What are the benefits of using an expert system?

FSS-i3 is designed to aid in the interpretation of DNA profiles significantly improving process efficiency. In principle, the software identifies potentially problematic samples, highlighting these for user attention. Unlike most expert systems, the software will give a suggested designation to each problematic lane, meaning the user will rarely need to make designation changes. This makes the interpretation process extremely rapid allowing a 96 lane batch to be completed in less than 30 minutes, start to finish.

 

 The rule-set is a series of settings governing how the software deals with a given interpretation scenario. There are 28 fully user-definable rules, designed to capture and deal with every possible interpretation issue. These are coupled with numerous additional settings allowing for an impressive level of flexibility.

 

 FSS-i3 incorporates an expert mixture deconvolution tool known as i-STReam. This is based upon Pendulum technology and has the ability to deconvolute the majority of 2-person mixtures to a major and minor component for database or reporting applications. The user may define confidence levels allowing for a more conservative mixture approach where required.

 

For further information consider reading - (PENDULUM – a guideline-based approach to the interpretation of STR mixtures. Forensic Science International, Volume 148, Issue 2 - 3, Pages 181-189)  

 

The software was purpose built to provide a scientist with all the information available on a single screen. Although the software may appear unfamiliar, the layout is designed to provide an extremely intuitive user experience. It takes very little time before a scientist will become proficient and confident in software use. We would of course be happy to provide training in FSS-i3, which will allow attendees to understand software functionality to a super-user level.

 

FSS-i3 is designed to be flexible enough to meet the needs of most database or reporting applications. The software is used by numerous facilities Worldwide with a variety of database and reporting set-ups and we have rarely found any difficulty in catering for their needs.  

 

 It is an extremely common misconception that expert systems will cause a detrimental effect to process quality. On the contrary, in addition to significantly decreasing sample turn around time, the use of FSS-i3 is likely to positively affect process quality. Correctly set-up, FSS-i3 will help to significantly improve consistency of data in addition to lowering error rates. 

 

FSS-i3 is designed to be compatible with any commercially available STR multiplex. To ensure future compatibility, the software is user definable, allowing an operator to define new multiplexes, ideal for research purposes.   

 

One of the 28 rules used by the software is a calculation designed to identify peak imbalance in a heterozygote locus. The dynamic settings allow the software (should the user require) to take into account stochastic variation, allowing a variable imbalance tolerance as peak heights diminish.

 

i-ntegrity is the intra-batch contamination checking element of the software and is designed to highlight potential lanes where contamination has occurred in addition to the most likely source. I-ntegrity is extremely easy to use with both a text and graphical interface, allowing a user to ascertain the type of contamination and the potential consequences with ease.