Ridge Density Research Articles

Sexual dimorphism and topological variability in fingerprint ridge density in a north-west Indian population.

The science of fingerprints is very crucial in criminal investigation as it helps identify perpetrators or victims of a crime. Fingerprint ridge density (FPRD), which refers to the number of ridges within a specific area on the epidermal skin layer of the distal phalanges in humans, has been found to differ between males and females. This study attempts to estimate the sex from FPRD and evaluates the diversity in FPRD across several topological areas. The study involves 208 participants (120 males, 88 females) between the ages 18 to 25years from a North-west Indian population. Fingerprints were collected, and FPRD was accessed in radial, ulnar, and proximal areas as recommended by Gutierrez-Redomero et al. (Forensic Sci Int 180(1):17-22, 2008). FPRD has been quantified using the techniques described by Acree (Forensic Sci Int 102(1):35-44, 1999). When evaluating FPRD in the lateral pocket loops and twin loops, the proximal-side core was considered. The study reveals that males have a mean fingerprint ridge density of 12.82 ridges/25 mm2 while females have 13.01 ridges/25 mm2. Females have higher fingerprint ridge density solely in the proximal area; males have higher fingerprint ridge density in both radial and ulnar areas. In conclusion, this research underscores the potential of fingerprint ridge density as a parameter for investigating population variations and individual identification. Future studies on fingerprint ridge density in India's diverse population will help establish reference ranges, allowing for sex and likely population group estimation, making it a valuable tool for preliminary examinations and exclusion criteria for sex estimation in crime scene investigations.

Gender Determination Using Fingerprint Ridge Density in Perambalur District of Tamil Nadu

Gender Determination Using Fingerprint Ridge Density in Perambalur District of Tamil Nadu

Inferring the age and sex of ancient potters from fingerprint ridge densities: A data-driven, Bayesian mixture modelling approach

The density of epidermal ridges in a fingerprint varies predictably by age and sex. Archaeologists are therefore interested in using recovered fingerprints to learn about the ancient people who produced them. Recent studies focus on estimating the age and sex of individuals by measuring their fingerprints with one of two similar metrics: mean ridge breadth (MRB) or ridge density (RD). Yet these attempts face several critical problems: expected values for adult females and adolescent males are inherently indistinguishable, and inter-assemblage variation caused by biological and technological differences cannot be easily estimated. Each of these factors greatly decreases the accuracy of predictions based on individual prints, and together they condemn this strategy to relative uselessness. However, information in fingerprints from across an assemblage can be pooled to generate a more accurate depiction of potter demographics. We present a new approach to epidermal ridge density analysis using Bayesian mixture models with the following key benefits:•Age and sex are estimated more accurately than existing methods by incorporating a data-driven understanding of how demographics and ridge density covary.•Uncertainty in demographic estimates is automatically quantified and included in output.•The Bayesian framework can be easily adapted to fit the unique needs of different researchers.

Sex Differentiation from Fingerprint Ridge Density

Background: Determination of sex is an important parameter other than age, race and stature during forensic identification and crime scene investigation. Females tend to have finer and denser ridges on their fingertips than males. Present study aims at differentiating gender from fingerprint ridge density. Material and Methods: This is a cross sectional study conducted from March 2022 to March 2023 in Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital, Nepal. Seven hundred fingerprints samples (350 males and 350 females), from 70 Nepalese medical students were collected and analyzed for gender differences. Comparative analysis was done using Student’s t-test (p<0.05). Likelihood ratio and posterior probability using Baye’s theorem were calculated to interpret the possibility of gender differentiation from various fingerprint ridge densities. Results: Students t-test revealed significant difference (p < 0.001) between the fingerprint ridge density of male and female (t= -16.733). The results showed ridge density <14/25mm2and >15/25mm2 are “more likely than not” from males and females respectively. Posterior probability using Baye’s theorem further revealed ridge density <13/25mm2 (C/C1=5.75,P=0.86) and >16/25mm2 (C1/C=4.29, P1=0.84) have higher probability of originating from males and females respectively. No any male and female had ridge density >16/25mm2 and <13/25mm2 respectively. Conclusion: The study revealsstatistically significantlygreater fingerprint ridge densities in female than in male Nepalese medical students.

Analysis of fingerprints on a PPNB figurine from the Tell Halula site, Syria

With the advent of the Neolithic, the first manipulation of clay for various purposes was observed. Fingerprints could be imprinted due to the plastic properties of clay. Their study and analysis can allow the estimation of the sex and age of the person who left them, thus providing insight into the social organisation of past populations. In the present study, we have analysed the fingerprints that were identified on a figurine representing a bovine animal found at the Neolithic site of Tell Halula in Syria. Tell Halula has a long period of occupation, from the Middle Pre-Pottery Neolithic B (PPNB) to the Late PPNB, with some of the earliest evidence of monumental and/or collective architecture. To confirm the human origin of the prints, the presence of minutiae was first identified. In order to estimate the sex and age of the individual, both the Mean Epidermal Ridge Breadth and the Ridge Breadth were calculated. The mean ridge widths were 0.52 ± 0.076 for the first fingerprint and 0.50 ± 0.11 for the second fingerprint. The ridge density was found to be 6.5. The results indicated that the maker of the bovine figurine could be an adult male (~18/20 years old), taking both values into account. The results suggest that it is highly likely that the individual who handled the artefact was an adult male. However, given the small number of fingerprints in the Tell Halula figurine collection, little more can be said. Not much can be inferred about social structure and division of labour. There is therefore a need for further research into both the symbolism of the objects and who was responsible for their production.

Comparative analysis of cheiloscopy, pulpal tissue and fingerprint for gender identification.

The most important step in identifying an unknown person is determining one's gender and as a dentist, the oral tissues are potential sources of information in this aspect. A study was carried out to assess and evaluate the accuracy of cheiloscopy, pulp tissue, and fingerprints in determining gender. A study comprising of 160 individuals (80 males and 80 females) was conducted. After obtaining informed written consent and recording their bio-data; lip prints, and fingerprints were recorded. The patients' extracted tooth was collected, their pulp extirpated, for assessment of the Barr body. We found that every lip pattern was unique and hence can be used to identify an unknown individual. The occurrence of the Barr body was determined, and all female samples were found to be positive for the existence of the Barr body. In fingerprint patterns, a significant difference was noted between both sexes with ulnar loops and whorl patterns only. A highly significant difference was observed in the fingerprint ridge density between genders. We conclude that the Barr body in pulpal tissue can be considered as the best possible technique for gender determination within the dental tissues. Lip prints did not show any differences in genders and had no role to play in gender determination. Fingerprint ridge density can also be used to determine gender.

Analysis of Inheritance patterns, gender dimorphism and their correlation in lip and palm prints - A cross-sectional study.

Forensic sciences deal with key areas to be included in judicial makeup that has been approved by both the court and the scientific community, which distinguishes truth from counterfeit. Lip and palmprints are one of a kind and do not change during the lifetime of a person unless any pathologies. To evaluate the heritability, and gender dimorphism of lip and palm prints among parents and their offspring. A total of 280 participants were included in the study. Lip and palm prints were collected from participants using a digital camera. The photographic data obtained is subjected to Adobe Photoshop and analysed for inheritance. Gender dimorphism is evaluated by the predominant lip pattern and palm ridge count in four designated areas. A positive resemblance of 28.4% was found between parents and offspring in lips, and for the right palm, it was 60.2% and 55.12% for the left palm (principal lines) which are statistically insignificant. In all six quadrants, the most predominant lip pattern found in males is type 5, and in females, type 11. The mean palm ridge density was significantly higher among females than males in all designated areas. The digital method of analysing lip and palm print images with Adobe Photoshop 7 software is a convenient method that allows for better visualisation and easier lip and palm print recording and identification. Considerable inheritance patterns and gender dimorphism were observed that aid in personal identification.

Reliability of Fingerprint Ridge Density as an Effective Determinant of Sexual Dimorphism

Reliability of Fingerprint Ridge Density as an Effective Determinant of Sexual Dimorphism

Is fingerprint ridge density influenced by hand dimensions?

Various aspects of fingerprint resarch were extensively explored in the past. However, the correlation between fingerprint ridge density and hand dimensions has not yet been documented. Therefore, the present study has investigated the relationship so that some conclusions regarding the association can be established. The study included 500 subjects (250 males and 250 females) between the ages of 18 to 25 years who belonged to the Rajput community of the Shimla and Solan districts of Himachal Pradesh state of North India. The sexual dimorphism among the ridge count was examined using student's t-test. The relationship of fingerprint ridge density with hand dimensions among both the sexes and pooled data was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. All the fingers on both hands showed statistically significant sex differences. When all digits were considered together, the left little finger in males and right middle finger in females showed a weak but significant correlation with hand length while all the digits when considered in combination reported strong correlation hand length measurements. Similarly, right thumb showed significant correlation with hand breadth. All the ten digits showed highly significant correlation with hand breadth when pooled data was examined. The ridge density correlates with the hand dimensions in the case of pooled data. This relationship can then be used to devise prediction equations for hand dimensions based on ridge density, or vice-versa for pooled data. The equations will also help in estimating hand dimensions based on ridge density and vice-versa.

The variability of palm print ridge density among Egyptians regarding distribution and sex discrimination

BACKGROUND: Sex determination, as a part of the biological profile of a victim or assailant, plays an important role in resolving different forensic cases as it reduces susceptibility to its half (fifty percent). Previous studies highlighted the role of palm print in sex identification, however, these studies were little when compared to fingerprints.
 AIM: To estimate the density of palm print ridges and to make an equation for establishing gender using gender parameters for a specific population (Egyptians).
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 200 healthy young adults (113 males and 87 males, aged 1822 years) from Cairo city, Egypt. The palm prints were taken by inking method and four areas of the palm print were analyzed to count the ridge density of each palm print area.
 RESULTS: Females describe higher ridge density than males in all palm areas with a significant high statistical difference (p 0.001) for all areas of both hands. The areas of highest sexual discriminatory power for the right palm was Palmar area 4 (P4) and for the left palm was Palmar area 1 (P1) and sex could be accurately identified at an accuracy of 70%. In addition, there was a significant correlation for ridge density in each palm area and other palm areas.
 CONCLUSION: The current study raises hope for the usage of palm print a newly added tool for sex identification in the forensic field, thus decreasing suspicion by fifty percent.

Ice ridge density signatures in high-resolution SAR images

Abstract. The statistics of ice-ridging signatures were studied using high-resolution (1.25 m) and medium-resolution (20 m) SAR images over the Baltic Sea ice cover, acquired in 2016 and 2011, respectively. Ice surface profiles measured by the 2011 airborne campaign were used as validation data. The images did not delineate well the individual ridges as linear features. This was assigned to the random occurrence of ridge rubble arrangements that generate bright SAR returns. Instead, the ridging signatures were approached in terms of the local density of bright returns selected by a variably bright-pixel percentage (BPP). Density was quantified by counting bright-pixel numbers (BPNs) in pixel blocks with variable side length L. A statistical model for BPN distributions was determined by considering how the BPN values change with the BPP and was found to apply over a wide range of values for BPP and L. The statistical approach was also able to simulate a higher-BPP image when seeded by a low-BPP image. It was also found to apply to surface profile data analysed by counting ridge sail numbers in profile segments of variable length L. This provided a statistical connection between the bright-pixel density and the ridge density. The connection was studied for the 2011 data in terms of surface rubble coverage estimated both from the medium-resolution image and from the surface profiles. Apart from a scaling factor, both were found to follow the same distribution.

Age and sex determination of fingerprints on ceramic objects from the Late Bronze Age Palace at Tel Beth-Shemesh, Israel

Who made figurines for ritual feasting in the Late Bronze Age (LBA) palace at Tel Beth-Shemesh? This article attempts to answer this question by determining the age and sex of fingerprints on five zoomorphic figurines and a lamp from a unique room in the LBA IB–IIA palace that contains an assemblage normally associated with feasting. The age and sex determinations of 59 preserved epidermal print impressions, based upon the analysis of ridge breadth and ridge density, are reported. Accounting for 2–6% clay shrinkage, the results show that at each respective rate, 37–46% of the prints were made by adults, 46–53% by adults or adolescents, 9–10% by children, while 51–60% were male and 49–40% were female. The discussion explores these results in relation to understanding manufacturing practices, the distinction between toys and ritual objects, and the visibility and role of children in LBA I–II society.

Adaptive divergence of lateral plate ultrastructure in threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus)

The lateral plates of threespine stickleback ( Gasterosteus aculeatus Linnaeus, 1758) are well studied for their adaptive morphological responses to predators, yet it is unknown whether habitat influences plate ultrastructure. We investigated using scanning electron microscopy the lateral plate ultrastructure (tubercles and ridges) of stickleback ( N = 61 adult fish) from nine Haida Gwaii (coastal British Columbia, Canada) wild-type populations, two experimental transplants, and two lab-reared cohorts reared from source populations. Tubercle density, but not ridge density, differed significantly across habitat types and populations. Among wild-type fish, tubercle densities were greatest in dystrophic habitats containing predatory fish, and lowest in weakly dystrophic systems featuring bird–invertebrate predation and marine populations with diverse predatory fish. No differences in tubercle density were detected between source and transplant populations, despite major habitat shifts. Lab-reared fish exhibited significantly lower tubercle densities than their source populations (less than one generation). Tubercle density differences across habitat types may reflect adaptation to divergent predation regimes, with tooth-bearing predators selecting for denser tubercles that disperse point forces. Conservation of ridge density across populations suggests an essential function in dispersing forces applied to dorsal spines during predator manipulation. Lateral plate ultrastructure in threespine stickleback thus results from both heritable effects and developmental plasticity.

Review on identification of gender using fingerprints

Every person in the world has unique biometrics characteristics such as iris, face, voice, palm or finger-vein patterns, and fingerprints. Biometrics, such as fingerprints are even more distinctive than DNA. Although identical twins can share DNA, they cannot have identical fingerprints. The fingerprint impressions are created by using ridges and valleys which are present on the surface of fingers. Fingerprints help to afford an infallible means of personal identification because the ridge arrangement on each person's finger is unique and does not change with growth or age. Some studies in machine learning and data mining investigate a relationship between fingerprint and gender. Hereby using ridges present on the finger it can be identified that fingerprint is of male or female, as males have larger body size than females, the equal number of ridges on a larger surface area means males have a lower fingerprint ridge density; finding out the gender from fingerprints can reduce the search space to half. The criminal justice system uses fingerprints to authenticate a convicted offender's identification and track their previous arrests and convictions, criminal tendencies, known associates, and other important information in the absence of DNA. 

Outcome of sex determination from ulnar and radial ridge densities of Brazilians’ fingerprints: Applying an existing method to a new population

Fingerprints do not repeat, varying from region to region on the same fingerprint and from person to person. Using this morphological exclusivity in the individualization of people is considered one of the most reliable methods of identification worldwide. Many populations have been studied with respect to sex determination from fingerprints. In this study, the ridge density from two different areas - ulnar and radial - of the ten fingerprints from 100 Brazilian men and 100 Brazilian women was ascertained and statistically analyzed. The aim was to check whether these characteristics depended on sex to distinguish them categorically. Women had significantly higher ridge density in both areas for the fingers analyzed globally. Sometimes, men and women showed statistically significant differences in hands and fingers. From ulnar and radial ridge densities, this research developed thresholds for sexual discrimination cases of human identification in Brazil.

Differences in Correlation Values in Sex Determination based on Ridge Density of Hypothenar, External Ear Anthropometric and Canine Index

Hypothenar region is an area that is often contacts with surfaces during activities, and the ear is proven to be more consistent than face identification in passive biometrics. While, the teeth are hardest part in the human body which covered inside the oral cavity. These 3 parts of the body have a great role forensic identification especially in determining sex. The aim of this study is to know differences in correlation values in sex determination based on ridge density of hypothenar region of the palm, external ear anthropometric and canine index. This was a cross sectional study with observational analytic design, include 500 medical students in Kariadi Hospital Semarang Central Java Indonesia, age 21 - 26 years old, who are included in inclusion criteria, male (n = 250), female (n = 250). Ridge density is measured by calculating the average number of hypothenar palm ridge on the side of the top, middle and bottom; each area is 5×5 mm2 in measurement. External ear anthrophometric consists ear length, ear breadth, base auricular, lobe length and lobe width. Canine index is calculated by dividing mesiodistal width and intercanine distance in 4 regions. Spearman correlation test between ridge density of hypothenar region palm prints, external ear anthropometric, mandibular canine index and sex shows significant correlation with p-value = 0.000. There is no significant difference between maxillary canine index and sex (right maxillary p-value = 0.112 and left maxillary p-value = 0.082). There are differences in correlation values in sex determination based on ridge density of hypothenar region palm prints, external ear anthropometric and mandibular canine index. Ridge density of hypothenar region palm prints and ear length are show strong correlation in sex determination.

Seasonal variation in resource selection by subadult golden eagles in the Great Basin Desert

Golden eagles Aquila chrysaetos are a long‐lived and wide‐ranging species believed to be stable or in slight decline across North America. Golden eagles have an extended subadult stage (4–5 years) that is critical to maintaining recruitment into the breeding population and population viability. Compared to adult golden eagles, the ecology of subadult golden eagles (hereafter, subadults) has received little attention. We investigated patterns of resource selection for subadults in the Great Basin Desert of the western United States during summer and winter, 2013–2019. We monitored 46 subadults with GPS transmitters and related locations (n = 99 037) with predictors hypothesized to influence seasonal patterns of space use with mixed‐effects logistic regression. Subadults selected for ridges and upper slopes in summer and winter, but higher elevations in summer. Subadults showed weak selection for lower ridge density in summer, which was likely facilitated by selection for areas with greater thermal wind current potential. In contrast, subadults showed strong selection for higher ridge density in winter. Subadults selected areas further from roads in summer and closer to roads and electrical transmission lines in winter, which may be related to winter scavenging of road‐killed ungulates. Resource selection functions suggested subadults selected for shrublands and woodlands in both seasons, but odds ratios revealed that during winter subadults avoided shrublands and increased selection of woodlands relative to summer. Subadults selected for areas with infrequent fires in both seasons; areas with frequent fires were avoided in summer but selected for in winter. Seasonal changes in resource selection suggested that subadults used woodlands more than expected, potentially reflecting spatial partitioning by subadults to lower‐quality habitats to minimize competition with breeding adults during winter when energetic demands for thermoregulation were presumably higher and prey more limited.

A study on sexual dimorphism in fingerprint ridge density among medical students of Nellore south coastal district of Andhra Pradesh

Fingerprints are unique, and each fingerprint of an individual differs from another. Studies were conducted to know how various factors like Race, Sex, and certain disorders influence fingerprint patterns. Similary, the number of ridges present in an area of palms and fingers and their variations were also studied. To study the sexual variations in fingerprint ridge density among medical students studying in Narayana Medical college from Andhra Pradesh. Fingerprints of one hundred and twenty medical students (sixty male and sixty female) were analyzed for this study. The mean ridge density in males is 128.5 (Range 124 -134) for ten digits, and in females, the mean ridge density for ten fingers is 148. 67 and (Range 145 -153). Average ridge density for 0.25sq.cm. in Male:Female is 12.85:14.86. The females exhibit higher ridge density than males; ridge density of more than 14 ridges of a finger in a 0.25 sq. mm area indicates that the finger likely belongs to a female.

Characterisation of Finger Dermatoglyphics Traits and other Biometric Indices among Health Science Undergraduates of the Osun State University, Nigeria

Background: Finger dermatoglyphics has been useful in diagnosing genetically related diseases and detecting crimes. A cross-sectional study was carried out to establish the relationship between fingerprint traits and biometric indices Methods: Finger dermatoglyphics data were obtained using the ink method among the Health Sciences Students of Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria. Finger pattern intensity, finger pattern distribution, and finger ridge counts were measured and compared. These were done by counting and classifying ridge patterns and pattern configuration of arches, loops, and whorls and counting their ridge densities. The subject’s height, weight, and colour of the pupil were measured and recorded, respectively Results: The ulnar loops and arches were the most predominant finger patter ns in females, while males showed significantly spiral whorls. The sex differences between these patterns were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Subjects with brown pupils demonstrated higher ulnar loop and elliptical whorl, while those with black pupils possessed significantly well-distributed arches, and were insignificant in pattern width and intensity. Body Mass Index (BMI) polymorphism showed the lowest pattern size (Finger Ridge Counts) demonstrated by significantly reduced total finger ridge count among the subjects with BMI range of 24-26 and predominance of the concentric whorl, radial loop, and arches. However, higher pattern size was observed in subjects with a higher BMI value 27-29 BMI range with corresponding ulanr and spiral whorl respectively. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the prevalent biometrics measure of finger dermatoglyphics traits, in relations to the biometrics distribution of pupillary colour and body mass index among the Health Sciences Students of Osun State University, Osogbo Nigeria

Sexual Dimorphism in toe impression among Bidayuhs of Malaysian Borneo for Crime Scene Application

Background and aim: Impression evidence found in crime scenes are used for identification. Like finger impression, foot and toe impressions are currently considered as valuable clue used for gender identity. This study investigates the relationship between gender and toe print ridge density in the Bidayuh population in Malaysian Borneo so that the findings may be applied in real crime scenes.Materials and method: The sample collection was conducted at Sarawak state, Malaysian Borneo and recruited consented 100 males and 100 females of Bidayuh population, considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The toe impressions were collected by inking technique, following the standard procedure and five areas in five left toes and five right toes (great toe, second toe, third toe, fourth toe and little toe) were designated for analysis from each foot of the participant. The samples were analysed and calculated the toe impression ridge density using a standard magnifier. The findings were presented in the form of tables and graphs.Results: The result shows that the ridge density of females was found to be comparatively higher than males in all five toes on both sides. The ridge density on the left toes is not the mirror image of the right toes in both genders. Thus suitable densities show bilateral asymmetry. The statistical analysis shows that maximum sex differences observed in the third toe on the right (t value 7.77) and left (t value 9.473) side of this study population.Conclusion: The study concluded that ridge density in toe impression on the Bidayuh population provided helpful information on gender determination. Even the presence of a single toe impression is sufficient for crime scene application.