刑事化验常见化学概念辨析

刑事化验常涉及较多的化学理论知识。对常见的、容易混淆的、有联系又有区别的十六个化学概念进行辨析。     

人工智能时代的主体性之忧:法理学如何回应

近代以来,人超越于他物的主体性得以确立,其内容包括不可侵犯的人格尊严、自主决定、在社会和政治生活中具有重要性以及基于自身目的利用自然。然而,人工智能已经从以下方面挑战了人的主体性:冲击了人格尊严的基础,削弱了自主决定,降低了人在社会生活中的重要性。因此,亟需法理学基于整体性反思和价值视角予以回应。法理学应采取的立场包括:注重人的道德主体性以彰显其独特性,明确反对赋予人工智能法律人格,坚持对人工智能涉主体性应用的合法性审查。     

DNA recovery after sequential processing of latent fingerprints on copy paper

Forensic examiners must determine whether both latent fingerprint development and DNA profiling can be performed on the same area of an evidence item and, if only one is possible, which examination offers the best chance for identification. Latent fingerprints can be enhanced by targeting different components of fingerprint residues with sequential chemical treatments. This study investigated the effects of single-reagent and sequential latent fingerprint development processes on downstream DNA analysis to determine the point at which latent fingerprint development should be stopped to allow for DNA recovery. Latent fingerprints deposited on copy paper by one donor were developed using three sequential processes: 1,8-diazafluoren-9-one (DFO) → ninhydrin → physical developer (PD); 1,2-indanedione-zinc (IND-Zn) → ninhydrin → PD; and IND-Zn → ninhydrin → Oil Red O (ORO) → PD. Samples were examined after the addition of each chemical treatment. DNA was collected with cotton swabs, extracted, quantified, and amplified. DNA yields, peak heights, number of alleles obtained, and percentage of DNA profiles eligible for CODIS upload were examined. DNA profiles were obtained with varying degrees of success, depending on the number and type of treatments used for latent fingerprint development. The treatments that were found to be the least harmful to downstream DNA analysis were IND-Zn and IND-Zn/laser, and the most detrimental treatments were DFO, DFO/laser, and PD. In general, as the number of treatments increase, the opportunities for DNA loss or damage also increase, and it is preferable to use fewer treatments when developing latent fingerprints prior to downstream DNA processing.     

An investigation into the accuracy of follow-on GPRS/mobile data CDRs

This study investigated the accuracy of 3G and 4G follow-on GPRS (General Packet Radio Service)/mobile data CDRs (Call Detail Records) from three UK mobile network operators (EE, Vodafone and Three). Follow-on GPRS/mobile data CDRs are currently considered to be more open to misinterpretation than voice/SMS CDRs as uncertainties exist regarding the correspondence between the timestamp and the Cell ID presented within the CDRs. Consequently, follow-on GPRS/mobile CDRs may be disregarded during criminal investigations, potentially losing valuable intelligence and evidence. To assess the accuracy of follow-on GPRS/mobile data CDRs, connected mode RF (Radio Frequency) surveys were conducted while simultaneously producing follow-on GPRS/mobile data CDRs in a travelling vehicle. This allowed a comparison of the start Cell ID presented in the CDR and the Cell ID that provided coverage to the device at the start time of the CDR to assess the correspondence between the timestamp and the Cell ID presented within the CDRs, and to consider the validity of the terminology used by experts. It was found that individual follow-on GPRS/mobile data CDRs cannot consistently place a device within the coverage area of the start Cell ID at the start time of the CDR. Instead, the results indicate that a terminology which places the device within the coverage area of the start Cell ID ‘at or before’ the start time of the CDR is appropriate. It is crucial that follow-on GPRS/mobile data CDRs are analysed with this consideration in mind so to interpret the evidence correctly.     

Genetic analysis instrumentation innovations built into the SeqStudio ™ Flex Genetic Analyzers

The new Applied Biosystems™ SeqStudio ™ Flex Series Genetic Analyzer have improved the benchmark for research use only for Capillary Electrophoresis (CE) by providing innovative approaches to enhanced hand-free operation, flexibility, ease of use, data quality and connectivity. This newly designed 8 or 24 capillary system supports fragment sizing and DNA sequencing applications providing scientists with medium throughput technology for use in research applications. The steps from system set-up to size or base-called data have been simplified with hardware functionality and user-friendly software enhancements designed into this new CE system.We will discuss innovations related to ease of use including one button start-up, an on-board computer with touchscreen, intuitive software, easier to use capillary arrays, and desktop and cloud-based plate manager software. Innovations related to increased flexibility include continuous plate loading, automated plate linking that be able to maintain traceability from sample to result when using barcoded plates, urgent sample reprioritization, fragment and sequencing samples be run on the same plate, and multi-user support will also be discussed. In addition, gold standard fragment analysis and sequencing data quality has been enhanced through innovative algorithms providing autospectral calibrations, and off-scale recovery of data for fragment analysis. Innovative service and support functionality including remote troubleshooting with instrument system login capability, and on-board instrument help videos are included. Finally, we will touch upon new connectivity, which includes Thermo Fisher connect for remote monitoring, analysis, and data sharing as well as other functionality such as voice commands and Wi-Fi capability that the system will provide. The following summarizes highlights from the developmental validation performed to demonstrate the functionality of SeqStudio ™ Flex Series Genetic Analyzer.     

A Monte Carlo simulation and sensitivity cost benefit analysis for use of nylon 4N6FLOQSwabs®

Forensic genetic laboratories are challenged with implementing innovation even if the benefits to operational performance are well demonstrated often because of internal budget constraints. A prospective cost–benefit analysis (CBA) could support justification for an increased budget by effectively demonstrating in a system-based approach the relatively small cost of increasing a laboratory budget can substantially reduce costs to society (both qualitatively and monetarily). A Monte Carlo simulation and sensitivity CBA was performed using a more expensive swab (i.e., nylon 4N6FLOQSwabs®) compared with a less costly cotton swab. Ranges of input values and tangible and intangible benefits were considered. The outcome is that the relatively small increased cost of using a nylon swab pales compared with the potential tangible and intangible benefits to the overall system. This approach provides a sounder basis for requesting additional funds to support implementation of technologies and better approximates realistic situations while accommodating uncertainty of input values.     

Why Foundations Flourish: A Comparative Policy Framework to Understand Policy Support for Foundations across Countries*

Abstract

Philanthropic foundations have bloomed since the 1990s, contributing to the expansion of third sectors worldwide. This research aims to contribute to the comparative analysis of the policy conditions that shape the development – size and structure – of foundation fields across countries. A framework for comparative policy analysis encompassing key dimensions of policy support – policy milestones, levers, and alternatives – is proposed and applied to five southwestern European countries. Results demonstrate that although Spain, France, Italy, Belgium, and Portugal have been traditionally clustered under the same corporatist foundation model, their foundation fields vary widely in terms of size, structure and institutional embeddedness.     

新就业形态的就业留存 ——基于外卖骑手的定性比较分析

尽管新就业形态存在就业不稳定、劳动力流动率高的特点，但仍然有大量从业者长期留存于各 类新就业形态中，其原因值得探究。研究以外卖骑手为研究对象，采用定性比较分析方法对外卖骑手的就业留 存原因及路径进行探究。研究发现，影响外卖骑手就业留存的因素包括个人情况、工作现状、压力来源、薪酬 满意度、平台满意度等。在此基础上，研究归纳了就业留存意愿最高的 4 类群体，包括家庭生活压力较大的专 职群体、有丰富经验的兼职群体、家庭生活压力小且缺乏经验的青年从业群体，以及在其他劳动力市场竞争力 不足而被迫选择成为骑手的群体，并对每类群体的特征进行了详细描述。研究认为，劳动者选择新就业形态受 一系列因素的综合影响，是劳动者综合了多种因素后的理性选择。     

质量管理体系与政府执行力建设——基于国家质检总局的实证分析

提升政府部门的执行力,是建设服务型政府的基本要求。本文通过政府部门执行力的现状分析和理论研究,提出建设质量管理体系,是提高政府部门执行力的有效途径的观点,并通过国家质检总局建立运行质量管理体系、有效提升执行力的实证分析,对政府部门提升执行力建设方法、运行过程和评价方法做出系统阐述。