Abstract:

Footprint itself has will ‘leave a trace’ characteristics, and has the incomparable superiority than other trace evidences when used to estimate individual characteristics such as stature. Traditionally, forensic scientists use the stature-footprint length ratio (h/L) to calculate stature through footprint. The h/L (6.876 or 7) now we are using today was developed more than 40 years ago, but populations are dynamic, which means stature estimation standards should be constantly revised, thus ensuring the most accurate estimations are made. Research has shown that h/L has changed. Past statistical studies showed that h/L are greatly influenced by regional, national. However, h/L have not been seen studied in north China, especially in Hebei province in recent years. Therefore, this study focuses on the modern Han adults in Hebei province, establish the correlation between footprint and stature through footprints collecting, measuring and data analyzing, then build regression equation models of stature to estimate the contemporary Han adult male population in Hebei Province accurately and to compare the contribution degree of multiple footprint measurements, give recommendations on the order of the measurements, in order to solve problems more effectively. The sample comprises 205 Han male adults in Hebei province (age 19~51). A stature measurement was collected, and ten linear measurements were then extracted from bilateral footprints. Prior to data collection, a precision test was conducted to determine the repeatability of linear measurement acquisition. What’s more, the environmental factors such as temperature and time were controlled throughout the study. Results show: 1) The mean value h/L of left is 7.336 (6.806~7.848), the right side 7.350 (from 6.755~7.883), both left and right h/L are bigger than 7.33, is greater than the current ratio which is obviously not suitable for people of Hebei province today. 2) The bilateral difference of footprint measurements is significant, and the overall performance for the left foot is greater than the right foot, but less than 2 mm. 3) The length from forth toe to the pternion (D₄) show significantly correlation with stature, and has the highest correlation coefficient (left side 0.758, right side 0.769). It was the most accurate single variable in the simple linear regressions to calculate stature with associated error rates of -28 mm to 22 mm. It is concluded that h/L based on noncontemporary individuals which we are using today is not suitable for modern populations, and the D₄ measurement is recommended for stature calculation first.

Key words: Hebei province, Contemporary people, Han, Footprint Length, Stature