Evaluation of two instrumental methods of comparing writing paper

An organization had approved the sample of writing paper, and accordingly the supplier had to execute the supply. The supply received was suspected to be of different quality from approved one. The organization sent the samples for comparison to the Forensic Science Laboratory. Both the approved and supplied samples were compared using Tensile Testing Method with the Material Testing Machine and Fluorescence and spectral analysis using the Video Spectral Comparator (VSC2000). The difference between the mean loads at peak before rupture in the tensile testing mode for the two samples was about 33%. The two samples differed significantly in terms of UV fluorescence, and there was about 5% average difference in the percentage of maximum reflected intensity in the wavelength region of 400-900 nm. It has been observed in this study that these two methods can adequately distinguish paper samples of different origin.     

Determining dental sex dimorphism in South Indians using discriminant function analysis

Dental forensics forms a vital branch of forensic science which deals with proper handling, examination and evaluation of dental evidences for identification of victims of crime, accidents or calamities. Therefore skull and teeth often provide the identification material. The aim of the study was to investigate the accuracy of odontometric methods in sex determination of permanent teeth and to compute new formula to differentiate male and female teeth using discriminant function analysis for South Indian population. A total of 100 subjects were selected for the study from a parent population of 4800 students by simple random sampling method. Alginate impressions of the upper dental arch were made and casts were poured immediately. A digital vernier calliper was used for the measurement of all upper anteriors. Twelve different tooth measurements were recorded and from those two indexes have been computed. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS version 17.0 software. All the predictor variables were subjected to stepwise discriminant function analysis which optimally separates the genders and a best discriminant function was generated. In all the observed mean dimensions, male values exceed the female values. Student's 't' test for the different predictor variables of all teeth selected between male and females were found significant (p < 0.05). Very high significance was found in mean MD of 11, 12 and 13 and |c| of 23. The variables exhibiting best discriminant powers were mesiodistal width of both upper central incisors, DB-ML of 13 and canine crown module of 13. Sexual dimorphism in the size of permanent teeth differs from one population to the other and hence the standards set for one population could not be applied for another population. Hence this technique would be a simple, quick, cost effective, reliable and accurate for sex determination.     

Analysis of jumping/falling distance from a height

The kinematic motion analysis of 50 jumps from a height of 5m demonstrated distinguishable maxima of jumping distances between passive and active jumps (1.0-3.4 and 3.7-7.1 m, respectively). The variation of several parameters concerning the 'take-off' mechanism showed less influence regarding the jumping distances. The congruence of the trajectory of the 'free-flight' domains of the jumps and the simple model for the parabola of an inclined throw has been proven. Thus, a prediction of the distance range for heights up to 20 m was extrapolated.     

STR polymorphism among two tribal populations of India

Two tribal populations of India, Bison Horn Maria and Muria from Bastar district of Madhya Pradesh in Central India were studied for DNA polymorphisms at tetranucleotide short tandem repeat (STR) loci (F13A01 and HUMvWA). A total of 63 random adult individuals for F13A01 locus and 53 samples for HUMvWA were analyzed in the present study.     

Moving from voluntary euthanasia to non-voluntary euthanasia: equality and compassion

Abstract.  The recent Dutch law legalising active voluntary euthanasia will reignite the euthanasia debate. An illuminating method for evaluating the moral status of a practice is to follow the implications of the practice to its logical conclusion. The argument for compassion is one of the central arguments in favour of voluntary active euthanasia. This argument applies perhaps even more forcefully in relation to incompetent patients. If active voluntary euthanasia is legalised, arguments based on compassion and equality will be directed towards legalising active non-voluntary euthanasia in order to make accelerated termination of death available also to the incompetent. The removal of discrimination against the incompetent has the potential to become as potent a catch-cry as the right to die. However, the legalisation of non-voluntary euthanasia is undesirable. A review of the relevant authorities reveals that there is no coherent and workable "best interests" test which can be invoked to decide whether an incompetent patient is better off dead. This provides a strong reason for not stepping onto the slippery path of permitting active voluntary euthanasia.     

Analyzing the impact of terrorism on tourism in Sri Lanka

While terrorism brings fear and chaos, tourism is the epitome of peace and happiness. Sri Lanka has always attracted international tourists due to tropical climate and beautiful tourist destinations. However, terrorism and the recent debt crisis have led to chaos and economic failure; in this study, the impact of terrorism, external debt, and military expenditure on international tourism in Sri Lanka have been empirically studied to unravel the dynamics. Dynamic ARDL simulation and cumulative fourier frequency causality results highlight the presence of an inverted N-shaped association between terrorism and tourism, as well as external debt and tourism. The phenomenal results from this analysis provide essential policy suggestions for Sri Lanka for economic recovery through the promotion of international tourism.     

External commercial borrowings by the corporate sector in India

The growing levels of external commercial borrowings (ECBs) among the emerging and developing economies have raised the fears that ECBs would lead to widespread crisis and threaten financial stability in India. Against this backdrop, the current study seeks to examine the trends and critically evaluate the policy pertaining to ECBs. In order to immune the economy from potential exchange rate shocks, we suggest to having specific policy focus on the domestic bond market, hedging mechanisms, and appropriate decisions on the cap and level of ECBs by the regulator.