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Švábová P, Hanzelyová K, Chovancová M, Masnicová S, Beňuš R. The importance of assessing the ghosting phenomenon in dynamic footprints when estimating stature - Forensic implications. Sci Justice 2024; 64:322-332. [PMID: 38735669 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2024.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
In cases where multiple footprints are found at a crime scene, it is unusual that all are static, and some are likely dynamic. Depending on how the footprint was made, we distinguish between dynamic and static footprints. A distinguishing feature that has only recently been associated with dynamic footprints is the fact that dynamic footprints differ from static footprints by the presence of additional markings around the back of the heel and the tops of the toe prints, the so-called ghosting phenomenon. The present study aims to analyse the ghosting phenomenon on dynamic footprints - its occurrence in relation to sex, laterality, and different areas of footprints as well as length features. Additionally, it aims to investigate the assessment of the ghosting phenomenon on dynamic footprints when estimating stature for biological profiling in the forensic field. The study sample comprised of 170 young adults aged 18 - 30 years of both biological sexes. Stature was measured and dynamic footprints were obtained where the ghosting phenomenon was analysed together with length measurements of the same footprint with and without ghosting. In the first and second toes of footprints, the ghosting phenomenon occurred most frequently in both sexes and in the sex-mixed group. Sex differences were not significant in ghosting occurrence on right and left footprints (p > 0.05), except for the area of the left fifth toe (p = 0.045). All the footprints' lengths with ghosting were significantly higher (p < 0.001) than those without ghosting. Statures calculated from footprint length measurements with ghosting predicted stature more accurately than statures calculated from the same footprint length measurements without ghosting. In the case of finding dynamic footprints at crime scenes, it is necessary to correctly identify and evaluate ghosting of the footprint. This comparison can be helpful in interpreting how ghosting should be taken into account when estimating a person's stature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Švábová
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Mlynská dolina, 84215 Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
| | - Katarína Hanzelyová
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Medical Expertises, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University, Kollárova 10, 03601 Martin, Slovak Republic
| | - Mária Chovancová
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Mlynská dolina, 84215 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Soňa Masnicová
- Department of Criminalistics and Forensic Sciences, Academy of Police Forces, Sklabinská 1, 83517 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Radoslav Beňuš
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Mlynská dolina, 84215 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
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Ansert E, Nirenberg MS, Mukhra R, Kanchan T, Krishan K. Ghosting phenomenon in static and dynamic footprints in India and the United States. Sci Justice 2023; 63:406-413. [PMID: 37169466 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2023.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Ghosting is the phenomenon that exists when a footprint has a lighter area around the tip of one or more toes or a shadow-like area at the back of the heel. To date, ghosting has been considered primarily a finding of dynamic (walking) footprints, rather than static (standing) footprints. The prevalence of ghosting in static footprints is unknown, and research on its presence in static and dynamic footprints from the same participant is sparse, as are studies on its occurrence in different geographic populations. This study is among the first to evaluate the occurrence of ghosting in the static and dynamic footprints from a particular individual with participants in two geographic populations. A combination of both inkless and ink footprint collection systems were used to obtain a total of 206 bare footprints from 103 adult participants from the United States and India. The data comprised 103 static and 103 dynamic footprints. Ghosting occurred significantly in static footprints, though less frequently than in dynamic footprints. Ghosting in static footprints was seen most often at the first toe, followed by the third and second respectively. This aspect appeared least at the heel. In dynamic footprints, it occurred most at the first toe, followed by the second and fourth toes, and then the third toe and the heel. The prevalence of ghosting in footprints from the United States and India differed in their locations, notably at the first and second toes in the static footprints and at the heel in the dynamic footprints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Ansert
- University of Texas Southwestern, 1801 Inwood Rd, Dallas, TX 75390-9132, USA
| | | | - Richa Mukhra
- Former Research Scholar, Department of Anthropology, Panjab University, 160014, Chandigarh, India
| | - Tanuj Kanchan
- Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Medical College Building, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342005, India
| | - Kewal Krishan
- Department of Anthropology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
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A preliminary study investigating the overlay method in forensic podiatry for comparison of insole footprints. Sci Justice 2022; 62:494-505. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2022.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Švábová Nee Uhrová P, Caplova Z, Beňuš R, Chovancová Nee Kondeková M, Masnicová S. Estimation of stature and body weight from static and dynamic footprints - Forensic implications and validity of non-colouring cream method. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 330:111105. [PMID: 34800909 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.111105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Švábová Nee Uhrová
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Mlynská Dolina, 84215 Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
| | - Zuzana Caplova
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Mlynská Dolina, 84215 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Radoslav Beňuš
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Mlynská Dolina, 84215 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Mária Chovancová Nee Kondeková
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Mlynská Dolina, 84215 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Soňa Masnicová
- Department of Criminalistics and Forensic Sciences, Academy of Police College, Sklabinská 1, 83517 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
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Reliability of a two-dimensional sock-clad footprint linear measurement method. Sci Justice 2021; 61:649-656. [PMID: 34482945 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2021.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Nirenberg M, Ansert E, Campbell J, Curran M. Chasing ghosts: An investigation of the ghosting phenomenon in footprints. Sci Justice 2020; 60:432-437. [PMID: 32873383 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2020.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Ghosting is a phenomenon that has been identified in dynamic (walking) footprints. There is sparse research on the occurrence of ghosting; however, due to the forensic value of footprints and their use in other scientific fields, the phenomenon of ghosting warrants further study. Ghosting can be used to determine if a footprint is static (standing) or dynamic, which can help forensic investigators create a sequence of events at a crime scene. Furthermore, this can help in footprint comparisons from this determination, as "like versus like" comparisons of dynamic or static footprints can be made. The purpose of this research was to determine the prevalence and locations of the ghosting phenomena in dynamic footprints. 136 dynamic footprints from 68 volunteers were collected using an inkless collection system. Each footprint was visually inspected for ghosting as well as examined using software. Ghosting was present on at least one location in all footprints. The highest prevalence occurred at the tip of the great toe, followed by the second digit and the heel. To a lesser extent, ghosting appeared at the tips of the other three digits. Ghosting often occurred at two or more areas in a given footprint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Nirenberg
- Friendly Foot Care, PC, 50 West 94th Place, Crown Point, IN 46307, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Ansert
- St. Vincent Hospital, 123 Summer Street, Worcester, MA 01608, USA
| | - Jackie Campbell
- University of Northampton, University Drive, Northampton NN1 5PH, UK.
| | - Michael Curran
- University of Northampton, University Drive, Northampton NN1 5PH, UK.
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Nirenberg M, Ansert E, Campbell J, Curran M. Forensic implications of foot arch index comparison between dynamic bare footprints and shoe insole foot impressions. Sci Justice 2020; 60:375-380. [PMID: 32650939 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2020.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Nirenberg
- Clinical and Forensic Podiatrist, Friendly Foot Care, PC, Crown Point, IN, USA.
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Bécue A, Eldridge H, Champod C. Interpol review of fingermarks and other body impressions 2016-2019. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2020; 2:442-480. [PMID: 33385142 PMCID: PMC7770454 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2020.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This review paper covers the forensic-relevant literature in fingerprint and bodily impression sciences from 2016 to 2019 as a part of the 19th Interpol International Forensic Science Managers Symposium. The review papers are also available at the Interpol website at: https://www.interpol.int/content/download/14458/file/Interpol%20 Review%20 Papers%202019. pdf.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Bécue
- École des Sciences Criminelles, Faculté de Droit, des Sciences criminelles et d’Administration publique, Quartier Sorge, Building Batochime, University of Lausanne, CH-1015, Lausanne, Dorigny, Switzerland
| | - Heidi Eldridge
- École des Sciences Criminelles, Faculté de Droit, des Sciences criminelles et d’Administration publique, Quartier Sorge, Building Batochime, University of Lausanne, CH-1015, Lausanne, Dorigny, Switzerland
| | - Christophe Champod
- École des Sciences Criminelles, Faculté de Droit, des Sciences criminelles et d’Administration publique, Quartier Sorge, Building Batochime, University of Lausanne, CH-1015, Lausanne, Dorigny, Switzerland
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Mukhra R, Krishan K, Nirenberg MS, Ansert E, Kanchan T. Comparative analysis of static and dynamic bare footprint dimensions in a north Indian population. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 308:110169. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Estimating actual foot size from a static bare foot print in a White British Population. Sci Justice 2019; 59:317-321. [PMID: 31054820 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2019.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In forensic intelligence-gathering it would be useful to be able to estimate the size of a perpetrator's foot from a standing bare footprint found at the scene of crime. Currently, the advice is to add a fixed amount to the length of the footprint (typically 1.5 or 2.0 cm), but there is little evidence for this approach. This study used measured footprint and actual foot lengths from 146 participants from the white British student population of a University in the UK. Data were analysed using multiple regression with foot length as the dependent (outcome) variable and footprint length and sex as the independent variable/factor respectively. Sex was not a significant predictor. The regression equation for the best estimate of the foot length is 19.89 + 0.95 × print length ± 8 mm.
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