Thesis (MA)--University of Montana, 2009. / Contents viewed on November 30, 2009. Title from author supplied metadata. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (MA)--University of Montana, 2009. / Contents viewed on January 14, 2010. Title from author supplied metadata. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of California, San Diego, 2003. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 353-374).

<p> When an evidential DNA profile does not match identified suspects or profiles from available databases, further DNA analyses targeted at inferring the possible ancestral origin and phenotypic characteristics of the perpetrator could yield valuable information. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), the most common form of genetic polymorphisms, have alleles associated with specific populations and/or correlated to physical characteristics. With this research, single base primer extension (SBE) technology was used to develop a 50 SNP assay designed to predict ancestry among the primary U.S. populations (African American, East Asian, European, and Hispanic/Native American), as well as pigmentation phenotype. The assay has been optimized to a sensitivity level comparable to current forensic DNA analyses, and has shown robust performance on forensic-type samples. In addition, three prediction models were developed and evaluated for ancestry in the U.S. population, and two models were compared for eye color prediction, with the best models and interpretation guidelines yielding correct information for 98% and 100% of samples, respectively. Also, because data from additional DNA markers (STR, mitochondrial and/or Y chromosome DNA) may be available for a forensic evidence sample, the possibility of including this data in the ancestry prediction was evaluated, resulting in an improved prediction with the inclusion of STR data and decreased performance when including mitochondrial or Y chromosome data. Lastly, the possibility of using next-generation sequencing (NGS) to genotype forensic STRs (and thus, the possibility of a multimarker multiplex incorporating all forensic markers) was evaluated on a new platform, with results showing the technology incapable of meeting the needs of the forensic community at this time.</p>

No description available.

Mental disorders are among the most prevalent of chronic diseases, and high rates of these disorders have been consistently found in jails and prisons. This study was a retrospective case series that described the population of adults charged with a criminal offense who were court ordered to undergo a psychiatric assessment within the Medical Legal Service in Santiago, Chile from 2005-2006. Chi-square tests were used to assess differences in the distribution of variables by sex and by criminal responsibility. Exploratory analyses using polytomous logistic regression were conducted in order to assess variables that might be predictive of the outcome of criminal responsibility as recommended by the psychiatrist. Of the evaluated offenders, approximately 84% were considered by a psychiatrist to be criminally responsible for their crime, 7% were regarded as having diminished criminal responsibility, 4% were considered to be not criminally responsible for their crime, and 4% were cases where criminal responsibility was not applicable. The following variables were found to be significant in the exploratory model: sex, age, occupational status, psychiatric pathology, recommendation of treatment, and recommendation of hospitalization. An offender determined by the psychiatrist to have a psychiatric pathology had the highest increase in odds of being considered to have diminished criminal responsibility or of being considered not criminally responsible. Results from this investigation will contribute to international knowledge about forensic psychiatry and mental health in Latin America. / Thesis (Master, Community Health & Epidemiology) -- Queen's University, 2008-09-23 12:52:55.423

No description available.

Approximating the facial features for forensic facial approximation is challenging, especially the nose. Numerous methods have been published to position the tip of the nose in profile with variable results. Gerasimov’s two-tangent method is the most commonly used. However, a recent article published by Ullrich and Stephan (2011) states that the method was not properly performed and provides new guidelines. This research used a sample of CT scans from a Denmark population (N=66) to determined which of Gerasimov’s literal translation or Ullrich and Stephan’s (2011) new version of the two-tangent method is the most accurate. A combination of the two methods was also evaluated to determine the effect of each tangent independently, and the effect of intraobserver error. It was determine that the new guidelines result in smaller mean difference but no method can accurately position the tip of the nose due to the lack of experience from the practitioner.

In South Africa, the high rate of violent deaths, the lack of proper identification documents, and internal migration within the country stemming from the previous socio-political dispensation of society, has led to a high incidence of unidentified human bodies being found, a large proportion of which are skeletal remains, mainly of indigent Black persons. The low incidence of dental records, especially in disadvantaged, rural populations adds to the failure of identification. Without positive identification of individuals, an inquest or criminal case cannot succeed. In routine post mortem practice, only broad groupings of identity are recorded before disposal of remains. The basic rights of these deceased individuals to be properly identified with regards to police investigations and other legal, religious and cultural requirements are disregarded. Further, a large number of persons are reported missing on a daily basis in the country, some never to be found. This study suggests that national legislation be developed to allow for the administration of affairs in respect of missing persons and unidentified bodies, with regulations under this to provide for the mandatory preservation and storage of all medical and radiological records, a national policy and a national plan of action be established to deal with the burden of missing persons and found bodies, and the establishment of a central database of records of unidentified bodies and missing persons. The study also reviews the strengths and weaknesses of available human identification techniques that can be used to facilitate the identification of bodies, and by use of a case report, proposes to demonstrate to the South African Courts that frontal sinus radiographic identification comprises a useful, rapid and inexpensive method as an application in forensic science that can be compared to the individuality of fingerprints, and serves as a reliable additional method in establishing human identity. / Thesis (LL.M.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2007.

Aim: The aim of the study was to describe the forensic role behaviour and expectations of the nurses working in the emergency departments. Design: An exploratory descriptive survey was used, using the quantative approach. The respondents comprised of registered and enrolled nurses who were registered with South African Nursing Council (SANC) and had the minimum of 6 months experience in the emergency department (ED). The emergency departments of two provincial and two private hospitals as well as two comprehensive care clinics were used. Instrument: A survey was conducted using a questionnaire consisting of forty items. The questionnaire was designed to describe the forensic role behaviour and expectations of nurses working in the ED. Data analysis: The quantative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) program version 11.5 Findings: The findings revealed that the emergency department (ED) nurses were not certain about their role regarding forensic nursing. Most of the tasks to be performed by the ED nurses were rated as never done or seldom done. The reason was due to lack of training and knowledge in the field of forensic nursing. The ED nurses strongly felt that forensic nursing was very important to their daily activities especially in the emergency departments where they handle the trauma victims and suspects. Recommendations were suggested for the nursing practice, nurse educators and for future research in an attempt to expose the emergency nurses to forensic practice. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2006.