Naslov
Sex estimation from handprints in a Croatian population sample: developing a tool for sex identification in criminal investigations

Autori
Kolić, Andrea ; Jerković, Ivan ; Anđelinović, Šimun

Izvornik
ST-OPEN (2718-3734) 1 (2020); 1-11

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
hand impression ; sex estimation ; crime scene investigation ; forensic science

Sažetak
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.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Temeljne medicinske znanosti, Sigurnosne i obrambene znanosti

POVEZANOST RADA