Evolution of transgender rights in India: Better late than never.

The progress of transgender rights in India has seen significant strides with milestones such as the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) judgment and the enactment of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act in 2019. The NALSA judgment recognized the right of transgender individuals to self-identify their gender. This decision led to the formal recognition of a 'third gender', advancing legislative and social reforms. Prior to this, transgender individuals faced substantial hurdles, including limited access to education, employment, and healthcare due to a lack of legal recognition. Within a few years, The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act established a framework that safeguards the rights of transgender individuals and prohibits discrimination based on gender. This legislation requires the government to take measures like promoting education, providing vocational training opportunities, ensuring accessible healthcare services, and offering social security support. It also addresses the healthcare needs of transgender individuals thereby contributing to their overall well being. The Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) program and Garima Greh are initiatives that provide spaces and empower a marginalized transgender individuals and promoting their inclusion, justice and empowerment. This article explores the progress pertaining to transgender rights and welfare, while highlighting efforts undertaken by the Indian government.

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.

Fatal Choking Due to a Slug: A Death Driven by Folklore.

The use of animals for therapeutic purposes is based on traditional beliefs, family pressure, and watching others appear to be cured. We report an unusual case of a 47-y-old man who choked to death after consuming a live slug. During autopsy, a 9.5-cm slug was found impacted in the tracheobronchial tree. History provided by the family revealed that the deceased consumed slugs in the belief that this would relieve his symptoms of chronic arthritis. We report this rare case to highlight the possible ill effects of such practices.

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.

Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) and Home Remedies by COVID-19 Patients: A Telephonic Survey.

COVID-19 is caused by a novel coronavirus which was first reported in Wuhan city, China. The pandemic has led to considerable mortality globally. India, at present has the second largest burden of COVID-19 cases globally. Clinical trials with new interventions, including new vaccine candidates are being explored in the scientific world. Countries like China and India, with a rich history of traditional medicine, are exploring the effectiveness of traditional medicines to treat COVID-19. This study included 725 patients from an Isolation center, of which 230 (31.7%) were excluded due to reasons like incorrect phone numbers, no response on phone, or denying consent to participate. Finally, 495 participants had responded, of which 367 (74.1%) had not used any Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) product or home remedies while 128 (25.8%) people used 161 CAM products and home remedies during the treatment and even afterward. More than half of the participants (59.6%) among them had consumed Ayurvedic Kadha. Many respondents consumed more than one CAM products or home remedies but there were no reported acute or severe adverse effects with these products. However, it is essential to ensure the safety of these interventions on long-term use because patients with other comorbidities can have a detrimental effect due to these products or due to drug herb interaction with their ongoing medications. Hence, long-term follow-up studies of recovered patients are crucial in determining the effects of medications or CAM products on organ functions due to disease or interventions.

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.

Snapshot of COVID-19 Related Clinical Trials in India.

Many interventions are being explored for the prophylaxis and treatment of COVID-19 in all over the world including India. There was a need of systematic data about the COVID-19 related clinical trials conducted in India. The aim of the present study was to analyze various clinical trials registered in Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI) exploring the interventions for COVID 19. The data of various clinical trials being conducted in India was obtained from CTRI. Different trial characteristics were extracted in the predesigned proforma and analyzed. Values were expressed in frequency and percentages. As of 11th July, 2020, a total of 203 trials were registered in the CTRI. The majority of the trials (61%) were related to the AYUSH interventions. Only 3 trials were international while the others were national. A major portion of public and private funding were dedicated to the AYUSH trials. More number of trials were for treatment as compared to prophylaxis. Maharashtra and Delhi are having highest number of trial sites. There is a good progress regarding AYUSH clinical trials, and a similar progress is expected for allopathic interventions.

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.