public Sector? A Panel Study

Although significant progress has been made in developing leadership theory and understanding the traits, skills, behaviors, and styles that make a good leader, progress in bridging the gap between theory and practice using models of leadership training and development has been slow. This research attempts to answer the question of whether leadership training and development programs in the public sector improve leader and organizational performance. The findings indicate that a combination of coaching, classroom instruction, feedback, and experiential training has a significant impact on leader performance. In addition, organizational effectiveness improves for organizations whose leaders received the intervention. This article enhances our understanding of the impact that training and development can have on leader and organizational outcomes.     

Ethnic and immigrant residential concentration, and crime rates

One of the main arguments of social disorganization theory is that ethnic heterogeneity, influenced by immigrant residential concentration, is highly disruptive for community organization, and therefore, highly criminogenic. The effect of immigrant residential concentration on crime rates is, however, generally masked by the general effect of the broader category of ethnic heterogeneity. Some recent studies even suggested a negative relationship between immigrant residential concentration and crime. The present study, conducted in the city of Haifa, Israel, used neighborhood level data to test the specific relationship between immigrant residential concentration and crime rates among recent immigrants from the former Soviet Union. The results showed that the decomposition of ethnic heterogeneity into its two main components—immigrant residential concentration and ethnic residential concentration—served to qualify the predicted effects of social disorganization theory.     

比森特·福克斯任内墨西哥政治和经济的进展

比森特·福克斯就任总统后 ,将墨西哥社会的民主愿望纳入了政府的提议中。他肩负的使命是明确的 :建设一个以三权分立和巩固司法秩序为核心的国家。民主要求保护自由和公民权利、明确职责和鼓励汇报工作 ,也要求建立一个除规章、制度和决策机制外 ,还包括当局和政治社会分担责任的治理制度。尽管取得了进展 ,墨西哥的政治改革仍遇到悬而未决的挑战。一个明显的挑战是立法权和行政权之间的关系应更为畅通。尽管如此 ,还是通过了巩固民主的基本法律。民主不会是自发的 ,是一项深思熟虑的建设 ,是由各种计划组成的 ,是由领导人来构建的 ,它具有…     

Party switching and political outcomes: evidence from Brazilian municipalities

Public Choice - Although party switching is a relatively rare event in most countries, the phenomenon is widespread in Brazil. This paper investigates the effects of party switching on political...