Personal Identification Using the Frontal Sinus*

Abstract: The frontal sinuses are known to be unique to each individual; however, no one has tested the independence of the frontal sinus traits to see if probability analysis through trait combination is a viable method of identifying an individual using the frontal sinuses. This research examines the feasibility of probability trait combination, based on criteria recommended in the literature, and examines two other methods of identification using the frontal sinuses: discrete trait combinations and superimposition pattern matching. This research finds that most sinus traits are dependent upon one another and thus cannot be used in probability combinations. When looking at traits that are independent, this research finds that metric methods are too fraught with potential errors to be useful. Discrete trait combinations do not have a high enough discriminating power to be useful. Only superimposition pattern matching is an effective method of identifying an individual using the frontal sinuses.     

Neck extension as a cause of SIDS

The intradural sagittal diameter at the second cervical vertebra (SD/C2) of 62 SIDS cases was measured myelographically. This SD/C2 proved to be dependent on body size, body weight, and age. A clear, age-dependent difference is to be found in the primarily narrow spinal canal. This parameter (SD/C2), which is more precisely defined in adults on the basis of clinical, radiological, and autopsical findings is assumed to have the value of 0.5 cm in the first 2 months, 0.6 cm in the third month, and 0.65 cm in the fourth month. The resulting potential danger to infants is dependent upon their position. The SD/C2, was significantly decreased in extension as compared to a neutral posture. With consideration of the primarily narrow spinal canal in the infant, there is, according to our measurements, a potential hazard for the infant in any further, significant shortening of the SD/C2. This is independent of the width of the spinal canal under maximal extension. We found individual cases in which the SD/C2 was decreased by almost 50% from the normal value in neutral position. No correlation was found between the primary width of the spinal canal and the degree of luminal reduction upon extension.     

Aging studies on fingerprint residues using thin-layer and high performance liquid chromatography

The chemical substances of perspiration found in latent fingerprint residue may hold the key for dating latent fingerprints. To study the chemical transformations of these components as a function of time and environment, fingerprint residues from four males and four females were analysed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Three major and two or three minor components were detected by both methods and the variation in the quantity of the major components with time was observed.     

Advance notice as a means of reducing relative deprivation

Considerable research has documented that global perceptions of proceduralv fairness are associated with reductions in relative deprivation (RD). Less research has examined the specific process elements that lead individuals to perceive procedural fairness. In view of this, several researchers have suggested that providing advance notice concerning a negative decision increases perceived justice and thereby lowers levels of RD. Unfortunately, the evidence for this causal relationship is currently limited and is based upon a small number of correlation and role-playing studies. Thus, the present paper reports on two experimental studies that investigate the causal relationship between advance notice and RD. Findings in Study 1 showed that advance notice impacted the cognitive aspects of RD but not the affective or behavioral aspects. However, some methodological limitations were identified. These were corrected and a second experiment was conducted. This time advance notice lowered both the cognitive and affective aspects of RD but still did not impact the behavioral measure. Results are discussed in terms of Tyler's (1987) group value model.