Identification Of Weapons Research Articles

Ethnomathscience Identification of Traditional Weapons of Sigi Biromaru

This descriptive research uses an ethnographic approach to identify ethnomascience on parts of Sigi Biromaru's traditional weapons that can be used as media and innovation in learning mathematics and science/IPA. The results of literature reviews show that concepts in the fields of mathematical, science/IPA are found in parts of the traditional weapon described in the descriptions of the table. The results of the research show that the Kaliavo, Guma, and Doke shapes include triangular, square-long, quadrilateral, horizontal, hexadecimal, symmetrical, structural, quadrillary, and straight lines. On the other hand, physical concepts such as momentum, implosive, style, pressure, cultivation, tree morphology biology, tree anatomy, forest ecology, roles and cycles of carbon, forestry, plants, ecosystems, and human interaction with its natural environment, human development, ecological, technological, and cultural. Then ideas about chemistry, such as solid substances, chemical elements of iron and steel.

Impact of Implementation of a New Weapons Screening at an Urban Emergency Department

BackgroundViolence in the emergency department (ED) setting is well documented in medical literature. Weapons can be used to cause significant injury or mortality, although there is a paucity of literature on weapons and weapons screening in the ED. ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to assess the impact of initiating a weapons screening process on the identification and removal of weapons. MethodsMultiple aspects of a weapons screening program were evaluated at 2 and 6 months prior to and after a weapons screening protocol was initiated at an urban ED. In the Pre-Screen periods, only patients primarily seeking care for mental health were screened prior to entry. In the Post-Screen periods, all patients and visitors were screened with walk-through magnetometers or wand metal detectors, and additional screening checks were initiated. The number of individuals screened and numbers of weapons found were measured. Descriptive statistics comparing Pre- and Post-Screen periods were performed. ResultsPrior to the new screening process, 511 and 1701 patients primarily seeking care for mental health were screened, with 15 and 103 weapons confiscated at 2 and 6 months, respectively. After the screening process was initiated, 13,149 and 43,321 ED patients and visitors were screened, with 194 and 567 weapons confiscated at 2 and 6 months, respectively. Persons screened increased by 25-fold at both 2 and 6 months after implementing the screening process. Weapons confiscated increased approximately 13-fold and sixfold at the respective 2- and 6-month Pre- and Post-Screen periods, respectively. ConclusionImplementation of weapons screening significantly increased the number of weapons identified and confiscated prior to entry in the ED by patients and visitors.

Characterising small objects in the regime between the eddy current model and wave propagation

AbstractBeing able to characterise objects at low frequencies, but in situations where the modelling error in the eddy current approximation of the Maxwell system becomes large, is important for improving current metal detection technologies. Importantly, the modelling error becomes large as the frequency increases, but the accuracy of the eddy current model also depends on the object topology and on its materials, with the error being much larger for certain geometries compared to others of the same size and materials. Additionally, the eddy current model breaks down at much smaller frequencies for highly magnetic conducting materials compared to non-permeable objects (with similar conductivities, sizes and shapes) and, hence, characterising small magnetic objects made of permeable materials using the eddy current at typical frequencies of operation for a metal detector is not always possible. To address this, we derive a new asymptotic expansion for permeable highly conducting objects that is valid for small objects and holds not only for frequencies where the eddy current model is valid but also for situations where the eddy current modelling error becomes large and applying the eddy approximation would be invalid. The leading-order term we derive leads to new forms of object characterisations in terms of polarizability tensor object descriptions where the coefficients can be obtained from solving vectorial transmission problems. We expect these new characterisations to be important when considering objects at greater stand-off distance from the coils, which is important for safety critical applications, such as the identification of landmines, unexploded ordnance and concealed weapons. We also expect our results to be important when characterising artefacts of archaeological and forensic significance at greater depths than the eddy current model allows and to have further applications parking sensors and improving the detection of hidden, out-of-sight, metallic objects.

USING A VIRTUAL TWIN OF A BUILDING TO ENSURE SECURITY IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

This research paper delves into the exploration of computer vision technology and digital twins as a means to enhance security measures in educational institutions. The study primarily focuses on the creation of a virtual replica of the first floor of a school and the integration of a person detection algorithm with the existing surveillance cameras. By leverag- ing the capabilities of the digital twin and real-time monitoring, comprehensive surveillance of the premises becomes feasible, resulting in simplified security operations. The paper sheds light on the significant potential of training neural networks for specific security tasks, such as the identification of weapons or the detection of anomalies in human behavior. These trained neural networks can be seamlessly integrated into the digital twin, thus ensuring public safety within the educational environment. The findings of this study provide substantial evidence for the effectiveness of computer vision technology and digital twins in bolstering security measures. The ability to create a virtual representation of the school’s first floor enables com- prehensive monitoring and surveillance, aiding in the prevention and prompt response to se- curity incidents. The integration of person detection algorithms further enhances the system’s capabilities by automatically identifying and tracking individuals within the premises. Addi- tionally, the deployment of neural networks for specialized security tasks adds an extra layer of protection, enabling the identification of potential threats and the detection of abnormal behavior patterns. By employing computer vision technology and digital twins, educational institutions can establish an advanced security infrastructure that optimizes monitoring, en- hances situational awareness, and ensures a safer environment for students, staff, and visitors. The research presented in this paper highlights the tremendous potential and practical impli- cations of these technologies in the realm of educational security.

Determining the sequence of elimination of impurity ions from the surface of historical cold iron weapons

Confirming the authenticity of historical cold weapons and determining their age is an urgent problem in practical examination. One of the promising directions for its solution is the experimental study of the process of elimination of impurity ions from iron, which occurs throughout the long history of life. This paper describes a model that explains the sequence of elimination of impurity ions from near-surface parts of the metal. Deformation indicators of the crystal lattice of iron were calculated and sorted in order of decreasing ionic radius of the impurity chemical element. A diagram of the deformation effect of impurity chemical elements on the volume-centered crystal lattice of iron was constructed. Ions that are larger in diameter are more actively eliminated from the surface layers of the metal, while ions that are smaller are removed to a lesser extent. With the help of the authors’ methodology, a study of the chemical composition of the surface of collection samples of iron cold weapons of the 20th, 19th, and 18th centuries was carried out. It has been established that a metal alloy made in the recent past ‒ up to 100 years ‒ is characterized by a very active release of impurity chemical elements on the surface when it is heated. Iron weapons made up to 200 years ago have a significantly lower ability to release chemical impurities because most of the latter have already been eliminated. At the same time, samples of cold weapons of this age already have microdefects in the form of cleavage cracks and caverns, so their surface contains a significant number of compounds of eliminated chemical elements that have accumulated during the long history of their use. Older cold weapons, made 300 years ago or earlier, have impurity ions that are smaller than ferric ions, particularly silicon. The results of the research are important for the identification and authentication of historical iron cold weapons

Deep learning model comparisons for the identification of weapons

Deep learning model comparisons for the identification of weapons

146 Impact of Implementation of a New Weapons Screening at an Urban Emergency Department

Violence in the emergency department (ED) setting is well documented in the medical literature. Injuries to ED personnel and other patients are also not infrequent. Weapons brought into the ED by patients can be used to cause significant injury to others. To address increased staff concerns for their safety, a formal security screening process was initiated at our urban based ED. We sought to assess the impact that this weapons screening process had on the identification and removal of weapons. This is a before-after study methodology to evaluate the impact of the initiation of a formal weapons screening program in an urban Level 1 trauma center ED (annual census approximately 45, 000 visits/yr). On March 15, 2021, a formal security screening process was initiated for entry to the ED, and signage was placed to notify the public and allow individuals to leave any potential weapons outside the hospital. Prior to this time, only psychiatric patients in the ED were screened for any weapons. The new security screening included limiting ambulatory ED public access to a single-entry site where all patients and visitors were screened using a walk-through magnetometer or wand metal detector, and all bags were visually inspected. For patients arriving by ambulance, security officers performed a bedside screening and baggage check. Part of the new process is that there is a restriction to one personal item allowed in the ED with the rest of bags/belongings being secured and stored and not allowed to enter into the ED. Data were collected for the 8 weeks prior to the new screening process (Pre-Screen period, 1/18-3/14/2021) and 8 weeks after initiating the new screening (Post-Screen period, 3/15-5/9/2021). Time periods were compared with specific measurements including total number of individuals screened and weapons confiscated. Descriptive statistics, including p-values for comparisons, are reported. The 8-week Pre-Screen and Post-Screen periods were similar in terms of total ED census (6, 570 vs 7, 103 visits, respectively) and psychiatric patients cared for (511 vs 487 patient visits, respectively). Prior to the new screening process, 511 psychiatric patients were screened with 15 weapons confiscated. After the screening process was initiated, 13,149 total screens were performed on ED patients and visitors during the 8 week period with 194 weapons found and confiscated. Overall, persons screened increased by 25 fold with a significantly lower rate of weapons identified per screen (2.9% vs 1.4% positive weapons per screening) by expanding screens to all patients and including visitors (p=008). More importantly, the number of weapons identified and confiscated prior to ED entry increased 13 fold, from 0.26 weapons/day in the Pre-Screen period to 3.46 weapons/day in the Post-Screen period (<0.001). Implementation of weapons screening significantly increased the number of weapons identified and confiscated prior to entry in the ED by patients and visitors. Future research should focus on how such screening processes impacts ED flow and overall safety, as well as ED staff, patient and visitor perception of safety and satisfaction.

The Effect of Chemical Weapon Exposureon Semen Fluid Analysis and the Determination of SOD and MDA Levels in Peshmerga against ISIS War

The identification of chemical weapons as “weapons of mass destruction” highlights their possible damagingconsequences on many civilians’ health.The effect of chemical weapon agents has been documented tocause reproductive toxicity and have adverse effects on semen, leading to infertility in those exposed tothose chemical agents. This study analysesthe semen fluid and follows up the exposed Peshmerga forcesto the chemical weapon during the ISIS war.A prospective cohort study in which 58 exposed Peshmergain three chemical attacks, compared with the same number of the non-exposed Peshmerga. Semen fluidanalysis was performed for all, following up after one year.The serum level of both MDA and SOD wasmeasured. An individual’s BMI was calculated.The participants’ mean agein this study is (32.5) years in thecase group while (35.5) years in the control group, with a standard deviation of5 years in both groups. Allparticipants are male, and no gender effect be seen. All chronicillnesses have been excluded from the study.The mean body mass index is 22.4, with a standard deviation of about 3.1 kg/m. Hypospermia developed in18% of the exposed group(20% of the total participants), oligospermia (20% overall, only 3% of these in thenon-exposed), and decreased motility in 19% of all participants, but 16 of this 19% where the exposed groupwith significant relative risk results, while morphology not changed inboth groups, also the findings showedthat significant elevation in MDA level and SOD activity. Chemical weapons cansignificantly affect semenfluid analysis and interpretation through quantitativedisturbances in the volume and account of sperm, whilethe percentage of abnormal spermcounts has been increased considerably in peoples exposed to chemicalweapons. However, the morphology of semen fluid sperms has not changed to the same degree, and itsfunctioncannot be estimated. Even when functioning, the genetic errors on future generationsmay needfurther testing.

ВИКОНАННЯ УКРАЇНОЮ МІЖНАРОДНО- ПРАВОВИХ ЗОБОВ’ЯЗАНЬ У СФЕРІ КРИМІНАЛІЗАЦІЇ НЕЗАКОННОГО ПОВОДЖЕННЯ З ВОГНЕПАЛЬНОЮ ЗБРОЄЮ В КОНТЕКСТІ РЕФОРМУВАННЯ КРИМІНАЛЬНОГО ЗАКОНОДАВСТВА

The article analyzes the compliance of the current criminal legislation of Ukraine with the provisions of international regulations in the field of illicit handling of firearms, in particular the Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Components and Ammunition, as amended by the UN Convention against transnational organized crime. Based on the analysis, it is concluded that the current criminal legislation of Ukraine does not fully comply with the provisions of these acts and needs to be amended. In particular, it is pointed out that criminal acts involving illegal handling of smooth-bore hunting weapons, criminalization of illegal handling of the main parts of firearms, etc. are referred to as criminal offenses. It is noted that in terms of its properties and level of public danger, smooth-bore hunting weapons are not inferior to rifles, and the lack of criminal liability for illegal handling of such weapons is a tribute to the times when it was in free circulation.Attention is drawn to the fact that international law requires the criminalization of illicit trafficking in firearms components, but national law provides for criminal liability only for the smuggling of firearms. It is expedient to criminalize the circulation of only the main parts of firearms, as they are necessary for its operation, handling of non-essential parts that are designed to improve the appearance of firearms, their ergonomics, comfort, adaptation to anatomical features of the owner, adaptation to certain tasks. does not pose a significant public danger, and therefore does not require criminalization. It is believed that the objective aspect of the criminal offense under Article 263-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine does not cover the destruction of firearms markings, as required by international law, although such an act is socially dangerous because it does not allow the identification of weapons. It is concluded that in order to bring the national legislation in line with the said protocol, it is necessary to: criminalize the illegal handling of smooth-bore hunting weapons, the main parts of firearms; to envisage as a separate act in Article 263-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine the destruction of the marking of firearms.

МОЖЛИВОСТІ БАГАТОШАРОВИХ ЗАХИСНИХ ПОКРИТТІВ

The article discusses the problem of using multilayer protective coatings for weapons and military equipment in order to provide protection from atmospheric and aggressive environments and mask objects simultaneously. The difference between these coatings from the known paint coatings is that they are capable of performing several functions simultaneously. The practical use of multilayer protective coatings allows you to increase the combat effectiveness of weapons of the Land Forces. Multilayer protective coatings are the most affordable and effective means of protecting weapons and military equipment products formed on the surface of products as a result of the application of liquid paints and their drying. The urgency of work in this area is due to the fact that at present there are no means of enhancing the protection of the application of liquid paints due to the use of protective coatings. Thus, the urgency of solving the problems associated with improving the protection of the application of liquid paints by the use of multi-layer protective coatings is unconditional at this time. Camouflage coloring reduces the visibility of military equipment and weapons due to the merging of individual color spots with the surrounding background and reduces the range of detection and identification of equipment and weapons when reconnoitered by photographing and observing with the naked eye or in electron-optical and optical devices. In addition, camouflage coloring increases the effectiveness of masking equipment with service tools and local materials at hand. The article shows that due to the preventive application of multilayer protective coatings, it is possible to successfully increase protection and camouflage and, consequently, the combat effectiveness of weapons and military equipment. The purpose of this article is to address the issue of the protection of the application of liquid paints through the use of multi-layer protective coatings. Keywords: protective coatings, paint, weapons and military equipment, multilayer protective coatings, liquid paints, camouflage coloring, combat effectiveness of weapons and military equipment.

Intelligent security system detects the hidden objects in the smart grid

&lt;p&gt;Monitoring the general public gathered in large numbers is one of the most challenging tasks faced by the law and order enforcement team. There is swiftly demand to that have inbuilt sensors which can detect the concealed weapon, from a standoff distance the system can locate the weapon with very high accuracy. Objects that are obscure and invisible from human vision can be seen vividly from enhanced artificial vision systems. Image Fusion is a computer vision technique that fuses images from multiple sensors to give accurate information. Image fusion using visual and infrared images has been employed for a safe, non-invasive standoff threat detection system. The fused imagery is further processed for specific identification of weapons. The unique approach to discover concealed weapon based on DWT in conjunction with Meta heuristic algorithm Harmony Search Algorithm and SVM classification is presented. It firstly uses the traditional discrete wavelet transform along with the hybrid Hoteling transform to obtain a fused imagery. Then a heuristic search algorithm is applied to search the best optimal harmony to generate the new principal components of the registered input images which is later classified using the K means support vector machines to build better classifiers for concealed weapon detection. Experimental results demonstrate the hybrid approach which shows the superior performance.&lt;/p&gt;

КРИМІНАЛІСТИЧНІ КРИТЕРІЇ ВИЗНАЧЕННЯ ХОЛОДНОЇ ЗБРОЇ ТА ЇХ ВПЛИВ НА ВИСНОВКИ ЕКСПЕРТА

Мета статті – обґрунтувати необхідність конкретизації основних криміналістичних критеріїв визначення холодної зброї та усунення деяких неточностей у Методиці криміналістичного дослідження холодної зброї та конструктивно схожих із нею виробів (реєстраційний код 4.5.07). У процесі розгляду теми окреслено хиби і суперечності стосовно належності деяких об’єктів до холодної зброї через часткову обґрунтованість роз’яснень, їх недостаню вивченість та незважання на тимчасовий чинник функціонального призначення. Запропоновано з метою усунення наявних невідповідностей теоретичних викладок і практичних результатів дослідження холодної зброї розширити понятійний апарат щодо призначення об’єктів дослідження, зважаючи на тимчасовий чинник функціонального призначення та зміни функціонального призначення; здійснити відповідні коригування в додатках до зазначеної Методики; розробити методичні рекомендації щодо вимірювання елементів конструкції об’єктів дослідження та доопрацювати застосовувані методи їх динамічних випробувань. Достовірність отриманих результатів і висновків забезпечено загальнонауковими і спеціальними методами пізнання, зокрема: системно-структурним з’ясовано сутність досліджуваних категорій і правових явищ, логіко-аргументаційним проаналізовано чинні нормативні положення на предмет їх повноти і узгодження з останніми досягненнями науки; догматичний метод сприяв з’ясуванню понятійно-категоріального апарату дослідження, що засвідчило потребу його розширення з огляду на призначення об’єктів дослідження, зважаючи на тимчасовий чинник функціонального призначення і зміни функціонального призначення, уточнення визначення «ніж метальний», перегляду граничного значення міцності та пружності конструкції клинка короткоклинкових предметів (пристроїв), які підлягають упровадженню за схемою 1 Методики, з урахуванням реальних значень цих показників в аналогах короткоклинкової військової (бойової) зброї промислового виготовлення, що не має дефектів; статистичний дав змогу узагальнити результати, отримані під час опрацювання емпіричного матеріалу; метод моделювання уможливив формулювання висновків і загальних оцінок, а також пропозицій до розроблення рекомендацій щодо вимірювання елементів конструкції об’єктів дослідження, термінологічної урегульованості та узгодженості понятійного апарату.Ключові слова: холодна зброя; загальні поняття; методика; терміни; визначення.

Сучасний стан та тенденції розвитку засобів ідентифікації бойових отруйних речовин в Україні: шляхи гармонізації у відповідності до стандартів ЄС і НАТО. Частина І

Relevance. Nowadays, Ukraine, where armed conflict takes place, has the highest risk of chemical hazard among countries of European region that induces the need for completing medical service and specialforces of Ukrainian Armed Forces with modern chemical-warfare reconnaissance means. Objective: analysis of modern methods for identification of chemical warfare agents and chemical-warfare reconnaissance means that are assured by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in terms of correspondence with current EU and NATO standards. Materials and methods. Analysis of domestic and foreign sources of scientific information in terms of use of chemical warfare agents and chemical weapon in modern warfare and armed conflicts was performed. Traditional methods and means for identification of chemical warfare agents were reviewed. The following methods of scientific study were applied: analytical, historical, bibliographic, systemic and informational approach. Results and discussion. Authors have performed the analysis of technical characteristics of chemical-warfare reconnaissance means and controls used in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and have determined promising trends in retooling of outmoded devices. It has been emphasized that historical problem for Ukraine is the lack of own industrial production basis for technical modernization and development of novel devices for chemical-warfare reconnaissance, chemical analysis and appropriate consumables (indicator kits, indicator tubes, chemical reagents, etc.). Proposals are provided in terms of improvement of the abilities of the medical service for the assurance of medical protection of military servants under conditions of terrorist threats and warfightings, when an enemy uses mass destruction weapons. Authors underline that current technical chemical-warfare reconnaissance and chemical control means that are in the operational service of medical service and Special Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces require refitting and modernization via import phase-out of the current Soviet (Russian) pieces with analogues that are produced and are in the operational service of NATO countries. The specified way will significantly reduce time to retool the military forces and will not require special retraining of professionals. Conclusion. Modern tasks of chemical-warfare reconnaissance require principally new approach to the development of the methods and technologies for creation of the technical means basis in Ukraine that would provide the required sensitivity, efficiency and specificity in terms of identification of chemical warfare agents and chemical weapons. Key words: military toxicology, chemical weapon, identification of chemical warfare agents.

Detection of particles of metals in the shell casing for a partial species identification of weapons with the use of x-ray function-spectral analysis

One of the current in the examination of gunshot injuries is to determine the combustion charge or factors that accompany the shot. At the same time, the question remains about the use of a scapegoat or non-narrative short-barrel weapon. Therefore, by detecting particles of metal balls membrane formed passing through the bore rifle, their visual, stereomikroskopichnoho research and using infrared rays and renthenfluorestsentnoho spectral analysis was possible species of partial identification of said weapons. The archival material of the department of the word-medical criminology of the Kiev city clinic bureau of a forensic medicine was used in the work. The obtained results were processed by standard methods of variation statistics. The study in the thickness of the lower edge of the input gunshot wounds were found strips of metal density yellow color with a high content of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb), which indicates the characteristics of the membrane balls outside covered with red brass (an alloy of copper and zinc). The main metal of bullets of 4 mm caliber, provided for examination, was lead. In the study of the surface of the globe №1, facing the canal weapons found four areas of wiping material shell formed from the action fields rifling firearms is the rifling on the surface membrane of the globe, the bottom of which is parallel to the rolls and grooves alternating with one another . Thus, the detection of metallic strips of yellow density, resulting from passing through the channel rifle, gave reason to identify it as the weapon used in isolation. Elevated levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb) indicates that the outside shell of the balls were coated red brass (an alloy of copper and zinc). So the ball was shell.

PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS ON IDENTIFICATION OF WEAPONS

An introduction of new electronic management tools such as Automatic Data Capture systems (ADC) and Electronic Data Interchange systems (EDI) is needed to upgrade the Polish Armed Forces. ADC systems, presently under implementation in the Polish Armed Forces, require identification of all resources and deliveries received by the army, including pieces of weaponry, in accordance with GS1 global standards and solutions (Global System 1). The identification of weapons along with their attributes and global, international and national brand identifiers in databases, and also through their physical identification, is a result of work and research which has been carried out since 2010, and of over 25 years' experience. The article presents problems with identifying weapons and methods of solving them, relying on the works which have been carried out for the last four years for the army and weapon suppliers.

Installation of animals of the arrival channel of arms for morphological features of the password inclusion of garments for clothing for particular group identification of weapons

Established the features of the distribution of elements on the surface of the entrance gunshot gunshot injuries of leather clothes within kulichikah wiping, obtained by shots fired from short firearms, namely pistols «Fort-17» or «Glock 19» with different types of rifling. Application mapping of the identified elements in element screentransfer fluorescent spectral study enables to establish the topography of the layers identified elements that were part of the bullet and carry out a partial group identification applied to firearms with rifling its bore.

Microbes in forensic medicine: a microbiologist perspective

Microbial forensics is a naïve branch that involves multi-disciplinary approach to detection, tracing and evidencing the bio crime, with a predominant microbiological approach by studying evidence from inadvertent microorganism or its toxins released in bioterrorism act, biocrime, or for attribution purposes using advanced molecular techniques. Methods for identification and attribution of potential microbial weapons is challenging and forensic microbiological investigations involves crime scene investigation, chain of custody practices, evidence collection, handling and preservation, evidence shipping, analysis of evidence, interpretation of results, and court presentation. This field is emerging as a necessary for civil security rather than optional. In 21st century, pathogens are readily accessible, and technology is making their use as a weapon more feasible. As an preventive measures, it is important to strengthen microbial forensic capabilities. The sharing of data collected and validated will greatly improve the practice of microbial forensics. Forensic scientists worldwide should contribute to the field of microbial forensics and enhance its capabilities to aid in bringing perpetrators of these heinous attacks to justice. International and National collaborative approaches can be done by setting up a national and international reference laboratory, transparency of analysis.

The relevance and potential roles of microphysiological systems in biology and medicine.

Microphysiological systems (MPS), consisting of interacting organs-on-chips or tissue-engineered, 3D organ constructs that use human cells, present an opportunity to bring new tools to biology, medicine, pharmacology, physiology, and toxicology. This issue of Experimental Biology and Medicine describes the ongoing development of MPS that can serve as in-vitro models for bone and cartilage, brain, gastrointestinal tract, lung, liver, microvasculature, reproductive tract, skeletal muscle, and skin. Related topics addressed here are the interconnection of organs-on-chips to support physiologically based pharmacokinetics and drug discovery and screening, and the microscale technologies that regulate stem cell differentiation. The initial motivation for creating MPS was to increase the speed, efficiency, and safety of pharmaceutical development and testing, paying particular regard to the fact that neither monolayer monocultures of immortal or primary cell lines nor animal studies can adequately recapitulate the dynamics of drug-organ, drug-drug, and drug-organ-organ interactions in humans. Other applications include studies of the effect of environmental toxins on humans, identification, characterization, and neutralization of chemical and biological weapons, controlled studies of the microbiome and infectious disease that cannot be conducted in humans, controlled differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells into specific adult cellular phenotypes, and studies of the dynamics of metabolism and signaling within and between human organs. The technical challenges are being addressed by many investigators, and in the process, it seems highly likely that significant progress will be made toward providing more physiologically realistic alternatives to monolayer monocultures or whole animal studies. The effectiveness of this effort will be determined in part by how easy the constructs are to use, how well they function, how accurately they recapitulate and report human pharmacology and toxicology, whether they can be generated in large numbers to enable parallel studies, and if their use can be standardized consistent with the practices of regulatory science.

Toward a Test Protocol for Conducted Energy Weapons

Conducted Energy Weapons (CEWs), such as those manufactured by TASER International Inc., are seeing increased use by law enforcement agencies as a less lethal force option; but, at the same time, these weapons are also seeing an increased level of concern in terms of their safety of use. In order to enable consistent evaluation of CEW performance, a systematic protocol for testing the electrical output of such weapons is required. In this paper, we propose a test specification for CEWs, designed to calculate the key performance and electrical safety parameters. The weapon is fired into a specified load, and current or voltage data are acquired, from which a set of electrical parameters are calculated and recorded. The protocol is based on experience of testing 6000 CEWs in the labs affiliated with the authors. This test protocol is designed to enable systematic testing, evaluation and research on CEW’s, including identification of weapons which are out of specification, determination of changes in weapon characteristics over time, and evaluation of weapons post-incident. Based on the proposed test protocol, we evaluate and report on electrical output produced by 208 X26TM and128 M26TM TASER? weapons. Results are shown in terms of proposed summary parameters and in terms of manufacturer’s performance specifications.

Deciphering the elusive nature of sharp bone trauma using epifluorescence macroscopy: a comparison study multiplexing classical imaging approaches

Characterization of sharp-force trauma on human bones can be extremely useful in providing information regarding the nature and context of death. Nevertheless, in the identification of weapons used to cause sharp-force trauma and analysis of bone wounds, challenging tasks still remain. Current analysis attempting to dissect bone wound characteristics varied quite a lot and mixed different criteria, thus leading sometimes to conflicting results. In this context, the aim of our study is to clarify qualitative aspects of cut marks induced by sharp weapons on human bones. For that purpose, we analyzed bone samples via an original approach based on bone autofluorescence with an epifluorescence macroscope and compared it to previous existing methods. In this study, we used bone sections from human clavicles on which three different kinds of lesions were manually implemented, using different weapons. The bone wounds were analyzed by three different methodologies, light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and micro-computed tomography, and were compared with epifluorescence macroscopy. We paid attention more significantly to the aspect of walls and floor of the kerf, so as to conclude on the nature and distinguish between weapons used. Among all technologies used in this study, the most precise and efficient methods were epifluorescence macroscopy and SEM. Nonetheless, epifluorescence macroscopy is faster, cheaper, and more accessible than SEM. More significantly, this technique, which has the potential to accurately document the nature of the damage, is nondestructive, and could thus be highly useful in forensic science as anthropology.