Sexual dimorphism and topological variability in fingerprint ridge density in a north-west Indian population.

The science of fingerprints is very crucial in criminal investigation as it helps identify perpetrators or victims of a crime. Fingerprint ridge density (FPRD), which refers to the number of ridges within a specific area on the epidermal skin layer of the distal phalanges in humans, has been found to differ between males and females. This study attempts to estimate the sex from FPRD and evaluates the diversity in FPRD across several topological areas. The study involves 208 participants (120 males, 88 females) between the ages 18 to 25 years from a North-west Indian population. Fingerprints were collected, and FPRD was accessed in radial, ulnar, and proximal areas as recommended by Gutierrez-Redomero et al. (Forensic Sci Int 180(1):17-22, 2008). FPRD has been quantified using the techniques described by Acree (Forensic Sci Int 102(1):35-44, 1999). When evaluating FPRD in the lateral pocket loops and twin loops, the proximal-side core was considered. The study reveals that males have a mean fingerprint ridge density of 12.82 ridges/25 mm2 while females have 13.01 ridges/25 mm2. Females have higher fingerprint ridge density solely in the proximal area; males have higher fingerprint ridge density in both radial and ulnar areas. In conclusion, this research underscores the potential of fingerprint ridge density as a parameter for investigating population variations and individual identification. Future studies on fingerprint ridge density in India's diverse population will help establish reference ranges, allowing for sex and likely population group estimation, making it a valuable tool for preliminary examinations and exclusion criteria for sex estimation in crime scene investigations.

Unusual fingerprint patterns in humans: implications for forensic casework and fingerprint research.

The tenacity of the fingerprint evidence for the identification of criminals has been well documented, but none of the research work so far focussed on unusual prints. Therefore, in the present study, we attempted to define rarely encountered fingerprints in a human population. Our purpose was to explore unusual pattern types on the finger balls and compare these with commonly occurring and classifiable pattern types. Furthermore, we discuss the occurrence of unusual fingerprints in both the sexes with reference to the finger digits. The study was conducted on 512 participants aged between 18 and 35 years from two ethnic groups of North India. A total of 5120 fingerprints from each digit of the 512 individuals were obtained. The fingerprints were analysed for the pattern types based on Henry's classification. Patterns that did not fall in the prescribed category as per the definition of the published finger pattern types were identified as unusual fingerprints. We found an incidence of unusual prints of 0.21% and describe these based on a comparison with the general pattern types according to Henry's classification. We describe eleven unusual fingerprint patterns, formulating categories that may aid in the individualisation process. The proposed new nomenclature of these unusual fingerprints may assist forensic scientists and fingerprint examiners in better understanding and labelling of similar patterns in forensic cases. Our research may also influence the general forensic science community and biological anthropologists in making population standards pertaining to different types of fingerprints in various population groups and their genetic and familial relationships.

Methods of forensic facial reconstruction and human identification: historical background, significance, and limitations.

Facial reconstruction is the most frequently used method for human identification in forensic examinations. It is a complex and time-consuming technique and an actively growing field with a wide array of applications. The methods of forensic facial reconstruction are helpful in those cases where other methods of identification are not applicable. Identification of the dead is always a challenging task for forensic teams in cases involving terrorists' attacks and mass disasters where the corpses are fragmented, decomposed, and skeletonized. In such cases, only the skeletal remains and few other clues are available to establish the identity of a person. The progress of facial reconstruction was initiated in the nineteenth century, reconstructing the facial profiles of some famous and rich people. Various novel techniques for facial reconstruction have been devised in the recent past. We conducted literature search, using databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect for analyzing different methods developed and practiced till date for human facial reconstruction. We outline the brief history along with a discussion regarding the different methods of forensic facial reconstruction and their limitations. We also discuss future recommendations and preferences for further research in the field of forensic facial reconstruction and human identification.

Is it possible to estimate sex from signatures and handwriting? A review of literature, observations, and future perspectives.

Estimation of sex holds great significance in the field of Forensic Science since it helps establish the identity of an individual during a crime scene investigation. Sex differences in human behaviour are the result of natural selection. Sexually dimorphic stimuli of cognitive and behavioural activities may influence the phenotypic expression of our motor skills. Human traits such as signatures and handwriting are phenotypic manifestation of these skills. These phenotypic biological and behavioural traits have inherent sexual dimorphism and may help to identify sex in different circumstances. For instance, to establish the sex of an individual or deceased, forensic samples of the human body such as voice samples, features of fingerprints and footprints, the skeleton, or its remains are helpful. Similarly, the sex of an individual may also be identified from their corresponding handwriting and signature. Handwriting experts can extract peculiar features from handwriting and signatures which could help establish whether the signatures belong to a male or a female. A female writer may have attractive, rounded, upright, tidy, skilled, well-formed strokes, artistic design, better penmanship, and greater length of the signature compared to the signature of a male. Here, we review the studies related to the identification of sex from signatures and handwriting and present inferences about vital features and methods of sex identification through handwriting. These mainly suggest that the accuracy of sex prediction from signature and handwriting ranges from 45 to 80%. We also present writing examples to show sex-based differences in the signature and handwriting of males and females. The female's handwriting is more decorative, arranged, aligned, neat, and clean as compared to that of the male. Based on the writing samples and the review of literature, we suggest that forensic handwriting experts may eliminate suspects based on the sex of the writer, which can simplify the identification process of disputed or questionable signatures and handwriting.

An evaluation of the three-component pubic symphyseal human age estimation method: a CT-based exploration in an Indian population.

Age estimation constitutes an important facet of human identification within forensic, bioarchaeological, repatriation, and humanitarian contexts. Within the human skeletal framework, the pubic symphysis comprises one of the more commonly utilized structures for age estimation. The present investigation was aimed at establishing the applicability of the McKern-Stewart pubic symphyseal age estimation method in males and females of an Indian population, an aspect previously unreported. Three hundred and eighty clinical CT scans of the pubic symphysis were collected and scored in accordance with the McKern-Stewart method. An overall accuracy of 68.90% was obtained on applying the method to males, demonstrating a limited applicability of the method in its primal form. Subsequently, Bayesian analysis was undertaken to enable accurate age estimation from individual components in both sexes. Bayesian parameters obtained with females suggest that McKern-Stewart's components fail to accommodate for age-related changes within the female pubic bone. Improved accuracy percentages and reduced inaccuracy values were obtained with Bayesian analysis in males. With females, the error computations were high. Weighted summary age models were utilized for multivariate age estimation, and furnished inaccuracy values of 11.51 years (males) and 17.92 years (females). Error computations obtained with descriptive analysis, Bayesian analysis, and principal component analysis demonstrate the limited applicability of McKern-Stewart's components in generating accurate age profiles for Indian males and females. The onset and progression of age-related changes within the male and female pubic bone may be of interest to biological anthropologists and anatomists involved in exploring the underlying basis for aging.

Development, detection and decipherment of obfuscated fingerprints in humans: Implications for forensic casework.

Fingerprints have been widely used and accepted as an effective method of human identification. This biometric tool aids in criminal investigations for personal identity for over a century. Whilst the Automatic Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) has bolstered security efforts, it has also opened doors to potential scams, affecting both civilian and law enforcement operations. Despite extensive research on fingerprint authentication issues, very little attention has been given to addressing the problem of fingerprint alteration or obfuscation. Fraudsters, with the guidance of experts, have developed new techniques to obscure their fingerprints intentionally. Fingerprint obfuscation is the deliberate alteration of fingerprint patterns with the aim of concealing their true identity, raising concerns amongst security and investigative organizations. The objective of the current communication is to highlight the numerous techniques used for obfuscation, forgery and alteration of fingerprints in humans. It further accentuates the need for identification and interpretation of these altered fingerprints and recommends notifying law enforcement agencies of potential threats.

Age estimation from iliac auricular surface using Bayesian inference and principal component analysis: a CT-based study in an Indian population.

Age estimation constitutes one of the pillars of human identification. The auricular surface of the ilium presents as a durable and robust structure within the human skeletal framework, capable of enabling accurate age estimation in older adults. Amongst different documented auricular age estimation methods, the Buckberry-Chamberlain method offers greater objectivity through its component-based approach. The present study aimed to test the applicability of the Buckberry-Chamberlain method in an Indian population through a CT-based examination of the auricular surface. CT scans of 435 participants undergoing CT examinations following the advice of their treating physicians were scrutinized for different age-related auricular changes. Three of the five morphological features described by Buckberry-Chamberlain could be appreciated on CT scans, and thus further statistical analysis was restricted to these features. Transition analysis coupled with Bayesian inference was undertaken individually for each feature to enable age estimation from individual features, while circumventing age mimicry. A Bayesian analysis of individual features yielded highest accuracy percentages (98.64%) and error rates (12.99 years) with macroporosity. Transverse organization and apical changes yielded accuracy percentages of 91.67% and 94.84%, respectively, with inaccuracy computations of 10.18 years and 11.74 years, respectively. Summary age models, i.e. multivariate age estimation models, derived by taking this differential accuracy and inaccuracy into consideration yielded a reduced inaccuracy value of 8.52 years. While Bayesian analysis undertaken within the present study enables age estimation from individual morphological features, summary age models appropriately weigh all appreciable features to yield more accurate and reliable estimates of age.

CT-based evaluation of the acetabulum for age estimation in an Indian population.

Age estimation constitutes an important aspect of forensic research, investigation and human identification. For the purpose of age estimation, various markers within the skeletal framework are employed. Degenerative morphological changes in the skeleton can be used for age estimation in adults. Amongst the various bones, age-progressive changes in the innominate bone are of particular significance in age estimation. Within the pelvis, the acetabulum presents as a durable and well-preserved evidence, characteristic manifestations of which can be employed for age estimation. The present study aimed at a CT-based evaluation of acetabular changes for the purpose of age estimation in an Indian population. CT images of 250 individuals aged 10-88 years were scrutinized according to the features defined in the Calce method of acetabular age estimation. Scores were allotted to the various features and a cumulative score was calculated. No significant bilateral and sex differences were observed. Significant correlation was obtained between the scores for these defined characteristics and the chronological age of individuals. Population-specific regression models were generated for age estimation. The scoring method devised in the present research requires further validation as it represents a new tool for age estimation in medico-legal cases.

Computed tomographic evaluation of the acetabulum for age estimation in an Indian population using principal component analysis and regression models.

The acetabulum presents as a well-preserved evidence, resistant to taphonomic degradation changes and can thus aid in the age estimation process. A CT-based examination of the acetabulum can further help simplify the process of age estimation by overcoming the time-consuming process of maceration and by doing away with the interference resulting from tissue remnants. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of the acetabulum for age estimation in an Indian population through a CT-based examination, using principal component analysis and regression models. CT images of 400 individuals aged 10 years and above were evaluated according to the features defined in the San-Millán-Rissech method of age estimation. Five of the seven morphological features defined by San-Millán-Rissech were appreciable on CT scans, and, to enable further statistical analysis, a cumulative score was computed using these five features. A significant correlation of 0.835 and 0.830 for the right and left acetabulum, respectively, was obtained between computed cumulative scores and chronological age of individuals. No significant sex differences were observed in the scoring of different age-related morphological changes. Regression models were generated using individual features and cumulative scores. Regression models derived using the cumulative score yielded inaccuracy values of 9.67 years for the right acetabulum and 9.15 years for the left acetabulum. Inaccuracy and bias values were computed for each individual feature, as well as for each decade, using mean point ages established within the original study. Amongst the various features, acetabular rim porosity was seen to have the lowest values of inaccuracy (11.50 years) and bias (2.32 years) and activity on outer edge of acetabular fossa the highest (inaccuracy and bias values of 22.36 years and 21.50 years, respectively). Taking into consideration this differential contribution towards age estimation, weighted coefficients and mean point ages for different morphological features were determined using principal component analysis. Subsequently, summary age models were generated from the obtained weighted coefficients and mean age values. Summary age models derived in the present study yield lower estimates of inaccuracy of 7.60 years for the right acetabulum and 7.82 years for the left acetabulum. While regression models derived in the present study allow for age estimation using even a single appreciable feature, summary age models take into account the contribution of each feature and generate more accurate estimates of age. Both statistical computations yield reduced error rates and thus can render greater applicability to the acetabulum in forensic age estimation.

Characteristic Features of Ear and Ear-Prints in Forensic Identification.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The human external ear is a morphologically perplexing structure with wide variations in its features across individuals. Advances in forensic science have established the use of morphological features and prints of different parts of the human body in establishing the identity of an individual. The present study aims to establish such an identification process by examining the use of comparative analysis of ear prints and ear photographs. METHODOLOGY: The study examined the morphological features of ear prints of 140 participants (71 males and 69 females) ranging in age from 18 to 25 years (with a mean age of 20.22 ±â€Š1.77 years), recruited from a North Indian population. Prints of both the ears were recorded, using the inking method. The morphological features of the ear prints were compared with the photographs of the ear for their uniqueness and individualization using likelihood ratios. RESULTS: The degree ofantihelix curvature demonstrated the highest correlation (98.57%) between the morphological features visible on the ear and the expressions of these features in an ear print. The impression of earlobes, Darwin tubercle, crus of the helix, and shape of the external ear showed accuracy between 70% and 90%, whereas correlations below 70% accuracy were recorded for the other features. The likelihood ratios for 12 parameters were reported to be more than 10x, representing that the identification made using these parameters was > 10 times more likely to be true identification as compared to false positives. Moreover, 5 parameters were found to show high sensitivity, with values greater than 3 standard deviations (0.997), with an additional 9 parameters found to have good sensitivity at values greater than 2 standard deviations (<0.95). Similarly, 2 parameters were found to show high specificity, with values greater than 3 standard deviations (0.997), with an additional 18 parameters found to have good sensitivity at values greater than 2 standard deviations (<0.95). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated features of the ear, such as helix, antihelix, antitragus, tragus, and inter-tragic notch; particularly the degree of antihelix curvature, are more easily impressed and identifiable on an ear print. The results support that ear prints may provide important clues to assist in establishing the identity of an individual if several morphological features are evaluated concurrently.

Estimation of Sex From Dental Arch Dimensions: An Odontometric Analysis.

ABSTRACT: Sex estimation is one of the "big three" of human identification and is a vital aspect of the process of generating biological profile of unknown deceased. Anthropometric and odontometric methods that utilize measurement of distances between certain landmarks are commonly employed to differentiate between the 2 sexes. Teeth are the most robust and well-preserved parts of the human body, and studies have shown that the sex of an unknown individual can be estimated using their measurements. The present study was carried out to analyze the sex differences based on the dental arch dimensions of both the jaws in an Indian population. A proper understanding of dental arch dimensions not only help forensic odontologists in human identification, but also help dental practitioners in teeth restoration, and to quantify selection of anterior teeth in bonding of dentures. The dental arch dimensions of the canines, premolars, and the molars of both the jaws were recorded in dental casts of 307 participants. Comparison of the dental arch dimensions of males and females was done and logistic regression models were generated to estimate sex. Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis was done to find out the potential to estimate sex for all the dental arch dimensions in both the sexes. It was observed that maxillary intermolar II distance gave the best results in estimating the sex. The sexing accuracy is seen to increase as we go distally from canines to molars in each jaw; minimum for intercanine distance and maximum for distance between the 2nd molars. The sexing accuracy from dental arch dimensions was found to be between 72.7% and 86.5%. The models derived for estimation of sex from dental arch dimensions can be used in cases of skeletal remains.

Evaluation of Morphological Characteristics of the Human Ear in Young Adults.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Human external ear is a morphologically complex structure and plays a vital role in the collection of sound. The present study would provide the information regarding the shape and size of the various morphological structures of the ear in normal individuals which may help the plastic surgeons to reconstruct the anatomy of the deformed ear and the physical and forensic anthropologists to study variations and establishing its use as a biometrics. The aim of the study was the morphological examination of the ear and its features to investigate the biological variations, sex differences, bilateral variations and further attempt to provide a database of external ears of a normal north Indian population. METHODS: A cross-sectional sample of 71 males and 69 females aged between 18 to 25 years were collected from Nahan city of Sirmaur District in Himachal Pradesh state of North India. Various anthroposcopic parameters were considered and evaluated through personal observation such as ear shape, form of the helix, lobule shape and its attachment to the cheeks, strength of the anti-helix, etc and were sub-divided on the basis of form, shape, elevation, etc. The SPSS statistic (IBM, Armonk, NY) software version 16 was used to evaluate the sexual dimorphism and bilateral differences. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The frequencies of various morphological characters of the human external ear were calculated using Crosstabs. The results indicate the oval and round shaped ears were reported in 37.3%; 35.92% males and 23.92%; 38.41% females, respectively. Normally rolled helix was more frequent (73.24% in males and 84.06% in females) and possessed frequently occurring Darwin's tubercle with nodosity form (88.03% in males and 90.58% in females). Hypertrichosis was mostly present on the complete helix in case of males (66.20%). Single knob tragus (40.14% in males and 52.90% in females) and double knob tragus (33.10% in males and 36.23% in females) were found to be with higher frequency in the studied population. Partially free earlobes (53.52% in males and 46.38% in females) were more common than the attached one (38.03% in males and 47.83% in females) in case of males only. The present study provides a database of morphoscopy of the external ears of North Indian population. The database may be useful in the reconstruction of the deformed ears and in the anthropological and forensic research for comparison purposes. The study may also be utilized in the prediction of ear shape and size of the studied population for facial reconstruction in forensic examinations.

Application of tpsDig2 Software in Nasal Angle Measurements.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Nose is considered to be a conspicuous feature of human face. Its different parameters like shape, size, nasal angles etc may indicate one's gender, age, race, adapted climatic conditions, and the environment to which one belongs to. Furthermore, it is an important component and determinant of an individual's physical outlook and appearance. The current study provides a new approach for the assistance of anthropologists and forensic experts in human identification and sex determination from the nasal angles. METHODOLOGY: The study was performed on a total of 500 subjects (250 males and 250 females) belonging to north India (Mandi, Himachal Pradesh State). In comparison to the classical and manual methods for nasal angle measurements, an automated approach was followed in the present study. A Windows-based software called tpsDig2 was used for nasal angle measurements by utilization of the landmarks (nasion, pronasale, subnasale, and alare). Three nasal angles (nasal prominence angle, inter-alar angle, and nasal tip angle) were measured in all the subjects and each measurement was repeated thrice to reduce the measurement error and increase the specificity and efficiency of the results. Discriminant function statistics was used for determination of sex from different nasal angles. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The results of the statistical analysis (ANOVA) performed using SPSS reveal the significant difference between males and females in all the 3 repeated measurements of nasal angles. The final discriminant classification statistics show that 64% of original grouped cases have been correctly classified and the designed statistical model can be used in several forensic scenarios for the sex determination on the basis of the available nasal angles. The study may be further useful in the identification cases pertaining to facial reconstruction. The investigation may also be helpful in providing specific correlation of the nasal angles with the other parts of the face in the cases of remodelling and reformation of craniofacial alterations and reconstructions in plastic surgery and aesthetics.

Porcupine gnaw marks on a Late Pliocene bone from the Upper Siwaliks exposed near Village Khetpurali (Haryana, India).

Bone accumulation by porcupines at archaeological sites is well known. However, in paleontological sites such a taphonomical occurrence is rather rare. We here report porcupine (Hystrix sp.) gnaw marks on an unidentified bone fragment, dated to ~2.6 Ma from the Upper Siwalik deposits exposed near Khetpurali (Haryana), India. The present gnaw marks are very distinct and are characterized by visible edges and grooves making clear broad and shallow furrows. The present find adds to our knowledge of Siwalik vertebrate taphonomy where most of the accumulations reported earlier were either fluvial or made by carnivores.

Open Centres for Journalology in Universities and Institutions.

Journalology is the science of publication practices and the study of these activities. This communication details a centre for Journalology run by the Ottawa Hospital, Canada. The Centre has a valued role to play in the publication practices, ethics, and guides that researchers need in order to identify suitable journals for their research. Such centres are needed in every university so that the best publication practices are promoted and scientific integrity is maintained and enhanced.

The Leiden Manifesto and Research Assessment.

Evaluation of scientific research is essential to judge the impact of research and the author. In this regard, a newly devised Leiden Manifesto describes 10 principles for guiding research evaluation. The principles need to be analyzed critically and adapted as a preferred method of research evaluation.

ATM Card Cloning and Ethical Considerations.

With the advent of modern technology, the way society handles and performs monetary transactions has changed tremendously. The world is moving swiftly towards the digital arena. The use of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards (credit and debit) has led to a "cash-less society" and has fostered digital payments and purchases. In addition to this, the trust and reliance of the society upon these small pieces of plastic, having numbers engraved upon them, has increased immensely over the last two decades. In the past few years, the number of ATM fraud cases has increased exponentially. With the money of the people shifting towards the digital platform, ATM skimming has become a problem that has eventually led to a global outcry. The present review discusses the serious repercussions of ATM card cloning and the associated privacy, ethical and legal concerns. The preventive measures which need to be taken and adopted by the government authorities to mitigate the problem have also been discussed.

'Blue Whale Challenge': A Game or Crime?

A bewildering range of games are emerging every other day with newer elements of fun and entertainment to woo youngsters. Games are meant to reduce stress and enhance the cognitive development of children as well as adults. Teenagers are always curious to indulge in newer games; and e-gaming is one such platform providing an easy access and quicker means of entertainment. The particular game challenge which has taken the world by storm is the dangerous "Blue Whale Challenge" often involving vulnerable teenagers. The Blue Whale Challenge is neither an application nor internet based game but the users get a link through social media chat groups to enter this "deadly" challenge game. This probably is the only game where the participant has to end his/her life to complete the game. The innocent teenagers are being targeted based on their depressed psychology and are coercively isolated from their social milieux on the pretext of keeping the challenges confidential. To add to the woes, no option is offered to quit the challenge even if the contender is unable to complete the challenge. Blue Whale Challenge in its sheer form could be seen as an illegal, unethical and inhumane endeavor in our present society. The present communication discusses the severe effects of the game on teenagers, the ethical concerns involved and the preventive measures necessary to curb it.

Two-dimensional metric comparison between dynamic bare and sock-clad footprints for its forensic implications - A pilot study.

Footprints may be present at crime scenes as physical evidence. This pilot study compares two-dimensional measurements of bare and sock-clad footprints to determine if significant differences or similarities exist. Dynamic footprints were collected from 30 males and 20 females between the ages of 20 and 61 years old (mean of 28.2 years) using the Identicator Inkless Shoe Print Model LE 25P system. A midgait protocol was employed for obtaining footprints. The fifth and sixth footprint of gait were collected for the right and left foot, respectively, in both sock-clad and barefoot trials. The footprint measurements between sock-clad and bare footprints were compared. The results did not indicate any significant difference (p > .05) between bare and sock-clad foot length measurements for right or left feet. Significant differences were seen for the width measurements between bare and sock-clad footprints. These findings have forensic implications, particularly in criminal cases where it is unclear if a footprint impression is from a sock-clad foot or a bare foot. This study shows that such a determination is generally not necessary when utilizing two-dimensional measurements for length comparison between a bare and sock-clad footprint. However, if width measurements are being evaluated, the distinction between bare and sock-clad footprints should be considered.