Stature estimation from footprint measurements in Bangladeshi adults

The estimation of stature is very important in forensic investigation, as it provides useful data that can narrow the pool of potentially matching identities. The purpose of this study was to develop formulae for the estimation of stature from footprint measurements in Bangladeshi adults. This study included 118 randomly selected men and 130 randomly selected women, all aged 18–50 years. From each participant, stature and six footprint measurements were taken by means of standard measurement techniques. Footprint measurements were found to be positively correlated with stature. Stature was estimated by using linear regression equations. The right T1 length in men (R: +0.587, R²: 0.345) and the right T2 length in women (R: +0.506, R²: 0.256) were the most reliable individual estimators of stature. However, when data were combined for both sexes, the right T2 length was identified as the most reliable estimator of stature, with higher values of R (+0.792) and R² (0.627). In conclusion, human stature can be successfully estimated by using footprint measurements; this finding can be applied in forensic research and investigation.     

Age estimation by pulp/tooth area ratio in canines: Cameriere's method assessed in an Indian sample using radiovisiography

Age estimation of an individual whether living or dead is an intimidating task in forensic investigations. Since teeth are more resistant to most peri- and post-mortem changes, they are frequently used for identification and age estimation when skeletal remains are in poor condition. However, most methods are destructive and warrant extraction of teeth which is not feasible in living individuals. Cameriere's et al. put forth a radiographic method of age estimation by pulp to tooth area ratio (AR) in canines and revealed a linear regression between age and the AR. In the present study, we estimated the AR in 456 canines (upper, lower and both) in an Indian sample (114 males and 114 females) using radiovisiography technique. Linear regression equations were derived for upper canine, lower canine and both using the AR to estimate chronological age. Additionally, the efficacy of these equations was also evaluated in younger age group (<45 years). The formulas derived, i.e., age = 96.795 ? 513.561x₁ (Eq. (1)) for upper canine, age = 88.308 ? 458.137x₂ (Eq. (2)) for lower canine and age = 99.190 ? 283.537x₁ ? 306.902x₂ + 400.873x₁x₂ (Eq. (3)) for both the canines were applied to predict the chronological age. The mean value of residuals using these regression equations ranged from 4.28 to 6.39 years with upper canine equation generally giving a precise result. When these equations were applied for younger ages (<45 years), the regression equation derived from both canines gave a better result (mean residual 2.70 years). Overall these equations were better able to predict the age in younger ages, i.e., up to 45 years.     

Determination of sex for the 12th thoracic vertebra by morphometry of three-dimensional reconstructed vertebral models

Thirty-three linear measurements and two ratios were derived from 102 12th thoracic vertebrae of the Digital Korean database at the Catholic Institute for Applied Anatomy. Of 35 linear traits, 23 were sexually dimorphic. We created 23 discriminant function equations that predicted sex with 62.7-85.3% accuracy. The analysis using combinations of two factors gave higher accuracies: most equations with accuracies over 80% included at least one measurement involving the coronal diameter of the vertebral endplate. Using stepwise method of discriminant function analysis, three variables predicted sex with 90.0% accuracy: the coronal diameter of the superior endplate of the vertebral body, the ratio of anterior to middle height of the body, and the length of the left mammillary process and pedicle. Coronal dimensions of the vertebral body represented the major sex difference. These equations will help forensic discrimination of the sex of this vertebra among Koreans.     

Avoiding overstating the strength of forensic evidence: Shrunk likelihood ratios/Bayes factors

When strength of forensic evidence is quantified using sample data and statistical models, a concern may be raised as to whether the output of a model overestimates the strength of evidence. This is particularly the case when the amount of sample data is small, and hence sampling variability is high. This concern is related to concern about precision. This paper describes, explores, and tests three procedures which shrink the value of the likelihood ratio or Bayes factor toward the neutral value of one. The procedures are: (1) a Bayesian procedure with uninformative priors, (2) use of empirical lower and upper bounds (ELUB), and (3) a novel form of regularized logistic regression. As a benchmark, they are compared with linear discriminant analysis, and in some instances with non-regularized logistic regression. The behaviours of the procedures are explored using Monte Carlo simulated data, and tested on real data from comparisons of voice recordings, face images, and glass fragments.     

A note on intermediate imports and the BPCG model in Mexico

Numerous applications of the balance-of-payments-constrained growth (BPCG) model have concluded that Mexico’s equilibrium GDP growth rate fell after trade liberalization, because of a sharp rise in the income-elasticity of imports. Following the bounds testing approach of Pesaran et al. (2001), the present note estimates equations for intermediate and other types of imports in Mexico from 1960 to 2006. It shows that intermediate imports are significantly affected by manufactured exports, and that once the effect is controlled for, there is no significant rise in their income-elasticity—in contrast to what is observed for other types of imports. Since manufactured exports are highly intensive in imports, what the typical BPCG regression detects as an increase in the elasticity of intermediate imports may reflect a compositional effect, namely, the re-composition of GDP towards exports. Some implications for the BPCG model are briefly discussed in the conclusions.     

西南地区汉族男性CT颅面径线与身高的关系

目的通过CT测量西南地区汉族男性颅面径线,建立该地区汉族男性颅面径线与身高的回归模型,为法医人类学研究积累数据。方法收集273例西南地区汉族男性头部CT资料,确定颅面部7条径线,运用图像后处理软件进行多平面重建和容积再现,对所选径线进行测量。对各测量指标与身高的相关性运用SPSS 21.0进行分析,建立推断身高的回归方程,并重新选取50例样本代入该数学模型进行检验。结果建立了7条径线的线性回归方程(P0.05);一元线性回归方程相关系数为0.190~0.439,标准估计误差(SEE)为4.597~5.023 cm;多元线性回归方程复相关系数为0.494~0.524,SEE为4.418~4.458 cm。回代检验得y=83.959+3.589 x_6+2.573 x_2,±1SEE准确率最高,为30%;y=72.646+3.316 x6+1.586 x_2+1.553 x_4+2.211 x_3,±2SEE准确率最高,为92%。结论本研究所选取的7条径线与身高均有明显的直线相关性,所建立的多元回归方程适用于推断西南地区汉族男性身高。     

Determining Shoe Length from Partial Shoeprints

The length of a shoe has significant value in reflecting characteristics of the owner, and thereby, it can help in tracking suspects in criminal cases. However, the shoeprints left at a crime scene are often incomplete, resulting in difficulties in assessing shoe length. To find a way to estimate the shoe length from a partial shoeprint, 109 shoes with different sizes and general patterns were collected, and their prints were lifted using magnetic powder. Four feature points were defined on a shoeprint, and the longest distance between the feature points was defined as shoe length. Using linear, quadratic, and cubic regression analyses, a total of 15 equations were obtained between the shoe length and the other distances between the feature points. Out of these, the five most accurate equations were selected as the optimal equation. The verified test, including another 18 pairs of shoes, showed an average error of equations between 0.591 cm and 0.732 cm. The equations were also applied in two practical cases, resulting in good accuracy. The study demonstrates that shoe length could be determined from partial shoeprints through the proven equations.     

舌骨的法医人类学研究

目的建立利用舌骨形态测量值判别性别的方法,并探讨其在法医学应用中的价值。方法对于河北地区收集的108例舌骨样本(男78例,女30例)进行观察研究,确立11个观测指标并进行测量,测量值采用SPSS统计软件进行统计学分析,建立利用舌骨形态测量值判别性别的方程,并进行Fisher判别分析。结果在11项观察指标中,8项测量指标男女性别间存在显著性统计学差异(P<0.01);利用8项测量指标中的任一指标或之中的多个指标组合建立线性性别判别方程,方程判别性别的准确率在66%～92%,其中多指标的方程判别性别准确率较单一指标的方程高,最高达到92%。结论舌骨形态存在着性别差异,利用多个舌骨形态学测量值建立的性别判别方程准确率较高,可用于无名尸骨的性别判别。     

Freedom of Expression in the Dutch Constitution: Censorship and Sense Construction

Models of communication,frequently used in legal semiotics, offeran analytic framework for the relationshipbetween legal rules on the one hand andcorresponding behaviour on the other.Semiotic models seek to clarify(un)successful legal communication; theytry to reveal the processes ofinterpretation and sense construction. Theessence of these models is that thesubstantive meaning of a rule can (orcannot) be transmitted in a `flow model'of information. The models are based upona linear causality of ruleinformation. In this paper, the processesof sense construction are described,taking the freedom of expression, as laiddown in Article 7 of the DutchConstitution, as an example. Although thetext of Article 7 remained unalteredsince its first drafting in 1815, itssubstantive meaning has changedfundamentally. The transformation wascaused by complex processes that tookplace in social practice. These complexprocesses with respect to Article 7 arecompared with the transformation processesanalysed with respect to Article 96 of theDutch Constitution, published in anearlier paper. A comparison between bothArticles leads to the question: `Do weneed to construct an analytical model forlegal communication in whichreciprocal relations between legislatorand citizens are highlighted?' On thebasis of the two case studies, whichdescribe the influence of social practiceon the substantive meaning of the(textually unaltered) Articles, we have toanswer the question in the affirmative.     

Estimation of stature from foot length and foot breadth among the Rajbanshi: an indigenous population of North Bengal

In forensic anthropology, estimation of stature from feet dimensions plays a significant role in establishing personal identity. There is a scarcity of literature on the estimation of stature from foot length and foot breadth among various Indian populations, including the indigenous populations found in the northern part of the state of West Bengal, India. The Rajbanshis and the Meches are two such indigenous populations. The present study is an attempt to understand the relationship between stature and feet dimensions among Rajbanshi male and female individuals of North Bengal, India. Measurements of stature, foot length and foot breadth were recorded from 350 adult Rajbanshi and 100 adult Meche individuals (age range: 18-50 years) residing in different villages located in the Darjeeling District of West Bengal. The Technical Error of Measurements was within the accepted limits. The results of the present study indicate that female Rajbanshi individuals exhibit shorter stature and smaller feet than their male counterparts. Using ANOVA, it is determined that there was significant differences (p<0.05) in stature, foot length and foot breadth between sexes. Using paired t-test, it is further observed that bilateral variation was significant (p<0.05) within sexes with respect to foot length, but not with foot breadth (p>0.05). Stature, foot length and foot breadth are positively and significantly correlated with each other (p<0.01). The higher correlation coefficient between stature and foot length over that of stature and foot breadth points to the fact that foot length, rather than foot breadth, is more accurate in estimating stature. Sexual dimorphism is more pronounced than bilateral differences among Rajbanshi individuals. Using linear regression, it is observed that stature was strongly dependent on foot length and foot breadth. Foot breadth is strongly dependent on foot length. Prediction of stature is more accurate by using step-wise multiple regression. Age does not have a significant effect on stature estimation. The equations obtained for the Rajbanshis were fitted on the Meches to check whether the same equations could be utilized for both these indigenous communities. The equations obtained for another Indian population from the literature were also fitted and tested on the Rajbanshi. It may be concluded that the present study has provided equations to estimate stature from the feet dimensions among the Rajbanshis. It would be unwise to use the same equations for stature estimation for different Indian populations.     

Determination of manganese in human brain samples

A method is presented for the determination of manganese (Mn) in human tissue samples (especially brain) by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry (GFAAS). After complete digestion by a mixture of concentrated nitric acid (HNO₃)/concentrated perchloric acid (HClO₄) (50:50, v/v), the samples are assayed on a Perkin-Elmer 5100 PC apparatus, equipped with transversal graphite tubes and a Mn-specific hollow cathode lamp. The furnace conditions are as follows (for each step: temperature (°C)/ramp (s)/duration (s)) dry 120/1/40; char 1200/5/10; atomization 2250/0/4; pyrolysis 2400/1/1. Zeeman correction is employed. The method is linear over the range 0.05 to 5.00 μg/g wet tissue, and the limit of detection for Mn is about 0.01 μg/g wet tissue. This simple and rapid method may be of value for the post-mortem assessment of Mn accumulation in brain structures due to occupational or iatrogenic exposure. An application is presented in which elevated levels of Mn were determined in the brain samples of a 63-year-old female deceased after long-term total parenteral nutrition involving Mn supplementation.     

Methods for fusing uncertain results obtained from different models in accident reconstruction

Considering that almost all existing solutions of fusing different reconstructed results require experts’ opinions and the issue of how to fuse probabilistic results and mixed results has not been discussed. Two solutions are proposed. The first is based on the Monte Carlo Method (FMCM), while the second is based on the Sub-Interval Technique (FSIT). The method based on FMCM generates sample points according to the distribution of each uncertain result firstly, and then gives out the cumulative distribution function of the final fused result by statistical analysis. The method based on FSIT gets the result fusion interval set according to lower and upper bounds of all interval results and a given length d of each sub-interval firstly, and then calculate the weighted matrix of the result fusion interval. As a result, the cumulative distribution function of the final fused result can also be given out by statistical analysis. Finally, three real accidents are given to demonstrate the methods of FMCM and FSIT, the results of which show that both work well in practice.     

Stature estimation from tibia percutaneous length: New equations derived from a Mediterranean population

Stature is a fundamental anthropometric character to trace the biological profile of a person. In some cases, when dismembered or mutilated bodies are discovered in a forensic context, it is essential to estimate stature from single districts of the body. Nevertheless, to date and worldwide, there are only few population-specific studies on stature estimation from leg length and none of them concerns modern populations in southern Europe. We attempted to fill this gap, focusing on the estimation of stature from the length of the tibia in a Mediterranean population (Italians). We carried out the current study on a sample of 374 Italian university students of both sexes (age range: 19.9–34.4). Both, actual stature and percutaneous length of tibia were measured and new equations were developed for stature estimation. We tested separate regression equations for each sex, as well as an equation for remains, whose sex is unknown. To assess their reliability, the equations were tested on a holdout sample of 30 individuals from the same population. Moreover, results of new specific linear regression equations were compared to others from the literature. We demonstrated that the newly proposed formulae (for males and combined sexes) and the ones by Olivier (for females) provided the most reliable estimations of stature for southern Europeans.     

Justification Under Uncertainty

There is a controversy as to the moral status of an action in the face of uncertainty concerning a non-moral fact that is morally significant (according to an applicable moral standard): According to the objective conception, the right action is determined in light of the truth, namely the actual state of affairs (regarding the pertinent fact), whereas according to the subjective conception, the right action depends on the epistemic state of the agent, namely her (justified) belief (concerning the pertinent fact). A similar debate concerns the law, with respect to uncertainty regarding a legally significant fact. In this paper, I argue that moral and legal normative concepts are ambiguous and include two aspects: The ideal aspect, which is concerned with the constitutive feature of the normative standard, and the pragmatic aspect, which determines the correct action under uncertainty. With regard to each aspect, a different conception is appropriate: The objective conception should govern the ideal aspect and the subjective conception the pragmatic aspect. And the relevant aspect (and therefore the appropriate conception) depends on the question under consideration regarding the pertinent normative standard: what is its constitutive feature or whether an action is right (according to the applicable normative standard) in the face of uncertainty.     

Predicting the types of file fragments

A problem that arises in computer forensics is to determine the type of a file fragment. An extension to the file name indicating the type is stored in the disk directory, but when a file is deleted, the entry for the file in the directory may be overwritten. This problem is easily solved when the fragment includes the initial header, which contains explicit type-identifying information, but it is more difficult to determine the type of a fragment from the middle of a file.We investigate two algorithms for predicting the type of a fragment: one based on Fisher's linear discriminant and the other based on longest common subsequences of the fragment with various sets of test files. We test the ability of the algorithms to predict a variety of common file types. Algorithms of this kind may be useful in designing the next generation of file-carvers – programs that reconstruct files when directory information is lost or deleted. These methods may also be useful in designing virus scanners, firewalls and search engines to find files that are similar to a given file.     

Evaluation of Stature Estimation from the Database for Forensic Anthropology*†

Abstract: Trotter and Gleser’s ( 1 - 3 ) stature equations, conventionally used to estimate stature, are not appropriate to use in the modern forensic context. In this study, stature is assessed with a modern (birth years after 1944) American sample (N = 242) derived from the National Institute of Justice Database for Forensic Anthropology in the United States and the Forensic Anthropology Databank. New stature formulae have been calculated using forensic stature (FSTAT) and a combined dataset of forensic, cadaver, and measured statures referred to as Any Stature (ASTAT). The new FSTAT‐based equations had an improved accuracy in Blacks with little improvement over Ousley’s ( 4 ) equations for Whites. ASTAT‐based equations performed equal to those of FSTAT equations and may be more appropriate, because they reflect both the variation in reported statures and in cadaver statures. It is essential to use not only equations based on forensic statures, but also equations based on modern samples.