A method for interpreting autosomal mixed DNA profiles based on continuous modelling of peak heights is described.
A method for interpreting autosomal mixed DNA profiles based on continuous modelling of peak heights is described. MCMC is applied with a model for allelic and stutter heights to produce a probability for the data given a specified genotype combination. The theory extends to handle any number of contributors and replicates, although practical implementation limits analyses to four contributors. The probability of the peak data given a genotype combination has proven to be a highly intuitive probability that may be assessed subjectively by experienced caseworkers. Whilst caseworkers will not assess the probabilities per se, they can broadly judge genotypes that fit the observed data well, and those that fit relatively less well. These probabilities are used when calculating a subsequent likelihood ratio. The method has been trialled on a number of mixed DNA profiles constructed from known contributors. The results have been assessed against a binary approach and also compared with the subjective judgement of an analyst.
Similar Publications
- Assessing Methods to Enhance and Preserve Proteinaceous Impressions from the Skin of Decedents during the Early Stages of Decomposition
- A Newly Developed AI-Assisted Tool for the Collection of Cranial Landmark Data
- Portable Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and machine learning for sex determination in third instar Chrysomya rufifacies larvae