Vineeta Saini

In forensics and archaeology, Craniofacial reconstruction (CFR) is a technique that retrieves the original facial features of an unidentifiable skull. Numerous CFR approaches are based on anatomical landmarks’ average facial soft tissue thickness (FSTT), which is correlated with factors such as ethnicity, age, gender, and body mass index (BMI). Using data from the North Indian Haryanvi population’s sex and age, this research aims to develop an extensive database of estimations for the thickness of the craniofacial soft tissues. Computed tomography (CT) was used to measure the 12 different FSTT landmarks in 100 males and 100 females. Four age categories were selected using the age range of 18 to 60. The OsiriX MD software was utilised to quantify the thickness of soft tissue by analysing digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) images of the participants. Descriptive, t-test, Pearson correlation and discriminant analysis was done using SPSS 29.00. The analysis reveals significant differences in CFSTT according to sex and age groups. The research highlights the significant sexual variations in the Nasion, Rhinion, Prosthion, Mid-philtrum, Prosthion, Infradentale, Menton, Bregma, Pogonion, and Gnathion. The results suggest that considering age and sex-related differences is crucial when interpreting craniofacial variables. By considering all these factors, the current study provides a comprehensive understanding of FSTT in the Haryanvi population and highlights the importance of studying this population to gain a better understanding of the unique characteristics of this region.

Ear biometry is a form of biometric identification that identifies individuals using unique physical characteristics of the ear. It is a non-invasive and reliable technique that can be used by forensic experts in related crime cases or for making a biological profile. The shape and size of the ear are determined by genetics and developmental processes and remain stable throughout a person’s lifetime making this feature reliable and difficult to alter. However, these databases are scarce in India, and population variation can affect the accuracy of ear biometric identification. This study aims to develop population-specific discriminant formulas for sex estimation and a regression model for height estimation from the ear in the adult Haryanvi population. A total of 9 ear variables (left and right side) were measured on 113 males and 102 females with the help of vernier callipers. SPSS 16.0 was used for statistical analysis. Student’s T-test showed a significant difference between males and females. Discriminant function analysis revealed a sex classification accuracy of 78.1% accuracy using 8 variables. However, the regression analysis showed a weak correlation of ear variables with height (R2=.053 to 0.174). The findings of this research demonstrate that ear variables could be used to estimate sex but prediction with stature was found to be not highly significant and population variation must be considered for accurate results. The results of the present study can be used in different forensic scenarios for sex and stature estimation as well as in clinical and anthropological settings.

Objectives: India is an agricultural country, with agriculture employing the majority of the population. Pesticides are broadly and indiscriminately used in agricultural production, posing a serious threat to both the environment and public health. So, the objective of the current study was to assess the risk assessment of pesticide uses in vegetable growers in based on their knowledge and practices in Jhajjar district of Haryana. Methodology: The study included 110 vegetable and fruit farmers in Jhajjar District of Haryana. A standardized questionnaire was administered to gather the primary data from farmers after their consent. The collected data was entered in the excel sheet and analyzed using inbuilt programme. Results: We observed that more than 77% farmers were aware of the adverse health effects of the pesticides, but most of them were unable to understand the colour code and instructions present on the label. They do not follow safety practices regarding pesticide application and due to this 70% of them reported at least one symptom of acute pesticide poisoning. Headaches (54.54%), runny nose (45.45), coughing (44.54%), watery eyes (43.63) were the most common symptoms followed by itchy eyes/irritation (31.81%), skin irritation (30%), fatigue (29.09%), nausea (18.18%), and dizziness (7.27%).

Sexual dimorphism in a population varies over time due to temporal changes and data on this need to be updated regularly. Further, each population needs its own sex-discriminating anthropometric standards, which can be used on unknown skeletal remains of that population. Sex estimation of fragmented, buried, or burnt remains in which sex-discriminating morphological traits are often impossible to discern presents a huge problem for anthropologists, archaeologists, and forensic experts. The mandible—a strong bone usually found with other skeletal remains—is considered highly sexually dimorphic. In the current study, we investigated the reliability of mandibular dimorphism for sex estimation using 17 variables in the contemporary Indian population. The study included 385 adult mandibles of known sex and age collected from the two medical colleges in northern India. After the measurement of all variables, they were subjected to discriminant function analysis. All variables showed significantly larger dimensions in males except one. The most dimorphic variables included length measurements followed by height; breadth measurements were the least dimorphic. The gonion–gnathion length emerged as the most dimorphic parameter, with sexing of 79.5%. The stepwise and direct analysis resulted in 81.1% and 84.7% accuracy, representing the mandible as highly dimorphic. Factors that affect sexing accuracy and selection of the best variables are also explored and discussed.

Background: Sex estimation of fragmentary remains is a critical problem which is further aggravated by the changing pattern of sexual dimorphism due to temporal/secular changes. Previously cranial chord variables were examined only to deduce cranial abnormalities and hominin evolution. In forensic anthropological literature to date, no studies have examined the importance of cranial chord variables in sex determination and neither have secular changes been reported in those measurements to date. Aim: The present study aims to examine the sexual dimorphism and temporal changes in chord measurements in the Indian population and to provide updated sex discriminant formulae. Subjects and methods: A total of 483 (contemporary: n = 158; sub-recent: n = 325) adult crania (18–70 years) from two temporally distinct North Indian populations were included in the study. Seven chord variables were measured and data were subjected to discriminant function analysis using SPSS 16.00. Results: Analysis of the data using the t-test demonstrated significant sexual and population variations over time. Univariate discriminant analysis revealed the glabella-bregma chord as the best variable in both populations (78.5 and 74.5% accuracy in the contemporary and sub-recent populations, respectively). Using multivariate analysis classification accuracy reached 86.1% in the contemporary sample. Conclusion: It is concluded that Indian crania are going through secular changes as the contemporary population has larger chord dimensions than their predecessors and chord variables can be applied for sex estimation in the Indian population.

Of all human DNA sources, teeth are extremely resistant to environmental factors like cremation, drenching, trauma, mutilation and deterioration. Therefore, they constitute an astonishing sourceof DNA material. The present case study highlights the great effectiveness of dental DNA in identifying a highly decomposed and extremely fragile skeletonized drowned body with severe craniofacial fractures. Identification was achieved by paternity testing and positively establishing the car used in the crime as the murder vehicle by isolating DNA from the bloodstains present in the car.This study also emphasized the dire need to create a DNA database for Indian populations for conclusion of quick results.