Determining dental sex dimorphism in South Indians using discriminant function analysis

Dental forensics forms a vital branch of forensic science which deals with proper handling, examination and evaluation of dental evidences for identification of victims of crime, accidents or calamities. Therefore skull and teeth often provide the identification material. The aim of the study was to investigate the accuracy of odontometric methods in sex determination of permanent teeth and to compute new formula to differentiate male and female teeth using discriminant function analysis for South Indian population. A total of 100 subjects were selected for the study from a parent population of 4800 students by simple random sampling method. Alginate impressions of the upper dental arch were made and casts were poured immediately. A digital vernier calliper was used for the measurement of all upper anteriors. Twelve different tooth measurements were recorded and from those two indexes have been computed. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS version 17.0 software. All the predictor variables were subjected to stepwise discriminant function analysis which optimally separates the genders and a best discriminant function was generated. In all the observed mean dimensions, male values exceed the female values. Student's 't' test for the different predictor variables of all teeth selected between male and females were found significant (p < 0.05). Very high significance was found in mean MD of 11, 12 and 13 and |c| of 23. The variables exhibiting best discriminant powers were mesiodistal width of both upper central incisors, DB-ML of 13 and canine crown module of 13. Sexual dimorphism in the size of permanent teeth differs from one population to the other and hence the standards set for one population could not be applied for another population. Hence this technique would be a simple, quick, cost effective, reliable and accurate for sex determination.     

The effects of marital status and social isolation on adult male homicides in the United States: Evidence from the National Longitudinal Mortality Study

With data from the 1979–1985 Longitudinal Mortality Study, we examine the effects of marital status and social isolation on adult male homicide (ICD-9 Codes E960-E978). Cox proportional hazards models were fitted to a 1979–1981 population cohort of approximately 200,000 adult men and their mortality experiences were followed until 1984–1985. Multivariate hazards regression analysis showed that marital status and social isolation are associated with significantly higher risks of homicide victimization. Controlling for age and other socioeconomic covariates, single persons were 1.9 times, and divorced, separated or widowed persons were 1.7 times, more likely to die from homicide than married persons. Socially isolated persons were 1.6 times more likely to become homicide victims. Other adult males with increased risk of homicide victimization were African Americans and those who lived in the inner city.     

Engendering local democracy: The impact of quotas for women in India's panchayats

In 1992, India's Parliament enacted two constitutional amendments that sought to democratize local governance and engender it through quota-based reservations for women. This article asks whether participation in these institutions has enabled women to articulate and advance their interests. To evaluate this, the article deploys the distinction in feminist literature between strategic and practical gender interests. Through a survey of a wide range of studies conducted in different parts of India it points to the constraints, both of institutional design as well as of social inequalities of gender and caste, that inhibit a fuller and more effective participation by women. There is nevertheless evidence to suggest that the quotas have enabled women to address their practical gender needs and interests, even if the articulation and realization of strategic interests is moving at a somewhat slower pace.