Optimization of Evidence Analysis Cost Using Arbitrary Re-Sampling Techniques for Sample Influx into Forensic Science Laboratory

This study analyzes the sample influx (samples per case file) into forensic science laboratory (FSL) and the corresponding analysis costs and uses arbitrary re-sampling plans to establish the minimum cost function. The demand for forensic analysis increased for all disciplines, especially biology/DNA between 2014 and 2015. While the average distribution of case files was about 42.5%, 40.6% and 17% for the three disciplines, the distribution of samples was rather different being 12%, 82.5% and 5.5% for samples requiring forensic biology, chemistry and toxicology analysis, respectively. Results show that most of the analysis workload was on forensic chemistry analysis. The cost of analysis for case files and the corresponding sample influx varied in the ratio of 35:6:1 and 28:12:1 for forensic chemistry, biology/DNA and toxicology for year 2014 for 2015, respectively. In the two consecutive years, the cost for forensic chemistry analysis was comparatively very high, necessitating re-sampling. The time series of sample influx in all disciplines are strongly stochastic, with higher magnitude for chemistry, biology/DNA and toxicology, in this order. The PDFs of sample influx data are highly skewed to the right, especially forensic toxicology and biology/DNA with peaks at 1 and 3 samples per case file. The arbitrary re-sampling plans were best suited to forensic chemistry case files (where re-sampling conditions apply). The locus of arbitrary number of samples to take from the submitted forensic samples was used to establish the minimum and scientifically acceptable samples by applying minimization function developed in this paper. The cost minimization function was also developed based on the average cost per sample and choice of re-sampling plans depending on the range of sample influx, from which the savings were determined and maximized. Thus, the study gives a forensic scientist a business model and scientific decision making tool on minimum number of samples to analyze focusing on savings on analysis cost.

Analysis of the Effect of Subgroup Size on the X-Bar Control Chart Using Forensic Science Laboratory Sample Influx Data

This paper analyzes the effect of subgroup size on the x-bar chart characteristics using sample influx (SIF) into forensic science laboratory (FSL). The characteristics studied include changes in out-or-control points (OCP), upper control limit UCLx, and zonal demarcations. Multi-rules were used to identify the number of out-of-control-points, Nocp as violations using five control chart rules applied separately. A sensitivity analysis on the Nocp was applied for subgroup size, k, and number of sigma above the mean value to determine the upper control limit, UCLx. A computer code was implemented using a FORTRAN code to create x-bar control-charts and capture OCP and other control-chart characteristics with increasing k from 2 to 25. For each value of k, a complete series of average values, Q(p), of specific length, Nsg, was created from which statistical analysis was conducted and compared to the original SIF data, S(t). The variation of number of out-of-control points or violations, Nocp, for different control-charts rules with increasing k was determined to follow a decaying exponential function, Nocp = Ae–α, for which, the goodness of fit was established, and the R2 value approached unity for Rule #4 and #5 only. The goodness of fit was established to be the new criteria for rational subgroup-size range, for Rules #5 and #4 only, which involve a count of 6 consecutive points decreasing and 8 consecutive points above the selected control limit (σ/3 above the grand mean), respectively. Using this criterion, the rational subgroup range was established to be 4 ≤ k ≤ 20 for the two x-bar control chart rules.

LC-MS/MS analysis of 2-aminothiazoline-4-carboxylic acid as a forensic biomarker for cyanide poisoning

AIM: To demonstrate the potential of using 2-aminothiazoline-4-carboxylic acid(ATCA) as a novel biomarker/forensic biomarker for cyanide poisoning. METHODS: A sensitive method was developed and employed for the identification and quantification of ATCA in biological samples, where the sample extraction and clean up were achieved by solid phase extraction(SPE). After optimization of SPE procedures, ATCA was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatographytandem mass spectrometry. ATCA levels following the administration of different doses of potassium cyanide(KCN) to mice were measured and compared to endogenous ATCA levels in order to study the significance of using ATCA as a biomarker for cyanide poisoning.RESULTS: A custom made analytical method was established for a new(mice) model when animals were exposed to increasing KCN doses. The application of this method provided important new information on ATCA as a potential cyanide biomarker. ATCA concentration in mice plasma samples were increased from 189 ± 28 ng/mL(n = 3) to 413 ± 66 ng/mL(n = 3) following a 10 mg/kg body weight dose of KCN introduced subcutaneously. The sensitivity of this analytical method proved to be a tool for measuring endogenous level of ATCA in mice organs as follows: 1.2 ± 0.1 μg/g for kidney samples, 1.6 ± 0.1 μg/g for brain samples, 1.8 ± 0.2 μg/g for lung samples, 2.9 ± 0.1 μg/g for heart samples, and 3.6 ± 0.9 μg/g for liver samples. CONCLUSION: This finding suggests that ATCA has the potential to serve as a plasma biomarker / forensic biomarker for cyanide poisoning.

Validity,Reliability,and Measurement Invariance of the Thai Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale

Background:In recent years,there has been increased research interest in both smartphone addiction and social media addiction as well as the development of psychometric instruments to assess these constructs.However,there is a lack of psychometric evaluation for instruments assessing smartphone addiction and social media addiction in Thailand.The present study evaluated the psychometric properties and gender measurement invariance of the Thai version of the Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale(SABAS)and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale(BSMAS).Method:A total of 801 Thai university students participated in an online survey from January 2022 to July 2022 which included demographic information,SABAS,BSMAS,and the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form(IGDS9-SF).Results:Confirmatory Factor Analyses(CFAs)found that both the SABAS and BSMAS had a one-factor structure.Findings demonstrated adequate psychometric properties of both instruments and also supported measurement invariance across genders.Moreover,scores on the SABAS and BSMAS were correlated with scores on the IGDS9-SF.Conclusion:The results indicated that the SABAS and BSMAS are useful psychometric instruments for assessing the risk of smartphone addiction and social media addiction among Thai young adults.

Cholesterol metabolism: physiological versus pathological aspects in intracerebral hemorrhage

Cholesterol is an important component of plasma membranes and participates in many basic life functions,such as the maintenance of cell membrane stability,the synthesis of steroid hormones,and myelination.Cholesterol plays a key role in the establishment and maintenance of the central nervous system.The brain contains 20%of the whole body’s cholesterol,80%of which is located within myelin.A huge number of processes(e.g.,the sterol regulatory element-binding protein pathway and liver X receptor pathway)participate in the regulation of cholesterol metabolism in the brain via mechanisms that include cholesterol biosynthesis,intracellular transport,and efflux.Certain brain injuries or diseases involving crosstalk among the processes above can affect normal cholesterol metabolism to induce detrimental consequences.Therefore,we hypothesized that cholesterol-related molecules and pathways can serve as therapeutic targets for central nervous system diseases.Intracerebral hemorrhage is the most severe hemorrhagic stroke subtype,with high mortality and morbidity.Historical cholesterol levels are associated with the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage.Moreover,secondary pathological changes after intracerebral hemorrhage are associated with cholesterol metabolism dysregulation,such as neuroinflammation,demyelination,and multiple types of programmed cell death.Intracellular cholesterol accumulation in the brain has been found after intracerebral hemorrhage.In this paper,we review normal cholesterol metabolism in the central nervous system,the mechanisms known to participate in the disturbance of cholesterol metabolism after intracerebral hemorrhage,and the links between cholesterol metabolism and cell death.We also review several possible and constructive therapeutic targets identified based on cholesterol metabolism to provide cholesterol-based perspectives and a reference for those interested in the treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage.

Genetic polymorphism of mitochondrial DNA HVS-I and HVS-II of Chinese Tu ethnic minority group

We analyzed the two hypervariable segments HVS-I and HVS-II of 108 Chinese Tu ethnic minority group samples for forensic and population genetics purposes, Comparing with Anderson sequence, 79 polymorphic loci in HVS-I and 40 in HVS-II were found in Chinese Tu ethnic minority group mtDNA sequences, and 90 and 64 haplotypes were then defined. Haplotype diversity and the mean pairwise differences were 0.9903±0.0013 and 5.7785 in HVS-I, and 0.9777±0.0013 and 3.5819 in HVS-II, respectively. By analyzing the hypervariable domain from nucleotide 1,6180 to 1,6193 in HVS-I, we defined some new types of sequence variations. We also compared the relationship between Tu population and other populations using mtDNA HVS-I sequences. According to Rst genetic distances, the phylogenetic tree showed that the Tu population, the Xi＇an Han population, the Chinese Korean, and the Mongol ethnic group were in a clade. This indicated a close genetic relationship between them. There were far relations between the Tu population and other Chinese southern Han populations, Siberian, European, African, and other foreign populations. The results suggest that Tu population has a multi-origin and has also merged with other local populations.

Quantitative Structure-retention Relationship Study on the GC-MS Retention Time of Illicit Drugs

A quantitative structure-retention relationship（QSRR） study has been carried out on the gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry（GC-MS） system retention time（RT） of two sets of illicit drugs by using molecular structural descriptors.Heuristic method（HM） was utilized to construct the linear models.Appropriate models with low standard errors and high correlation coefficients were obtained（R2=0.9873,F=390.18 for data set 1 and R2=0.9881,F=749.13 for data set 2）.The results of leave-one-out cross validation showed good predictive ability of these proposed models（R c2v= 0.9812 and R c2v= 0.9824,respectively）.Each molecular descriptor in the two models was disputed to unfold the relationship between the molecular structures and RT.

Modelling and Simulation of COVID-19 Outbreak Prediction Using Supervised Machine Learning

Novel Coronavirus-19(COVID-19)is a newer type of coronavirus that has not been formally detected in humans.It is established that this disease often affects people of different age groups,particularly those with body disorders,blood pressure,diabetes,heart problems,or weakened immune systems.The epidemic of this infection has recently had a huge impact on people around the globe with rising mortality rates.Rising levels of mortality are attributed to their transmitting behavior through physical contact between humans.It is extremely necessary to monitor the transmission of the infection and also to anticipate the early stages of the disease in such a way that the appropriate timing of effective precautionary measures can be taken.The latest global coronavirus epidemic(COVID-19)has brought new challenges to the scientific community.Artificial Intelligence(AI)-motivated methodologies may be useful in predicting the conditions,consequences,and implications of such an outbreak.These forecasts may help to monitor and prevent the spread of these outbreaks.This article proposes a predictive framework incorporating Support Vector Machines(SVM)in the forecasting of a potential outbreak of COVID-19.The findings indicate that the suggested system outperforms cutting-edge approaches.The method could be used to predict the long-term spread of such an outbreak so that we can implement proactive measures in advance.The findings of the analyses indicate that the SVM forecasting framework outperformed the Neural Network methods in terms of accuracy and computational complexity.The proposed SVM system model exhibits 98.88%and 96.79%result in terms of accuracy during training and validation respectively.

Crystal Structure and Characterization of 2-N-(2-Hydroxy-benzylidene) Furanmethanoamine Nickel(II) Complex

The Ni（Ⅱ） complex with ligand 2-N-（2-hydroxy-benzylidene） furanmethanoamine has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group C2/c with a = 2.0280（4）, b =0.57700（12）, c = 1.7340（4） nm, β = 94.74（3）°, Z = 4, Dc = 1.508 g/cm^3, the final R = 0.0434 and wR = 0.1112 for 1843 observed reflections with 1 〉 2σ（I）. X-ray analysis revealed that the Ni（Ⅱ） ion is coordinated by two nitrogen atoms of Schiff base and two oxygen atoms of salicylaldehyde in the equatorial plane, and the coordination geometry can be described as a square.

Comparison of STR polymorphism among a Kirgiz ethnic group from Sinkiang and other groups

Objective To study the genetic relationship between Kirgiz individuals living in Sinkiang China and analyze the difference among Kirgiz and the other population with STR polymorphisms.Methods PCR amplification was performed using PE9700,the PCR products were typed by automated sequencer and genescan.Results A database of nine STR loci of Kirgiz was established.It shows there are at least 73 STR alleles and 191 genotypes in Kirgiz.Genotype frequencies distribution showed no deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium by χ2-test.Kirgiz was compared with the other Chinese ethnic groups,then the American Black and the White.Conclusion These results suggested that the nine STR loci and Amelogenin locus were very useful in human identification,biological archaeology and gene resource studies.

IoMT-Based Smart Monitoring Hierarchical Fuzzy Inference System for Diagnosis of COVID-19

The prediction of human diseases,particularly COVID-19,is an extremely challenging task not only for medical experts but also for the technologists supporting them in diagnosis and treatment.To deal with the prediction and diagnosis of COVID-19,we propose an Internet of Medical Things-based Smart Monitoring Hierarchical Mamdani Fuzzy Inference System(IoMTSM-HMFIS).The proposed system determines the various factors like fever,cough,complete blood count,respiratory rate,Ct-chest,Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein,family history,and antibody detection(lgG)that are directly involved in COVID-19.The expert system has two input variables in layer 1,and seven input variables in layer 2.In layer 1,the initial identification for COVID-19 is considered,whereas in layer 2,the different factors involved are studied.Finally,advanced lab tests are conducted to identify the actual current status of the disease.The major focus of this study is to build an IoMT-based smart monitoring system that can be used by anyone exposed to COVID-19;the system would evaluate the user’s health condition and inform them if they need consultation with a specialist for quarantining.MATLAB-2019a tool is used to conduct the simulation.The COVID-19 IoMTSM-HMFIS system has an overall accuracy of approximately 83%.Finally,to achieve improved performance,the analysis results of the system were shared with experts of the Lahore General Hospital,Lahore,Pakistan.

Associations among benign prostate hypertrophy, atypical adenomatous hyperplasia and latent carcinoma of the prostate

Aim： To investigate the frequency of atypical adenomatous hyperplasia （AAH） and its associations with benign prostate hypertrophy （BPH） and latent histological carcinoma of the prostate （LPC） in autopsy material. Methods： Two hundred and twelve prostate specimens obtained from autopsy material were subjected to whole mount analysis in an attempt to investigate the associations among BPH, AAH and LPC. Results： Most histological carcinomas and AAH lesions were found in enlarged prostates with intense hypertrophy. No statistically significant relation was found between BPH and the main characteristics of LPC, such as tumor volume, histological differentiation and biological behavior. Our data regarding multi-focal tumors showed a tendency for multi-focal carcinomas to develop in larger prostates, and a tendency of AAH lesions to develop in larger prostates. No statistically significant relation was found between AAH and LPC. Conclusion： There seems not any causative aetiopathogenetical or topographical relation between AAH lesions and prostate adenocarcinoma. AAH lesion seems to be a well-defined mimicker of prostatic adenocarcinoma, and the reported association of AAH with prostatic carcinoma could probably be an epiphenomenon.

Inhibition of Calpain on Oxygen Glucose Deprivation-induced RGC-5 Necroptosis

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of inhibition of calpain on retinal ganglion cell-5（RGC-5） necroptosis following oxygen glucose deprivation（OGD）. RGC-5 cells were cultured in Dulbecco＇s-modified essential medium and necroptosis was induced by 8-h OGD. PI staining and flow cytometry were performed to detect RGC-5 necrosis. The calpain expression was detected by Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. The calpain activity was tested by activity detection kit. Flow cytometry was used to detect the effect of calpain on RGC-5 necroptosis following OGD with or without N-acetyl-leucyl-leucyl-norleucinal（ALLN） pre-treatment. Western blot was used to detect the protein level of truncated apoptosis inducing factor（t AIF） in RGC-5 cells following OGD. The results showed that there was an up-regulation of the calpain expression and activity following OGD. Upon adding ALLN, the calpain activity was inhibited and t AIF was reduced following OGD along with the decreased number of RGC-5 necroptosis. In conclusion, calpain was involved in OGD-induced RGC-5 necroptosis with the increased expression of its downstream molecule t AIF.

An Approach for Preparation of Porous Silicon/Rare Earth Hybrid——Immersion Method

A simple but effective doping method, immersion method, was presented. Rare earth complexes [Na3Tb（DPA）3·9H2O and Na3Eu（DPA）3·9H2O] were introduced into porous silicon （PS）, where H2DPA is 2,6-dicarboxy pyridine acid. Rare earths were proved to dope into PS effectively by photoluminescence （PL） and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy （EDS）. And the prepared hybrid samples of PS/RE were found to emit intense room-temperature red and green luminescence while the luminescence of porous silicon are almost thoroughly quenched.

ANALYZING HLA HAPLOTYPE OF THE LOCI HLA-A,-B, AND-DRB1 IN MONGOLIA ETHNIC GROUP

Objective To investigate HLA-A,-B and -DRB1 allele and HLA-A-B-DRB1 haplotype frequencies in Mongolia ethnic group. Methods HLA-A, -B, -DRB1 allele and haplotype in the Mongolia ethnic group were investigated based on 93 individuals by PCR- sequence-based typing (SBT) method. Results Twenty-one alleles were detected for HLA-A, 44 for HLA-B, and 26 for HLA-DRB1. The most frequent alleles were HLA-A*2402(0.2097), HLA-B*1302(0.0699), and HLA-DRB1*0701(0.1237). The most common HLA-A-B-DRB1 haplotype were A*3001-B*1302-DRB1*0701, A*0101-B*3701-DRB1*1001, followed by the A*0201-B*4601-DRB1*0901, A*2402-B*4801-DRB1*1101, A*2402-B*5201-DRB1*1501, A*3201-B*3503-DRB1*1301, and A*3303-B*5801-DRB1*0301, which were also presented in Chinese populations. Conclusion The data can be used in forensic and paternity tests to estimate the frequency of a DNA profile or anthropologic research. The characteristics of the distribution of HLA alleles revealed that Mongolia ethnic group is characterized by northern Mongolian Chinese.

The role of HSP90a in methamphetamine/hyperthermia-induced necroptosis in rat striatum neurons

Methamphetamine(METH)is one of the most widely abused synthetic drugs in the world,with the abuser present hyperthermia(HT)and psychiatric symptoms.However,the mechanism involved in METH/HT-induced neurotoxicity remains elusive.Here,we investigated the role of heat shock protein 90 alpha(HSP90a)in METH/HT(39.5C)-induced necroptosis in rat striatum neurons and rat in vivo model.Western blot showed that the expression of HSP90a increased,and HSP90a specific inhibitor geldanamycin(GA)and shRNA of HSP90a could attenuate METH/HT-induced upregulation of receptor interacting protein 3(RIP3),pRIP3,mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein(MLKL)and pMLKL in cultured striatum neurons and in vivo model.Propidium iodide staining and lactate dehydrogenase assay results showed that METH/HT-induced necroptosis is partially inhibited by both necrostain-1,GA and shRNA of HSP90a in vitro and in vivo model.

Ways of Analysis of Fire Effluents and Assessment of Toxic Hazards

Fire effluents, in most cases, have an adverse effect on human health and the environment. Exposure to some compounds may show both acute and chronic toxicity. There is a lack of knowledge on the effect of organic products on the human body in terms of the rate of organic material production in fires and their degree of toxicity. Thus, there is a need to expand the scope of studies about the organic products generated from fires and improve the methods of assessment to be included as part of fire hazard assessment. Different factors can be contributed to this lack of knowledge. For example, the composition of organic products generated from fires changes progressively and rapidly with progression of combustion and in a manner that is dependent on the fire condition. It is difficult to identify individual organic compounds produced during combustion. Another key factor is the lack of suitable instruments for measuring organic products generated from a fire. Also, the lack of procedures that are used to evaluate the lethal concentration limits and the lethal dose for a broad range of organic compounds generated from a fire may be another important factor which can be contributed to this lack of knowledge.

Comparative Study of Solubility of Tranquilizers(Alternative Date Rape Drugs)in Stomach Acid

Date Rape Drugs are the members of tranquilizers and sedative class of drugs.These are the substances that make it easier for someone to rape or assault sexually.The person who is administrated by these drugs can cause sleepiness,slow breathing,slow heartbeat rate,trouble in muscle coordination,loss of consciousness.GHB(gamma-hydroxybutyric acid),Rohypnol(flunitrazepam),Ketamine are generally considered as date rape drugs.As Food and Drug Administration Department of Central Government of India considered this issue and placed these drugs under the schedule of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.Thereafter it is nearly impossible to get these drugs easily.But criminals have been searched new way through it.Normal tranquilizers and sedatives are also being used for committing such crimes.These drugs are also scheduled,but one can get them with prescription from a registered medical practitioner.So we carried out a comparative study of 3 tranquilizers from the benzodiazepine class that are Diazepam,Alprazolam,and Librium to check their dissolving rate in stomach acid.Estimation of action time of drug can help an investigator to identify the class of drug and time of drug injected(early phase).In our study,we found that the dissolving period of Diazepam and Alprazolam is more than conventional drugs.

Persicaria lanigera (Polygonaceae) leaf extract exhibits antiulcerogenic and antiproliferative activities against acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis and cotton pellet-induced granuloma tissue in rats

Objective:To assess the effect of leaf extract of Persicaria lanigera on cotton pellet-induced granuloma tissue formation and acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis.Methods:Rats were randomly divided into six groups:normal control,negative control,positive control(dexamethasone or sulfasalazine)as well as Persicaria lanigera(100-600 mg/kg)-treated groups.The effects of the extracts on body weight,antioxidant,and hematological parameters,as well as mast cell proliferation,were assessed.In addition,a histological evaluation was conducted.Results:Persicaria lanigera extract significantly decreased the mean exudate amount and suppressed granuloma tissue formation in a concentration-dependent manner in rats(P<0.05).Additionally,the extract significantly increased body weight,improved hematological profile,reduced the disease activity index score and malondialdehyde level,as well as enhanced catalase and superoxide dismutase activities(P<0.05).Histological evaluation showed Persicaria lanigera extract alleviated acetic acid-induced colonic damages,as evidenced by decreased cell necrosis,edema,and inflammatory cell infiltration.Conclusions:Persicaria lanigera extract possesses antiproliferative,antioxidative,and anti-colitis activities.However,its underlying mechanisms of action need further investigation.

Geoforensic Methods for Detecting Clandestine Graves and Buried Forensic Objects in Criminal Investigations - A Review

Geoforensic techniques are being deployed in searches for hidden objects to counteract the shortcomings of conventional blunderbuss methods.Processing of crime scenes during searches for clandestine graves and buried objects is often destructive.Manual excavation and other invasive methods are restricted in many contemporary situations,and the location of a body is essential for forensic investigations.Geoforensics and geophysical surveys are important tools for assisting law enforcement agencies in locating crime scenes,clandestine graves,drugs,artifacts,hazardous waste,and illegal weapons and ammunitions stored underground in preparation for terrorist attacks.Geoscience search techniques such as the geoforensic search strategy are among many models used to help find mass graves,locate missing persons,and verify information acquired from incomplete intelligence.Trace amounts of soils,sediments,and other geological materials can provide geolocations and aid in the development of a primary search area.Forensic geoscience techniques and equipment such as metal detectors,magnetic surveys,electromagnetic conductivity surveys,ground penetrating radar surveys,augering(probing),detector dogs surveys,and gravity and seismic fluctuation monitoring are discussed in this paper.In addition to the location of potential graves and ambush sites,the soil beneath the decomposing cadavers can be used to predict the postmortem interval for the deceased.Soil information and geo-mapping data can provide productive intelligence for military and national security agencies.Antiquities crimes and crimes involving gemstones in which the evidence passes through many hands can be traced back to the place of origin by checking for their geo-morphology.Serious crimes,including murder,genocide,and terrorism,can be prevented by the use of operational and decisive geoforensic techniques.This paper highlights the multidisciplinary information exchange that occurs between forensic burial science,forensic geology,and trace evidence in criminal investigations.The paper also focuses on geoforensic approaches to clandestine grave searching,underwater investigations,forensic engineering fallacies,military intelligence,ambush detection,and weapons mining.