[en] Fingermarks remain as important individual characteristic evidence for identifying individuals during forensic investigations. However, the assessment of latent fingermarks can be challenging due to their hidden nature, necessitating the development of suitable visualization methods. Currently, the available methods for visualizing fingermarks on wet non-porous objects (e.g., Small Particle Reagent) contain hazardous and toxic chemicals. As such, the utilization of Candida rugosa lipase nanoconjugate for developing a greener forensic fingermark visualization technology for wet non-porous objects has been suggested. Notwithstanding, the utilization of other microbial lipases for the same purpose remains unreported. Considering such an aspect, reviewing the potential of the different microbial lipases as candidates for fingermark visualization technology proves relevant. Hence, this review article that accentuates the contextual importance of microbial lipases for greener fingermark visualization technology complying with the prevailing guidelines and its challenges and future insights for forensic investigations merits scientific and forensic considerations. (author)

[en] Nuclear emulsions for OPERA and WIMPs detection are characterized in the overview of photographic emulsions with respect to the grain size dependence of their sensitivities. The emulsions are classified into three groups. The grains in Class I, which are larger than 0.5 μm in diameter, are highly sensitive owing to their large light absorbance, and used for color films. The grains in Class II, which are 0.1 ∼ 0.5 μm in diameter and include those for OPERA films, are principally defect-free and therefore afford efficient latent image formation. The grains in Class III, which are smaller than 0.1 eV and expected to be available for WIMPs detection, are still poorly understood and interesting to study from the viewpoints of the formation and characterization of quantum-sized grains. Discussions are also made on the mechanism of the reset function brought about by the 'refresh' treatment for OPERA films and its applicability to those for WIMPs detection.

[en] Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a continuously moving table (CMT) represents a novel method allowing for the seamless acquisition of an extended field-of-view in the z-direction. One option to realize CMT MRI from a technical point of view is based on very fast sequences like echo planar imaging (EPI). Consequently, table translation for signal sampling and image reconstruction can be neglected. The acquisition of different contrasts, however, necessitates table motion correction, either during acquisition or via post-processing. First clinical studies applying fast steady-state imaging already yielded promising results with respect to metastasis detection. Nevertheless, additional equipment has to be installed for table motion and position tracking. In contrast, the subsequently developed sliding multislice (SMS) technique can be implemented without any additional hardware. In clinical studies, the achievable image quality corresponds to stationary sequences. Additionally, the use of SMS for the detection of pulmonary and abdominal metastases appears to be comparable to computed tomography (CT). Due to the relatively short examination times, CMT MRI can be integrated into highly specialized stationary imaging protocols, thus increasing the possibility to combine local staging with thoracoabdominal metastasis screening within one examination. New contrasts like diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) or Dixon techniques as well as improved workflow including breathing motion compensation and intuitive scout acquisition have already been proposed and will further expand the clinical applications of this technique. (orig.)

[en] Latent fingerprints are one of the best evidence to prove the presence of an individuals presence at the crime scene. There are many techniques available for a successful fingerprint lifting. Two of the most common ones are fingerprint powder dusting and cyanoacrylate fuming. This research aims to compare both techniques and determine which has a higher success rate in retrieving fingerprints exposed to local environmental conditions for three days. Fingerprint samples were collected from 18 subjects on glass, perspex and aluminium slides. These samples were then exposed to local environmental conditions for three days. The fingerprints were then developed using the aforementioned techniques. Based on the results, it can be safely said that, fuming results in clearer fingerprints and more minutiae can be found from the retrieved fingerprints even with exposure to less than optimum local conditions. This proves that fuming is a better fingerprint lifting method to resolve latent fingerprint compared to powder dusting. Surface on which the fingerprint is retrieved from influences the quality of clarity of a latent fingerprint. (author)

[en] After a year of research and development, BSI and GANIL started an industrial production of microporous membranes. The status of the technical and commercial problems is given. With the collaboration of indutrial firms, other applications are studied, like: non reflecting surfaces, ion implantation, surface treatment, radiation damage

No abstract available

[en] The results of investigation into the effect of pulse electric field on obliteration of latent image of the neutrino event in photoemulsion placed in the volume of a streamer spark chamber are presented. It is shown that the number of grains in photoemulsion on the track of relativistic particle does not decrease when 10₆ electric pulses of approximately 20 kV/cm intensity and of 25 ns duration affects the emulsion

[en] The strength of industrial radiography film developer solution is one of the most important aspects in radiography film processing. The developer solution reacts with the exposed film to visualize the latent image through chemical-film reaction. As the developer is repeatedly used, the strength decreases until a point where it cannot yield the required film optical density value. This work attempts to investigate the developer solution strength through its conductivity. Obtained data are cross correlated to the required industrial radiography optical density range. Through the experiment, the conductivity of the developer solution decreased as the number of the film processed increase. Thus, the desired optical density of the film cannot be achieved. The conductivity of developer is measured and recorded at interval of six films developed. The optical density of every film is recorded to analyze the change in optical density as the conductivity decreases. Through the procedure, it is suggested that as the conductivity decreases, the optical density of film decreased. Ultimately, the strength level of the developer solution can be determined. (author)

[en] The ways of increasing detecting power of the type nuclear emulsion-gel have been investigated in the studies. There have been found conditions under which type M emulsion sensitivity increased by 15-20% without increasing fog grain background. The stability of photographic sensitivity during emulsion gel storage increased time two times. The prevention of latent image fading (by means of layer moisture content decrease to 1,2) and to increasing the detecting power of emulsion (by means of exposure temperature increase up to 37⁰C). The exposure time of tritium labelled autographs has been shortened 5 times. (orig.)

No abstract available