In forensic science, next to the question of who contributed to the trace (DNA analysis), knowledge regarding the cellular origin of the evidentiary trace, thus what cell type contributed to... Show moreIn forensic science, next to the question of who contributed to the trace (DNA analysis), knowledge regarding the cellular origin of the evidentiary trace, thus what cell type contributed to the trace, is often key to facilitate inference of activities. To this aid, RNA-based approaches have shown their up come in forensic investigations since 1999. RNA profiling techniques rely on the fact that different cell types, such as blood, express a characteristic pattern of genes, such as haemoglobin beta (HBB) expressed in the red blood cells. This thesis describes studies that assisted the expanding and advancement of forensic RNA profiling assays used for the inference of body fluids and organ tissues. Show less
Hoogenboom, J.; Gaag, K.J. van der; Leeuw, R.H. de; Sijen, T.; Knijff, P. de; Laros, J.F.J. 2017
DNA-based human identification is employed in varying situations, such as disaster victim identification, relationship testing and forensic analyses. When DNA is of low quality and/or quantity,... Show moreDNA-based human identification is employed in varying situations, such as disaster victim identification, relationship testing and forensic analyses. When DNA is of low quality and/or quantity, standard methods for DNA profiling may not suffice. The research described in this thesis is aimed at the development of additional or alternative methods to extract information from a person__s DNA. The explored methods include: optimised sampling, the use of smaller and/or other types of DNA markers, increased analysis sensitivity, DNA repair, and combining marker sets. These studies have been performed to get closer to the answer regarding the question: __To whom belongs this body?__ Show less
Westen, A.A.; Grol, L.J.W.; Harteveld, J.; Matai, A.S.; Knijff, P. de; Sijen, T. 2012
The feasibility of earprint individualization depends upon the amount of variation in prints of different ears, but also upon that in prints of a single ear. In order to determine the limits to... Show moreThe feasibility of earprint individualization depends upon the amount of variation in prints of different ears, but also upon that in prints of a single ear. In order to determine the limits to intra-individual variation, we need to explore its potential causes. As the amount of force that is applied by the ear to the listening surface influences the appearance of the earprint, we investigated factors potentially affecting this force, such as the level and frequency of a target sound, and the level of ambient noise. We also investigated whether presence or absence of a target sound was of influence. Additionally, we explored if the duration of listening, and whether the ear had been recently cleaned or not, affected the appearance of an earprint. To evaluate the extent to which features may vary with passing time, we further attempted to determine the rate of growth of the external ear during adult life. As a next step, we then compared realistic intra-individual variation in earprints with a very small degree of inter-individual variation, i.e., that in prints of identical twins. To do so, we explored a method to fully automatically analyze prints. To our knowledge, this was the first time that any method capable of fully automated earprint comparisons has been described. Show less
