scholarly journals Non-Destructive Inspection of Illicit Drugs Concealed in Mail Envelopes

2016 ◽  
Vol 82 (3) ◽  
pp. 217-220
Author(s):  
Ryo YAMAZAKI ◽  
Mikiya KATO ◽  
Kosuke MURATE ◽  
Kazuki IMAYAMA ◽  
Kodo KAWASE
2003 ◽  
Vol 11 (20) ◽  
pp. 2549 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kodo Kawase ◽  
Yuichi Ogawa ◽  
Yuuki Watanabe ◽  
Hiroyuki Inoue

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (03n04) ◽  
pp. 1640016
Author(s):  
Kosuke Murate ◽  
Mikiya Kato ◽  
Kodo Kawase

In 2003, we demonstrated a non-destructive terahertz spectroscopic imaging of illicit drugs hidden in envelopes using a widely tunable THz-wave parametric source, though its dynamic range at that time was less than four orders. Recently, we have realized more than nine orders of dynamic range with an evolved injection seeded THz-wave spectrometer. Now we can detect drugs under much thicker obstacles than before. In this report, we introduce the result of THz spectroscopic imaging of chemicals under thick envelopes and related topics; Enhanced tuning range of is-TPG up to 5 THz and >90 dB dynamic range THz spectroscopic system.


Nukleonika ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 97-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erol Kam ◽  
Iskender A. Reyhancan ◽  
Recep Biyik

Abstract Depending on the neutron energy used, neutron radiography can be generally categorized as fast and thermal neutron radiography. Fast neutron radiography (FNR) with neutron energy more than 1 MeV opens up a new range of possibilities for a non-destructive examination when the inspected object is thick or dense. Other traditional techniques, such as X-ray, gamma ray and thermal neutron radiography, do not meet penetration capabilities of FNR in this area. Because of these distinctive features, this technique is used in different industrial applications such as security (cargo investigation for contraband such as narcotics, explosives and illicit drugs), gas/liquid flow and mixing and radiography and tomography of encapsulated heavy shielded low Z compound materials. The FNR images are produced directly during exposure as neutrons create recoil protons, which activate a scintillator screen, allowing images to be collected with a computer-controlled charge-coupled device camera. Finally, the picture can be saved on a computer for image processing. The aim of this research was to set up a portable FN R system and to test it for use in non-destructive testing of different composite materials. Experiments were carried out by using a fast portative neutron generator Thermo Scientific MP 320.


Author(s):  
J W Steeds

There is a wide range of experimental results related to dislocations in diamond, group IV, II-VI, III-V semiconducting compounds, but few of these come from isolated, well-characterized individual dislocations. We are here concerned with only those results obtained in a transmission electron microscope so that the dislocations responsible were individually imaged. The luminescence properties of the dislocations were studied by cathodoluminescence performed at low temperatures (~30K) achieved by liquid helium cooling. Both spectra and monochromatic cathodoluminescence images have been obtained, in some cases as a function of temperature.There are two aspects of this work. One is mainly of technological significance. By understanding the luminescence properties of dislocations in epitaxial structures, future non-destructive evaluation will be enhanced. The second aim is to arrive at a good detailed understanding of the basic physics associated with carrier recombination near dislocations as revealed by local luminescence properties.


Author(s):  
R.F. Sognnaes

Sufficient experience has been gained during the past five years to suggest an extended application of microreplication and scanning electron microscopy to problems of forensic science. The author's research was originally initiated with a view to develop a non-destructive method for identification of materials that went into objects of art, notably ivory and ivories. This was followed by a very specific application to the identification and duplication of the kinds of materials from animal teeth and tusks which two centuries ago went into the fabrication of the ivory dentures of George Washington. Subsequently it became apparent that a similar method of microreplication and SEM examination offered promise for a whole series of problems pertinent to art, technology and science. Furthermore, what began primarily as an application to solid substances has turned out to be similarly applicable to soft tissue surfaces such as mucous membranes and skin, even in cases of acute, chronic and precancerous epithelial surface changes, and to post-mortem identification of specific structures pertinent to forensic science.


Crisis ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 406-414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raimondo Maria Pavarin ◽  
Angelo Fioritti ◽  
Francesca Fontana ◽  
Silvia Marani ◽  
Alessandra Paparelli ◽  
...  

Background: The international literature reports that for every completed suicide there are between 8 and 22 visits to an Emergency Department (ED) for attempted suicide/suicidal behavior. Aims: To describe the characteristics of admission to emergency departments (EDs) for suicide-related presenting complaints in the metropolitan area of Bologna; to estimate the risk for all-cause mortality and for suicide; to identify the profiles of subjects most at risk. Method: Follow-up of patients admitted to the EDs of the metropolitan area of Bologna between January 2004 and December 2010 for attempted suicide. A Cox model was used to evaluate the association between sociodemographic variables and the general mortality risk. Results: We identified 505 cases of attempted suicide, which were more frequent for female subjects, over the weekend, and at night (8:00 p.m./8:00 a.m.). The most used suicide methods were psychotropic drugs, sharp or blunt objects, and jumping from high places. In this cohort, 3.6% of subjects completed suicide (4.5% of males vs. 2.9% of females), 2.3% within 1 year of the start of follow-up. The most common causes of death were drug use and hanging. In the multivariate analysis, those who used illicit drugs 24 hr prior to admission to the ED (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.46, 95% CI = 1.23–9.73) and patients who refused the treatment (HR = 6.74, 95% CI = 1.86–24.40) showed an increased mortality risk for suicide. Conclusion: Deliberate self-harm patients presenting to the ED who refuse treatment represent a specific target group for setting up dedicated prevention schemes.


2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 155-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Larissa J. Maier ◽  
Michael P. Schaub

Abstract. Pharmacological neuroenhancement, defined as the misuse of prescription drugs, illicit drugs, or alcohol for the purpose of enhancing cognition, mood, or prosocial behavior, is not widespread in Europe – nevertheless, it does occur. Thus far, no drug has been proven as safe and effective for cognitive enhancement in otherwise healthy individuals. European studies have investigated the misuse of prescription and illicit stimulants to increase cognitive performance as well as the use of tranquilizers, alcohol, and cannabis to cope with stress related to work or education. Young people in educational settings report pharmacological neuroenhancement more frequently than those in other settings. Although the regular use of drugs for neuroenhancement is not common in Europe, the irregular and low-dose usage of neuroenhancers might cause adverse reactions. Previous studies have revealed that obtaining adequate amounts of sleep and using successful learning techniques effectively improve mental performance, whereas pharmacological neuroenhancement is associated with ambiguous effects. Therefore, non-substance-related alternatives should be promoted to cope with stressful situations. This paper reviews the recent research on pharmacological neuroenhancement in Europe, develops a clear definition of the substances used, and formulates recommendations for practitioners regarding how to react to requests for neuroenhancement drug prescriptions. We conclude that monitoring the future development of pharmacological neuroenhancement in Europe is important to provide effective preventive measures when required. Furthermore, substance use to cope with stress related to work or education should be studied in depth because it is likely more prevalent and dangerous than direct neuroenhancement.


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