bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Summary of a Life in Observational Ultraviolet/Optical Astronomy
Authors: York Donald G.
Published: August 2023

I reminisce on my early life in Section 1; on my education in Sections 2 and 3; on the years at Princeton as a research astronomer in Section 4; on the years on the faculty at Chicago in Section 5; on research on Diffuse Interstellar Bands (DIBs) in Section 6; on construction of the 3.5 m telescope at Apache Point Observatory (APO) in Section 7; on work on the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) in Section 8; on work in public education in Chicago in Section 9; and on my travels in Section 10. My main science research is of an observational nature, concerning Galactic and intergalactic interstellar gas. Highlights for me included my work on the orbiting telescope Copernicus, including the discovery of interstellar deuterium; early observations of absorption associated with five-times ionized oxygen; and discoveries concerning the phases of gas in the local interstellar medium, based on previously unobservable interstellar UV spectral lines. With other instruments and collaborations, I extended interstellar UV studies to the intergalactic cool gas using quasi-stellar object QSO absorption lines redshifted to the optical part of the spectrum; provided a better definition of the emission and morphological character of the source of absorption lines in QSO spectra; and pursued the identification of the unidentified DIBs. For several of these topics, extensive collaborations with many scientists were essential over many years. The conclusions developed slowly, as I moved from being a graduate student at Chicago, to a research scientist position at Princeton and then to a faculty position at Chicago. At each stage of life, I was exposed to new technologies adaptable to my science and to subsequent projects. From high school days, I encountered several management opportunities which were formative. I have been extremely fortunate both in scientific mentors I had and in experimental opportunities I encountered.
Multi-constraint spatial coupling for the body joint quadruped robot and the CPG control method on rough terrain
Authors: Song Guozheng , Ai Qinglin , Tong Hangsheng , Xu Jian , Zhu Shaoxuan
Published: August 2023

Quadruped robots have frequently appeared in various situations, including wilderness rescue, planetary exploration, and nuclear power facility maintenance. The quadruped robot with an active body joint has better environmental adaptability than one without body joints. However, it is difficult to guarantee the stability of the body joint quadruped robot when walking on rough terrain. Given the above issues, this paper proposed a gait control method for the body joint quadruped robot based on multi-constraint spatial coupling (MCSC) algorithm. The body workspace of the robot is divided into three subspaces, which are solved for different gaits, and then coupled to obtain the stable workspace of the body. A multi-layer central pattern generator model based on the Hopf oscillator is built to realize the generation and switching of walk and trot gaits. Then, combined with the MCSC area of the body, the reflex adjustment strategy on different terrains is established to adjust the body’s posture in real time and realize the robot’s stable locomotion. Finally, the robot prototype is developed to verify the effectiveness of the control method. The simulation and experiment results show that the proposed method can reduce the offset of the swing legs and the fluctuation of the body attitude angle. Furthermore, the quadruped robot is ensured to maintain stability by dynamically modifying its body posture. The relevant result can offer a helpful reference for the control of quadruped robots in complex environments.
Alveolar gradients in breath analysis. A pilot study with comparison of room air and inhaled air by simultaneous measurements using ion mobility spectrometry
Authors: Westhoff M , Keßler M , Baumbach J I
Published: August 2023

Analyzing exhaled breath samples, especially using a highly sensitive method such as MCC/IMS (multi-capillary column/ion mobility spectrometry), may also detect analytes that are derived from exogenous production. In this regard, there is a discussion about the optimal interpretation of exhaled breath, either by considering volatile organic compounds (VOCs) only in exhaled breath or by additionally considering the composition of room air and calculating the alveolar gradients. However, there are no data on whether the composition and concentration of VOCs in room air are identical to those in truly inhaled air directly before analyzing the exhaled breath. The current study aimed to determine whether the VOCs in room air, which are usually used for the calculation of alveolar gradients, are identical to the VOCs in truly inhaled air. For the measurement of inhaled air and room air, two IMS, each coupled with an MCC that provided a pre-separation of the VOCs, were used in parallel. One device was used for sampling room air and the other for sampling inhaled air. Each device was coupled with a newly invented system that cleaned room air and provided a clean carrier gas, whereas formerly synthetic air had to be used as a carrier gas. In this pilot study, a healthy volunteer underwent three subsequent runs of sampling of inhaled air and simultaneous sampling and analysis of room air. Three of the selected 11 peaks (P4—unknown, P5—1-Butanol, and P9—Furan, 2-methyl-) had significantly higher intensities during inspiration than in room air, and four peaks (P1—1-Propanamine, N-(phenylmethylene), P2—2-Nonanone, P3—Benzene, 1,2,4-trimethyl-, and P11—Acetyl valeryl) had higher intensities in room air. Furthermore, four peaks (P6—Benzaldehyde, P7—Pentane, 2-methyl-, P8—Acetone, and P10—2-Propanamine) showed inconsistent differences in peak intensities between inhaled air and room air. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to compare simultaneous sampling of room air and inhaled air using MCC/IMS. The simultaneous measurement of inhaled air and room air showed that using room air for the calculation of alveolar gradients in breath analysis resulted in different alveolar gradient values than those obtained by measuring truly inhaled air.
Effect of ambient temperature and respiration rate on nasal dominance: preliminary findings from a nostril-specific wearable
Authors: Kumar Amit , Joshi Deepak
Published: August 2023

The nasal dominance (ND) determination is crucial for nasal synchronized ventilator, optimum nasal drug delivery, identifying brain hemispheric dominance, nasal airway obstruction surgery, mindfulness breathing, and for possible markers of a conscious state. Given these wider applications of ND, it is interesting to understand the patterns of ND with varying temperature and respiration rates. In this paper, we propose a method which measures peak-to-peak temperature oscillations (difference between end-expiratory and end-inspiratory temperature) for the left and right nostrils during nasal breathing. These nostril-specific temperature oscillations are further used to calculate the nasal dominance index (NDI), nasal laterality ratio (NLR), inter-nostril correlation, and mean of peak-to-peak temperature oscillation for inspiratory and expiratory phase at (1) different ambient temperatures of 18 °C, 28 °C, and 38 °C and (2) at three different respiration rate of 6 bpm, 12 bpm, and 18 bpm. The peak-to-peak temperature (T
pp) oscillation range (averaged across participants; n = 8) for the left and right nostril were 3.80 ± 0.57 °C and 2.34 ± 0.61 °C, 2.03 ± 0.20 °C and 1.40 ± 0.26 °C, and 0.20 ± 0.02 °C and 0.29 ± 0.03 °C at the ambient temperature of 18 °C, 28 °C, and 38 °C respectively (averaged across participants and respiration rates). The NDI and NLR averaged across participants and three different respiration rates were 35.67 ± 5.53 and 2.03 ± 1.12; 8.36 ± 10.61 and 2.49 ± 3.69; and −25.04 ± 14.50 and 0.82 ± 0.54 at the ambient temperature of 18 °C, 28 °C, and 38 °C respectively. The Shapiro–Wilk test, and non-parametric Friedman test showed a significant effect of ambient temperature conditions on both NDI and NLR. No significant effect of respiration rate condition was observed on both NDI and NLR. The findings of the proposed study indicate the importance of ambient temperature while determining ND during the diagnosis of breathing disorders such as septum deviation, nasal polyps, nosebleeds, rhinitis, and nasal fractions, and in the intensive care unit for nasal synchronized ventilator.
Freon’s Destroy the Stratosphere
Authors: Al-Sharoot Mustafa Ali
Published: August 2023

First of all, we have to know that the ozone layer exists in different levels of the Earth’s atmosphere. After follow-up, it was found that the equivalent of 80% of the ozone is found at altitudes between 16 and 35 kilometres above the earth’s surface. At this level it provides a good sunscreen shield, and we believe that is a good ozone. It is also present at ground level in low concentrations (tropospheric ozone). It is believed that the ozone at this stage is the polluting part and that the smog over the cities is the main part of it and it can be called (bad ozone). Through this thing, we must realize that the international community has not remained silent about air violations and took a number of measures to restore the ozone layer, most notably the Montreal Protocol in 1987. Here it was necessary for all countries of the world to develop solutions that work to gradually get rid of this time bomb by uniting on one decision, It is to stop the production or import of all materials that have a role in the depletion of the ozone because they have a direct impact on the depletion of the stratosphere. This paper seeks to serve two functions. First: it gives fundamental information about the Stratospheric ozone depletion process, with the goal of utilizing current worldwide knowledge on Measures to minimize the use of ozone-depleting compounds existing alternatives and current advances. As a result a supportive framework for Iraq to control its internal problem has been established. Second: an overview of the state of ozone-depleting compounds in Iraq including the industries that use them the difficulties in restricting their use, and the awareness and measures made to reduce their use in Iraq. We believe that this paper will give policymakers with the information they need to solve this issue, such as by giving alternatives and enumerating the roles of environmental protection agencies, user businesses, and the government itself in reducing the use of these compounds. We are convinced that our efforts will assist the general population who is concerned about the ozone layer’s degradation.
Study of Intra-Annual and Annual Air Temperatures Over Iraq for Period (1970 – 2021)
Authors: Ibraheem Nagham T. , Al-Jiboori Monim H. , Hussain Hazim H. , Roomi Thaer O. , Al-Salihi Ali
Published: August 2023

Iraq is one of the most vulnerable regions in the world as a result of climatic changes, the exacerbation of global warming, high temperatures, extreme weather phenomena, droughts, desertification and dust storms. Studies confirmed that the increase in greenhouse gas concentrations was a major cause of climate change in Iraq, especially in the central and southern regions, which recorded the highest concentrations of these gases in recent years. Transformational and construction. The concentration of carbon dioxide gas, to which Iraq contributes 0.00508% of global emissions, has increased by 5 times after the year 2000 compared to before, i.e., by 1.8 times. So does methane, which has increased by 0.04 ppmv annually. The research found that the amount of increase in the annual temperatures for the last fifty years is (3 °C), and with these rates of temperature rise, it is expected that the increase will be by (2 °C) by the year 2050. The highest value for the average temperature was in Basra (40 °C) compared to Mosul and Baghdad, which reach (35 °C) during the summer, which indicates that the regions of southern Iraq are the most affected by the phenomenon of global warming.
On-Grid Mono-Si PV Solar System Performance Evaluation in Baghdad
Authors: Abed Alaa N. , Kasim Naseer K. , Hussain Hazim H.
Published: August 2023

The performance assessment of a 5 kWp On-Grid Mon-crystalline silicon photovoltaic( PV) solar system is the subject of the present paper. This PV system is located in Baghdad city, Al-Mansour company. The present PV solar system is observed during 2018. The current system’s yearly daily averages for the array yield final yield, and the reference yield are 4.65 kWh/kWp, 4.5 kWh/kWp, and 5.9 kWh/kWp, respectively. The final yield’s yearly energy is 1613.8 kWh/kWp. The present year’s electrical energy output from this system is 7891.57 kWh, and Baghdad’s annual global horizontal solar irradiation (GHI) is 1987.5 kWh/m2. The average yearly daily losses for the system and the array are 0.15 kWh/kWp and 1.33 kWh/kWp, respectively. The average yearly efficiencies for the system, the array and the inverter are 11.33%, 11.7%, and 96.75%, respectively. The annual daily averages for performance ratio and capacity factor are 74.7% and 17.75 %, respectively. Mono-crystalline silicon (Mono-Si) seems to operate well in the environment of Baghdad-Iraq.
Fundamental Factorization of a GLSM Part I: Construction
Authors: Ciocan-Fontanine Ionut , Favero David , Guéré Jérémy , Kim Bumsig , Shoemaker Mark
Published: August 2023

We define enumerative invariants associated to a hybrid Gauged Linear Sigma Model. We prove that in the relevant special cases these invariants recover both the Gromov–Witten type invariants defined by Chang–Li and Fan–Jarvis–Ruan using cosection localization as well as the FJRW type invariants constructed by Polishchuk–Vaintrob. The invariants are defined by constructing a “fundamental factorization” supported on the moduli space of Landau–Ginzburg maps to a convex hybrid model. This gives the kernel of a Fourier–Mukai transform; the associated map on Hochschild homology defines our theory.
Orthonormal bases arising from nilpotent actions
Authors: Oussa Vignon
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we prove the existence of an orthonormal basis in at least one orbit of every generic irreducible representation of a simply connected and connected nilpotent Lie group. Our result has a wide-ranging impact, encompassing all irreducible representations of a nilpotent Lie group that are square-integrable modulo its center. This resolves a fundamental open problem in time-frequency analysis and frame theory, originally posed by Karlheinz Gröchenig. The implications of our findings are significant and far-reaching.
Single-cell transcriptomics refuels the exploration of spiralian biology
Authors: Piovani Laura , Marlétaz Ferdinand
Published: August 2023

Spiralians represent the least studied superclade of bilaterian animals, despite exhibiting the widest diversity of organisms. Although spiralians include iconic organisms, such as octopus, earthworms and clams, a lot remains to be discovered regarding their phylogeny and biology. Here, we review recent attempts to apply single-cell transcriptomics, a new pioneering technology enabling the classification of cell types and the characterisation of their gene expression profiles, to several spiralian taxa. We discuss the methodological challenges and requirements for applying this approach to marine organisms and explore the insights that can be brought by such studies, both from a biomedical and evolutionary perspective. For instance, we show that single-cell sequencing might help solve the riddle of the homology of larval forms across spiralians, but also to better characterise and compare the processes of regeneration across taxa. We highlight the capacity of single-cell to investigate the origin of evolutionary novelties, as the mollusc shell or the cephalopod visual system, but also to interrogate the conservation of the molecular fingerprint of cell types at long evolutionary distances. We hope that single-cell sequencing will open a new window in understanding the biology of spiralians, and help renew the interest for these overlooked but captivating organisms.
Patient education: a colourful read?
Authors: Long Amy , Long Alison , Feighery Cliona
Published: August 2023

Focus has been placed on improving ethnic and racial equality in dermatology in a number of areas including publishing and medical education, but what about patient education? In this letter, we analyse skin of colour representation in patient information leaflets from a number of dermatological bodies around the world.
Helping Children Catch Up: Early Life Shocks and the PROGRESA Experiment
Authors: Adhvaryu Achyuta , Molina Teresa , Nyshadham Anant , Tamayo Jorge
Published: August 2023

Children who face significant disadvantage early in life are often found to be worse off years or even decades later. Can conditional cash transfer programs mitigate the negative consequences and help these children catch up with their peers? We answer this question using data from rural Mexico, where rainfall shocks can have substantial effects on household income. We find that adverse rainfall in a child's year of birth decreases grade attainment, post-secondary enrolment and employment outcomes. But declines were much smaller for children whose families were randomised to receive the conditional cash transfer program, PROGRESA: each additional year of PROGRESA exposure during childhood mitigated almost 20% of the early disadvantage in grade attainment.
Severe aortic stenosis detection by deep learning applied to echocardiography
Authors: Holste Gregory , Oikonomou Evangelos K , Mortazavi Bobak J , Coppi Andreas , Faridi Kamil F , Miller Edward J , Forrest John K , McNamara Robert L , Ohno-Machado Lucila , Yuan Neal , Gupta Aakriti , Ouyang David , Krumholz Harlan M , Wang Zhangyang , Khera Rohan
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

Early diagnosis of aortic stenosis (AS) is critical to prevent morbidity and mortality but requires skilled examination with Doppler imaging. This study reports the development and validation of a novel deep learning model that relies on two-dimensional (2D) parasternal long axis videos from transthoracic echocardiography without Doppler imaging to identify severe AS, suitable for point-of-care ultrasonography.

Methods and results

In a training set of 5257 studies (17 570 videos) from 2016 to 2020 [Yale-New Haven Hospital (YNHH), Connecticut], an ensemble of three-dimensional convolutional neural networks was developed to detect severe AS, leveraging self-supervised contrastive pretraining for label-efficient model development. This deep learning model was validated in a temporally distinct set of 2040 consecutive studies from 2021 from YNHH as well as two geographically distinct cohorts of 4226 and 3072 studies, from California and other hospitals in New England, respectively. The deep learning model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.978 (95% CI: 0.966, 0.988) for detecting severe AS in the temporally distinct test set, maintaining its diagnostic performance in geographically distinct cohorts [0.952 AUROC (95% CI: 0.941, 0.963) in California and 0.942 AUROC (95% CI: 0.909, 0.966) in New England]. The model was interpretable with saliency maps identifying the aortic valve, mitral annulus, and left atrium as the predictive regions. Among non-severe AS cases, predicted probabilities were associated with worse quantitative metrics of AS suggesting an association with various stages of AS severity.

Conclusion

This study developed and externally validated an automated approach for severe AS detection using single-view 2D echocardiography, with potential utility for point-of-care screening.
Women, lipids, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: a call to action from the European Atherosclerosis Society
Authors: Roeters van Lennep Jeanine E , Tokgözoğlu Lale S , Badimon Lina , Dumanski Sandra M , Gulati Martha , Hess Connie N , Holven Kirsten B , Kavousi Maryam , Kayıkçıoğlu Meral , Lutgens Esther , Michos Erin D , Prescott Eva , Stock Jane K , Tybjaerg-Hansen Anne , Wermer Marieke J H , Benn Marianne
Published: August 2023

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women and men globally, with most due to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Despite progress during the last 30 years, ASCVD mortality is now increasing, with the fastest relative increase in middle-aged women. Missed or delayed diagnosis and undertreatment do not fully explain this burden of disease. Sex-specific factors, such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, premature menopause (especially primary ovarian insufficiency), and polycystic ovary syndrome are also relevant, with good evidence that these are associated with greater cardiovascular risk. This position statement from the European Atherosclerosis Society focuses on these factors, as well as sex-specific effects on lipids, including lipoprotein(a), over the life course in women which impact ASCVD risk. Women are also disproportionately impacted (in relative terms) by diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and auto-immune inflammatory disease. All these effects are compounded by sociocultural components related to gender. This panel stresses the need to identify and treat modifiable cardiovascular risk factors earlier in women, especially for those at risk due to sex-specific conditions, to reduce the unacceptably high burden of ASCVD in women.
Bicuspid aortic valve: long-term morbidity and mortality
Authors: Yang Li-Tan , Ye Zi , Wajih Ullah Muhammad , Maleszewski Joseph J , Scott Christopher G , Padang Ratnasari , Pislaru Sorin V , Nkomo Vuyisile T , Mankad Sunil V , Pellikka Patricia A , Oh Jae K , Roger Veronique L , Enriquez-Sarano Maurice , Michelena Hector I
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital heart anomaly. Lifetime morbidity and whether long-term survival varies according to BAV patient-sub-groups are unknown. This study aimed to assess lifetime morbidity and long-term survival in BAV patients in the community.

Methods

The authors retrospectively identified all Olmsted County (Minnesota) residents with an echocardiographic diagnosis of BAV from 1 January 1980 to 31 December 2009, including patients with typical valvulo-aortopathy (BAV without accelerated valvulo-aortopathy or associated disorders), and those with complex valvulo-aortopathy (BAV with accelerated valvulo-aortopathy or associated disorders).

Results

652 consecutive diagnosed BAV patients [median (IQR) age 37 (22–53) years; 525 (81%) adult and 127 (19%) paediatric] were followed for a median (IQR) of 19.1 (12.9–25.8) years. The total cumulative lifetime morbidity burden (from birth to age 90) was 86% (95% CI 82.5–89.7); cumulative lifetime progression to ≥ moderate aortic stenosis or regurgitation, aortic valve surgery, aortic aneurysm ≥45 mm or z-score ≥3, aorta surgery, infective endocarditis and aortic dissection was 80.3%, 68.5%, 75.4%, 27%, 6% and 1.6%, respectively. Survival of patients with typical valvulo-aortopathy [562 (86%), age 40 (28–55) years, 86% adults] was similar to age-sex-matched Minnesota population (P = .12). Conversely, survival of patients with complex valvulo-aortopathy [90 (14%), age 14 (3–26) years, 57% paediatric] was lower than expected, with a relative excess mortality risk of 2.25 (95% CI 1.21–4.19) (P = .01).

Conclusion

The BAV condition exhibits a high lifetime morbidity burden where valvulo-aortopathy is close to unavoidable by age 90. The lifetime incidence of infective endocarditis is higher than that of aortic dissection. The most common BAV clinical presentation is the typical valvulo-aortopathy with preserved expected long-term survival, while the complex valvulo-aortopathy presentation incurs higher mortality.
Sodium-based paracetamol: impact on blood pressure, cardiovascular events, and all-cause mortality
Authors: Rao Shishir , Nazarzadeh Milad , Canoy Dexter , Li Yikuan , Huang Jing , Mamouei Mohammad , Salimi-Khorshidi Gholamreza , Schutte Aletta E , Neal Bruce , Smith George Davey , Rahimi Kazem
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

Effervescent formulations of paracetamol containing sodium bicarbonate have been reported to associate with increased blood pressure and a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases and all-cause mortality. Given the major implications of these findings, the reported associations were re-examined.

Methods

Using linked electronic health records data, a cohort of 475 442 UK individuals with at least one prescription of paracetamol, aged between 60 and 90 years, was identified. Outcomes in patients taking sodium-based paracetamol were compared with those taking non–sodium-based formulations of the same. Using a deep learning approach, associations with systolic blood pressure (SBP), major cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, heart failure, and stroke), and all-cause mortality within 1 year after baseline were investigated.

Results

A total of 460 980 and 14 462 patients were identified for the non–sodium-based and sodium-based paracetamol exposure groups, respectively (mean age: 74 years; 64% women). Analysis revealed no difference in SBP [mean difference −0.04 mmHg (95% confidence interval −0.51, 0.43)] and no association with major cardiovascular events [relative risk (RR) 1.03 (0.91, 1.16)]. Sodium-based paracetamol showed a positive association with all-cause mortality [RR 1.46 (1.40, 1.52)]. However, after further accounting of other sources of residual confounding, the observed association attenuated towards the null [RR 1.08 (1.01, 1.16)]. Exploratory analyses revealed dysphagia and related conditions as major sources of uncontrolled confounding by indication for this association.

Conclusions

This study does not support previous suggestions of increased SBP and an elevated risk of cardiovascular events from short-term use of sodium bicarbonate paracetamol in routine clinical practice.
Introduction: Communication in the Weimar Republic
Authors: Young Christopher , Zierenberg Malte
Published: August 2023

Communication has always featured prominently in Weimar research. Disputes about how the war was lost, the disdain in which the republic was held by its foes, the scepticism with which it was regarded by many of its citizens, and the manifold ways its various crises were interpreted—the history of the republic offered many angles from which to assess how communication was used to process events. Taking their cue from more recent trends in Weimar scholarship, however, the essays in this issue set new emphases. Not only have their authors chosen innovative topics, but they have approached them with an acute sensitivity to situations, settings, discourses and practices. They pose questions about the specific conditions, channels and practices of communication in the Weimar Republic and consider the complex mixture of interconnected communicative actions between different groups at different levels of society, nationally and internationally. By so doing they address the issue of communication as one of the most vibrant aspects of a society that was marked by rapid technological developments as well as political change.
Achieving Net-Zero: A Guide for Companies
Authors: Powell Grant
Published: August 2023

Choosing the right tech, recycling IT kit and sustainable coding were all discussed at a recent Green IT event. Grant Powell MBCS reports on IT's contribution to achieving net-zero.
Improving Business Sustainability
Authors: Davis Trevor
Published: August 2023

Consultant Dr Trevor Davis and Professor Martin Charter of the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) track the sustainability maturity of the creative industries in the UK. Here, they share the sustainability lessons for us all.
Genomic survey sequencing and complete mitochondrial genome of the elkhorn coral crab Domecia acanthophora (Desbonne in Desbonne & Schramm, 1867) (Decapoda: Brachyura: Domeciidae)
Authors: Bravo Henrique , Baeza J Antonio , van der Meij Sancia E T
Published: August 2023

The elkhorn coral crab Domecia acanthophora inhabits shallow-water coral reefs in the Western Atlantic. The species has a wide distribution and, although primarily associated with endangered Acropora corals, has been recorded from a myriad of hosts. Here we conducted the first genomic survey and complete mitochondrial assemblage and characterisation of any species of Domeciidae, as well as the first species within Trapezioidea. The estimated size of the nuclear genome ranged from 0.64 Gbp to 1.76 Gbp, revealing a small genome. Repetitive elements of the genome were estimated here at 66.4% and 74%, respectively, with the majority of the repetitive elements consisting of LINE, LTR, and satellite DNA. The assembled A-T rich mitochondrial genome consisted of 15,568 bp in length, with 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes and two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. A 619 bp long non-coding region was identified as the supposed D-loop/control region, containing eight microsatellites. The 22 tRNA genes, ranging from 65 to 71 bp in length, displayed a typical “cloverleaf” secondary structure, with the exception of tRNA-Ser1 which lacked part of the DHU arm and tRNA-Asp displayed a deletion of the TΨC loop but not the arm. Two transposition events of two tRNA genes were also found when comparing the gene order of D. acanthophora to that of the brachyuran basic gene order, which had not been reported before. Despite belonging to a widely distributed, well-known superfamily of coral-associated crabs, the Trapezioidea, very little was known about this species from a genetics perspective, which is remedied here by providing a new genomic resource for D. acanthophora.
Role of the Senior Investigating Officer (SIO)
Authors: Cook Tony
Published: August 2023

This chapter provides an overview of the role of the Senior Investigating Officer (SIO), the one who leads, manages, and assumes overarching command of major, serious, and organised crime investigations. It is a highly esteemed role, and one synonymous with professional, skilful, and competent investigators who are appointed to solve high-level, challenging, and complex cases. Ultimately, the SIO role requires a combination of three types of skills categorised as: investigative ability and experience, professional knowledge, and management skills. The Professionalising Investigations Programme (PIP) has been the UK national standard of excellence for investigators since 2003. Its aim is to deliver professional, ethical, and effective investigative capacity through national benchmarked standards overseen by a professional policing institute. PIP4 accreditation is an advanced level also awarded by the College of Policing (CoP).
Initial Response
Authors: Cook Tony
Published: August 2023

This chapter details the initial response to a serious incident. This starts the very first moment an initial call or report is received by a call handler regarding a crime or incident and continues with subsequent attendance and management of any crime scene(s) and investigation. Any investigation is given a significant boost if things are done properly by first responders who are in essence initial investigating officers (IIOs). As the Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) is rarely a first responder themselves, they need to check and review what important decisions have been/not been made, actions (not) taken, and information gathered. The chapter then looks at the ‘Golden Hour(s)’ principle and the Five Building Blocks principle. It also considers the process of report receiving and call handling, as well as the preservation of crime scenes.
Investigation Management
Authors: Cook Tony
Published: August 2023

This chapter assesses the core roles, responsibilities, and useful procedures for managing large scale proactive or reactive investigations/operations. Dependent on their nature and severity, some cases that are or have the potential to become critical or major incidents require a management structure that contains clear command roles and responsibilities. The chapter begins by examining the major incident room (MIR), as well as the practice of resource management. A Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) needs to consider not just who and what is required but also how their investigation team will be structured. The chapter then looks at the process of formulating main lines of enquiry (MLOE) and how to deal with information, and action management, including those that need to be fast-tracked and statement policies. It also considers disclosure rules, operational security, and organisational learning.
Victim Management
Authors: Cook Tony
Published: August 2023

This chapter studies key considerations for preparing victim management strategies. Obligations are placed upon investigators through the Victims' Code of Practice (VCOP), which means it is mandatory for victims, including relatives of deceased persons, to be treated with utmost respect, professionalism, and dignity. Failure produces secondary victimisation and litigation possibilities, not to mention risk of reputational damage and loss of public trust and support. The Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) is the key driver in setting and expecting high standards of victim care, support, and the manner in which their evidence is gathered and presented. Indeed, an investigator's core mission statement should be to obtain justice for victims of crime. The chapter then looks at victim impact statements, cases with multiple victims, child victims, and historical (non-recent) victims. It also considers victim enquiries, family liaison, and Independent Advisory Groups (IAGs).
Witness Management
Authors: Cook Tony
Published: August 2023

This chapter reviews some of the important processes of witness management. Witnesses are one of the most fundamental and pivotal assets in investigations. The term ‘witness’ can relate to anyone who is likely to give evidence at court and is not restricted to what is just seen or heard. It can also include those who provide circumstantial or identification evidence and that which is provided by professional people and subject matter experts. Witnesses can also hold dual status as victims as they may be providing evidence about crimes committed against them. Persuading the public to come forward and provide witness testimonies, however, is not always straightforward. Fear and mistrust may be difficult barriers to overcome; a particular problem if there is little or no chance of obtaining the evidence from elsewhere. Gaining willing assistance from these types of witnesses is a challenge which requires tactful management. The chapter then looks at witness and evidence credibility; the protection of witnesses; investigative interviewing; witness intermediaries; and the Witness Charter.
Infant and Child Deaths
Authors: Cook Tony
Published: August 2023

This chapter discusses the investigation of sudden and unexpected deaths in infants and children (SUDI/SUDC). Most child deaths are caused by medical, accidental, or natural causes such as disease, physical disability, or accident. Only a small percentage are caused by callous and criminal malicious acts of gratuitous violence, maltreatment, neglect, physical/sexual abuse, or the administration of noxious substances or drugs. Child death investigations pose unique challenges due to the hidden nature of physical evidence and tell-tale signs. Young infants and children's bodies are small and fragile, therefore indicators of non-accidental injuries are less noticeable. While it is necessary to consider anything that might appear suspicious, there must be an appropriate balance between conducting a thorough investigation and supporting completely ‘innocent’ parents at a very difficult time. The chapter then looks at the role of the Senior Investigating Officer (SIO), considering the processes of family liaison and post-mortem examination. It also describes Operation Marshall and Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews (CSPR).
Abuse and Exploitation of Children and Vulnerable Persons
Authors: Cook Tony
Published: August 2023

This chapter examines the abuse and exploitation of children and vulnerable persons. Exploitation usually occurs when a person provides something to the greater benefit and advantage of another. Fraud, coercion, and undue control or threats or acts of violence can be used as means of gaining compliance. One example is where a criminal gang coerces a child into joining their group to sexually abuse them or for others to do so; or to use them to distribute illegal substances or weapons such as drugs, knives, and firearms. Parents can also exploit their own children by trafficking them or advertising them on ‘Adult Services Websites’ (ASWs) or dating websites. Some victims (including vulnerable adults) are also trafficked into or within countries for the purpose of sexual exploitation, servitude, or modern slavery and become involuntarily linked to criminality and criminal gang networks. The chapter then looks at Operation Hydrant, as well as the emergence of online child sexual abuse.
Identification Methods
Authors: Card Richard
Published: August 2023

This chapter discusses identification by witnesses who have seen a crime committed by a person that may feature in a video identification or identification parade. It cites Code D of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984, which is concerned with methods of identification, the keeping of records, and the taking of photographs of arrested people. It also looks at general principles that apply to all methods by which identification can be made. The chapter describes persons other than police officers that may be allowed to carry out procedures or tasks at the police station if the law allows. The chapter reviews the materials in Code D, which includes the identification of a suspect by an eyewitness. It covers recognition by controlled and uncontrolled showing of films, photographs, and other images.
The Law of Criminal Evidence
Authors: Card Richard
Published: August 2023

This chapter highlights the law of criminal evidence which determines the means by which the facts in issue are proved in a court and the facts which may or may not be proved in a court. It defines direct evidence as evidence that directly establishes a particular fact in issue itself, while circumstantial evidence is evidence of a fact or facts from which a fact in issue may be inferred. It also discusses oral evidence that consists of statements made in court by witnesses concerning matters of which they have knowledge. The chapter cites CJA 2003, Part 8 (ss 51–56) under which a ‘live link’ is a live television link or other arrangement by which a witness can participate while being in a place outside of the building where the proceedings are being held in the UK. It looks at the general rule wherein the contents of a document may be proved only by production of the original or an admission as to its contents.
Sexual Offences
Authors: Card Richard
Published: August 2023

This chapter focuses on the law in relation to sexual offences, which is principally governed by the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (SOA 2003). It cites s 78 of SOA 2003, which provides that, except in relation to the offences of sexual communication with a child and sexual activity in a public lavatory, penetration, touching or any other activity is sexual. It also defines consent according to s 74 of SOA 2003, wherein a person consents if they agree by choice and has the freedom and capacity to make that choice. The chapter talks about a person that may not have a freedom to make a choice whether or not to agree if violence is being used or threatened against them or another. It reviews s 5(1) of SOA 2003, wherein a person is indicted if he intentionally penetrates the vagina, anus, or mouth of a person under 13.
Cyber-Crime and Computer Misuse
Authors: Card Richard
Published: August 2023

This chapter discusses cyber-crime, including cyber-enabled crime which does not require the use of a computer for their commission. It highlights the misuse of a computer hardware or software which involve one or more of four offences under ss 1, 2, 3 and 3ZA of the Computer Misuse Act 1990 (CMA 1990). It also looks at the unauthorised access to computer material that covers all forms of computer hacking, including hacking by someone who simply seeks access because of the challenge of breaking through a security system. The chapter reviews the unauthorized access to a program or data held in a computer by someone who is not entitled to control access or does not have consent to access. It emphasizes how a person with the authority to view data may still be considered unlawful if they access data with the intention of altering or copying it.
Animal Welfare and Protection
Authors: Card Richard
Published: August 2023

This chapter explores the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (AWA 2006), which seeks to prevent animal cruelty and promote animal welfare. It explains that AWA 2006 is concerned with a person responsible for or in charge of an animal on a permanent or a temporary basis. It also emphasizes that a person who owns an animal is always regarded as being a person who is responsible for that animal. The chapter outlines offences under s 4(1) of AWA 2006, which includes an act or failure to act that causes an animal to suffer or ownership of a protected animal. It defines a protected animal as those that are commonly domesticated in the British Islands and are not living in a wild state.
Nuisances
Authors: Card Richard
Published: August 2023

This chapter looks at the consideration of public nuisance as an indictable offence in the common law and notes that it is at the discretion of the judge in the Crown Court. It explains that a public nuisance is an act not warranted by law or an omission to discharge a legal duty that endangers the life, health, property, or comfort of the public. It also emphasizes how public nuisance obstructs a substantial section of the public in the exercise or enjoyment of rights common to all members of the public. The chapter cites s 87(1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (EPA 1990), which provides that a person commits an offence if they throw down, drops, or deposits any litter in any place open to the air. It mentions the community protection notice (CPN), which deals with unreasonable, ongoing problems, or nuisances that negatively affect the community's quality of life by targeting the person responsible.
Preserving the Peace
Authors: Card Richard
Published: August 2023

This chapter talks about the breach of the peace, wherein harm is done to a person or to a person's property in their presence. It points out that mere agitation or excitement does not amount to a breach of the peace where there is no question of harm or threat of harm. It also explains that a breach of the peace is not in itself a criminal offence, but it can result in an arrest without warrant being lawfully made. The chapter details the power of a police officer to arrest without a warrant or to take other reasonable preventive steps when a breach of the peace occurs or is about to occur. It cites ‘kettling’ as an example of the exercise of power on reasonably apprehending imminent breach of the peace, wherein people are contained within a police cordon during a violent demonstration.
Preserving the Administration of Justice and Probity
Authors: Card Richard
Published: August 2023

This chapter cites s 4(1) of the Criminal Law Act 1967 (CLA 1967), which prevents a person that is guilty of an offence from intentionally impeding another person that has committed a relevant offence from apprehension or prosecution. It considers relevant offence as an offence for which the sentence is fixed by law. It also looks at s 5(2) of CLA 1967, which states that it is a summary offence for a person to cause any wasteful employment of the police by making a false report. The chapter talks about s 1(1) of the Perjury Act 1911 (PA 1911) that details the offence of wilfully making a false statement in a proceeding. It highlights the common law offence of perverting the course of justice that may be committed by any act or series of acts which has a tendency to pervert the course of justice.
Role of a Criminal Investigator
Authors: Hibbitt Steve , Shaw Gary
Published: August 2023

This chapter outlines various requirements and elements that make up a crime investigator's role. Criminal investigations can be either reactive, proactive, or investigations into ‘crimes in action’. Whatever type of investigation is being conducted, the emphasis should always be on the ‘search for the truth’ as opposed to the ‘search for the proof’ whereby investigative material and evidence is not properly considered or investigated if it does not support a point which could prove a prosecution case. Investigators need a combination of investigative skills and knowledge, and there are added responsibilities for detective sergeants, detective inspectors, and their police staff equivalents who perform a supervisory or management or role. Thus, the Professionalising Investigations Programme (PIP) sets out a training and development structure to match the career pathway for police crime investigators. It aims to embed investigative skills and development through recognised National Occupational Standards (NOS) against which performance can be assessed and accredited. The chapter then considers the importance of personal motivation, confidence, and optimism; preparation; specialist assistance; welfare management; and ethical standards for criminal investigators.
Crime Types and their Investigation
Authors: Hibbitt Steve , Shaw Gary
Published: August 2023

This chapter explores different types of crime and their investigation. It begins with volume crime, which is ‘any crime which through its sheer volume has a significant impact on the community and the ability of the local police to tackle it’. Offences include acquisitive crime such as burglary, theft and street robbery, and other ‘volume’ offences such as criminal damage and assault. Violent crime may form part of a control strategy within the Volume Crime Management Model 2009 (VCMM). Regardless of the severity of injury, it is broadly divided into three types: stranger attacks, acquaintance assaults, and domestic abuse. The chapter then looks at the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 (PHA). It also considers hate crime; rape and serious sexual offences (RASSO); child sexual exploitation (CSE); missing person inquiries; honour-based violence/abuse and forced marriage; modern slavery and exploitation; criminal use of firearms; cyber crime and cyber investigations; and terrorism and extremism.
Case Management and Disclosure
Authors: Hibbitt Steve , Shaw Gary
Published: August 2023

This chapter identifies particular areas that need considering during the case management phase of the criminal investigation. Criminal investigators require a good working knowledge of the processes and procedures that come before a defendant appears at court. Matters such as knowing about threshold tests and charging policies, dealing with specific evidential points, powers to give cautions, national file standards, and last but not least the importance of giving and presenting evidence all come under the general scope of case management. Alongside court procedures, they become highly relevant and important responsibilities for a lead crime investigator. Mistakes and poor practice in this phase of the investigative process can work against any chances of mounting a successful prosecution.
Assaults and Violence
Authors: Panagariya Arvind
Published: August 2023

This chapter focuses on how police can address assaults and violence. It considers the offences addressed in the Criminal Justice Act 1988, the Child Abduction Act 1984, and the Offences Against the Person Act 1861. Assault typically divides between grievous bodily harm, assault with intent to resist arrest, and common assault battery. Moreover, the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 includes provisions on the offence of threats to kill, which include the intent to cause fear alongside the threat to kill without lawful excuse. Officers should be familiar with the Child Abduction Act 1984 to deal with cases of violent domestic incidents, sexual offences, or where people are taken against their will.