Daily Archives: December 30, 2022

Federal DNA Database Unit LE – Law Enforcement

Posted: December 30, 2022 at 11:18 pm

The Federal DNA Database Unit (FDDU) aids investigations through hit confirmations against individuals whose profiles are in the National DNA Index System (NDIS).

Agencies submit blood or buccal (cheek) samples to the unitfrom individuals who are required by law to do so. These include individuals:

FDDU then produces a DNA profile for each of these individuals and uploads it to the NDIS, which is part of the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).

These known DNA profiles are then searched against unknown forensic profiles from crime scenes across the country. If a match is identified, the casework laboratory can request FDDU to confirm the offender sample DNA profile.

Once the profile is confirmed, FDDU will release the subject's personal identifying information back to the casework laboratory. This information can then be passed on to investigators in the hopes of apprehending the perpetrator.Thanks to law enforcement agenciesand theirsample submissions, FDDU has uploaded over one million profiles to NDIS and has aided thousands of investigations.

Under the overall direction of the FDDU chief:

On a compliance level, the FDDU is supported by teams of DNA technical specialists and DNA program specialists who have critical responsibilities within the unit for ensuring the quality assurance and quality control of analytical testing, as well as conformance of database operations with established procedural requirements.

Administratively, the unit is supported by a team of management and program analysts with responsibilities for budgetary execution, procurement, inventory, and logistical applications. The unit relies heavily upon an information technology team to support the unit network and overall infrastructure backbone that drives the various operational applications.

From a technology perspective, a DNALaboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is critical for the automated development of specimen works lists, controlling the stepwise progression of each sample through the entire analytical process. The FDDU uses robotic systems in the laboratory to achieve high-throughput processing, allowing for a day-through-evening uninterrupted workflow without human intervention and maximum operational efficiency. A sophisticated software analysis tool (expert system) permits an automated review of resulting DNA data with a reduced level of scientist intervention, increasing throughput rate while consistently meeting or exceeding required performance measures.

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Federal DNA Database Unit LE - Law Enforcement

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Will Applied DNA Sciences Inc (APDN) Beat the Rest of the Stocks in the Healthcare Sector? – InvestorsObserver

Posted: at 11:18 pm

Will Applied DNA Sciences Inc (APDN) Beat the Rest of the Stocks in the Healthcare Sector?  InvestorsObserver

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Will Applied DNA Sciences Inc (APDN) Beat the Rest of the Stocks in the Healthcare Sector? - InvestorsObserver

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Ascension Episcopal loses tough one in otherwise good Sunkist showing – The Advocate

Posted: at 11:17 pm

Ascension Episcopal loses tough one in otherwise good Sunkist showing  The Advocate

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REDcycle’s collapse is more proof that plastic recycling is a broken …

Posted: at 11:09 pm

This week the federal governmentjoined an international agreementto recycle or reuse 100 per centof plastic waste by 2040, putting an end to plastic pollution. But major obstacles stand in the way.

The most recent is the collapse of Australia's largestsoft plastic recycling program, REDcycle. The program was suspended after it was revealed soft plastic items collected at Woolworths and Coleshad been stockpiledfor months in warehouses and not recycled.

The abrupt halt to the soft plastics recycling scheme has left many consumers deeply disappointed, and the sense of betrayal is understandable. Recycling, with its familiar "chasing arrows" symbol, has been portrayed bythe plastics industryas the answer to the single-use plastics problem for years.

But recycling is not a silver bullet. Most single-use plastics produced worldwide since the 1970shave ended upin landfills and the natural environment. Plastics can also be foundin the food we eat, and at thebottom of the deepest oceans.

The recent collapse of the soft plastics recycling scheme is further proof that plastic recycling is a broken system. Australia cannot achieve its new target if the focus is on the collection, recycling and disposal alone. Systemic change is urgently needed.

Australia has joined theHigh Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution, a group of more than 30 countries co-led by Norway and Rwanda, and also including the United Kingdom, Canada and France.

It aims to deliver a global treaty banning plastic pollution by setting global rules and obligations for the full life cycle of plastic. This includes setting standards to reduce plastic production, consumption and waste. It would also enable a circular economy, where plastic is reduced, reused or recycled.

The idea behind recycling is simple. By reprocessing items into new products, we can conserve natural resources and reduce pollution.

Unfortunately, the recycling process is much more complex and entwined in the economic system. Recycling is a commodities market. Who buys what is usually determined by the quality of the plastic.

Sitting in the middle of the chasing arrow symbol is a number. If it's a one or a two, it's high value and will most likely be sold on the commodities market and recycled. Numbers three to seven indicate mixed plastics, such as soft plastics, which are considered low value.

Sadly, it often costs more to recycle most plastics than to just throw them away. Up until 2018,low value plastics were exported to China. The reliance on the global waste trade for decades precluded many countries, including Australia, from developing advanced domestic recycling infrastructure.

One of the biggest problems with plastics recycling is the massive diversity of plastics that end up in the waste stream foils, foams, sachets, numerous varieties of flexible plastic, and different additives that further alter plastic properties.

Most plastics can only be recycled in pure and consistent form, and only a limited number of times. What's more, municipal plastic waste streams are very difficult to sort.

Achieving high levels of recycling in the current system requires the mixed plastic waste stream to be sorted into hundreds of different parts. This is unrealistic and particularly challenging for remote, low-income communities, which are typically far away from a recycling facility.

For example, throughout the developing world,single-use "sachet" sizeproducts are often directed towards low socio-economic communities and low-income families, who may buy most of their food in small daily portions.

Waste from small single-use packagingis notoriously difficult to recycleand is particularly prevalentin remote and rural communitieswhich have less sophisticated waste management infrastructure.

Furthermore,high transportation costsassociated with shipping plastic waste to a reprocessing facility make recycling a difficult issue for remote communities everywhere, includingOutback Australia.

Worldwide production and consumption of plastic per capita continues to increase, and isexpected to triple by 2060. For many consumer-packaged goods companies,recycling remains the dominant narrativein addressing the issue.

For example, astudythis year examined how companies in the food and beverage sector address plastic packaging as part of their wider, pro-active, sustainability agenda. It found the sector's transition to sustainable packaging is "slow and inconsistent", and in their corporate sustainability reports most companies focus on recyclable content and post-consumer initiatives rather than solutions at the source.

Although producer responsibility is growing, most companies in the fast-moving consumer goods sectorare doing very littleto reduce single-use plastic packaging. Special consideration should be given to products sold in regions lacking waste management infrastructure, such as in emerging economies.

The Australian government's new goal to end plastic pollution by 2040 is encouraging to see. But putting the onus on recycling, consumer behaviour, and post-consumer "quick fix" solutions will only perpetuate the problem.

In the context of the global plastic crisis, focusing on recycled content is like putting a band aid on a bullet wound. We need better and more innovative solutions to turn off the plastic tap. This includes stronger legislation to address plastic waste and promote sustainable packaging.

One such approach is to establish "extended producer responsibility" (EPR). This involves laws and regulations requiring plastics producers and manufacturers to pay for the recycling and disposal of their products.

For example, in 2021,Maine became the first US stateto adopt an EPR law for plastic packaging. Maine's EPR policy shifts recycling costs from taxpayers and local government to packaging producers and manufacturers. Companies that want to sell products in plastic packaging must pay a fee based on their packaging choices and provide easily recyclable product options.

Currently, the burden of managing plastic disposal typically lies with local councils and municipalities. As a result, many municipalities worldwide are championingEPR schemes.

It's the responsibility of everyone in the value chain to limit the use of single-use plastic and provide sustainable packaging alternatives for consumers. We need better product design and prevention through legislation.

The exciting thing is that businesses transitioning towards a more sustainable way of producing, distributing, and re-using goods aremore likelyto improve their competitive position.

Anya Phelan is a lecturer at theUniversity of Queensland. This piece first appeared on The Conversation.

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CBD oil for back pain: Does it help? – Medical News Today

Posted: at 11:07 pm

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Heres our process.

Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Is CBD legal? Hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC are legal federally but still illegal under some state laws. Cannabis-derived CBD products, on the other hand, are illegal federally but legal under some state laws. Check local legislation, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved nonprescription CBD products, which may be inaccurately labeled.

Back pain can affect people of all ages and genders, but treatment for back pain can be limited. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a popular alternative option for pain management. However, scientists need to conduct more research into how effective CBD is for improving back pain.

Globally, low back pain causes more disability than any other condition.

Medical treatment for low back pain is limited, and doctors may recommend a person waits to see if their back pain clears up on its own before suggesting alternative treatments. However, some people with back pain might have thought about trying CBD to treat it.

While the FDA has not approved the use of CBD oil to treat pain, some research suggests that applying topical CBD may reduce some types of pain and inflammation.

This article explains what CBD is, how it may help treat back pain, and lists some products a person may wish to try. It also covers when to see a doctor about back pain.

CBD is one of over 100 cannabinoids (compounds) derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. Cannabis and hemp plants in the cannabis family.

CBD usually derives from hemp.

Although cannabis has associations with producing a high, CBD does not lead to any mind-altering effects. This is because CBD does not contain the compound delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the ingredient in cannabis that causes euphoria.

Learn about the difference between cannabis and hemp CBD here.

The laws and regulations concerning CBD are complicated and the subject of a lot of debate.

CBD products made from non-hemp cannabis plants are illegal at the federal level but are legal in some states, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).

In contrast, CBD products made from hemp that contain minimal amounts of THC are legal at the federal level but are illegal in certain states.

According to the FDA, it is currently illegal to market CBD by adding it to a food or labeling it as a dietary supplement.

The FDA has only approved one CBD product, Epidiolex, an antiseizure drug available on prescription. The FDA has not approved more products because there is limited data available on the safety of CBD and the risks associated with taking it.

Before using CBD, always check whether it is legal where they live.

Learn more about Epidiolex here.

Although the FDA has only approved one CBD antiseizure drug, many companies still add CBD to their products. These products can include:

Manufacturers of these products may make claims that the CBD content provides therapeutic benefits. However, the FDA has not evaluated or approved them.

There are different types of CBD that contain various compounds from the cannabis plant.

Different types of CBD include:

According to a 2020 primer on CBD for healthcare professionals, full-spectrum CBD products contain all parts of the cannabis plant, including cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and less than 0.3% THC.

Broad-spectrum products contain the majority of cannabis plant compounds and trace amounts of THC.

Isolate CBD products only contain CBD and do not contain any other cannabinoids.

A person can experience clinical responses to full- and broad-spectrum CBD.

The authors suggest that these responses may be due to a phenomenon known as the entourage effect, where several compounds work together to create the desired clinical effects.

People often describe back pain according to its location and cause. This can help a person work with a doctor to find the correct treatment and identify underlying conditions that could be causing or contributing to their back pain.

A persons back pain can be acute or chronic.

Acute back pain generally lasts for a few days and will resolve itself.

Chronic back pain can last for weeks or months.

Several health conditions can cause pain in the lower back. Some common causes of lower back pain include:

More and events can also cause upper and lower back pain, such as:

Learn more about pain and how to manage it here.

Some evidence indicates that CBD oil may help with pain relief. However, in a 2020 review of studies, researchers noted that few clinical trials exist that support the use of CBD for the treatment of chronic pain.

The authors also wrote that previous studies suggested that there was a strong possibility that a person could reduce their back pain by using CBD oil for 7 days. However, the review noted that most studies involved animals, such as rats, or in vitro tests.

The review also noted that there is a lack of long-term studies on safety. The authors also expressed concern over the lack of regulations on commercial CBD products.

The Arthritis Foundation states that anecdotal evidence shows that some people who use CBD for arthritis saw improved pain levels. However, CBD may not improve arthritis pain for everyone.

The Arthritis Foundation also states that scientists do not currently know if topical CBD products actually reach the site of a persons pain.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based.

Charlottes Web Hemp-Infused Cooling Gel uses natural ingredients and CBD to create a lotion that people can use anywhere on their bodies.

Charlottes Web states that all of its topical products contain 300 mg CBD per ounce.

The company also claims that this hemp-infused cooling gel is free of 8 major allergens and includes menthol, arnica, and full-spectrum hemp extract.

The company states that the ingredients create a cooling and soothing effect when applied to the skin.

CBDistillerys Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture is a liquid that a person drops under the tongue.

According to the company, all of its CBD products come from non-GMO hemp that grows naturally.

The company offers CBD oil tinctures in a range of strengths.

Aspen Green Muscle Relief Cooling Cream is a topical cream that the company recommends a person uses on their back, shoulders, and neck.

Aspen Green claims that the 60-milliliter bottle contains 650 mg CBD. The company also claims that all of its products are free from toxins, formaldehyde, phthalates, parabens, and sulfates.

Aspen list the results from third-party lab tests on its website.

The company warns that this product may not be suitable for people with sensitive skin.

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Vertly Relief Lotion is a topical lotion that a person applies to their skin.

The product includes various plant extracts and essential oils, such as arnica, shea butter, aloe vera, and magnesium.

Vertly claims that this CBD lotion is good for hydrating the skin, reducing inflammation, and treating muscle pain.

The Lazarus Naturals Soothing Mint Full Spectrum CBD Balm is a topical lotion that includes CBD and other natural ingredients, such as peppermint, mango butter, and beeswax.

The company claims that 1/2 a teaspoon of their product contains 50 milligrams (mg) of CBD for topical use.

Lazarus Natural states that the lotion will help to soothe aches and help moisturize the skin.

A person may wish to contact a doctor if they have unexplained back pain. They can then work with a doctor who can run tests and determine the cause of their back pain and find the correct treatment.

A person should stop using any CBD products if they develop an allergic reaction or side effects. They may also wish to contact a doctor to discuss any problems they have with their CBD product.

It may not always be safe for a person to use CBD products in place of contacting a health professional to find treatment for back pain or other health conditions.

Before using supplements, a person can consider contacting a doctor to ensure it will not interact with medications they are taking or make any existing health conditions worse.

CBD oil may help provide back pain relief for some people. Some studies show that CBD can improve back pain and arthritis, but scientists need to conduct more research in this area.

The FDA does not regulate CBD oil products, and CBD may not be legal in all U.S. states.

A person may wish to contact a doctor before using CBD products and check that any products they use have come from reputable sources.

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Donald Trump Threatens ‘Horrible Things’ After the Release of His Tax …

Posted: at 11:06 pm

Donald Trump isnt too pleased that his tax returns from 2015 to 2020 were released to the public on Friday, but his response is an eye-opening revelation to his lack of understanding that all presidents (no matter which party they belong to) are not above the law. The former presidents business strategies are already being called into question, and the IRS may be looking into the loans he provided for Ivanka, Eric, and Donald Jr., so he made sure his voice was heard in a forceful statement.

The Democrats should have never done it, the supreme court should have never approved it, and its going to lead to horrible things for so many people, he wrote in the statement. The great USA divide will now grow far worse. The radical, left Democrats have weaponized everything, but remember, that is a dangerous two-way street! Its almost as if hes trying to incite his followers similar to Jan. 6, 2021. There have been consequences for him and those who participated in that day, and its really something the country doesnt want to repeat.

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What hes failing to see is that he received some type of preferential treatment from the IRS because he did not receive the mandatory audit of his taxes in the first two years of office. Joe Bidens taxes were audited in 2020 and 2021 and all presidents moving forward should be handled in that same manner. Richard Neal, the Democratic chairman of the ways and means committee, shared in a statement last week, A president is no ordinary taxpayer. They hold power and influence, unlike any other American. And with great power comes even greater responsibility. He also chided the IRS for failing to expand the mandatory audit program to account for the complex nature of the former presidents financial situation.

Donald Trump will only see the actions of the committee as a witch hunt and he only has time for praising himself. The Trump tax returns once again show how proudly successful I have been and how I have been able to use depreciation and various other tax deductions as an incentive for creating thousands of jobs and magnificent structures and enterprises, he summed up in the statement. If he wants to be president again, Donald Trump will need to learn that his taxes are going to have to be an open book.

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Before you go, click here to see the biggest presidential scandals in US History.

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Key takeaways from six years of Donald Trump’s federal tax returns – CNN

Posted: at 11:06 pm

  1. Key takeaways from six years of Donald Trump's federal tax returns  CNN
  2. Video 'It's not a legal issue': Former federal prosecutor on Trump's tax returns  ABC News
  3. The IRS Really, Really Should Have Audited Trump  The Atlantic

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Key takeaways from six years of Donald Trump's federal tax returns - CNN

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Trump Jr. details efforts to sway father on Jan. 6 in panel deposition – The Hill

Posted: at 11:06 pm

  1. Trump Jr. details efforts to sway father on Jan. 6 in panel deposition  The Hill
  2. Key findings from the latest Jan. 6 panel transcripts, including from Donald Trump Jr. and others  CNN
  3. Judge says Trump may have been urging more than protests Jan. 6  NBC News

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In testimony to Jan. 6 committee, former White House deputy chief of staff Anthony Ornato said he didn’t recall heated motorcade interaction with…

Posted: at 11:06 pm

In testimony to Jan. 6 committee, former White House deputy chief of staff Anthony Ornato said he didn't recall heated motorcade interaction with Trump  CBS News

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In testimony to Jan. 6 committee, former White House deputy chief of staff Anthony Ornato said he didn't recall heated motorcade interaction with...

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