Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.48188/so.1.4
Sex estimation from handprints in a Croatian population sample: developing a tool for sex identification in criminal investigations
Andrea Kolić
; University Department of Forensic Sciences, University of Split, Split, Croatia
Ivan Jerković
orcid.org/0000-0003-4716-9375
; University Department of Forensic Sciences, University of Split, Split, Croatia
Šimun Anđelinović
; University Department of Forensic Sciences, University of Split, Split, Croatia
Abstract
Aim: To test if handprint measurements show sexual dimorphism in the Croatian population, and to develop population-specific sex estimation standards.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 adult volunteers from a Croatian population (50 males and 50 females) aged between 20 and 45 years. Using a fingerprint ink, we collected handprints of both hands on a paper sheet. We scanned handprints and took 13 measurements. Bilateral asymmetry and sexual dimorphism of the measurements was analyzed and sex estimation models were developed using linear discriminant analysis.
Results: All measurements exhibited statistically significant sexual dimorphism (P<0.001). Univariate discriminant functions provided sexing accuracy from 75% to 92%. The highest accuracy rate (92%) and the lowest sexing bias (0%) was obtained using the handprint breadth. A multivariate discriminant function could estimate sex with 93% accuracy, but with more pronounced sexing bias (10%).
Conclusion: We showed that handprint measurements could be used for sex estimation in the Croatian population with a high accuracy level. Therefore, they could serve as a valuable tool for biological profiling of perpetrators in criminal investigations when other evidence is not conclusive.
Keywords
hand impression; sex estimation; crime scene investigation; forensic science
Hrčak ID:
244499
URI
Publication date:
18.5.2020.
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