DNA analyses from forensic casework samples commonly result in complex DNA profiles. Often, these profiles consist of multiple contributors and display multiple stochastic events such as peak height imbalance, allelic or locus drop-out, allelic drop-in, and excessive or indistinguishable stutter. This increased complexity has established a need for more sophisticated methods of DNA mixture interpretation. The current study compared two binary models (combined probability of inclusion and random match probability), a semi-continuous (Lab Retriever), and continuous model (STRmix). Generally, as the sophistication of the models increases, the power of discrimination increases. Differences in discrimination often correlate to each model's ability to use observed data effectively. Binary models require static thresholds, resulting in unused data and outliers that may lead to difficult or incorrect interpretation. Semi-continuous and continuous models eliminate the stochastic threshold; however, Lab Retriever does not account for stochastic events beyond drop-out and drop-in leading to possible less effective use of the data. STRmix incorporates all stochastic events listed above into the calculation, making the most effective use of the observed data. (Publisher abstract modified)
Downloads
Similar Publications
- Forensic Applicability of Femur Subtrochanteric Shape to Ancestry Assessment in Thai and White American Males
- Biological Distance Analysis, Cranial Morphoscopic Traits, and Ancestry Assessment in Forensic Anthropology
- Evaluation of Digital Evidence Processing Efficiencies in Publicly Funded Crime Laboratories: A Formative Study on how Crime Laboratories and Law Enforcement Ag