bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Upregulation of IL-1 Receptor Antagonist by Aspirin in Glial Cells via Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-Alpha
Authors: Chakrabarti Sudipta , Prorok Tim , Roy Avik , Patel Dhruv , Dasarathi Sridevi , Pahan Kalipada
Published: August 2021

Background:

Neuroinflammation is a recognized aspect of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other neurological illnesses. Interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) is an anti-inflammatory molecule, which inhibits inflammatory molecules in different cells including brain cells. However, mechanisms for upregulating IL-1Ra in brain cells are poorly understood.

Objective:

Since aspirin is a widely available pain reliever that shows promise beyond its known pain-relieving capacity, we examined whether aspirin could upregulate the IL-1Ra in the brain.

Methods:

We employed PCR, real-time PCR, western blot, immunostaining, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and lentiviral transduction in glial cells. 5xFAD mice, an animal model of AD, were treated with aspirin orally via gavage.

Results:

Aspirin increased the expression of IL-1Ra mRNA and protein in primary mouse astrocytes and mouse BV-2 microglial cells. While investigating the mechanism, we found that the IL-1Ra gene promoter harbors peroxisome proliferator response element (PPRE) and that aspirin upregulated IL-1Ra in astrocytes isolated from peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-beta knockout (PPARβ–/–), but not PPARα–/–, mice. Moreover, we observed that aspirin bound to tyrosine 314 residue of PPARα to stimulate IL-1Ra and that aspirin treatment also increased the recruitment of PPARα to the IL-1Ra promoter. Accordingly, aspirin increased IL-1Ra in vivo in the brain of wild type and PPARβ–/–, but not in PPARα–/– mice. Similarly, aspirin treatment also increased astroglial and microglial IL-1Ra in the cortex of 5xFAD, but not 5xFAD/PPARα–/– mice.

Conclusion:

Aspirin may reduce the severity of different neurological conditions by upregulating IL-1Ra and reducing the inflammation.
Polynomial-time Classification of Skew-symmetrizable Matrices with a Positive Definite Quasi-Cartan Companion
Authors: Pérez Claudia , Rivera Daniel
Published: August 2021

Skew-symmetrizable matrices play an essential role in the classification of cluster algebras. We prove that the problem of assigning a positive definite quasi-Cartan companion to a skew-symmetrizable matrix is in polynomial class P. We also present an algorithm to determine the finite type Δ ∈ {𝔸 n; 𝔻 n; 𝔹 n; ℂ n; 𝔼6; 𝔼7; 𝔼8; 𝔽4; 𝔾2} of a cluster algebra associated to the mutation-equivalence class of a connected skew-symmetrizable matrix B, if it has one.
A Unified Method to Decentralized State Detection and Fault Diagnosis/prediction of Discrete-event Systems
Authors: Zhang Kuize
Published: August 2021

The state detection problem and fault diagnosis/prediction problem are fundamental topics in many areas. In this paper, we consider discrete-event systems (DESs) modeled by finite-state automata (FSAs). There exist plenty of results on decentralized versions of the latter problem but there is almost no result for a decentralized version of the former problem. In this paper, we propose a decentralized version of strong detectability called co-detectability which means that if a system satisfies this property, for each generated infinite-length event sequence, in at least one location the current and subsequent states can be determined by observations in the location after a common observation time delay. We prove that the problem of verifying co-detectability of deterministic FSAs is coNP-hard. Moreover, we use a unified concurrent-composition method to give PSPACE verification algorithms for co-detectability, co-diagnosability, and co-predictability of FSAs, without any assumption on or modification of the FSAs under consideration, where co-diagnosability is first studied by [Debouk & Lafortune & Teneketzis 2000], co-predictability is first studied by [Kumar & Takai 2010]. By our proposed unified method, one can see that in order to verify co-detectability, more technical difficulties will be met compared with verifying the other two properties, because in co-detectability, generated outputs are counted, but in the latter two properties, only occurrences of events are counted. For example, when one output was generated, any number of unobservable events could have occurred. PSPACE-hardness of verifying co-diagnosability is already known in the literature. In this paper, we prove PSPACE-hardness of verifying co-predictability.
Long-Term Hydromethylthionine Treatment Is Associated with Delayed Clinical Onset and Slowing of Cerebral Atrophy in a Pre-Symptomatic P301S MAPT Mutation Carrier
Authors: Bentham Peter , Staff Roger T. , Schelter Bjoern O. , Shiells Helen , Harrington Charles R. , Wischik Claude M.
Published: August 2021

One of the mutations in the microtubule-associated protein tau, P301S, is causative for dominantly inherited frontotemporal dementia characterized by extensive tau pathology for which no licensed treatment is available. Hydromethylthionine is a potent tau aggregation inhibitor. We report treatment of an asymptomatic carrier of the P301S mutation using hydromethylthionine over a 5-year period beginning at the mean age of onset of clinical decline in the family. During the period of treatment, the rates of progression of cerebral atrophy were reduced by 61%–66% in frontal and temporal lobes, and the patient remained clinically asymptomatic.
Subdural Hematoma as a Serious Complication of Huntington’s Disease: An Observational Study
Authors: Davis Marie , Wheelock Vicki , Talman Lauren , Latimer Caitlin , Vicars Brenda , Lin Anny , Jayadev Suman , Bird Thomas
Published: August 2021

Background:

Persons with Huntington’s disease (HD) are at increased risk for subdural hematomas (SDH) because of underlying brain atrophy and increased frequency of falls and head trauma. SDH can cause serious disability, but there is little information about the association of SDH with HD in the medical literature.

Objective:

To review the occurrence and characteristics of SDH seen in clinics specializing in HD.

Methods:

A retrospective review identifying the occurrence and manifestations of SDH in HD patients attending three HDSA Centers of Excellence.

Results:

Twenty-five HD patients (16F/9M) were identified with SDH. Twelve (44%) SDH were bilateral, 16 (60%) required surgical intervention, and 2 resulted in death. Mean age at the time of SDH was 60 years, mean duration of HD symptoms prior to event was 8 years, mean CAG repeat expansion size was 43 and mean UHDRS motor score obtained closest to time of SDH was 51 (16 patients). Most SDH occurred in the context of ground level falls or using stairs although 5 patients had no history of head trauma. Additional brain injury may occur along with the SDH. The most common symptoms were altered mental status, hemiparesis and loss of consciousness. The over-representation of females in this study requires replication and further investigation.

Conclusion:

Patients with HD are at increased risk for SDH. An increased suspicion for SDH in HD patients should be considered, as this phenomenon may be initially unrecognized, may require extensive utilization of medical resources and is a potential cause of death.
Forecasting serve performance in professional tennis matches
Authors: Gollub Jacob
Published: August 2021

Many research papers on tennis match prediction use a hierarchical Markov Model. To predict match outcomes, this model requires input parameters for each player’s serving ability. While these parameters are often computed directly from each player’s historical percentages of points won on serve and return, doing so fails to address bias due to limited sample size and differences in strength of schedule. In this paper, we explore a handful of novel approaches to forecasting serve performance that specifically address these limitations. By applying an Efron-Morris estimator, we provide a means to robustly forecast outcomes when players have limited match data over the past year. Next, through tracking expected serve and return performance in past matches, we account for strength of schedule across all points in a player’s match history. Finally, we demonstrate a new way to synthesize historical serve data with the predictive power of Elo ratings. When forecasting serve performance across 7,622 ATP tour-level matches from 2014-2016, all three of these proposed methods outperformed Barnett and Clarke’s standard approach.
CURRENT PROBLEMS OF FORENSIC INNOVATIONS RESEARCH: CONCEPT, ATTRIBUTES AND SIGNIFICANT FEATURES
Authors: Shevchyuk V.
Published: August 2021

The article is devoted to relevant problems of the reaserch on forensic innovations concept, its significant features, attributes, theoretical problems of development and their implementation into law enforcement activity. The analysis of scientific approaches to forensic innovations understanding is carried out, its definition is offered, significant features and attributes are singled out, its relation to the concept of innovative forensic product is analyzed. The main features of forensic innovations are considered: innovativeness (novelty), objectivism, subjectivism, purposefulness, demand, practical applicability, efficiency. It is substantiated that innovation should be understood as developed, implemented and applied in practice the latest technical-, tactical-, methodicalforensic means that are the result of research or development activities, embodied in the form of a new product (production), technology, service, solutions, used by special qualified entities in practice and aimed at effectively solving forensic tasks and ensuring optimization, improving the quality and effectiveness of law enforcement practice.

It’s noted that in modern realities an important course for improving the conceptual apparatus of forensic innovation is the clarification and unification of terms. The main categories of the studied theory are the concepts of “innovative forensic product” and “forensic innovation”. The analysis of the essence of these concepts gives grounds to assert that the innovative forensic product and forensic innovation are separate types of means of forensic innovation. The methodological basis for the development and implementation of forensic innovations into law enforcement are activity-based, system-structural and technological approaches, the use of which is promising for the formation of a separate forensic theory − forensic innovation. It’s substantiated that the complex approach in the development and formation of forensic innovation basic concepts is a methodological foundation for further research on this issue. It’s noted that in current realities criminalistics and each of its sections face important problems intending to study and take into consideration modern innovative achievements of science and technology, which can be effectively used while combating crime and successfully ensure urgent needs with forensic innovations in practice. New scientific approaches and proposals for solving the researched discussion problems are justified, perspective directions of research in this field of knowledge are defined.
RESEARCH ON MODERN FORENSIC METHODS OF DETECTION, RECORD, SEIZURE OF SHOEPRINTS AND THEIR FURTHER ACCOUNTING FOR CRIME DETECTION
Authors: Pertsev R.
Published: August 2021

Shoe prints that have been traced by crime scene investigators at the crime scene can provide information relating to a criminal or a group of criminals that have committed it, and serve as evidence while pre-trial investigation. Furthermore, shoe prints provide information on the possible participation of the same person in different types of crimes (to integrate crimes).

At present, the number of crimes related to stealing civilian properties, including robbery, has significantly increased as a result of economic crisis in many countries around the world.

As the studies and the practical experience while investigating crime scenes by police in many countries show, footwear evidence as much as physical evidence have not been given due attention.

In order to improve the quality of crime scene examination when seizing traces of shoes, the quality of removed traces of shoes, and, as a consequence, increase the efficiency of crime detection using traces of shoes, there is a necessity in:

Introduction of modern forensic tools and methods for detecting, seizing traces of shoes, and further comparative research.

Establishment of the Unified National Automated System at the legislative level for accounting and identification of shoeprints seized from unsolved crime sites.

Creating professional forums to share experiences with leading international forensic experts.

Establishing the terms for traces and shoeprints storage and use registered (for example, not more than two years from the date of registration) at the legislative level.

In addition, implementation and development of automatic database systems with the ability to conduct identification between shoeprints evidence seized from different crime scenes can provide the investigator with significant information on the possible involvement of the same person in commission of different crimes (to combine crimes), conduct so-called forensic intelligence.

A shoeprint as a single piece of evidence may not be weighty enough but combined with additional evidence it is vital for detecting and investigating a crime.

In conclusion, it should be noted that this area has great prospects for development and, undoubtedly, should be addressed by forensic experts in this field.
INFORMATION SUPPORT OF FORENSIC EXPERT ACTIVITY
Authors: Pyrih I.
Published: August 2021

Based on the analysis of scientists’ opinions, it was agreed to consider information support in a broad and narrow sense. In broad terms, it is possible to take into account supporting of all types of forensic units activities (managerial, organizational, scientific and methodological, etc.) with necessary information, including their main type of activity – the collection and investigation of forensic objects during investigation. In a narrow sense, information support is considered as a process of information systematization, accumulation and processing, which is the basis for the development of criminal records.

 

The problems of information support of forensic activity are investigated, which is a system of actions aimed at obtaining information when analyzing the situation at the scene, examination of objects and traces seized during other investigative (search) actions; accumulation, systematization of the information received and its placing in criminal records; use of information for forensic examination. The problematic issues that arise in the activities of investigators, investigators and forensic experts at each stage of obtaining information and its use while forensic records development and in the preparation and conduct of forensic examinations are considered.

The main problems that exist in the practice of pre-trial investigation bodies are highlighted. When collecting forensic information in the practice of investigating criminal proceedings, problems arise while reducing the quantity and quality of physical evidence seized during inspection of crime scenes, due to insufficient training of forensic investigators and logistics support of investigation units. Another problem is insufficient interaction of forensic experts from state expert institutions with police investigators, which manifests itself in inconsistency of the subject under study, improper design of materials offered for examination, insufficient number of samples for forensic identification. Problematic issues of forensic registration is the automation of existing types of forensic records and the introduction of the new, based on the registration of a person biometric parameters.
THE PLACE OF ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL NORMS IN THE LEGAL REGULATION OF FORENSIC INSTITUTIONS STAFFING
Authors: Hasparian S.
Published: August 2021

The article emphasizes that the administrative and legal aspect of forensic activities regulation is intended to ensure improvement of the entire system of forensic science and the redistribution of powers between individual bodies operating in this area. That is why the effectiveness of forensic examination depends on the correct selection and placement of personnel. The purpose of the article is to highlight the results of a general comprehensive analysis of the phenomenon under study, to develop common approaches for its further improvement and to determine the place of administrative and legal norms in the legal regulation of forensic institutions staffing.

Legal regulation of forensic institutions staffing is carried out in accordance with the rules of international and European law, the Constitution of Ukraine, codes of Ukraine, laws and bylaws of regulatory legal acts. It is noted that state specialized institutions and forensic services play the key role in the process of conducting forensic examinations, which are entrusted with the implementation of forensic activities by law, the leading place in this activity is occupied by a forensic expert.

The characteristic of the legal norms that determine the requirements for a person who may be a forensic expert, and those norms that deprive them of such an opportunity, describe the rights and responsibilities of a forensic expert, are given. The ways of training forensic experts and normative legal acts regulating this process are revealed. The legal regulation of forensic experts training in the system of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine and the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine for the creation of appropriate staff of top qualified professionals is analyzed. Particular attention is paid to the legal regulation of training and internships of persons who intend to obtain or confirm the qualification of a forensic expert, as well as the peculiarities of legal regulation of forensic experts’ certification are summarized.

The effect of regulatory legal acts that establish the general procedure for financial support of forensic institutions employees and regulate their social welfare is considered. It is established that the analyzed regulatory legal acts, which comprehensively regulate staffing in Ukrainian forensic institutions, can be divided according to the scope of action into general and special.
PROCEDURAL STATUS OF A SPECIALIST IN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS WHILE TRAFFIC COLLISION INVESTIGATION
Authors: Varlahov V.
Published: August 2021

The task of law enforcement agencies while criminal offenses investigation related to violation of road safety or vehicles operation rules, that is provided for by Art. 286 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, a complete and objective establishment of the circumstances and mechanism of a traffic collision, the collection of sufficient evidence and determination of participants’ guilt in the accident. The appropriate use of special knowledge, the latest scientific and technical means and methods for collecting, investigating and evaluating evidence largely contributes to pre-trial investigation of this criminal proceedings category. The article purpose is: 1) to consider issues relating to the procedural provisions and powers of a specialist in criminal proceedings while conducting an investigatory experimentation on traffic collision investigation; 2) define a specialist functions and tasks on using special knowledge during an investigatory experimentation; 3) analyze the aspects of interaction organization between pre-trial investigation bodies and a specialist qualified in automotive engineering during an investigatory experimentation of traffic collision circumstances. The study has shown that the use of special knowledge while traffic collision investigation helps to establish the circumstances and mechanism of the accident at the modern scientific and technical level with the involvement of qualified knowledgeable persons – specialists. The requirements for special knowledge that are used to perform the tasks of criminal proceedings are legality, scientific nature, efficiency, reliability. The main goal of attracting a knowledgeable person is to facilitate the implementation of criminal proceedings tasks. Attracting specialists to participate in the investigatory experimentation while pre-trial investigation of criminal offenses provided for by Art. 286 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine has a positive impact on the investigatory experimentation itself and the quality of the pre-trial investigation.
CURRENT METHODS OF SIGNATURES’ TECHNICAL FORGING WITH THE USE OF TECHNICAL MEANS
Authors: Kutskir H.
Published: August 2021

Taking into account a significant scientific and technological progress, use of modern monochrome or multicolor photocopiers in the office administration, and the increase in this regard in the number of signatures received for examination by forensic expert units, relevance for continuing to study signatures as one of the essential requisites of many types of documents and methods of their technical forgery becomes obvious.

The purpose of the article is to highlight certain issues of current methods of signatures technical forgery.

Research methods: general (formal-logical methods of cognition: analysis, synthesis, generalization, analogy), general scientific (observation, measurement, description, comparison), special (visual, microscopic, photographic).

Since the fact of handwritten signature execution possesses legal value, it often becomes the object of forgery. For this purpose, a variety of techniques is used. Criminals often resort to the so-called technical forgery of signatures on documents (performing signatures on behalf of another person using various techniques and technical means which helps to achieve the greatest similarity with the original) along with the usual graphic forgery. The essence of signatures technical forgery usually lies in mechanical copying, instead of imitating features of writing-motor skills and the signature-original. By such a signature, you can not measure the level of writing-motor skills of the performer.

Each of the methods of signature technical forgery leaves in the signature the signs inherent only to this method. Studying such methods and their features collectively will allow to diagnose the fact of handwritten or technical execution of a signature with a sufficiently high degree of probability.
FEATURES OF THE FORMATION AND DISPLAY OF TEMPORARY FEATURES IN THE IMPRESSIONS OF SEALS AND STAMPS CLICHÉS
Authors: Zubova N. , Loshmanova H. , Somov V.
Published: August 2021

Seals and stamps, as well as their impressions, have been the objects of forensic identification for many decades, and although there are legal grounds for refusing to use seals by economic entities at present, documents are still certified with seal impressions. Recently, a great number of documents have been received for examination to address the issues as to the time period for document production. The forensic task on establishing the time period for document production is relevant.
Only in the 80-s of the last century research regarding the possibilities of determining the time period for document production by impressions made by seals (stamps) clichés, produced with the help of vulcanizing rubber using movable types or typewriter composition was initiated. Over the past forty years, cliché manufacturing processes and the materials used in this process have significantly changed. At present, clichés produced with the use of new technologies are widespread, namely: laser engraving of rubber made by using photopolymer technology or flash technology. Changes in the technology of making clichés, production of new materials have led to the emergence of features that are formed in the cliché while its using. These features are displayed in the impressions of seals and stamps clichés. The article outlines the characteristic features of seals (stamps )clichés, considers the conditions for the occurrence of features in the process of their use, shows the evolution of their change, outlines the time periods for the existence of features, defines the criteria for attributing features to identically significant temporal features of the cliché. The mentioned temporal features appearing in the cliché of seals and stamps in general (taking into account handles) and in impressions over a certain period of time, allows to determine the time period of applying the impression on a document. In this case, free samples of impressions that have been made over the time period of examination and meet certain requirements should be provided for comparative analysis.
For the categorical conclusion that the impression of a seal (stamp) was made in a specific period of time, it is needed to establish a set of persistent individual features that appeared in the studied impression and its copy over a certain period of time.
INVESTIGATION OF EXTERNAL (VISUAL) SIGNS OF FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS DETECTED AT THE SCENE OF FIRE
Authors: Matiuk A. , Ryabinin I. , Huseinov R. , Shebalkov I.
Published: August 2021

The article purpose is to systematize the external (visual) signs of the use of flammable and combustible liquids as a combustion intensifier at the scene of fire and the methodology of the analysis of these signs to provide reasonable, reliable conclusions when conducting forensic examination in the forensic specialty 10.8. Research on the circumstances of fire occurrence and spread and compliance with fire safety requirements.

A particular relevance of using a set of special knowledge while investiga- tion of crimes related to fires is explained by the fact that almost only conclu- sions of forensic examinations make it possible to establish the very fact of the commission of such a crime as arson. The analysis of forensic practice showed that a significant part of crimes related to fires occurs when flammable and com- bustible liquids are used. At the same time, a reliable establishment of the fact of flammable liquids and combustible liquids use as intensifiers (initiators and ac- celerators) of burning is a crucial, key factor that must be defined for the inves- tigation completeness. The fact of determining unpredicted release of flammable and combustible liquids in the area of fire is a direct indication of committing a crime, yet this sign is quite often the only proof of the criminal nature of fire. However, the establishment of the fact of the use of flammable and combusti- ble liquids usually occurs during the analysis of quite specific visible signs left at the fire scene. In the suggested paper, the authors systematized the external (visual) signs of the use of flammable and combustible liquids as an intensifier of combustion at the fire scene and a methodology for the analysis of all these signs to provide reasonable and reliable conclusions when conducting forensic examinations in the forensic specialty 10.8 Research on the circumstances of fire occurrence and spread and compliance with fire safety requirements.
EXAMINATION ON DETERMINING THE QUALITY OF FINISHING WORKS PERFORMED
Authors: Matsak N. , Kirilenko S. , Posashkov О.
Published: August 2021

This article considers the issues of forensic structural engineering examination to determine the quality of finishing works. The procedure for carrying out these works has been characterized, attention has been paid to building regulations and rules regarding the execution and acceptance of works on finishing coatings. The mandatory requirements for their quality are given and described.
The process of forensic structural engineering conduct has been determined and the main problems and issues that arise while establishing the quality of work performed has been outlined. The main technical characteristics of the construction work on the implementation of the finishing coating, their characteristics are provided. A list of needed documents that are properly executed when ordering the execution of a finishing coating is discussed.
Since in practice while conducting forensic structural engineering to determine the quality of finishing works, as well as during surveys, difficulties arise in their production. After all, quality control in construction includes obtaining factual data and comparing them with the established characteristics.
The problem of checking the work performed is also considered. Attention is paid to the problem of conducting surveys on such works in order to correctly diagnose and identify technical characteristics of the works being carried out.
The principles of conformity assessment are presented, for instance, the functional approach includes such processes as: selection, determination, review and type approval.
The main approaches while examining conducted works are revealed. The description of peculiarities when accepting finishing works, as well as mistakes made by builders in performing such works are considered.
THE SUBJECT OF TACTICAL DECISION IN CRIMINALISTICS
Authors: Bululukov O.
Published: August 2021

Questions under discussion as to the presence of decisions subject (in particular, of tactical decisions in criminalistics) are considered. An opinion was expressed regarding the subject of tactical decisions in criminalistics. Attention is drawn to the fact that study of the subject of a tactical decision is conditioned by the need to determine its place in the structure of a decision. The appropriate choice of the subject of a tactical decision contributes to the effectiveness of tactical influence and is important for achieving the goal of decision.

The Article purpose is to substantiate the presence of subject in a tactical decision and to define it as forms of specific forensic tools and techniques used while crimes investigation.

Research methods: formal logical methods of cognition (analysis, synthesis, generalization, analogy).

To accomplish the task at hand, the etymology of the term “subject” is considered. Publications of the ancient philosopher Aristotle were the basis of motivation on the presence of the subject in a tactical decision. According to the scientist, “means to achieve the goal” are the subject of a decision. For a detailed study of this issue, some aspects of decision theory are outlined. Emphasis in the study was placed on the fact that in the structure of a decision there is always a goal, for the sake of which decision is taken, and means that contribute to the achievement of this goal. These elements manifest themselves differently in a decision. The goal (as a certain intellectual factor) manifests itself in a decision in the form of what someone “wants to achieve” and that directs actions of a decision-maker. The goal and its achievement are in direct proportion to means chosen to achieve the goal. The mentioned means are “materialized” elements of a decision, which allows them to be attributed to the subject of a decision. The following arguments are outlined in favor of means for achieving the goal of decision as its subject: a) thoughts of a decision-maker are directed at determining the type and quality of means for achieving goal; b) the expression of the will of a person making the decision is aimed at determining the optimal option for the use of certain means; c) implementation of a decision is an action on the application of certain means.

To validate his findings, the author analyzed the definitions of a tactical decision available in the scientific literature and isolated the means of achieving the decision goal from their content. In the article conclusion, forensic tools and techniques are listed, which may be the subject of a tactical decision.
PROBLEMATIC ASPECTS OF SHOEPRINTS SEIZURE FROM THE CRIME SCENE (Review Article)
Authors: Necheporenko O.
Published: August 2021

The author of the article analyzes existing methods of seizing three-dimensional and latent (two-dimensional) shoeprints, described in the forensic scientific literature, which are used in Ukraine and abroad. Attention is drawn to the fact that methods of seizing traces that have been used for a long time are a subject to minor changes, despite the development of scientific and technological progress. The author names a reason for such a phenomenon: the lack of exchange in experience with countries that use modern tools and techniques for forensic analysis, one of which is a crime scene fingerprint film lift pad. The crime scene fingerprint lift pad is most often used when seizing latent (two-dimensional) shoe prints during inspection of a crime scene. However, attention is drawn to the problem of further suitability of seized traces for carrying out forensic examination as well as to peculiarities of storing seized materials.

According to the author, trace damage is associated with two groups of factors: removal of a trace with violation of a technique and removal of a trace by means of poor-quality material. The author describes several types of crime scene fingerprint lift pad which is used to seize evidence of trace evidence nature.

The author notes that along with the development of technology, trace evidence methods should be advanced as well. There is an urgent need to analyze the market of imported fingerprints, its efficiency, specificity of forensic situations, weather conditions, etc. There is also a need to share experiences in the use of such materials by forensic expert subdivisions. The question as to improving domestic production of fingerprint products, increasing the cost for purchasing high-quality materials also arises. Such an approach will fix the situation with quality of a crime scene processing and collection of evidence which will have a positive impact on detection of crimes and identification of perpetrators. The author emphasizes the relevance of this study and need for new theoretical and practical developments.
THE SYSTEM OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES INTERACTING WITH FORENSIC SCIENCE INSTITUTES
Authors: Naumenko S.
Published: August 2021

The article outlines the content and features of the system of law enforcement agencies interacting with forensic science institutes. The concept of law enforcement agencies and their system are studied. The characteristics of the general category of interaction of law enforcement agencies with forensic science institutes have been determined. Signs of interaction of forensic science institutes with law enforcement agencies have been established. It is also found that today problems of cooperation of law enforcement agencies with forensic scientists require detailed study and identification of gaps in legal and regulatory frameworks, determination of ways for their elimination. It should be emphasized that signs of cooperation of forensic science institutions with law enforcement agencies may include the following: joint activity of the indicated legal entities regulated by administrative regulations and other fields of law; agreed on goals, tasks, place, time, means and methods of activity; aimed at achieving common goals and results; the content of interaction is determined by set tasks and results, it is aimed at fulfilling them; parties bear responsibility for nonperformance or improper execution of interaction tasks. Cooperation of forensic science institutes with law enforcement authorities called to provide skilled, rapid and objective execution of criminal proceedings tasks as well as application of special knowledge in other areas of law-enforcement activity.
RELEVANCE AND RELIABILITY OF AN EXPERT CONCLUSION AS A CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING FORENSIC EXAMINATION
Authors: Puchko D.
Published: August 2021

Based on the analysis of special literature, regulations and forensic expert practice, the article considers the main provisions related to formation of criteria for evaluating a forensic expert report as a source of evidence in terms of their relevance and admissibility.

Arguments are provided regarding the fact that if objects investigated by a forensic expert or solved tasks do not relate to materials of criminal proceedings, then, accordingly, a forensic expert report should be recognized as an irrelevant source of evidence.

When assessing admissibility of a forensic expert report, it is crucial to establish whether a forensic examination was appointed and conducted in accordance with the procedural order. Such an evaluation criterion is supported by regulations of Article Four of the Fundamental Law of Ukraine: “On Forensic Science”, according to which independence of a forensic expert and validity of his findings are ensured by the procedure for appointing a forensic expert determined by law.

It is argued that calling on a forensic expert as a witness for the purpose of clarifying and supplementing his report may lead to his withdrawal from the criminal process by means of recusal. An expert who has conducted forensic examination, interrogated as a witness, will not be able to participate in this criminal proceeding as a forensic expert in the future. If a forensic expert interrogated as a witness will carry out, for example, an additional forensic examination in this criminal proceeding in the future, then it may be recognized as inadmissible evidence, since it was conducted by a witness in this criminal proceeding, which is prohibited by law. That is, based on the regulations of the current criminal procedural legislation of Ukraine, a forensic expert can provide clarifications on the issues of forensic examination carried out by him in criminal proceedings only as a forensic expert and not as a witness.
PROSPECTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF MEDIATION IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS OF UKRAINE AND ITS INFLUENCE ON FORENSIC ACTIVITY
Authors: Davydenko D.
Published: August 2021

The article considers the main directions for the development of mediation procedure in Ukraine in accordance with the current legislation and its development prospects in administrative law. The current state of mediation in Ukraine and the experience of previous implementation of this procedure were outlined. Scientific papers of domestic scientists were studied, independent ways of mediation development as a category of legal relations were identified. Currently, the status of a mediator is determined, including the Draft Law: “On mediation” and its basic provisions are considered. Disputed aspects of the current legislation, namely problems of introduction of mediation and possible ways for improving the Draft Law of Ukraine: “On mediation” were analyzed. The list of problems for introducing mediation into administrative law were defined, which is suggested to be divided into three groups: general, administratively oriented, technical. Common problems are conditioned by conceptual problems of mediation introduction, administratively oriented: provide impossibility of the development of alternative ways for solving disputes in administrative law, and technical: gaps in legislation concerning procedural aspects of carrying out mediation. Recommendations are also given on ways to overcome these problems, which will facilitate a gradual transition to mediation as an alternative way of settling disputes. As the main recommendation phased implementation of the Law of Ukraine: “On mediation” is suggested. Transition to each stage involves reducing court involvement in mediation procedures and further allocating it in independent system of alternative dispute resolution. Foreign experience of mediation was considered which is taken into account in the current practice of disputes peaceful settlement and confirms the need to implement the proposed recommendations.
PRINCIPLES OF ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL REGULATION OF FORENSIC ACTIVITY IN CASES OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENSES RELATED TO TRAFFIC COLLISIONS
Authors: Kazarov A.
Published: August 2021

The issues related to the principles of administrative and legal regulation of forensic activity in cases of administrative offenses related to traffic collisions are considered. Attention is focused on division of the principles of forensic activity into general and special ones. The general and special principles of administrative and legal regulation of forensic activity in cases of administrative offenses related to traffic collisions are defined. Currently, the number of traffic collisions in Ukraine is growing at a high pace resulting in increase in the number of trials on administrative offenses related to traffic collisions and, as a result, the number of road-accident analyses in cases of administrative offenses is increasing. Many scientists considered issues related to the principles of administrative and legal principles of administrative and legal regulation of forensic activity in cases of administrative offenses related to traffic collisions. In connection with the above, the issue of principles of administrative and legal regulation of forensic activity in cases of administrative offenses related to traffic accidents has become more topical. Research results have shown that special principles are closely linked to general principles. It was also established that general principles of administrative law which are applied in the field of administrative and legal regulation of forensic activity in cases of administrative offenses related to traffic collisions, are the principles of the rule of law, legality, independence; objectivity; research integrity, responsibility, independence. Accordingly, special principles are also independence, objectivity and integrity of research, the principle of integrated study of materials on cases of administrative offenses, the principle of narrow specialization. While conducting research, it also have been established that special principles are closely linked to general principles.
METHODOLOGICAL FEATURES OF RESEARCH ON A DOMESTIC DOG INTERMEDIATE HAIR
Authors: Kaniuka O.
Published: August 2021

Currently, offenses against animals, in particular, dogs are often committed. Many scientists developed theory and methodology to study animal hair. However, today there remained certain difficulties in establishing genus assignment and species of hair. It is noted that animal hair that belong to related genera is the most difficult to differentiate.

The Article purpose is to establish diagnostic features of an intermediate type of hair of an animal in order to trace its origin from a domestic dog.

Micro-objects similar to hair have been received for study. Objects were examined macroscopically and microscopically. The length was measured with a metal ruler, thickness was determined using an ocular screw micrometer MOV 1-16x on the “MIKMED-2-20” microscope with a binocular body. A cuticle imprint was obtained on the “BF-6” glue; thermochemical treatment (alkaline hydrolysis) was carried out in a 20% sodium hydroxide solution.

The established morphological structure of the objects under study confirms the fact that intermediate hair is somewhere in the middle between down and guard hairs with a different number of features specific to mentioned categories. Objects have features attributed to animal hair of the Canidae family: complex cuticle pattern, medulla begins at some distance from the root end, medulla thickness and the shape of medulla cells. Thus, one feature that is characteristic of guard hairs, namely a complex cuticle pattern in the form of various cones can give a forensic expert a reason to state that objects under study can originate from a domestic dog.

It can be concluded that in order to establish taxonomic identity of an intermediate hair in a domestic dog, it is necessary: 1) to determine features of guard hairs and signs of down hair in an object under study; 2) to identify and evaluate signs of guard hair (in this case, a specific cuticle pattern, medulla thickness) 3) to compare the information obtained while research with literature data and make a positive or negative conclusion.
PROBLEMS OF CONCENTRATION DETERMINATION OF INORGANIC ACIDS IN A MIXTURE WHILE RESEARCH ON EXAMINING OBJECTS
Authors: Korotkov I.
Published: August 2021

Inorganic acids are offered for forensic examination of materials, substances and products mainly in the form of individual aqueous mixtures, however, some of the objects are mixtures containing strong and weak acids or two strong acids, which complicates the process of determining the concentration of each component. For that reason creation of an accurate, correct, reproducible, rapid and simple methodology for determining mass fraction, in particular of sulfuric and hydrochloric acids, is also an important step in a reliable forensic assessment of study results.

To establish applicability of the methods of gravimetric analysis and interpretation of its result for forensic examination, research was carried out on a model three component mixture containing 10 % hydrochloric and 40 % sulfuric acid in an aqueous solution. Determination of sulfuric acid was implemented by means of gravimetric analysis: deposition of SO42-ions by Ba2+ ions with further calculation of acid mass fraction which is 39,05 ± 0,99% that is within the limits of an admissible error (Δхmax ≤ 3σ). The hydrochloric acid was determined by the Volhard method, according to the results of which the mass fraction of acid was 9,56 ± 0,45%, which is within permissible error limits (Δхmax ≤ 3σ).

Taking into account availability of equipment, simplicity, technological effectiveness, the suggested method for analyzing objects offered for research is an effective method for forensic monitoring of inorganic acids content which are the subject to control measures.
SOME ISSUES ON FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF VICTIMS ENDURING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (Review Article)
Authors: Savchenko I. , Babych S. , Uscila R.
Published: August 2021

The main aspects of forensic psychological examination of a victim while criminal proceedings listed in the Unified Register of pre-trial investigations according to criminal offense elements provided for by Article 126-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine are considered. Attention is paid to legal and theoretical-methodological grounds for the appointment and conduct of this subject type of forensic psychological examination. The relationship between the concepts of “violence”, “aggression” and “coercion” is defined, content and main forms of violence are revealed. An attempt is made to summarize empirical evidence results of this type of forensic examinations. The study on women (victims of domestic violence) psychology is emphasized. The necessity in developing methodical recommendations as to forensic psychological examination of victims in the course of domestic violence investigations is proved.
Natural Area Weeds: A Property Owner's Guide to Melaleuca Control
Authors: Langeland Kenneth A. , Meisenburg M. J.
Published: August 2021

This publication is one of a series with the purpose of providing information to empower citizens of Florida to protect Florida's natural areas from melaleuca and other invasive plant species. This document is SS-AGR-96, one of a series of the Agronomy Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date October 2005.

SS-AGR-96/AG241: Natural Area Weeds: A Property Owner's Guide to Melaleuca Control (ufl.edu)
Professional Applicator's Guide to Herbicides for Melaleuca Control
Authors: Langeland Kenneth A. , Meisenburg Michael J.
Published: August 2021

Herbicides are used for integrated management of melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia) trees to kill existing trees. Products with the herbicide active ingredients glyphosate, imazapyr, triclopyr, and hexazinone are used depending on the application method and other factors, including presence of non-target vegetation in the application area. Four application methods, foliar, frill-and-girdle, cut stump, and basal (applied to the soil) are used depending on extent of the population and other factors. Helicopter, truck, or all terrain vehicle (atv)-mounted sprayers, backpack sprayers, and hand-held spray bottles, and dropper bottles are used for application of herbicide. Various adjuvants may be added to the spray mixture to aid or modify the action of the herbicide or the physical characteristics of the mixture. A marker dye is often added to the spray solution to help visualize where herbicide is applied. This document is SS-AGR-258, one of a series of the Agronomy Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Original publication date October 2005.