Anthropological Studies
[Abbr: Acd. Jr. AJASt]Use of Arm-Span length for Estimation of Height of The Person in Khatri Population of Delhi
by Deepika Kakkar, Dr. K.P.S Kushwaha
Identification of an individual has many characteristics which are taken into account. Age, sex and stature are one of the major characteristics for identifying the individual. However, in cases where the dead body is highly decomposed, fragmented or mutilated/ attacked by animals; mass disasters, etc., where only part(s) of body is/are available, anthropometry becomes an important tool for identification of such corpse. A central position in the anthropometric research is preoccupied by the stature as every body part bears more or less a constant relationship with height of an individual. The objective of the study is to estimate the stature from Arm span length and predict the regression equation in the males Khatris of India. The study was carried out on 100 healthy male individuals aged 18 to 45 years. Arm span length was taken by using measuring tape and stature by anthropometric Rod. The data was statistical analysis using SPSSv23 software. During analysis it was found that the males with stature 167.7±8.73cm had the arm span of 172.2±8.61cm. The correlation between stature and arm span was positive and significant (r=0.967 p & lt; 0.01). The predicted regression equation for stature was 0.981X arm span length+ (-1.112). The stature calculated using regression equation was 167.8±8.44cm. It can be concluded through this study that estimation of stature forms an important parameter to reach to the partial identification of an unidentified body and dismembered remains. The study indicates that the Arm span length can be efficiently used for estimation of stature. Most authors’ findings have underlined the need for population- specific stature estimation formulae. In this study we derived a separate regression equation to estimate stature from arm span length for population which are helpful to those who are working in the field of medical disciplines, ergonomics anthropologists and security experts. Keywords: Stature, Arm Span length, Anthropometry, Identification, Regression Equation
Isotopes in Teeth- A Novel Forensic Tool for Identification
by Dr. Preethi B Nayak, Dr. Ullasa Shetty
Mass disasters and cases involving heinous crimes always pose a great challenge to the medico-legal experts. The traditional tools of personal identification methods that involve fingerprint analysis, DNA profiles, dentition and radiographs though highly effective in identification process rely on having ante-mortem records for comparison with the post-mortem data. Isotope analysis has its application in the study of ecological, geological and hydrological specimens. Isotope techniques are now being employed in forensic cases whereby investigators try to measure differences in isotopic fingerprints found within human remains. This article highlights the role of isotopes for provenancing human remains thereby resolving medico-legal cases with primary focus on teeth as a resilient specimen available. Keywords: Isotopes, Forensic analysis, Identification, Skeletal Remains, Tooth Enamel
Human Identification through Smile Photograph Analysis
by Dr. Neelkamal Ganesh, Dr. Swati Kanojia, Dr. Pankti Patel
Forensic Odontology provides valuable secondary support for identification. In few cases when some of the hard and soft tissues are destroyed, carbonized, charred or absent, other teeth and bones become the only mode of identification. Every individual person’s smile has unique characteristics and it has found wide acceptance all over the world. Identification of humans through smiles is a time saving, less tedious and economical way. The photographs while autopsy of smile are used for comparison of AM and PM images. The objective is to analyze the aspect of the smile through photographs in the forensic odontology field, its significant use and the possible advancements of the same in near future. Keywords: Forensic Odontology, Smile Photographs, Selfie, Human Identification, Skull Photo Superimposition.
Dentistry In Course Of Disaster Victim Identification
by Dr. Anoli Agrawal, Dr. Aniket Agrawal, Dr. Hemlata Pandey, Dr. Arun Dodamani
Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) is mainly based on the comparison of Ante Mortem data of the missing persons and Post Mortem data of the victims. Odontology, being one of the primary identification methods, plays a very important role in victim identification on the condition that dental ante mortem data are available and accessible. Forensic odontology is involved in all five phases—Scene, Post- mortem, Antemortem, Reconciliation and Debrief. Planning, adequate funding, international cooperation and standardization are essential to guarantee an effective response. A Standard Operation Procedure should be utilized to maximize quality, facilitate occupation and health issues, maintain security and form a structure to the relief program. Keywords: Forensic odontology, Disaster victim identification, Disaster management Checklist
Missing the Missing People. A Need for National Dental Registry (Database) In India
by Dr. S. Praveen
Missing people phenomena is of prominent treat to the society with health, emotional and financial issues. In this phenomena lies also the recovered unidentified human remains, which should be processed also considering “Forensic Odontology”, a branch of dentistry and forensic sciences, which deals, in the interest of justice, with handling, examination and evaluation of dental evidence and dental findings. Civil, criminal and research are the triad of forensic odontology. Forensic odontology deals also with identification of unknown bodies who are referred as “missing persons and nameless bodies”. The main issue in the identification of human remains and the collection of identifying data is the availability of dental data of the missing persons. Dental data could be collected, interpreted, updated and organized by forensic odontologists, whose role in missing person investigation is neglected in India. This can result in a delay in the dentification process. Also, the authorities in India usually dispose unknown bodies not claimed up to 72 hours: a silent mass disaster. Identification is not only needed for missing person but also required in fire accidents, air crash, natural and man-made disasters. Interpol standing committee also recognizes these issues for legal, cultural and other reasons. Humans have rights not to lose their identity after death and identification of a victim may be of vital importance to police investigation. Interpol states that dental data is a primary identifier, along with fingerprint and DNA analysis. For all these reasons dental records should be collected regularly in dental clinics and the implementation a national dental database could overcome this concern. A National Dental Registry (NDR) should be formed by the Indian government. This paper highlights a protocol for the collection of dental records, structure of Indian Dental Database and proposes a method for identification of unidentified human remains which has many hidden benefits to our society. Keywords: Forensic odontology, missing people, dental record, identification, India