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When human remains are inadvertently located, case-related circumstantial information is used to generate an identification hypothesis, and the preservation of the remains typically informs which identification methods may then be used to validate that hypothesis. What happens, however, when there is no contextual information to generate an identification hypothesis? This paper presents the case of a near-complete human skeleton discovered at Sandy Point in Victoria, Australia. The circumstances of the case did not facilitate an identification hypothesis, and with no hypothesis to triage the identification process, all possible identification methods were employed. Preservation of the individual meant neither a visual nor a fingerprint identification was possible, and the lack of an identification hypothesis meant there was no antemortem reference data to compare with the postmortem DNA or dental information. Consequently, in addition to historical research, novel methods, such as radiocarbon dating and genetic intelligence, were utilized to complement information provided by the forensic anthropology and odontology analyses, which ultimately resulted in the identification. This example highlights the complexity of cases of unidentified skeletal remains and emphasizes the fact that identification is a process that necessarily requires a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach. Key points: Human skeletal remains were recovered from Sandy Point, Victoria.The absence of circumstantial information and the poor preservation (i.e. skeletonized) of the remains precluded the formation of an identification hypothesis, rendering the identification process complex.Only through the integration of anthropology, odontology, molecular biology, radiocarbon dating, historical research, and genealogy were the remains able to be identified as Mr. Christopher Luke Moore, who drowned in 1928.Human identification is a process that necessarily requires a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach.

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INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a forensic odontologist working remotely could accurately undertake forensic dental identifications using videos produced by non-dental forensic staff operating an intra-oral video camera (IOVC). The study's aims were to assess the accuracy and time taken to perform remote forensic dental identifications in this manner. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight cadavers from the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification (CAHID), University of Dundee, UK, were examined by a forensic odontologist via a traditional dental examination. Their dental condition was recorded to serve as ante-mortem records for this study. Videos of each dentition were produced using an IOVC operated by a medical student. Post-mortem records were produced for each dentition from the videos by a remote second forensic odontologist who was not present at the traditional dental examination. The ante-mortem and post-mortem records were then compared, and identification was classified as positively established, possible or excluded. RESULTS: Established identifications were positively made in all eight cases although there were some non-critical inconsistencies between ante-mortem and post-mortem records. Before the second opinion, 85.6% of the teeth per study subject were charted consistently. After the second opinion, the percentage of consistency increased to 97.2%. Each video on average was about 4.13 minutes in duration and the average time taken to interpret and chart the post-mortem dental examination at the first attempt was 11.63 minutes. The time taken to chart from the videos was greater than is typical of a traditional dental examination. CONCLUSION: This pilot study supports the feasibility of undertaking remote dental identification. This novel "tele-dental virtopsy" approach could be a viable alternative to a traditional post-mortem dental examination, in situations where access to forensic dental services is difficult or limited due to geographical, logistical, safety, and/or political reasons.

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Shotgun sequencing is a DNA analysis method that potentially determines the nucleotide sequence of every DNA fragment in a sample, unlike PCR-based genotyping methods that is widely used in forensic genetics and targets predefined short tandem repeats (STRs) or predefined single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Shotgun DNA sequencing is particularly useful for highly degraded low-quality DNA samples, such as ancient samples or those from crime scenes. Here, we developed a statistical model for human identification using shotgun sequencing data and developed formulas for calculating the evidential weight as a likelihood ratio (LR). The model uses a dynamic set of binary SNP loci and takes the error rate from shotgun sequencing into consideration in a probabilistic manner. To our knowledge, the method is the first to make this possible. Results from replicated shotgun sequencing of buccal swabs (high-quality samples) and hair samples (low-quality samples) were arranged in a genotype-call confusion matrix to estimate the calling error probability by maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. Different genotype quality filters may be applied to account for genotyping errors. An error probability of zero resulted in the commonly used LR formula for the weight of evidence. Error probabilities above zero reduced the LR contribution of matching genotypes and increased the LR in the case of a mismatch between the genotypes of the trace and the person of interest. In the latter scenario, the LR increased from zero (occurring when the error probability was zero) to low positive values, which allow for the possibility that the mismatch may be due to genotyping errors. We developed an open-source R package, wgsLR, which implements the method, including estimation of the calling error probability and calculation of LR values. The R package includes all formulas used in this paper and the functionalities to generate the formulas.

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OBJECTIVES: Computer vision (CV) mimics human vision, enabling computers to automatically compare radiological images from recent examinations with a large image database for unique identification, crucial in emergency scenarios involving unknown patients or deceased individuals. This study aims to extend a CV-based personal identification method from orthopantomograms (OPGs) to computed tomography (CT) examinations using single CT slices. METHODS: The study analyzed 819 cranial computed tomography (CCT) examinations from 722 individuals, focusing on single CT slices from six anatomical regions to explore their potential for CV-based personal identification in 69 procedures. CV automatically identifies and describes interesting features in images, which can be recognized in a reference image and then designated as matching points. In this study, the number of matching points was used as an indicator for identification. RESULTS: Across six different regions, identification rates ranged from 41/69 (59%) to 69/69 (100%) across over 700 possible identities. Comparison of images from the same individual achieved higher matching points, averaging 6.32 ± 0.52% (100% represents the maximum possible matching points), while images of different individuals averaged 0.94 ± 0.15%. Reliable matching points are found in the teeth, maxilla, cervical spine, skull bones, and paranasal sinuses, with the maxillary sinuses and ethmoidal cells being particularly suitable for identification due to their abundant matching points. CONCLUSION: Unambiguous identification of individuals based on a single CT slice is achievable, with maxillary sinus CT slices showing the highest identification rates. However, metal artifacts, especially from dental prosthetics, and various head positions can hinder identification. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Radiology possesses a multitude of reference images for a CV database, facilitating automated CV-based personal identification in emergency examinations or cases involving unknown deceased individuals. This enhances patient care and communication with relatives by granting access to medical history. KEY POINTS: Unknown individuals in radiology or forensics pose challenges, addressed through automatic CV-based identification methods. A single CT slice highlighting the maxillary sinuses is particularly effective for personal identification. Radiology plays a pivotal role in automated personal identification by leveraging its extensive image database.

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Facial approximation is a technique that involves constructing the facial muscles and applying a suitable facial soft tissue depth (FSTD) dataset. To date, several FSTD studies have been conducted for varying population groups. This study aims to establish a FSTD dataset of an adult Greek population sample for the first time. The facial depths of subjects were measured on 100 head CT scans of 50 male and 50 female subjects aged from 18 to 99. The 3D head and skull models of subjects were segmented in Amira 6.1 by using histogram method. FSTDs were measured at 22 cranial landmarks (5 mid-sagittal, 17 bilateral). The FSTD dataset was generated by considering the age and sex of subjects. The impact of age and sex on the FSTD was limited. Slight inter-population depth variations were reported. Facial asymmetry calculated between the bilateral landmarks was insignificant for both male and female subjects.

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Gait recognition has become an increasingly promising area of research in the search for noninvasive and effective methods of person identification. Its potential applications in security systems and medical diagnosis make it an exciting field with wide-ranging implications. However, precisely recognizing and assessing gait patterns is difficult, particularly in changing situations or from multiple perspectives. In this study, we utilized the widely used CASIA-B dataset to observe the performance of our proposed gait recognition model, with the aim of addressing some of the existing limitations in this field. Fifty individuals are randomly selected from the dataset, and the resulting data are split evenly for training and testing purposes. We begin by excerpting features from gait photos using two well-known deep learning networks, MobileNetV1 and Xception. We then combined these features and reduced their dimensionality via principal component analysis (PCA) to improve the model's performance. We subsequently assessed the model using two distinct classifiers: a random forest and a one against all support vector machine (OaA-SVM). The findings indicate that the OaA-SVM classifier manifests superior performance compared to the others, with a mean accuracy of 98.77% over eleven different viewing angles. This study is conducive to the development of effective gait recognition algorithms that can be applied to heighten people's security and promote their well-being.

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Dental measurements have been proposed as parameters for stature estimation for at least 85 years. The scientific literature on the topic, however, is controversial regarding the performance of the method. This systematic literature review of observational cross-sectional studies aimed to compile evidence to support decisions in the forensic practice regarding the use of dental measurements for stature estimation. Embase, LILACS, MedLine (via PubMed), SciELO, Scopus, Web of Science, DansEasy and Open Access Thesis and Dissertations (OATD) were searched. Data regarding the rate of correct stature classifications were extracted. A meta-analysis with a Random Intercept Logistic Regression model and a Logit Transformation was conducted. The search led to 10.803 entries, out of which 15 were considered eligible (n = 1486 individuals). The studies were published between 1990 and 2020 and were authored by South American (n = 7) and Asian (n = 8) research teams. Dental measurements were predominantly (93.34 %) performed on dental casts or via intraoral inspection. The overall rate of correct classifications based on stature was 68 %. Excluding outliers, the overall accuracy of the method decreased to 64 % (95 %CI: 54-73 %). Significant heterogeneity was detected (I² = 72.4 %, τ2 = 0.24, H = 1.91, p < 0.001). Egger's test (p = 0.94) and the funnel plot did not reveal publication bias. Dental measurements are not reliable for stature estimation in the forensic field.

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In mass disaster events, forensic DNA laboratories may be called upon to quickly pivot their operations toward identifying bodies and reuniting remains with family members. Ideally, laboratories have considered this possibility in advance and have a plan in place. Compared with traditional short tandem repeat (STR) typing, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may be better suited to these disaster victim identification (DVI) scenarios due to their small genomic target size, resulting in an improved success rate in degraded DNA samples. As the landscape of technology has shifted toward DNA sequencing, many forensic laboratories now have benchtop instruments available for massively parallel sequencing (MPS), facilitating this operational pivot from routine forensic STR casework to DVI SNP typing. Herein, we present the commercially available SNP sequencing assays amenable to DVI, we use data simulations to explore the potential for kinship prediction from SNP panels of varying sizes, and we give an example DVI scenario as context for presenting the matrix of considerations: kinship predictive potential, cost, and throughput of current SNP assay options. This information is intended to assist laboratories in choosing a SNP system for disaster preparedness.

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This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of an age estimation method based on the pulp/tooth area ratio by assessing intra- and inter-examiner agreement across five observers at different intervals. Using the same X-ray device and technical parameters, 96 digital periapical X-ray images of upper and lower canines were obtained from 28 deceased people in Central America, whose age at death ranged from 19 to 49 years. Excellent and good agreement of results were achieved, and there were no statistically significant differences. The R2 value for upper teeth (54.0%) was higher than the R2 value for lower teeth (45.7%). The highest intraclass correlation coefficient value was 0.995 (0.993-0.997) and the lowest 0.798 (0.545-0.895). Inter-examiner agreement was high with values of 0.975 (0.965-0.983) and 0.927 (0.879-0.955). This method is adequate for assessing age in missing and unidentified people, including victims of mass disasters.

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In forensic scenarios, such as armed conflicts or mass disasters, the oral cavity can be a valuable source of identification information relevant to legal issues. In many European Union countries, it is mandatory to register dental records for identification purposes. A pilot and quasi-experimental study was performed. The study aims to analyze two methodologies, photography and wireless intraoral (IO) laser scanner, in the scope of the orofacial record in forensic pathology, highlighting their impact on human identification. The IO scanner i700 (Medit, Lusobionic, Portugal) and Canon 5D-Full Frame equipment were used to record the individual status, living patients (n = 5), and forensic cases (n = 5). IO and extraoral anatomical structures were recorded following six parameters: time, mineralized and soft detail, communication, extra devices, and distortion. The statistical analysis was performed in accordance with a scoring system and Mann-Whitney (P < 0.05) analysis. The photography method recorded extraoral data for all samples (score range between 15 and 23). The time elapsed to complete an IO scan in forensic cases was shorter than with photography, without requiring additional sources of light or mirror devices. Living patients and corpses identified statistically significant differences. It can be concluded that laser scanners are a valuable tool in the field of forensic pathology and can be used to record and analyze anatomic-morphological data for identification purposes accurately. Key points: Human identification engages in orofacial details records.Photographic and laser scans record intraoral and extraoral anatomic structures.Forensic cases assessed by intraoral scanner technology are accurate and less time-consuming, optimizing the orofacial data for identification.

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Background Gender determination is critical to forensic science and medico-legal applications. Given that it is the most dimorphic bone in the skull and is frequently found intact, the mandibular bone may be extremely important in determining gender. Orthopantomograms (OPGs) are quite helpful in accurately estimating age and sex in this regard. It is a laborious task for forensics to determine the gender of victims of mass casualties, natural disasters, and severely dismembered bodies. The mandible, which is susceptible to development spurts, has a high degree of accuracy for determining sex. Aim  This study aims to evaluate the potential use of coronoid height and condylar height as reliable anatomical markers for determining gender. Materials and methods In this study, 100 samples were used as study samples, 50 of which were male and 50 of which were female, in the age group of 20-30 years. The OPGs were obtained using a Planmeca Promax Scara 3 Digital OPG Machine (Planmeca, Helsinki, Finland), with settings of 70 kVp, 8 mA for 0.9 seconds, ensuring a 1:1 ratio. The images were then transferred to Planmeca Romexis® Viewer Software, Version 6.0 (Planmeca Oy, Helsinki, Finland) for measurement recording. Results Descriptive statistical analysis was done for this study and discriminant analysis was also done to create a population-specific formula. Results showed that the standard mean error for males concerning condylar height was 2.3 and coronoid height was 0.7. The standard mean error for females by condylar height was 1.6 and coronoid height was 0.6. The p-value was significant for coronoid height in both males and females. The p-value was not clinically significant for condylar height in both males and females. Conclusion The study's findings indicate that a larger mandibular angle is advantageous for gender assessment and helps with gender dimorphism. Out of both the parameters evaluated, coronoid height has shown statistical significance in both males and females. Hence, the study concludes that the parameter, coronoid height can be utilized to assess the gender of an individual.

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This communication aims to briefly present the importance of dental charts (odontograms) in the comparative dental analysis for human identification considering the time elapsed between its introduction and the current use in times of rapid technological changes in Dentistry. Future discussions about the rank of importance amongst the different types of dental records are necessary

Esta comunicação tem como objetivo apresentar brevemente a importância dos odontogramas na análise odontológica comparativa para a identificação humana, considerando o tempo decorrido entre sua introdução e o uso atual em tempos de rápidas mudanças tecnológicas na Odontologia. Discussões futuras sobre o grau de importância entre os diferentes tipos de registros odontológicos são necessárias

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Disaster victim identification is structured according to international recommendations on the attempt to optimize forensic logistics. The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) establishes primary and secondary methods for human identification. This study aimed to revisit the existing literature to address the forensic importance of tattoos. The scientific literature has shown advances in the forensic analyses of tattoos specially when it comes to the application of especial imaging techniques, namely photography with infrared light to visualize latent tattoo inks and cover-up tattoos, as well as the use of biochemical processing to distinguish components of the tattoo inks. Other relevant aspect is the fields dedicated to tattoo descriptions in software used worldwide for disaster victim identification, namely PlassData. Coding systems have been proposed as well to facilitate communication in the human identification process. The future of forensic analyses of tattoos is promising considering the increase of research in recent years. Forensic practice might benefit from it with more scientific evidence to support the utilization of tattoo analyses in casework

A identificação de vítimas de desastres em massa é estruturada de acordo com recomendações internacionais na tentativa de otimizar a logística forense. A INTERPOL (International Criminal Police Organization) estabelece métodos primários e secundários para identificação humana. Este estudo teve como objetivo revisitar a literatura existente para abordar a importância forense das tatuagens. A literatura científica tem mostrado avanços nas análises forenses de tatuagens, especialmente no que diz respeito à aplicação de técnicas especiais de imaginologia, como a fotografia com luz infravermelha para visualizar tintas latentes de tatuagens e tatuagens de cobertura, bem como a utilização de processamento bioquímico para distinguir componentes das tintas de tatuagem. Outro aspecto relevante são os campos dedicados à descrição de tatuagens em softwares utilizados mundialmente para identificação de vítimas de desastres em massa, como o PlassData. Sistemas de codificação também foram propostos para facilitar a comunicação no processo de identificação humana. O futuro das análises forenses de tatuagens é promissor considerando o aumento das pesquisas nos últimos anos. A prática forense pode beneficiar-se com mais evidências científicas para apoiar a utilização de análises de tatuagens na condução de casos periciais

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Dental age estimation is a technical procedure performed to support Court decisions in cases of legal liability, clandestine migration, sexual abuse, and several other applications. This study reports a case of an undocumented individuals that was originally identified by the criminal legal system (without a previous civil identity). In his identity records, a name was given: "Black male, 19" ­ indicating his population affinity (African), sex (male) and age (19 years). His body was found decapitated and referred to the medicolegal institute. The dental examination highlighted the presence of a third molar in the very early stage (») of root formation. Age was estimated using five methods based on dental development (the methods of Schour and Massler [1941], Moorrees et al. [1963], Anderson et al. [1976], London Atlas [2010], and Blenkin and Taylor [2012]). All the methods indicated that the individual was a minor, within the range between 14.5 and 15.5 years. This study highlights the importance of assigning adequate personnel to technical tasks in the police/forensic routine in order to safeguard human rights

A estimativa da idade dentária é um procedimento técnico realizado para apoiar decisões judiciais em casos de responsabilidade legal, migração clandestina, abuso sexual e diversas outras aplicações. Este estudo relata o caso de um indivíduo indocumentado que foi originalmente identificado pelo sistema penal (sem identidade civil prévia). Nos seus registos de identidade foi atribuído um nome: "Homem negro, 19 anos" ­ indicando a sua afinidade populacional (africana), sexo (masculino) e idade (19 anos). Seu corpo foi encontrado decapitado e encaminhado a um Instituto Médico-legal. O exame odontológico evidenciou a presença de um terceiro molar em fase muito inicial (») de formação radicular. A idade foi estimada usando cinco métodos baseados no desenvolvimento dentário (os métodos de Schour e Massler [1941], Moorrees et al. [1963], Anderson et al. [1976], London Atlas [2010] e Blenkin e Taylor [2012]). Todos os métodos indicaram que o indivíduo era menor de idade, na faixa entre 14,5 e 15,5 anos. Este estudo destaca a importância de designar pessoal adequado para tarefas técnicas na rotina policial/forense, a fim de salvaguardar os direitos humanos

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Há muito, os conhecimentos odontológicos têm se apresentado como uma ferramenta primordial na determinação da identidade de vítimas de morte violenta, especialmente quando estas se apresentam carbonizadas, putrefeitas, mutiladas ou esqueletizadas, mas também em casos atípicos, como em cadáveres "frescos". Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho tem o objetivo de relatar o primeiro caso de identificação odontológica utilizando-se o equipamento de tomografia computadorizada do Instituto Médico Legal (IML) de Goiânia-GO para obtenção das informações post-mortem (PM) de um cadáver íntegro, que foram confrontadas com os dados da radiografia panorâmica antemortem (AM). Relato de Caso: Um indivíduo vítima de projéteis de arma de fogo foi removido para o IML de Goiânia para os exames de praxe depois de vir a óbito em unidade hospitalar. Apesar de o corpo se apresentar "fresco", a coleta (tomada) de impressões digitais revelou um registro cuja qualidade não permitia a demarcação dos pontos necessários para um confronto papiloscópico. Os supostos familiares, então, apresentaram radiografia panorâmica AM, fato que motivou a equipe pericial a utilizar o recém instalado equipamento de tomografia computadorizada para a obtenção de imagem PM, possibilitando o devido processo de reconciliação (AM x PM), onde foram identificadas diversas similaridades de natureza anatômica e terapêutica que remeteram a uma identificação positiva da vítima. Conclusão: A adoção de abordagens tecnológicas e a alocação de recursos humanos especializados para a identificação humana devem ser prioridades nos serviços de Medicina e Odontologia Legal, visando aumentar a eficiência e precisão no processamento das demandas usuais, bem como para solucionar eventuais desafios técnicos

For a long time, dental knowledge has proven to be a fundamental tool in determining the identity of victims of violent death, especially when they are charred, putrefied, mutilated or skeletonized, but also in atypical cases, such as fresh corpses. In this context, the present work aims to report the first case of odontological identification using the computerized tomography equipment of the Forensic Medical Institute (IML) of Goiânia-GO to obtain post-mortem (PM) information from an intact corpse, which was compared with antemortem (AM) panoramic radiograph data. Case Report: An individual victim of gunshot wounds was taken to the IML of Goiânia for routine examinations after dying in a hospital unit. Although the body was "fresh," fingerprint collection revealed a record whose quality did not allow the necessary points for a papilloscopic confrontation to be marked. The supposed relatives then presented antemortem panoramic radiography, which motivated the forensic team to use the newly installed computerized tomography equipment to obtain PM images, enabling the proper reconciliation process (AM x PM), where several anatomical and therapeutic similarities were identified leading to a positive identification of the victim. Conclusion: The adoption of technological approaches and the allocation of specialized human resources for human identification should be priorities in Forensic Medicine and Odontology services, aiming to increase efficiency and accuracy in processing usual demands, as well as to solve any technical challenges that may arise

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Biological trace samples consisting of very few cells pose a challenge to conventional forensic genetic DNA analysis. RNA may be an alternative to DNA when handling low template samples. Whereas each cell only contains two copies of an autosomal DNA segment, the transcriptome retains much of the genomic variation replicated in abundant RNA fragments. In this study, we describe the development of a prototype RNA-based SNP selection set for forensic human identification from low template samples (50 pg gDNA). Whole blood from a subset of the Danish population (41 individuals) and blood stains subjected to degradation at room temperature for up to two weeks were analysed by whole transcriptome shotgun sequencing. Concordance was determined by DNA genotyping with the Infinium Omni5-4 SNP chip. In the 100 protein-coding genes with the most reads, 5214 bi-allelic SNPs with gnomAD minor allele frequencies > 0.1 in the African/African American, East Asian, and (non-Finnish) European populations were identified. Of these, 24 SNPs in 21 genes passed screening in whole blood and degraded blood stains, with a resulting mean match probability of 4.5 ∙ 10-9. Additionally, ancestry informative SNPs and SNPs in genes useful for body fluid identification were identified in the transcriptome. Consequently, shotgun sequencing of RNA from low template samples may be used for a vast host of forensic genetics purposes, including simultaneous human and body fluid identification, leading to direct donor identification in the identified body fluid.

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Mass disaster events can result in high levels of casualties that need to be identified. Whilst disaster victim identification (DVI) relies on primary identifiers of DNA, fingerprints, and dental, these require ante-mortem data that may not exist or be easily obtainable. Facial recognition technology may be able to assist. Automated facial recognition has advanced considerably and access to ante-mortem facial images are readily available. Facial recognition could therefore be used to expedite the DVI process by narrowing down leads before primary identifiers are made available. This research explores the feasibility of using automated facial recognition technology to support DVI. We evaluated the performance of a commercial-off-the-self facial recognition algorithm on post-mortem images (representing images taken after a mass disaster) against ante-mortem images (representing a database that may exist within agencies who hold face databases for identity documents (such as passports or driver's licenses). We explored facial recognition performance for different operational scenarios, with different levels of face image quality, and by cause of death. Our research is the largest facial recognition evaluation of post-mortem and ante-mortem images to date. We demonstrated that facial recognition technology would be valuable for DVI and that the performance varies by image quality and cause of death. We provide recommendations for future research.

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Significant variation exists in the molecular structure of compact and trabecular bone. In compact bone full dissolution of the bone powder is required to efficiently release the DNA from hydroxyapatite. In trabecular bone where soft tissues are preserved, we assume that full dissolution of the bone powder is not required to release the DNA from collagen. To investigate this issue, research was performed on 45 Second World War diaphysis (compact bone)-epiphysis (trabecular bone) femur pairs, each processed with a full dissolution (FD) and partial dissolution (PD) extraction method. DNA quality and quantity were assessed using qPCR PowerQuant analyses, and autosomal STRs were typed to confirm the authenticity of isolated DNA. Our results support different mechanisms of DNA preservation in compact and trabecular bone because FD method was more efficient than PD method only in compact bone, and no difference in DNA yield was observed in trabecular bone, showing no need for full dissolution of the bone powder when trabecular bone tissue is processed. In addition, a significant difference in DNA yield was observed between compact and trabecular bone when PD was applied, with more DNA extracted from trabecular bone than compact bone. High suitability of trabecular bone processed with PD method is also supported by the similar quantities of DNA isolated by FD method when applied to both compact and trabecular bone. Additionally similar quantities of DNA were isolated when compact bone was extracted with FD method and trabecular bone was extracted with PD method. Processing trabecular bone with PD method in routine identification of skeletonized human remains shortens the extraction procedure and simplifies the grinding process.

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Identifying edentulous victims in forensic contexts poses a significant challenge. It has been reported that having a denture to reproduce and compare Palatal Rugae (PR) patterns is crucial for identifying edentulous individuals, yet there are no validated protocols for conducting this procedure. In this study, a new method was developed and validated for plaster molding of the internal surface of upper dentures, along with a protocol involving focus-stacked photographs and reference scales. Thirty-eight edentulous subjects participated in the study, obtaining plaster models of the patients (PM), and their dentures (AM) were standardized. The AM/PM model was highlighted and photographed with ten shots in different z-focuses for each model, using standard lighting and aligning the position of the PR perpendicular to the photographic axis using tubular spirit levels and modeling clay. The images were processed using the stacking technique and analyzed by three observers through the proposed protocol using Adobe® Photoshop®. The results were analyzed based on the intra-observer and inter-observer agreement levels, with a 95% confidence interval. This study demonstrated high-precision intra-observer and inter-observer agreement (k = 1) in the matching of Palatal Rugae (PR) and maxillary morphology obtained from participants and their dentures. The protocol is simple, cost-effective, and precise. It enables standardization of the technique for obtaining plaster models, and the exposure of PR and photographic protocol minimizes the presence of artifacts in the images, thereby reducing the likelihood of errors and promoting the reproducibility of both the recording technique and the comparison of the PR.

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Aim This study aims to evaluate the non-morphological traits of the South Indian population. Introduction Dental morphological traits, also known as non-metric dental traits, exhibit variation in appearance both within and between groups. The study analyzed the non-metric traits among the South Indian population, as few variants can be grouped within the population.  Materials and methods A total of 500 extracted tooth samples were collected. The dental non-metric traits that were evaluated are the cusp of Carabelli (CC), Talon's cusp (TC), shoveled incisor (SI), peg-shaped lateral incisor (PL), protostylid (PR), Dryopithecus pattern groove (DP), hypoconulid (HY), parastyle (PA), multiple parastyle (MPA), paracone (PC), Bushman's canine (BC), interruption groove (IG), tuberculum dentale (TD), tuberculum intermedium (TI), radix entomolaris (RE), fusion (F), radiculous premolar (RP), dilaceration (D), dens evaginatus (DE), and enamel pearl (EP).  Results Out of 20 dental non-metric traits that were evaluated in the study, 14 traits were identified to be common within the population. The prevalence were as follows: cusp of Carabelli (52%), shoveled incisor (8.2%), peg-shaped lateral incisor (7.4%), parastyle (0.8%), multiple parastyle (0.2%), Bushman's canine (0.4%), interruption groove (2.2%), tuberculum intermedium (0.6%), radix entomolaris (39.6%), fusion (2.8%), radiculous premolar (0.2%), dilaceration (58.2%), dens evaginatus (1.2%), and enamel pearl (0.8%) among the South Indian population.  Conclusion The current study was discovered to have more Carabelli traits, shoveled incisors, radix entomolaris, and dilaceration than other non-metric features. This shows that these characteristics are more prevalent in the South Indian population, which could be one of the strategies used to validate human identification in a forensic context.