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August 2013In NIJ's Research Report Digest, you will find brief descriptions of studies in various criminal justice disciplines, such as crime and forensic sciences, and evaluations of technologies that are used in the law enforcement and corrections fields.This issue includes reports based on NIJ-funded research that were added to the NCJRS Abstracts Database from January–March 2013.Find research reports related to:
Assessment of the Comprehensive Anti-Gang Initiative: Final Project Report (pdf, 197 pages)Authors: Edmund F. McGarrell; Nicholas Corsaro; Chris Melde; Natalie Hipple; Jennifer Cobbina; Timothy Bynum; Heather Perez
The U.S. Department of Justice developed the Comprehensive Anti-Gang Initiative (CAGI) to support local communities in their efforts to prevent and control gang crime. Unfortunately, most the cities that carried out the initiative could not provide consistent and reliable measures of gang crime. So most of the impact analyses focused on violent crime. Overall, the CAGI cities experienced a greater decline in violent crime than the comparison cities, but the difference was not statistically significant when controlling for concentrated disadvantage and population density. When enforcement implementation levels were included, the high-enforcement CAGI cities experienced a statistically significant 15-percent decrease in violent crime. The comparison based on a propensity matching approach yielded similar findings. Among the CAGI cities only, higher levels of federal prosecution for gun crime negatively correlated to violent crime.
Developing an Actuarial Risk Assessment to Inform Decisions Made by Adult Protective Services Workers (pdf, 127 pages)Authors: Kristen Johnson; Kathy Park; Andrea Bogie; Shannon Flasch; Jennifer Cotter
This study modeled an actuarial risk assessment that would classify people reported for adult maltreatment or self-neglect. The researchers also assessed whether adult protective services workers could use the risk assessment to make decisions related to the likelihood of future maltreatment or self-neglect. Initial findings were promising. However, more research is needed to improve the assessment's classification abilities. Results from the process evaluation show that this work could be helpful to APS workers. This research shows a need for research-based assessments for APS field staff and managers that can improve the decisions made by APS caseworkers.
Developing the Capacity to Understand and Prevent Homicide: An Evaluation of the Milwaukee Homicide Review Commission (pdf, 95 pages)Authors: Deborah Azrael, Ph.D.; Anthony B. Braga, Ph.D.; Mallory O'Brien, Ph.D.
The goal of the Milwaukee Homicide Review Commission is to support innovative homicide prevention and intervention strategies. The impact evaluation showed that MHRC interventions produced a statistically significant 52-percent decrease in the monthly homicide rate in the treatment districts. Researchers found a 9.2-percent decrease in the monthly homicide rate in the control districts. The interventions were associated with a noteworthy decrease in homicide.
In, Out, and In Again? A Life Course Understanding of Women's Violent Relationships (pdf, 204 pages)Author: Kristin Carmela Carbone-López
This research points to two main policy implications. First, it is important to learn whether a woman is leaving a violent relationship or experiences violence across relationships. This will help researchers identify which strategies successfully help women to escape violence. It will also help them develop specific interventions and treatments to help women cope with their violent relationships. Second, given the potentially disastrous effect of childhood victimization, it is important to identify victims of child abuse and address the abuse while the victims are still young and before they enter their own intimate relationships. In these cases, efforts should be made to both prevent child abuse and preemptively address the lifetime effects of such abuse.
Evaluating the Work of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Programs in the Criminal Justice System: A Toolkit for Practitioners (pdf, 227 pages)Authors: Rebecca Campbell, Ph.D.; Megan Greeson, M.A.; Nidal Karim, Ph.D.; Jessica Shaw, M.A.; Stephanie Townsend, Ph.D.
The SANE Practitioner Evaluation Toolkit provides practitioners with the information necessary to understand and evaluate a SANE program's impact on local prosecution rates. It also offers ideas for using this information to improve the program's positive impact on the reporting, investigation and prosecution of sexual assault cases. It guides the user through six evaluation steps: understanding the evaluation design, identifying evaluation questions, setting up cooperative agreements, sampling cases and collecting data, analyzing the data, and interpreting the results.
Implementation of a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Practitioner Evaluation Toolkit (pdf, 145 pages)Authors: Rebecca Campbell, Ph.D.; Stephanie Townsend, Ph.D.; Deborah Bybee, Ph.D.; Jessica L. Shaw, M.A.; Jenifer Markowitz, N.D., R.N.
This project evaluated implementation of the SANE Practitioner Evaluation Toolkit, which was developed as part of a previous National Institute of Justice-funded study on how SANE programs affect criminal justice system case outcomes. Six SANE programs used the toolkit to evaluate whether it increased prosecution rates. None of the sites experienced a statistically significant increase in prosecution rates following implementation of the SANE program. However, when data were aggregated across sites, the evaluation found that cases processed post-SANE implementation were 80 percent more likely to get a higher level of disposition compared to cases processed before implementation, which was a significant increase. These findings suggest the SANE intervention model has improved sexual assault case progression in the criminal justice system. Nevertheless, the vast majority of both pre‐SANE and post-SANE resulted in nonreferral/no charges filed.
Application of Chemometrics and Fast GC-MS Analysis for the Identification of Ignitable Liquids in Fire Debris Samples (pdf, 45 pages)Authors: Michael Sigman, Ph.D.; Mary Williams, M.S.
The researchers developed a chemometric method of data analysis to help identify gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) patterns associated with ignitable liquid classes, as designated under ASTM E 1618-10. They also set out to classify ignitable liquid residue in the presence of background interferences found in fire debris. The researchers tested the method in three ways. First, they used computationally constructed datasets prepared using total ion spectra from ignitable liquids and pyrolyzed substrates from the Ignitable Liquids Reference Collection and Database and the Substrate Databases. Second, they used laboratory-generated burn samples. Third, they used large-scale burn samples produced specifically for testing purposes.
The first set of tests showed that ignitable liquid contributions can be detected, even as a minor component, in common building materials. Results from the laboratory-scale burns showed an 80- to 85-percent success rate for classification. The large-scale burns conducted in the third task achieved similar results.
Application of Fluorescence Line Narrowing Spectroscopy to Forensic Fiber Examination (pdf, 144 pages)Authors: Andres D. Campiglia, Ph.D.; Michael D. Sigman, Ph.D.
This project developed an identification tool for textile fibers that preserves the evidentiary value of the original sample by focusing on the total fluorescence emission of fibers. It also examined the contribution of the textile dye (or dyes) to the fluorescence spectrum of the fiber, and the contribution of intrinsic fluorescence impurities as a reproducible source of fiber comparison. The proposed method, instrumentation and data analysis reduce the need for destructive dye extractions while significantly increasing the discriminating power of fluorescence microscopy.
Application of Spatial Statistics to Latent Print Identifications: Towards Improved Forensic Science Methodologies (pdf, 109 pages)Authors: Stephen J. Taylor; Emma K. Dutton; Patrick R. Aldrich; Bryan E. Dutton
This project reviewed the latent fingerprint ACE-V comparison method to ascertain the fingerprint features considered during the comparison process and to apply principles of spatial analyses to calculate false-match probabilities. The objectives were to spatially analyze fingerprint features using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques and empirically derive probabilities to provide a quantitative measure of the discriminating value of the various ridgeline features.
GIS results showed a greater density of minutiae and ridgelines below the core than above the core, regardless of pattern type. However, the distributions of bifurcations and ridge endings were more similar within any pattern type rather than across different pattern types. Also, pattern types with comparable ridge flow (e.g., right and left slant loops, and whorls and double-loop whorls) had greater similarity between them when comparing various metrics such as axis dimensions and Thiessen polygon ratios. Geometric morphometric (GM) results showed little shape variation among fingerprints of the same pattern type, with the greatest shape variation associated with the deltas. Additional GM spatial analyses suggested a high degree of shape consistency between left and right slant loops and between whorls and double loop whorls. Monte Carlo simulations showed the probability of random minutiae correspondence drastically decreased as the fingerprint attribute criteria (e.g., minutiae type, direction) increased. In addition, increasing the number of minutiae and fingerprint attributes applied in searches away from the core and delta regions yielded lower probabilities for a false match. However, minutiae spatial distributions in regions around and below the core were not always unique.
Automated Processing of FTA Samples (pdf, 27 pages)Authors: Erin Finehout; Perry Bonanni; Scott Duthie; Weston Griffin; Zaeem Khan; Phil Shoemaker; Xuefeng Wang
Forensic laboratories use fast technology for analysis of nucleic acids (FTA) cards to collect and store DNA samples. This project designed an automated system for processing FTA cards for STR analysis in forensic DNA databanking labs. The system allows a user to load a stack of FTA EasiCollect cards into the system and retrieve a 96-well plate of punches ready for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. The system reduced the risk of sample loss from static effects, with a final estimated error rate of less than 0.15 percent. Tests to evaluate cross-contamination show that a cleaning punch between samples reduces the cross-contamination risk, and the current vacuum system needs improvement to prevent general dust buildup. In a final test, researchers punched FTA cards containing buccal swabs. All the samples tested yielded full short tandem repeat (STR) profiles.
Automated Processing of Sexual Assault Cases Using Selective Degradation (pdf, 75pages)Authors: Dr. Christian Carson; Dr. Alex Garvin; Kim Gorman
This research addressed the problems of getting a single-source sperm DNA profile from sexual assault evidence that contains both sperm cell and epithelial cell DNA and of automating the differential extraction process. The resulting process for getting single-source male DNA profiles from mixed stains improves the ability to process and prosecute sexual assault cases. By eliminating sperm fraction DNA profile mixtures from almost all sexual assault evidence containing sperm cells, crime laboratories will often be able to get single-source male DNA profiles when the standard method of differential extraction does not produce a sperm fraction male profile. This process saves time in performing differential extractions and removes the uncertainty caused by mixed DNA profiles. Also, by automating the differential extraction process, it will help reduce the backlog of sexual assault evidence.
Cognitive and Contextual Influences in Determination of Latent Fingerprint Suitability for Identification Judgments (pdf, 36 pages)Authors: Peter Fraser-Mackenzie; Itiel Dror; Kasey Wertheim
This study examined forensic fingerprint examiners' suitability determinations of latent fingerprints. It compared situations in which the latent print was assessed by itself to situations in which it was presented alongside a comparison matching or nonmatching exemplar print. Examiners were more inclined to conclude that the latent print was suitable for comparison when presented alongside a nonmatching comparison exemplar print than when it was presented alone, even when the latent print was unsuitable for comparison. When presented alongside a matching comparison exemplar, examiners were more likely to classify the latent print as questionable, compared to solo analysis. This effect persisted even when the latent presented was suitable, suggesting a strong main effect.
Additionally, if one examiner determined the latent print was unsuitable and a second examiner knew this, that examiner would be more likely to come to the same conclusion. However, knowledge that an examiner determined the print to be "suitable" did not increase the likelihood that other examiners would feel the same way. These effects were weaker — although not removed — in examiners with International Association for Identification certification, suggesting that training may reduce the effects of influence and bias in suitability determinations. In addition, latent prints that had been classified as "unsuitable" in a non-biasing context also tended to be classified as "unsuitable" when presented in a strongly biasing context.
Day and Night Real Time Signature Enhanced Crime Scene Survey Camera (pdf, 78 pages)Authors: Milind Mahajan; Karen Zachery; Weiya Zhang; Andrew Brackley; Xindian Long
This project developed an integrated day and night forensic survey camera that can improve targets of forensic interest in real time. The camera collects and analyzes different wavelength and polarization channels using multiple wavelength illumination, including ultraviolet for fluorescence. Study findings showed contrast improvement and improved detection threshold across a wide range of targets. In several cases, the camera captured target imagery (e.g., prints, stains) that was invisible to the naked eye and to conventional color digital cameras. Adaptive dynamic range compression and false color rendering were effective in directing viewers' attention to the improved target.
Denver DNA Efficiency Improvement Project, Final Technical Report (pdf, 97 pages)Authors: Lindsey R. Horvat; Susan G. Berdine; Greggory S. LaBerge, Ph.D.
This project created a simulated model of the workflow of the Denver Forensic Biology/DNA Unit using specialized software and identified areas for efficiency improvements. It also drew on employee input and a teamwork approach to identify and implement additional efficiency improvements that would help decrease the backlog and turnaround time of DNA cases.
The results of test simulations of the model using a year of casework data found that instruments and equipment were not causing bottlenecks in the workflow, and increasing the number of instruments did not improve the case backlog. Rather, increasing the number of trained DNA personnel improved the backlog and turnaround times to the needed levels. Also, the simulation provided definitive data on the number of staff needed to eliminate the case backlog and meet target objective turnaround times.
Developing a High Throughput Protocol for Using Soil Molecular Biology as Trace Evidence (pdf, 90 pages)Authors: Sabreena Larson; David O. Carter; Cheryl Bailey; Rhae A. Drijber
This research was designed to find out the optimal conditions for storing soil when using biochemical molecules as trace evidence. First, researchers analyzed DNA profiles made with capillary electrophoresis-single-stranded conformation polymorphism (CE-SSCP). They found that storage treatment did not have a significant impact on the genetic profile of soil bacteria. However, there were significant differences between soils collected from different sites. This shows that different soils can have different genetic profiles and that soil storage has little effect in their characterization.
Next, fatty acid profiles were analyzed as fatty acid methyl esters. Researchers found -80˚C to be the best storage temperature to preserve the integrity of the microbial community fatty acid profile, although -20˚C was acceptable. The researchers infer that analysis of fatty acid profiles is more sensitive to changes in the microbial habitat than that of DNA profiles. In contrast, genetic changes in the microbial community occur over longer periods.
Development and Validation of a Method for Individualization of Middle Petroleum Distillates and Kerosene Ignitable Liquids (pdf, 109 pages)Authors: J. Graham Rankin, Ph.D; Peter Harrington, Ph.D.
This project created analytical tools that provide a statistical evaluation for forensic comparison between ignitable liquid residues in fire debris and ignitable liquids that a suspect has. The project applied target compound analysis from high-resolution Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GCMS), used for gasoline individualization, to medium petroleum distillates (MPD) and kerosene, which may be used as accelerants in arson cases. For kerosene, the authors applied the projected difference resolution (PDR) mapping technique to measure the quantitative differences among the ignitable liquid samples by their GCMS profiles, and applied fuzzy rule-building expert systems (FuRES) to classify individual ignitable liquids. The FuRES models yielded correct classification rates greater than 90 percent for discriminating between samples. PDR mapping, a new method for characterizing complex datasets, was consistent with the FuRES classification result. For MPD, the authors used Kendall's-tau metric for "association/no-association" to show "association/no-association" true-positive rates more than 95 percent, with false-positive rates of about 5 percent.
Development of Synthetically Generated LEA Signatures to Generalize Probability of False Positive Identification Estimates (pdf, 72 pages)Authors: Benjamin Bachrach; Pan Gao; Roger Xu; Wei Wang; Ajay Mishra; Kaizhi Tang; Guangfan Zhang
Automated ballistics identification systems use a land-engraved area (LEA) signature, a one-dimensional signal computed from a digitized three-dimensional bullet surface, to match bullets. This study developed a bullet data-synthesis approach to producing LEA signatures by capturing the characteristics of each firearm brand and the details of each barrel. Preliminary results show that newly generated LEAs for a brand are similar to other LEAs of the same brand but dissimilar to those of different brands. Also, the correlation distributions for matched and nonmatched LEAs of the same brand suggest the combined data approaches the same distribution as the experimental data.
DNA Profiling of the Semen Donor in Extended Interval Post-Coital Samples (pdf, 61 pages)Author: Jack Ballantyne, Ph.D.
Despite improved extraction and profiling techniques, forensic examiners still routinely fail to recover male-donor DNA profiles from samples collected from living sexual assault victims more than 6 days after intercourse. This study developed new strategies to enable the recovery of this DNA from extended interval post-coital samples. Using a combination of novel methods to improve male DNA fractions, researchers were able to get male donor profiles in samples collected 6 to 9 days following intercourse. This significantly increases the timeframe in which male profiles can be successfully recovered from post-coital samples.
Elemental Analysis of Glass by SEM-EDS, uXRF, LIBS and LA-ICP-MS (pdf, 88 pages)Authors: Jose Almirall; Ben Naes; Erica Cahoon; Tatiana Trejos
This project sought to improve the value of trace evidence examinations, including mature analytical techniques such as laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) for glass and paint. Additionally, researchers sought to develop a database of elemental data for more than 700 different glass samples that shows the significance of a trace elemental "match." Forensic examiners can use this information to interpret comparisons of materials using trace elemental composition more judiciously.
The project also evaluated the performance of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) in analyzing glass. Researchers developed an analytical scheme for using LIBS, which they then validated and used to analyze many glass samples. LIBS provided excellent discrimination potential for a glass set of 41 automotive fragments recovered from 14 different vehicles. Researchers compared the discrimination power of LIBS to two of the leading elemental analysis techniques, uXRF and LA-ICP-MS, with similar results. All three methods produced greater than 99-percent discrimination, and the pairs found indistinguishable were correlated across the analytical methods.
Estimation of Age at Death Using Cortical Bone Histomorphometry (pdf, 87 pages)
Author: Christian Crowder, Ph.D.
Biological variability in age indictors and different skeletal responses to environmental factors over an individual's life make it difficult to estimate the age at death of the adult skeleton, particularly for people older than age 50. Previously developed methods using the femur showed significant methodological issues that affect their reliability and accuracy. This research evaluated histological age estimation using the anterior femur and explored the biological limitations of bone turnover as an age indicator. The results indicate that histological analysis of the anterior femur provides reliable age estimates, and that the described regression model is most accurate for people over age 50.
Estimation of Biological Parameters for Human Identification in Cases of Missing Persons, Mass Disasters, and Human Rights Violations (pdf, 354 pages)Authors: Erin H. Kimmerle, Ph.D.; John Obafunwa, M.D.; J.D. George Kamenov, Ph.D.; Lyle W. Konigsberg, Ph.D.
This research project had four primary objectives. The first was to collect osteometric, morphological, elemental and isotope data on skeletal and dental traits for contemporary African populations in Nigeria and other contemporary American populations and Diaspora. The researchers then sought to assess the applicability of methods used across populations by testing the degree of population variation among diverse populations. Next, they recalibrated biological parameters for identification methodology using a Bayesian statistical approach and hazard analysis. The final objective was to develop internationally relevant data protocols and a framework for research in human identification.
The research produced unique morphological and isotopic parameters for human identification. It provides insight into human skeletal variation, with implications for human identification. The findings also show the craniometrical variation among broad African regions and Diaspora populations, and provide the population-specific parameters needed for sex estimation for diverse African groups.
Evaluation and Application of Polynomial Texture Mapping (PTM) in the area of Shoe/Tire Impression Evidence (pdf, 33 pages)Authors: James S. Hamiel; John S. Yoshida
Researchers built a laboratory-based polynomial texture mapping(PTM) dome, bought and tested camera equipment and developed software to synchronize the digital camera control (image capture) with the flash sequence. Then, they tested the PTM technique with several different types of impression evidence.
When compared to traditional photography techniques, the PTM technique improved the visualization of unique characteristics in several of the impressions captured during testing. Although many of these characteristics were visible in traditional photographs, the detail was not as well defined. The PTM technique allowed the examiner to confirm the detail in the impression corresponded to a unique characteristic in the shoe. However, the use of the PTM technique did not improve the visualization of texture in all the impressions captured when compared to traditional photography techniques.
Forensic Pathology Tool to Predict Pediatric Skull Fracture Patterns (pdf, 130 pages)Authors: Brian J. Powell; Timothy G. Baumer; Nicholas V. Passalacqua; Christina D. Wagner; Roger C. Haut; Todd W. Fenton; King H. Yang
The researchers conducted impact experiments on developing porcine skulls to show characteristic fracture patterns. They did tests to discover the elastic and failure properties of the developing bone and suture. The researchers also developed a computational tool to predict fracture patterns, and they developed a mathematical model of the pediatric human skull. Research on the porcine animal model showed that with increased impact energy, there were more sites of fracture initiation and propagation into adjacent bones. Fracture initiation occurred away from the impact site. One impact often produced two or more linear fractures away from the impact site. Rigid and compliant interfaces produced different fracture patterns. Additionally, developmental changes in the material properties of porcine skulls from two to 24 days paralleled those of the human skull from two to 24 months. Equivalent energies of impact to an entrapped head produced more fractures than a free-falling head onto a rigid interface.
Some studies on finite-element modeling show that a simplified model of fracture prediction based on principal stress and strain theory can predict general patterns of skull fracture. However, researchers found that more sophisticated models of fracture initiation and propagation were too sensitive to subject-specific characteristics and model assumptions to limit the utility of current computational tools to predict fracture patterns for general use in forensic cases.
Goodness-Of-Fit Tests and Function Estimators for Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) Curves: Inference From Perpendicular Distances (pdf, 284 pages)Author: R. Bradley Patterson
Statistical inference with the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve — a tool to assess performance of classification methods — has traditionally been based on differences between empirical and parametric curves in the vertical direction. Working along directions perpendicular to parametric binormal ROC curves, researchers designed a goodness-of-fit test similar to existing statistics based on the empirical distribution function for a single random variable. After first showing the poor performance of the direct application of the Cramér-von Mises family of goodness-of-fit statistics to ROC curves, the new test showed uniformity of p-values under the null hypothesis, proving its consistency. More simulations with alternatives show the goodness-of-fit test's power in three general cases. First, the test can reject the binormal model estimated with a fully parametric approach and small samples. Second, the test can reject the binormal model estimated with either a semiparametric or fully parametric approach and large samples. Third, the test can reject the binormal model with small samples if one of the underlying distributions follows a truncated, mixture or heavy-tailed distribution.
Improved Detection of Male DNA in Post-Coital Samples (pdf, 106 pages)Authors:Jack Ballantyne, Ph.D.; Angela van Daal, Ph.D.; Helge Lubenow, Ph.D
Samples collected from sexual assault or homicide victims can contain low levels of cellular male DNA mixed with many female epithelial cells. This often results in failure to get an autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) profile from the male DNA donor. Y-STR analysis can overcome this problem; however, there are still many instances where that approach does not work. The authors developed a 17-locus Y chromosome-specific nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) preamplification multiplex and performed initial validation studies to show its potential use with forensic samples. Using the nested PCR preamplification prior to Y-STR analysis allows Y-STR profiles to be recovered from as little as 5pg of male DNA (~ 1 diploid cell) from blood, semen, saliva and skin. The presence of female DNA caused no interference, even when it was more than 100,000 times the amount of male DNA. The ability to recover Y-STR profiles from touch/contact DNA samples as well as from extended interval post-coital samples (i.e., more than 5 days after intercourse) shows the potential efficacy of the nested PCR preamplification multiplex for casework.
Improving Sex Estimation From Crania Using 3-dimensional CT Scans (pdf, 80 pages)Authors: Richard Jantz; Mohamed Mahfouz; Natalie R. Shirley; Emam Abdel Fatah
Estimations of the sex of humans based on their craniums almost exclusively rely on measurements or observations of external cranial features and seldom exceed 90-percent accuracy. This project examined cranial measurements to obtain the best discriminators for sex estimation. Results show that although size is a significant component of cranial sex dimorphism, shape plays a role as well. The global analysis showed significant size differences in cranial length and facial breadth and significant shape differences in the glabellar, zygomatic, occipital and mastoid regions. The local analysis corroborated the global analysis. Important size-related variables were maximum cranial length, cranial base length and mastoid height. The shape-related variables capture differences in the projection of the glabellar region, inclination of the frontal bone, and angulation/orientation of the mastoid. In addition, vault thickness is a sexually dimorphic feature, with females having, on average, thicker vaults than males in the frontal region, and males having thicker vaults in the occipital region (this variable offered high discriminatory power).
The best model is an 11-variable model, which achieved 97.3 percent accuracy. The eight-variable and three-variable models were also successful, with accuracy levels of 95.5 percent and 86.5 percent. The glabella projection index alone classified with 82.4-percent accuracy, whereas the bizygomatic breadth achieved 83 percent accuracy, and the basion-nasion length achieved 82 percent accuracy.
NCFS Support of SWGDE and T/SWGFEX Projects/Activities - T/SWGFEX Portion (pdf, 91 pages)Authors: Michael Sigman, Ph.D.; Mary Williams, M.S.; Carrie Whitcomb
This project sought to develop or improve three databases used extensively in fire and explosion analysis. The researchers first improved the ignitable liquids reference collection and database and the associated substrates database casework samples. The researchers then developed a smokeless powders database and a computer-searchable ignitable liquids database.
Physical Matching Verification (pdf, 61 pages)Authors: Yoram Yekutieli; Yaron Shor; Sarena Wiesner; Tsadok Tsach
This project developed a prototype system for physical matching in two dimensions to help forensic experts perform physical matching objectively and to collect statistics and build confidence levels about physical matches. The statistical results were much lower than first expected because only the two-dimensional fracture lines were used, with none of the added clues commonly used in tool mark comparisons. The pairs were also classified as matches and nonmatches; "inconclusive" pairs were ignored. For these reasons, the results are the entry point to numerical or quantitative evaluation. Adding the surface details or performing a three-dimensional match can bring the results much closer to those achieved by toolmark experts.
Quantitative Measures in Support of Latent Print Comparison (pdf, 63 pages)Author: Sargur N. Srihari
Latent prints of friction ridge impressions have long been useful in identification. The method of examining latent prints — known as ACE-V (analysis, comparison, evaluation and verification) — has been well documented. Several recent influential reports have explained the need to quantify confidences within ACE-V to strengthen the science of friction ridge analysis. This research evaluated three quantitative measures — rarity of features, confidence of opinion and a probabilistic measure of similarity. The rarity of observed features is difficult to compute due to the large number of variables and high data requirements. The proposed solution uses probabilistic graphical models to represent spatial distributions of fingerprints represented at level 2 detail (minutiae). Determining the confidence of opinion is relevant to the evaluation phase of ACE-V. The proposed computation determines a likelihood ratio as a product of rarity and the probability of similarity under the identification hypothesis. The developed methods for measuring similarity probabilistically, and in a manner analogous to cognition, can be useful in examiner training, presentation of opinion and validating examination procedures.
New Approaches to Understanding and Regulating Primary and Secondary Illegal Firearms (pdf, 177 pages)Authors: Glenn Pierce; Anthony Braga; Garen Wintemute; Matthew Dolliver
This report confirms previous study results showing the usefulness of trace data in policing illicit firearms. The data show that jurisdictions with gun regulations recover fewer illicitly distributed weapons compared to jurisdictions without regulations. The authors suggest that more regulation will reduce the availability and distribution of illicit firearms.
Strategies for Disrupting Illegal Firearms Markets: A Case Study of Los Angeles (pdf, 91 pages)
Authors: Greg Ridgeway; Glenn L. Pierce; Anthony A. Braga; George Tita; Garen Wintemute; Wendell Roberts
The primary goal of this project was to find out whether a data-driven, problem-solving approach could yield new interventions aimed at disrupting the workings of local, illegal gun markets serving criminals, gang members and juveniles in Los Angeles. The authors created a new software tool to help law enforcement analyze patterns in crime-gun data and identify and trace illicit pathways by which criminals get guns. They incorporated the findings into an interagency working-group process that developed a community-based intervention designed to disrupt the illegal flow of guns to Los Angeles-area criminals. This intervention may reduce the number of straw purchases. The authors then assessed the utility of retail ammunition-purchase records in identifying prohibited firearm possessors, recommending a cost-benefit analysis on this measure.
Through the Wall Standoff Detection and Tracking of Individuals (pdf, 70 pages)Authors: AKELA
The goal of this project was to develop an easy-to-use, battery-operated, FCC-compliant, portable sense-through-the-wall standoff radar imaging system that weighs less than 15 pounds and costs less than $5,000. The system must be capable of detecting personnel behind an 8-inch thick concrete block wall at 30 meters; controllable by a wireless Ethernet connection, allowing remote deployment and operation; and capable of producing images identifying stationary and moving individuals within building structures. A device has been developed that detected and tracked stationary and moving objects and human subjects within a 10.5-meter thick double reinforced concrete structure. Final Federal Communication Commission certification testing and a user performance evaluation will occur under an NIJ fiscal year 2012 grant.
Advanced Behavior Recognition in Crowded Environments (pdf, 218 pages)Authors: Ming-Ching Chang; Weina Ge; Nils Krahnstoever; Ting Yu; Ser Nam Lim; Xiaoming Liu
This program is designed to increase situational awareness in law enforcement and correctional settings and reliably detect and prevent disorderly conduct and criminal behavior. The program stresses developing a robust probabilistic event modeling framework that takes the uncertainty of low-level image evidence into consideration. The event-explanation and scenario-modeling graphical user interface also makes the program user-friendly. The program has led to developing intelligent video capabilities that can help law enforcement and corrections detect many different types of events and, often, can alert operators to the onset of an event, enabling early detection and possible prevention of critical events.
Evaluating A Presumptive Drug Testing Technology in Community Corrections Settings (pdf, 58 pages)Authors: Craig D. Uchida; Gordon A. Aoyagi; W. Riley Waugh; Shawn Flower; Shellie E. Solomon; Jonathan Mash
This evaluation sought to find out whether presumptive drug-detection technology would increase community corrections agencies' success in identifying offenders or settings that have been exposed to drugs and decrease the overall cost of drug testing. In addition, the researchers evaluated the cost-effectiveness of the technology.
Measuring the Effect of Defense Counsel on Homicide Case Outcomes (pdf, 59 pages)Authors: James M. Anderson; Paul Heaton
Since 1993, every fifth murder case tried in Philadelphia, Pa., has been sequentially assigned to the Defender Association of Philadelphia. The other four cases are assigned to appointed counsel. This study sought to measure the difference a lawyer makes to the outcome of a serious criminal case. Compared to private appointed counsel, public defenders reduce the murder conviction rate by 19 percent, reduce the likelihood that their clients receive a life sentence by 62 percent, and reduce overall expected time served in prison by 24 percent. This suggests that defense counsel has an enormous effect on case outcomes.
To understand the difference in outcomes, researchers interviewed judges, appointed counsel and public defenders in Philadelphia. The results show that compared to the public defenders, appointed counsel are impeded by limited compensation, incentives created by that compensation, relative isolation, and conflicts of interest among both the appointing judges and the appointed counsel.
National Institute of Justice's Evaluation of Second Chance Act Adult Reentry Courts: Program Characteristics and Preliminary Themes from Year 1 (pdf, 24 pages)Author: Christine Lindquist; Jennifer Hardison Walters; Michael Rempel; Shannon M. Carey
In fiscal year 2010, the National Institute of Justice funded a cross-site evaluation of eight Bureau of Justice Assistance-funded reentry courts. The evaluation consists of three phases — a process evaluation, an impact evaluation and a cost-effectiveness study. Findings from the Year 1 process evaluation show that most sites share several common programmatic characteristics. They include an emphasis on post-release service delivery, provision of services relevant to the target population (with all sites offering substance abuse treatment and employment services), a case management approach to coordinating and monitoring services, use of court hearings to monitor participants' progress in the program, testing for drugs, and a team approach to decision-making about sanctions and rewards.
Predicting Erroneous Convictions: A Social Science Approach to Miscarriages of Justice (pdf, 434pages)Authors: Jon B. Gould; Julia Carrano; Richard Leo; Joseph Young
This study compared cases in which innocent defendants were wrongfully convicted to "near misses" – cases in which an innocent defendant was acquitted or had charges dismissed before trial. Researchers found 10 significant factors that can lead to a wrongful conviction. They include a younger defendant, a defendant with a criminal history, a weak prosecution case, a prosecution that withholds evidence, a dishonest non-eyewitness, unintentional witness misidentification, misinterpreting forensic evidence at trial, a weak defense, a family witness offered by the defendant, and a "punitive" state culture.
Unobtrusive Suicide Warning System, Final Technical Report (pdf, 151 pages)Authors: Jeffrey M. Ashe; Meena Ganesh; Lijie Yu; Catherine Graichen; Ken Welles; Bill Platt; Joy Chen
Despite many improvements, inmate suicide remains a longstanding problem for correctional institutions. In phases I and II of this program, a prototype demonstration system was developed that can measure an inmate's heart rate, breathing and general body motions without being attached to the inmate. Building on the success of the first two phases, a final phase is proposed to design a "hardened" system for long-term use.
UWB Enhanced Time Difference of Arrival System, Final Report (pdf, 32 pages)Authors: Benjamin Lonske ; Eric van Doorn; Satya Ponnaluri; Arvind Bhat
Corrections officials have identified the problem of cell phones in prisons as one of the toughest issues they face. The purpose of the proposed technology development and evaluation effort is to design, implement and test a prototype time-difference-of-arrival system capable of detecting and locating cell phones in correctional facilities in real time. Test results show that signals received outside a facility can be stronger than those received inside, depending on the proximity of the transmitter and receiver. In addition, high-frequency signals attenuate more than low-frequency signals, and when the receiver and transmitter are far apart, the received signal is weak and the spectrum analyzer does not capture the corresponding wideband code-division multiple-access (WCDMA) and personal communications service (PCS) signals. (WCDMA and PCS are two popular cell phone frequency bands.)


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CLEARANCE PRICED! 13mm Buttefly Silver Plated Charm
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CLEARANCE PRICED! 7x13mm butterfly silver plated charm.
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Anthony Daniels & David Prowse will be attending Adventure Con June 5-6, 2004 in Knoxville, TN. Adventure Con is one of the southeast's largest toy/comic & autograph collectors events, consisting of 400 tables of toys, comics, cards, tv/movie memorabila & more. Other celebrity guests include:
Catherine Bach (Daisy Duke from Dukes of Hazard, Cannonball Run II)
Cindy Morgan (Tron & Caddyshack)
Brad Dourif (Dune, Child's Play 1-3, Bride of Chucky, Graveyard Shift, Urban Legend, Star Trek: Voyager, Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers & Seed of Chucky)
Tanya Roberts (Charlie's Angels, Sheena, Beastmaster, A View to a Kill & That 70's Show)
Jackson Bostwick (Shazam, Tron & Bombshell)
Kathy Garver (Family Affair, Spiderman)
Dick Durock (Swamp Thing, Return of Swamp Thing, Battlestar Galactica, Incredible Hulk, Stand By Me)
Alex Vincent (Child's Play 1&2)
Felix Silla (Addams Family, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, Battlestar Galactica, Return of the Jedi, Batman Returns)
Richard Hatch (Battlestar Galactica)
Kate Jackson (Darkshadows, The Rookies, Charlie's Angels, Scarcrow & Mrs. King)
Check www.adventurecon.com for more information


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This ripe, juicy, vibrantly big-fruited red wine is a real crowd pleaser, and Ludovicus's easy drinking nature makes it a versatile wine, either with meat and pork main courses or with more casual tapas or small plates. Of course, this wine is also a great sipper on its own.
Vinos Piñol enjoys a high Mediterranean, with very hot days and cold nights with moderate rains. This climate allows the grapes to ripen very well during the day and slowly during the night, allowing the acidity and the skin-to-juice ratio to build up to the necessary level to have a well-balanced wine. The vineyards are well-protected by the high mountains surrounding Batea.
Limestone on the surface layer and clay on the inside layer, the soils of Vinos Piñol are poor in organic matter. This causes the vines produce lower yields, creating more concentrated grapes. With old family-owned vineyards, small production, organic farming, and the same climate conditions as Priorat, Vinos Piñol has become known for a beautiful selection of wines.
Today, Dry Creek Vineyard is committed to vineyard diversity, vinifying individual lots of fruit separately, and then blending carefully for each final cuvee. Dry Creek Vineyard is also a leader in the stewardship of pre-Prohibition Zinfandel vines and vineyards, and has isolated a clone, called the "Heritage Clone," which is bottled separately from their "Old Vines" Zinfandel (containing wine only from vines no younger than 50 years old), and which has made very promising wines.
The current owners, Joao Ferreria Alvares Ribeiro, Francisco Ferreira and Francisco Olazabal, are the sixth generation of this remarkable family, and the family's mission to produce some of the best still wines of this fertile valley continues with the red blends and varietals that are exported worldwide. Of the 38-hectare Estate, 26 hectares are filled with vines 60 years and older. It is from these vines that Quinta do Vallado's Red Reserve and Touriga Nacional wines are made, so it is no wonder that the wines are often found to be rated and reviewed among the best wines from the Douro.
The evolving seriousness of Terrasses eventually left room for a new wine, as Alvaro had never wanted to be known solely for expensive"trophy"" wines, and with Camins, he found the opportunity to create something special. Drawing on his wealth of vineyard sources, Alvaro isaiming to produce a wine that is affordably priced, but which also stays true to his vision of Priorat - powerful but elegant, approachable but restrained.
Blend: 30% Garnacha, 60% Cariñena, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah
The son of the owners of Rioja's Palacios Remondo, Alvaro Palacios spent his early 20s working and studying winemaking outside of Spain. His experience abroad - particularly in Bordeaux - instilled in him a deep passion for great wines and led him to return to Spain. With the ambition to make wines that could be world-class. To achieve this dream, Palacios was drawn to the historic hillsides of slate soil and its traditional grape varieties of Garnacha and Carinena. Now widely considered to be among the more important new Spanish wineries in a generation, Alvaro Palacios embodies the spirit of "The New Spain."
Blend: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Syrah, 2% Merlot
A longtime leader, Two Vines earns consistent "Best Value" and "Best Buy" designations from leading wine publications.
An internationally-styled, super Tuscan blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this wine's dense aromas of cassis and black stone fruit are offset by notes of herbs, spice and sweet oak which carry onto a ripe palate marked by firm tannic structure.
Tenuta Sette Ponti, is, like many Tuscan estates, multi-faceted. The 750-acre property supports livestock and mixed agriculture, and although viticulture is not new to the estate, winemaking is; the yield of the property's vineyards was until 1997 sold to various respected Tuscan wine producers, among them Piero Antinori. Dr. Moretti's enjoyment of wine led him to ask Antinori if the estate vineyards could produce great wines, and Antinori thought they could. The estate has since been transformed through the consultation of respected oenologist Carlo Ferrini and his assistant, Gioia Cresti; Gilbert Bouvet, one of France's most skilled viticulturalists; and agronomist Benedetto d'Anna.
Deep, dark cherry red color.
Aroma: Complex mixture of intense ripe black fruit and fine oak character.
Taste: Elegant, well structured and full bodied. Rich, long and satisfying on the palate
With a track record of more than 20 years of success, Bodegas y Viñedos Viña Mayor is known as an innovative highly positioned brand with regards to the quality of our range of wines from the regions of D.O. Ribera del Duero, D.O. Toro and D.O. Rueda.
VIÑA MAYOR's position as an industry leader has been consolidated through the crafting of wines with personality, modern style and elegance. Our wines have repeatedly been awarded prizes by the world's most prestigious wine guides and top competitions.


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- This event has passed.
Her Turn: Revolutionary Women of Chess
February 4, 2016, 10:00 am TO 9:00 pm
| World Chess Hall of Fame | Free
|Recurring Event (See all)
Her Turn: Revolutionary Women of Chess curated by Assistant Curator Emily Allred, celebrates the legacies of many of the game's greatest female players. Highlights from the collection of the World Chess Hall of Fame and loans from the John G. White Chess Collection at the Cleveland Public Library and private collections provide insight into the careers of U.S. and World Women's Chess Champions, writers, organizers, and other trailblazing women.


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It appears now that we have had enough supplemental sign-ups to form an additional team for the contest. Some of the supplementals have requested that we form a team with the six new guys.
Since the teams were divided up initially based somewhat on equal experience levels and expectations of success, I am not sure that making a new team of just the supplementals would be fair to the existing teams, but I would like to get opinions from the existing teams' members.
So the question is, do we form a new team of the six supplementals at this time,...or wait to see if we get two more late signers and add one member to each of the existing eight teams? I will make the decision based on the responses here from the existing teams.


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Very nice, keep it coming.
This thread had so much potential and then the pictures stopped being posted .
Jerkin makes you tired give Jcane a break hes taking a nap and will post more in a bit
Nice Road Runner dont let this thread die.
Some serious firepower in this thread.


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Log In now to add this Gigapan to a group gallery.
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About This GigapanToggle
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- Ella Derbyshire
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- Aug 21, 2008
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- Jul 19, 2008
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- memorial, russia, murmansk
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On Leningradskaya Ulitsa we saw this unusually-shaped memorial surrounded by daisies and fragrant lilacs. The structure is concrete painted bright white, with steps up both sides to the top. We were told that it is styled after a ship's bridge, and I can certainly see the resemblance.
Erected in 1927, this was the first monument in the City of Murmansk, which was founded on October 4, 1916.
Murmansk had a stormy beginning. 1917 brought the Russian Revolution, and in 1918 to 1920, Murmansk was occupied by anti-Bolshevik intervention forces.
In years past the monument and the square around it were a popular gathering place for local folks. There were quite a few tourists with their cameras ready on this bright July day.
The 16 images of this panorama were captured with a Nikon D80 and stitched with Autopano Pro.


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ACParadise Network: American Cosplay Paradise American Cosplay Experience American Cosplay Snapshots
::waves hi:: I've been cosplaying since 2001.
I recently graduated with a 4.0 in Fashion Design at a local community college and am continuing further to complete the full degree.
I work at TGIF and as a seamstress at a bridal shop. I also am a Wig Commissioner. I have a daughter, a husband, and a chinchilla.
I love costuming!
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Dear educator of History!
We need your involvement, support and contribution to help make a difference in the teaching of History on GET, FET and HET levels
Nutshell memories of the SASHT
In South Africa the growth in the education of History indicated a need for the development of an association in as early as 1913. However internal politics and a wide variety of external constraints delayed this need among educators up to 1956 when an enthusiastic Inspector of Schools during those days, Dr JJ van Tonder, took an initiative, through Historia Junior as mouthpiece, that lasted up to the late eighties but still no unity existed among history educators of different languages and institutions. So did divided perspectives and perceptions among the practitioners on the school History curriculum not contribute to set a healthy platform for History activities within a society structure. The unfortunate absence of open-minded, balanced and/or representative perspectives has kept the ideological argument between historians from tertiary institutions and History teachers alive, with no unity in sight. In 1981 the former Rand Afrikaans University (University of Johannesburg) took responsibility for publishing the first new initiative, named Yesterday and Today. This milestone happened under severe negative responses from some educators because of the Y&T's apparent Afrikaans associations. For the majority of history educators however a mouthpiece for teachers was welcomed as educators then already regarded History as a declining subject. The need to serve the educational community with creative and practicable content were a focus from edition one. Tertiary academics, also involved in the Yesterday and Today publication, organised a conference for History practitioners (didactics) at Unisa in July 1985. During this conference the first strides were made to establish a society for History teacher training. In September 1985, the Yesterday and Today reported as follows:
]]> This reality in 1986 allowed for the existence of the SASHT. In September 2011 the SASHT will celebrate its 25th year of existence.
WHAT you should know about the SASHT:
The Society acts as a home, a mouthpiece and as a knowledge provider for history educators on all educational levels;
The Society runs the new Yesterday&Today after the older version (Gister en Vandag/Yesterday and Today) seized to exist from 1997 to 2005;
The Society organises conferences on an annual basis during September in which themes of relevance to history educators are discussed and debated;
In 2006 the Society became the first in History circles in South Africa to develop and run a website for History Educators under www.sashtw.org.za. This website covers a wide variety of information and also has a free access facility to the Yesterday&Today journal content from 2006.
The Society aspires in continue its efforts to unite all history educators from all groupings because it regards educational practices of excellence as its main focus. These practices as key foci of intent are:
- To improve the contacts between educators of history training at tertiary level with teachers in the broad educational field;
- To renew a training in the methodology of education in History teaching;]]> - To utilise the expertise of educators teaching History to assist with the training of future history teachers;
- To continuously debate the content of basic and advanced educational programmes in the training of history teachers with the intention to continue to improve quality;
- To make history educators and student teachers aware of the relationship between History as an academic discipline and the didactics and teaching of History at school level in order to keep abreast with development and academic debates;
- To encourage educators of History to strive towards achieving and sustaining high academic standards in the teaching methodology and in the general knowledge of History as a discipline;
- To make educators of History and student teachers in History aware of the relevance or "value" of History for the community and nation as such;
- To progress towards the needs of identifying and organising committees and regional representatives that can explore and develop certain fields in History to benefit all the educators of History in South Africa.
Many Society members are involved in the writing of History textbooks for schools;
The vibrant SASHT of today and tomorrow:
Many vibrant activities are currently in process on which members and non-members will be informed on during the conference of 24-25 September 2011. Amongst others the:
]]> - changing face of the website being more interactive in a variety of ways that educators and learners will appreciate!;
- The digitalising of the older editions of the Yesterday and Today (1981-1996) and add it to the website serve the beginnings of the Society way back in time and to support all history educators in exploring past thinking on methodology and trends of the time.
- Exploring of Blogs, Wiki and Facebook to communicate with History Educators and to pave ways to communicate with history educators abroad;
- Providing of information on a more frequent basis on opportunities and events that concerns history educators.
- Continuation of the SASHT quarterly e-newsletter in which some contemporary historical issues are debated.
Where do you as History Educator feature in the SASHT?
The SASHT can't exist without its History Educators. The SASHT provides much for very little in exchange. Currently an annual membership fee of only R140 (individual) and R150 (for Institutions/Schools) are required to be listed, to be informed and to have access to all SASHT information. Members also receive hard copies of the Yesterday&Today annually. The fee includes postage. The "what is there in it for me" is tremendous if calculated in terms of money, knowledge and quality in History teaching. Seriously think about it! Become a member. Become a voice in a discipline you have a passion for!]]>


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Book a flight + hotel together and save money on your extraordinary Copenhagen getaway.
Plan and book your holiday with British Airways, online or by phone. Enjoy all these great benefits:
If you're looking for a destination that is effortlessly cool and timelessly classic – look no further. The Danish capital has it all – fairy tale elegance, chocolate-box beauty and up and coming neighbourhoods.
This wonderful city is continuously evolving, as beautiful 12th century houses are transformed into classy restaurants and ancient narrow streets are revamped into trendy, desirable areas. Constantly appearing on the 'most liveable city' lists, do as the locals do on your unforgettable holiday in Copenhagen. Combine beautiful sights and a plethora of shopping on Strøget, Europe's longest pedestrian street. Take in the greenery of The Kings Garden in the summer months or hang out with the hip crowd in Vesterbro – which is abuzz with bars, restaurants and boutiques. Leave plenty of time for sightseeing, learn about Copenhagen's exciting heritage or enjoy the excitement of Tivoli.
Make the most of your time in Denmark's capital and take advantage of free and discounted transport and admission as you explore the numerous museums and attractions the city has to offer. The Copenhagen Card includes free transport by train, bus and Metro (including to and from the airport), free entry to 65 museums and attractions, discounts on many attractions, sightseeing tours, restaurants and a comprehensive guide. Choose between a 24-hour or a 72-hour Copenhagen Card.
Enjoy the best of Copenhagen by coach and boat on this tour of the city and harbour. Your tour starts by coach, first passing the Tivoli Gardens, New Carlsberg Glyptotek art museum, the magnificent Gefion Fountain and Kongens Nytorv. At the old Fish Market, a pre-booked canal boat is waiting to take you on a cruise through the bustling harbour of Copenhagen. Your tour concludes in the very heart of Copenhagen at Gammel Strand, which is only a few minutes' walk from Stroget, the main shopping street in the city.
Learn about Denmark's royal history on a day trip to North Zealand - the region north of Copenhagen where majestic castles take centre stage. With an expert guide at your side, explore Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød, seeing sites like the Coronation Chapel and Marble Gallery, while hearing tales of King Christian IV. Before returning to Copenhagen, stop for photos by Fredensborg Castle and then spend time at leisure in Elsinore - home to the UNESCO-listed Kronborg Castle.
Join the Grand Tour of Copenhagen and view all the major sights of the Danish Capital by coach. You will pass by the Tivoli Gardens and the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. Drive through the colourful canal district where your local guide will point out the major sites including the National Museum to Christiansborg Palace, home to the Danish Parliament.
If you love castles, Denmark has almost as many fairy tale castles as it does fairy tales. Leave Copenhagen behind as you head north through magnificent Danish countryside and coastline. Visit the picturesque region of North Zealand just outside Copenhagen, where you will see Kronborg Castle made famous as the setting of Shakespeare's Hamlet as well as the magnificent Fredensborg Palace and Frederiksborg Castle.
Rent an Economy car on your holiday for an unforgettable road trip.Choose car
Upgrade to an Intermediate car on your fly-drive holiday.Choose car
Rent a people carrier, great for groups with lots of luggage.Choose car


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Infiltrator goes very large scale for injection pressComments Email Print
Infiltrator Systems Inc. has designed and built a mammoth injection press, with 6,000 tons of clamping force, to mold septic tank halves measuring 15 feet long, from 245 pounds of polypropylene.
The machine began turning out parts in March at Infiltrator's factory in Winchester, Ky. Infiltrator worked with Franchino Mold and Engineering Co. and hot runner supplier Synventive Molding Solutions.
Infiltrator claims the press is the world's largest low-pressure injection molding machine, with the largest hot runner manifold system in the world. A few other injection presses have higher clamping forces, but Bryan Coppes, Infiltrator's vice president of engineering, said company officials believe the machine in Kentucky has the largest platen size in the world.
The top and bottom halves of the tank nest together for more economical shipping to distributors, where they can be quickly be assembled into the finished tank after customers purchase the big Infiltrator IM 1530 Septic Tank, Coppes said. The 1,500-gallon tanks are for residential wastewater use, and they come with Infiltrator-molded chambers that connect together to form a leach field.
Coppes said Infiltrator also built another 4,000 press three years ago, to mold smaller septic tanks, each half weighing 150 pounds.
Shipping is the big reason for developing the new low-pressure injection molding press, Coppes said. He confirmed that Infiltrator had been rotational molding septic tanks on an automatic Leonardo machine from Italy-based Persico SpA — making the company one of the early U.S. adopters of that technology. Coppes said the Persico technology is solid — and Infiltrator will keep the Leonardo press at its Winchester plant. But it's not economical to ship huge tanks to far-flung locations, he said.
"When your freight costs are that high, you have to come up with a solution, either you're going to build a lot of [rotomolding] plants, all around the country, or you're going to build something like this, that nests," Coppes said.
The same principle — trucking giant hollow parts — ruled out extrusion blow molding the septic tanks, which can be done on king-sized Rikutec-brand blow molding machines.
So about a year and a half ago, Infiltrator began to design the injection molding press.
Coppes said Infiltrator used components of two Uniloy structural foam molding machines, repurposing them into a single injection press.
"We had to re-engineer the platens and hydraulics to make this whole thing work," he said.
He said Infiltrator's machine, even though it's "low-pressure," is a traditional injection molding machine. It is not structural foam or structural web, and does not use gas-assisted molding, he said.
Coppes would not get into technical details, but said a key is the huge mold made by Infiltrator's long-time tooling supplier Franchino Mold and Engineering in Lansing, Mich., and a big hot runner manifold system from Synventive of Peabody, Mass. The three companies worked closely together.
Both the top and bottom halves of the 15-foot long septic tank are identical. A large six-axis robot does part handling and finishing.
"We have an automation cell that cuts the manhole lids out of every other tank. When you put it together it forms a septic tank," Coppes said.
The Franchino mold has an aluminum and steel cavity and core. Franchino machined the cavity on a Tarus five-axis mill with a table measuring 9.5 feet by 10 feet. The mold weighs 420,000 pounds.
The injection press took five months to engineer and nine months to build — more than 10,000 man-hours of labor.
"This is the biggest part that we make, and we believe, the largest injection molded part in the world," Coppes said.
The biggest presses in the world
Infiltrator's 6,000-ton, low-pressure machine joins the pantheon of the world's largest injection press.
Here's a list of some of the others:
• Buckhorn Inc.'s 8,800-ton Husky, used to make material-handling products.
• Cascade Engineering Inc.'s 9,000-ton Battenfeld press (actually two 4,500 presses mounted in tandem, side by side) for molding waste containers.
• In a set-up that's similar to the Cascade machine, Paris-based Plastic Omnium SA has two 5,500-ton presses linked in tandem,
• An 8,800 MIR injection press at Contenur SA in Spain, molding containers for municipal solid waste and industrial storage products.
• Bemis Manufacturing Co. in Wisconsin coinjection molds eight-foot hoods for John Deere tractors on a 6,600-ton Milacron press.


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- This item is available by special order.
Country Sideboard
This beautiful Country sideboard is elevated by a base of unique wooden shelves. Perfect for a long entry way or as a back piece to a large sectional. Features two large copper paneled double-door cabinets and two center drawers for your storage needs. The copper top will highlight any Southwest decor and the bottom shelves will keep everything from books to decorations.
Please Choose an Item
The Copper Collection is constructed from reclaimed wood and repurposed copper. Sourced from abandoned local haciendas and structures, the reclaimed wood takes on a second life and helps reduce pressure on forest resources. Discarded, damaged and unused copper is collected, re-forged and hand-hammered into spectacular copper tops, panels and accents.
Helpful Information
Country Sideboard
2011-05-26 We received our sideboard and absolutely LOVE IT!
"We received our sideboard and absolutely LOVE IT! Thank you so much. It's even better than expected!"
Dianna S.; Staten Island, NY
Country Sideboard
2009-07-26 Thank you again for your personal assistance in placing my order.
"Thank you again for your personal assistance in placing my order. We received our dining set, chairs and credenza this morning. We shopped all over the internet for rustic furniture, and your website was far and away the best we saw. So easy to navigate, and your selection is unmatched. What a wonderful way to shop! Thanks for everything - we will be ordering from you again in the near future!"
Michael R.; Savannah, GA
Country Sideboard 2
Why Shop at La Fuente Imports?


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Updated Monday, May 01 2017Product descriptions copyright© 2017 The Good Ole' DaysAll else copyright© 1995-2017 TIAS.com All rights reserved.


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Immersive Education at Saint Paul College
By ptelles on Mar 19, 2009
Todays Virtual Sun Users Group Meeting was all about Project Wonderland and its use in Immersive Education. Project Wonderland is a 100% pure Java, free and open-source toolkit for building 3D interactive virtual worlds.
Warren Sheaffer, Chairman of the Computer Science Department at Saint Paul College and Kevin Roebuck, Business Development Manager for e-Learning in Sun's Global Education and Research Group presented an overview of the virtual world toolkit and the implementation at Saint Paul College. Their presentation can be found here.


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Ears Monitor Pro 4 (EMP4) In-Ear Style Earphone - Black
Anywhere you listen to music, this will create your own listening room. It cuts off most of outside noises, and recreates the source music faithfully. This product has gone through the aging process to optimize the quality. We wanted to create earphones equal to or better than the expensive models of other companies. We pursued the best quality without compromise. For example, the housing is...
3 pairs 50mm Headphone Earphone Earbud Ear Pad earpad Foam Cover
50mm-55mm Headphone Earphone Earbud Ear Pad earpad Foam Cover * Brand New & high quality * Balanced density, flexibility * Elastic, comfortable and durable * enhance sound quality,Noise isolation * Fit most earbud-style earphones with 50-55 in diameter. Diameter:25mm 30mm 35mm 40mm 45mm 50mm 60mm Material: foam


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Amazon.com to offer textbook rental service
Amazon.com Inc. says it will offer a textbook rental service for college students, the Puget Sound Business Journal reported.
Students who sign up for Amazon Student, a free membership program for college students with .edu email addresses, can get free two-day shipping for rented textbooks, which cost significantly less than the books cost to buy. Signing up for Amazon Student is not required, however; anyone can rent the textbooks.


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Article index
DUAL Softswitch is a complete Voice over IP switching and
billing solution. Flat monthly rate.
Web control panels; Least Cost Routing; Excel tariff uploads; SIP
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Home page
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What is an Erlang?
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Premium quality termination for wholesale carriers with
their own VoIP switch.
44Direct >>
Our lowest rates for wholesale carriers with their own VoIP
44Mobile >>
Our unique online callshop billing system.
Bill My Calls
An Add-In for Microsoft Excel that lets you use Erlang B and C functions in your
own Excel spreadsheets.
The ultimate in Erlang traffic modelling flexibility and data sharing.
An easy to use and fast Windows product offering Erlang B, Extended Erlang B,
Erlang C and Call Minutes calculators.
Four products in one, plus Erlang for Excel free.
Our entry level VoIP calculator allowing you to easily calculate your Voice over
IP bandwidth requirements.
Supports multiple codecs and packet intervals and RTP header compression.
Last modified: 26 November 2014
Copyright © 2014. All rights reserved.


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IN a far‐off world, God sent Two Spirits to work. The work he set them to do was to tunnel through a mountain. And they stood side by side and looked at it. And they began to work. They found that the place they had to work in was too narrow; their wings got interlocked. They saw they would never get through the mountain if they worked at it only from that one place.
And one spirit said to the other, "You stay here; I will go and work from the other side."
And it flew away. And they worked on, each from his side of the mountain. And after years in the dark, each one heard the sound of the other's axe, picking, and they knew they were getting near— that the other was at work.
But before they got to the centre, these spirits' sleep‐time came; and God sent other spirits to take their work and place.
But they had heard each other's axes picking, in the dark; that was enough for them.


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Drupal Site Builder training in Dulles, August
Are you new to Drupal but experienced with making websites? Do want to learn how to create a website using Drupal? This two day course shows you how to use the most essential Drupal features which set it apart from other Content Management Systems.
Read the full course description: Beginning Drupal for Site Builders
- Register here at Carahsoft.
- Location: Microtek Labs, Herndon, VA near Dulles Airport
- Date: Tuesday, August 17- Wednesday, August 18th, 2010
Time: 9:00AM EDT - 4:00PM EDT
- Cost: $820 per person *Note: Government discount available
- Training by: Chapter Three
- Provided: lunch and refreshments; computers, software and a printed manual.
Venue: MicroTek
12950 Worldgate Drive
Monument II Building, Suite 200
Herndon, VA 20170


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SOUL by Ludacris SL49 Ultra Dynamic In-Ear Headphones (Silver)
" This can be said as a uncut ruby, why? Because it needs a lot of tempering. First time I used it, the human voice in my music was muffled by the background track itself but it wasn't to the point where you can't actually hear the lyrics itself (unlike monster beats). Though it didn't sound amazing at first, I gave it a try, mainly because it was on a discount; if it were at its..." --Miniclap1
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Latte Communications Behind-the-Head Earbud Stereo Headphones w/3.5mm Jack (Black)
Replace your MP3 player headphones with these simple, black Latte Communications Earbud Stereo Headphones. They feature a behind-the-head earbud style design and connect to audio devices through a 3.5 mm jack. That means they'll work with anything from iPod/MP3 players, PDAs, CD players to notebooks and more. A set of foam earpads come included for optional use. Order these Latte...


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Steelers notebook: Sanders delivers with kickoff returnOctober 21, 2013 4:00 AM
Moments after Baltimore scored the game-tying touchdown with 1:58 remaining Sunday night at Heinz Field, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin told Emmanuel Sanders he was going to field a kickoff for the first time this season.
The receiver then walked over to special teams coach Danny Smith to see if he had the green light to return the kickoff if it was deep into the end zone. The answer was yes.
So when Justin Tucker skipped his kickoff seven yards deep into the end zone there was no hesitation on Sanders' part. He fielded the kick on one bounce and made a beeline up the sideline and raced 107 yards for an apparent touchdown.
It wasn't until Sanders had reached the end zone that he heard an official had ruled him out of bounds at the Steelers 37-yard line.
Sanders did not get the storybook ending that he wanted, but his go-for-broke decision to bring the ball out of the end zone was a big reason the Steelers got into position to kick the winning field goal as time expired.
"Nothing was going to stop me from bringing that ball out unless he kicked it out," Sanders said. "I had it in my mind that I was going to return it. I had a good feeling about it."
Most of the kickoff returns this season have been fielded by reserve running back Felix Jones, but Tomlin rolled the dice and put Sanders in position to make a big play when his team needed it.
"He's got a skill set," Tomlin said. "When called upon, he's capable of delivering. Obviously, he's a starting receiver for us and it's not something we want to do all the time. But at the appropriate time we'll dial his number, and I thought he delivered."
Tucker had an opportunity to kick the ball out of the end zone. He was kicking off from the 45-yard line because Troy Polamalu was penalized for encroachment on the extra point after the Ravens tied the score.
Tucker's kick was three yards shy of becoming a touchback, and Sanders had no intentions of giving him one by kneeling. He was going to bring it out no matter where it landed.
The gamble paid off with the longest kickoff return of the season, 44 yards.
"At the end of the day, he put me back there to return it," Sanders said. "High risk, high reward. I did what I had to do."
And the Baltimore kickoff coverage unit did not.
"Our contain guy, that's just unforgiveable to let the ball get outside of you right there," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "There's absolutely no reason for that. The ball's bouncing around down there. It's not like they've got that schemed up with the ball bouncing like that. That should have never happened."
Gay's big plays
Cornerback Willie Gay was in coverage in November 2011 when Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Torrey Smith with eight seconds remaining to lift the Ravens to a 23-20 victory at Heinz Field. After spending last season in Arizona, Gay got his revenge Sunday against the Ravens when he broke up two potential touchdown passes in the second half.
On Baltimore's first drive of the third quarter, Gay was beaten by Jacoby Jones on a post pattern, but the ball was underthrown and Gay recovered in time to break up the pass in the end zone. The Ravens were forced to punt on the next play.
On Baltimore's next drive, Flacco scrambled and appeared to have Tandon Doss open at the pylon, but Gay broke on the ball and forced another incomplete pass.
"What Willie was able to do in cover zero with no help, it showed his veteran moxie and his experience not panicking," safety Ryan Clark said. "That was a great play. And then, getting to someone else's guy to save a touchdown on Joe Flacco's scramble ... Those are the things that we knew Willie would bring to the team this year. He's been highly scrutinized here in Pittsburgh -- I think unfairly -- and it was good to see him have a night like this and be recognized."
Whimper fills in for Gilbert
Veteran offensive lineman Guy Whimper received his most extensive playing time of the season after starting right tackle Marcus Gilbert aggravated a quadriceps injury and had to take himself out of the game on the first series.
Whimper, signed during the offseason after spending the previous three seasons in Jacksonville, did not miss a beat as the line paved the way for 141 rushing yards.
"We worked so hard on it this week," said Whimper, who had prepared to start because Gilbert missed two days of practice. "We had goals set in our mind that we were going to run the ball. We knew it was going to be a ground and pound game and that's what it was."
State of emergency
The Ravens are in 3-4 going into their bye week and searching for answers after dropping their second in a row by a field goal or less.
The defending Super Bowl champions lost last Sunday to the Packers, 19-17, in Baltimore before falling to the Steelers Sunday.
"We're in a state of emergency now," Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs said. "No more losing by two then losing by three. We have got to have these games.
"It's very rare for this franchise to be under five hundred. It [the bye week] happened at the perfect time for us to address everything. We have a tremendous amount of work to do."
Harbaugh said the bye week will be a time for some introspection.
"Hopefully, it will be an opportunity for us to continue to improve," he said. "The thing we have to do is find a way to win these games. We're 3-4, by no means out of it."
Rice held in check
Ravens running back Ray Rice has always been tough for the Steelers to handle, but they were able to keep him in check Sunday.
Rice ran 15 times for 45 yards and caught four passes for 27 yards.
Rice, who has been in the league since 2008 and faced the Steelers many times, said there was nothing unusual about the game.
"It was a hard-hitting game today," said Rice, his left shoulder wrapped in ice after the game. "You can see I dropped my pads today. I thought our tempo was good and our execution was good. I probably could have made a few more plays, but we've got to get better on offense."
Dumervil's bad day
The Ravens made a splash this past offseason by signing Denver free agent linebacker Elvis Dumervil to a reported five-year, $35 million contract, the kind of money usually reserved for difference makers.
But Dumervil committed two costly penalties to keep a Steelers drive alive, leading to a Shaun Suisham field goal and a 13-6 lead.
On a second-and-17 play from the Steelers 30, Dumervil committed an unnecessary roughness penalty, hitting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and giving the Steelers the ball on the 48. Then on a third-and-7 from the Ravens 17, he and teammate Haloti Ngata sacked Roethlisberger, but Dumervil was called for grabbing the facemask on the sack, giving the Steelers a first down on the 11.
"I've got to be aware of strike zones," Dumervil said, alluding to his roughing call on Roethlisberger. "I've got to do a better job not to cost the team."
Harbaugh partly defended Dumervil on the facemask penalty.
"The facemask, that's one where you just can't grab the facemask," he said. "But Ben ducks all the time. You have to find a way not to do that. He's trying to wrap him up. This is the biggest, strongest quarterback in the National Football League. We have to wrap him up strong and bring him down."
Jones deactivated
Rookie linebacker Jarvis Jones, diagnosed with a concussion Wednesday, did not dress for the game because he was not cleared to play by team doctors. He was listed as questionable. The other Steelers deactivated for the game were quarterback Landry Jones, running back Isaac Redman, receiver Markus Wheaton, cornerback Curtis Brown, tight end Richard Gordon and nose tackle Hebron Fangupo.
The Ravens deactivated linebacker Josh Bynes, defensive tackles DeAngelo Tyson and Terrence Cody, offensive linemen Jah Reid, Bryant McKinnie and Ryan Jensen and receiver Brandon Stokely.
Quick hits
• Linebacker Lawrence Timmons tied his career high with 17 tackles.
• Before the Ravens scored the tying touchdown with 1:58 remaining the Steelers had played eight quarters without allowing a touchdown.
• It was the 28th time that Roethlisberger led a winning drive in the fourth quarter when the Steelers trailed or were tied. It was the sixth time he did it against Baltimore.
• Roethlisberger improved to 48-4 in games when his passer rating was over 100. His rating was 107.2.
• Heath Miller became the fifth player in franchise history and the first tight end with 40 touchdown receptions.
• Suisham improved 14 for 14 on field goals this season and his 42-yarder as time expired was his sixth game-winner as a member of the Steelers.Steelers
Ray Fittipaldo: firstname.lastname@example.com and Twitter @rayfitt1. Jerry Micco contributed. First Published October 20, 2013 8:00 PM


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Life Matters is your guide to a better life for you, those you love and the place you call home. We're here to help you get a handle on all the important stuff: love, sex, health, fitness, parenting, career, finances and family.
October 4th, 2016
Episode 549 of 701 episodes
Manny Waks decided to go public with allegations of child sexual abuse within Melbourne's tight knit ultra-Orthodox Jewish community.
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The Art of Charm Podcast is where self-motivated guys and gals, just like you, come to learn from a diverse mix of experienced mentors, including the world's best professional and academic minds, scientists, relationship experts, entrepreneurs, bestselling authors, and other badasses. This show will make you a better networker, better connector, and -- most important -- a better thinker.


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Since we kind of got off on a tangent of talking about the STII DVD in the Nemisis thread, I decided to start a new thread dedicated to the upcoming STII DVD release. First off here are specs and cover-art for the upcoming DVD.
Fans will soon be able to experience a whole new dimension of one of the most beloved Star Trek cinema classics. Paramount Home Entertainment plans to release "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan The Director's Edition" on DVD August 6, featuring a new cut of the movie and over four hours of bonus material.
In addition to the expanded 116-minute cut of the film by director Nicholas Meyer, the two-disc DVD set is packed with extras covering every conceivable aspect of the film. Contents are as follows:
Disc 1: Includes the expanded cut of the film, commentary by Meyer and text commentary by Trek encyclopedia co-author Michael Okuda.
Disc 2: Features the theatrical trailer, storyboard archives, and a wealth of bonus material:
The Captain's Log: All-new interviews with Meyer, stars William Shatner ("James T. Kirk"), Leonard Nimoy ("Spock"), Ricardo Montalban ("Khan Noonien Singh") and writer/executive producer Harve Bennett.
Designing Khan: Features comparisons of Star Trek I and Star Trek II. Includes interviews with Meyer, Bennett, graphic designer Lee Cole, costume designer Robert Fletcher, production designer Joe Jennings, and more.
The Visual Effects of "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan": Highlights the ILM visual effects designers.
Original interviews from 1982: Featuring Shatner, Nimoy, Montalban and DeForest Kelley ("Leonard H. McCoy").
The Star Trek Universe A Novel Approach by Authors Julia Ecklar and Greg Cox: Interviews with Trek novelists Ecklar ("The Kobayashi Maru") and Cox ("The Eugenics Wars: The Rise and Fall of Khan Noonien Singh").
The DVD of "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan The Director's Edition" is presented in widescreen format enhanced for 16:9 televisions. The audio is presented in Dolby Digital English 5.1, English Dolby surround and French stereo. The DVD is subtitled and close-captioned. The DVD's list price is $24.99 in the U.S. and C$32.99 in Canada.
It is rated PG in the U.S. by the Motion Picture Association of America for violence and language and PG in Canada. It is encoded with the Macrovision AntiCopy process.
MTFBWY and HH!!
Jar Jar Binks


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I recently had a discussion with another Scouter that boasted about the amount of Eagle Scouts their Troop had produced. I could not help but think… great but are they really Eagle Scouts?
Well then I started to feel bad, what do I mean are they really Eagle Scouts.. they met all the requirements after all… A Scoutmaster held a conference and gave the boys his blessing… of course they are Eagle Scouts.
Then I see a Troop that recently held a Eagle Court of Honor, for 6.. count 'em 6 Eagle Scouts.. all in the same Patrol. Congratulations!!! These guys have done well.
Then the cynic in me says… Wait a minute. They must have had one heck of a Den Mother. Eagle Scouts or Webelos Badges?
But then again.. I am sure they all completed the requirements. So good for them.
Which begs the question? Is the goal or Aim of Boy Scouts to produce Eagle Scouts?
See, I thought "The Boy Scouts of America was incorporated to provide a program for community organizations that offers effective character, citizenship, and personal fitness training for youth.
Specifically, the BSA endeavors to develop American citizens who are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit; have a high degree of self-reliance as evidenced in such qualities as initiative, courage, and resourcefulness; have personal values based on religious concepts; have the desire and skills to help others; understand the principles of the American social, economic, and governmental systems; are knowledgeable about and take pride in their American heritage and understand our nation's role in the world; have a keen respect for the basic rights of all people; and are prepared to participate in and give leadership to American society."
Advancement or "Getting Rank" being only one of the Goals to achieve the AIM.
I have said it before, my biggest pet peeve in the World is the term "EAGLE OUT". So a young man completes all the requirements… is he an Eagle Scout?
Growing up as a Scout I always admired those that had become Eagles. I held the rank in high regard… and you know… I still do. And that is why it upsets me to see Eagle Scouts that can not tie a Clove Hitch, Eagle Scouts that can not lead a 2 man patrol, Eagle Scouts that Scout leaders hide from the public, because they are afraid of goofing around and horse play.
Well, Not in my Troop. I will not with hold advancement from any Scout that completes all the requirements. But I will not sign my name on a Scoutmaster conference for Eagle for a Scout that has not demonstrated all the Scout Skills, Leadership, Service, and a life centered around the Scout Oath and Law. It is just that simple.
It is not every Scout that joins the Troops right to be an Eagle Scout. They all have the equal opportunity to become one, what they do with that opportunity is up to them. Not Mom and Dad, not a Coach, or Pastor, not anyone but them.
I think it would do well for Scout leaders to understand the Aims and Methods of Scouting. I think it is also important that Scout leaders understand how special the Rank of Eagle is and hold it in high regard. Make it special again.
Congratulations to any Scout that has EARNED the rank of Eagle. I am proud of you.
Happy Scouting!


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Yamaha GX-1
The GX-1 was Yamaha's first big polyphonic analog synth, and it was a beast! Considered the predecessor to the CS-80 (another huge poly-synth), the GX-1 featured a triple-tiered keyboard, pedalboard, ribbon controller, eight polyphonic voices, chromed pedestals and a $50,000+ price tag! OK, so it wasn't designed for your everyday musician - less than 10 were ever made and have been owned mostly by legendary synth/keyboard players including Keith Emerson, John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin, Stevie Wonder, Rick Wright, George Fleury, Richard James of Aphex Twin, ABBA, and Hans Zimmer who bought Keith Emerson's.
Although it may look like an organ at first glance, it's all analog heaven inside! The two main keyboards have 61 (velocity sensitive!) keys each, and are supplemented by a smaller (3/4 scale, pressure sensitive) 37-note keyboard and a 25-note pedalboard at your feet - 184 keys total! Eight voices of polyphony plus an additional monophonic are available and can be shared and layered or split up among the different keyboards. There are also organ-style drawbars and a ribbon controller for tweaking the sounds. Additional programming buttons are hidden away under drawers and panels on the front-panel.
The GX-1 used two analog oscillators per voice which are pretty much the same one's used later in the CS-80, along with a mild 2-pole VCF (filter), standard LFO and some ADSR envelopes. The GX-1 also had two "swell" pedals and a spring-loaded knee controller. It was truly a lush synth for its time, and its frequent use by many rock-legends helped cement its place in history as well as pave the way for the legendary CS-80.
Lookup Yamaha GX-1 Prices
The link above will take you to an eBay search for this synth to see active listings with more images, specs and information. If you don't find it there, try looking in our forum marketplace. Our marketplace gets thousands of visits every week so make sure to check back often if you want to buy or sell a synth.
Related Forum Topics
User Comments & Reviews
Are you looking to buy or sell a Yamaha GX-1? Post an ad in Gear For Sale or a request in Gear Wanted. For spare parts and repair services check out Gear Services & Other Goods. Our forums also has a Buyer's Guide section where you can ask for advice on buying synthesizers.
- Demos & Media
- Specifications
- Polyphony - Up to 8 voices + 1 monophonic voice
- Oscillators - 2 VCO's per voice
- LFO - 1 voltage-controlled LFO
- VCA - 2 ADSR envelope generators
- Filter - 2-pole low-pass voltage-controlled filter
- Keyboard - Two 61-note keyboards with velocity sensitivity. One 37-note 3/4 scale pressure sensitive keyboard. One 25-note pedalboard.
- Memory - None
- Control - Ribbon Controller
- Weight - 300 kg + 87 kg pedalboard
- Date Produced - 1973-1977
- Websites of Interest
Yamaha Synthesisers Lots of history, info and links.
- Shop for Keyboards, MIDI & Gear
Guitar Center: Synths and MIDI
Sweetwater: Hot items in Keyboars section
The Musician's Friend: Keyboard gear
AMS: Brand synths and accessories
The Woodwind & Brasswind Store
music123.com: Synth Blow Out Deal Section
zZounds: Keyboards and MIDI equipment
- Resources & Credits
Images from Synthfool - Kevin Lightner's synth pages.
Errors or Corrections? Send them here.


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Yankee Siege is a world-record pumpkin throwing (punkin' chunkin') trebuchet, a twelfth century device that hurled 250 pound boulders at castles and walls during a siege. Greenfield, NH is the home of Yankee Siege, a handbuilt trebuchet that is used to throw pumpkins at a 'castle' target. I pass by it on the way to/fr...