Detection Of Drugs Research Articles

Artificial intelligence technologies utilization for detecting explosive materials

Explosive material detection considers the identification and classification of explosive materials using techniques from traditional sniffer dogs to cutting-edge sensing technology like thermal imaging, X-ray scanners, and chemical sensors. Explosive detection is applied in various locations, including airports, government buildings, and public areas, to prevent terrorist attacks and criminal actions that attempt to employ explosive devices. The effectiveness of these procedures is dependent on the detection materials, equipment, and environment, so new techniques are continuously explored to increase precision, sensitivity, and detection speed. Because explosive substances present a critical risk to infrastructure, security, and public safety, extensive analysis of existing detection methods is needed. This paper highlights key areas for further research and development in explosive materials detection by addressing identified limitations and challenges. Specifically, advancements in technology, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the integration of AI techniques offer significant opportunities for improving detection accuracy, reducing false positives, and ensuring safer environments for individuals and society.

Using detection dogs for surveillance of invasive dama wallaby (Notamacropus eugenii) in North Island, New Zealand

Using detection dogs for surveillance of invasive dama wallaby (Notamacropus eugenii) in North Island, New Zealand

Development of a modified C-BARQ for evaluating behavior in working dogs.

Current high demand for effective odor detection dogs calls for the development of reliable methods for measuring performance-related behavioral phenotypes in these highly specialized working animals. The Canine Behavioral Assessment & Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) is a widely used behavioral assessment tool among working dog organizations with a demonstrated ability to predict success/failure of dogs in training. However, this instrument was developed originally to study the prevalence of behavior problems in the pet dog population, and it therefore lacks the capacity to measure specific behavioral propensities that may also be important predictors of working dog success. The current paper examines the factor structure, internal reliability, and content validity of a modified version of the C-BARQ designed to evaluate four new domains of canine behavior in addition to those encompassed by the original C-BARQ. These domains, labeled Playfulness, Impulsivity, Distractibility, and Basophobia (fear of falling), respectively, describe aspects of canine behavior or temperament which are believed to contribute substantially to working dog performance. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of owner/handler questionnaire responses based on a sample of 1,117 working odor detection dogs. A total of 15 factors were extracted by EFA, 10 of which correspond to original C-BARQ factors. The remaining 5 comprise the four new domains- Playfulness, Impulsivity, Distractibility, and Basophobia- as well as a fifth new factor labeled Food focus. The resulting Working Dog Canine Behavioral Assessment & Research Questionnaire (WDC-BARQ) successfully expands the measurement capacities of the original C-BARQ to include dimensions of behavior/temperament of particular relevance to many working dog populations.

Recommendations for the use of conservation detection dogs in seabird research: a thematic analysis

Conservation detection dog handler teams (CDDHTs) offer many potential benefits to the world of conservation. Seabird populations are an important component of marine ecosystems. However, they are threatened by several anthropogenic activities, including the introduction of invasive species. Although CDDHT can support seabird conservation through invasive species management efforts and population assessments, they are under-utilised. A lack of methodological standardisation within CDDHT work and the under-publishing of their use within seabird research leads to difficulties in conducting new CDDHT seabird-related studies due to an inability to learn from previous research. This study aimed to address these shortcomings by investigating the techniques and methods used by those actively working with, or planning to work with, CDDHT on a seabird project to better understand them, and propose best practices in the field. Seven professionals who have used, or will use, CDDHT as part of a seabird project (four handlers, three ecologists/researchers) participated in structured written surveys which were thematically analysed. Five superordinate themes emerged from the survey data: Training, Location, Role of Handler, Wildlife Considerations, and Dog Selection Criteria, with the first two themes having several subordinate themes. A summary of best practices was developed from the findings, with notable recommendations including preparation across all project elements, networking with other professionals, and making judgments on the use of techniques like discrimination and field trials based on the specific project and dog(s). These results can serve to benefit future seabird studies involving CDDHT as well as supporting the development of standardisation in the CDDHT field.

The Role of Investigators in Collecting Evidence Using Sniffer Dogs (K9) Against Narcotics Crimes

The use of sniffer dogs (K9) to assist the police in carrying out their duties in collecting evidence of narcotics crimes where investigators are allowed to use all means by applicable laws and regulations in assisting their duties in disclosing a criminal offense. This research uses normative and empirical juridical approaches. The results of research and discussion conclude that the Role of Investigators in Collecting Evidence Using Tracking Dogs (K9) includes normative, ideal, and factual roles. Factors inhibiting investigators from carrying out their role in collecting evidence using sniffer dogs (K9) are regulations regarding the use of sniffer dogs (K9), which are only limited to the Decree of the National Police Chief No. Pol: SKEP/251/IV/2004 and No.Pol: SKEP17/X/2011. There should be a legal basis that regulates the validity or use of the Law Law. In this case, the law enforcement apparatus factor is the lack of police officers who serve as dog handlers or K9s at Polda Lampung, and the infrastructure factor is still less than optimal health management of animal units, namely sniffer dogs (K9).

Explosive Detection Dogs: A Perspective from the Personality Profile, Selection, Training Methods, Employment, and Performance to Mitigate a Real Threat.

Terrorist organizations have compelled security authorities of every nation to make an increasingly significant commitment toward mitigating the risk of mass casualties and severe financial and property damages. As a result, various security measures have been implemented, including the use of advanced equipment and an uptick in intelligence activities. One of the most effective tools that has yielded outstanding results is the use of explosive detection dogs (EDDs). The nature of EDDs demands a high level of sensitivity given the inherent danger and severity of real threat situations that may involve the risk of explosion. Moreover, the operating procedures for EDDs are unique and distinguishable from other forms of detection. We conducted a review to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the subject, highlighting the EDDs' personality profile, selection, training methods, performance, and employment, incorporating insights from diverse fields, conducting an analysis, and presenting a perspective on using EDDs to prevent explosion threats.

Abundant triatomines in Texas dog kennel environments: Triatomine collections, infection with Trypanosoma cruzi, and blood feeding hosts

Triatomine insects are vectors of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi- the causative agent of Chagas disease. Chagas disease is endemic to Latin America and the southern United States and can cause severe cardiac damage in infected mammals, ranging from chronic disease to sudden death. Identifying interactions among triatomines, T. cruzi discrete typing units (DTUs), and blood feeding hosts is necessary to understand parasite transmission dynamics and effectively protect animal and human health. Through manual insect trapping efforts, kennel staff collections, and with the help of a trained scent detection dog, we collected triatomines from 10 multi-dog kennels across central and south Texas over a one-year period (2018–2019) and tested a subset to determine their T. cruzi infection status and identify the primary bloodmeal hosts. We collected 550 triatomines, including Triatoma gerstaeckeri (n = 515), Triatoma lecticularia (n = 15), Triatoma sanguisuga (n = 6), and Triatoma indictiva (n = 2), with an additional 10 nymphs and 2 adults unable to be identified to species. The trained dog collected 42 triatomines, including nymphs, from areas not previously considered vector habitat by the kennel owners. Using qPCR, we found a T. cruzi infection prevalence of 47 % (74/157), with T. lecticularia individuals more likely to be infected with T. cruzi than other species. Infected insects harbored two T. cruzi discrete typing units: TcI (64 %), TcIV (23 %), and mixed TcI/TcIV infections (13 %). Bloodmeal host identification was successful in 50/149 triatomines, revealing the majority (74 %) fed on a dog (Canis lupus), with other host species including humans (Homo sapiens), raccoons (Procyon lotor), chickens (Gallus gallus), wild pig (Sus scrofa), black vulture (Coragyps atratus), cat (Felis catus), and curve-billed thrasher (Toxostoma curviostre). Given the frequency of interactions between dogs and infected triatomines in these kennel environments, dogs may be an apt target for future vector control and T. cruzi intervention efforts.

Identifying the Early Post-Mortem VOC Profile from Cadavers in a Morgue Environment Using Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography

Understanding the VOC profile released during the early post-mortem period is essential for applications in training human remains detection dogs and urban search and rescue operations (USAR) to rapidly locate living and deceased victims. Human cadavers were sampled at the UQTR morgue within a 0–72 h post-mortem interval. VOC samples were collected from the headspace above the cadavers, using Tenax TA/Carbograph 5TD dual sorbent tubes, and analyzed using GC×GC-TOFMS. Multiple data processing steps, including peak table alignment and filtering, were undertaken using LECO ChromaToF and custom scripts in R programming language. This study identified 104 prevalent VOCs, some of which are linked to human decomposition, while others are connected to the persistence of living scent. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) further highlighted that VOC profiles can change dynamically over time, even in a controlled setting. The findings underscore the complexity and variability in VOC profiles during the early post-mortem period. This variability is influenced by multiple factors including the individual’s biological and physiological conditions. Despite the challenges in characterizing these profiles, the identified VOCs could potentially serve as markers in forensic applications. The study also highlights the need for additional research to build a dataset of VOCs for more robust forensic applications.

Tracking the Route Walked by Missing Persons and Fugitives: A Geoforensics Casework (Italy)

Criminal investigations aiming to track the route walked by missing persons and fugitives (MPFs) usually involve intelligence analysts, military planners, experts in mobile forensics, traditional investigative methods, and sniffer dog handlers. Nonetheless, when MPFs are devoid of any technological device and move in uninhabited rural areas devoid of tele cameras and densely covered by vegetation, tracking the route walked by MPFs may be a much more arduous task. In the XVIII century, the expert Georg Popp was able to link a homicide suspect to a sequence of different sites of criminal interest, located in the countryside, by studying the stains of soils found on the footwear and trousers of the suspect. In such complex cases, a very efficient approach for tracking the route walked by MPFs may consist of comparing the geological traces found on the MPFs and their belongings with soils exposed in the event scenes. In particular, the search for peculiar or rare particles and aggregates may strengthen the weight of the geological forensic evidence comparisons. A match of mineralogical, textural, and organic matter data may demonstrate the provenance of the traces from the soil of a specific site, thereby linking the MPFs to the scene of events. Based on the above, the present paper reports geological determinations accomplished for a “mediatic” casework. The results allowed a general high degree of compatibility among traces collected on the MPFs and on the soil from the scene of events to be ascertained. The most significant positive matches, based on the finding of ten peculiar and rare particles and assemblages, allowed the reconstruction of a route about 1.1 km long, as the crow flies, on the event site. Although this procedure was extremely time consuming and available only in a backwards reconstruction linked to the MPFs’ findings, it was of uttermost importance in strengthening the inferences proposed, and for which other methods could not provide any information.

Sensory Co-laboring

Demining has not been an exclusively human affair. Mine detection dogs have been indispensable in the work of detection and in the slow but essential effort to regain trust in mine-suspected landscapes. Famously renowned for their extraordinary sensory perception, physical strength, and mental traits, they are part of human-nonhuman units training and working together to perceive explosives’ odors. This article considers the role of these units, known in Colombia as binomios caninos, in the strenuous task of mine clearance. Drawing on eighteen months of ethnographic engagement with global and local humanitarian demining efforts in Colombia, it examines detection choreographies and daily interactions, proposing to think of their joint work in terms of sensory co-laboring. Bringing anthropological work on collaboration between worlds, sensory labor, and animal work into dialogue, this composite term foregrounds detection as labor and as a result of human-nonhuman cooperation. It also highlights the asymmetrical field in which these collaborators converge and the divergent desires, affects, and attachments that mobilize their participation in demining. Mine detection is conceptualized as a sensory task through which dogs and humans intra-act, both together and apart. Recognizing this partial connection allows us to rethink how humans and other creatures are ontologically reconstituted and how overlapping histories of warfare and humanitarianism, legacies of animal behavioral practice, and instrumental-affective interactions shape these reconstitutions.

Unraveling the potential of breath and sweat VOC capture devices for human disease detection: a systematic-like review of canine olfaction and GC-MS analysis.

The development of disease screening methods using biomedical detection dogs relies on the collection and analysis of body odors, particularly volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in body fluids. To capture and analyze odors produced by the human body, numerous protocols and materials are used in forensics or medical studies. This paper provides an overview of sampling devices used to collect VOCs from sweat and exhaled air, for medical diagnostic purposes using canine olfaction and/or Gas Chromatography-Mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Canine olfaction and GC-MS are regarded as complementary tools, holding immense promise for detecting cancers and infectious diseases. However, existing literature lacks guidelines for selecting materials suitable for both canine olfaction and GC-MS. Hence, this review aims to address this gap and pave the way for efficient body odor sampling materials. The first section of the paper describes the materials utilized in training sniffing dogs, while the second section delves into the details of sampling devices and extraction techniques employed for exhaled air and sweat analysis using GC-MS. Finally, the paper proposes the development of an ideal sampling device tailored for detection purposes in the field of odorology. By bridging the knowledge gap, this study seeks to advance disease detection methodologies, harnessing the unique abilities of both dogs and GC-MS analysis in biomedical research.

Analisis Peran Polsatwa K-9 Dalam Pidana Narkoba Berdasarkan Perpol 14 Tahun 2018

Sniffer dogs as police partners can ease the task of investigators because of the expertise of dogs. Dogs have special abilities in their sense of smell, which include being able to detect indications that someone is carrying explosives or narcotics. The research method used in this study is a normative juridical approach so that it only examines the contents of the Indonesian National Police Regulation No. 14 of 2018 concerning changes to the Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia National Police No. 22 of 2010 concerning the organizational structure and work procedures of the regional police, and sources, namely secondary data sources, primary data and tertiary data. In this study, the technique of collecting data obtained from library research and field studies was carried out by means of observation and interviews. The results of this study explain that the role of the K-9 Animal Police Unit in Drug Crimes Based on the Regulation of the Indonesian National Police No. 14 of 2018, sniffer dogs in investigations have a very large role, because they are very helpful for investigating officials to uncover criminal events, but dogs Drug trackers owned by the Ditsamapta Police Unit of the Lampung Police are very limited. The lack of sniffer dogs and handler personnel makes the role of the animal police unit less effective.

Sniffer dogs as an emerging approach for water leakage detection

Abstract Effective control of water leakage is a critical aspect for ensuring the high-quality development of the water sector. In recent years, the utilization of sniffer dogs in water leakage detection has emerged as a promising technology, progressing from laboratory experiments to small-scale real-world applications. Leveraging their remarkable ability to trace chlorine, sniffer dogs have demonstrated an impressive accuracy and high efficiency in detecting underground pipe leaks. This mini-review comprehensively examines the advancements in sniffer dog usage for leak detection, provides an overview of various application methods, and elucidates the conditions and limitations associated with each approach. It also delves into the management mechanisms of sniffer dogs, offering a comparative analysis of different management models. Lastly, this review addresses the challenges inherent in applying sniffer dogs to water leak detection, poses pertinent research questions concerning sniffer dogs' training and the expansion of odour fingerprint, and presents a forward-looking perspective on the subject.

Scent detection dogs as a novel method for oestrus detection in an endangered species, the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii).

Captive breeding is a critical tool for conservation of endangered species. Identifying the correct time to pair males and females can be a major challenge for captive breeding programmes, with current methods often being invasive or slow. Detection dogs may provide a non-invasive way to determine female receptivity, but this has not been explored in captive wildlife. This exploratory study investigated the use of detection dogs as a novel method of oestrus detection in the endangered Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii). Faecal samples were collected from 11 captive female devils during the breeding seasons of 2020 and 2021. Three dogs with prior detection experience were trained and subsequently assessed (n = 188 searches per dog), on their ability to discriminate between oestrus and non-oestrus devil faecal samples, in a one sample set-up. When assessed on training samples, dogs were able to correctly discriminate oestrus from non-oestrus with a mean sensitivity of 69.1% and mean specificity of 65.7%. When assessed on novel samples, their sensitivity to oestrus dropped (mean sensitivity of 48.6%). However, they were still able to correctly identify non-oestrus samples (mean specificity of 68.1%). This study is the first to explore detection dogs' ability to identify oestrus in a captive breeding programme for endangered wildlife, providing a promising tool for non-invasive monitoring of reproductive status in wildlife.

Comparing police use of drug detection dogs amongst injecting and non-injecting groups of people who regularly use drugs in Australia

IntroductionDrug detection dogs are utilised across multiple settings, however existing literature focuses predominantly on festival-based encounters. We compare drug dog encounters in non-festival settings among two samples of people who regularly use drugs, and investigate factors associated with witness only versus stop and/or search encounters. MethodsAustralians who regularly (i.e., ≥monthly) use ecstasy and/or other illegal stimulants (n = 777; Ecstasy and Related Drugs Reporting System (EDRS)) or inject illegal drugs (n = 862; Illicit Drugs Reporting System (IDRS)) were surveyed between April-June, 2019. Univariable regression analyses were used to test for differences in drug dog encounters between samples, and to identify factors associated with a more intensive drug dog encounter (namely those that involved a stop and/or search). ResultsPeople who inject drugs were less likely to witness drug dogs than those who regularly use ecstasy and/or other illegal stimulants (odds ratio (OR) 0.46; 95 % CI 0.30–0.69). They were significantly more likely than EDRS participants to report being stopped and searched (3.29; 1.68–6.44) however. Among those carrying drugs at their last stop and/or search encounter, the majority of both samples reported that their drugs were not detected by police. IDRS participants aged 35–49 were more likely to report a stop and/or search encounter than those aged 17–34; no significant associations were found among the EDRS sample. ConclusionsDespite participants who use ecstasy and/other stimulants being more likely than those who regularly inject drugs to report encountering drug dogs in non-festival settings, participants who inject drugs were more likely to report an intensive or invasive drug dog encounter and/or receiving a formal criminal justice consequence. This study reinforces questions about the efficacy and appropriateness of drug dog operations.

Longitudinal stability of detection dog behavioral assessment: A follow-up study of long-term working success

Detection dogs are a critical asset to homeland security, law enforcement, conservation efforts, and more. However, due to the challenges faced in operational working roles and the behavioral requirements to succeed in such roles, many dogs bred and trained for detection tasks are ultimately deemed unsuitable. Therefore, reliable methods for selecting dogs with the highest chances of success are needed. Studies aiming to identify the behavioral traits associated with success and methods for assessment have focused on short-term outcomes related to completion of training or selection for working roles. However, intervening factors may emerge leading to attrition once in service. The goal of the current study was to determine the longitudinal stability of performance on a detection dog behavioral suitability test as well as its predictive validity in determining working success. We followed a cohort of candidate detection dogs (n = 61) to determine changes in number of dogs successfully completing training and still working two years later, as well as determine the long-term predictive validity of the behavioral test. We also repeated the test in a subset of dogs (n = 34) to determine the longitudinal stability of performance on the test from puppy to mature adult. We found that training completion success rates were similar to current working success rates (i.e., minimal attrition). Additionally, performance on aspects of the puppy test such as emotional reactivity conducted at 3 months was predictive of current status (p = .008, OR =.246), and significantly correlated with performance at 3 years (r = .330, p = .028). These findings demonstrate longitudinal stability in behavioral traits considered important for detection dog success, which will be valuable for improving behavioral assessment and selection measures.

Sniffing out safety: canine detection and identification of SARS-CoV-2 infection from armpit sweat.

Detection dogs were trained to detect SARS-CoV-2 infection based on armpit sweat odor. Sweat samples were collected using cotton pads under the armpits of negative and positive human patients, confirmed by qPCR, for periods of 15-30 min. Multiple hospitals and organizations throughout Belgium participated in this study. The sweat samples were stored at -20°C prior to being used for training purposes. Six dogs were trained under controlled atmosphere conditions for 2-3 months. After training, a 7-day validation period was conducted to assess the dogs' performances. The detection dogs exhibited an overall sensitivity of 81%, specificity of 98%, and an accuracy of 95%. After validation, training continued for 3 months, during which the dogs' performances remained the same. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis revealed a unique sweat scent associated with SARS-CoV-2 positive sweat samples. This scent consisted of a wide variety of volatiles, including breakdown compounds of antiviral fatty acids, skin proteins and neurotransmitters/hormones. An acceptability survey conducted in Belgium demonstrated an overall high acceptability and enthusiasm toward the use of detection dogs for SARS-CoV-2 detection. Compared to qPCR and previous canine studies, the detection dogs have good performances in detecting SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans, using frozen sweat samples from the armpits. As a result, they can be used as an accurate pre-screening tool in various field settings alongside the PCR test.

The smell of death. State-of-the-art and future research directions.

The decomposition of a body is inseparably associated with the release of several types of odors. This phenomenon has been used in the training of sniffer dogs for decades. The odor profile associated with decomposition consists of a range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemical composition of which varies over time, temperature, environmental conditions, and the type of microorganisms, and insects colonizing the carcass. Mercaptans are responsible for the bad smell associated with corpses; however, there are no unified recommendations for conducting forensic analysis based on the detectable odor of revealed corpses and previous research on VOCs shows differing results. The aim of this review is to systematize the current knowledge on the type of volatile organic compounds related to the decomposition process, depending on a few variables. This knowledge will improve the methods of VOCs detection and analysis to be used in modern forensic diagnostics and improve the methods of training dogs for forensic applications.

Use of a scent-detection dog for sea turtle nest monitoring of three sea turtle species in Florida.

Sea turtles are threatened with extinction around the world and rely on sandy beaches for laying their eggs. To protect eggs and locate them for calculation of reproductive success, beach surveyors must find the exact placement of each clutch. Eggs may be buried up to one meter deep under a nest mound several square meters in area. To locate sea turtle eggs, beach surveyors might spend hours searching for these eggs hidden in the sand, especially for difficult-to-locate leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) and green turtle (Chelonia mydas) eggs. Scent-detection dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) are a novel tool that could provide a means to more accurately identify nests and efficiently locate eggs that need assessment, protection, or relocation. We assessed the effectiveness and feasibility of using a detection dog to locate sea turtle eggs buried in beach sand as compared to the traditional method using human beach surveyors. The detection dog was significantly more accurate in detecting loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) eggs and more efficient (less time spent and fewer holes dug) in assisting with locating the eggs. This case study presents results on the performance of one detection dog only, and additional research is needed with multiple detection dogs and handlers.

August Meeting Report "The role of detection dogs in conservation"

August Meeting Report "The role of detection dogs in conservation"