Deep technology for the optimization of cryostorage.

Cryopreservation, for many reasons, has assumed a central role in IVF treatment cycles, which has resulted in rapidly expanding cryopreserved oocyte and embryo inventory of IVF clinics. We aspire to consider how and with what resources and tools "deep" technology can offer solutions to these cryobiology programs. "Deep tech" has been applied as a global term to encompass the most advanced application of big data analysis for the most informed construction of algorithms and most sophisticated instrument design, utilizing, when appropriate and possible, models of automation and robotics to realize all opportunities for highest efficacy, efficiency, and consistency in a process.

Exploring technologies to better link physical evidence and digital information for disaster victim identification.

Disaster victim identification (DVI) entails a protracted process of evidence collection and data matching to reconcile physical remains with victim identity. Technology is critical to DVI by enabling the linkage of physical evidence to information. However, labelling physical remains and collecting data at the scene are dominated by low-technology paper-based practices. We ask, how can technology help us tag and track the victims of disaster? Our response to this question has two parts. First, we conducted a human-computer interaction led investigation into the systematic factors impacting DVI tagging and tracking processes. Through interviews with Australian DVI practitioners, we explored how technologies to improve linkage might fit with prevailing work practices and preferences; practical and social considerations; and existing systems and processes. We focused on tagging and tracking activities throughout the DVI process. Using insights from these interviews and relevant literature, we identified four critical themes: protocols and training; stress and stressors; the plurality of information capture and management systems; and practicalities and constraints. Second, these findings were iteratively discussed by the authors, who have combined expertise across electronics, data science, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction and forensic pathology. We applied the themes identified in the first part of the investigation to critically review technologies that could support DVI practitioners by enhancing DVI processes that link physical evidence to information. This resulted in an overview of candidate technologies matched with consideration of their key attributes. This study recognises the importance of considering human factors that can affect technology adoption into existing practices. Consequently, we provide a searchable table (as Supplementary information) that relates technologies to the key considerations and attributes relevant to DVI practice, for readers to apply to their own context. While this research directly contributes to DVI, it also has applications to other domains in which a physical/digital linkage is required, and particularly within high stress environments with little room for error.Key points:Disaster victim identification (DVI) processes require us to link physical evidence and digital information. While technology could improve this linkage, experience shows that technological "solutions" are not always adopted in practice.Our study of the practices, preferences and contexts of Australian DVI practitioners suggests 10 critical considerations for these technologies.We review and evaluate 44 candidate technologies against these considerations and highlight the role of human factors in adoption.

Novel recovery methods for biological materials in cases of alleged sexual assault: A word of caution.

Many believe that an increase in the public confidence in the investigation of sexual crimes, and in conviction rates, will lead to an increase in the reporting of these crimes. Consequently, Forensic Science Providers are continually striving to make improvements in evidence recovery and examination and the subsequent interpretation of evidence. One development is in methods that enable an individual to self-sample. However, in cases where a complainant has self-sampled, questions of when the samples were taken, how they were stored and so on, can be legitimately raised. Additionally the continuity and integrity of evidential samples may be questioned resulting in them not being acceptable to the courts and potential evidence could therefore be lost. There is a large emotional and psychological impact of sexual assault and rape and no complainant who reports a sexual assault and recovers material should have that evidence inadmissible to a court. Specialised units for victims of alleged sexual violence are available and offer far more than the recovery of evidential samples. This commentary on behalf of the Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine (FFLM) and the Association of Forensic Science Providers Body Fluid Forum (AFSP BFF) highlights the need for after care for the victims of sexual assault and why all evidence recovered in cases of alleged sexual assault and sexual violence should be obtained in line with best practice protocols.

Forensic entomology in research and practice: an overview of forensic experts' perceptions and scientific output in Brazil.

Given the growing demands for standardization of procedures for collection, preservation, and identification of insect specimens, this study aimed to identify how forensic entomology is used in Brazil and the perceptions of professionals involved in this process. We conducted: (1) bibliometric survey of the scientific production of forensic specialists from 2001 to 2020; (2) questionnaire applied to forensic professionals to verify their perceptions about the use of entomological evidence in practice. An increase in publications on Forensic Entomology was noticed in the last 5 years, mainly in the South and Northeast regions. Of the 82 respondents to the questionnaire, 62.8% deal with cadavers at least once a week, but 89.0% of the professionals who examine cadavers weekly find less than 10.0% colonized by insect larvae. Using entomological evidence to estimate PMI was mentioned by only 36.6% of the professionals. Most respondents stated no procedures related to collecting, handling, or identifying necrophagous insects in their daily practice. Regarding the chain of custody, 64.6% said they were aware of the changes in the regulations involving the collection and maintenance of forensic evidence. We emphasize the importance of collaboration between scientists at universities and crime scene examiners. Although the use of entomological evidence in criminal investigations in Brazil is still scarce, a growing interest in this area can be detected among forensic experts.

BLOCKCHAIN IN HEALTHCARE TODAY: 2022 PREDICTIONS.

Each year, Blockchain and Healthcare Today reaches out to journal board members, annual ConV2X Symposium speakers, and ecosystem subject matter experts to share their near-term views and perspectives for blockchain technology advances in healthcare. This article presents insights into where authors anticipate market opportunities and where gaps exist that should be addressed for regional and global collaboration, governance, and efficiency for the year 2022.

Recommendations for procedures related to the evidence chain of custody in forensic anthropology in Brazil.

Forensic anthropologists perform specialised analysis, mainly involving skeletonised human remains, cadavers in advanced stages of decomposition, disassociated elements from the human body, and human remains in extreme carbonisation. The main objectives of the forensic anthropology expertise are human identification and assisting in determining the cause and manner of death. Estimating the time since death is also a priority for some cases, especially ones involving missing persons. This science works on individual cases, violent deaths, missing persons, mass disasters, suspected violations of human rights, and crimes against humanity. Forensic anthropological evidence is, in general, very sensitive. Thus, it is important to detail aspects relevant to the maintenance of the chain of custody at all phases of the investigation, as well as standardise the actions of the individuals involved. This aims to preserve the evidence integrity and sameness (Sameness: free translation of the Portuguese word "mesmidade", derived from a Spanish word that does not possess a translation to Portuguese. Sameness of evidence is understood as the guarantee that the evidence under valuation (or under analysis of its probative value) is exactly and integrally the same one which was collected, corresponding, therefore, to "the same" (and not "part of", "derived from"), safeguarding its value. Brazil Law No. 13.964 of 14 December 2019 establishes and lists 10 phases related to the evidence chain of custody that must be followed. These newly introduced requirements resulted in the need for adaptation of the forensic, investigative, and legal actors involved in an investigation, and in the detailed description of the procedures for the different areas related to criminalistics, including forensic anthropology. The information provided in this article should be interpreted as recommendations, even though their non-compliance may weaken the investigative and forensic analysis processes in whole or in part.

The "Magnificent Seven Errors" in Forensic Autopsy Practice: The Italian Context.

According to the Italian legal system, forensic autopsies are performed by a medical doctor specialized in legal medicine, otherwise known as a medicolegal expert (MLE), who has a range of very complex responsibilities. Indeed, the quality of forensic autopsy activity is always questioned in courts of law; incorrect assessments are dangerous because they can jeopardize the validity of a criminal investigation and thus affect the outcome so that a real culprit may be acquitted or an innocent person convicted. Nonconformities also discredit the professionalism of the specialist who performs the autopsy. The work of a MLE implies a series of assignments and duties that should be given constant consideration, but when certain aspects of this activity are underestimated or overlooked, this can lead the expert to make mistakes with irreparable consequences for the judicial investigation. In this article, for the first time, we present a summary of seven known errors related to autopsy activity following death by unnatural causes, with the purpose of alerting MLEs who work under the Italian judicial system to the potential dangers of such errors. These relate to: oversights in autopsy technique, incorrect collection of photographic and video material, unauthorized attendance at the autopsy, missing/mistaken reporting at any stage of the forensic activity, failure to notify the party forensic consultant, using histological or toxicological nonaccredited laboratories for forensic activities, and lack of observance of the chain of custody.

Preservação sistêmica para repositórios arquivísticos / Systemic preservation for archival repositories / Preservación sistémica para repositorios de archivo

Este estudo realiza uma reflexão sobre a preservação de documentos arquivísticos digitais em uma perspectiva sistêmica, pautada em padrões reconhecidos pela literatura científica. De tal forma, utiliza-se da visão holística para ressaltar a pertinência da preservação ser pensada em todo o ciclo de vida dos documentos. A metodologia parte do levantamento bibliográfico composto por artigos, livros e publicações técnicas, para assim, obter uma revisão narrativa. Ressalta-se que a preservação digital tem evoluído para novos patamares e requer o uso de padrões para implementar sistemas informatizados confiáveis. Com isso, pode-se envolver todo o ciclo vital em uma cadeia de custódia ininterrupta capaz de assegurar a autenticidade dos documentos digitais. Por fim, defende-se uma abordagem sistêmico-holística, em que os documentos são planejados e produzidos tendo em vista a preservação e o acesso em longo prazo.

This study reflects on the preservation of digital archival records from a systemic perspective, based on standards recognized by scientific literature. In such a way, it uses a holistic view to emphasize the relevance of preservation to be considered throughout the life cycle of records. The methodology is based on a bibliographic survey composed of articles, books, and technical publications, to obtain a narrative review. It is noteworthy that digital preservation has evolved to new heights, and requires the use of standards to implement reliable computer systems. With this, the entire life cycle can be involved in an uninterrupted chain of custody capable of ensuring the authenticity of digital records. Finally, a systemic-holistic approach is advocated, in which records are planned and produced with a view of the preservation and access in the long-term.

Este estudio reflexiona sobre la preservación de los documentos de archivo digital en una perspectiva sistémica, basada en normas y estándares reconocidos por la literatura científica. De esta manera, utiliza la visión holística para enfatizar la relevancia de la preservación a ser considerada a lo largo del ciclo de vida de los documentos. La metodología se basa en una encuesta bibliográfica compuesta de artículos, libros y publicaciones técnicas, para obtener una revisión narrativa. Es de destacar que la preservación digital ha evolucionado a nuevas alturas y requiere el uso de estándares para implementar sistemas informáticos confiables. Con esto, todo el ciclo de vida puede involucrarse en una cadena de custodia ininterrumpida capaz de garantizar la autenticidad de los documentos digitales. Finalmente, se aboga por un enfoque holístico-sistémico, en que los documentos se planifican y producen con miras la preservación y acceso a largo plazo.

Managing Law Enforcement Presence in the Emergency Department: Highlighting the Need for New Policy Recommendations.

BACKGROUND: The Emergency Department (ED) is the portal of entry to the health care system for a large percentage of patients. This is especially true for victims and perpetrators of interpersonal violence. Frequently, law enforcement personnel (LEP) accompany patients to the ED or seek access to patients during their ED stay or subsequent hospitalization. The time-sensitive nature of both emergency care and criminal investigation motivates both health care personnel and LEP, and can lead to potential conflicts of interest regarding access to patients in the ED. OBJECTIVES: We hope to examine the relationship among patients, providers, and LEP in the ED, and the potential impact these interactions have on patient care. This article presents a review of the relevant literature and policy consideration as well as provides guidance on the development of such policies for EDs. DISCUSSION: Hospitals, EDs, and trauma resuscitation rooms are highly regulated environments, but LEP largely fall outside the ethical and institutional guidelines of health care institutions. Many potential areas of conflict exist when LEP are present in the ED that can have detrimental effects on patient care, provider liability, and LEP efficacy. Patients' perceptions of collaboration between ED personnel and LEP can compromise emergency patient care. CONCLUSION: There is a need for hospital policies to govern interactions among patients, emergency health care providers, and LEP in the ED.

Digital forensics: an analytical crime scene procedure model (ACSPM).

In order to ensure that digital evidence is collected, preserved, examined, or transferred in a manner safeguarding the accuracy and reliability of the evidence, law enforcement and digital forensic units must establish and maintain an effective quality assurance system. The very first part of this system is standard operating procedures (SOP's) and/or models, conforming chain of custody requirements, those rely on digital forensics "process-phase-procedure-task-subtask" sequence. An acceptable and thorough Digital Forensics (DF) process depends on the sequential DF phases, and each phase depends on sequential DF procedures, respectively each procedure depends on tasks and subtasks. There are numerous amounts of DF Process Models that define DF phases in the literature, but no DF model that defines the phase-based sequential procedures for crime scene identified. An analytical crime scene procedure model (ACSPM) that we suggest in this paper is supposed to fill in this gap. The proposed analytical procedure model for digital investigations at a crime scene is developed and defined for crime scene practitioners; with main focus on crime scene digital forensic procedures, other than that of whole digital investigation process and phases that ends up in a court. When reviewing the relevant literature and interrogating with the law enforcement agencies, only device based charts specific to a particular device and/or more general perspective approaches to digital evidence management models from crime scene to courts are found. After analyzing the needs of law enforcement organizations and realizing the absence of crime scene digital investigation procedure model for crime scene activities we decided to inspect the relevant literature in an analytical way. The outcome of this inspection is our suggested model explained here, which is supposed to provide guidance for thorough and secure implementation of digital forensic procedures at a crime scene. In digital forensic investigations each case is unique and needs special examination, it is not possible to cover every aspect of crime scene digital forensics, but the proposed procedure model is supposed to be a general guideline for practitioners.

Certificação florestal na visão gerencial e estratégica da indústria moveleira nacional / Forest certification in the management and strategical vision of the national furniture insdustry

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a contribuição da certificação florestal na visão gerencial e estratégica das empresas moveleiras nacionais certificadas. Para realizar o estudo aplicou-se um questionário nas empresas certificadas da indústria moveleira. Verificou-se que a certificação representa um fator de importância no processo de exportação destas empresas. Ela proporciona, também, uma melhoria de sua imagem perante o mercado consumidor e está inserida em seu planejamento estratégico. Conclui-se que a certificação florestal está crescendo na indústria moveleira nacional e representando um fator de competitividade para exportação. A melhoria de imagem proporcionada representa a maior vantagem obtida por estas empresas. Pode-se concluir, também, que a principal razão de se buscar a certificação florestal, na indústria moveleira, é a demanda do mercado, que atualmente tem sido principalmente do mercado externo.