Regression analysis to determine stature from handprint anthropometry among visayans, an indigenous ethnic group in philippines for crime scene application Nikkimor LD Ivan1, Moorthy T Nataraja1,,*, Pravina D1, Philip IP Ariel2 1Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Management & Science University, Malaysia 2Police Superintendent, Villanueva, Misamis Oriental Mindanao, National Philippine Police, Philippines *Corresponding Author Nataraja Moorthy Tharmar Associate Professor of Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Management & Science University, 40100, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. Email: nataraaajan64@msu.edu.my
Online published on 1 May, 2020. Abstract The goal of any forensic investigation is individual identification and the individual may be a perpetrator in a burglary case or an unknown victim in a death case. The development of biological profile is a key factor during the identification process. Stature is one of the biological profiles of four components namely gender, ancestry, age and stature, used for person identification. Handprints are found in the form of visible and latent prints in many crime scenes. Even though the ridge features are absent in the smudged handprints, but still can be used to determine stature. It is important to consider the ethnicity or population in the anthropological research since individual physiques and body proportions vary from one ethnic group to another, as they are highly influenced by various factors like nutrition, environment, food habits, culture and so on. There is a strong relationship exists between handprint anthropometry and stature, so stature can be determined from handprint measurements. Hence the present study was aimed to develop regression formulae relating handprint anthropometry and stature among Visayans, an indigenous population in Philippines. The study included 120 males and 120 females of Visayans, mostly living in Philippines. In conclusion, the present study provided population specific equations to determine stature from handprints, whenever complete or partial handprints are found in the crime scenes for individual identification. Top Keywords Forensic Anthropology, Stature, Handprint, Visayan ethnics, Philippines. Top |