Identification In Mass Disasters Research Articles

Corpse identification in mass disasters and other violence: the ethical challenges of a humanitarian approach.

In October 2022, the Centre for Ethics of Yenepoya University hosted a national workshop entitled: "Respect for human dignity of the unidentified dead from mass disasters and other violence: strategies for the ethical management of biological samples and personal data". The aim was to explore and share experience and ethical considerations regarding the management and identification of human remains in the event of disasters, with the purpose to arrive at a general consensus about what constitutes the ethical foundation of the management of unidentified human remains in forensic practice and, in particular, contextualizing this in India. The main ethical consideration that emerged was tracing the missing and identifying the dead are crucial to maintaining or restoring basic human rights and responsible relief activities. Identification is not only an organizational and scientific achievement but, regardless of circumstances, also necessarily and always an activity with significant political, epistemic, and philosophical relevance and consequence. In India, it could be important to consider new legal provisions for the management of human samples so that this would provide a starting point for the treatment of human remains managed for forensic purposes with uniformity in the country. Another important step in which governments should take part regards the involvement and education of the general public to develop their interest in this important goal. In the field of forensic anthropology, artificial intelligence can support, through the use of algorithms, the decision-making process that leads to the identification of the victim or its remains. Furthermore, they can be used to extract new knowledge from huge databases and shorten identification through computer automation of data binding activities. Applying artificial intelligence tools in forensic sciences to collect new information from massive datasets to enhance knowledge, and reduce human subjectivity and errors, provides a greater scientific basis that could improve the strength of the evidence and support the admissibility of expert evidence. In light of the general lack of national/international guidance about ethical oversight for identification and care of human remains, the fact that regulations are frequently not adequate to govern ethical aspects, we hope that an internationally recognized body should develop such guidance in collaboration with relevant organizations.

Identification methods in mass disasters

Different numbers of people are affected in mass disasters. Identification of the disaster victims is a very important issue. For an accurate identification process, good and fast management of this process is of great importance. Identification of the victims includes investigating the disaster field, autopsy and following that post mortem data collection, ante-mortem data collection, and comparison of collected data. If these steps can be applied properly, identification of victims will be completed successfully. There are different techniques for victim identification in mass disasters and these methods can be divided into two categories as primary identification methods and secondary identification methods. Primary identification methods are more reliable than secondary identification methods. Fingerprint analysis, DNA analysis, medical records of the victims & physical examination and dental examination are primary identification methods. Visual identification and determination of personal belongings of the disaster victims are secondary identification methods. In the light of these methods, the identification process will be completed with an accurate evaluation.

"Biological identikit": Development of a SNPs-panel for the analysis of forensic DNA phenotyping and ancestry

Personal identification in mass disasters and in crimes is essential for humanitarian, ethical and legal reasons. In these contexts, when individuals cannot be identified by standard forensic DNA analysis, the Forensic DNA Phenotyping and the analysis of the biogeographical ancestry could help. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of a new panel of 891 SNPs in predicting phenotypic traits and biogeographical origin to create a “biological identikit”. In addition to fresh biological material, old evidence found at the crime scene or extracted and long-term stored DNA were tested with 41 SNPs for phenotyping and 850 SNPs for ancestry. All the SNPs were successfully incorporated into a single two-step multiplex PCR reaction using the IonAmpliSeq ™ Library Plus and applied for massive parallel sequencing with the Ion S5 platform using up to 0.05 ng/µL of DNA. The analysis of the results was carried out with an in-house predictive algorithm and consulting 20 population databases. By comparing the results obtained with identikit or video-photographic surveys, it was possible to predict phenotype and ancestry with an accuracy greater than 90%. While these new markers cannot identify a specific individual, they can be a valuable investigative tool.

Accuracy of Tooth Development as an Indicator of Dental Age Estimation for Children in Indonesia

Abstract: Dental age estimation methods have been developed in such a way as to fulfill various requirements of medico-legal, law enforcement, and victim identification in mass disasters. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the Willems dental age estimation method for children in Indonesia. The estimated dental age (EDA) was assessed using the Willems method by two examiners. The statistical analysis was carried out using IBM® SPSS® Statistics version 23.0 (IBM, Armonk, New York, USA). The results obtained 92 panoramic radiographs ranging in age from 8 to 14 years from the Departments of Forensic Odontology and Radiology, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia. The average chronological age (CA) of the subjects in this study was 11.30+1.43 years for boys and 11.65+1.55 years for girls. The overall mean differences between the CA and the EDA for boys and girls were -0.08+0.76 and -0.31+0.97. In this study, the mean age difference was more significant in girls than in boys. The difference in growth spurt timing between boys and girls may explain the difference in dental maturation, as girls begin their pubertal growth spurt about two years earlier than boys. In general, girls' dental development begins and ends earlier than boys'. In conclusion, the dental age estimation method proposed by Willems can be applied to boys, as there is no significant statistical difference. However, when applying this method to girls, a thorough analysis may be required.Keywords: chronological age; dental age; forensic odontology; human rights; justice

Ameloglyphics – A New Thought to Forensic Odontology, A Review

Soft tissues are unable to provide reliable information of human identification in mass disasters, it is largely feasible with skeletal remains especially teeth. There is a crucial need for new and dependable methods for recognition and confirmation of victims in mass disasters. Forensic Odontology employs various methods like rugoscopy, dental labelling, DNA analysis from dental pulp, bite marks analysis, etc. Currently it embraces the study of enamel rods end patterns. Ameloglyphics is an analysis of the end patterns of the enamel rod. These patterns have been found to be unique to the individual teeth of the same individual, as well as to different individuals. A potential association between the type of enamel rod end pattern and the incidence of dental caries can help to predict the individual's susceptibility to caries and to implement preventive measures. Individual identification is becoming more important than ever in today's world. Numerous techniques have been used for victim recognition in forensic dentistry, including rugoscopy, cheiloscopy, bite marks, dental impressions (ameloglyphics), radiographs, photographic samples, and biochemical approaches .The use of enamel rod end patterns may be used to identify the susceptibility of an individual to common dental conditions that are acquired during one's lifetime.
 Keywords: Biometric analyses; Forensic science; Acid etching, Peel technique ;Automated biometric technique.

A preventív és proaktív fogászati azonosítás bevezetése és jelentősége tömegkatasztrófa áldozat azonosításkor

Összefoglaló. A modern kriminalisztika interdiszciplináris területe a tömegkatasztrófa áldozat azonosítás. A katasztrófát általában egy előre nem látható esemény okozza, amelyben mind az emberi, mind pedig az anyagi kár jelentős. Napjainkban az áldozatazonosítás folyamata reaktív módon történik, tehát az azonosításhoz szükséges dokumentáció az esemény bekövetkezése után kerül összegyűjtésre. A fogászati ante-mortem (AM) adatokat előre, hatóságilag egy központi adatbázisban, preventív jelleggel, kötelező módon nem tárolják. A preventív AM adatbázis létrehozása felgyorsíthatja és költséghatékonnyá teheti az áldozatazonosítást, mert a jelenlegi reaktív módszer helyett preventív módon, proaktív jelleggel kerülne sor az azonosításra. Summary. Mass disaster identification is an interdisciplinary field of modern forensic science. A disaster is usually caused by an unforeseen event in which both human and material damage is significant. Nowadays, the victim identification process is reactive, i.e., the authorities react to the event that has occurred and collect the necessary documentation for identification after the event has taken place. Primary identifiers include fingerprints, DNA and dental records. In mass casualty incidents, teeth are usually the most common means of identifying victims. However, dental ante-mortem (AM) documentation is not stored in advance in a central database as a preventive measure. The creation of a preventive AM database could speed up and make victim identification cost-effective, because it would be done in a preventive and proactive way instead of the current reactive method. The quality of the AM documentation would be guaranteed to be good and accurate, so that post-mortem (PM) data collected in the field can be easily and efficiently compared by a smart pattern recognition software, increasing the likelihood of successful identification. The introduction of digital health involves not only security and technology, but also cultural change. In Hungary, from 2020 onwards, the private sector will be obliged to provide data to the National eHealth Infrastructure (Elektronikus Egészségügyi Szolgáltatási Tér, EESZT), so digital health information will be stored in a centralized system, which can improve the quality of ante-mortem documentation. When identifying victims, it is important to have biometric identifiers that are resistant to environmental influences, have individual characteristics, are easy to collect and compare with reference information, and can be stored and used in a cost-effective way. The palatal ridge has been shown to meet the above properties. The development of digital dentistry and the involvement of the dental sector in data collection will facilitate the work of forensic dental experts, enabling the state to ensure effective identification and subsequent dignified farewells and burials for its citizens in the event of a mass disaster. According to the principle of operation of the preventive AM-PM database, the two- and three-dimensional X-ray and other imaging data, findings, anamnesis documentation and final reports collected during the lifetime of a citizen are stored in a central database. Changes during screening examinations can be traced. One of the most valuable is dental documentation. All information linked to the individual is stored with AM ID, which is also linked to passport and ID card information. In the event of an accident, post-mortem data is also stored in the AM-PM database, which is saved with a PM ID. With the help of a smart algorithm, the AM-PM ID match helps to identify the victim. In the case of missing persons, it is important that the missing person’s medical AM documentation, if not already stored, is immediately included, since when identifying an unknown body, it is probably best to start the search among the missing persons first.

Reliability of palatal rugae patterns in individual identification.

Background:Dental identification plays a major role in mass disaster identification of human remains. Palatal rugae can be used as a substitute for a comparative method of identification.Materials and Methods:The present cross-sectional study was done with 137 pre- and post-orthodontically treated casts of patients, which were divided into 50 cases each of extraction and nonextraction and 37 cases of palatal expansion involving both extraction and nonextraction. Hydrocolloid (alginate) impression of the upper jaw of the patient was taken and then cast in the dental plaster of Paris material. Palatal rugae pattern was classified according to Lysellm, and Thomas and Kotze classification. Two Observers recorded the data, mean of two were taken for analysis.Results:On the right side, there was no significant difference between the extraction and nonextraction groups; however, there was a rise in length in the nonextraction and palatal expansion groups. On the left side, there was little change between the nonextraction and palatal expansion groups, but the extraction group had a modest increase in length. Mean lengths compared within three groups revealed insignificant difference.Conclusion:Palatal rugae pattern can be used in establishing identity in forensic medicine provided antemortem data are available. Orthodontic treatment has an impact on stability of palatal rugae. Most reliable and stable points being third rugae, they could be used as reference points to evaluate tooth movements

Pattern of Different Types of Fingerprints amongst the Community- an Observational Cross Sectional Study

Background: No two people have exactly the same fingerprints. Even identical twins, with identical DNA, have different fingerprints. This uniqueness allows fingerprints to be used in all sort of ways, including background checks, biometric security, mass disaster identification, and of course, in criminal situations. This scientific examination of fingerprints for identification purposes is known as dactylography. Aim: To prove the uniqueness and study various pattern of fingerprint in an individual. Objectives: 1) To study pattern of fingerprints for identification of an individual, 2) To study different types of fingerprints and keep statistical data of loops, whorls, arches and compound/composite in a group of individual, and 3) To study different methods of fingerprinting in an individual. Methodology: The study was conducted among individuals under the age group of 25-40 years, including 50 males and 50 females. The study was conducted based on Henry Galton method. The fingerprints were taken by means of an ink pad on a blank sheet; a magnifying glass was used for clarity of the finger impressions. Result: There are 4 types of fingerprints namely loops-52.16%, whorls-34.99%, composite-10.04% and arches-2.81%. Conclusion: On this basis uniqueness of fingerprints was proved. Fingerprints are considered as secondary evidence in the court of law, even though it is used as a primary and the most basic source of identification of an individual. Also according to our study the percentage of types of fingerprints varied.

Ameloglyphics: A feasible forensic tool in dentistry

Ameloglyphics: A feasible forensic tool in dentistry - JOOO- Print ISSN No: - 2395-6186 Online ISSN No:- 2395-6194 Article DOI No:- 10.18231/j.jooo.2019.028, Journal of Oral Medicine, Oral Surgery, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology-J Oral Med Oral Surg Oral Pathol Oral Radiol

Investigation of Different Ways in Which the CODIS 7.0 May be Used in Mass Disaster Identification.

DNA analysis is a key method for the identification of human remains in mass disasters. Reference samples from relatives may be used to identify missing persons by kinship analysis. Different methods of applying the CODIS in disaster victim identification (DVI) were investigated. Two searches were evaluated: (i) relating family relatives to a pedigree tree (FPT) and (ii) relating unidentified human remains to a pedigree tree (UPT). A joint pedigree likelihood ratio (JPLR) and rank were calculated for each search. Both searches were similar in average JPLR and rank. In exceptional cases, namely the existence of a mutation different from the CODIS model, a nonbiological father, a mistake in STR, or incorrect profile association, the UPT search returned one true rank, whereas the FPT search returned no results. This paper suggests a novel strategy to overcome these limitations and increase efficiency in conducting identification of mass disaster victims.

Role of forensic odontology in the identification of victims of major mass disasters across the world: A systematic review.

BackgroundForensic odontology (FO) is regarded in the literature as one of the most reliable and economical scientific methods for victim identification in mass disasters (MDs). The present paper systematically reviews the role of forensic odontologists in various global MDs.MethodA comprehensive search of the literature databases (PubMed, Medline, SCOPUS, Web of Science and Google Scholar), along with cross-referencing published peer-reviewed articles, was conducted. The search included full texts, abstracts or titles, had no inclusion year limit (searched until September 2017) and was limited to the English language. Keywords included a combination of ‘Forensic odontology’, ‘Dental records’, ‘Victim identification’, ‘Natural mass disaster’, ‘Criminal mass disaster’, ‘Accidental mass disaster’ and ‘Victim disaster’.ResultsOf the included disasters (20), 12 (57.14%) were accidental, 5 (23.80%) natural and 3 (19.04%) were criminal. The maximum number of victims was associated with the Japan tsunami (15892), followed by the Thailand tsunami (4280) and the Estonia ferry disaster (852). A total of 23654 victims were reported, of which 20569 (86.96%) were positively identified. Reports from 17 MDs included the use of FO in victim identification [3025 (14.70%) cases]. In addition, 1094 victims (5.31%; from 7 papers) were identified using FO in combination with other methodologies. The highest percentage of victims was identified using FO following the Kentucky air crash (47; 100%), followed by the Newark air crash (38; 76%), the Nepal air crash (10; 71.42%), the France air crash (56; 65.88%), the Australian bushfire (14; 63.63%), and the Estonia ferry disaster (57; 60.63%).ConclusionFO has played a significant role in victim identification in several MDs around the world. The success of FO-based identification is heavily dependent on the availability of ante-mortem records from general dental practitioners. Hence, adequate knowledge about FO and appropriate dental record keeping among general dental practitioners are critical.

Dental tissue as an imperative marker for human identification in mass disaster

Background: Mass disaster events allied with astounding damage of humanity, consequently leading with complexity to recognize human eccentricity. Forensic science has an enormous role in human identification after disaster. As human teeth are admirable source of DNA due to their relatively higher degree of physical and chemical resistance; thus, revival of genetic material is promising with teeth; in case of disasters. Therefore, human teeth can be used as an imperative resource for human identification in mass disasters. Aim and Objectives: This study aims to compare DNA quantity and purity, of extracted human teeth buried in soil and establishes the result that dental tissue can be used as an imperative marker in human identification. Material and Methods: An in vitro experimental study conducted with 30 extracted human teeth. All teeth divided into two groups depending on the time of buried in soil – (i) Group 1 (old group): It was comprised of 14 teeth, buried for 12 months and (ii) Group 2 (new group): It was comprised of 16 teeth, buried for 6 months. Then, DNA isolation, quantification, and purity assessment was and results analyzed by SPSS version 20 using paired and unpaired Student's t-test. Results: This study illustrates that the entire samples were amplifiable in polymerase chain reaction and showing reverently high-quality results. DNA purity was not significantly affected by the storage period of teeth in soil. Conclusion: The study concluded that DNA isolation and assessment of quantity and purity can be successfully done from extracted teeth buried in soil. The quantity and purity of DNA retrieved from those teeth who buried for 6 months was high. The quantity of DNA was significantly affected by the storage period of teeth but the purity or quality of DNA was not. Thus, it established the fact the dental tissue can be used as an imperative marker for human identification.

Frontal Sinus as an aid in Gender Identification in Forensic Dentistry: A Retrospective Study using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

ABSTRACT Aim The aim of our study was to measure the frontal sinus morphology that could aid us in gender determination and also to assess the difference in measurements between the right and left frontal sinus. Materials and methods A retrospective study was done using 100 cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images (50 males and 50 females) matched with age and gender with full field of view (FOV). The examinations were carried out using Promax 3DMid (Planmeca Oy., Helsinki, Finland) CBCT unit. The frontal sinus was assessed in coronal, sagittal, and axial planes, and the maximum measurements in each section were recorded. The results to compare the right and left frontal sinus were analyzed using paired t-tests, and independent Student's t-test was used to compare the difference in measurements of frontal sinus between males and females. Results We found that the left side of the frontal sinus was bigger than the right side, and while comparing between the genders, it was found that the measurements were greater in males. Statistically significant results were obtained on comparing between the sides and gender. Conclusion As mentioned in previous studies, frontal sinus measurements are significantly higher in males compared with females which can, therefore, be used in gender identification in cases of mass disasters. Clinical significance Frontal sinus measurements can be used as an adjunct in gender identification in mass disasters and with advances in technology. Cone beam computed tomography, in addition to providing accurate measurements, has overcome all the disadvantages with two-dimensional imaging. How to cite this article Denny C, Jacob AS, Ahmed J, Natarajan S, Binnal A, Sujir N. Frontal Sinus as an aid in Gender Identification in Forensic Dentistry: A Retrospective Study using Cone Beam Computed Tomography. World J Dent 2018;9(1):34-37.

Are teeth an adjunctive for age estimation in acid environment?

Background: Human identification in mass disasters, homicide, and acid attacks is possible because teeth are the only durable structures that remain. In chemical accidents such as acid attacks or uneventful accident in chemical industries, the acids mask the victim's identification when skeletal structures are destroyed and soft tissues cannot provide reliable information. Aims and Objectives: To observe the morphological changes of teeth exposed to acid environment and to aid in identification and age estimation of an individual. Materials and Methods: Sixty noncarious teeth were taken for the study. Ten teeth each were immersed in concentrated (Conc.) HCl, Conc. HNO3, Conc. H2SO4, aqua regia, Conc. acetic acid, and Conc. formic acid. Teeth were retrieved, washed in distilled water, dried, photographed, and radiographed at intervals of time and again placed in their corresponding acids. Age estimation was done using Kvaal method. Statistical Analysis: statistical analysis was done using Student's t-test. Results and Conclusion: The exact age of the victim is not possible in all cases. We can get an approximate age range with certain acids such as H2SO4, acetic acid, and formic acid, whereas with Conc. HCl, Conc. HNO3, and aqua regia, age estimation is possible for a certain period of time.

Are Tooth Prints a Hard Tissue Equivalence of Finger Print in Mass Disaster: A Rationalized Review.

Personal identification methods may not be efficient when bodies are decomposed, burned, in cases of mass disasters when soft tissue cannot provide reliable information or has been lost. Various methods currently employed in forensic odontology for personal identification include comparing with antemortem dental charts, rugoscopy, denture labeling, DNA analysis from dental pulp, bite mark analysis, etc., Recently, there is growing interest in the study of enamel rod end patterns. These enamel rod end patterns are termed as “Tooth prints” and the study of these prints is known as “Ameloglyphics” (amelo: Enamel, Glyphics: Carvings). This review encompasses about the basis of using enamel rod end patterns, methods of obtaining the patterns and further suggests these tooth prints as an analogy to finger print in personal identification in mass disasters.

Forensic Odontology: The Investigative Branch of Dentistry-A Review

The past 100 years has seen the transformation of a previously small and irrevelant area of the human body into a vast science of investigation and research called as forensic odontology. This article is a review of the history, mass disaster identification, assault victim identification and the various processes involved in Forensic Odontology.

Prosthodontics an "arsenal" in forensic dentistry.

After major disasters such as earthquakes, fires, floods, tsunami, bomb blasts or terrorist attacks, accurate, and early identification of the dead and injured becomes an utmost importance. Restorations, cariesteeth, missingteeth and/or prostheses are most useful aids for the dental identification. At times, only identifiable remains are a victim's partial or complete dentures. The central principle of dental identification is that postmortem dental remains can be compared with antemortem dental records which include, studycasts, radiographs, etc., to confirm the identity of the victims. Marking/labeling dentures have been considered an important aid in forensic dentistry. Other than finger printing, when compared with all the methods, the marking/labeling of dentures is an accurate and rapid method to identify the unknown victims. There are no standardized methods to follow, but dental practitioners needs to maintain some dental records of their patients. This may include documentation of the “marking of dentures.” The preparedness is the key to success in mass disaster identification. The aim of this review article is to discuss the methods of denture identification, advantages of denture labeling for the rapid identification during major disasters/accidents and the importance of maintaining the patient records.

Forensic Dental Identification in Mass Disasters: The Current Status

Dentists continue to play a valuable role in the identification of victims in a mass disaster. Individuals and multidisciplinary teams are available to assist authorities in the process. Training, experience and advances in technology continue to improve the efficiency of the identification process.

Victim identification with dental images using texture and morphological operations

Victim identification in mass disasters is a pressing need at present. Since teeth are the most robust parts of the human body and also unique, they can be used as a key component if sufficient dental records are available. This research also aims at dental photographs if there is a nonavailability of radiographs in profusion. In order to reduce the search space, the teeth are initially classified as molar, premolar, and canine using a linear support vector machine and numbered using the universal numbering system. Since the postmortem records are detained for a long span after antemortem records, other issues like missing teeth are considered here. For individual identification, contour information has been proven as a useful measure so far. In addition to contour and skeleton, the texture information of an individual tooth is also incorporated in this paper. The prediction of contour and skeleton using angle and distance parameters is the novelty of this study. The cumulative matching characteristic curve and accuracy curves are plotted to validate the performance of this algorithm. The proposed method identifies the person accurately and signifies that it could give a substantial assistance to forensic odontologist during victim identification.

An Effective Dental Shape Extraction Algorithm Using Contour Information and Matching by Mahalanobis Distance

Human identification using dental radiographs is important in biometrics. Dental radiographs are mainly helpful for individual and mass disaster identification. In the 2004 tsunami, dental records were proven as the primary identifier of victims. So, this work aims to produce an automatic person identification system with shape extraction and matching techniques. For shape extraction, the available information is edge details, structural content, salient points derived from contours and surfaces, and statistical moments. Out of all these features, tooth contour information is a suitable choice here because it can provide better matching. This proposed method consists of four stages. The first step is preprocessing. The second one involves integral intensity projection for segmenting upper jaw, lower jaw, and individual tooth separately. Using connected component labeling, shape extraction was done in the third stage. The outputs obtained from the previous stage for some misaligned images are not satisfactory. So, it is improved by fast connected component labeling. The fourth stage is calculating Mahalanobis distance measure as a means of matching dental records. The matching distance observed for this method is comparatively better when it is compared with the semi-automatic contour extraction method which is our earlier work.