Estimation of stature from the width of static footprints-insight into an Indian model

One size fits all? Stature estimation from footprints and the effect of substrate and speed on footprint creation

Estimation of stature from footprint lengths is a common prediction in forensic cases and in paleoanthropology upon the discovery of fossil footprints. Many studies, which have estimated stature from footprints, generally use a "one-size-fits-all" approach that usually involves applying a known ratio of foot length to total stature to do so, although this method has fallen out of practice in forensic cases in recent years but is still commonly used for fossil trace evidence. Yet, we know that substrate and speed can change the dimensions of a footprint, so why are these "one-size-fits-all" approaches still used today? We tested footprint production across different substrates at a walk, a fast walk, and a jog. We calculated how accurately footprint dimensions were impressed between these different conditions and identified sources of error in footprint lengths, and the percentage changes of how significantly a footprint can change in length between different conditions. We provide a table with different ratios that we encourage practitioners/field scientists to refer to and use when estimating stature from footprints, with respect to the substrate on which the footprint was created and the speed at which it was created. We actively encourage researchers to add the ratios by testing more substrates so that in the future stature can be more accurately estimated, thus aiding the paleoanthropological community, but also forensic investigations by statistically highlighting how different conditions can affect trace dimensions.

Estimation of stature and body weight from static and dynamic footprints - Forensic implications and validity of non-colouring cream method

In the present study, the metric properties of dynamic footprints were analysed using non-colouring method in relation with body parameters and compared with static footprint measurements. The results of the study provide a better understanding of the relationship between static and dynamic footprints, which may be useful for biological profiling that allows more accurate identification. Stature, body weight, five length and two width parameters of dynamic (walking) footprints of young Slovak adults (65 females and 68 males) were analysed. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated and equations for prediction of stature and body weight by linear regression analysis and multiple regression analysis were developed. Intersex differences were confirmed for all parameters and bilateral for some. Statistically significant differences were found in all measurements (p-value>0.05), except for the width of the standing and walking footprint in the mixed group. A positive correlation was found between the selected footprint diameters with stature (max - r = 0.82) and body weight (max - r = 0.70). Stature could be calculated with an accuracy of up to 4.40 cm and body weight with an accuracy of up to 9.56 kg. The results of the present study show that selected measurements of dynamic footprints correlate with stature and body weight. These results could be used in biological profiling in the medical and forensic fields.

Reliability of a two-dimensional sock-clad footprint linear measurement method

A two-dimensional linear measurement approach for footprints, herein referred to as the "Reel Method," has been shown to be valid and reliable when used on bare footprints, however, few measurement approaches have been examined on sock-clad footprints. The present investigation examines the validity and reliability of the Reel Method as a two-dimensional linear measurement approach for use on sock-clad footprints. A walking, mid-gait footprint was collected from 30 volunteer participants using the Identicator Inkless Shoe Print Model LE 25P system. The width of the ball of the foot, calcaneal width, and distance from the most posterior aspect of the heel to the most distal aspect of the first toe were each measured and compared between and within three raters. The statistical analysis demonstrated high reliability of the Reel Method among these three raters. The data were found to be normally distributed, and measurements were consistent between and within raters. 95% Intraclass Correlation coefficients, 95% Bland-Altman Limits of Agreement and 95% Standard Error of Measurement determined high statistical agreement between and within raters, demonstrating that the Reel Method is reliable and thus valid for the linear measurement of sock-clad footprints.

Stature estimation from foot anthropometric measurements in Bangladeshi population

BACKGROUND

Estimating human stature is a major concern to formulate a biological profile which provides effective data for forensic identification. This research was aimed to generate a formula for estimating stature from human foot anthropometry.

METHODS

This study was conducted in selected 150 male and 150 female subjects within the range of 18 to 60 years randomly. From each subject, stature and seven-foot measurements were taken by applying the standard technique. Stature was estimated from foot measurements by using linear and multiple regression equations.

RESULTS

The result showed that each foot measurement was significantly (p < 0.001) and positively correlated with stature. Bilateral difference among male and female was not significant (p < 0.05). Multiple regression models showed better accuracy in estimating stature than linear regression models.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, it can be said that human stature can be successfully estimated by using foot measurements which can be applied in forensic investigation.

The development and status of forensic anthropology in India: A review of the literature and future directions

Forensic anthropology deals with the identification of human remains in a legal setting. The primary role of a forensic anthropologist is to evaluate human skeletal remains and ascertain the biological profile of the deceased. Forensic anthropologists thus use their expertise to assist medical examiners, as well as law enforcement agencies. Forensic anthropology was not recognised as a subject specialty of much significance in most parts of the world for a long time. However, now its status has changed, mostly in the USA and parts of Europe. The scope of the subject ranges from evaluation of human skeletal remains to the identification of the living. In the new millennium, the role of forensic anthropologists includes disaster victim identification, photographic superimposition, facial image reconstruction in CCTV footage, gait pattern analysis from video surveillance, ascertaining the age of an individual in absence of legal documents and paedo-pornographic materials. Despite its relevance in human identification, the development of forensic anthropology in India is not very encouraging. Only a few institutions in India include forensic anthropology as a part of the forensic science degree programme, and there are no certified courses in anthropology either. Likewise, there are limited employment opportunities for forensic anthropologists in medical institutes/organisations/universities. This comprehensive review focuses on the status and development of forensic anthropology in India and emphasises the need for its recognition as a specialty of significance. The article also throws light on the comparison of its status in the Indian context vis a vis developed nations.

Estimation of stature and body weight in Slovak adults using static footprints: A preliminary study

The stature and the body weight as part of the biological profile can aid the personal identification. The dimensions of the human foot, as well as the footprint, can be used for the prediction due to the existence of its positive correlation with the stature and body weight. Five diagonal axes and ball breadth of bilateral static footprints of 132 young Slovak adults were obtained. All diameters were larger in a male group than female group. No bilateral differences were found except the first diagonal axis and ball breadth. A positive correlations between the selected footprint diameters with the stature (r = 0.37-0.64) and the body weight (r = 0.29-0.71) were confirmed. The linear and multiple regression prediction equations were developed. A stature prediction equation using the most lateral diameters (the fourth and fifth diagonal axis) exhibited the highest accuracy ranging from 4 to 7.5 cm. Similar results were found for the body weight estimation of the male and mixed group. In the female group, the most medial axis (first and second) exhibited the highest accuracy. The body weight estimation accuracy ranges from 9.09 to 11.09 kg. The real and predicted stature and body weight were compared and found differences were lower than calculated SEEs. Thresholds and prediction trend of under- or overestimation was identified. The results of the present study show that selected measurements of static footprints could be used to predict stature and body weight but should be applied only for Slovaks due to population specificity.

Bare footprint metric analysis methods for comparison and identification in forensic examinations: A review of literature

Footprint is one of the most common types of physical evidence recovered at a crime scene. The forensic footprint evidence may play an important role in establishing the identity of a person; therefore, its examination is of prime importance. A link may be established by observing and comparing the morphological features of footprints with the perpetrator. These barefoot prints may be present as a two-dimensional print or a three-dimensional imprint depending on the substrate upon which they have been impressed upon and accordingly different methods and techniques are implemented in order to identify the questioned prints. After the execution of appropriate procedure, these prints are then compared with the exemplar prints, i.e., prints of the suspects to narrow down the process of identification. The analysis of bare footprints has been used to offer a wide range of knowledge about different print patterns. Thus, the present work extends an overview of the different methods and indices that are being used to evaluate footprints for comparison and identification purposes. The evaluation and interpretation of footprints is not only of prime importance in forensic examination but also help in clinical examinations and elucidation of various podiatric disorders. The paper also focuses on the occurrence of footprint evidence, forensic podiatric training and education, reliability and accuracy of the footprint analysis methods and associated intra-rater and inter-rater discrepancies.

Estimation of stature from handprint dimensions in Egyptian population

Handprint in the scene of the crime is one of the most valuable clues in identification of the assailant. There are numerous studies on estimation of stature from direct measures of hand dimensions, but using a handprint instead, there is little research on it. So this study tried to focus on handprint as a tool used in estimation of stature. One hundred right male hands and 91 right female hands were scanned, processed via Photoshop program and handprint measurements were taken using a software program. Our results showed that stature could be estimated from handprint measurements by simple and multiple regression equations with standard error of estimate was the lowest in handprint length ±4.54 cm in male and ±5.38 cm in female. It was concluded that handprint from the scene of the crime could be used for the prediction of the stature of the assailant.