Stature and sex estimate using foot and shoe dimensions

The aim of the study was to develop a formula to estimate the stature and sex of an individual using foot and shoe dimensions. To this aim the stature, right and left shoe sizes, and maximum and minimum feet length and width measurements of a target group of 569 individuals were taken. The group was composed of 294 males and 275 females. The highest correlation coefficient was found in length measurements. A notable difference between males and females existed with regard to both right and left foot and shoe length and width averages and shoe sizes (p < 0.001). Among the group, a significant correlation was found in regard to stature and right shoe length (r = 0.591, p < 0.001), with the correlation between stature and right foot length and stature and right shoe length being 0.579 (p < 0.001); as for the female group, there was a significant correlation between stature and right foot length and stature and right shoe length (r = 0.460, p < 0.001). Thus the regression formula obtained are as follows: for the right side: sex = 69.169 + 0.173 (maximum foot length) - 0.368 (maximum foot width) - 0.820 (shoe length) + 0.224 (shoe width) - 1.280 (shoe number). For the left side: sex = 69.551 + 0.276 (maximum foot length) - 0.504 (maximum foot width) - 0.739 (shoe length) + 0.344 (shoe width) - 1.360 (shoe number). In application of the formula, if sex is lower than 0.50, the shoe belongs to a male, if higher, then to female. The formula which was obtained in regression analysis in order to estimate the stature when the measurements of shoe and foot were known. For the right side, stature = 47.93 + 1.083 (maximum foot length) + 0.788 (shoe length) 1.813 (shoe number) (SEE:31.410). For the left side: stature = 47.33 + 1.139 (maximum foot length) + 0.593 (shoe length) x 1.924 (shoe number) (SEE:31.607). It was understood that foot and shoe sizes are a criteria to estimate the stature of a person that there was a strong relationship between foot and shoe length and width and that these can be used to aid estimation. It was found that in sex estimate, foot and shoe lengths are better in helping the estimate than width measurements, and that the use of shoe measurements rather than bare foot measurements are better to obtain meaningful results.     

Testing the validity of population-specific sex estimation equations: An evaluation based on talus and patella measurements

Sex estimation is essential for forensic scientists to identify human skeletal remains. However, the most sexually dimorphic elements like pelvis or skull are not always assessable. Osteometric analyses have proven useful in sex estimation, but also to be population specific. The main purpose of this study was to test the validity of contemporary Greek and Spanish discriminant functions for the talus and the patella, respectively, on a Swiss skeletal sample and to quantify the utility of the measurements as a novel approach in osteometric sex assessment.Four talus and three patella measurements on dry bone were obtained from 234 individuals of the modern cemetery SIMON Identified Skeletal Collection. The previously derived discriminant functions were applied, accuracies determined, the utility of the different measurements was assessed and new multivariable equations constructed.Accuracies varied between 67% and 86% for talus and 63% and 84% for patella, similar to those reported by the original studies. Multivariable equations should be preferred over equations based on single measurements and combining the most significant measurements rather than using several variables obtained the best possible accuracy. The new discriminant functions did not provide a substantial improvement to the original ones. The overall utility of talus and patella is limited, allowing sex estimation with sufficient certainty only in a small proportion of individuals.Discriminant functions developed in contemporary Greek or Spanish populations are in principle applicable also to Swiss contemporary populations. We recommend that at present existent studies of this type should be validated and tested rather than developing new formulas.     

Post-mortem radiological examination in infants:: Evidence of child abuse?

We examined the value of post-mortem radiological examination of infants who were brought in for medico–legal autopsy. Twenty children between the age of 1 month and 15 months died under the picture of SIDS. No radiological or other signs of previous child abuse were seen in our autopsy material. A fatal case of child abuse with several metaphyseal fractures is reported. Some fractures were not visible on gross examination, but could be demonstrated by radiography and histology. In our material no association between SIDS and child abuse was found. In suspected cases of child abuse, particularly rib fractures and metaphyseal fractures should be sought. We recommend that post-mortem radiography is performed in such cases. If fractures are demonstrated, they should be verified by histologic examination.     

An examination of the role of neuropsychological deficits in mentally disordered sex offenders

Abstract

The present study examines the neuropsychological model of sexual offending proposed by Flor-Henry (1987) in relation to a group of mentally disordered sex offenders and a control group of mentally disordered non-sex offenders. The model predicts that the sex offender group would show specific left fronto-temporal dysfunction as compared with the control group. The results, while in the predicted direction, failed to reach statistical significance. Implications and limitations of the study are discussed.     

Identification of human figure drawings through questioned document examination techniques

Two cases were submitted for questioned document examination involving human figure drawings. As there was little information on ‘artist’ identification in the questioned document examination literature, a sample of 107 individuals was selected to participate in a study. The respondents were requested to draw two cartoons, one naturally and one disguised, in order to determine if standard questioned document examination methods could be employed to identify the ‘artists’. The findings indicated that ‘artists’ of human figure drawings could be identified using standard handwriting identification techniques.     

Application of the clinical polygraph examination to the assessment,treatment and monitoring of sex offenders

Abstract

Post Conviction Clinical Polygraph Examination Testing (Lie Detector Testing) offers significant opportunities for assessing, treating and monitoring sex offenders. This article briefly reviews the historical development of polygraph techniques including the physiological measures employed, the administration of the polygraph and the interpretation of data collected. Criticisms of polygraphy are explored and information concerning the scientific acceptability of these procedures is given. The current influence of polygraphy in sex offender work is reviewed. Evidence is given of the utility of polygraphy in reducing denial, improving treatment outcomes and more effectively supervising sex offenders on probation or license. Cost benefit considerations are examined, as well as the need for further controlled research and future regulation of the polygraph, if it is to be introduced in Britain. Planned UK Trials are described.     

Identification of decomposed human remains from radiographic comparisons of an unusual foot deformity

A case of positive identification from decomposed human remains using an unusual foot deformity is presented. Scrutiny of the decedent revealed foot deformities, which upon examination, prompted further inquiry. Radiographic comparisons and defleshing each foot established bilateral talipes equinovarus (TEV, clubfoot). Positive identification was based upon unique skeletal features present in the radiographs.     

Public perception of sex offender social policies and the impact on sex offenders

This study examines the public perception of sex offender policies and the perceived impact of sex offender policies on the sex offenders themselves. Specifically, this study explores how the community feels about the effectiveness of policies such as registration and community notification (Megan's Law), and housing restrictions in reducing sexual recidivism. Data are collected from 115 participants from a nationwide online community message board. Results suggest that although most individuals support Megan's Law, they do not feel the policy reduces recidivism. Furthermore, the majority of the participants also do not believe that housing restriction statutes are effective in reducing sexual recidivism. When questioned about the policy impact on sex offenders, the majority of respondents agree that as a consequence of Megan's Law, sex offenders are afraid for their safety; however, they do not believe that residence restrictions hinder sex offenders' employment opportunities. Findings from this study are discussed as they pertain to public policy and sex offender reintegration.     

Biomechanical features of spinal trauma depending on conditions of the trauma

The aim of the study was to investigate biomechanical features of spinal trauma (fractures) depending on external impact, position of a human body or its parts in the moment of the trauma and before it; to reveal morphological signs of fractures characterizing specific trauma mechanisms. From a position of theoretical mechanics, the vertebral column is an elastic stem the strength of which depends on elastic properties of the pulpous nuclei and intervertebral disks, the column length and curvature. To determine the mechanism of the trauma, it is recommended to make the following measurements: the length of the body, the length of the vertebral column, the length of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar parts, size of the chest kyphosis.     

Simultaneous detection of multiple STR loci on sex chromosomes for forensic testing of sex and identity.

The forensic usefulness of X and Y chromosomal STR loci has recently been demonstrated. One quadruplex-PCR, using 2 X- and 2 Y-STRs (STRX1/HPRTB and DYS390/ DYS393), and 2 duplex-PCRs, each using an X- and a Y-STR (ARA/DYS390 and ARA/DYS393), and detection of PCR products by using an automated DNA sequencer are reported herein. This approach allows us to determine not only the sex of the donor of a sample, but also the X- and/or Y-STR genotypes of the sample. A male biological specimen yields 4 amplified products in quadruplex-PCR and 2 amplified fragments in duplex-PCRs, whereas a female biological specimen yields only 2 amplified fragments of X-STR in quadruplex-PCR and one fragment, also of X-STR, in duplex-PCRs. Our study thus provides useful information for many activities in forensic practice, such as identity testing, paternity testing, especially of deficiency cases, compilation of population data, and sex determination of a biological sample from a single PCR.     

Evaluation of hair injuries depending on properties of impact surface of a blunt object and impact conditions

We investigated injured hair on crime instruments and head wounds. The findings were confirmed in experiments. Morphological characteristics of hair damage were associated with properties of an impact surface and conditions of the traumas. We propose a new method of registration of blunt head injury. Diagnostic criteria of hair injuries to identify crime instruments and to determine trauma mechanisms are demonstrated.