The Position of Forensic DNA Database in Criminal Investigation: Understanding the Utilization in Africa, Particularly Nigeria a Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Plea Bargaining ◽  
Criminal Investigation ◽  
Conservation Of Resources ◽  
Forensic Dna ◽  
Dna Database ◽  
Criminal Justice Systems ◽  
Biological Evidence ◽  
Subsequent Storage ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Google Search

Forensic DNA databases constitute a central investigative resource in modern-day criminal justice systems, and agrees to a “conservation of resources”, by expediting the resolution of crime and judicial proceedings via consolidating the evidence or introducing plea bargaining. Quite a number of reports have demonstrated the efficiency of the DNA database in assisting criminal investigation around the world. However, studies are still lacking in Africa, particularly Nigeria on the utilization of DNA database in crime investigation. Therefore, this article provides a first-hand report. In conducting this study, a comprehensive electronic literature search using PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Google search for similar and related works were used, and all works meeting the subject matter were considered, including; reviews, meta-analyses, retrospective studies, observational studies, organization recommendations, and original articles. Remarkably, the peculiarity of the various forms of crime committed in Nigeria tends to involve or leave behind biological evidence at the scene of a crime. This biological evidence is a key sample for DNA profiling and subsequent storage in a forensic DNA database. Therefore, a National DNA Database has become very necessary in Nigeria.

Universal forensic DNA databases: Balancing the costs and benefits

2018 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 131-135
Author(s):  
Marcus Smith
Keyword(s):  
Criminal Investigation ◽  
Individual Rights ◽  
Privacy Rights ◽  
Costs And Benefits ◽  
Forensic Dna ◽  
Dna Evidence ◽  
Dna Database ◽  
The World ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
The Impact

The article considers the potential costs and benefits from the implementation of a universal forensic DNA database in Australia. In particular, it considers the impact that a database of this type would have on current issues associated with the use of DNA evidence in criminal investigation and prosecution, along with the relevant individual rights considerations. The article discusses the potential impact such a database would have on privacy rights, and balances these impacts against possible benefits, such as making investigations more targeted and efficient. The development of a database of this type is also discussed in light of the development of DNA and other biometric databases in Australia and other jurisdictions around the world.

scholarly journals Assessment of QIAGEN™ Investigator® 24plex GO! kit workflow for autosomal STR profiling of forensic reference samples

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hashom Mohd Hakim ◽  
Hussein Omar Khan ◽  
Siti Afifah Ismail ◽  
Nurul Hazirah Mat Lazim ◽  
Japareng Lalung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pcr Amplification ◽  
Dna Profiling ◽  
Buccal Swab ◽  
Forensic Dna ◽  
Str Typing ◽  
Str Analysis ◽  
Dna Database ◽  
Autosomal Str ◽  
Dna Template ◽  
Reference Samples

Abstract Background DNA profiling has proven to be a valuable technique for identification of individuals in crime. Currently, the technique targets several short tandem repeat (STR) regions in human genome. However, increasing number of samples submitted for STR analysis may lead to delays due to the limited number of experienced analysts who might be available at any given moment and the time taken to complete lengthy DNA profiling procedures. This study was conducted to test the specificity, repeatability, reproducibility and robustness of Investigator® 24plex GO! kit for genotyping of reference samples submitted to the Royal Malaysian Police Forensic DNA Laboratory for DNA database. Material and methods In this study, Investigator® 24plex GO! kit was used to directly amplify STR loci from buccal swab cell of reference samples that had previously been STR typed using GlobalFiler™ Express kit. Capillary electrophoresis was carried out on a 3500xL Genetic Analyser using POP-4® Polymer. Amplified products were assigned to particular STR alleles using the GeneMapper ID-X version 1.4 software. Results Our study shows that STR profiles generated using Investigator® 24plex GO! gave concordance results with those previously obtained using the GlobalFiler™ Express kit. In addition, quality sensors included in the kit are of particular importance for determining the effectiveness of the PCR reaction and help to indicate the nature and quantity of DNA template for PCR amplification. Conclusion The Investigator® 24plex GO! kit is reliable for STR typing of reference samples.

scholarly journals Efficient DNA Sampling in Burglary Investigations

Genes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 26
Author(s):  
Colin Charles Tièche ◽  
Markus Dubach ◽  
Martin Zieger
Keyword(s):  
Crime Scene ◽  
Forensic Dna ◽  
Dna Profile ◽  
Dna Database ◽  
Dna Sampling ◽  
High Incidence ◽  
Crime Scene Investigators ◽  
Dna Collection ◽  
Private Homes ◽  
Reference Samples

In terms of crime scene investigations by means of forensic DNA-analyses, burglaries are the number one mass crime in Switzerland. Around one third of the DNA trace profiles registered in the Swiss DNA database are related to burglaries. However, during the collection of potential DNA traces within someone’s residence after a burglary, it is not known whether the sampled DNA originated from the perpetrator or from an inhabitant of said home. Because of the high incidence of burglaries, crime scene investigators usually do not collect reference samples from all the residents for economical and administrative reasons. Therefore, the presumably high probability that a DNA profile belonging to a person authorized to be at the crime scene ends up being sent to a DNA database for comparison, has to be taken into account. To our knowledge, no investigation has been made to evaluate the percentage of these non-perpetrator profiles straying into DNA databases. To shed light on this question, we collected reference samples from residents who had been victims of recent burglaries in their private homes. By comparing the profiles established from these reference samples with the profiles generated from trace DNA, we can show that the majority of the DNA samples collected in burglary investigations belong to the residents. Despite the limited number of cases included in the study, presumably due to a crime decline caused by the pandemic, we further show that trace DNA collection in the vicinity of the break and entry area, in particular window and door glasses, is most promising for sampling perpetrator instead of inhabitant DNA.

The impact of the Prüm treaty on the Portuguese forensic DNA database—A brief review

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 745-746 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Brito ◽  
A.M. Bento ◽  
N. Gouveia ◽  
L. Sampaio ◽  
F. Balsa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Forensic Dna ◽  
Dna Database ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals COVID-19 Models for Hospital Surge Capacity Planning: A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Michael G. Klein ◽  
Carolynn J. Cheng ◽  
Evonne Lii ◽  
Keying Mao ◽  
Hamza Mesbahi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Capacity Planning ◽  
Planning Process ◽  
Patient Flow ◽  
Hospital Administrators ◽  
Hospital Capacity ◽  
Governmental Agencies ◽  
Patient Pathways ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Google Search ◽  
Second Wave

ABSTRACT Objective: Health system preparedness for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) includes projecting the number and timing of cases requiring various types of treatment. Several tools were developed to assist in this planning process. This review highlights models that project both caseload and hospital capacity requirements over time. Methods: We systematically reviewed the medical and engineering literature according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We completed searches using PubMed, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the Google search engine. Results: The search strategy identified 690 articles. For a detailed review, we selected 6 models that met our predefined criteria. Half of the models did not include age-stratified parameters, and only 1 included the option to represent a second wave. Hospital patient flow was simplified in all models; however, some considered more complex patient pathways. One model included fatality ratios with length of stay (LOS) adjustments for survivors versus those who die, and accommodated different LOS for critical care patients with or without a ventilator. Conclusion: The results of our study provide information to physicians, hospital administrators, emergency response personnel, and governmental agencies on available models for preparing scenario-based plans for responding to the COVID-19 or similar type of outbreak.

scholarly journals The (De)materialization of Criminal Bodies in Forensic DNA Phenotyping

2020 ◽  
pp. 1357034X2091916
Author(s):  
Rafaela Granja ◽  
Helena Machado ◽  
Filipa Queirós
Keyword(s):  
Human Body ◽  
Skin Colour ◽  
Criminal Investigation ◽  
Genetic Technology ◽  
Forensic Dna ◽  
Data Reliability ◽  
The Third ◽  
Criminal Suspect ◽  
Biogeographical Ancestry ◽  
Forensic Dna Phenotyping

Forensic DNA phenotyping is a genetic technology that might be used in criminal investigations. Based on DNA samples of the human body found at crime scenes, it allows to infer externally visible characteristics (such as eye, hair and skin colour) and continental-based biogeographical ancestry. By indicating the probable visible appearance of a criminal suspect, forensic DNA phenotyping allows to narrow down the focus of a criminal investigation. In this article, drawing on interviews with forensic geneticists, we explore how their narratives translate contemporary focus on criminal molecularized bodies. We propose the concept of (de)materialization to approach three aspects of the forensic geneticists’ views. The first regards considering bodies as mutable entities. The second relates to socially contingent meanings attributed to bodies. The third regards to controversies surrounding data reliability. By reflecting upon the (de)materialization of criminal bodies, forensic geneticists juxtapose the defence and unsettling of forensic DNA phenotyping claims.

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