The occurrence and genesis of transfer traces in forensic science: a structured knowledge database

While forensic science is generally focused on associating a trace to its source, trace’s relevance is best addressed at the activity responsible for its genesis. Recurring studies show the potential of the Bayesian approach in order to address activity level’s propositions in a rational and transparent manner. The objective of this research is to identify and review literature and models for transfer traces to create a relevant database for activity level interpretation. As of December 17^th, 2020, a thorough review of 2042 existing peer-reviewed publications and studies concerning transfer traces has been conducted. The data have been classified by different criteria such as, the type of trace, year of publication, and type of study (i.e. population). Every publication has been critically analyzed according to its relevance, among others, with regards to a Canadian environment. This process identified research that needed to be completed. A database collecting publication and data on activity level assessment has been created. This database is available for consultation to laboratories, police agencies, lawyers and universities, thus contributing to the transparency of the expert opinion.

法医科学通常聚焦于将痕迹与其来源建立关联，而痕迹的关联性最佳分析维度应为其产生的相关行为。多项既往研究表明，贝叶斯方法（Bayesian approach）能够以理性且透明的方式处理活动层级的命题。本研究旨在梳理并综述转移痕迹（transfer traces）相关的文献与模型，以构建可用于活动层级解释（activity level interpretation）的专用数据库。截至2020年12月17日，本研究已针对2042篇已发表的同行评议文献及转移痕迹相关研究开展了全面综述。研究数据已按多项标准进行分类，包括痕迹类型、发表年份以及研究类型（即研究对象群体）。所有文献均根据其关联性（尤其针对加拿大司法环境的适配性）进行了严谨的批判性分析。该梳理过程明确了当前有待补充的研究方向。本研究已构建完成一个收录活动层级评估相关文献与数据的数据库。该数据库面向实验室、警方机构、律师及高校开放查询，有助于提升专家意见的透明度。