Hyperspectral imaging in forensic science: An overview of major application areas

Analysis of evidence is a challenge. Crime scene materials are complex, diverse, sometimes of an unknown nature. Forensic science provides the most critical applications for their examination. Chemical tests, analytical methods, and techniques to process the evidence must be carefully selected by the forensic scientist. Ideally, it may be interpreted, analyzed, and judged in the original context of the crime scene. In this sense, hyperspectral imaging (HSI) has been employed as an analytical tool that maintains the integrity of the samples/objects for multiple and sequential analysis and for counter-proof exams. This paper is an overview of forensic science trends for the application of HSI techniques in the last ten years (2011–2021). The examination of documents was the main area of exploration, followed by bloodstain analysis aging process; trace analysis of explosives and gunshot residue. Chemometric tools were also addressed since they are crucial to obtain the most important information from the samples. There are great challenges in applying HSI in forensic science, but there have been clear technological and scientific advances, and a solid foundation has been built for the use of HSI in real-life cases.     

Application of 3D Imaging Technology to Latent Fingermark Aging Studies

In most latent fingermark aging studies, two‐dimensional (2D) features are obtained from photo images, scans, or inked impressions. However, some relevant information is possibly being missed because fingermarks are three‐dimensional (3D) objects that age in all three dimensions. A feature that has not been carefully examined is how the height of ridges changes over time. In this report, a 3D imaging technology—called optical profilometry—is introduced as a tool for the visual examination of the aging process. Optical profilometry is a nondestructive technology that allows the visualization and data acquisition of unprocessed latent fingermarks. Detailed ridge images and spatiotemporal data were successively obtained on the x‐, y‐ and z‐axis, delivering 3D topographical information. OP was able to detect the loss of ridge heights over time. The feasibility of employing this technology to collect data on the aging process of ridges has been proven.     

In situ Study on the Diffusion Kinetics of Seal Ink by Microinfrared Spectroscopy

In document examination, it is of great importance to determine the composition of seal ink with different imprint times, and spectroscopic methods are widely used today. In this research, the diffusion of seal inks from three different brands on the same type of paper is monitored in situ by microinfrared spectroscopy and microinfrared imaging technology. The area of the absorption peak at 1743 cm^?1 gradually decreases with increasing diffusion time. The diffusion kinetics of seal ink on paper are also studied by analyzing the infrared spectra of seal inks at the same measuring point with different diffusion times. The research provides a basic study in understanding the diffusion behavior of seal ink on paper over short time spans.     

重建耻骨联合三维结构用于活体年龄推断的技术方法

目的建立基于MRI成像的快速耻骨联合三维结构重建技术方法。方法利用3.0 T超导磁共振仪对成年男性志愿者骨盆进行T1小角度快速激发3D梯度回波序列扫描,进行二值化阈值分割、区域增长提取骨盆软组织图像;运算获得耻骨联合三维结构模型雏形,经逆向工程软件降噪处理建立耻骨联合三维结构模型,并与耻骨CT扫描三维结构重建模型进行比较。结果耻骨联合面沟嵴、下端、腹侧缘(斜面)、背侧缘(斜面)、耻骨结节等结构显示完整,无明显噪点,与CT扫描三维重建模型吻合较好。结论 MRI扫描成像可实现快速有效的耻骨联合三维结构重建,可为法医活体年龄推断提供安全无辐射作用的三维可视化影像学技术方法。     

骨折经过时间推断的研究现状与展望

Gong Wei;Wang Yantao(The PublicSecurity Bureau of Shiyan,Shiyan,Hubei,442000)     

How does policy innovation diffuse among Chinese local governments? A qualitative comparative analysis of River Chief Innovation

It is well‐documented that interlocal learning and competition could drive policy innovation diffusion. However, their interconnection in non‐western regimes as China is less explored. Utilizing the method of qualitative comparative analysis on the case of River Chief Innovation, this article intends to explore the multiple conjunctural causation of Chinese policy diffusion and the impacts of central recognition. Our findings suggest that interlocal learning and tournament could intimately stimulate Chinese policy diffusion through different combinations. Different governments would adopt innovation for various reasons in a continuum of diffusion mechanisms, involving the technical learning, the championship‐induced learning, the mandate‐induced learning, and the innovation tournament. Hence, despite the ongoing centralization under Xi, space for local spontaneous learning remains. We also find that central recognition could activate the interlocal tournament and extend the diffusion continuum to the tournament side. Therefore, it facilitates policy diffusion toward governments that lack learning motivations and promotes the local implementation of central preferences.     

An examination of the sequence of intersecting lines using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectral imaging

In this study, the potential of attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectral imaging as a technique to determine the sequence of line crossings was examined. The technique was successful in determining the sequence of heterogeneous line intersections produced using ballpoint pens and laser printers. By imaging at characteristic frequencies, it was possible to form spectral images showing the spatial distribution of the materials. By examining the spectral images from the inks, it was possible to determine whether the ink was above or below the toner. In blind testing, ATR-FTIR spectral imaging results were directly compared to those obtained by eight experienced forensic document examiners using methods regularly employed in casework. ATR-FTIR spectral imaging was shown to achieve a 100% success rate in the blind tests, whereas some incorrect sequence determinations were made by the forensic document examiners when using traditional techniques. The technique was unable to image ink-jet printing, gel pens, roller ball pens, and felt-tip pens, and was also unable to determine the sequence of intersecting ballpoint pen lines.     

The evolution of power,threat, and security: Past and potential developments

This paper describes the development of the international military situation over the past three decades and explores the potential for its transformation under different assumptions regarding economic conditions and the character of international relations. Using newly derived indices in the conventional military area, an assessment is made of the shifting tides in the power, threat and security situation that has confronted twenty‐five important states in the international system during the recent past. The past is then contrasted with some possible alternative developments. These developments are assayed using a global simulation model, GLOBUS, developed at the Science Center Berlin.     

Thyroid Cartilage Ossification and Multislice Computed Tomography Examination: A Useful Tool for Age Assessment?

Abstract: Many authors have studied the thyroid cartilage ossification process using radiographic features for age estimation of individuals. Their results were various: Sugiyama reported excellent correlation coefficients between ossification rates and civil age, unlike most other authors. We hypothesized that recent advances in imaging techniques would enable more precise evaluation of the ossification of the thyroid cartilage. We retrospectively analyzed the CT scans of 312 French patients using postprocessing software to examine the pattern of thyroid cartilage ossification, calculating the ossified volume of the cartilage on 3D reconstructions. Pearson’s correlation coefficients for volume were 0.73 for men and 0.75 for women (standard error 18.02 and 17.06), indicating considerable inter‐individual variability. Although a correlation between civil age and morphological changes was found, these methods based on thyroid cartilage ossification were not accurate enough for the assessment of individual age.     

International diffusion of regulatory governance: EU actorness in public procurement

This paper attempts to go beyond actor‐centered explanations of the European Union's (EU) presence in regulatory politics by examining the role of the EU in the diffusion of regulatory norms and practices. We explore the international diffusion of public procurement policy, to which multiple organizations and especially the EU and the World Trade Organization have made an active contribution. Using the “opportunity‐presence‐capability” scheme, we argue that the EU is actively co‐shaping the global agenda on public procurement, mainly as a result of the “opportunity” and “presence” dimensions of its global actorness and its role in the horizontal diffusion of public procurement regulations between international organizations. For “EU as a global actor” literature to offer valuable explanations, an in‐depth analysis of its relationship with other international organizations, such as the World Trade Organization, reveals significant interactions and the co‐shaping of policy agendas.