GSR2005—Continuity of the ENFSI Proficiency Test on Identification of GSR by SEM/EDX

Abstract:  Within the framework of the ENFSI Expert Working Group "Firearms" a proficiency test on the detection and identification of GSR by energy-dispersive scanning electron microanalysis (SEM/EDX) is carried out in a 2 years term. The latest test was performed in 2005/2006 and was denoted as GSR2005 . Seventy-five laboratories from 28 countries participated in this proficiency test and submitted in total 83 independent data-sets. The participating laboratories were requested to determine the total number of PbSbBa containing particles on a synthetic test sample following their own laboratory specific methods of automated GSR particle search and detection by SEM/EDX. Furthermore size and position of the detected particles had to be reported by the laboratories and were evaluated statistically. The results were compiled by means of z -scores according to the IUPAC and EURACHEM guidelines—assessing individual laboratory achievements (inter-laboratory) as well as intra-laboratory performance—and were compared to the results of the previous proficiency test run GSR2003 ( 1 ). The comparison shows that there is a noticeable improvement in the method's detection capability.     

Grenzgänge: Stiften zwischen zivilgesellschaftlichem Engagement und symbolischer Anerkennung

Bislang von den Sozialwissenschaften nur wenig beachtet, gewinnen Stiftungen in den letzten Jahren zunehmend an Bedeutung. Insbesondere vor dem Hintergrund der gegenwärtigen Debatten über Möglichkeiten einer Entstaatlichung moderner Gesellschaften jenseits des Marktes, werden immer wieder Forderungen nach der Stärkung zivilgesellschaftlicher Dimensionen laut. In diesem Beitrag soll das Stiftungswesen als Kernelement der institutionellen Infrastruktur von Zivilgesellschaften analysiert werden. Der Schwerpunkt der Argumentation liegt einerseits auf der historischen und systematischen Rekonstruktion der Autonomisierung des Stiftungswesens und andererseits auf der Analyse stifterischen Handelns als einer besonderen Interaktionsform, die es dann erlaubt, die Sozialfigur des Stifters als eines Grenzgängers genauer zu umschreiben.     

Death by a cleaning pig--an unusual accident at work

A worker was killed operating on a natural gas pipeline. At a receiver station the man intended to pick up two so called cleaning pigs, each weighing about 150 kg, diameter 0.5 m. For this purpose the gas pressure in the pig trap was let off by a valve, manometer controlled. According to an eyewitness's statement, the receiver pressure was equal to outside air pressure before the accident. The victim stood right in front of the flap of the receiver when he began to unfix the screws of the flap. Whilst working, the flap snapped out driven by the two cleaning pigs. The man and the devices were flung through a wire-netting fence and dropped down on a nearby field at a distance of 27, 29 and 38 m, respectively, from the receiver. The man died on the scene of the accident. The forensic autopsy ordered by the prosecution revealed signs of massive blunt trauma on the head, thorax and abdomen. In the criminological and forensic reconstruction of the accident the external injuries of the victim were found to be consistent with the front surface of the cleaning pig flung out first. It was determined that the second pig had got stuck in the receiver and that gas pressure had built up behind the pigs due to a leaky valve. As a consequence the pigs were expelled at a velocity of approximately 220 km/h causing a pattern of injury comparable to that of a fall from a great height.     

Cultural dynamics of German business co-operation with Indonesia and Singapore

German-Indonesian and German-Singaporean business co-operations face difficulties on both sides, which are linked to cultural differences. Based on field research carried out in the years 2000–2002, this article shows that the nature of the problems occurring in Indonesia and Singapore is different, but that there is also a disjunction in the perception of which problems matter most. Not only contrasting business environments play a role, but also cultural and educational backgrounds of the co-operation partners. With a culturally sensitive approach (like personal relationships based on trust and soft forms of control), however, potential differences can be prevented.     

Maintenance of the ENFSI proficiency test program on identification of GSR by SEM/EDX (GSR2003)

Within the framework of the ENFSI Expert Working Group "Firearms," every second year, a proficiency test on the detection and identification of GSR by SEM/EDX is carried out. This proficiency test is a development and extension of the previous proficiency test GSR2001. The test material was again designed by the organization panel and manufactured by an external company for SEM accessories. This time the participating laboratories were requested to determine the total number of PbSbBa containing particles on a test sample following their own laboratory specific methods of automated GSR particle search and detection by SEM/EDX. One synthetic particle sample (SPS) with artificial GSR particles was dispatched to all participants. This paper summarizes the results of the study and assesses the overall performance of the participating laboratories. Furthermore an extended statistical evaluation and a comparison with previous studies was carried out.