Evidence of hexavalent chromium ingestion

We describe the application of histochemical demonstration of chromium in a case of fatal ingestion of potassium dichromate in a suicide attempt. Using 2-(8-quinolylazo)-4,5-di-p-tolylimidazole (QTI), we could demonstrate chromium in the erythrocyte of the victim, in situ. This finding provides a means of proving the hexavalent chromium ingestion.     

China's Foreign Strategy

This article introduces four trends of China's foreign strategy. Analysis of China's diplomacy since the 1980s based on these concepts demonstrates China's intent to become a great power and its aspirations for a China-centric order.     

The New China: Dynamism and vulnerability

Abstract

From 1998 to 2003, the Solomon Islands found itself in the grip of ‘the Tensions’, a violent civil conflict that left some 200 people dead, more than 20,000 displaced, and countless others subjected to torture, rape, fear and intimidation. In the aftermath of the conflict, two dominant approaches to post-conflict justice emerged. The first, implemented by the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI), favoured a ‘rule of law’ approach according to which large numbers of militants on both sides were arrested and processed through the criminal justice system resulting, in many cases, in the imposition of lengthy period of imprisonment. The second, ‘reconciliation’ approach, favoured local, grassroots, traditional and indigenous justice processes and were routinely implements by community groups, women's organisations and the churches. This article demonstrates that in the absence of a formally planned transitional justice process, these two approaches to post-conflict justice have come into serious tension with proponents of each accusing the other of hampering their justice efforts. It examines those tensions and analyses the extent to which the Solomon Islands’ Truth and Reconciliation Commission, designed in part to provide a bridge between the rule of law and reconciliation approaches, has been able to quell this new set of tensions.     

Next steps for nuclear disarmament

As the next step toward nuclear disarmament, the US and Russia should begin negotiations on a Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) III, even though the Duma has not approved the ratification of START II, says Mitsuru Kurosawa, professor of the Osaka School of Public Policy, Osaka University. In addition, the United States and Russia should pursue bilateral treaties on fissile cut‐offs, transparency, and irreversibility, and on non‐strategic nuclear weapons. No‐first‐use and negative security assurances among nuclear weapon states should also be considered.